A week in review: Here are the top stories from Dubai this week
Here’s your must-read guide to the city’s biggest news stories…
In a fast paced city like Dubai, it can be hard to keep up with all the city’s happenings. Which is why we’re bringing you the week in review: a short, digestible overview of the weeks biggest news announcements, trending stories and top happenings.
From an astronomer prediction on when Ramadan 2019 will end, to where rents have reduced the most across Dubai, here’s all the top stories from Dubai this week.
Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan gets married
Three sons of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and ruler of Dubai were married in a ceremony on Wednesday evening, The National reports. The government media office confirmed the happy news on Thursday, announcing that H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai wed Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum. Dubai’s Crown Prince was married alongside two of his brothers, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Ahmad bin Mohammed, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation.
UAE astronomer predicts when Ramadan 2019 will end
A UAE astronomer has predicted that the first day of Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, will fall on Wednesday June 5, reports Gulf Business. That means that Ramadan, which began on Monday May 6, is expected to last 30 days this year. Of course, this is just an estimation because both the start and end date of the Holy Month depend on the sighting of the new moon. We won’t know for sure until the sighting (or not) on Tuesday June 4. “There will be difficulty in observing the moon after sunset on June 3, so we can expect the month of Shawwal to start on different dates in different countries,” local daily Gulf News quoted Ebrahim Al Jarwan, general supervisor at Sharjah Planetarium as saying. “But in the UAE, we can make an educated guess that Ramadan will be 30 days long this year,” he added.
You can now renew your car in Dubai without clearing your outstanding fines
Dubai Police has relaxed the rules on fine repayment in line with their safety initiative, which gives increased discounts over time to drivers of exemplary standard. The initiative, launched in the Year of Tolerance, aims to encourage safer driving by offering up to 100 per cent off fines if a driver does not commit any violations for a full calendar year. However, residents noticed that it would be difficult to make use of this perk, as previously all fines should be cleared before annual car registration renewal. Now Dubai Police have instructed the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to allow drivers to renew their car without clearing their fines, although it’s not clear when they will have to pay them back by if they don’t receive the full discount.
Emirates launches huge sale on flights in time for Eid
If you’re thinking of planning to take a short break this Eid Al Fitr, you might want to check out Emirates for a brilliant deal. The award-winning airline has announced a series of great deals to nearby destinations, perfect for spending the long weekend. The promotion includes flights to 56 destinations, and are valid on bookings made today until May 30 2019, for travel until February 29 2020. All prices are for return flights and include all taxes and surcharges, although terms and conditions do apply.
Here’s where Dubai rent prices fell the most in the first quarter of 2019
A new report by property services company Asteco has highlighted that rent in Dubai has continued to decline in the first quarter of 2019. Between January and March 2019, apartment and villa rent in Dubai fell by an average of 3 per cent versus the fourth quarter of last year. Year on year, Dubai apartment rental rates have declined an average of 11 per cent, while villa rental rates have declined an average of 9 per cent.
Weather warning issued for heavy rain and thunderstorms in Dubai next week
Forecasters are warning that the stormy weather will be back from Sunday May 19, with scattered rainfall of varying intensities, thunder, lightening and gusting winds expected. National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) reported that clouds will form on Saturday May 18, with a chance of some rainfall, before heavy rain and thunderstorms will be scattered over the UAE next week. NCMS warned residents to take precautions when driving in the rain, with reduced horizontal visibility and to stay away from rough seas and areas where flash flooding could occur.
Feeding stations could soon be introduced to feed stray cats in Dubai
Dubai Municipality is planning to conduct a survey among residents to assess the possibility of installing feeding stations for stray cats around Dubai. The move is expected to regulate the feeding of stray cats across the city. The online survey will review the opinions of more than 1000 people. “There are no plans to implement feeding stations at the moment. The purpose of this survey is to study the possibility of implementing it and its environmental effects,” said a statement from the civic body’s Public Health Services Department, according to a report by Gulf News. If the project is approved, it will be implemented and managed by an animal welfare charity, with trained volunteers in place to keep the stations refilled. Countries including Turkey, Syria and Israel have already found success in running similar programmes.
Dates for Dubai Summer Surprises announces
Get ready shoppers, the dates for Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) have been revealed and it looks like it’s going to be even bigger and better than ever. Kicking off on 21 June until 3 August, Dubai’s annual citywide celebration will usher in six weeks of sales, retail experiences and events.
Travis Scott confirmed as first headliner for 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Hip hop superstar Travis Scott will headline at the Yasalam After-Race Concert at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019. Scott will perform at du Arena, Yas Island, on Friday, 29 November, the second of four after race concerts. To catch the concert, as always you’ll need to be a ticket holder for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Fans can also take their night one step further buy purchasing a ‘Golden Circle’ upgrade, starting from Dhs195.
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