With temperatures expected to climb as high as 47°C in Makkah this year, here is everything pilgrims need to know about Hajj 2026. Hajj 2026 has officially begun, with over 860,000 foreign pilgrims already arrived in Saudi Arabia and more flying in daily ahead of the pilgrimage’s peak rituals. Saudi authorities expect approximately 1.5 million … Read more
Dubai has officially launched a major new phase in the expansion of its urban transport network with the commencement of tunnelling works for the Dubai Metro Blue Line. The announcement was made by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, marking a significant milestone in the emirate’s long-term infrastructure development plans. The Dubai Metro Blue Line is … Read more
The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the attacks, emphasizing that such acts constitute a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of international law. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the UAE reserves its full right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, national security, and national interests. The Ministry further … Read more
The United Arab Emirates has announced its withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the broader OPEC+ alliance, with the decision taking effect on May 1, 2026. The announcement, made via state news agency WAM, ends nearly six decades of UAE membership in the world’s most powerful oil producers’ cartel. The … Read more
Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority has informed private schools that outdoor activities, including PE classes and break times, can resume after weeks of suspension due to regional tensions. UAE schools are returning to a fuller sense of normal. Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority has given private schools the go-ahead to resume outdoor activities, … Read more
Brent crude jumped nearly 8% on Monday after the US Navy seized an Iranian ship and Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz again, deepening the worst oil supply disruption in recorded history. Oil markets opened the week sharply higher after a chaotic weekend in the Gulf of Oman. Brent crude surged to $95.42 on Sunday … Read more
Oil markets moved the moment the news broke. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is completely open for commercial vessels for the duration of the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. U.S. crude plunged 12% to around $83 a barrel. Brent crude slid more than 10% to near $89. … Read more
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, is once again operating under restrictions following a brief reopening in mid-April 2026. The latest developments come amid continued tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly over maritime security and a U.S.-led naval blockade targeting Iranian-linked shipping. Reimposition of Restrictions On … Read more
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Jeddah on Wednesday, opening a three-nation diplomatic tour aimed at reviving US-Iran peace talks and securing fresh economic support from Riyadh. The meeting came as … Read more
West Texas Intermediate crude hit $104.23 per barrel on Monday morning. That’s an 8% jump from the day before. Brent crude rose to $101.82. Murban, the UAE benchmark, dipped 1.47% to $98.16. Natural gas gained 2.15% to reach $2.705. European gas futures spiked 18%. The surge came after President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that … Read more