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.

Abu Dhabi has introduced a new set of regulations through the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) to strengthen oversight of the property market and protect investor interests. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s changing and why it matters.

What are these new decisions about?

The rules are part of updates to the emirate’s real estate law and aim to:

• Improve transparency
• Protect buyers’ money
• Reduce disputes
• Create a more investor-friendly market

They are being implemented with oversight from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.

Stricter rules for escrow accounts

Developers often use escrow accounts to fund construction.

What’s new?

• Withdrawals before 20% project completion are now tightly regulated
• Developers must provide bank guarantees and approved cost plans

Why it matters:
This ensures buyers’ money is not misused and projects stay financially secure.

Clearer rules for jointly owned properties

This applies to buildings, communities, and shared facilities.

What’s new?

• Defined roles for owners, developers, and property managers
• Standardised management of common areas

Why it matters:
Better maintenance, fewer disputes, and clearer accountability.

Owners’ committees get a unified framework

Owners’ committees help manage residential communities.

What’s new?

• Standard bylaws across Abu Dhabi
• Clear rules on how committees are formed and operate

Why it matters:
More organised community management and stronger owner participation.

Compensation and refunds made clearer

Covers situations where:

• Buyers default on payments
• Projects are cancelled and units resold

What’s new?

• Defined compensation percentages for developers
• Clear timelines and procedures for buyer refunds

Why it matters:
Creates a fair balance between developers and buyers while speeding up dispute resolution.

These changes aim to:

• Boost investor confidence
• Strengthen market transparency
• Align Abu Dhabi with global real estate standards

In short, the new framework is designed to make the property market safer, clearer, and more efficient for everyone involved, from first-time buyers to large-scale investors.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is reinforcing stricter rules for car rentals across the emirate, and it’s good news for both residents and tourists.

At the heart of this move is a mandatory unified contract that all rental companies must follow. This contract standardises how rental agreements work, clearly laying out the rights and responsibilities of both renters and rental offices in a transparent way.

“We have also organised a series of awareness workshops for companies operating in the car rental sector across the emirate to familiarise them with the contract’s provisions, obligations, and implementation procedures,” said Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the Licensing Agency at RTA.

What this means for drivers

• Same rules everywhere
  Whether you rent from a big brand or a small office, the same contract applies across Dubai, no more confusing or inconsistent terms.
• Stronger consumer protection
  The contract ensures:
  • No hidden fees (like surprise toll charges)
  • No unfair charges during accident repairs
  • Mandatory refund of your security deposit within a set timeframe
• Digital and secure process
  Rentals are handled through the Transport Activities Rental System (TARS), with:
  • Identity verification
  • OTP-based digital signatures
  • Secure, automated contracts
• Proof of vehicle condition
  Photos are taken at pickup and return, protecting you from disputes over damage.
• Better awareness for renters
  The system is designed to reduce complaints and help users, especially tourists, fully understand their rights before signing.

This move aligns with Dubai’s push to enhance trust and transparency in services, reinforcing its reputation as a well-regulated, customer-friendly destination.