News

UAE weather update: What to expect from now through the weekend

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3 months ago

April 29, 2026

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Residents across the UAE can expect a warm and slightly hazy few days ahead, as the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts fair to partly cloudy skies, rising temperatures, and dusty winds continuing through the weekend.

According to the latest update, Wednesday’s weather will bring light to moderate winds, occasionally picking up and causing blowing dust. Temperatures are set to climb, with highs reaching up to 44°C, a reminder that summer conditions are fast approaching.

For many expats adjusting to seasonal changes in the UAE, this period often signals the shift towards hotter, more indoor-focused routines, whether that’s planning early morning outings or opting for evening gatherings instead.

The NCM attributes the current conditions to weak surface pressure systems combined with an upper-level high-pressure extension, contributing to stable but warmer weather across the country.

Looking ahead to Thursday and Friday, similar conditions are expected, with north-easterly to north-westerly winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h. These winds may continue to stir up dust, reducing visibility at times, especially in exposed areas.

Sea conditions will also vary over the coming days. The Arabian Gulf is expected to be slight to moderate, turning rough at times offshore, while the Oman Sea will remain mostly slight, with occasional moderate conditions.

As the weekend approaches, Saturday and Sunday will remain generally fair, though dusty conditions are likely to persist. Sea states will continue to fluctuate, ranging from slight to moderate, with intermittent rough conditions offshore.

For residents planning beach trips or outdoor activities, it may be worth keeping an eye on updates and choosing calmer periods, particularly in the mornings or later evenings.

Related Topics:AbuDhabiWeather dubaiweather DustyWeather GulfWeather UAEHeat UAELife UAEnews uaeweather WeatherUpdate weekendweather

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

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5 hours ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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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

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6 hours ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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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

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12 hours ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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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.