Urban transformation is underway in Khorfakkan, as the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has begun demolition work on the southern entrance bridge to the city, marking the first step in a wider redevelopment plan.

The move comes as part of preparations for the upcoming Khorfakkan University Tower, a project expected to become a new architectural landmark and a defining feature of the city’s skyline.

For residents and expats living in Sharjah’s east coast hub, the development signals a shift towards a more modern and visually striking urban environment, while still maintaining the coastal charm that makes Khorfakkan a popular weekend escape.

According to authorities, the tower is one of several ongoing projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life, improving infrastructure, and elevating the overall visitor experience. The redevelopment aligns with Sharjah’s long-term vision of creating sustainable, well-connected urban spaces across the emirate.

Khorfakkan, known for its scenic beaches and mountainous backdrop, has increasingly become a focal point for development in recent years. Projects like the University Tower are expected to further position the city as both a lifestyle destination and a growing residential hub for UAE residents seeking a quieter alternative to larger cities.

While the demolition may temporarily affect traffic flow in the area, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for the city.

Residents across the UAE can expect a warm and slightly hazy few days ahead, as the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts fair to partly cloudy skies, rising temperatures, and dusty winds continuing through the weekend.

According to the latest update, Wednesday’s weather will bring light to moderate winds, occasionally picking up and causing blowing dust. Temperatures are set to climb, with highs reaching up to 44°C, a reminder that summer conditions are fast approaching.

For many expats adjusting to seasonal changes in the UAE, this period often signals the shift towards hotter, more indoor-focused routines, whether that’s planning early morning outings or opting for evening gatherings instead.

The NCM attributes the current conditions to weak surface pressure systems combined with an upper-level high-pressure extension, contributing to stable but warmer weather across the country.

Looking ahead to Thursday and Friday, similar conditions are expected, with north-easterly to north-westerly winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h. These winds may continue to stir up dust, reducing visibility at times, especially in exposed areas.

Sea conditions will also vary over the coming days. The Arabian Gulf is expected to be slight to moderate, turning rough at times offshore, while the Oman Sea will remain mostly slight, with occasional moderate conditions.

As the weekend approaches, Saturday and Sunday will remain generally fair, though dusty conditions are likely to persist. Sea states will continue to fluctuate, ranging from slight to moderate, with intermittent rough conditions offshore.

For residents planning beach trips or outdoor activities, it may be worth keeping an eye on updates and choosing calmer periods, particularly in the mornings or later evenings.

In a major shift for global energy markets, the UAE has announced plans to exit OPEC and the OPEC+ alliance, effective May 1, 2026.

The move signals a bold step in the UAE’s long-term strategy, as it looks to gain greater control over its production policy and respond more flexibly to changing global demand.

Officials said the decision follows a comprehensive review of the country’s energy capacity and future outlook, with a focus on national interest and the ability to meet market needs more efficiently.

Despite ongoing geopolitical pressures, including supply concerns, global energy demand is expected to remain strong in the years ahead. The UAE says it is positioning itself to meet that demand with a balance of reliability, affordability, and sustainability.

The country, which first joined OPEC in 1967 through Abu Dhabi, has long played a key role in stabilising oil markets. Officials described the exit not as a break, but as an ‘evolution’,  one that allows the UAE to act more independently while still supporting global market stability.

Positioning itself as a reliable energy partner, the UAE said it will continue supplying some of the world’s most cost-competitive and lower-carbon oil, while gradually adjusting production in line with demand.

At the same time, the country is doubling down on investments across the energy spectrum, from oil and gas to renewables and low-carbon technologies, as part of a broader push toward long-term resilience and economic diversification.

Source: WAM