The UAE has confirmed that no Ebola infections have been recorded within the country, reassuring residents after reports emerged about a traveller who was diagnosed with the virus days after leaving the Emirates.

According to the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), the UAE’s health system remains on high alert with robust disease surveillance and response mechanisms in place to monitor global health developments and emerging infectious threats.

Officials explained that the individual in question had travelled through the UAE before later testing positive for Ebola upon arrival in Uganda. The ministry noted that the traveller did not seek medical treatment or visit any healthcare facility during their stay in the Emirates.

MoHAP emphasised that there is currently no public health risk within the UAE and confirmed that no Ebola cases have been detected nationwide.

Health authorities said they are maintaining close coordination with international partners, including the WHO, to track developments and evaluate any potential risks related to the situation.

As part of the country’s precautionary public health strategy, relevant authorities have already implemented established response measures, including risk assessments, contact tracing procedures and preventive protocols aligned with national guidelines and international best practices.

The ministry reiterated that the UAE’s disease monitoring systems remain highly effective and capable of responding rapidly to any potential health concerns.

Residents were also urged to rely on official announcements for accurate information and avoid spreading rumours or unverified reports on social media and messaging platforms.

Authorities stressed that public awareness, transparency and preparedness remain key pillars of the UAE’s approach to safeguarding community health and wellbeing.

A serious traffic accident in Dubai’s Majan area has prompted Dubai Police to renew warnings against driving in the wrong direction, a violation authorities say continues to pose a major threat to road safety.

The incident involved a motorcycle and a vehicle on an internal road. Initial findings indicate the motorcyclist was travelling against the flow of traffic before the collision occurred. The rider sustained severe injuries and was transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said wrong-way driving remains among the most dangerous traffic violations and is frequently linked to fatal road accidents.

Emergency response teams and traffic patrols were dispatched immediately after authorities received reports of the crash, ensuring swift assistance at the scene.

Dubai Police highlighted that driving against traffic dramatically increases the likelihood of head-on collisions, placing motorists, motorcyclists and pedestrians at serious risk. The violation can also disrupt traffic movement, cause extensive property damage and result in tragic loss of life.

Authorities urged all road users to remain in designated lanes, follow road signs and strictly adhere to traffic regulations to help maintain safer roads across the emirate.

Drivers caught travelling against traffic face a Dh600 fine, four black points and a seven-day vehicle impoundment. In certain cases, an additional Dh500 penalty may be imposed under Article 98 of the Traffic Law for causing traffic obstruction.

Dubai Police will continue to intensify awareness campaigns and enforcement measures aimed at reducing dangerous violations and enhancing community safety.

The UAE has officially declared Monday, June 15, 2026, a public holiday for both public and private sector employees to mark the Islamic New Year 1448.

The announcement was made by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, confirming a paid day off for workers across the country.

Normal working hours will resume on Tuesday, June 16.

As the holiday falls on a Monday, most employees who enjoy a Saturday-Sunday weekend will benefit from a three-day break.

For government employees in Sharjah, the holiday will create an even longer weekend. With the emirate’s four-day workweek already providing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays off, the additional Monday holiday means a four-day break.

The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar. It falls on the first day of Muharram, the opening month of the Hijri calendar, and is traditionally confirmed through official moon-sighting procedures.

The occasion is one of the UAE’s official public holidays and is observed by both government entities and private sector companies.

The announcement comes shortly after residents enjoyed the longest holiday period of the year during Eid Al Adha.

Earlier this month, government employees benefited from an extended nine-day break, while many private sector workers received up to six days off.

With June 15 now confirmed as a public holiday, UAE residents have another long weekend to look forward to before the summer holiday season gets underway.