UAE Today — 103 Headlines

The 'Ahd wa Waad' (Pledge and Commitment) initiative was launched by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, drawing more than 4,800 participants from across Emirati society including citizens, residents, students, and business leaders. The initiative aims to strengthen social cohesion and reaffirm a sense of belonging to the UAE, with participation extended to all via a dedicated digital platform at pledge.ae.

The UAE opened online participation in the national Pledge and Commitment initiative, allowing citizens and residents to sign the pledge digitally and download a certificate. The initiative was officially launched as part of the broader 'Year of Family' national agenda and follows the founding ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE established a new federal authority to consolidate oversight of artificial intelligence, data governance, and digital government under one national framework. The authority reports directly to the UAE Cabinet and is chaired by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence.

The UAE announced the creation of a dedicated Federal AI and Data Authority designed to drive faster, smarter government services across all federal entities. The move consolidates the country's technology agenda and positions the UAE to accelerate its digital transformation goals.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation mandated that all private sector employers must pay employee salaries by the first day of each month starting June 1, 2026. Companies failing to comply face escalating penalties, including referral to public prosecutors for firms employing 50 or more workers in cases of repeated violations.

The new UAE wage protection rule requires private companies to transfer salaries through the approved Wage Protection System on the first day of every month. Payments made after the first of the month will be classified as delayed and subject to financial penalties.

The UAE's new Federal Civil Transactions Law (No. 25 of 2025) came into effect on June 1, replacing the 1985 civil code and lowering the age of legal adulthood from 21 lunar years to 18 Gregorian years. The law also introduces explicit pre-contractual duties of good faith, enhanced party autonomy in governing law clauses, and refined civil liability provisions.

A landmark UAE civil law formally establishing 18 as the age of adulthood took effect on June 1, granting young adults full legal autonomy to independently manage finances, enter contracts, and control bank accounts. The government described the change as a pivotal legislative milestone aligned with prevailing international legal systems.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation reminded private sector firms to meet their Emiratisation targets ahead of the June 30 deadline, urging use of the Nafis platform to connect with UAE national jobseekers. Companies failing to meet the required 1 percent increase in skilled Emirati roles will face financial penalties starting July 1.

A new Nafis award was introduced to recognise private sector companies that excel in the quality of Emiratisation, not merely the quantity of nationals hired. Under the Nafis 2026 vision, five AI-enabled strategic priorities will measure and enhance the quality of Emirati placements in future-oriented roles.

UAE authorities carried out a nationwide coordinated operation that dismantled a major drug trafficking network, resulting in the arrest of 23 suspects. Large quantities of narcotics were seized during the operation, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies across the country.

Dubai Police issued an alert warning residents about fraudulent insurance advertisements circulating on social media platforms offering unrealistically low prices to lure consumers. Authorities urged the public to verify any insurance provider through official channels before making payments.

Dubai unveiled the 'Dubai for Justice' digital platform, designed to unify and streamline services across courts, the police, and the prosecution into a single integrated system. The initiative is part of Dubai's broader push to digitise and simplify access to justice for residents and businesses.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee announced June 2026 retail prices with Super 98 petrol at Dh3.95 per litre and Special 95 at Dh3.83 per litre, both up from May. Diesel prices dropped to Dh4.33 per litre from Dh4.69 the previous month.

Gulf News examines the outlook for UAE petrol prices amid geopolitical tensions following the US-Iran conflict that began in February 2026. The June 2026 prices mark the UAE's first fuel pricing update as an independent oil producer after its exit from OPEC and OPEC+ in May.

The UAE Central Bank projects headline inflation at 1.8% in 2026, keeping the country among the world's lowest inflation environments. This forecast is expected to support household spending power and consumer confidence across the Emirates.

UAE residents face a series of price increases in June 2026 covering fuel, Salik toll charges, and parking fees. The combined effect means higher daily commuting costs for motorists across the Emirates.

The official June 2026 petrol and diesel price announcement from the UAE Fuel Price Committee sets E-Plus 91 petrol at AED 3.76 per litre, up from AED 3.48 in May 2026. The rise reflects the continued impact of regional disruptions on global energy supply chains.

While Dubai's headline inflation rate may ease, residents are still experiencing high prices driven by food, housing, and transport costs. Food and beverage prices have risen sharply as supply chains came under pressure following disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

Arabian Business previews the anticipated changes to UAE fuel prices for June 2026 ahead of the official Fuel Price Committee announcement. The article notes the June pricing marks a significant increase compared to pre-conflict levels earlier in 2026.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority announced a series of road improvement projects for June 2026, including a new lane on Sheikh Zayed Road for traffic from Hessa Street towards Abu Dhabi. New connecting roads between Emirates Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street are set to open on June 28, improving access to Villanova and Arabian Ranches III communities.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid inaugurated tunnelling work for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a Dh18 billion project scheduled to open on September 9, 2029. The 30km line will feature 14 stations, including the world's tallest metro station at 74 metres, and the first metro bridge crossing Dubai Creek.

Dubai announced the Dh34 billion Gold Line metro, a fully underground 42km route running at depths of up to 40 metres, set to open in 2032. The line will connect Al Ghubaiba in old Dubai through 15 districts including Business Bay, Meydan, Jumeirah Village Circle and Jumeirah Golf Estates.

UAE carriers Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia have adjusted routes and schedules in response to ongoing Middle East airspace disruptions. Flight durations on some routes are running longer due to temporary reroutings, with airlines issuing updated passenger advisories.

Emirates, Etihad and flydubai issued updated passenger advisories as UAE airports continued operating amid regional airspace challenges. Airlines are offering flexible rebooking options and directing passengers to check live flight status ahead of travel.

The RTA launched a major traffic overhaul across eight strategic locations in Dubai as part of its 2026 mobility plan, with more than 45 planned enhancements designed to improve road efficiency and streamline traffic flow. Once complete, the projects are expected to reduce congestion and shorten journey times by 15 to 30 per cent.

Emaar is set to unveil a Dh200 billion mixed-use megaproject in Dubai spanning 4.5 million square metres, designed to house nearly 150,000 residents across five distinct zones. The development will include residential towers, villas, Grade-A offices, retail, luxury hospitality, schools, healthcare and extensive parks, structured as a 20-minute city.

A Dubai island development has recorded Dh1 billion in sales from just three beachfront plot transactions over a two-month period, underscoring continued strong demand for ultra-premium waterfront real estate. The sales highlight Dubai's growing status as a global destination for high-net-worth property investment.

Dubai's property market recorded Dhs1.04 billion in transactions in just half a day, reflecting the sustained pace of demand in one of the world's most active real estate markets. The figure was reported as part of a broader trend of rapid absorption of new launches across the emirate.

Dubai World Trade Centre generated Dh25.03 billion in economic output in 2025, driven by growth in large-scale exhibitions, conferences and conventions that attracted more than 2.18 million attendees across 108 events. International visitors accounted for 44 per cent of total attendance, with the activity supporting over 94,000 jobs across the MICE ecosystem.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched a comprehensive Dubai action plan aimed at enhancing and expanding social services for residents across the emirate. The initiative reflects the government's commitment to improving quality of life as part of the broader Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Dubai tourism authorities unveiled an ambitious roadmap for the second half of 2026, highlighting planned mega events, air taxi services and new international marketing campaigns designed to reinforce the emirate's position as a top global destination. The plan reaffirms Dubai's resilience and commitment to its D33 economic agenda following recent regional disruptions.

Construction on Palm Jebel Ali's ultra-luxury villas is advancing steadily, with major contracts awarded and infrastructure progressing toward the first phased handovers expected later this year. The development represents one of Dubai's most anticipated residential projects, extending the emirate's iconic palm-shaped island portfolio.

Dubai World Trade Centre delivered a record Dhs25 billion in economic output, with large-scale events drawing nearly 3 million participants in 2025 and international attendance climbing year-on-year. The results were reported ahead of the venue's planned expansion as GITEX and Gulfood prepare to relocate to the new Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City.

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) partnered with FINTECH.TV to launch the Middle East and North Africa's first global financial news studio, with live broadcasts linking ADX directly to FINTECH.TV's New York studios. The studio aims to elevate Abu Dhabi's profile as a global financial hub and provide real-time market coverage to international investors.

The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) issued an order suspending all rental increases on lease contracts in Abu Dhabi until further notice. The move is intended to protect tenants from sudden rent hikes and stabilise the emirate's real estate market amid broader economic conditions.

Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund L'imad increased its shareholding stake in the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), one of the region's largest listed utilities. The move reinforces L'imad's strategy to consolidate strategic assets and deepen its position in Abu Dhabi's energy infrastructure.

The UAE Games 2026 took place in Abu Dhabi from June 6 to 10, with over 1,000 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities competing across multiple sports disciplines. The event promoted inclusion and healthy lifestyles as part of the UAE's commitment to supporting people of determination.

The UAE economy maintained its upward trajectory in the first months of 2026, supported by strength in the financial and banking sector alongside rising foreign trade and investment indicators. Total banking assets increased by 1.1% in February 2026 to exceed AED 5.472 trillion.

The World Bank forecasts the UAE economy will grow 5% in 2026 and accelerate to 5.1% in 2027, driven by the strong performance of the non-oil sector. The report highlights the UAE's continued diversification strategy as a key driver of sustained growth.

The UAE economy posted robust growth metrics with total banking assets reaching $1.49 trillion and total foreign trade hitting $1.63 trillion. The figures reflect the UAE's strong position as a global financial and trading hub.

The UAE's securities regulator reported foreign investment into the country's capital markets reached $5.1 billion while average daily trading value rose 24.16% year-on-year to $602 million. Total share listings reached $3.95 billion including $1.99 billion in initial public offerings.

Dubai Financial Market recorded a 212% surge in net profit, reflecting the strong performance of the UAE's equity markets. The DFM's market capitalisation climbed 7.6% to $267 billion as of May 2026.

Emirates NBD launched the public phase of its RBL Bank acquisition on June 1, with the offer closing June 12 for a 26% stake valued at approximately AED 11.2 billion. The transaction marks one of the UAE banking sector's largest cross-border acquisitions in recent years.

Abu Dhabi's real estate market saw transaction values surge 48% to AED 94 billion ($25.6 billion) as investors increasingly shifted towards income-generating assets. The jump reflects growing confidence in Abu Dhabi's property market amid strong economic fundamentals.

Abu Dhabi has been ranked the world's best city for entrepreneurs in 2026, overtaking traditional startup hubs in the US and UK as the Middle East strengthened its position as a global centre for founders. Dubai also featured prominently in the global rankings for entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Startups within Abu Dhabi's Hub71 ecosystem raised more than AED 9.9 billion ($2.7 billion) in funding in 2025 and generated AED 5.4 billion ($1.5 billion) in revenue. Hub71 received more than 5,000 startup applications during the year, representing a 62% increase year-on-year.

Dubai announced a new initiative backed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed to deploy Agentic AI technology across 295,000 companies in the emirate. The plan aims to position Dubai as a global leader in AI-driven business transformation.

The UAE financial regulator unveiled a comprehensive new regulatory framework governing virtual assets trading, custody, and investment activities. The sweeping rules are designed to strengthen investor protection while cementing the UAE's position as a leading global crypto hub.

The UAE economy maintained strong growth in the opening months of 2026, driven by banking sector strength, expanded trade flows, and rising investment. Non-oil activities now account for more than 77% of the UAE's GDP.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and South Korea entered into force in April 2026, opening new trade and investment opportunities between the two nations. The deal is part of the UAE's broader CEPA strategy targeting AED 4 trillion in non-oil trade by 2031.

The UAE and Sri Lanka could finalise a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement within a year once formal negotiations begin. The announcement was made by Sri Lanka's Consul General to Dubai in early June 2026, signalling expanding UAE trade diplomacy.

UAE authorities foiled a criminal plot to distribute narcotics across the country, publicly revealing the identities of 24 individuals involved in the drug ring. The operation was carried out in coordination with Ras Al Khaimah Police and multiple security agencies following a tip from the Federal Narcotics Control Prosecution.

The UAE Attorney-General ordered the arrest of 10 individuals who published real footage of air defence interceptions and shared AI-generated fake videos falsely depicting explosions and strikes on UAE landmarks. The accused were referred to urgent trial for spreading misinformation designed to undermine national security and public order.

A Dubai court convicted a motorist of a road rage attack on a highway, sentencing him to three months in prison and suspending his driving licence for one year. The case highlights ongoing judicial action against dangerous driving behaviour on UAE roads.

Dubai Police arrested eight suspects linked to the theft of Dh12 million worth of oud, with one of the accused a woman who impersonated a princess to facilitate the crime. The case involved an elaborate deception scheme targeting a high-value luxury goods transaction.

Two fraudsters set up a fake online trading company using the name of a well-known firm to persuade an Arab woman to invest in cryptocurrencies, causing her to lose Dh1.1 million. A Dubai court dismissed the lawsuit due to insufficient evidence linking the defendants directly to the disputed funds.

The UAE's National Centre of Meteorology forecasts a national monthly average temperature of 34.6°C for June 2026, with total precipitation expected at just 2.8 millimetres — well below long-term averages. Hot, dry days with dusty winds and lower humidity are anticipated as summer conditions intensify across the country.

Temperatures are forecast to climb as high as 47°C in inland areas of the UAE, particularly in Al Quaa, Gasyoura, and Mezaira, accompanied by rising overnight humidity along coastal zones. Light to moderate winds freshening at times will cause blowing dust and sand, with fog or mist possible in some areas.

The UAE's National Centre of Meteorology has issued a forecast placing a 98 per cent probability on El Niño conditions prevailing between July and November 2026, signalling a potentially record-breaking hot and humid summer. The phenomenon developing in the tropical Pacific Ocean is expected to intensify heat and humidity across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the broader UAE.

The forecast for June 17, 2026 calls for fair skies in general with low clouds expected over eastern areas and humidity building along coastal and inland zones by nightfall. Southwesterly to northwesterly winds of 10–25 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, will bring blowing dust and sand to western parts of the country.

Dubai launched a comprehensive longevity action plan focused on prevention rather than treatment, positioning the city as a global leader in advanced healthcare. The initiative is backed by the newly established Dubai Longevity Authority, with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed as President.

The UAE's floating hospital stationed in Al Arish has received five new patients from Gaza requiring urgent medical care, bringing the total treated to over 90 since the reopening of the Rafah border crossing. The facility continues to serve as a critical humanitarian medical resource for Gaza patients.

The Saeed Ahmed Lootah Charitable Foundation reviewed key developments at Dubai Medical University Hospital, with a strong focus on governance and the integration of smart technologies in healthcare and medical education. The board meeting highlighted institutional readiness and digital transformation milestones.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention issued a public advisory and travel warning following the WHO classifying the Central Africa Ebola outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Authorities advised residents to avoid non-essential travel to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan.

UAE health authorities announced that pilgrims are required to receive the meningococcal vaccine and seasonal influenza vaccine well in advance of the 2026 Hajj season. The requirements are in line with international health protocols for large gatherings.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a decree establishing the Dubai Longevity Authority (DLA), with the aim of attracting global investment into the longevity and wellness sector. The authority will create a regulatory framework for emerging therapies and technologies and help accelerate breakthroughs that extend healthy lifespan.

The UAE marked World Health Day 2026 by showcasing its leadership in integrating innovative technologies into medical care, highlighting national achievements across hospitals, telemedicine, and AI-driven diagnostics. The country ranked 17th globally and first among Arab nations in the CEOWORLD Global Health Care Index.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) launched the Unified Medical Report for People of Determination, establishing a standardised medical reference for diagnostic and classification processes. The project aims to streamline healthcare access and improve service delivery for individuals with determination.

UAE authorities confirmed no secondary cases or local transmission of Ebola following epidemiological investigations in the country. Enhanced preparedness measures at points of entry and coordination with national and international health partners were implemented as a precaution.

The Dubai Health Authority adopted updated standards for mental health services in alignment with the latest global best practices. The move is part of broader efforts to expand access to mental healthcare and improve quality of services across Dubai's healthcare facilities.

The second edition of the UAE Games 2026, organised by Special Olympics UAE in Abu Dhabi, concluded with record participation of more than 1,000 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including international delegations from Morocco and Malta. Abu Dhabi Sports Club for People of Determination finished first overall with 62 medals.

The UAE launched a commemorative passport stamp celebrating the Year of Family 2026 initiative, which has been placed on arriving passengers' passports at airports, land borders, and seaports across the country since May 15. The initiative underscores the national theme of 'Growing in Unity' and aims to reinforce the UAE's commitment to family as the cornerstone of society.

June 2026 features a packed entertainment calendar across the UAE, spanning live comedy, ballet, Bollywood performances, rock classics, and international artists including Wael Kfoury and The Beach Boys. Among the highlights is a performance by 14-year-old pianist and composer Nial Dursun at Meyana Theatre.

The National's monthly dining guide for June 2026 highlights a wave of new restaurant openings and refreshed menus across the UAE, including Ona, a new Australian-style café in Jumeirah bringing speciality coffee culture to Dubai. Wagamama is also undergoing its biggest menu refresh in years as the UAE's dining scene continues to expand.

The UAE government has outlined its national priorities for 2026 centred on the Year of Family, with a focus on reinforcing the family as the foundation of social balance and sustainable development in alignment with the National Family Growth Agenda 2031. Key programmes target declining birth rates, family cohesion, and the preservation of UAE cultural identity.

The UAE Games 2026 officially opened at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and Zayed Sports City with over 1,000 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities competing across multiple sports. The event marked the first time international delegations participated, reflecting the UAE's growing commitment to inclusive sports and community engagement.

Ras Al Khaimah Police arrested two young men aged 18 and 20 after they were caught performing dangerous driving stunts with their private vehicles in a residential area. Field teams identified and apprehended both suspects, impounding the vehicles used in the violations.

An Al Ain court ordered two young men to repay nearly Dh15,000 to a victim after finding they had used a fake mobile phone recharge website to defraud him. The verdict reflects continued judicial action against online consumer scams targeting UAE residents.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum directed that GITEX Tech-cation 2026 become the world's largest event dedicated to technology and artificial intelligence, scheduled for December 7–11 at Dubai Expo City. The event signals the UAE's strategic ambition to anchor the global AI conversation.

The Dubai International Financial Centre announced plans to embed artificial intelligence across its legal system, regulation, business environment and physical infrastructure. The initiative is expected to generate AED 12.9 billion in economic value and create 25,000 jobs, positioning DIFC as the world's first AI-native financial hub.

The UAE accelerated its artificial intelligence ambitions in 2026 through government reforms, research breakthroughs and international technology partnerships. Key developments include a nationwide Agentic AI framework for government operations, autonomous taxi deployments, and global sovereign AI expansion projects led by G42.

Abu Dhabi's G42 announced a $92 million deal with ADNOC to deploy AI across the energy sector while simultaneously expanding sovereign AI capabilities globally with agreements in Vietnam and India. The company also launched new AI-powered consumer technology products as part of its broader strategy to export UAE-built AI infrastructure worldwide.

G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, SoftBank and Cisco announced the Stargate UAE initiative, a 1-gigawatt AI compute cluster to be built in Abu Dhabi as part of the broader 5GW UAE-US AI Campus. Construction is well underway with civil and structural work advanced and all long-lead equipment procured.

Microsoft and G42 announced plans to expand UAE data centre capacity, with new facilities expected to begin operations before the end of 2026 as part of Microsoft's $15.2 billion commitment to UAE digital infrastructure. The expansion aims to reinforce the UAE's position as a leader in AI, cloud technology and responsible innovation.

US artificial intelligence unicorn Positron opened its regional headquarters at the Dubai International Financial Centre as demand for AI infrastructure across the Middle East accelerates. The move follows a wave of international AI companies establishing UAE bases to capture growing enterprise and government demand for advanced computing capabilities.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed visited the Dubai International Financial Centre to review progress on DIFC's growth strategy and the emirate's financial sector ambitions. The visit underscored the Dubai leadership's direct involvement in accelerating the emirate's technology and financial services agenda.

The UAE will have full access to all 104 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches through beIN SPORTS, the official MENA broadcaster. Fans can watch via satellite subscription, beIN CONNECT streaming, or TOD by beIN on mobile and smart TV devices.

The National provides a comprehensive guide for UAE fans to access all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches via beIN Sports and its streaming platforms. The tournament runs from June 11 through July 19, with the final kicking off at around 11pm GST.

Khaleej Times outlines the online streaming options available to UAE residents for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, covering beIN CONNECT and TOD platforms. The guide includes details on subscription packages and how to access all 104 tournament matches.

Despite the UAE failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, 13 players from eight UAE clubs will feature on football's biggest stage. Morocco forward Soufiane Rahimi of Al Ain and Paraguay's Alejandro Romero Gamarra are among the standout names.

Al Ain claimed the 2025-26 UAE Pro League title by finishing 10 points clear of champions Shabab Al Ahli, capping a dominant domestic double. The season was marked by VAR controversies and a disappointing campaign for Al Wahda.

UAE international Yahya Al Ghassani discussed his ambitions to play in Europe while reflecting candidly on the national team's slim World Cup qualifying hopes. The winger acknowledged the UAE faced near-impossible odds to reach the 2026 tournament.

The UAE national football team secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Oman in a FIFA World Cup qualifier, keeping their qualification campaign alive. The all-Gulf clash proved to be a tightly contested affair before the UAE clinched the win.

The UAE Cup 2026 Golf Championship brought together a larger and more competitive international field in Al Ain, raising the stakes for the prestigious tournament. Top golfers from across the globe gathered for what organisers described as the most competitive edition yet.

The UAE took centre stage in international golf as season-ending drama unfolded across multiple tours simultaneously. Khaleej Times covered the climactic finishes and their implications for the end-of-season rankings.

The fifth edition of Abu Dhabi Summer Sports (ADSS) launched on June 6 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, running through August 19 as the region's largest indoor summer sports event. Organised by ADNEC Group and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event expanded to Halls 1 through 11 and simultaneously opened its Al Ain edition.

The National published a comprehensive fixture guide covering all 104 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches along with key kick-off times for UAE viewers. The guide helps fans plan their viewing schedule for the tournament running from June 11 to July 19.

The United States and Iran announced an initial agreement on June 14 to end more than three months of conflict, with a memorandum of understanding set to be signed on June 19 to formally bring hostilities to a close within 60 days. Global reaction ranged from cautious optimism in Qatar to relief in Australia, as the deal also aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.

Oil prices declined sharply following news of the US-Iran peace deal, raising expectations that UAE fuel prices could fall at the next monthly review. Analysts noted that while the Strait of Hormuz disruption had pushed energy costs higher during the conflict, recovery in supply flows would take time to fully pass through to consumers at the pump.

A new economic report found that the UAE faces only a temporary slowdown from the regional conflict and is positioned to recover faster than other Middle Eastern economies due to its diversified export routes, including the Fujairah oil pipeline and greater operational flexibility. The UAE's non-oil sector resilience and diversified trade links were cited as key buffers against the prolonged impact of the war.

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court confirmed that Tuesday, June 16, 2026 marks the first day of Muharram 1448 AH, officially beginning the Islamic New Year. The announcement was made following the official moon sighting process conducted by the kingdom's religious authorities.

Major international carriers including British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, and Singapore Airlines continue to suspend or operate reduced services to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh in the aftermath of the regional conflict. Arabian Business published an updated tracker of airline suspension announcements and expected restart dates as carriers assess when full operations can safely resume.