UAE Today — 103 Headlines

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issued a final warning to private sector companies with 50 or more employees to meet their Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2026 by June 30. Companies that fail to comply will face financial penalties beginning July 1, 2026.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a federal decree promoting Shayma Yousef Alawadhi to Undersecretary of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for Labour Market Regulation and Development. The appointment carries the rank of Ministry Undersecretary.

The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure upgraded its electronic platform into a single government portal offering 121 digital services and bundled solutions. The move supports the UAE's zero bureaucracy initiative aimed at simplifying access to government services.

Under a new wage protection rule, private sector companies in the UAE are required to pay employee salaries on the first day of every month beginning June 1, 2026. The measure is intended to ensure timely and uniform salary disbursement across the private sector.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Abu Dhabi on June 24, 2026. Their discussions covered the US-Iran MoU, efforts to secure safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and broader regional stability.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a senior delegation from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority on June 23, 2026. The meeting marked the organisation's 50th anniversary.

The Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence launched the Pledge and Commitment initiative, inviting UAE citizens and residents to formally declare their support for President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The campaign is built on four pillars including promoting coexistence and strengthening national identity.

The UAE government announced the establishment of a new Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data, consolidating functions previously managed by three separate entities. The authority will be led by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, and will report directly to the UAE Cabinet.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the creation of the UAE Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority as a single national body responsible for data, artificial intelligence, and digital government. The move forms part of the government's efforts to strengthen UAE competitiveness in the digital economy.

The UAE issued a ban on workers operating under direct sunlight and in open areas during the summer months from 12:30pm to 3:00pm daily, running from June 15 to September 15. The measure is designed to protect outdoor labourers from heat-related illness during the hottest part of the day.

The UAE's Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that June 15, 2026 would be an official holiday for federal government entities and private sector companies on the occasion of the Hijri New Year 1448. The announcement applied to both public and private sector employees.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a federal decree appointing Hamad Ali Mohammed Al Kaabi as Director-General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation at the rank of Ministry Undersecretary. The decree was issued in June 2026 as part of ongoing leadership appointments across federal bodies.

The UAE officially announced its decision to exit OPEC and OPEC+, marking a significant shift in the country's energy and oil production policy. The move was announced through the official Emirates News Agency and signals the UAE's intent to independently manage its oil output.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee announced June 2026 fuel rates, with Super 98 petrol rising to Dh3.95 per litre from Dh3.66 in May and Special 95 climbing to Dh3.83 from Dh3.55. Diesel moved in the opposite direction, falling to Dh4.33 per litre from Dh4.69 in May.

Despite a fourth consecutive monthly increase in petrol prices, the UAE's pump prices remain below the global average according to Gulf News analysis. Super 98 has climbed more than 61 per cent since February, adding roughly Dh90 to the cost of filling a 60-litre tank compared to four months ago.

The UAE Central Bank projects headline inflation at 1.8 per cent in 2026 and 2.0 per cent in 2027, keeping the country among the world's lowest inflation environments. Gulf News analysis notes that despite fuel price pressures, the overall inflation outlook remains contained in the short to medium term.

Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre announced that rents for residential, commercial, and industrial properties will not increase until further notice, with the exception of communities managed by Abu Dhabi Global Market. The freeze comes after average residential rent prices rose 11 per cent in 2025, offering significant relief to tenants.

June 2026 brought multiple simultaneous price increases for UAE residents, including higher petrol rates, a new 5 per cent VAT on Salik toll tariffs and tag activation fees, and increased Dubai parking charges. The combined effect means residents face higher transport costs across fuel, tolls, and parking from June 1.

Khaleej Times reports that UAE petrol prices are expected to decline in July 2026 following a sharp drop in global oil prices of more than $20 per barrel. The anticipated reversal would end four consecutive months of fuel price increases for UAE motorists.

Dubai rents are forecast to increase by four to six per cent in 2026 in high-demand areas where supply remains constrained, driven by continued population growth. The pace of increase is expected to be slower than prior years as new residential supply enters the market.

Etihad Rail is set to launch its inaugural passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30, with journeys taking one hour and 45 minutes. The service will be operated in partnership with Keolis, with introductory fares starting at Dh55 for Comfort Class and Dh120 for Premium.

Tickets for the first Etihad Rail Abu Dhabi-Fujairah passenger journeys are selling out rapidly, with a 50 per cent introductory discount applied to fares. Passenger numbers across the full network are expected to reach 36 million by 2030.

A first look inside the new Etihad Rail station in Abu Dhabi has been revealed ahead of the June 30 passenger service launch to Fujairah. Train stations at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai and Al Dhaid in Sharjah are scheduled to open on September 30 as part of a wider network expansion.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has announced a series of road upgrades across the emirate as part of its June 2026 traffic improvement programme, including a new lane on Sheikh Zayed Road. The enhancements also include a new connecting road between Emirates Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street expected to open on June 28.

Dubai motorists are now paying 5 per cent VAT on Salik tolls and parking fees, with Salik users paying Dh4.20 instead of Dh4 during off-peak hours and Dh6.30 instead of Dh6 during peak periods. Non-peak roadside parking rose from Dh4 to Dh4.20 per hour following the new charges.

Cash payments at Dubai parking metres have been phased out from June 1, 2026, as part of the emirate's Cashless Strategy, with motorists now required to pay using Nol cards, apps, or other digital methods. Parkin encouraged all drivers to download its app to ensure a seamless parking payment experience.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved three new Dubai Municipality projects: the Dubai Falcon Market, the Dubai Creek Lighting project, and the launch of the First AI-Powered Park Design Challenge. The Falcon Market will be the first integrated falcon market of its kind in the region, costing an estimated Dh50 million.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Dubai-it Award to recognise outstanding achievement in execution, speed and innovation across Dubai's institutions, projects and individuals. The award is part of Sheikh Mohammed's broader Dubai-it initiative, which aims to embed a philosophy of ambition and precise execution across the emirate's workforce.

Dubai is set to issue official guidelines on public behaviour and celebrations, with the Dubai Civility Committee revealing two landmark initiatives: a Dubai Civility Guidebook and Guidelines for Celebrating Different Occasions. The initiative, chaired by Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, aims to position Dubai as the world's most civilised city.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved three new projects including the Dubai Falcon Market, an 8km Dubai Creek Lighting project, and an AI-Powered Park Design Challenge. The Creek Lighting project will illuminate promenades, heritage markets and waterfront walkways along 8km of Dubai Creek, with completion scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched a comprehensive Dubai action plan aimed at boosting social services across the emirate. The plan is part of ongoing efforts to improve quality of life for residents and ensure equitable access to government services.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum declared that Dubai's goal is to become the world's leading artificial intelligence hub, announcing new digital economy initiatives to accelerate this ambition. The announcement came as Sheikh Hamdan chaired a meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy.

Dubai is set to restructure a number of government departments as part of plans to adopt a private sector mindset and reduce operating costs by 10 per cent. The restructuring aims to create economic opportunities worth Dh10 billion within five years while improving service quality by 20 per cent.

Dubai hosted a major forum positioning itself at the forefront of global discussions on agentic AI and its applications in public sector human resources, governance and workforce development. The event highlighted Dubai's ambition to integrate AI agents into government operations as part of its broader digital transformation strategy.

Abu Dhabi's top leadership reviewed first-quarter performance of the emirate's key sovereign wealth funds to ensure strategic alignment amid heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty. The review focused on ensuring fund portfolios remain resilient and positioned to capitalize on long-term growth opportunities.

The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre oversees a capital project portfolio valued at over Dh200 billion, comprising more than 600 projects spanning housing, transportation, healthcare, education, tourism, and community services. The announcement was made at the Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit 2026 held in Abu Dhabi.

Startups based at Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, have collectively raised $2.7 billion, reinforcing the emirate's standing as a leading destination for technology investment. Abu Dhabi has also broken into the global top 50 startup ecosystems for the first time, with the ecosystem's total value reaching $73.4 billion.

Abu Dhabi announced Dar Al Funoon, a new Frank Gehry-designed performing arts centre to be built next to Saadiyat Cultural District and scheduled to open in 2030. The venue is being developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism as a major addition to the emirate's cultural infrastructure.

The UAE Central Bank projects the economy to grow 5.6% in 2026, driven by non-oil sector expansion and sustained trade momentum. Non-oil sectors are forecast to account for 78% of GDP as diversification efforts accelerate across finance, construction, and tourism.

UAE economic growth picked up pace in early 2026, driven by expanding banking activity, rising foreign trade flows, and sustained investment momentum. Non-oil merchandise trade rose 27% to Dh3.8 trillion, while the UAE entered the global top ten merchandise exporters for the first time.

Emirates NBD completed its acquisition of a 60% controlling stake in India's RBL Bank on June 18, 2026, representing a $2.75 billion capital infusion and the largest foreign direct investment in the Indian private banking sector on record. The deal reshapes UAE-India banking ties and marks a generational shift in cross-border financial integration.

The UAE launched its first government-backed retail Treasury Sukuk, offering a 4.30% annual profit rate with a minimum investment of Dh1,000 and a subscription window running from June 24 to June 30. The Shariah-compliant savings product is part of the UAE's broader initiative to deepen financial inclusion and domestic capital markets.

The UAE launched the 'Make it in the Emirates 2026' platform as part of a push to strengthen the country's industrial sector and redirect $128.8 billion toward advanced manufacturing capabilities. The initiative aims to expand economic diversification and build a more resilient national supply chain.

Sovereign wealth funds from the UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading a $36 billion-plus surge in mega-deals across energy, technology and manufacturing, defying a broader global M&A slowdown. Government-related entities in both countries have anchored this robust dealmaking performance, which spans cross-border acquisitions and strategic partnerships.

The UAE's non-oil economy is forecast to grow by over 5.5% in 2026 and account for 78% of the country's total GDP, according to the Minister of Economy. The projection reflects rapid diversification driven by finance, tourism, logistics, and advanced industries.

The UAE and Sri Lanka are on track to finalise a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement within a year once formal negotiations begin, opening the door for expanded bilateral trade, investment, and services flows. The potential deal adds to the UAE's growing network of CEPAs now covering 28 nations.

Total UAE banking sector assets climbed 17.7% year-on-year to Dh5.56 trillion at the end of the first quarter of 2026, while gross credit expanded 20.3% to Dh2.7 trillion. Customer deposits increased 17.4% to Dh3.45 trillion, reflecting strong confidence in the UAE financial system despite regional geopolitical pressures.

UAE GDP rose 6.2% to reach Dh1.9 trillion ($517.2 billion) in 2025, driven by a 6.8% expansion in the non-oil economy to Dh1.5 trillion. Construction led sectoral growth at over 11%, followed by finance and insurance at 10.4%, real estate at 7.9%, and transport at 7.8%.

Seventy-five percent of UAE exporters continue to expect positive export growth in 2026 despite evolving global trade risks and ongoing regional conflict, demonstrating sustained business confidence. The finding highlights the resilience of UAE trade networks underpinned by CEPAs and diversified market access.

The UAE-Azerbaijan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement has officially entered into force as bilateral trade between the two nations reached $2.2 billion. The agreement is part of the UAE's wider strategy to expand its CEPA network and cement its role as a global trade and logistics hub.

The UAE is set to be the primary engine of a GCC-wide economic boom in 2026, with growth forecast at 5.6% underpinned by non-oil diversification and strong trade. The country's outperformance is driven by robust activity in finance, construction, and tourism as it accelerates its post-oil economic transformation.

A pipeline of eight major UAE infrastructure and real estate projects — including Etihad Rail, Palm Jebel Ali, DIFC Zabeel District, and the planned Disney Resort in Abu Dhabi — are set to reshape travel, tourism, and property markets across the Emirates. The projects collectively represent hundreds of billions of dirhams in investment and will add significant capacity for residents, tourists, and businesses.

Sharjah Police arrested 4,757 suspects and seized criminal assets worth nearly Dh392.8 million in a sweeping three-year anti-drug campaign. The figures were unveiled at a forum held at Sharjah Police Headquarters to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Dubai Police led a major international operation resulting in the arrest of 276 members of a transnational fraud network and the dismantling of nine scam centres involved in high-yield investment fraud and virtual currency scams. The operation spanned multiple countries and targeted organised criminal syndicates running sophisticated online fraud schemes.

A Ras Al Khaimah court sentenced a TikTok user to three months in prison and fined another Dh1,000 after a livestream dispute escalated into insults, harassment, and a death threat. The court found both men guilty of exchanging insults through an information technology platform and misusing communication services for unlawful purposes during a public TikTok broadcast.

Dubai Police dismantled an organised criminal network involved in pirating encrypted international satellite television channels and illegally rebroadcasting their content through receiver devices, online links, and unauthorised websites. The gang sold access to the public through unlawful annual subscriptions.

Dubai Police arrested eight suspects for stealing a rare luxury oud valued at Dh12 million from a merchant, with four suspects apprehended and the stolen oud recovered within 12 hours of the crime being reported. Among the arrested was a woman who impersonated a princess as part of the elaborate theft scheme.

A Dubai court sentenced a motorist to three months in prison and suspended his driving licence for one year after he chased another vehicle, deliberately swerved towards it, forced the driver to stop, and later assaulted him. The verdict came after the driver was found guilty of reckless driving, endangering the lives of road users, and attempting to assault another driver.

The UAE recorded temperatures nearing 50°C, with Sweihan in Al Ain hitting 49.4°C ahead of the summer solstice, which marks the official start of astronomical summer. Forecasters warned that inland areas could exceed 50°C during the peak summer period as the country experiences its longest days of the year.

The UAE recorded its highest temperature of 49.8°C in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region on June 24, 2026, as the country entered peak summer heat. The National Centre of Meteorology confirmed temperatures are continuing to push toward the 50°C mark across inland desert areas.

The National Centre of Meteorology forecast rain, fog, and strong winds affecting parts of the UAE, with gusts reaching up to 40kph and dusty conditions expected to reduce visibility in several regions. The unsettled weather pattern was set to coincide with otherwise hot and humid conditions across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

A weekend weather forecast for the GCC region predicted rain in parts of the UAE alongside intense dust storms and extreme heat affecting Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. Temperatures across the Gulf were forecast to remain well above seasonal averages, driven by prevailing summer air masses and dry desert winds.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed the launch of a universal healthcare system guaranteeing medical care and health services for all Emirati citizens through a fully integrated national health insurance scheme covering all emirates. The scheme marks a landmark step in the UAE's commitment to providing comprehensive public health coverage to its citizen population.

The UAE has opened a medical centre in the northern part of Gaza, marking the latest step in its humanitarian drive to bolster healthcare for a population facing a severe humanitarian crisis. The centre is the second to be established in Gaza under Operation Gallant Knight 3, following the launch of a first centre in Khan Younis in December.

A new smart medical visa initiative will strengthen Dubai's status as a leading global centre for medical tourism, stemming from an agreement between the Dubai Health Authority and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs. The linked digital systems will allow DHA's Dubai Health Experience portal members to submit visa applications on patients' behalf more easily.

The Emirates Drug Establishment granted regulatory approval for Jascayd (nerandomilast), prescribed for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis in adult patients. The UAE becomes the first country in the region and the third globally, following the United States and China, to approve this treatment.

India's Ministry of Civil Aviation launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, a fully contactless Passenger Health Self-Declaration Portal enhancing public health surveillance amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak. UAE travellers heading to India are required to declare health details through the upgraded portal before arrival.

Abu Dhabi launched SAKINA for Children, a specialised mental health network aimed at expanding access to psychiatric and developmental services for children and adolescents up to age 18. The network brings together outpatient consultations, early intervention programmes, and inpatient mental health care under one coordinated system.

Uniquely You Mental Health Center officially launched in Dubai as the UAE's first publicly neurodivergent-owned mental health clinic, founded by Elaine Maichin, a CDA-licensed psychologist and licensed trauma therapist. The clinic supports clients from ages 13 to 60+ across healthcare, education, and workplace settings in the UAE.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention confirmed the country's public health situation remains stable as the Ebola outbreak continues primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The ministry said it is maintaining precautionary preparedness measures focused on surveillance, early detection, airport readiness, and healthcare preparedness.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention highlighted the importance of health preparedness and preventive measures for UAE pilgrims ahead of the Hajj season 2026. Pilgrims are urged to receive required vaccinations, undergo health check-ups, and follow medical advice before travel.

As healthcare shifts from treating disease to preventing it, Dubai's Longevium Clinic is helping redefine what modern medicine can look like, with a growing focus on longevity medicine and artificial intelligence in clinical care. The clinic's CEO Ksenia Butova described a vision in which predictive, personalised healthcare replaces reactive treatment models.

Each day at the UAE pavilion at the Beijing International Book Fair begins with Al Shella, an Emirati folk song of welcome performed a cappella, led by Emirati folk singer Nahyan Mubarak Al Mansoori. The pavilion recreates an Emirati heritage village complete with a majlis for communal seating and elderly women demonstrating traditional Bedouin wool-weaving practice Al Sadu.

Galleries and institutions across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah are presenting a rich slate of exhibitions this week, including Body Quotidian at Sharjah Art Foundation and Juma Al Haj's solo show Interoception at a Dubai gallery. Al Haj's exhibition traces his return to painting as a means of processing fear and disruption experienced during early 2026.

Kalayaan 2026, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on June 7, drew an estimated 60,000 attendees, making it one of the largest Filipino community gatherings in the UAE. The event stood as a celebration of the Filipino community's resilience, gratitude, and lasting contribution to the UAE's multicultural society.

Gulf News compiled a full guide to the major entertainment events across the UAE in June 2026, including performances by The Beach Boys and Wael Kfoury. The packed calendar spans concerts, comedy acts, and live shows taking place at venues across Dubai and Abu Dhabi throughout the month.

Dubai Restaurant Week brought together more than 125 restaurants across 25-plus cuisines, offering specially curated set menus at accessible price points for diners across the city. The annual event is a highlight of Dubai's culinary calendar, drawing food enthusiasts to explore new restaurants and revisit favourites.

The second edition of Dubai Mallathon kicked off across six major malls including Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, running daily from June 15 to September 15 between 6am and 10am. The initiative aligns with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and aims to make fitness accessible to the entire community.

Matcha has become a fixture of the UAE's cafe identity, standing alongside coffee with its own distinct culture and a growing community of dedicated enthusiasts. Specialty matcha bars and cafe menus across Dubai and Abu Dhabi now offer an expanding range of matcha-based drinks, reflecting a broader wellness-oriented shift in consumer preferences.

Public and private-sector workers in the UAE were granted a holiday to mark the start of the new Islamic Hijri year, beginning with Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. The announcement was made by official UAE authorities and applies across both government and corporate workplaces.

The June 30, 2026 Emiratisation deadline requires UAE private sector companies to record a 1% increase in the employment of Emiratis in skilled roles or face financial penalties starting July 1. Businesses that fail to meet the required rate will be subject to monetary contributions, with compliance enforcement stepped up significantly this cycle.

The UAE Cabinet approved a plan to move 50% of government services to autonomous agentic AI models within two years, targeting the milestone of being the first country globally to adopt such models. These AI systems are capable of independently executing tasks, managing processes and supporting decision-making.

The UAE ranks first worldwide in AI adoption with a rate of 70.1% among the working-age population in the first quarter of 2026, making it the first economy to surpass the 70% threshold. The finding comes from Microsoft's AI Diffusion Report tracking global AI usage trends.

The Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office launched the Digital Talents in Sharjah initiative in partnership with the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah. Global technology leaders including Google, Oracle, upGrad and Microsoft are collaborating on the programme to build an AI-ready workforce.

A new Sheikh Hamdan-backed initiative aims to extend agentic AI support to 295,000 companies across Dubai's private sector to secure a global competitive edge. The SME digital trade support programme had already reached more than 105,000 companies by May 2026.

The Stargate UAE data centre, being built over 19.2 square kilometres in Abu Dhabi, will cost more than $30 billion according to the UAE's AI minister. Construction on the first phase is going full steam ahead and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026.

Abu Dhabi has entered the global top 50 startup ecosystems for the first time, with the emirate's startup ecosystem now valued at $73.4 billion. The GSER report highlighted Abu Dhabi's particular strengths in AI, fintech, climate technology, Web3 and research and development.

The 16th edition of Dubai Sports World officially opened on June 24, 2026, running until August 25 with nine core sporting activities including football, basketball, padel, cricket and pickleball. The expanded edition offers more activities and participation opportunities than any previous edition.

The Dubai Open Football Academies Championship concluded with a record-breaking 14,000 players from more than 90 nationalities taking part across more than 2,900 matches. Competition categories ranged from Under-6 to Under-23, cementing Dubai's status as a youth football hub.

UAE referee Omar Al Ali has been appointed to officiate the New Zealand versus Egypt Group Stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His selection marks a proud moment for UAE football officiating on the sport's biggest stage.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage progressing, analysts have outlined exactly what each Arab nation needs to secure a place in the knockout rounds. Several Arab sides remain in contention heading into their decisive final group games.

Despite the UAE national team not qualifying, 13 players from eight UAE clubs are representing their nations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Al Ain stars Soufiane Rahimi of Morocco and Paraguay's Alejandro 'Kaku' Gamarra are among the highest-profile names.

Al Ain clinched the 2025-26 UAE Pro League title with a dominant 5-0 victory over Sharjah, sealing the championship with two matches to spare. It marked the club's 15th Pro League crown in a historic undefeated domestic campaign.

Al Ain completed a historic UAE domestic double by beating Al Jazira in the President's Cup final, following their undefeated UAE Pro League campaign. The achievement cements their status as the dominant force in UAE club football this season.

UAE cricket captain Muhammad Waseem is headlining a strong contingent of UAE players set to feature in the Lanka Premier League 2026 Player Draft held on June 1 in Colombo. The participation highlights the growing recognition of UAE cricketers in franchise T20 leagues across Asia.

Mexico completed their 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage with a commanding 3-0 victory over Czech Republic, finishing the group phase with a perfect record. The win eliminated Czech Republic from the tournament as the World Cup enters its knockout-stage permutations.

Cape Verde produced a stunning comeback to hold Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in a thrilling World Cup 2026 Group Stage encounter in Miami on June 21. The result shook up Group standings and kept Cape Verde's knockout-stage hopes alive.

UAE football fans have full access to every 2026 FIFA World Cup match through beIN SPORTS, the official broadcaster for the Middle East and North Africa region. Fan zones and dedicated venues across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah are catering to supporters watching the tournament live.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured Gulf allies that Washington would not take any action to undermine their security amid ongoing negotiations with Iran over a permanent peace deal. Rubio, speaking after meetings in the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain, said the US would maintain constant communication with Gulf states throughout the talks with Tehran.

Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, stated that any discussions on new regional security frameworks must explicitly acknowledge Iran's direct aggression against the UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries. He warned that attempts to impose new geopolitical realities through aggression would undermine rather than promote long-term regional stability.

UAE oil exports recovered to 85 per cent of prewar levels in early June, rising to 4.3 million barrels per day from just 1.9 million bpd in March, according to the International Energy Agency. The recovery was driven by the country's use of alternative shipping routes, pipelines and storage infrastructure to bypass the Strait of Hormuz closure.

The Gulf Cooperation Council issued a formal condemnation of what it described as misleading media campaigns targeting the UAE and Qatar, reaffirming the bloc's commitment to regional security and stability. The statement underscored GCC solidarity in the face of external pressure and disinformation efforts amid ongoing tensions in the Gulf.

The UAE chaired a joint ministerial meeting between GCC foreign ministers and Chinese State Counselor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Li, held virtually to advance cooperation across multiple sectors. Discussions covered collaboration in education, artificial intelligence, industry, health, agriculture, food security, human development and climate affairs.