News

UAE weather alert: More summer showers expected as dust and strong winds persist

Published

1 week ago

July 30, 2026

Spread the love

The UAE is set for more unsettled summer weather over the coming days, with afternoon rain expected in parts of the country even as temperatures continue to climb above 40°C.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), convective clouds are forecast to develop daily from Friday through Monday, August 3, bringing a chance of showers, particularly over eastern and southern areas of the UAE.

Where is rain expected?

The highest chance of rainfall is expected across eastern and southern parts of the country, including areas around Fujairah, the east coast of Sharjah and parts of Abu Dhabi’s interior. Elsewhere, skies will remain fair to partly cloudy.

The weather is being driven by a surface low-pressure system extending from the east, supported by an upper-air low-pressure system that is creating favourable conditions for cloud formation.

Hot days, stormy afternoons

Despite the rain forecast, temperatures will remain high:

Inland: 43°C to 48°C
Coastal areas: 38°C to 44°C
Mountains: 30°C to 38°C

Winds will be light to moderate but could strengthen to 45km/h at times, especially around developing storm clouds, raising dust and reducing visibility in exposed areas.

Sea conditions are expected to remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

Day-by-day forecast

Friday: Afternoon clouds over eastern and southern regions with a chance of rain. Winds up to 40km/h.
Saturday: Fair to partly cloudy with afternoon showers possible in the east and south.
Sunday: Similar conditions, with another chance of convective rain in eastern and southern areas.
Monday: Unsettled weather continues, with rain possible and stronger winds likely to kick up dust.

El Nino expected to strengthen

The wet spell comes as the NCM says there is a 98% probability of moderate El Nino conditions persisting between July and November 2026.

Looking ahead, the NCM expects both temperatures and rainfall across the UAE to remain near to above seasonal averages through the second half of the year.

Announcements

Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

Published

1 day ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

News

UAE public holiday announced: 3-day weekend coming up on August 28

Published

1 day ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Planning your next long weekend? The UAE has confirmed Friday, August 28, as a public holiday for employees in both the public and private sectors.

The holiday commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday, an occasion included among the UAE’s official public holidays. As the date follows the Islamic calendar, the timing changes from year to year.

A three-day break for many residents

With the holiday falling on a Friday, employees who follow a Monday-to-Friday working week can enjoy three days off:

Friday, August 28: Public holiday
Saturday, August 29: Weekend
Sunday, August 30: Weekend

That means residents can make the most of the break with a short trip, a staycation or a relaxed weekend at home.

Another UAE holiday is coming

The next major public holiday on the UAE calendar will be Eid Al Etihad, with celebrations and the official holiday scheduled for December 2 and 3.

News

What the UAE’s new vape excise price means for consumers and retailers

Published

2 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

The UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced a new rule that sets a minimum excise price for liquids used in electronic smoking devices.

Beginning September 1, vaping liquids will be subject to a minimum excise price of AED 1 per millilitre.

The ministry confirmed that the existing minimum excise prices for cigarettes, water pipe tobacco (shisha), and other tobacco products will remain unchanged.

According to the ministry, the decision aims to improve tax compliance, respond to developments in the tobacco and vaping industry, and create a more consistent pricing framework across tobacco and electronic smoking products.

The UAE will also continue applying its 100% excise tax on all tobacco products covered under the country’s excise tax regulations.