UAE

Your Dubai beach experience is going to change.

The way you experience Dubai‘s beaches is about to change dramatically.

Picture this: More night swimming options under smart lighting systems, AI-enabled rescue technology watching over you, a 38-metre observation tower offering panoramic coastal views, a beach exclusively dedicated to women and an artificial beach nestled in the mountains with its own artificial lagoon.

That’s not all. Dubai will see three new beach destinations coming up annually, promoting active lifestyles and enhancing public access to natural environments.

Not distant dreams

These are not distant dreams. Some are part of major beach development projects that are reshaping Dubai’s coastline right now and the rest will take shape within just four years as part of the 2030 Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap, launched by Dubai Municipality during the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026 that concluded on Thursday.

And the wait is nearly over: the redeveloped Jumeirah Beach 1 is expected to be the first to officially open this month.

The transformation spans from the city’s most popular coastal stretches to the mountain enclave of Hatta, where an artificial Crystal Lagoon will create an entirely new concept of beach life. The Dh500 million overhaul of Umm Suqeim Beach, approved on February 1, stands as one of the most ambitious public beach upgrades Dubai has attempted.

Meanwhile, Al Mamzar Beach Corniche continues its buildout as part of a Dh355 million programme that includes a floating pedestrian bridge, and Hatta’s beach project promises to redefine what a ‘beach destination’ means in Dubai.

All-new roadmap

All four projects are part of the Dubai Master Plan for Public Beaches, unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in May 2023.

At WGS, he reviewed the all-new 2030 Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap which includes a portfolio of projects valued at more than Dh4 billion.

As part of this, Dubai Municipality will increase beach facilities, services, and amenities by 400%, expand public beach capacity by 150%, and extend the length of beachfront walking, jogging, and cycling tracks by 285%, in line with the emirate’s comprehensive public beach development master plan.

The vision is transformative: increase public beach length from roughly 21km to 105km. The initial phase alone targets 54km of beaches for development.

The plan also aims to expand services offered by 300 per cent, with strong emphasis on accessibility, including facilities for People of Determination (PoD), and integration of multi-use walkways, cycling paths and recreational zones that meet global standards.

Already, 90 per cent of Dubai beaches are fully accessible to PoD and the Municipality has activated an emergency evacuation system for them at Al Mamzar Beach.

Jumeirah Beach 1 to open soon

Over 95 per cent complete in January, the upgraded Jumeirah Beach 1 has expanded by 50 per cent from its previous footprint and is expected to officially open this month.

The project integrates pedestrian, cycling and jogging paths designed for active, healthy use alongside revamped recreation spaces fitted with modern amenities. Smart technologies feature prominently – Wi-Fi, electronic displays, smart lockers and AI-powered rescue services are all part of the package.

Climate-ready measures have also been built in, with roughly 250,000 cubic metres of sand added to raise and protect the beach against future environmental challenges. EV charging stations and expanded service offerings round out the facilities.

Al Mamzar gets floating bridge

As part of the Dh355 million combined programme previously announced, Al Mamzar Beach Corniche is undergoing comprehensive improvements that include new play areas, pedestrian and cycling tracks, and enhanced public services.

The projects include Dubai’s first beach dedicated 24/7 to night swimming in Deira, spanning 300 metres. Additional features include a 5km pedestrian path connecting the two beaches, 11km of cycling and running tracks surrounded by trees, and a 200-metre-long floating bridge connecting both sides of Al Mamzar Corniche, the first of its kind in the emirate.

The floating pedestrian bridge stands out as one of the most distinctive features planned for the area, designed to create unique waterfront connectivity and viewing experiences.

Women-only beach

Spread over 125,000 square metres and spanning 80 metres across, Al Mamzar Corniche will feature a dedicated public beach for women.

Keeping privacy and safety factors paramount, the facility will include a secure gated entrance and fencing. The ladies beach will also enable night swimming and offer tailored amenities such as a sports club, commercial services, and children’s play areas.

Umm Suqeim’s Dh500m transformation

The Dh500 million master plan to redevelop Umm Suqeim Beach, approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, in early February 2026, is set to turn the location into an iconic, year-round leisure and tourism destination.

Covering 3.1km of beachfront, a total area of around 445,000 sqm, the beach area itself will increase by about 30 per cent, and the site is designed to welcome up to 6 million visitors annually.

Smart lighting will be installed across 130,000 sqm, enabling safer evening and night use. Parking capacity will jump by 200 per cent to roughly 2,400 spots, complemented by upgraded road access.

Ten mobility hubs and 11 taxi pick-up and drop-off points will improve connectivity, while dedicated cycling infrastructure and EV and scooter facilities support sustainable transport.

Unique observation tower

A 38-metre observation tower inspired by Dubai’s maritime heritage will serve as a visual icon for the beach, offering visitors panoramic views of the coastline.

AI-powered monitoring and operational systems will enhance safety and efficiency across the site.

Engineering works, including retaining walls and raised beach levels, have been designed to adapt to sea-level rise, with sustainable design principles integrated throughout the public space enhancements.

Hatta’s mountain beach

Breaking the mould of traditional seaside beaches, the “all-season” artificial beach project in Hatta brings coastal recreation to the mountains with an artificial Crystal Lagoon.

Approved by Sheikh Hamdan in January 2024 as part of broader development initiatives for Hatta, the project covers about 53,000 sqm of waterfront area.

The beach itself spans roughly 10,000 sqm and sits alongside the planned artificial lagoon, creating a unique all-season tourism and lifestyle destination.

Amenities include service facilities, rest areas, pedestrian pathways, cycling tracks, restaurants, food trucks, an outdoor cinema and infrastructure for swimming and water sports. The project is designed to attract families, residents and visitors year-round, moving Hatta beyond seasonal tourism.

Night swimming proves a hit

Dubai’s experiment with 24/7 beaches has already proven wildly popular and that success is driving the expansion. The three night-swimming beaches currently operating – Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1 – attracted roughly 1.5 million visitors within just 18 months of opening, according to Dubai Municipality data.

The numbers tell officials what beachgoers already know: Dubai’s coastline doesn’t have to shut down when the sun sets. The new developments are designed to capitalise on this trend, with smart lighting systems and AI-powered monitoring enabling safe use well into the night.

The 24/7 model is now being built into several upcoming beach openings, reflecting a fundamental shift in how residents and tourists use Dubai’s coastline, as vibrant hubs for leisure, dining and socialising around the clock.

At the World Governments Summit, Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, director general of Dubai Municipality, pointed to Dubai’s night beaches as a prime example of invisible infrastructure that transforms the city into a memory-making destination.

While beaches worldwide close at sunset, he pointed out that Dubai changed regulations to allow nighttime access, taking extra safety measures to accommodate tourists arriving at all hours. The initiative has since been adopted by other cities, he highlighted.

UAE

Barakah attack condemned, global nuclear safety

A wide international coalition, including the UAE, EU and dozens of countries such as the US, UK, France, Saudi Arabia and Japan, has issued a joint statement condemning a drone attack near the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the UAE.

The May 17, 2026 strike, attributed to armed factions in Iraq, targeted electrical infrastructure outside the plant’s inner perimeter and was described as a “flagrant violation of international law”. The signatories warned of serious safety, environmental and humanitarian risks, urged an immediate halt to attacks on the UAE, and reaffirmed support for the peaceful operation and security of nuclear facilities under IAEA oversight.

A joint statement on the attack on the Barakah Nuclear Plant has been issued by the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Egypt, Ecuador, Estonia, EU, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Moldova, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tonga, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vietnam, and Yemen. Following is the statement:

“We condemn in the strongest terms the drone attack of 17 May 2026 launched by armed factions in Iraq on electrical infrastructure outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates.

This attack constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, and threatens regional and international peace and security. The attack posed significant risks for civilian lives and objects and of potential severe transboundary radiological, environmental, and human health consequences.

We express our deep concern over this dangerous escalation and demand the immediate and permanent cessation of all attacks against the United Arab Emirates, including attacks against nuclear facilities devoted exclusively to peaceful purposes. We call on States to refrain from acts of aggression and to respect their obligation, under international law, to ensure that their territory is not used by non-state actors to launch attacks against other States.

We strongly support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates, in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

We commend the prompt and transparent information provided to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by the United Arab Emirates through its competent authorities about the consequences of this attack, successful mitigation actions and radiation levels around the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant which remained normal.

We appreciate the continued efforts of the United Arab Emirates authorities to ensure the safe, secure and peaceful operation of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant under Agency safeguards and in accordance with the highest international standards, and welcome the ongoing coordination between the IAEA and the relevant United Arab Emirates authorities.

We reaffirm that the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant was designed, constructed, and is operated in accordance with the highest international standards and under the oversight of the United Arab Emirates’ Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), and in line with the safety standards of the IAEA.

We support the continued efforts of the IAEA and the Director General in monitoring developments relevant to nuclear safety, nuclear security and safeguards in member States.

We call on States to refrain from any action that may endanger the safety and security of nuclear power plants devoted exclusively to peaceful purposes.

This drone attack affecting infrastructure in proximity to the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant facility underscores the urgent importance of protecting nuclear infrastructure devoted exclusively to peaceful purposes from threats and hostile acts.

We call for strengthened international cooperation aimed at protecting nuclear power plants devoted exclusively to peaceful purposes and related sites and infrastructure, including through enhanced physical protection, emergency preparedness, and resilience measures.”

Sports

How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in UAE

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner meaning football fans in the UAE need to prepare for a summer of late nights and early mornings.

While not having free-to-air World Cup coverage, the UAE will still have full access to every single match through beIN SPORTS, the official broadcaster for the Middle East and North Africa region. That means all 104 games will be shown live, but via subscription-based platforms.

There are a few ways fans can tune in with the most traditional option through a beIN SPORTS satellite subscription, which delivers dedicated World Cup channels straight to your TV.

For those who prefer streaming, beIN CONNECT offers live coverage on mobile, laptop and smart TV devices. Meanwhile, TOD by beIN has become a popular standalone streaming option, giving fans more flexibility to follow the action without needing a full satellite package.

What time do the games kick-off in UAE?

With the tournament being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, spanning multiple time zones, matches will follow a structured daily rhythm designed for global audiences, but it isn’t so helpful for UAE fans.

During the group stage, the matches will most frequently rotate through the following set of kick-off windows:

11:00 PM GST
2:00 AM GST
5:00 AM GST
8:00–11:00 AM GST

It means fans in the Emirates will get a real mix of late night and sunrise football. Whether it’s gathering with friends late at night or catching highlights over morning coffee, the World Cup will be part of daily life across the country for a month-long stretch.

While the absence of free-to-air coverage means viewers need a subscription to follow every match, the upside is complete access to the entire tournament in one place, with full coverage, analysis, and dedicated World Cup programming across beIN’s platforms.

And of course, football in the UAE rarely stays behind closed doors. Across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond, fans can expect packed sports bars, fan zones, and public screenings throughout the tournament, creating that shared World Cup atmosphere that brings people together no matter who they support.

So, whether you’re watching at 11pm, 2am or even grabbing a quick nap before a 5am kick-off, one thing is certain, the World Cup is set to take over life in the UAE once again.

UAE

UAE Expands VAT Refunds for New Home Builders

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has launched a new initiative that expands the range of expenses eligible for value-added tax (VAT) refunds for UAE nationals building new homes, in a move aimed at supporting families and reducing construction costs.

The initiative comes in line with the UAE leadership’s directives and coincides with the Year of Family, reinforcing efforts to support home ownership and family wellbeing.

According to the FTA, the expanded list of eligible expenses is expected to generate around AED 200 million in VAT savings for Emirati citizens, with the average refund estimated at about AED 25,000 per claim.

The authority said the total value of approved refund claims is expected to exceed AED 1 billion in 2026, compared to around AED 754 million recorded in 2025.

More construction costs covered

The FTA explained that the initiative is now active and applies to all VAT refund applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, provided all requirements are met.

Under the updated rules, UAE nationals can now claim VAT refunds on a wider range of construction-related expenses that form part of the residence and are intended for personal or family use.

Newly eligible items include staff accommodation for watchmen, drivers and domestic workers, home gyms, game rooms, integrated smart home systems and security systems, as well as electronic and smart doors for homes and garages.

The expanded list also covers swimming pools, fountains, decorative indoor water features, landscaping works and complete home reconstruction projects, including demolition and rebuilding costs.

The FTA said these features must be part of the residential property, built on the same plot of land and directly connected to the main residence in order to qualify for a refund.

Awareness campaign planned

The authority said it will organise awareness sessions across the UAE to help citizens understand the new initiative and how to benefit from it.

These sessions will be held at local district councils and will also provide an opportunity for residents to share feedback and suggestions on FTA services.

Abdulaziz Al Mulla, Director-General of the FTA, said the initiative reflects the UAE leadership’s commitment to supporting citizens and providing services that improve their quality of life.

He added that the expanded refund programme aims to make the process more transparent and easier for UAE nationals constructing new homes.

The FTA also confirmed that its digital VAT refund platform has been updated to include the newly approved categories, making it easier for applicants to identify eligible expenses and submit their claims.

Officials said the initiative is expected to provide meaningful financial support to families while encouraging home ownership and helping reduce the overall cost of building a new residence.