ICYMI
If you’ve been working hard and missed the important news updates in Dubai this week, we’ve rounded up everything you need right here.
UAE petrol and diesel prices announced for May 2026
Towards the end of every month, car owners in the UAE keep their eyes peeled for one thing: the petrol price announcement. And petrol prices for May in the UAE were announced on April 30. So, how much will you pay at the pump?
Find out here.
School midterm break announced
Eid Al Adha 2026 is just around the corner, and the Ministry of Education has officially announced the midterm break dates. It will coincide with the Eid Al Adha holiday, taking place from May 25 to 29, 2026 and applies to both students and administrative and teaching staff across the UAE.
Read more here.
Culture scene bolstered by Dubai
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, has unveiled a Dhs1 billion Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio designed to support and strengthen the emirate’s cultural and creative industries. It reflects Dubai’s proactive approach to responding to evolving developments, while reinforcing the emirate’s ability to position creativity as a sustainable economic driver.
Sheikha Latifa said that the initiative speaks to Dubai’s belief in investing in people as the foundation for shaping the future.
Read more here.
Dubai’s revised property-linked residency visa
Dubai has revised the rules for its two-year property-linked residency visa, and the changes could reshape how buyers approach deals in the emirate. The biggest shift? If you own a property outright, there’s no longer a minimum value requirement to qualify. The previous Dhs750,000 threshold has been scrapped for sole owners, opening the door for first-time buyers and entry-level market investors who were previously ineligible for the scheme. Provided your ownership is officially registered with the Dubai Land Department, you’re in.
Read more here.
Jaywalk in the UAE and it could set you back up to Dhs10,000
Think jaywalking is just a quick dash across the street? In the UAE, it could land you with a hefty fine, and in some cases, even jail time. Authorities have introduced stricter traffic laws in recent years to crack down on unsafe pedestrian behaviour, and the penalties are seriously no joke.
UAE bans instant messaging apps for banking services
The UAE’s Central Bank has issued a sweeping directive putting an end to the use of instant messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, across banks and licensed financial institutions for financial services and customer data handling. The move is designed to tighten data security standards and put a stronger shield around consumer protection, reshaping how the sector communicates with customers from here on out. Full compliance was required by April 30, 2026.
Read more here.
Emirates Airlines to deploy Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire in-service fleet
The introduction began with Boeing 777 aircraft in November 2025 and the airline aims completing the rollout by mid-2027. The complimentary, ultra-fast Wi-Fi will aim to deliver ground-quality internet at cruising altitude, reinforcing the airline’s long-standing commitment to industry-leading inflight connectivity.
Read more here.
Emirates is working on en-suite bathrooms in first class
We know that Emirates Airlines screams luxury. From a private suite with a fully flat bed to gourmet meals, a shower and a Bvlgari amenity kit. If all of that isn’t luxury enough for you, you might soon be able to use a private en-suite bathroom as part of your flight. Yes, really.
Read more here.
Uber launches in Ras Al Khaimah
Great news for anyone heading north: Uber has officially landed in Ras Al Khaimah. The ride-hailing giant has just added Ras Al Khaimah to its network, making your travels even more seamless.
Dubai launches new police unit to enhance cyclist and e-scooter safety
Cycling and e-scooters offer a quick way to get around Dubai, but in a move to enhance safety, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police have launched the Personal Mobility Monitoring Unit to enforce traffic rules. According to the authority, the unit will begin operations on May 1, 2026 across all cycling tracks, main roads and soft mobility zones in Dubai.
Read more here.
Getting a taxi in Dubai could soon be quicker
Ever found yourself standing on the curb thinking, “Where is my taxi?” Good news – that wait might get a little shorter. Dubai Taxi Company has added 600 new taxi licences through the latest Roads and Transport Authority auction, boosting its fleet and expanding coverage across the city as demand for rides continues to grow. The expansion reinforces DTC’s position as the emirate’s largest taxi operator, increasing its market share to 47%.
Read more here.
Primark announces opening date for Mall of the Emirates store
Dubai’s budget fashion fans, get ready — Primark is continuing its rapid UAE expansion with a brand-new store set to open at Mall of the Emirates on May 21 at 3pm. The Mall of the Emirates opening is the third of three planned locations across the city, rolled out in partnership with retail giant Alshaya Group. Set to open its doors on May 21, the new store brings the brand’s signature mix of trend-led fashion and ultra-affordable basics to a different corner of Dubai.
Read more here.
Dubai road upgrades announced to slash travel times across key routes
Dubai is set for another major traffic upgrade with plans in place to overhaul Umm Suqeim Street, Al Wasl Road, Al Safa Street and key intersections along Jumeirah Street. The project is designed to support Dubai’s continued growth, keep pace with its expanding population, and make getting around the city smoother and more enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.
The upgrades will speed up road infrastructure development across Dubai, increase network capacity and improve traffic flow throughout the city. The works include new bridges and tunnels, along with road widening. Pedestrian walkways will also be upgraded, new cycling tracks introduced, and public boulevard spaces created to encourage community interaction and more vibrant urban living.
Read more here.
UAE to deploy AI across 50% of government services within two years
The UAE is set to become the first government in the world to deploy Agentic AI at scale across its public sector, following a major announcement by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during a UAE Cabinet meeting. The transformation will roll out over the next two years, with the aim of embedding autonomous AI systems across half of all government services and operations.
UAE launches initiative aimed at providing food support to vulnerable communities
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the world’s largest date bar factory, a UAE project aimed at combating global hunger.
In a post on Sheikh Mohammed’s official X account, the Ruler of Dubai stated that work has begun on the large date bar factory. He stated, ‘The goal is to produce 150 million date-fortified food units annually, dedicated to children suffering from malnutrition and to combat hunger in the least fortunate communities.’
