Football fans in Dubai could be in for a big night this weekend as Cristiano Ronaldo and his Riyadh-based club, Al Nassr, prepare to take on Al Wasl in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals.

The match will be played at Zabeel Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm. The fixture was earlier postponed by the Asian Football Confederation and is now finally set to take place.

Back from injury

The main question on everyone’s mind is whether Ronaldo will feature. The Portuguese star has recently returned from injury and is in good form, scoring three goals in his last two matches. However, he has played only once in this competition so far, with the club managing his workload and focusing on the Saudi Pro League title race.

There are signs that this could change. With Ronaldo regaining fitness and the season entering a crucial phase, this match could offer him a chance to build rhythm and match sharpness. While his participation is not confirmed, fans remain hopeful.

Even if Ronaldo does not play, the match still promises top-level action. Players like João Felix and Sadio Mane are expected to feature, bringing quality and experience to the pitch.

Officials say the game is likely to draw a strong crowd, with or without Ronaldo. For Dubai, it is set to be a major football evening.

The UAE Ministry of Education has just announced the news that all parents and students have been waiting for. Schools across the country are set to open on Monday, April, 20.

After more than a month of distance learning, nurseries, schools, and universities are reopening. Sharjah teaching staff are already back on campus getting things ready, and word from Dubai principals is that parents are happy with the announcement.

What’s the plan?

• Safety first: Authorities are doing a full preparedness programme, including operational checks and staff training to make sure everything is in order.
• Field checks: Regulators are on the ground conducting evaluation visits to ensure the transition is smooth.
• Flexibility: There’s a new framework in place to switch between in-person and remote learning if things change, so the joy of learning will never stop.

In another announcement, the Ministry of Education has announced that universities across the country will also resume in-person learning from Monday, April 20.

Distance learning first kicked off on March 2 after things got tense regionally. It was only supposed to be for a few days, but with the situation still tense, the spring break was brought forward, and remote learning kept getting extended to keep everyone safe.

With the situation now stabilising, students and parents are expressing relief and happiness as schools reopen. The return to in-person learning marks an important step toward normalcy.

If your drive home felt a little smoother today, you aren’t imagining it. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) just wrapped up a massive 13km road enhancement project across 18 different Dubai neighbourhoods.

We’re talking new pavement, better street lighting, and smarter roadside parking, all designed to make your daily point A to point B a whole lot easier.

40% faster journeys

The Director of Roads at RTA, Hamad Al Shehhi, confirmed that these upgrades aren’t just about looks. By paving previously unpaved sections and tightening up the road networks, the RTA has managed to slash journey times by up to 40% in these areas.

Is your neighbourhood on this list?

The project was rolled out in phases to cover a massive chunk of the city. Here are the 18 residential areas that just got a major makeover:

• North & East: Al Khawaneej 1, Al Mizhar 1 & 2, Al Twar 1, Al Rashidiya, Mirdif, and Muhaisnah 1.
• Central: Jumeirah 1, Al Satwa, Al Hudaiba, Zaabeel 1, and Nad Shamma.
• South & Industrial: Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha South 1, Al Quoz 1 and 3, Umm Suqeim 1, and Umm Ramool.

More than just asphalt

This project was a full glow-up for local streets. Aside from the new roads, the RTA added:

• Provision of roadside parking (no more circling the block!).
• New pavements for a more pedestrian-friendly vibe.
• Upgraded street lighting to keep things safe after sunset.

With all the latest upgrades, Dubai wants to make city life better for citizens as it grows.