News

Google is updating its terms on July 30: Here’s what users in the UAE need to now

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1 month ago

June 29, 2026

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UAE residents who use Google services, including Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive, Maps, Android and Gemini, will be subject to updated Google Terms of Service from July 30.

The changes won’t dramatically alter how Google’s products work, but they do provide more clarity on how the company uses AI, processes user content and handles account suspensions.

New AI rules

As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply integrated into Google’s products, the company is introducing stricter rules to prevent misuse.

The updated terms prohibit activities such as bypassing AI safety measures, manipulating prompts to produce harmful content or using Google’s AI-generated content to train other AI models. Existing bans on phishing, hacking, malware, fake accounts and deceptive content also remain in place.

You still own content

Google says users retain ownership of everything they upload, including emails, photos, files and videos.

However, users continue to grant Google permission to process that content so its services can function properly, for example, syncing files across devices, enabling sharing, translating content where needed and improving products.

How Google uses your data

The company says it analyses content using automated systems to detect spam, malware and illegal content, while also using it to personalise search results, recommendations and ads.

Publicly shared content, such as Google reviews or apps listed on Google Play, may also be used to promote Google’s services.

When can Google suspend your account?

Your accounts may be suspended if users repeatedly violate its policies or engage in activities such as phishing, hacking, spamming or other actions that pose security or legal risks.

Users who believe their accounts were disabled in error can appeal the decision.

Google says it will generally notify users before making significant changes to its services and, where possible, allow them to export their data through Google Takeout before discontinuing a product or making major changes.

The updated Terms of Service take effect on July 30, 2026.

Related Topics:android Gemini Gmail Google GoogleAI GoogleDrive GooglePhotos GoogleUpdate TechNews TechUpdate UAEnews

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Crime

Dubai sets up new committee to tackle misinformation and fake news

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4 hours ago

August 3, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai is setting up a new committee to combat misinformation and fake news while strengthening clear, transparent communication about the emirate’s achievements.

The move follows a directive from Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

The new Dubai Media Narrative Committee will be chaired by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council.

The committee will shape Dubai’s official media narrative, define key communication priorities for government and private sector entities, and recommend policies and strategies to the Dubai Media Council for approval and implementation.

Sheikh Ahmed said a strong and credible media narrative has become an essential part of Dubai’s development journey, adding that the emirate’s creative and intellectual talent provides a solid foundation for telling Dubai’s story in line with the leadership’s vision.

The initiative aims to ensure accurate communication, counter false information and reinforce public confidence through a unified and transparent approach.

Food

Abu Dhabi to ban junk food from supermarket checkouts and entrances

Published

3 days ago

July 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Shoppers in Abu Dhabi will soon see fewer chocolates, crisps, sugary drinks and other unhealthy snacks at supermarket entrances, checkout counters and other high-visibility locations under a new policy aimed at encouraging healthier eating habits.

From January 1, 2027, supermarkets larger than 4,000 square feet and online grocery platforms will no longer be allowed to prominently display food and drinks classified as high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) under the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre’s SEHHI nutrition classification system.

The initiative, led by Healthy Living in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA) and supported by several government entities, is designed to make healthier choices easier without restricting what people can buy.

Under the new rules, HFSS products cannot be displayed at store entrances, end-of-aisle promotions or checkout areas. Online retailers must also remove these products from homepage promotions, search recommendations, pop-up advertisements and checkout pages.

Authorities stressed that the products are not being banned. They will remain available in their usual aisles, allowing shoppers to purchase them while reducing impulse buying driven by prominent placement.

Officials said the policy is based on behavioural science and international best practices to create shopping environments that naturally encourage healthier decisions.

Retailers across Abu Dhabi are preparing for the changes ahead of the mandatory deadline, with some stores already implementing the new placement standards across their stores in the emirate.

The initiative forms part of Abu Dhabi’s wider preventive health strategy, which focuses on reducing lifestyle-related diseases by embedding healthier choices into everyday life.

Announcements

August fuel rates announced: UAE petrol prices go up

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3 days ago

July 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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UAE motorists will pay more at the pump from Saturday after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel prices for August 2026.

The revised rates, which take effect from August 1, are:

Super 98: Dh3.60 per litre (up from Dh3.40)
Special 95: Dh3.49 per litre (up from Dh3.29)
E-Plus 91: Dh3.41 per litre (up from Dh3.21)
Diesel: Dh3.80 per litre (up from Dh3.60)

The increase reverses July’s price reduction and comes after volatility in global oil markets during the past month.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel prices at the end of each month, with rates determined in line with movements in international oil markets.

The new prices will remain in effect throughout August 2026.