The Times of India

UAE motorists will face significant fuel price increases in April 2026, with petrol and diesel rates set to rise by up to nearly Dh2 per litre. This sharp hike, approved by the UAE Fuel Price Committee, reflects escalating global crude oil prices driven by geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions.

Saudi health authorities have detained Arab gym trainers for illegally selling unregistered weight loss medications, hormonal drugs, and peptides. Investigations uncovered a warehouse storing these substances, including Retatrutide, under unsafe conditions. Legal action is underway, with potential penalties including imprisonment and fines.

The UAE has extended distance learning for all educational institutions until April 17, 2026, impacting millions of students. This decision, announced by the Ministry of Education, prioritizes safety while maintaining learning continuity through digital platforms. The situation will be reviewed weekly, with potential revisions to the reopening timeline.

UAE motorists should brace for higher fuel prices in April 2026 as global crude oil nears $115 per barrel. The monthly price adjustments directly reflect international market trends. Tight supply, steady demand, and geopolitical factors are driving this surge, likely increasing commuting and logistics costs for residents.

Abu Dhabi has launched an international scholarship program for Emirati students to study social work and psychology, addressing a critical shortage of qualified professionals in the social care sector.

Egypt's former Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy has been unanimously nominated by the Arab League Council to become the next Secretary-General. The seasoned diplomat, who also founded AUC's School of Global Affairs, will begin his five-year term on July 1, 2026, succeeding Ahmed Aboul Gheit. This appointment awaits final approval at the upcoming Arab Summit.

For the first time in centuries, senior Catholic leaders were blocked from Jerusalems Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, sparking global outrage. Israeli authorities cited security concerns amid the Iran conflict, while church leaders and international figures, including Macron, Meloni, and US Ambassador Huckabee, condemned the decision. The incident highlights growing tensions over religious access and wartime restrictions in the city.

Al-Baha Municipality in Saudi Arabia participated in the Al-Baha Green Hour initiative, switching off non-essential lights for an hour to promote energy conservation and environmental protection. This local effort aligns with the broader Saudi Green Initiative, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and encourage responsible energy use among residents and in public spaces.

Oman's government has acquired SalamAir, a move designed to enhance aviation sector efficiency and economic growth. Both Oman Air and SalamAir will continue as independent brands, with a focus on improved route coordination and optimized aircraft utilization. This strategy aims to strengthen connectivity and financial stability for both carriers.

Saudi Arabia has achieved a significant environmental milestone, restoring one million hectares of degraded land and planting over 159 million trees as part of the Saudi Green Initiative. This progress, driven by national coordination and modern techniques, strengthens biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, setting the stage for future ambitious targets.

Saudi Arabia's passport directorate now offers a single helpline, 992, for visa status queries, especially for those expiring by February 25, 2026. This comes as a relief measure for stranded visitors, with an April 18, 2026 deadline for extensions or departure. Act now to avoid penalties.

Tensions surge as Iran confirms targeting a US-linked vessel near Oman's Salalah port, a vital shipping hub. This escalation expands the conflict into critical maritime zones, threatening global trade and energy markets. The move signals Iran's willingness to strike US assets, blurring lines between military and logistical targets and raising fears of wider instability.

Recent thunderstorms saw lightning strike Dubai's Burj Khalifa, a viral moment shared by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, sparking questions about its safety. The world's tallest building is engineered to withstand such events, acting as a giant lightning rod. Advanced systems, including a lightning arrester, Faraday cage effect, and earthing system, safely channel and dissipate the electrical energy, ensuring occupants remain unharmed.