Author: Editorial team

DUBAI, 19 April (WAM) – Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr have advanced to the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League 2 following a commanding 4-0 victory over Al Wasl at Zabeel Stadium in Dubai. The comprehensive win was clinical from the outset. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 11th minute, followed by goals from Iñigo Martínez in the 24th minute and Abdulelah Al Amri in the 26th minute. Sadio Mané completed the scoring in the 80th minute to seal the victory. Source: Emirates News Agency

ADNOC CEO Sultan Al Jaber said 50 days of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz have blocked nearly 600 million barrels of oil, putting increasing pressure on global supplies of LNG, jet fuel, fertiliser and other essential commodities. In a post on social media platform X, he warned that the impact is being felt worldwide, with rising costs ultimately passed on to ordinary people. Al Jaber stressed that the global economy cannot withstand prolonged uncertainty and said the Strait must not operate under threat. He also criticised any form of payment for safe passage, calling it a “protection racket”, and…

ABU DHABI, 19th April, 2026 (WAM) — The 8th UAE National Mixed Martial Arts Championship concluded today at Mubadala Arena, featuring high-level competition and significant public attendance. Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the two-day event focused on identifying national talent to bolster the UAE national team, further cementing the country’s regional leadership in the sport and its commitment to nurturing future champions. The final day showcased bouts in the Youth A and Adult categories. Yousef Abdullah Al Battran, Federation Board Member, stated the edition marked a milestone in professional standards and organisational excellence. He specifically…

As students gear up to get back to school in buses, the UAE has assured residents it is ready with a traffic to enhance road safety and ensure smooth traffic flow. The Federal Traffic Council has directed the intensification of traffic presence around schools and on major roads, including intersections and internal and external routes, particularly during morning hours and after school dismissal. This will regulate traffic movement, reduce accidents, and facilitate the movement of school buses, in addition to ensuring safety of pedestrian crossings, so that students can safely reach school gates from vehicles. Stay up to date with…

DUBAI, 19th April, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai Municipality has launched the “Work from Park” initiative, marking a strategic step towards redefining the role of public parks as integrated urban spaces that seamlessly combine productivity, leisure, and nature. The initiative introduces flexible work environments within parks, positioning them as more vibrant, attractive, and high-quality destinations that enhance quality of life. As part of the implementation of this strategic initiative, Dubai Municipality has signed two Memoranda of Cooperation with Group AMANA and Letswork LLC to support the development and operation of advanced infrastructure for future-ready workspaces within public parks across the emirate.…

The weather on Monday, April 20, is expected to be fair to partly cloudy, with it becoming cloudy over the coasts and islands by night, as per a forecast by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). As the week begins for many office-going residents, there may be relief from the heat with light rainfall expected by Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, light to moderate Southeasterly becoming Northwesterly and Northeasterly winds are set to blow, freshening at times, causing blowing dust and sand westward, with a speed of 15-25 km/hr, reaching 40 km/hr. The sea will be slight to moderate becoming rough at…

DUBAI, 19th April, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai’s rental market indicators in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026 demonstrate sustained stability, supported by strong regulatory and economic fundamentals. The market continues to show steady activity within a dynamic environment that adapts efficiently and reinforces confidence. This performance reflects the UAE leadership’s proactive vision and renewed directives to enhance the readiness and resilience of economic sectors, reinforcing sustainable growth, strengthening investor confidence, and underscoring Dubai’s ability to maintain balanced economic growth. According to data from the Dubai Land Department, the total value of rental contracts during Q1 2026 reached AED32.2 billion, reflecting…

ABU DHABI, 19th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Ministry of Economy & Tourism has referred a cartel involved in anti-competitive practices in the poultry market to the Federal Public Prosecution to initiate investigations and take the necessary legal action, after confirming its involvement in exploiting the current exceptional circumstances by colluding to fix, manipulate, and unjustifiably raise poultry prices. These actions constitute a clear violation of applicable laws, particularly the Regulation of Competition Law and Federal Law on Consumer Protection, and represent practices harmful to consumer rights and market stability. This step comes within the framework of ongoing inspection campaigns…

The UAE residents and faithfuls worldwide are preparing for the upcoming Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, which will decide the dates for Eid Al Adha 2026. As always, the exact timing will depend on the sighting of the crescent moon. According to the UAE Fatwa Council, Sunday, April 19, 2026, marks the start of the month of Dhul Qa’dah 1447 AH. This sets the stage for the next key moon sighting, which will determine when Dhul Hijjah begins. Saudi Arabia’s Crescent Sighting Department of the Supreme Court has also officially announced that Sunday, April 19 as the beginning of the…

ISTANBUL, 19th April, 2026 (WAM) — Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), met with Alexander Radwan, Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on European Affairs of the German Bundestag and head of the German delegation, on the sidelines of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held in Istanbul. The two sides reviewed developments in the regional situation, particularly in light of the recent escalation and its repercussions for regional and international security and stability. Saqr Ghobash stressed that the attacks targeting the UAE cannot be justified under any circumstances, noting that…