UAE Today — 100 Headlines

From June 1, 2026, five major UAE rule changes came into effect covering stricter salary payment deadlines, 5% VAT on Dubai parking fees and Salik, fully cashless parking meters, and a lower legal age of adulthood from 21 to 18. These changes affect workers, motorists, and young adults across the UAE.

A landmark restructure of the UAE's civil legal framework came into effect on June 1, replacing the Civil Code in force since 1985, with major changes to contracts, liability, compensation, and dispute resolution. The new law lowers the legal age of adulthood from 21 to 18, allowing young adults to sign contracts, manage finances, and establish businesses independently.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issued a rule requiring private sector companies to pay employee salaries on the first day of every month starting June 1, 2026, through the approved Wage Protection System. The rule introduces escalating penalties for late payments, including permit suspensions, fines, and labour dispute registration.

Under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE launched Naseej, the National Initiative for Textile Circularity, as a strategic mandate to transition the textile sector toward a circular economic system. Formed through a partnership between the National Projects Office, Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Emirates Foundation, and Tadweer Group, it targets UAE's approximately 220,000 tonnes of annual textile waste.

A major sustainability project, Naseej – the National Initiative for Textile Circularity, was launched to address the UAE's approximately 220,000 tonnes of annual textile waste. President Sheikh Mohamed directed the initiative to coordinate policy, industry action, research, and public engagement across the textile value chain.

The UAE launched 'Naseej', the National Initiative for Textile Circularity, to shift the textile sector toward a circular economy model that reduces waste and improves resource use. The initiative will coordinate policy, industry action, research, and public engagement across the textile value chain.

With the UAE's new salary protection rules taking effect on June 1, private sector workers have a strengthened set of rights if wages do not arrive on time, including the removal of the previous 15-day grace period for late payments. Employees can now escalate unpaid salary complaints through MOHRE's formal channels from the very first day a salary is delayed.

The UAE and Japan reviewed ways to strengthen bilateral ties as part of their comprehensive strategic partnership, with Sultan Al Jaber meeting the Prime Minister of Japan. The discussions covered economic cooperation, energy, and technology partnerships between the two nations.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued amendments to the provisions of the Federal Decree-Law governing the establishment and organisation of the Presidential Court, strengthening the institutional framework of the UAE's highest executive body.

The UAE is playing a leading role in the climate change agenda of the global aviation sector, according to the Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The UAE's initiatives align with international aviation sustainability goals, including reducing carbon emissions from aircraft.

The next UAE public holiday will be Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year), expected to fall on either June 16 or 17, 2026, depending on the moon-sighting committee. The Prophet Mohammed's birthday is expected on August 25, National Day on December 2–3, preceded by Commemoration Day on November 30.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation began implementing a new Wage Protection System on June 1, 2026, making the first day of each calendar month the unified salary due date for private sector workers for the preceding month. A company is considered compliant if it transfers at least 85% of total wages on time, with graduated enforcement measures for late payments.

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, approved the employment of 717 male and female Emiratis in the Government of Sharjah, joining 633 UAE nationals already recruited during the first five months of 2026. He also approved the Sharjah Programme for Qualification and Training of Job Seekers, which will run June to November 2026 benefiting 410 UAE nationals at a total cost of Dhs14.76 million.

The UAE announced fuel prices for June 2026, its first pricing update as an independent oil producer after exiting Opec and Opec+ in May. Super 98 petrol will cost Dh3.95 a litre, Special 95 petrol Dh3.83 per litre, E-Plus 91 petrol Dh3.76 per litre, and diesel Dh4.33 a litre, all effective June 1, 2026.

UAE motorists will see fuel prices rise for a fourth consecutive month in June, with Super 98 priced at Dh3.95 per litre and Special 95 at Dh3.83 per litre. The increase is smaller than the sharp jump recorded a month into the Iran war, but oil prices remain elevated enough to prevent meaningful fuel relief.

The UAE's fuel pricing committee announced June 2026 petrol and diesel rates, with Super 98 rising to Dh3.95 per litre and diesel falling to Dh4.33 per litre. This marks the fourth consecutive monthly petrol increase, driven by global oil market pressures linked to the regional conflict.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee announced June 2026 retail fuel prices: Super 98 petrol at Dh3.95 per litre, Special 95 at Dh3.83, E-Plus at Dh3.76, and diesel at Dh4.33 per litre. Petrol prices rose for a fourth consecutive month while diesel prices dropped compared to May.

UAE supermarket executives warn that fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and frozen foods face gradual price rises following June's 8% petrol hike — the fourth consecutive monthly increase — bringing fuel costs 66% above February 2026 levels. Retailers say they are absorbing costs where possible and that any grocery increases will be incremental, not automatic.

Dubai's headline inflation is forecast to ease from a 5.4% peak in May to 2.9% by December if ceasefire talks reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but analysts warn that cheaper fuel costs will correct faster than food and housing prices. Survey data shows 78% of UAE consumers say grocery prices have risen, with food inflation the top concern for 51%.

World consumer inflation is now projected at 4% for 2026 and 3.3% for 2027, revised up by Oxford Economics following one of the sharpest single-quarter oil price spikes in three decades. The UAE is directly exposed through higher fuel and import costs linked to the Strait of Hormuz disruption.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority recorded a total ridership of 8.2 million across public transport and mobility services during the Eid Al Adha holiday from May 25-29, 2026. Dubai Metro's Red and Green Lines carried 3.3 million riders, public buses transported 1.73 million, and taxis carried 2.3 million.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority recorded a total of 8.2 million riders across public transport and mobility services during the Eid Al Adha holiday 1447 AH / 2026, from May 25 to May 29. Dubai Metro's Red and Green Lines carried 3.3 million riders, while taxis transported 2.3 million.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority carried 8.2 million riders during the five-day Eid Al Adha holiday, with the Dubai Metro accounting for the largest share at 3.3 million riders on its Red and Green Lines. Other modes included taxis at 2.3 million, public buses at 1.73 million, marine transport at 304,300, Dubai Tram at 114,300, and shared mobility at 402,700.

Q Mobility launched a new AI-powered smart parking experience in Abu Dhabi that automatically deducts parking fees through users' Darb app wallet using license plate recognition. The Free Flow Paid Parking System starts sessions on vehicle entry and deducts fees on exit without requiring SMS, payment machines, QR codes, or manual actions.

Khaleej Times provides a comprehensive guide to the imminent Etihad Rail passenger launch, revealing that the first operational stations will be Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estate in Dubai, and Fujairah, with trains running at up to 200 km/h and offering two classes — Comfort and Premium — with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard refreshments.

Ras Al Khaimah Police have imposed a three-month partial closure on Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Street from the Ship Roundabout to the Clock, running from June 1 to August 30, 2026, for asphalt maintenance. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time as diversions will be in place around the clock.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Law No. (12) of 2026 concerning the Community Development Authority in Dubai, defining the authority's role in regulating social services, protection of vulnerable groups, social cohesion, volunteer work, and a unified social and humanitarian support system.

Dubai Municipality said the city's parks and recreational facilities received 1,081,603 visitors between May 22 and May 31 during the Eid Al Adha holiday period. The strong turnout was attributed to extensive preparations, entertainment activities, and family-focused events across Dubai's parks.

Dubai's real estate market has continued to launch new projects since the beginning of 2026, with 250 new developments worth Dhs75 billion launched in the first five months of the year, defying regional and geopolitical tensions from the ongoing conflict.

Dubai Chambers signed new agreements to strengthen trade and investment relations with Ethiopia, expanding the emirate's economic ties across the African continent. The initiative aligns with Dubai's strategy to diversify its global trade partnerships.

A commercial office in Dubai was sold for Dhs69 million, reflecting the continued strong demand for premium commercial real estate across the emirate. The transaction underscores sustained investor confidence in Dubai's office market amid regional uncertainty.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched a $3.49 billion expansion of Dubai Silicon Oasis, including new zones District IO and Block 14, aimed at boosting jobs and GDP contribution. The expansion cements Dubai Silicon Oasis as a major technology and innovation hub.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Dubai Economic Leadership Program to prepare competent national talent to lead Dubai's vital economic sectors. The initiative aims to develop a new generation of Emirati professionals capable of driving the emirate's long-term economic development.

Q Mobility launched a new smart parking system in Abu Dhabi that automatically starts parking sessions and deducts fees from users' Darb wallet via automatic license plate recognition and AI. The system eliminates the need for SMS, payment machines, QR codes, or manual payment actions.

ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi claimed five prestigious global awards at the Eventex 2026 awards, recognising its excellence as a world-class events and exhibition venue. The wins reinforce Abu Dhabi's position as a leading international destination for major events and business gatherings.

The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre said the UAE's real GDP grew by 6.2 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, reaching Dh1.9 trillion, while non-oil GDP rose by 6.8 percent to Dh1.5 trillion. Construction, financial and insurance, real estate, and transport and storage were among the strongest-performing sectors.

Emirates Telecommunications Group Company (e&) signed a binding agreement with Uber Technologies to sell a 12.5% stake in Careem Technologies for $100 million in cash, reducing e&'s ownership to 37.53% after completion. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and is intended to support Careem's next phase of growth.

The Iran war had little to no impact on the investment appetite of Gulf sovereign wealth funds, with most GCC funds managing $5.7 trillion in aggregate assets maintaining their quarterly pace, according to Global SWF. Capital continues to flow into developed market assets, with only Qatar Investment Authority showing a reduced pace.

Emirates Telecommunications Group Company (e&) announced the sale of a 12.5% stake in Careem Technologies to Uber Technologies for $100 million (Dh367 million) in cash. After the deal, e& will retain a 37.53% stake in Careem Technologies while the move supports strategic focus on core businesses.

The UAE's real GDP grew 6.2% in 2025 to reach Dhs1.9 trillion, driven by strong performance across construction, financial services, real estate, and transport and storage sectors. Non-oil GDP rose 6.8%, underscoring the success of the UAE's economic diversification strategy.

Dubai-based global trade facilitator DP World announced details of a $100 million logistics expansion in the Dominican Republic, extending its international port and logistics infrastructure footprint. The investment underscores DP World's continued global growth strategy.

Saudi Arabia's Central Bank (SAMA) instructed financing companies and other licensed non-bank financial institutions to notify it at least five working days before launching any investment round, as part of efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight of fundraising. The requirement applies to financing companies, payment service providers, exchange houses, and other entities supporting financing activities.

UAE trade minister Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the country's position as a global trade hub at the GLOBSEC Forum, highlighting the importance of developing new trade routes amid ongoing global disruptions. The UAE's trade diversification strategy continues to attract international investment and partnerships.

The UAE's consumer economy is showing early signs of recalibration as ongoing regional tensions influence shopping sentiment, with consumers becoming more deliberate and value-conscious across FMCG, grocery, home care, and discretionary retail categories. Data shows FMCG spending rose 29% in the initial phase of regional tensions, driven by larger basket sizes rather than more frequent shopping.

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) announced a partnership with Expo Centre Sharjah to expand its financial market services and access in the emirate of Sharjah. The partnership aims to deepen investor engagement and market participation across the Northern Emirates.

UAE telecoms company e& is selling 12.5% of its stake in Careem Technologies to Uber for $100 million, reducing its holding to 37.53% from 50.03%. The deal gives Careem Technologies access to Uber's global technology platform while e& retains exposure to Careem's future growth.

Emirates NBD and First Abu Dhabi Bank ranked first and third respectively in the Evident AI Index Banks report, which tracks responsible AI use across banks in the Middle East and Africa. The report says UAE banks are narrowing the gap with global peers, with Emirates NBD leading in leadership, innovation, and talent, and FAB leading in transparency.

Sharjah Police released an awareness video warning motorists not to leave vehicles unlocked or unattended with keys inside, saying even a brief lapse can lead to theft. The campaign 'The Safety of Your Belongings Starts with You' urges drivers to secure their cars before walking away.

A two-year-old Pakistani boy, Mohammad Arshman, died after allegedly being thrown from a third-floor staircase window in a residential building in Sharjah, following an incident involving two young girl neighbours. Police referred the case to child protection authorities and are investigating the circumstances.

Dubai Police dismantled an eight-member criminal gang in under 12 hours after it stole a luxury oud valued at Dh12 million from a merchant using an impersonation and bait-and-switch scheme. Police arrested four suspects, recovered the stolen oud, and issued an Interpol Red Notice for four fugitives including a woman who posed as a princess.

Al Muraqqabat Police Station responded to serious incidents in 1 minute and 38 seconds in 2025, exceeding Dubai Police's target of 2 minutes 45 seconds, and achieved 100% security coverage in Deira. The station reported a 98.9% sense of safety among residents and won three awards including Best Comprehensive Police Station Award 2025.

The Civil Court in Dubai ordered a vehicle renter to pay Dhs8,735 to a car rental company covering traffic fines and Salik toll fees accumulated during the rental period, plus 5% legal interest from the date of the judicial claim. The court rejected the company's additional compensation request due to insufficient evidence.

A criminal gang including a woman posing as a princess stole a luxury oud worth Dhs12 million from a Dubai merchant through an elaborate impersonation scheme at a staged villa. Dubai Police arrested four suspects and recovered the stolen instrument within hours.

The UAE is entering the hottest phase of the year, with summer weather shaped by five major air masses influencing temperatures, humidity, and wind patterns, according to Emirati astronomer Ibrahim Al Jarwan. June temperatures are expected to average between 39°C and 42°C daytime, with peak heat expected in July and August.

UAE residents can expect fair weather on June 1 with Abu Dhabi reaching 39°C, Dubai 38°C, and Sharjah 40°C, with light to moderate southwesterly to northwesterly winds. Stronger gusts could lead to blowing dust in some areas, and the sea will be slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf.

The UAE National Centre of Meteorology forecast fair weather for Tuesday June 2, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah expected to see highs of 38°C, 41°C, and 41°C respectively. Humidity in Dubai could rise to 75%, while Abu Dhabi may reach 46°C in some inland areas.

The UAE is set to experience dusty conditions, fresh to strong winds, and rough Arabian Gulf seas over the coming days, with the National Centre of Meteorology noting temperatures could reach 43°C–47°C inland on Tuesday. Conditions are expected to gradually cool toward the weekend.

Tuesday June 2 sees clear skies across the UAE with highs of 38°C in Dubai, 41°C in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and up to 46°C in Liwa, with humidity peaking at 75% in Dubai. Arabian Gulf seas turn rough overnight with wave heights up to six feet, while the Oman Sea remains calm.

The Emirates Drug Establishment ordered the recall of two insecticide products sold under the brand name 'Goodbye All Insects' after finding they were not registered and one contained the prohibited substance d-Trans Allethrin, with concentrations not complying with approved specifications.

UAE's Emirates Drug Establishment ordered the recall of two insecticide products under the brand 'Goodbye All Insects,' manufactured by SCITRA, due to regulatory violations including a prohibited substance and discrepancies in active ingredient concentration levels.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention issued a public advisory after the WHO classified the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, advising residents to avoid non-essential travel to Uganda, DR Congo, and South Sudan. Authorities confirmed the UAE's public health situation remains stable.

UAE authorities confirmed the country's public health situation remains stable with no indication of concern, following a review of regional Ebola developments by NCEMA, MoHAP, and strategic partners. The UAE also advised citizens against non-essential travel to Uganda, DR Congo, and South Sudan.

The UAE's Emirates Drug Establishment approved Wegovy (semaglutide) in an oral once-daily form for long-term weight management in adults with obesity or overweight linked to weight-related medical conditions. The approval is based on clinical studies showing weight loss and reduced risk of major cardiovascular events.

An oral Wegovy weight-loss pill has been approved for use in the UAE, with first batches already in the country and availability expected soon following UAE regulatory approval. The drug is intended for adults living with obesity or weight-related medical conditions.

The Emirates Drug Establishment approved Wegovy Semaglutide from Novo Nordisk as a once-daily oral treatment for long-term weight management in adults with obesity or overweight associated with co-morbid health conditions. Clinical data showed the drug reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events including death, heart attacks, and strokes.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention urged the public to rely on verified information about Ebola, listing six early flu-like symptoms including fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and general weakness, and strengthening surveillance amid an outbreak in parts of Africa. The WHO assessed the overall global public health risk as low.

As UAE residents prepare for summer travel, health experts are urging people to follow official travel advisories and stay updated on health alerts, as UAE authorities advise against non-essential travel to Ebola-affected countries including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan. UAE health officials confirmed the country's public health situation remains stable.

The Emirates Drug Establishment recalled two 'Goodbye All Insects' insecticide sprays manufactured by SCITRA after detecting regulatory and technical violations, including an unregistered product and one containing a prohibited substance. Both products were withdrawn from the UAE market to protect consumer safety.

Dubai-based commercial film director Tejal Patni, a 56-year-old UAE resident for 49 years, won Dh25,000 in the Big Ticket weekly e-draw after his 13-year-old daughter chose a ticket containing the number 13 for good luck. Four Indians shared a total of Dh100,000 in the Abu Dhabi Big Ticket draw.

UAE henna artists report a decisive shift toward sleek, minimalistic designs for Eid Al Adha 2026, with customers preferring wrist-length patterns, jewellery-style motifs, and clean back-hand designs over traditional heavy Arabic patterns. A new hybrid trend called 'Hengua' — combining henna and jagua — is also emerging among younger clients.

Gulf News published a comprehensive guide to major UAE entertainment events in June 2026, including concerts by The Beach Boys, Wael Kfoury, Angham, and Omar Khairat, plus comedy shows, ballet, and a 100 Years of Bollywood Musical at venues across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The guide covers events at Dubai Opera, Etihad Arena, Coca-Cola Arena, and Emirates Theatre.

A new UAE Civil Transactions Law formally set 18 as the age of adulthood, lowering it from 21 lunar years and expanding financial freedoms including the ability to enter contracts, buy and sell property, and register businesses from age 18. The law also allows minors aged 15 to seek judicial authorisation to manage their own assets.

Schools across the UAE resumed in-person classes for all students from Grade 1 to Grade 12 on Monday, June 1, 2026, following the end of the mid-term break and Eid Al Adha holiday. School administrations urged regular attendance and focused preparation for final centralized exams due at the end of June.

Dubai Airports welcomed returning Hajj pilgrims with a special passport stamp reading 'the UAE welcomes the return of pilgrims' and greeted them with flowers and commemorative gifts from GDRFA Dubai. Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shangiti said the reception reflected the UAE's values of hospitality and appreciation.

Emirates 24/7 explains that most UAE residence visas are automatically nullified after 180 consecutive days abroad, requiring a new entry permit to return. Golden Visa and Green Visa holders, students abroad, and public-sector employees on assignments are among the categories exempt from the six-month rule.

At the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026, Emirati writer Dr Hind Al Mashmoom spoke as part of Sharjah's Guest of Honour programme, arguing that contemporary Emirati women's writing has evolved beyond issues of visibility to address identity, belonging and society in complex ways. She challenged narrow gender-based literary classifications, saying literature should be judged by the human and artistic horizons it opens.

Sharjah Airport welcomed the first group of pilgrims home following Hajj 1447AH, with airport teams greeting returnees with flowers and traditional Emirati hospitality under a comprehensive operational plan coordinated with relevant authorities. Pilgrims praised the seamless procedures and high level of organisation throughout their arrival experience.

MGX, Bpifrance, and Mistral announced plans to expand Campus AI in France, targeting up to 3GW of compute capacity nationwide with a second site selection beyond the flagship Fouju campus. The expansion reinforces France's position as Europe's primary destination for large-scale, decarbonised AI factories.

Anthropic, which operates AI chatbot Claude, said on Monday it has confidentially filed for a US initial public offering, without disclosing the size or terms of the offering. The move comes as investor appetite for AI remains high, with Anthropic recently raising $65 billion at a post-money valuation of $965 billion.

The UAE is increasingly positioning itself as a testing ground for controlled-environment agriculture, using vertical farming, hydroponics, AI-assisted climate management, and IoT-enabled controls to strengthen food security and reduce import dependence. The UNS Vertical Farms facility in Al Ain, developed by Speedex Group, will produce 150,000 kg of tomatoes annually using AI and hydroponics.

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy supported 1,690 digital startups in 2025, up 39.7 per cent year-on-year, as it boosted AI and fintech sectors. The increase highlights Dubai's rapidly growing ecosystem for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

Cisco urged Middle East organisations to secure AI agents and AI supply chains as a new report finds 92% of UAE firms are planning to deploy AI agents. The warning highlights growing cybersecurity risks as AI adoption accelerates rapidly across the region.

French President Emmanuel Macron hailed a deal involving Abu Dhabi-based MGX, France's Mistral, and Bpifrance to expand an AI campus in France, with the plan potentially providing 3 gigawatts of compute capacity nationally. Macron announced the deal at the Choose France Summit in Paris.

Oura unveiled the Oura Ring 5, described as the world's smallest smart ring, with upgraded health-tracking features including cardiovascular stress monitoring and GLP-1 medication tracking insights. UAE pricing is unchanged from the previous generation, with base finishes at Dh1,599 and premium finishes at Dh1,999; shipping begins June 4, 2026.

The United Arab Emirates won the right to host the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division II, Group A, after receiving 14 votes at the IIHF Annual Congress in Zurich, ahead of Croatia's 11 votes. The championship is scheduled for Al Ain City in April 2027 and will be the first of its kind in the region.

Special Olympics UAE announced the full programme for UAE Games 2026, to be held in Abu Dhabi from June 6–10, with more than 1,000 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities participating alongside international delegations. The programme includes sports competitions, health screenings through the Healthy Athletes programme, community activities, and awareness initiatives.

The 2025–2026 UAE karate season concluded with the Al Etihad Cup for kumite teams and the inaugural Para-Karate Championship at Sharjah Club's Al Hazanah branch hall, organised by the UAE Karate Federation. Shabab Al Ahli topped the Al Etihad Cup female categories while Sharjah Individual Sports Club won the junior boys, youth, and men's categories.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru shared a video of Virat Kohli dancing with wife Anushka Sharma during celebrations after the team won its maiden Indian Premier League trophy on May 31, 2026, defeating Punjab Kings in the final in Ahmedabad. The couple's emotional reunion at the IPL final drew widespread attention from fans across the UAE and beyond.

Cape Verde, a tiny volcanic archipelago of about 525,000 people, has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in history and the article describes the excitement across the country ahead of group-stage matches against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. Football academy growth and national pride are central themes as the country counts down to the tournament.

The National previewed Group F of the 2026 World Cup, covering the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia with fixture details and key players including Cody Gakpo for the Netherlands, Takefusa Kubo for Japan, Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak for Sweden, and Hannibal Mejbri for Tunisia. The group begins June 14 with Netherlands vs Japan in Arlington, Texas.

The National previewed Group G at the 2026 World Cup, covering Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand, with a focus on star players Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku for Belgium, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush for Egypt, and Mehdi Taremi for Iran. Egypt begin against Belgium on June 15 in Seattle.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Naomi Osaka 7-5, 6-3 to advance to the French Open quarter-finals and will next face Russia's Diana Shnaider. Sabalenka said she was pleased with her serve and overall performance after playing the first women's night-session match at Roland Garros in three years.

Serena Williams confirmed her return to competitive tennis after nearly four years away, receiving a wild card to compete in women's doubles at Queen's Club in London starting June 8. She has not played competitively since the 2022 US Open and is reportedly set to partner teenage Canadian Victoria Mboko.

Egypt qualified for the 2026 World Cup unbeaten, topping their qualifying group with eight wins and two draws, and now head to North America seeking their first World Cup match victory with Mohamed Salah likely making his final World Cup appearance. The article also examines the roles of Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan and the emergence of 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim from Barcelona.

The widow of Emirati Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei told a UK court that his 2017 death in London during training for the World Para Athletics Championships — when a 200kg cage collapsed on him — caused devastating harm to her family. UK Athletics pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter, and a former official admitted a health and safety charge ahead of sentencing at the Old Bailey.

Kuwait came under attack on Monday as the US and Iran traded strikes, with the Kuwaiti military saying its air defence systems intercepted hostile missiles and drones. The US military intercepted two Iranian ballistic missiles targeting US forces in Kuwait at 7am Gulf Standard Time, with no American casualties reported.

US President Donald Trump said a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and extend the ceasefire with Iran could be reached within a week, and said he had spoken with Hezbollah representatives who agreed to halt attacks on Israeli forces. Netanyahu said Israel would continue striking if Hezbollah targeted Israeli cities.

Regional officials warned The National that ceasefires across the Middle East are increasingly being treated as the absence of full-scale war rather than an end to violence, citing continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, Iranian and US exchanges, and other regional attacks. Officials said the region is seeing a more flexible interpretation of ceasefire agreements with diplomatic focus on preventing escalation rather than ending violence.

Crude oil futures held near multi-month highs on Tuesday June 2, with WTI around $92 per barrel and Brent near $95, as the US-Israel-Iran conflict disrupted Middle East energy flows and tightened global supplies. The Strait of Hormuz fallout, production shut-ins, and ongoing market caution are keeping fuel prices elevated.

The National listed seven Arab football songs and chants associated with World Cup 2026 teams from Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Tunisia, Egypt, and Algeria, describing each track's origin, performers, and the football or national themes they reference. The piece highlights how Arab supporters will bring their own music to the first expanded 48-team World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada starting June 11.