Filling up in the UAE is about to get more expensive, with petrol and diesel prices rising across all categories from October 1.

UAE motorists are set to feel another pinch at the pump this month after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel rates for October 2026.

The increase means drivers will pay more per litre across every petrol category, while diesel prices have also moved higher.

Fuel prices for October

The new rates will take effect from Thursday, October 1. Here’s what motorists will pay:

Super 98: Dh4.40 per litre
Special 95: Dh4.28 per litre
E-Plus 91: Dh4.21 per litre
Diesel: Dh4.80 per litre

That means Super 98 rises by 60 fils per litre, while Special 95 and E-Plus 91 increase by 59 and 60 fils respectively. Diesel is up by 50 fils per litre.

How much more will a full tank cost?

For motorists, the increase could quickly add up over the course of a month.

For example, filling a 50-litre tank with Super 98 will cost Dh220 in October, compared with Dh190 in September, a difference of Dh30 per fill-up.

A 50-litre tank of Special 95 will cost Dh214, compared with Dh184.50 previously.

For E-Plus 91, the same tank will cost Dh210.50, up from Dh180.50.

Diesel drivers filling 50 litres will pay Dh240, compared with Dh215 in September.

Why are fuel prices changing?

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel rates at the end of each month, with prices linked to movements in global energy markets.

UAE fuel prices have experienced notable fluctuations this year. Rates fell in July after several consecutive monthly increases, before moving higher again in August and September.

The latest increase comes amid continued volatility in global and regional energy markets.

What does this increase mean for household budgets?

For people who drive every day, higher fuel prices can have an effect beyond the cost of a single trip to the petrol station.

Commuters, families and businesses that rely heavily on road travel may see their monthly transport expenses rise, particularly if they fill up frequently.

Even a relatively small increase per litre can become more noticeable when multiplied across several refuelling trips over the month.

Flying cars could soon be tested in the deserts of Ras Al Khaimah, under a new agreement between the emirate and Chinese aircraft manufacturer Aridge.

The partnership also includes plans for a demonstration flight route connecting Ras Al Khaimah with Abu Dhabi, as authorities explore the potential of low-altitude air transport between the UAE’s emirates.

Signed on Friday under the oversight of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, the agreement will establish a regulatory sandbox in Ras Al Khaimah. Such sandboxes allow new technologies to be tested in controlled conditions while regulators develop safety requirements and operating procedures.

The trials will be conducted through the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), with Aridge expected to assess its aircraft in desert environments and across a range of operational scenarios.

The programme will also examine how flying-car services could be integrated into existing transport systems, including flight planning, airspace coordination, ground operations, passenger handling and emergency procedures.

A possible Abu Dhabi–Ras Al Khaimah route

The proposed demonstration route between Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah is intended to explore what would be required for future inter-emirate air mobility services.

The two emirates are currently around a 90-minute drive apart. However, the planned flight would initially be a demonstration rather than a commercial passenger service. Any future operation would depend on the outcome of testing, regulatory approval and the development of supporting infrastructure.

Aridge’s involvement follows a demonstration of its modular flying car, known as the Land Aircraft Carrier, at a reception held at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The event was hosted by the Chinese Embassy and attended by Chinese Ambassador Zeng Jixin, along with UAE government officials and business representatives.

The company has described the agreement as a significant step in its regional expansion. It is also being presented as the first entry by a Chinese flying-car company into a national-level regulatory sandbox in the Middle East.

Ras Al Khaimah’s Ruler, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, said the partnership reflected the emirate’s efforts to use technology to support economic development and improve quality of life.

For now, the project remains focused on testing. But if the trials progress, the initiative could offer an early look at how flying cars might become part of the UAE’s future transport network.

Meta has launched Meta One, a subscription service bringing premium features across Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and Meta AI, with plans in the UAE starting at Dh22.99 a month.

The service is part of the technology company’s wider push into paid products, combining enhanced artificial intelligence tools, creative features and professional services for creators and businesses.

Meta said the core versions of its apps and Meta AI would remain free, while subscribers would receive higher usage limits and access to additional features.

The company said Meta One launches with more than 50 features. It follows the introduction of individual subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, which Meta said have attracted more than 15 million subscriptions and trials.

More AI tools and creative features

Meta One’s individual plans, Core and Premium, offer greater access to AI-powered image generation, video creation using Meta’s Muse models, image editing, Instagram’s Restyle tools and voice effects.

Meta said its AI assistant would continue to be available for everyday use without a subscription. The paid plans are aimed at users who want more intensive access to AI-powered creative tools.

Early testing found that more than half of bundle subscribers used both AI and creative-expression features, according to Meta. Instagram Restyle and voice effects were among the features most frequently cited as reasons for subscribing.

The new bundles also include features available through the company’s individual app subscriptions.

Instagram Plus has added custom fonts for direct messages and Stories, notifications for specific Story viewers and DM previews. Facebook Plus includes Messenger customisation, expanded Reels insights and super reactions across Reels and Feed posts.

WhatsApp Plus is expected to test chat and media backup storage, as well as Focus Schedules, which allow users to mute or hide chats at set times.

Business and creator plans

Meta One also includes subscription tiers aimed at creators and businesses, offering professional profile tools, AI-powered customer engagement and expanded analytics.

Business subscribers can access enhanced profiles displaying details such as websites, locations and customer reviews. Other features include a prominent follow button on Reels and automated follow invitations for users who interact with content.

Businesses will also receive expanded access to Meta Business Agent, Meta’s AI-powered tool for handling customer queries around the clock on WhatsApp.

Higher-tier plans add features such as Story scheduling, exportable analytics, deeper audience insights, collaborative account management and expanded business messaging capabilities.

Meta said it plans to introduce further benefits over time, including Edits Plus, which is expected to offer additional cloud storage for syncing projects across devices and greater access to an upcoming assistant that can analyse Instagram insights and generate content ideas.

The company also plans to extend Meta One benefits to other products, including its Edits video-editing app and AI-powered smart glasses.

Meta One UAE pricing

Meta said Meta One plans are available globally, although features, pricing and availability may vary by region, app and account.

The UAE pricing announced for the service is:

Individual app subscriptions

• Instagram Plus: Dh7.99 a month
• WhatsApp Plus: Dh5.99 a month
• Facebook Plus: Dh7.99 a month

Meta One individual bundles

• Core: Dh22.99 a month
• Premium: Dh76.99 a month

Creator and business bundles

• Essential: From Dh46.99 a month
• Advanced: From Dh119 a month
• Expert: From Dh359 a month
• Max: Up to Dh1,199 a month

The company said the subscription options are designed to give users more choice, while keeping its main social media services accessible without payment.