The UAE U19 team recorded a thrilling two-wicket win over Sri Lanka U19 in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup U19 match at the ICC Academy Oval on Monday evening, the teenagers joy doubled when they were greeted by legendary Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar right after their incredible win over the cricketing powerhouse.
Shoaib visited the ICC Academy Oval as part of his special visit to Dubai. The fastest bowler in cricket history with peak bowling speeds of more than 160kph, has been signed up by the DP World ILT20 as the League Ambassador for Season 2.
Shoaib congratulated the UAE boys on their exciting victory and lauded the team spirit and camaraderie. The pacer who made 224 international appearances for Pakistan stressed on the importance of hard work, determination and a never-say-die attitude in order to achieve success at the international level.
Shoaib later spoke to the media on the contributions of DP World ILT20 for UAE cricket and the future of the game in the country.
“I want to congratulate the young guns of UAE for their impressive performance today. I am thrilled to see their passion for the game and how they overcame a bigger opponent while holding their nerve in the final stages of the match.
“The Emirates Cricket Board has done some stellar work for cricket in the UAE in recent years. I am delighted to come onboard as the League Ambassador for the DP World ILT20. The tournament is all about developing the game further in the UAE and providing exposure to the players in the country. The presence of some world-class T20 players in all six sides further proves the league’s standing.
“I have no doubt that the DP World ILT20 is already one of the top leagues in the world and will grow further in stature in the years ahead. I am really excited about Season 2 and look forward to some great on-field entertainment. I want to request the fans in the UAE and from around the world to support the tournament and attend the matches in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.”
UAE motorists won’t have long to wait to find out whether fuel prices will increase in August, with the Fuel Price Committee set to announce the new rates on Thursday, July 31.
The revised petrol and diesel prices will take effect from August 1.
Will fuel prices go up?
After a welcome price cut in July, the outlook for August is less certain.
Global oil prices initially fell below $70 a barrel earlier this month, raising hopes of another reduction. However, prices have since rebounded sharply, clouding the picture for motorists.
Brent crude briefly climbed above $100 a barrel, while US benchmark WTI rose to nearly us$92. Abu Dhabi’s Murban crude also surged past us$105, reflecting renewed strength in global energy markets.
Because UAE fuel prices are based on average international oil prices over the month, the late-July rally could limit or even reverse last month’s cuts.
Current UAE fuel prices
Motorists are currently paying:
Super 98: Dh3.40 per litre
Special 95: Dh3.29 per litre
E-Plus 91: Dh3.21 per litre
Diesel: Dh3.60 per litre
These rates were introduced in July after global oil prices eased earlier in the summer.
How UAE fuel prices are set
The UAE reviews petrol and diesel prices every month based on average global crude oil and refined fuel prices.
The August rates will be announced on July 31 through official government channels and will come into effect the following day.
Abu Dhabi Police are urging motorists to switch off their engines and take their keys whenever leaving their vehicles, warning that even brief stops can increase the risk of theft, fires and other safety hazards.
The advisory applies to drivers stopping at shops, petrol stations, ATMs or mosques, where some motorists continue to leave vehicles unattended with the engine running.
Police said leaving a running vehicle unattended creates an opportunity for theft and could also lead to mechanical problems or fire-related incidents.
Motorists were also reminded never to leave children, especially infants, inside a running vehicle, describing the practice as a serious threat to their safety.
Traffic laws
Abu Dhabi Police also highlighted that UAE traffic laws prohibit leaving an unattended vehicle with its engine running.
Drivers who fail to comply with traffic rules and official instructions can face a Dh500fine under the Federal Traffic Law.
Authorities urged motorists to adopt safe habits by turning off the engine, removing the key and locking the vehicle every time they step away, no matter how briefly.
Passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) can now check if they’re eligible to use Smart Gates before reaching passport control.
Dubai Airports has introduced the new Smart Gates Pre-Eligibility Verification service in partnership with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to make immigration faster and reduce waiting times.
How it works
Every improvement at @DXB is designed around the objective of making the journey through the #airport more seamless for our guests.
Developed in collaboration with @GDRFADUBAI, the new Smart Gates Eligibility Pre-Check gives travellers instant confirmation of their Smart Gates… pic.twitter.com/cg8irvnbfY
Travellers can instantly verify their Smart Gate eligibility through the Pocket Flights platform or by scanning QR codes placed across airport terminals and boarding gates.
The service lets passengers know in advance whether they can use the automated passport gates, helping them avoid uncertainty at immigration.
Faster airport experience
Dubai Airports says the new feature is part of its ongoing efforts to streamline passenger journeys and improve the overall airport experience.
By allowing travellers to confirm eligibility before reaching passport control, the airport aims to speed up immigration processing and make travel through DXB more seamless for millions of passengers each year.