Saudi Arabia has unveiled a sweeping set of health regulations aimed at ensuring a safer and more manageable Hajj season, underscoring its commitment to public health and pilgrim well-being.

The new measures, introduced by the Ministry of Health in coordination with the Public Health Authority, reflect a growing emphasis on preventive care and risk mitigation as millions prepare for one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.

Read more-Hajj 2026: What pilgrims need to know about permits, fines and entry rules

Authorities have identified a range of medical conditions that may disqualify individuals from obtaining a Hajj permit due to physical incapacity.

These include advanced kidney failure requiring dialysis, severe heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and serious mental health conditions such as dementia. Advanced age and late-stage pregnancy, specifically within the final trimester, have also been flagged as risk factors, a Saudi Gazette report said.

Officials stressed that these criteria are designed to ensure pilgrims can perform rituals safely. “Pilgrims must meet health requirements that allow them to carry out their duties with ease and without complications,” the Saudi Gazette reported.

Vaccination requirements take priority

In addition to eligibility restrictions, the ministry has reinforced mandatory vaccination protocols. Pilgrims must receive a quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine at least 10 days prior to arrival.

COVID-19 immunisation remains strongly recommended, particularly for vulnerable groups. Updated doses after January 1, 2025, are advised for older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses.

Seasonal influenza vaccination is also required, with authorities urging pilgrims to obtain the latest version if their last dose was administered before September 1, 2025.

These measures come as part of broader efforts to enhance crowd safety and minimize health risks during Hajj. Saudi officials continue to emphasize preparedness and compliance as key to a successful pilgrimage season.

The UAE has announced fuel prices for May 2026, with petrol rates rising month-on-month while diesel remains unchanged, reflecting continued volatility in global oil markets.

According to the latest update, Super 98 petrol will cost Dh3.66 per litre in May, up from Dh3.39 in April, marking an increase of 27 fils. Special 95 petrol has risen to Dhs3.55 per litre from Dhs3.28, while E-Plus 91 is priced at Dhs3.48 per litre, compared to Dhs3.20 previously. Diesel prices remain steady at Dhs4.69 per litre.

In April 2026, fuel prices had surged significantly, almost 30 per cent, following a spike in crude oil triggered by regional geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions.

Reported earlier in Gulf Business, with the UAE set to exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and OPEC+ from May 1, attention is now turning to a more immediate question for businesses and consumers: what happens to fuel prices in the UAE. Despite the UAE’s decision to leave OPEC, most analysts suggested that May fuel prices are unlikely to see a sharp drop.

This is because UAE fuel prices are linked to global crude benchmarks rather than domestic production policy alone. Monthly pricing is set by the UAE Fuel Price Committee based on international oil trends, exchange rates and supply-demand dynamics.

Dubai has launched a ‘Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio’ aimed at strengthening the emirate’s cultural and creative industries, as part of broader economic support measures directed by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The initiative, unveiled by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), is designed to enhance the resilience and long-term growth of the creative economy, positioning it as a key contributor to Dubai’s economic diversification.

Built around five pillars — Cultural Infrastructure, Creative Production, Participation and Audiences, Talent Development, and Cultural Impact — the portfolio aims to strengthen the emirate’s creative ecosystem, support skilled professionals, and improve adaptability across the sector.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the initiative reflects Dubai’s proactive approach to navigating evolving economic conditions while reinforcing creativity as a sustainable economic driver.

“Dubai continues to play a leading role in empowering the cultural sector and advancing its creative industries through innovative solutions that build capability and sharpen the capacity to anticipate and adapt to challenges, while opening greater access to markets. This is supported by integrated strategic partnerships that reflect a shared responsibility between government, the private sector, and the wider community, creating new pathways for business growth across creative fields,” she said.

The portfolio is one of the key outcomes of the ‘Creative Sector Resilience’ workshop organised by Dubai Culture in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation, which brought together stakeholders from across the cultural, heritage and creative landscape to strengthen ecosystem readiness and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for culture and talent.

The initiative will be rolled out in phases, with each stage introducing programmes designed to provide creatives and institutions with access to funding, infrastructure, professional development and market opportunities. Agreements have already been signed with a number of public and private sector partners to expand collaboration and strengthen sector resilience.

Under the Cultural Infrastructure pillar, free multi-purpose venues will be made available in partnership with entities including Dubai Municipality, Dubai CommerCity, Expo City Dubai, Dubai Holding Asset Management, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and Dubai South. Dubai Culture will also offer dedicated spaces within its own assets, alongside affordable workspace solutions through Letswork.

The Creative Production pillar focuses on funding and commissioning initiatives, including the Dubai Cultural Grant, a micro-grants programme with Art Jameel, a micro-commissioning initiative with Luxuriant Design, and an exhibition grant in partnership with Art Dubai.

The Talent Development pillar will expand learning and skills development through continued collaboration with LinkedIn, alongside workshops, training programmes and cultural activation initiatives aimed at connecting creatives with audiences and markets.

The Participation and Audience pillar will support visibility for local talent through digital promotion and retail opportunities, including partnerships with Majid Al Futtaim’s ‘Ma’an’ programme, which provides complimentary exhibition and retail spaces.

Meanwhile, the Cultural Impact pillar will see creative works displayed across outdoor billboards in partnership with PHI Advertising, transforming Dubai into an open-air gallery and reinforcing its cultural identity.

The portfolio underscores Dubai’s broader strategy to integrate creativity into its economic framework, while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), cultural institutions and individual artists in adapting to evolving market dynamics and sustaining long-term growth.

Read: Dubai rolls out Dhs1bn support package: easing costs, boosting businesses

Abu Dhabi’s mobility landscape is set for another step in regulation and smart transport efficiency with the activation of a paid parking system in new commercial sectors of Mohamed Bin Zayed City, effective May 6, 2026.

Read more-From toll gates to free parking perks: How driving costs are changing in the UAE

The move, announced by Q Mobility under the regulatory supervision of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, is part of a wider expansion plan aimed at improving traffic flow, optimising parking use, and enhancing the overall urban mobility experience for residents and visitors, according to a WAM report.

Expansion of regulated parking zones

The third phase of the rollout covers commercial sectors ME9 and ME12 in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, both of which have seen rising commercial activity and traffic density. The introduction of regulated parking in these areas is intended to curb random parking, reduce congestion, and improve access to retail and service establishments. Authorities said the initiative supports economic activity while promoting a more structured and efficient urban environment.

According to Q Mobility, the latest phase introduces regulation across 10,205 parking spaces, with 3,219 in ME9 and 6,986 in ME12. The plan also includes designated parking spaces for People of Determination, reinforcing commitments to inclusivity within Abu Dhabi’s smart mobility framework. Mohamed Bin Zayed City remains one of the emirate’s busiest residential and commercial centres, with significant daily movement from commuters, employees, and visitors, making structured parking systems increasingly essential.

Fees and digital payment options

Standard parking will be charged at Dhs2 per hour. Motorists can complete payments through multiple digital channels, including the Darb and TAMM applications, SMS services, and on-site parking machines. The system is designed to ensure flexibility and convenience while encouraging cashless transactions and reducing congestion linked to inefficient parking practices.

Earlier phases were introduced in stages.

The first phase, starting December 15, 2025, covered ME9, ME10, ME11, and ME12 with free parking initially. The second phase, launched on April 6, 2026, brought paid parking to ME10 and ME11, along with main street commercial areas in villa zones Z17-01, Z19, Z20, and Z27.

The latest rollout continues this structured approach to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and strengthen parking compliance in high-demand districts. Q Mobility said the initiative is part of an integrated strategy to enhance parking management efficiency, improve mobility, and support quality of life in Abu Dhabi, aligned with its vision for a sustainable urban transport ecosystem.

In a region often defined by its diversity of voices, sounds, and stories, bringing artists together under a single creative vision is no small feat, especially when the timing carries emotional weight. With Aktar Men Ayya Waqt, Anghami stepped beyond its role as a streaming service to orchestrate a cross-regional collaboration that reflects a shared cultural moment.

Launched on Anghami earlier this month, the track brought together voices from across the Middle East, featuring AbdulAziz Louis, Aseel Hameem, Bader AlShuaibi, Ghaliaa, Jaber Al Turki, Salim Assaf, and Sultan Khalifa.

In this conversation, Eddy Maroun, co-founder of Anghami, unpacks how the platform moved quickly to bring the project to life as an Anghami Original, connecting talent from across the Levant and the Gulf within a matter of days. He explains the realities of producing a multi-country track under pressure, the balance between creative direction and artistic individuality, and why this release signals a broader shift toward more structured pan-Arab collaborations.

At a time when the region is navigating complex emotions, Maroun also reflects on how music can move beyond entertainment, serving as a channel for connection, resilience, and a sense of unity that resonates far beyond the track itself.

For Anghami, this project is positioned as artist-led, but what role did the platform really play in shaping and accelerating the collaboration?

While the project is artist-led in spirit, it was very much initiated and brought to life by Anghami as an ‘Anghami Original’. Anghami is much more than a music streaming platform; it’s a complete music ecosystem, and this project reflects the breadth of what we do across production, distribution, live events, licensing, and even music strategies for brands.

Through Anghami Studios, we built and executed this collaboration end-to-end as a full in-house production, from concept development to connecting songwriters across the Levant and the Gulf, aligning artists, and overseeing both the music and video production process.

What made this particularly impactful was how quickly we were able to move – we went from concept to a fully realised release in under two weeks, without compromising on quality or scale. We’re deeply grateful to all the artists who participated in this project and contributed so generously with their time and talent to bring the vision to life.

More importantly, this isn’t a one-off initiative. We’ve done this before, with projects like ‘The Sound of Beirut’ in 2020, where we similarly stepped in to support music-led responses to a wider public moment. This is part of how we aim to bring together talent, culture, and brands in a way that’s both efficient and creatively meaningful.

This track was executed across multiple countries in a short time. What were the biggest challenges in making a cross-regional track actually come together cohesively?
The biggest challenge was orchestrating a seamless production under a very challenging and fast-moving set of circumstances across the region. We weren’t just working against tight timelines; artists were navigating real-world conditions on the ground, from regional tensions to extreme weather, yet still made the effort to get into studios, record their sessions, and film their parts for the final clip – which speaks volumes about their commitment to the project.

What made this possible, however, was a very deliberate and proactive approach from our side. Anghami is well-positioned as a connector across fragmented markets, with an existing network of artists, producers, and studios across the region, supported by the infrastructure needed to mobilise quickly, including Anghami Studios as a full in-house production arm, enabling us to move from concept to execution with a high level of in-house coordination.

Beyond logistics, we were also mindful of the timing and the wider context. We closely monitored what was happening across the region to ensure the release would feel respectful and appropriate, rather than feel like just another track. Bringing everything together within such a tight window required constant alignment across markets, but that ability to move fluidly across borders is something we’ve built into how we operate, which is very much a core strength of our model.

Do you see Aktar Men Ayya Waqt as a one-off cultural moment, or the start of a more structured wave of pan-Arab collaborations?

This is definitely not a one-off cultural moment. If anything, it sets the foundation for a more structured and intentional approach to pan-Arab collaborations, reflecting a shift from isolated initiatives towards a more repeatable way of working.

Through Anghami Studios, we’re building a framework that consistently brings together artists, producers, and brands across the region in a creatively meaningful way.

More broadly, this sits within our role in shaping a more connected and collaborative Arab music landscape, creating projects that reflect both the diversity of the region and the shared cultural pulse.

For the artists, with so many voices and styles involved, how did you avoid creative clashes and arrive at a unified sound?

That was one of the most important and challenging aspects of the project. It wasn’t just about blending voices, but also different dialects, tones, and musical styles in a way that felt authentic to each artist while still serving a unified track.

Beyond coordination, Anghami played an active role as a creative producer on the project. We worked very closely with all contributors throughout the process, providing creative direction to ensure that both Levantine and Khaleeji influences complemented each other. A lot of attention went into the structure and harmonisation, especially in the chorus, to create a sound that felt cohesive while still allowing each artist’s identity to come through.

Ultimately, our role was about shaping the overall musical direction while preserving artistic individuality, and that balance is what allowed the diversity to become the project’s strongest asset.

The song blends Levantine and Khaleeji influences. How intentional was that in representing a broader Arab identity rather than individual markets?

It was very intentional. From the beginning, the goal was to reflect a broader Arab identity rather than focus on individual markets.

This was also guided by Anghami’s understanding of listening habits and cultural consumption patterns across the region. We continuously look at how audiences engage with different dialects, genres, and cross-market collaborations, which helped inform both the timing and the creative direction of the track to ensure it would land in a way that feels authentic.

Even with the challenges we faced in securing artist availability due to ongoing circumstances, we made a conscious effort to bring together a diverse mix of voices from across the region. This diversity is what gives the track its depth and authenticity and reinforces Anghami’s role as a cultural bridge connecting different parts of the Arab world through music.

The track has since reached approximately six million streams across platforms, which speaks to how strongly it connected with listeners beyond its initial release moment.

At a time when the region is going through a lot emotionally, do you see this track as purely artistic expression, or does it carry a deeper message about unity and resilience?

It goes beyond artistic expression. The track captures a shared emotional moment across the region, bringing together different voices, perspectives, and experiences into one unified narrative.

At its core, it’s about connection. Music has always been a natural way to bridge distance and differences, and this project shows that in a very tangible way. Through Anghami, we’re able to help make that connection possible, bringing artists and audiences across borders into a shared cultural moment in a way that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.

In that sense, it becomes more than a collaboration; it’s a collective expression of empathy, resilience, and closeness during a time when those sentiments are deeply felt across the region.