The Ministry of Education has announced an extension of remote learning for all students, teachers, and administrative staff across the United Arab Emirates until Friday, April 17.

The decision covers nurseries, kindergartens, and both public and private schools nationwide, ensuring continuity of education while authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Officials confirmed that the arrangement will be reviewed weekly.

To support the transition, school administrations had already been provided with a comprehensive remote learning framework for the third academic term. The guide focuses on flexible scheduling, structured lessons, and maintaining strong communication between schools and parents to keep students engaged.

The move underscores the Ministry’s focus on maintaining uninterrupted learning while adapting to evolving circumstances.

Ever wondered what it’s like to hop into a taxi with no one behind the wheel? In Dubai, that future has officially arrived.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has kicked off commercial operations of autonomous taxis in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two of the city’s coastal hotspots. You can now book an auto cab as easily as ordering your usual ride.

Through partnerships with WeRide and Apollo Go, these rides are available via the Uber and Apollo Go apps.

The first phase brings 100 self-driving taxis onto Dubai’s roads, with plans to expand the fleet as more residents warm up to the idea of AI-powered commuting. Behind the scenes, these vehicles rely on a mix of artificial intelligence, smart sensors, and real-time decision-making to safely navigate busy streets, traffic lights, and even unpredictable pedestrians.

And if you’re wondering about safety, these aren’t robots. The technology powering them has already clocked over 150 million kilometres and completed more than 10 million trips worldwide.

So, next time you hail a taxi in Jumeirah, don’t be surprised if the driver’s seat is empty.

Fuel prices in the UAE have jumped sharply for April 2026, leaving drivers to rethink how they commute and manage daily expenses. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s happening and how it affects you:

How big is the increase?

The latest revision by the UAE Fuel Price Committee marks one of the steepest monthly hikes in recent years:

• Petrol prices are up 31% to 34%
• Diesel has surged by over 72%

New rates (from April 1, 2026):

• Super 98: Dh3.39/litre (up from Dh2.59)
• Special 95: Dh3.28/litre (up from Dh2.48)
• E-Plus: Dh3.20/litre (up from Dh2.40)
• Diesel: Dh4.69/litre (up from Dh2.72)

Why are prices rising?

Fuel prices in the UAE have been deregulated since 2015, meaning they follow global oil markets rather than being fixed. Global oil prices have been rising ever since the war broke out on February 28.

• Prices are adjusted monthly
• Based on international crude and refined fuel costs
• Benchmarks like Murban crude oil play a role

When global oil prices climb, local fuel costs follow.

How will motorists be affected?

Drivers are already preparing to adapt in several ways:

1. Higher daily commuting costs
Filling up a tank will now cost significantly more, especially for frequent drivers.

2. Changes in travel habits
Many motorists may:

• Cut down on unnecessary trips
• Combine errands
• Plan routes more efficiently
• Opt for EVs

3. Shift to alternatives
Expect a rise in:

• Public transport use
• Carpooling or ride-sharing
• Remote work requests where possible

4. Increased cost of living
Higher diesel prices will push up:

• Taxi fares
• Home delivery charges
• Goods transportation costs
• Ride-hailing fares

This isn’t just about fuel pumps. The ripple effects will likely be felt across the economy, from groceries to logistics, as businesses pass on increased transport costs to consumers. The April fuel hike is a direct reflection of global oil trends, but for UAE motorists, it means immediate lifestyle adjustments and tighter monthly budgets.