Dubai Autodrome, a subsidiary of Union Properties, has announced MotoDrome, a purpose-built off-road motorsport destination in the UAE, as it broadens its offerings beyond traditional circuit racing.

Located within Dubai Autodrome’s Hill Circuit, MotoDrome will cater to riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts.

The facility includes a 1.8-kilometre motocross track and a 1.2-kilometre flow track designed for smaller bikes and entry-level riders, according to the state news agency, WAM.

MotoDrome to cater to a range of off-road activities

It will also accommodate quad bikes, cross cars, 4×4 experiences and electric dirt bikes, reflecting what the company said was growing demand for a wider range of off-road activities, WAM reported.

MotoDrome features three progressive riding levels aimed at helping participants develop their skills over time. The track also uses elevation changes to create a more varied riding experience.

Operations will be organised by rider ability and vehicle type, with separate sessions for bikes, quads, electric bikes and younger riders. Dubai Autodrome said the venue would follow the same health, safety and motorsport standards as its existing facilities.

The venue will initially open to the public with training programmes and open track days. It plans to introduce a summer night racing series featuring multiple rounds across bike, e-bike and quad categories.

Future expansion plans include the addition of a dedicated dirt go-kart track.

Phase one of MotoDrome is expected to be completed by the end of May.

Dubai Autodrome currently hosts international events including the Michelin 24H Dubai and the Asian Le Mans Series, alongside a wider calendar of entertainment and community events.

Read: Dubai Autodrome’s GM Faisal Al Sahlawi shares its role in driving motorsport in the UAE

Gold prices fell on Monday after Iran said it had struck a U.S. warship, boosting the dollar and reinforcing inflation concerns that kept expectations of higher interest rates alive.

Spot gold was down 0.9 per cent at $4,572.40 per ounce, by 8:51 am ET (1251 GMT). US gold futures fell 1.3 per cent to $4,583.70.

“Gold dips again, primarily on the issues surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. The latest news clearly didn’t give the market confidence that everything is going to be okay and again raised the specter of inflation issues, along with fairly hawkish signals to the market on interest rates,” said Bart Melek, global head of commodity strategy at TD Securities.

Iran said it had forced a US warship to turn back from entering the Strait of Hormuz, but a US official denied a report that it had been struck by Iranian missiles, according to an Axios journalist.

The US dollar and oil prices gained after the news. A stronger US currency makes dollar-priced metals more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Meanwhile, soaring energy prices have intensified inflation fears, strengthening bets that central banks will keep interest rates higher for longer.

Barclays joined a growing list of brokerages to bet on no policy easing from the US Federal Reserve this year. Last week, the Fed left rates unchanged in its most divided decision since 1992 on deepening concerns about higher energy prices percolating through the economy.

Key data due this week include US job openings, the ADP employment report and the April payrolls report.

Even as gold serves as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, the metal loses appeal in a high-rate environment as it offers no yield.

“I see strong support levels around $4,200 for gold. I do think there are broader issues later in the year that could support prices. However, uncertainty and possible rate hikes could push some traders to exit positions in the near term,” Melek said.

The UAE put out fresh missile alerts on Monday afternoon for the first time since the US-Iran ceasefire began on April 8.

The first alert came amid tension in the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier in the day, the UAE strongly condemned a drone attack on an ADNOC-affiliated oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of targeting a national carrier amid escalating regional tensions.

After the first alerts, the UAE Ministry of Defence indicated in post on X that it had intercepted three missiles, with one falling into the sea.

But later on Monday, several more alerts were activated, with the Fujairah Media Office reporting that its oil industry aone (FOIZ) had been impacted by drones from Iran, resulting in a fire at the facility.

*This is a developing story.

Emirates has announced a major milestone in its operational recovery, restoring 96 per cent of its global network and reaffirming Dubai’s role as a critical international travel hub.

The airline’s steady return follows a period of disruption, during which it gradually resumed services across key regions including the Americas, Europe, Africa, West Asia, the Middle East/GCC, the Far East, and Australasia.

Today, Emirates operates flights to 137 destinations across 72 countries, offering more than 1,300 weekly departures. This represents approximately 75 per cent of its pre-disruption capacity, according to an Emirates Media report.

The airline continues to scale up services, providing passengers with increased flexibility, expanded seat availability, and more travel options each day.

Read more-Dubai Airport navigated weeks of disruption: Here’s what comes next

Despite operating on a reduced schedule during the disruption, Emirates carried 4.7 million passengers between March 1 and April 30, underscoring what the airline described as “enduring demand for travel and continued customer trust.”

Elevated passenger experience remains central

As operations rebound, Emirates is placing renewed emphasis on delivering its signature onboard and ground experience. The airline said passengers can expect high standards of comfort, hospitality, and service across all routes.

Onboard offerings include regionally inspired multi-course meals curated by award-winning chefs, alongside a broad selection of premium beverages. The airline’s inflight entertainment system, ice, continues to be a standout feature, offering more than 6,500 channels of content in nearly 40 languages. From movies and television shows to podcasts, games, and audiobooks, Emirates aims to ensure a seamless and engaging journey for all travellers.

Connectivity also remains a priority. High-speed Wi-Fi is now available on an increasing number of aircraft, with Starlink internet currently installed on 28 planes, enabling fast and reliable connectivity at cruising altitude.

Flexible travel and enhanced rewards drive confidence

In tandem with operational recovery, Emirates has introduced a range of customer-focused initiatives designed to boost travel confidence and convenience.

Under its updated booking policy, customers who booked from April 2 benefit from greater flexibility, including one complimentary date change across all cabin classes. Travellers also have the option to hold fares for up to 24 hours at no additional cost.

The airline’s Dubai Connect programme continues to transform extended layovers into comfortable stopover experiences. Passengers with transit times ranging from six to 26 hours can access complimentary hotel stays at four- or five-star properties, along with airport transfers, meals, and UAE entry visas where required. The service is available across all cabin classes and can be booked up to 12 hours in advance through the airline’s website.

Meanwhile, Emirates Skywards members are being offered accelerated access to higher membership tiers. From May 1 to August 31, 2026, travellers can benefit from reduced tier requirements and earn bonus Tier Miles on both Emirates and flydubai flights.

As Emirates rebuilds its network and enhances its offerings, the airline is positioning itself for sustained growth while strengthening Dubai’s standing as a global aviation hub.

Saudi authorities have introduced a major convenience for Hajj pilgrims, allowing them to travel within the Kingdom using a digital visitor ID instead of carrying a passport. The General Directorate of Passports said the move is designed to simplify travel and enhance safety during the pilgrimage season.

Pilgrims can register through the Ministry of Interior’s Absher platform to obtain the ID, which serves as an officially recognised document for movement across the country, a Saudi gazette report said.

Read more-Hajj 2026: Health conditions that may restrict permit approval

Officials emphasised that the system will help reduce the burden of carrying physical documents while ensuring secure identification.

“The digital visitor ID allows pilgrims to move around easily and safely during their stay in the kingdom,” the directorate said, noting that it fully replaces the need for a paper passport within Saudi Arabia.

Strict penalties for Hajj violations

At the same time, authorities have issued a stern warning against violating Hajj regulations, announcing penalties of up to SR20,000, deportation, and a 10-year re-entry ban. The Ministry of Interior said the rules will be enforced from Dhu Al Qi’dah 1 (April 18) until Dhu Al Hijjah 14 (May 31).

Individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit will face heavy fines, while residents found in violation will be deported and barred from returning to the kingdom for a decade.

The ministry urged full compliance, calling on citizens and residents to cooperate with authorities. “Strict adherence to Hajj regulations is essential to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims,” the ministry said.

Members of the public are encouraged to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern region, and 999 elsewhere in the kingdom.