June 2026

Beat the Heat, Keep Moving – Dubai Mallathon 2026

Dubai Mallathon 2026 is back, transforming six of Dubai's largest shopping malls into indoor fitness destinations throughout the summer. Running daily from June 15 to September 15, between 6:00am and 10:00am, the initiative offers residents and visitors a free, air-conditioned space to walk, run, and stay active during the hottest months of the year. Participants can enjoy dedicated walking tracks, indoor...

Plan Ahead: Dubai–Sharjah Night Exit Closure Begins

Motorists traveling between Dubai and Sharjah should prepare for temporary overnight traffic disruptions as authorities carry out infrastructure works related to the UAE's ambitious Etihad Rail project. The closure is part of ongoing efforts to develop the national railway network, which will connect cities and communities across the country and improve long-term transportation options. The affected route...

UAE Passport Power Grows Stronger: More Freedom, More Opportunities, More Connections

The United Arab Emirates has once again reinforced its position as a global leader in international mobility with the introduction of a new visa-free travel agreement with Papua New Guinea. The agreement, which officially entered into force following its signing at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, represents another significant milestone in the UAE's ongoing efforts to strengthen international...

Building Your Dream Home? Get More Back with UAE VAT Refunds

The UAE's Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has expanded the VAT refund scheme for UAE nationals building new homes, providing significant financial relief for families and supporting home ownership across the country. Effective for all eligible applications submitted from 1 January 2026, the updated initiative broadens the range of construction-related expenses that qualify for VAT refunds. Newly eligible...

18 and Independent: UAE Lowers Legal Adulthood Age to 18

The UAE has introduced a major legal reform through the new Civil Transactions Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025), which came into effect on June 1, 2026. One of the most significant changes is the reduction of the legal age of majority from 21 to 18 years old. Under the updated law, individuals aged 18 and above are now recognized as having full legal capacity in civil matters. This means they can...

The Road to FIFA Glory Begins in the Gulf

The excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to grow as football fans around the world prepare for the sport's biggest celebration. Set to be hosted across North America, the tournament will bring together the world's best national teams and showcase elite football on a global stage. In Dubai and across the UAE, anticipation is already building as fans look forward to following every...

Dubai’s Lifeline to Congo: Hope Takes Flight

Dubai has once again demonstrated its commitment to global humanitarian action by airlifting 20 metric tonnes of life-saving medical supplies to support the response to an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The emergency shipment, coordinated by Dubai Humanitarian and sourced from the World Health Organization's prepositioned emergency stocks, departed from Al Maktoum...

Safety Before the Sun: UAE’s Midday Work Ban Returns to Protect Workers

As temperatures rise across the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is once again prioritizing worker safety with the return of the annual Midday Work Ban. Effective from June 15 to September 15, outdoor work and activities under direct sunlight will be prohibited daily between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM. Now in its 22nd consecutive year, the initiative reflects the UAE’s...

Abu Dhabi Hits Pause on Rent Hikes: Tenants Get Unprecedented Protection

Abu Dhabi has introduced a landmark rent freeze that immediately halts all rental increases on tenancy contract renewals, overriding the previous rule that allowed landlords to raise rents by up to 5% annually. The move, welcomed by real estate experts and residents alike, aims to provide greater affordability, financial stability, and long-term certainty for tenants across the emirate. A key feature of...

UAE Summer 2026: Heat, Dust, and Endless Sunshine Ahead

As the UAE moves into June 2026, residents can expect a classic Gulf summer characterized by intense heat, dry weather, strong sunshine, and occasional dusty conditions. According to forecasts from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), temperatures are expected to remain close to seasonal norms, with the national average temperature projected at approximately 34.6°C throughout the month. Rainfall is...