US President Donald Trump is expected to visit the UAE in mid-May as part of a broader Middle East tour that includes Saudi Arabia and Qatar, a trip he says could bring massive investment and job creation to the region.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said he plans to travel to Saudi Arabia “as early as May” to sign a deal that could inject more than $1 trillion into the US economy, including major purchases of military equipment. He added that similar agreements could be signed in the UAE and Qatar.

“Tremendous jobs will be created in those two or three days,” Trump said, without revealing specific details of the investment plans.

Sources briefed on the visit say the trip is tentatively scheduled for mid-May, marking Trump’s first foreign visit since returning to the White House. Like his 2017 tour, which also began in Saudi Arabia, the trip is expected to underscore the administration’s push for economic diplomacy in the Gulf region.

In the UAE, expectations are high that the visit could open the door to large-scale trade, infrastructure, and technology investments, sectors that align with the country’s ongoing push to diversify its economy and create new employment opportunities.

Beyond economic deals, the visit may also involve high-level discussions on key geopolitical issues, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Trump is also expected to continue efforts to expand the Abraham Accords.

A White House official confirmed that the international trip is under active consideration, noting: “We don’t yet have a specific plan, and we will provide that information when it is official.”

As anticipation builds, all eyes in the UAE will be on the potential economic ripple effect of Trump’s visit, especially if it delivers on promises of job growth and international investment.

(Source: Reuters)

Dubai International Airport is rolling out a new fast-track service that allows passengers to breeze through passport control without stopping for traditional identity checks. The service, launched at the First and Business Class lounges in Terminal 3, uses cutting-edge AI and facial recognition technology to streamline the immigration process.

Here’s how it works

Passengers who opt for the ‘Unlimited Smart Travel’ service will have their identity verified using pre-registered facial data, allowing them to skip document checks altogether. Cameras in the lounge capture their faces from various angles, quickly confirming their identity as they walk through. The system can process up to 10 passengers simultaneously, meaning much faster passage through the gates.

The initiative builds on the success of the Smart Tunnel system, first introduced in 2020, which allowed passengers to complete passport control in seconds. With this new upgrade, the process is even more efficient, cutting wait times and enhancing the overall travel experience.

Hi-tech features

Currently, the service is available only for departing passengers, but plans are in place to expand it to arriving travellers in the future. All passengers need to do is register once, and their facial data is saved for future use, making each trip quicker and easier.

With the number of travellers expected to rise, this innovation is designed to keep things running smoothly, improving both speed and customer satisfaction. It’s a significant step toward making Dubai International Airport one of the most tech-forward and efficient airports in the world.

The UAE experienced hot and sunny weather on Wednesday, April 23, with temperatures rising across all emirates.

In Dubai, the temperature reached 38°C, with clear skies and plenty of sunshine throughout the day. Residents are advised not to venture out in the sun during peak hours and opt for shaded areas or cooled public spaces during the day.

Abu Dhabi saw similar conditions, hitting 37°C. Authorities reminded people to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.

Fujairah recorded a high of 33°C. While it was still hot, the eastern city felt slightly cooler due to the sea breeze from the Gulf of Oman.

Ras Al Khaimah and other northern emirates also reported temperatures around 38°C to 40°C.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts a slight drop in temperatures tomorrow, with similar sunny conditions expected across the country.