UAE Today — 101 Headlines

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issued a rule requiring all private sector companies to pay employee salaries on the first day of every month starting June 1, 2026. Employers must transfer wages through the approved Wage Protection System, with late payments classified as violations subject to penalties.

The UAE's revised Civil Transactions Law, which reduces the legal age of majority from 21 to 18, came into force on June 1, 2026. Legal experts say the change means young people will have full control over their finances and contractual rights considerably earlier than before.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the establishment of a new Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority designed to unify public data, AI capabilities, and digital government services into a single national ecosystem. The authority will guide national AI strategy, propose legislation, and work to increase the digital economy's share of UAE GDP.

Dubai's ruler signed off on the creation of the AI and Data Authority, which will consolidate oversight of government data, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence policy under one entity. The move aligns with the UAE president's goal to transform government sectors to agentic AI models within two years.

The UAE Government hosted a specialised workshop on developing and deploying agentic AI, drawing more than 300 participants from 50 federal entities. The initiative is part of a broader effort to embed autonomous AI systems across government operations.

The UAE launched its 22nd consecutive annual Midday Break, prohibiting outdoor work under direct sunlight between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm from June 15 to September 15, 2026. Employers who violate the rule face fines of Dh5,000 per worker, up to a maximum of Dh50,000.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed chaired the second UAE Defence Council meeting of 2026, where key initiatives to strengthen readiness and operational efficiency were reviewed. He was briefed on efforts to ensure the UAE Armed Forces maintain the highest level of preparedness.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed chaired a meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy, reaffirming Dubai's ambition to become the global leader in developing and deploying advanced AI solutions. The meeting reviewed progress on integrating AI across the private and public sectors.

A 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer report found UAE residents are among the most confident in the world when it comes to making informed health decisions, with 59% using AI to manage their health versus a 35% global average. The UAE ranked highest among 16 countries surveyed for trust in both medical professionals and AI-assisted healthcare.

The UAE expressed support for a joint international statement calling for the establishment of a civilian-led government in Sudan to resolve the ongoing conflict. The UAE's backing was framed as part of its broader regional commitment to peace and political stability.

A new law governing the Community Development Authority in Dubai was enacted under Law No. 12 of 2026, enhancing the authority's mandate to support vulnerable groups and oversee social development programmes. The law is part of a series of legislative updates aimed at reinforcing social welfare infrastructure across the emirate.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee announced new petrol and diesel rates effective June 1, 2026, with Special 95 rising to Dh3.83 per litre and Super 98 climbing to Dh3.95 per litre. The increase marks the third consecutive monthly rise in petrol prices, with the UAE now setting prices independently following its exit from OPEC+ in May.

Emirates 24/7 reported the official June 2026 fuel price announcement showing E-Plus 91 rising to Dh3.76 per litre and diesel priced at Dh4.33 per litre. The new rates reflect global crude oil market movements and come as the UAE charts its own pricing course outside the OPEC+ framework.

Residents faced a triple price increase on June 1, 2026, with higher petrol rates, a 5% VAT added to Salik toll fees, and a 5% VAT on Parkin parking services all coming into effect simultaneously. Cash payments at parking meters were also abolished, requiring motorists to switch to digital payment methods.

Following the June 2026 fuel price hike, analysts warned that the cost of essential food items including bread, dairy products, and cooking oil could rise due to higher transportation and logistics costs. Supermarkets and suppliers were monitoring the situation, with some indicating price adjustments could take effect within weeks.

The UAE's sovereign wealth reserves remained stable at approximately $2.5 trillion despite ongoing regional geopolitical pressures. Analysts attributed the resilience to diversified investment portfolios and prudent fiscal management by the UAE's sovereign wealth funds.

Al Ansari Exchange recorded a 151% surge in companies processing salaries through its Wage Protection System platform on June 1, as private sector employers scrambled to comply with the new mandatory first-of-month salary rule. The spike illustrated widespread last-minute adjustment to the new MOHRE payroll deadline.

The World Bank projected UAE GDP growth of 5% in 2026, rising further to 5.1% in 2027, underpinned by robust non-oil sector expansion. Non-oil sectors are forecast to account for 78% of GDP, reflecting the success of the country's long-term diversification strategy.

Both Salik and Parkin confirmed the introduction of a 5% VAT on toll and parking fees starting June 1, 2026, with a driver crossing four Salik gates daily during peak hours now paying Dh25.20 instead of Dh24. Cash payments at physical parking meters were simultaneously abolished, with residents required to use apps or contactless card payments.

Gulf News detailed how the 5% VAT applied to Salik toll gate usage fees and tag activation charges from June 1, 2026, adding incrementally to the monthly commuting costs for regular users. The change came as part of a broader VAT compliance rollout for transportation services in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi launched a Free Flow Parking System developed by Q Mobility that uses number plate recognition cameras to automatically charge drivers without the need for tickets, coins, or cards. Charges accrue upon entry to multistorey and selected private facilities and are deducted from the user's Darb e-wallet upon exit.

Motorists in Abu Dhabi and Dubai enjoyed free public parking on June 16 to mark the Islamic New Year, with transport authorities waiving charges across public parking areas for the day. Salik toll gates and multistorey parking centres continued to charge normally, with no exemptions applied to those facilities.

Etihad Rail is preparing to launch the first phase of its passenger train service in 2026, linking 11 cities and regions across all seven emirates on a 900-kilometre network. Trains will travel at up to 200 km/h, cutting the Dubai-to-Abu Dhabi journey to under 60 minutes and aiming to carry 36.5 million passengers annually by 2030.

The UAE and Oman have been leveraging overland trade corridors to maintain the flow of essential cargo following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions. The land routes have proven critical in sustaining supply chains for food, fuel, and industrial goods across the Gulf.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed announced the return of Dubai Mallathon for its second edition, with six major shopping malls transformed into indoor fitness destinations for the summer months. The event runs for three months, offering residents a way to stay active during Dubai's intense summer heat.

The Roads and Transport Authority announced significant road improvements across Dubai in June 2026, including new connecting roads between Emirates Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street. The upgrades are designed to improve access to communities including Villanova and Arabian Ranches III.

A new bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Harbour is 90 per cent complete and set to open this month, slashing journey times dramatically. The project will reduce travel time between Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Harbour from 12 minutes to just three minutes.

Dubai announced June 15, 2026 as an official public holiday for government employees to mark the Islamic New Year (Hijri 1448 AH). Official working hours were set to resume on Tuesday, June 16.

A raft of new rules took effect in the UAE from June 2026, including higher Salik toll charges and Dubai parking fees with VAT applied, plus a transition to fully cashless parking meters. Additional changes include stricter salary payment deadlines for private sector employers and the legal age of adulthood being lowered to 18.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid launched the Dubai Authority for Healthy Longevity, with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed chairing the new body, which aims to make Dubai the world's leading hub for regulated longevity. The initiative is part of Dubai's broader strategy to transform healthcare through preventive and longevity-focused medicine.

Emaar Properties announced plans to launch a Dh200 billion megaproject in Dubai that will be designed to accommodate 150,000 residents. The project represents one of the largest single real estate developments in Dubai's history.

Dubai Customs, working with international law enforcement partners, successfully intercepted 1.3 tonnes of Tapentadol tablets that were destined for illicit distribution in African markets. The operation was carried out through intelligence-sharing across multiple jurisdictions.

More than 1,000 job opportunities for Emirati talent were showcased at the Manufacturers 2026 exhibition, organised by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology in partnership with Adnoc at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre. The exhibition focused on industry and advanced technology roles in the energy sector.

Etihad Airways said it expects to be flying 10 per cent more capacity than a year ago by mid-June and predicts bookings will fully recover by August 2026. Despite sharply rising jet fuel prices linked to regional tensions, the Abu Dhabi carrier is holding airfares steady to support summer demand.

Abu Dhabi's Q-Mobility announced that Darb toll gates including Sas Al Nakhl, Al Maqta, Rabdan and Al Saadiyat would be free of charge on June 15, 2026, the Islamic New Year public holiday. Toll collection resumed on Tuesday, June 16, with the Al Qurm and Ghantoot gates excluded from the holiday waiver.

The UAE Minister of Economy announced that the non-oil sector is forecast to grow by over 5.5 per cent in 2026, accounting for 78 per cent of the country's GDP. The milestone reflects the success of the UAE's long-running economic diversification agenda.

The UAE's Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 52.6 in May 2026, with output growth reaching its strongest level in three months and employment also returning to positive territory. The expansion came despite regional uncertainty stemming from the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Al Ansari Exchange recorded a 151 per cent increase in companies processing salaries through the Wage Protection System on June 1, when a new ministerial resolution requiring all private sector employers to pay wages by the first of each month took effect. The regulation requires at least 85 per cent of total wages to be transferred on time for an employer to be deemed compliant.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, stated that the UAE successfully converted global disruptions in 2025 into growth opportunities, underpinning a strong economic trajectory heading into 2026. His remarks highlighted the country's fiscal strength and the 2026 federal budget set at Dh92.4 billion, up 29 per cent year-on-year.

ICAEW forecasts the UAE's GDP to rise 5.6 per cent in 2026, positioning the country as the primary engine of growth for the wider Gulf Cooperation Council. Standard Chartered separately projected UAE GDP expansion of 5.0 per cent, with both forecasts pointing to broad-based momentum across oil and non-oil sectors.

The Make it in the Emirates 2026 forum, visited by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, secured Dh171 billion in industrial deals, with a greater emphasis on SMEs and new AI-driven factories. The event highlighted the UAE's push toward advanced manufacturing and industrial self-sufficiency.

The UAE's Securities and Commodities Authority issued a warning that listed companies face fines of up to Dh10 million if they fail to hold their Annual General Meetings before the June 30, 2026 deadline. The regulator urged all publicly traded firms to ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements ahead of the cutoff.

The implementation of the UAE's new salary deadline rule on June 1, 2026 triggered a massive surge in wage processing, with Al Ansari Exchange recording a 151 per cent jump in companies using the Wage Protection System that day. The change standardises private-sector pay cycles, requiring wages for the previous month to be disbursed on the first of each new month.

Dubai's property market recorded AED10.17 billion ($2.8 billion) in real estate transactions during the week of June 1-5, 2026, with sales deals alone accounting for AED7.1 billion across 2,884 transactions. A notable highlight was an AED66 million ($18 million) office sale in Business Bay, underscoring continued commercial demand.

Dubai's rental market generated AED32.3 billion ($8.8 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, with lease contract volumes holding steady despite rising rents across most communities. The data underlines robust tenant demand and sustained interest from both long-term residents and new arrivals.

Abu Dhabi's Hub71 tech ecosystem expanded to 390 companies after attracting more than 5,000 startup applications in the year, representing a 62 per cent increase year-on-year. Startups within the ecosystem collectively raised $2.7 billion in funding, cementing Abu Dhabi's position as a leading regional hub for innovation.

Total UAE banking assets rose to AED5.472 trillion ($1.49 trillion) in early 2026, while total foreign trade reached AED6 trillion ($1.63 trillion) in 2025, a 15 per cent annual increase. Non-oil merchandise trade surged 27 per cent to AED3.8 trillion, reflecting the UAE's deepening integration in global commerce.

The UAE Economic Integration Committee held its third meeting of 2026 and assessed the national investment landscape, finding high levels of investor confidence and a business registration base that has grown from 650,000 companies five years ago to more than 1.45 million today. The committee noted the private sector's critical role in maintaining resilient supply chains.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed affirmed that strengthening the resilience of Dubai's economy is a strategic priority to ensure sustainable growth and keep pace with evolving global economic trends. His statement came as Dubai continues to attract record foreign investment and expand its non-oil business base.

A social media argument escalated into a fatal stabbing outside a shopping centre in Sharjah, leaving one man dead and another injured. Sharjah Police arrested several suspects within four hours of the incident.

A motorist in Dubai was sentenced to three months in jail and had his driving licence suspended for one year following a road rage attack on a highway. The court ruled against the defendant after reviewing evidence of the highway assault.

Dubai Police arrested eight suspects involved in the theft of rare luxury oud valued at Dh12 million from a merchant. The gang used an elaborate deception scheme that included a woman impersonating a princess as part of a bait-and-switch operation.

Sharjah Police busted an international fraud ring that had stolen more than Dh3 million through fake shipment deliveries and romance scams. Four suspects were arrested after investigations linked them to the cross-border criminal network.

A joint operation between UAE and Saudi Arabian authorities foiled an attempt to smuggle 267,300 amphetamine pills across borders. Dubai Police General Headquarters coordinated with the Saudi Ministry of Interior and the National Anti-Narcotics Authority to arrest the criminal gang.

Dubai Criminal Court sentenced three Asian men to six months in prison each after convicting them of running a sophisticated fraud scheme that hijacked mobile signals to steal money from residents. The men targeted victims in the Dubai Marina area using the signal-interception technique.

The UAE's June 2026 weather forecast predicts temperatures averaging 34.6°C nationally, peaking between 43°C and 47°C in inland areas. Rainfall is expected to remain below the long-term average at around 2.8 millimetres nationwide, with frequent dusty spells driven by southwesterly to northwesterly winds.

A weak surface low-pressure system is bringing dust storms, rough seas and strong winds to the UAE, with inland temperatures approaching 46°C. Winds are expected to freshen to 40 km/h, reducing visibility in exposed areas and creating hazardous sea conditions along the coast.

The UAE entered a period of intense summer heat and dry conditions starting June 7, coinciding with the astronomical rise of the Pleiades star cluster, which traditionally marks the onset of the hottest part of the Gulf summer. Temperatures inland are forecast to soar while humidity levels rise overnight in coastal regions.

Temperatures in the UAE are forecast to hit 48°C this week as the country experiences its most intense summer heat yet. The National Centre of Meteorology issued warnings urging people to drink plenty of fluids and avoid prolonged direct exposure to the sun.

Dubai launched a new longevity action plan shifting the healthcare focus from expensive treatment of chronic illness to preventive medicine, supported by a dedicated regulatory authority for longevity medicine. Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease have been identified as placing a significant burden on the national health system.

Healthcare specialists from Dubai are supporting international medical charities fighting the deadly Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the WHO has declared the rare Bundibugyo strain a public health emergency with 91 deaths from 550 cases. The UAE has dispatched expertise and resources to assist global containment efforts.

UAE health authorities confirmed no Ebola cases within the country after a traveller who passed through the UAE tested positive for the virus elsewhere. Officials stated that the public health situation in the UAE remains stable and that robust monitoring protocols are in place.

A new strategic partnership between the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs and the Dubai Health Authority will streamline the medical visa process for international patients seeking treatment in Dubai. The initiative aims to reduce administrative barriers and position Dubai as a leading global medical tourism destination.

Emirates Health Services announced plans to abolish the traditional health card system and replace it with the Emirates ID as the primary patient identifier across the country's healthcare facilities. The shift is designed to simplify patient registration and improve continuity of care across all emirates.

Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim chaired the Saeed Ahmed Lootah Charitable Foundation's Board of Trustees meeting focusing on governance and integration of smart technologies at Dubai Medical University Hospital. The meeting reviewed institutional readiness and the role of AI in advancing both healthcare delivery and medical education.

The UAE Ministry of Health issued an official update clarifying that the current Ebola outbreak remains primarily concentrated in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, with the global risk assessed as low. UAE authorities confirmed that surveillance and response protocols are fully activated to protect public health.

The UAE President approved a new unified national health insurance system for citizens that aims to remove emirate-based insurance barriers and allow patients to access hospitals across the country more easily. The system is designed to provide comprehensive and seamless coverage regardless of which emirate the citizen resides in.

The UAE National Programme for Medical Readiness and Response 'Jaheziya' launched the country's first unified, integrated, and internationally accredited national training system to strengthen hospital preparedness. The programme targets healthcare professionals across all emirates with the goal of advancing the sector's response capabilities.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention announced new reforms easing health licensing requirements, including allowing medical faculty members to practise clinically in hospitals and scrapping the prior work-experience rule for nursing graduates. The changes are designed to address healthcare workforce shortages and attract more qualified professionals to the sector.

Abu Dhabi recorded its highest-ever physical activity participation rate of 60.3% among residents in 2025, up from 53.6% the previous year. The figures reflect the success of city-wide health initiatives and growing public interest in fitness and wellbeing.

A new generation of young Emiratis is integrating heritage into modern expression through creative spaces in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, reshaping how Emirati identity is expressed in fashion and the arts. The movement is most visible among residents in their 20s who are blending traditional culture with contemporary aesthetics.

More than 60,000 people gathered at the Dubai World Trade Centre on June 7 to celebrate Kalayaan 2026, marking the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day with music, food, dance, and tradition. The event recognised the Filipino community's significant contribution to the UAE's multicultural society.

Dubai announced the launch of a dedicated authority for health longevity on June 10, 2026, with Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum named as its chairman. The authority will work to develop a world-class ecosystem embracing the latest medical solutions, biotechnologies, and life sciences.

Employers across the UAE are expanding employee benefits packages beyond traditional health insurance to include mental health support, wellness allowances, flexible work arrangements, and financial and legal planning services. The trend reflects growing competition for talent in the UAE's buoyant jobs market.

A comprehensive guide to UAE school holidays for the 2026-2027 academic year covers summer break dates, mid-term breaks, and public holidays for both public and private schools. The guide covers all seven emirates and reflects the recently approved unified school calendar for 2026 to 2029.

A cultural food tour through the historic lanes of Old Dubai has been named one of the world's top travel experiences for 2026 by Lonely Planet's Best in Travel guide. The accolade highlights Dubai's diverse culinary landscape, shaped by the flavours of nearly 200 nationalities that make up its cosmopolitan population.

The UAE's National Multiple Sclerosis Society launched new guides for patients, carers, and employers as part of a nationwide World MS Day campaign in June 2026. The resources are designed to help individuals navigate MS diagnosis conversations and create more inclusive and supportive workplaces.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that within two years, 50 per cent of UAE government sectors, services, and operations will run on Agentic AI. The UAE Cabinet also approved a detailed governance framework defining the roles and responsibilities of all ministries and federal entities in implementing the project.

The UAE Cabinet approved a project to train 80,000 federal employees in Agentic AI technologies and tools as part of the UAE Government 4.0 initiative. The programme is aimed at equipping the public sector workforce to manage and operate AI-driven government services.

Construction on Stargate UAE is underway in Abu Dhabi, the most ambitious AI infrastructure project ever attempted outside the United States, spanning 19.2 square kilometres and consuming up to five gigawatts of power. The campus is being developed by Khazna Data Centres alongside OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, and SoftBank.

The UAE Ministry of Higher Education launched a unified AI-powered digital platform designed to simplify the higher education journey for students and institutions alike. The initiative is part of a broader national drive to embed artificial intelligence across government service delivery.

A new AI-powered national skills platform was launched in the UAE to develop 1,700 identified future skills across 200,000 students and 200 higher education institutions. The platform aims to align student competencies with the demands of the UAE's rapidly evolving knowledge economy.

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference 2026 is drawing significant attention in the UAE, with Khaleej Times publishing a full guide covering the UAE broadcast time, viewing options, and anticipated product announcements. Tech enthusiasts in the region are particularly watching for updates to Apple Intelligence features and new hardware reveals.

Abu Dhabi-based space technology company Space42 reported revenues of $116 million in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 15 per cent year-on-year increase. Growth was driven by a series of major contracts including a 15-year capacity services deal valued at $700 million.

Emirati startup founders showcased AI-powered and advanced technology solutions at Hub71's Impact 2026 event held at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. Among those unveiled was LiMb, an AI platform to support physiotherapists, and Nabdh Technologies, building the UAE's first Arabic-language operational intelligence platform for clinical workflows.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off with a star-studded opening ceremony headlined by Colombian pop icon Shakira, with Gulf News providing full UAE broadcast timings and viewing details. The tournament, spanning 48 teams and 104 matches, runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Gulf News launched a dedicated World Cup 2026 fan hub featuring a first-of-its-kind Match Predictor tool allowing UAE readers to forecast results and build tournament brackets throughout the competition. The hub also spotlights UAE-based footballers representing their home nations at the tournament.

Football fans across the UAE can watch all 104 World Cup matches live at dedicated fan zones across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including McGettigan's FIFA Fan Zone at Bla Bla Dubai. BeIN Sports holds exclusive broadcast rights for the MENA region, covering every match across multiple dedicated channels.

Three UAE match officials — referee Omar Al Ali, assistant referee Mohamed Al Hammadi, and video match official Mohammed Obaid Khadim — have been appointed to officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Their selection marks a significant recognition of the UAE's growing officiating standards on the global stage.

The National published a comprehensive guide for UAE and Arab viewers on how to watch all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is exclusively broadcast on beIN Sports across 24 MENA countries. Coverage runs across six dedicated beIN Sports Max channels plus beIN Sports 4K HDR with Arabic, English, and French programming options.

The National rounded up the best venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah where football fans can gather to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026, which runs from June 11 to July 19. From purpose-built fan zones to beachfront sports bars, residents across all seven emirates have options to catch every match live.

The fifth edition of Abu Dhabi Summer Sports, billed as the Middle East and North Africa region's largest indoor sporting event, opened at the Adnec Centre Abu Dhabi and runs from June 6 to August 23, 2026. The 2026 edition features 29 sporting activities, including 10 new sports making their debut at the event.

Former FC Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta officially launched his Iniesta Academy in the UAE through a partnership with local partner Abdulrahman Almeqbali and the Dubai Sports Council on June 10, 2026. The academy aims to develop young footballing talent in the emirate using Iniesta's distinctive playing philosophy.

Emirati legal advisor Mohammed Al Kamali has been appointed Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The appointment is a notable recognition of UAE legal expertise on the world's biggest sporting stage.

Abu Dhabi Summer Sports returned for its fifth edition on June 6 at ADNEC, offering UAE residents an air-conditioned alternative to outdoor sports during the summer heat, running through August 19. The multi-sport event features activities for all fitness levels including football, padel, tennis, cricket, and obstacle courses.

UAE cricket captain Muhammad Waseem will headline a strong contingent of Emirati cricketers featuring in the Lanka Premier League 2026 Player Draft held in Colombo on June 1. The participation underlines the growing international profile of UAE cricket players in franchise T20 competitions.

The United Arab Emirates formally announced its decision to quit both OPEC and OPEC+ in order to focus on national energy interests, with the exit taking effect from May 1, 2026. UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei said the decision followed careful consideration of the country's long-term energy strategy and production ambitions.

UAE air defence systems successfully intercepted seven ballistic missiles and 27 unmanned aerial vehicles in a single engagement amid heightened regional tensions in June 2026. The UAE Armed Forces confirmed the interceptions were carried out without casualties or damage to infrastructure.

US President Donald Trump stated that a formal agreement with Iran was close to being signed, which would allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. Meanwhile, the World Bank revised down its economic growth outlook for Gulf states amid uncertainty created by the ongoing regional conflict.

Kuwait released CCTV footage showing a missile striking Kuwait International Airport as authorities expelled Iranian diplomats, while Lebanon agreed to a fresh ceasefire amid ongoing regional hostilities. The UAE's health authorities separately confirmed there were no Ebola cases in the country following concerns about a regional health alert.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held discussions with NATO's Secretary General focused on regional security dynamics, bilateral cooperation, and efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf. The meeting underscored the UAE's active diplomatic role in navigating the complex security environment created by the Iran conflict.