UAE

US–Israel–Iran War, Day 32: UAE Updates (Mar 31)

Regional tensions remain high on day 32 of the US–Israel war with Iran, with drone incidents near UAE waters, continued missile interceptions, and major government decisions affecting residents, travel, education, and the economy. Here are the key developments UAE residents should know today.

Kuwaiti tanker hit by drone off Dubai coast

A Kuwaiti oil tanker, Al Salmi, was struck by a drone while anchored off Dubai Port in the early hours of Tuesday. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said the very large crude carrier (VLCC) was hit at around 12.10am on March 31, confirming that all 24 crew members were safe and no casualties were reported. Authorities continue to monitor the maritime situation closely following the incident.

Fire in abandoned Dubai house after debris fall, 4 injured

Authorities in Dubai responded quickly to a fire that broke out in an abandoned house in Al Badaa after debris from a recent air defence interception fell in the area. The Dubai Media Office said four people nearby suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene, while emergency teams moved swiftly to contain the fire and stop it from spreading to surrounding buildings.

Sharjah authorities handle drone incident

Sharjah officials confirmed that emergency teams responded to a drone incident targeting the administrative building of Thuraya Telecommunications Company in the emirate’s Central Region. The Sharjah Government Media Office said the drone was believed to have originated from Iran, adding that no injuries were recorded and response teams quickly secured the area.

Dubai approves Dh1b financial relief package

Dubai’s Executive Council has approved a Dh1 billion economic and social support package aimed at strengthening business resilience and supporting workforce stability during regional uncertainty. The initiatives include financial relief measures, improvements to GDP measurement methods, trade facilitation steps, and long-term social development plans designed to maintain economic stability.

UAE motorists await April fuel price announcement

Fuel prices for April are set to be announced, with motorists watching closely as global oil markets remain volatile due to regional tensions. Over the past year, UAE fuel prices declined steadily through 2025 before showing a slight increase in March 2026, suggesting a shift towards stabilisation amid fluctuating crude oil benchmarks.

Grace period for expired visa holders ends today

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) confirmed that the special grace period allowing residents with expired visas to return to the UAE ends on March 31. The measure was introduced to support residents stranded abroad due to airspace closures and travel disruptions linked to the regional conflict.

Distance learning extended until April 17

The Ministry of Education has extended distance learning for all schools, nurseries, and kindergartens across the UAE until April 17, 2026. Officials said the decision prioritises the safety and wellbeing of students and staff, noting that the situation will be reviewed weekly and the timeline could be adjusted depending on developments.

Indian and Pakistani schools begin academic year online

Several Indian and Pakistani schools in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the northern emirates have started the 2026–27 academic year remotely, particularly for kindergarten students. The delayed start follows directives from education authorities made on Monday night.

Flying in April? Emirates guidelines for travellers

Emirates has reminded passengers to check their flights and travel plans following the partial reopening of regional airspace.

In its latest update, the airline provided guidance for passengers booked to travel between February 28 and April 30, 2026, following disruptions to its schedule.

UAE intercepts missiles and drones

The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that air defence systems intercepted 11 ballistic missiles and 27 drones on March 30 as part of ongoing security operations. Official figures show that since the start of the conflict, UAE defences have engaged 425 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,941 drones, underscoring continued vigilance across the country.

Trump escalates pressure on Iran

US President Donald Trump warned that the United States could target Iran’s electric plants and oil facilities if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and if no agreement is reached to end the war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there is no timeline for ending the conflict, while attacks continue across Iran, Lebanon, and Israel and maritime traffic in the Strait remains below normal levels.

UAE

Dubai allows fee deferrals for hotels, businesses

Dubai has approved a new set of economic measures allowing hotels and businesses to defer key fees for three months, as authorities move to ease short-term cost pressures across the economy.

The measures, announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, take effect from April 1, 2026.

They form part of a previously announced Dh1 billion economic incentive package.

Fee deferrals

Hotels will be allowed to postpone paying 100% of sales fees on rooms and food and beverage, as well as the Tourism Dirham, for a period of three months.

The relief applies across all hospitality establishments, including hotels, hotel apartments and holiday homes, and is aimed at easing liquidity pressures in the sector.

Wider measures

The measures extend to companies across multiple sectors, with a three-month deferral introduced on a range of business-related fees.

These include:

Premium business names
Licence amendment fees
Newspaper announcement fees
Local service fees
Accommodation fees
Waste management fees
Service improvement fees

The deferrals apply to both new licences and renewals. Authorities said businesses will receive an update at the end of the three-month period.

Policy response

Officials framed the rollout as a continuation of Dubai’s responsive economic model.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “Dubai’s economic model has been built on agility, clarity and cooperation, and the accelerated introduction and implementation of these measures… is a clear demonstration of the decisive leadership our city and nation benefit from.”

He added that the approach reflects “continued engagement with industry” and the ability to “rapidly enact policies that can incentivise growth and solidify resilience.”

Industry feedback

Authorities said the measures were shaped through consultations with the tourism sector.

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, said: “Over recent weeks, we have been closely engaging with stakeholders across the tourism sector as they navigate through unique challenges.”

He said the incentives reflect industry feedback and will support “growth and momentum for the sector.”

Business flexibility

Ahmad Khalifa AlQaizi AlFalasi, CEO of Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), part of DET, said the measures give companies room to manage near-term priorities.

“By giving businesses extra flexibility over the coming months, we are allowing them to focus on key priorities… to protect the long-term sustainability of their operations,” he said.

The measures sit within a wider economic support package announced earlier this week, which also includes extending customs data grace periods and streamlining the issuance and renewal of residency permits.

COMMUNITY

US–Israel–Iran War Day 33: UAE update for April 1

Regional tensions continue to shape daily life on day 33 of the US–Israel war with Iran, as authorities respond to air defence debris incidents, announce significant fuel price changes, and extend distance learning across the country. Here are the key developments UAE residents should know today.

One killed after drone debris falls on Fujairah farm

Authorities in Fujairah confirmed that one person was killed after debris from an intercepted drone fell on a farm in the Al-Rifa’a area. The Fujairah Government Media Office said UAE air defence systems successfully intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the emirate, but debris from the interception subsequently landed on the farm. A Bangladeshi national died as a result of the incident, authorities said.

Debris falls on Dubai homes, four Asian nationals injured

Authorities in Dubai confirmed on Tuesday that they responded to an incident in southern Dubai caused by debris from a successful air defence interception. The debris fell on residential houses, resulting in property damage and minor injuries to four Asian nationals. Officials also confirmed that the loud sounds heard across parts of the city earlier that day were linked to the same air defence operations.

UAE announces petrol and diesel prices for April 2026

The UAE Fuel Price Committee announced the retail prices for petrol and diesel for April 2026, with significant increases across all grades. Super 98 petrol will cost Dh3.39 per litre, up from Dh2.59 in March, while Special 95 petrol is now priced at Dh3.28 per litre, compared to Dh2.48 last month. E-Plus petrol will sell for Dh3.20 per litre, rising from Dh2.40 in March. Diesel prices have also risen sharply, now standing at Dh4.69 per litre, up from Dh2.72 previously.

Distance learning extended until April 17 for universities

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in coordination with the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, announced the extension of remote learning at higher education institutions until April 17, 2026. The ministry said in-person classes will resume only for priority programmes requiring physical attendance, in strict adherence to approved safety measures. Institutions were urged to monitor developments and coordinate with local authorities to ensure continuity and maintain learning quality.

Dubai’s KHDA confirms two more weeks of distance learning

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority confirmed that distance learning will continue across all private educational institutions in the emirate for an additional two weeks, from Monday, April 6 until Friday, April 17, 2026. The extension was made as authorities continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of students and academic and administrative staff across Dubai’s private education sector.

UAE school group waives transport fees for April

UAE education group Woodlem Education announced a waiver of transport fees across all its institutions in the country, effective from April 2026, describing it as a compassionate measure to support families during the current situation. The relief applies to parents of more than 20,000 students across 10 institutions, eight schools and two nurseries, following the authorities’ extension of distance learning until April 17, with possible further extensions if required. The group noted that transport fees for March had already been collected prior to the announcement.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi rank among world’s top 10 smartest cities

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have secured leading positions in the 2026 Smart City Index published by the International Institute for Management Development. Dubai ranked sixth globally, while Abu Dhabi placed tenth among 148 cities assessed. Zurich topped the global ranking, followed by Oslo, Geneva, London, and Copenhagen. The report highlighted the UAE’s model of government-led investment in digital technology as a global benchmark, noting strong public trust and significantly improved urban performance across the country.

UAE

UAE air defences respond to missile threats

The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that air defence systems responded to a missile threat, prompting authorities to issue precautionary alerts to residents across the country.

Residents were advised to remain in safe locations and follow official updates as defence systems managed the situation.

Authorities in Dubai have now confirmed that unusual sounds heard across the city were caused by successful interceptions, with multiple threats neutralised, ensuring public safety.

UAE residents have received a new mobile alert confirming that the situation in the country is currently safe.

Authorities thanked the residents for their cooperation during the emergency and reassured the public that normal activities can now resume.

Officials emphasised that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure public safety and minimise disruptions to daily life.

Authorities in Dubai confirm that the sounds heard across parts of the city were the result of successful air defence interception operations. Please rely on official sources for updates.

Residents were also urged not to circulate rumours and rely on official information sources.