Abu Dhabi authorities have closed 69 food establishments since last year after inspectors uncovered serious food safety violations, including pest infestations, expired products and poor hygiene standards.

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) said 55 businesses were shut down in 2025, while another 14 have been closed so far in 2026 after repeatedly failing to comply with food safety requirements.

Why were they closed?

Officials said the most common violations included:

• Selling expired food products
• Insects and pests in food preparation areas
• Poor hygiene practices
• Improper storage of perishable food
• Failure to meet mandatory food safety requirements

Authorities stressed that closure is only used as a last resort after businesses fail to respond to warnings and corrective notices. The crackdown comes as consumers continue to report food safety concerns across the emirate.

What happens next?

Closed establishments are only allowed to reopen once inspectors confirm all violations have been addressed and food safety standards are fully met.

The authority said regular inspections and surprise visits will continue across restaurants, cafeterias, supermarkets and food outlets to help protect public health.

Officials also encouraged residents to report suspected violations and check food safety ratings displayed under the emirate’s Zadna Assessment programme before dining or shopping.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a new generation of AI-powered smart dashboards to manage the city’s bus network in real time, helping improve service reliability, predict disruptions and reduce emissions.

The technology has been deployed at the Bus Operations Control Centre and uses advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to monitor and optimise bus services across Dubai.

Smarter bus operations

Developed by RTA’s Public Transport Agency in partnership with its Artificial Intelligence Centre, the system enables operators to identify issues before they affect passengers and make faster operational decisions.

The platform includes tools for:

• Predicting potential trip cancellations
• Monitoring early bus departures
• Managing disruptions linked to metro services
• Optimising bus turnaround and route operations

These applications are now fully integrated into the control centre’s daily operations.

Delays reduced by 68%

According to RTA, the AI-powered system has already delivered measurable improvements.

Early departures have been reduced by more than 68 per cent, while automated monitoring and response tools have helped improve service consistency and passenger experience.

The system can also trigger the rapid deployment of buses during metro service interruptions, reducing disruption for commuters.

Boosting sustainability goals

Beyond operational improvements, the technology is also helping support Dubai’s environmental targets.

By improving bus parking management and reducing unnecessary engine idling, the initiative has contributed to cutting more than 13,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

RTA said the project represents a major shift towards proactive, data-driven public transport management and highlights Dubai’s growing use of artificial intelligence in everyday city operations.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to strengthen public transport efficiency, enhance customer experience and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global leader in smart mobility and AI-powered urban services.

Residents across the UAE can expect dusty skies, strong winds and soaring temperatures today as weather conditions become increasingly hot and unsettled.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast generally fair weather, but warned that strengthening winds could trigger blowing dust and sand in several areas, reducing visibility and creating challenging driving conditions.

Dust and strong winds expected

Light to moderate southwesterly to northwesterly winds are forecast to strengthen throughout the day, reaching speeds of up to 40km/h.

The NCM has advised motorists to drive carefully in dusty conditions and urged residents to keep windows and doors closed to limit dust entering homes and workplaces.

Temperatures near 47°C

Temperatures will remain high across the country, particularly in inland areas where highs are expected to range between 42°C and 47°C.

Forecast highs include:

• Dubai: 39°C
• Abu Dhabi: 40°C
• Sharjah: 41°C
• Al Ain: 44°C
• Fujairah: 44°C
• Ras Al Khaimah: 43°C
• Liwa: 44°C

Rough seas

While conditions in the Oman Sea are expected to remain relatively calm, the Arabian Gulf is forecast to become moderate to rough, with offshore waves reaching up to six feet.

Residents planning beach trips or marine activities, particularly along the western coastline, are advised to monitor conditions and exercise caution.

Warm and windy week

The latest forecast signals the start of a warmer and windier spell across the UAE, with dusty conditions likely to persist in exposed areas as summer temperatures continue to rise.

Authorities are advising residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours and follow official weather updates throughout the week.