The UAE has confirmed it is fully prepared to deal with any potential developments related to hantavirus and other public health threats, as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and the Ministry of Health and Prevention said the country’s health surveillance systems, precautionary measures and emergency response plans remain fully active.

The update came during a meeting of the National Team for the Management of Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Related to Human Epidemics, where officials reviewed preparedness measures and coordination efforts with local and international partners.

UAE monitoring situation closely

Authorities said healthcare facilities and medical teams across the UAE are ready to respond if needed, while precautionary monitoring systems continue operating as part of the country’s proactive public health strategy.

Officials also urged residents to rely only on official information sources and avoid circulating misleading or inaccurate reports online.

WHO says hantavirus poses low risk

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified hantavirus as a low-risk disease in terms of global spread.

According to them, human-to-human transmission remains very limited, with most infections linked to exposure to rodents or contaminated environments.

The organisation added that current assessments do not indicate any risk of a potential pandemic.

What is hantavirus?

Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses primarily spread through contact with infected rodents, their urine, droppings or saliva.

Symptoms can vary depending on the strain but may include fever, fatigue, muscle aches and respiratory complications in severe cases.

Dubai residents will have the chance to take part in a traditional moon sighting event this weekend as authorities prepare to confirm the start of Dhu Al Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar and the lead-up to Eid Al Adha.The

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department announced it will host a public moon-sighting event on May 17 at Jebel Nazwa Trail, with observations beginning at 5pm.

The sighting of the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent will determine the official start of the Hijri month and confirm the dates for Eid Al Adha in the UAE.

Eid Al Adha holiday dates expected soon

If the crescent moon is sighted on the evening of Sunday, May 17, then Dhu Al Hijjah will begin on Monday, May 18.

Astronomers say this is currently the most likely scenario, which could also pave the way for a six-day Eid Al Adha holiday in the UAE.

The UAE’s official moon sighting committee will announce the final decision shortly after sunset, following observations from accredited observatories, field teams and public testimonies across the country.

Why the moon sighting matters

The Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles rather than the solar-based Gregorian calendar, meaning the start of each month depends on the visibility of the crescent moon.

Sunday, May 17, marks the 29th day of Dhu Al Qa’dah, the 11th month in the Hijri calendar. The next month, Dhu Al Hijjah, includes the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid Al Adha celebrations observed by Muslims worldwide.

Authorities have urged members of the public to participate in the event and experience one of Islam’s long-standing traditions firsthand.

Getting around Dubai just became easier and cheaper for commuters in some of the city’s busiest neighbourhoods.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its popular Bus On Demand service to four new areas: Al Qusais, JVC, Al Warqa’a and Dubai Investments Park.

Even better, the service is currently being offered free of charge in the newly added zones as part of the latest rollout.

The app-based service allows residents to book small shared buses directly from their location to their destination, offering a flexible alternative to traditional public transport.

How Dubai Bus On Demand works

Using the Bus On Demand app, passengers can request a ride similar to booking a taxi, but at a much lower fare. The buses can carry up to 13 passengers and operate without fixed bus stops inside service zones.

The service now covers 15 Dubai neighbourhoods, including:

• Al Barsha 1, 2 and 3
• Al Karama
• Al Mankhool
• Al Nahda
• Al Qusais
• Al Rigga
• Al Warqa’a
• Barsha Heights
• Business Bay
• DIFC
• Dubai Academic City
• Downtown Dubai
• Dubai Investments Park
• Dubai Silicon Oasis
• Jumeirah Village Circle
• Oud Metha
• Port Saeed

Timings and fares

The service operates:

• Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 5am to midnight
• Friday: 5am to 1am
• Sunday: 8am to midnight

Standard fares are:

• Dhs5 per trip
• Dhs4 for additional passengers on the same booking
• Dhs7 for interzone travel
• Dhs2 within Business Bay

Interzone routes available

Passengers can also travel between selected neighbouring areas through six interzone routes:

• Al Barsha – Barsha Heights
• Al Rigga – Port Saeed
• Al Karama – Oud Metha
• Al Karama – Al Mankhool
• Business Bay – Downtown Dubai
• Dubai Silicon Oasis – Dubai Academic City