Delivery and courier companies in the UAE are set to benefit from a new support package aimed at keeping services running smoothly and easing cost pressures, according to the Postal Sector Regulatory Committee.

The measures target firms in the courier, express and parcels (CEP) sector, which plays a key role in supporting e-commerce and everyday deliveries across the country.

Under the new plan, companies will be allowed to defer all regulatory fees for the first quarter of 2026 to the second quarter, along with a waiver of penalties linked to that period.

Officials say the move is designed to improve cash flow, reduce financial strain, and ensure uninterrupted delivery services, particularly at a time when operators are dealing with rising costs, shipment delays, and growing demand.

For residents and expats, the decision helps support the reliability of delivery services, from online shopping to essential shipments, at a time when demand continues to rise.

The CEP sector remains a backbone of the UAE’s e-commerce ecosystem, enabling faster and more flexible deliveries for businesses and consumers alike.

The UAE is entering a weather transition period this May, with temperatures gradually rising as the country moves from spring towards summer, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

Longer daylight hours and the sun’s northward movement mean warmer conditions across most parts of the country, with average temperatures expected to climb steadily through the month.

While the heat builds, shifting weather systems may still bring occasional cloud cover and slight chances of rain, particularly when influenced by upper-level atmospheric conditions.

Humidity is expected to ease slightly compared to April, especially in the second half of May. However, early morning fog or mist may still occur in some areas during the first half of the month before gradually decreasing.

Hotter days ahead

For residents and expats, May marks the start of hotter days and fewer cool mornings, with weather becoming more stable as summer approaches. It’s also a time when conditions can briefly vary, with occasional clouds or reduced visibility in the mornings.

May weather outlook

• Average temperature: 30.6°C to 33.6°C
• Average highs: 37.3°C to 40.7°C
• Average lows: 24.3°C to 26.8°C
• Record high: 51.6°C in Sweihan (2025)
• Record low: 9.0°C in Jebel Jais (2005)
• Average wind speed: 13 km/h
• Strongest recorded winds: 117.2 km/h at Jabal Mebreh
• Average humidity: 39%
• Fog patterns: More common early in the month, decreasing later
• Highest recorded rainfall: 134.4 mm in Al Fali (1981)

Some of Dubai’s busiest malls are set to introduce AI-powered parking enforcement to address the misuse of spaces reserved for People of Determination (PoD).

Parkin Company has signed a multi-year agreement with Emaar Properties to roll out the system across Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall and Dubai Marina Mall.

The move aims to protect dedicated parking bays, improve compliance, and ease congestion at high-traffic retail destinations frequently visited by residents and tourists.

How the tech works

The system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to monitor vehicles entering PoD-designated spaces.

Number plates are scanned and checked against valid permits. If no permit is found, the case is flagged for review at a central control centre. Drivers may face penalties, although a short grace period will allow time to move vehicles in case of mistakes.

On-ground inspections will continue alongside the new technology to ensure compliance with parking rules.

At Dubai Mall, parking systems are already integrated with Salik Company technology, including ticketless entry, number plate recognition, and automatic fee collection.

Stricter parking rules

For shoppers and mall visitors, the change means stricter enforcement of PoD parking rules to ensure these spaces remain available for those who genuinely need them.

It also signals a wider shift towards smart city solutions in Dubai, where AI is increasingly used to improve everyday services, from traffic flow to parking management, while enhancing accessibility and fairness.