Education authorities in Qatar and Kuwait have rolled out significant changes to school schedules this week, reflecting a combination of seasonal conditions, operational planning, and post-disruption recovery measures.

While Qatar is moving into a short-term summer timetable to manage rising temperatures, Kuwait is restoring in-person learning for secondary students after an extended period of online education, a Qatar News Agency report said.

Together, the developments highlight how Gulf education systems are adapting their academic calendars to both environmental and situational challenges while maintaining continuity of learning across levels.

In Qatar, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education has announced revised school hours for government institutions, effective from Sunday, May 3, until June 3.

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Under the temporary schedule, the school day will begin at 07:00 across all levels. Dismissal times will vary by stage: kindergartens will end at 12:00, primary schools at 12:30, and preparatory and secondary schools at 12:45 on most days of the week.

The ministry said the adjustment is designed to better align the school day with rising seasonal temperatures while ensuring academic continuity is not affected. “In a statement, the ministry said the adjustment is designed to better align the school day with seasonal weather conditions, as temperatures rise across the country. It added that the change will not affect the number of teaching periods, ensuring that academic requirements remain unchanged.”

Administrative and teaching staff will continue on a slightly extended schedule from 07:00 to 13:15 to ensure smooth school operations and uninterrupted learning delivery.

The revised timetable comes as students prepare for end-of-term examinations scheduled to begin on June 4, according to the official academic calendar for the 2025–2026 school year. Authorities said the move forms part of broader efforts to safeguard student wellbeing during the hotter months while maintaining academic standards.

Kuwait returns to classroom learning after remote phase

At the same time, Kuwait has taken a major step in restoring normal school operations, with secondary schools resuming in-person classes on Sunday, May 3, following weeks of online learning introduced due to exceptional security circumstances, the Ministry of Education announced.

The return follows a cabinet decision mandating that students, teachers, and administrative staff resume physical attendance under a comprehensive readiness plan aimed at ensuring safety and continuity. The shift marks a transition back to classrooms after more than a month of remote learning triggered by regional tensions, an Arab Times report said.

During the disruption period, Kuwait’s education system operated through digital platforms, with classes delivered via Microsoft Teams under structured schedules and supported by technical monitoring teams across educational districts.

The Ministry also implemented academic adjustments during this phase, including postponing short tests and introducing alternative “achievement assessment” mechanisms for core subjects. Secondary school hours were adjusted to a daily schedule running from 9:00am to 1:15pm, with six class periods designed to optimize curriculum delivery.

“Education Minister Sayed Jalal Al Tabtabai said new exam frameworks would reflect the reduced curriculum and ensure students are adequately prepared following the remote learning period. He also directed the adoption of fair assessment methods for supplementary subjects.”

While secondary students have now returned to classrooms, distance learning continues for kindergarten, primary, and intermediate levels across public, private, and religious schools, as well as adult education programmes. In special education schools, teachers are required to attend, while student attendance remains optional based on parental preference.

The ministry also highlighted ongoing education reforms alongside crisis response measures, including expansion of a digital library, increased integration of artificial intelligence in learning systems, and the launch of the “Istashir” platform offering confidential psychological support services for students and families.

Kuwait had shifted to nationwide online schooling on February 28 amid regional tensions lasting over 40 days, which impacted both civilian routines and public services.

Authorities reiterated their commitment to maintaining a safe and stable educational environment and said any further changes would be communicated through official channels.

The United Arab Emirates is discussing a currency swap line with the United States, its trade minister said on Monday.

“We have this discussion and conversation with many, it’s part of an elite group that the US is having this swap policy with. They are only having it with five countries,” Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the UAE, said at a conference in Abu Dhabi.

“Being part of that group means that transactions… trade, investments between both nations reach a level where that swap is highly needed … so it is an elite matter, (it) is not about bailing out,” he told the “Make It In The Emirates” event.

Currency swap lines between central banks allow each institution to obtain the other’s currency without resorting to foreign exchange markets, reducing transaction costs and exchange-rate risk for cross-border trade and investment.

The US Federal Reserve has permanent standing central bank currency swap lines with five other major central banks – the Bank of Canada, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank, the Bank of England and the Swiss National Bank.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said last month that a number of allies in the Gulf region and in Asia had requested currency swap lines from the United States to help deal with energy shocks and other fallout from the Middle East war.

The war, which started with US and Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint through which about 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass, raising oil prices.

Al Zeyoudi did not provide further details on the discussions, size or timeline for an agreement on the currency swap line with the United States.

Saudi Arabia has intensified its nationwide enforcement campaign against residency, labour and border violations, with authorities arresting 11,300 individuals in a single week, according to the Saudi Gazette citing the Ministry of Interior.

The arrests were carried out through joint inspection campaigns conducted by security forces in coordination with multiple government entities between April 23 and April 29.

Of the total detained, 6,244 were found in violation of residency regulations, 3,543 breached border security laws, and 1,513 were linked to labour law violations, underscoring the multi-pronged nature of the crackdown.

The enforcement drive has also led to significant deportation activity, with 14,855 individuals repatriated during the same period. In parallel, 18,601 violators were referred to their respective diplomatic missions to secure travel documentation, while 4,337 individuals were processed to complete travel arrangements.

Border enforcement remains a key focus area. Authorities reported that 1,330 individuals were apprehended while attempting to illegally enter the Kingdom, with nationals from Yemen accounting for 43 per cent and Ethiopia making up 54 per cent of those detained. A further 51 individuals were arrested while attempting to exit the country unlawfully.

In addition to direct violators, enforcement actions extended to facilitators. Authorities detained 14 individuals accused of providing transport, shelter, or employment to undocumented residents—activities that remain a major focus of regulatory oversight.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that a total of 29,913 expatriates—comprising 27,699 men and 2,214 women—are currently undergoing legal procedures as part of the broader enforcement framework.

Reinforcing the regulatory stance, the ministry warned that individuals aiding illegal entry, transportation, or accommodation face penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to SR1m ($266,000). Assets used in such activities, including vehicles and properties, are also subject to confiscation.

Authorities have urged public cooperation in reporting violations, providing dedicated helplines across regions as part of efforts to strengthen compliance and enforcement across the Kingdom’s labour and residency ecosystem.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said May is considered one of the months of the first transition period (spring) between winter and summer.

The authority explained that the month is marked by a gradual northward shift of the apparent movement of the sun, leading to longer daytime hours and a steady rise in temperatures across the UAE, a WAM report said.

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”During this month the apparent movement of sun continue to move north of the equator where daytime gradually increases in the northern hemisphere which lead to a gradual increase of air temperature over most parts of the country during this month,” said the NCM in its May climate summary.

Changing weather systems

The NCM noted that the Siberian high-pressure system weakens during May, while weather depressions influence the region from the east and west. When combined with extensions of westerly upper-air troughs, cloud cover increases and the chances of rainfall rise.

Humidity levels are expected to decline slightly compared to April, particularly in the second half of the month. The agency also said fog and mist formation remains possible, especially during the first half over scattered areas, with occurrences decreasing later in May.

Climate statistics

According to the NCM, mean air temperatures range between 30.6°C and 33.6°C, while mean maximum temperatures range from 37.3°C to 40.7°C. Mean minimum temperatures vary between 24.3°C and 26.8°C.

The highest recorded temperature for May reached 51.6°C in Sweihan in 2025, while the lowest minimum temperature fell to 9.0°C at Jabal Jais in 2005.

Mean wind speed stands at 13 km/hr, with the strongest recorded winds reaching 117.2 km/hr at Jabal Mebreh in 2010. Relative humidity averages 39 per cent, with maximum values ranging between 54 per cent and 82 per cent, and minimum levels between 14 per cent and 22 per cent.

In May 2021, the month recorded the highest frequency of fog with four fog events and 10 misty days. The highest rainfall recorded for May was 134.4 mm in Al Fali in 1981.

Authorities also advised residents to take precautions during rising daytime temperatures, stay hydrated, and monitor official forecasts regularly as seasonal conditions continue to shift across the UAE during May month period overall.

Dubai’s ambition to redefine urban mobility has taken a tangible step forward with the completion of its first air taxi station near Dubai International Airport. Developed through a partnership between Skyports, Joby Aviation, and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, the four-storey vertiport is designed to support electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft ahead of a planned commercial launch in 2026.

For Anthony El-Khoury, UAE general manager at Joby Aviation, the milestone signals a decisive shift from concept to execution.

“The completion of the vertiport is a significant moment, not just symbolically, but structurally,” he says. “It marks the point at which the conversation shifts from what we’re building to how we’re bringing it to life.”

While the physical infrastructure is now in place, moving to full passenger operations requires alignment across multiple layers of aviation, technology, and user experience.

“The path to passenger operations comes down to three core areas: certification, operational readiness, and ecosystem integration,” El-Khoury explains.

Certification remains a critical step, with Joby working closely with the General Civil Aviation Authority to validate both the aircraft and the operating model. At the same time, the company is finalising pilot training programmes, flight procedures, and ground operations to ensure consistency and reliability.

“The infrastructure is in place. Now it’s about execution,” he adds.

Integration, however, may prove the most defining factor. Air taxis will need to operate seamlessly within Dubai’s broader transport ecosystem, from airspace coordination to passenger booking platforms.

Anthony El-Khoury, UAE general manager at Joby Aviation

Testing the limits in UAE conditions

Joby’s readiness for commercial operations has been shaped by extensive testing under real-world UAE conditions, including extreme heat and environmental stress.

“The UAE testing programme was a critical phase for us because it allowed us to validate performance in real operating conditions,” El-Khoury says.

One of the biggest technical challenges was thermal performance. Operating in temperatures approaching 43°C required detailed analysis of how battery systems, motors, and onboard electronics behave under sustained heat.

The company also tested performance in low-density air, where high temperatures reduce lift efficiency, as well as exposure to sand, dust, and humidity.

“These are not simulated conditions, but the actual environment we’ll be operating in commercially,” he notes.

The outcome, according to Joby, was consistent performance and stability, reinforcing confidence as the company moves toward certification.

The Dubai vertiport is designed to handle up to 170,000 passengers annually, but early adoption will be deliberately phased.

“In the early phases, we expect demand to build progressively. We will start our operations with a small fleet and build from there,” El-Khoury says.

Rather than focusing on immediate scale, the strategy is centred on delivering a premium, reliable experience that drives repeat usage.

“What gives us confidence is the market itself. There is already strong demand in Dubai for efficient, time-saving transport,” he adds.

The expectation is that once passengers experience the time savings such as a potential 10-minute journey between key locations, adoption will accelerate organically.

Designing a network, not a route

Dubai’s initial air taxi rollout will include four key vertiports: Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. These locations were selected based on detailed analysis of movement patterns across the city.

“The four stations were selected based on extensive analysis of people movement data across Dubai, identifying the corridors where demand is highest,” El-Khoury says.

The station features a four-storey facility covering 3,100 square metres, alongside a two-level parking structure, two dedicated air taxi take-off and landing pads, and specialised charging infrastructure for the aircraft. It also includes climate-controlled passenger areas designed to accommodate up to 170,000 travellers annually.

The system will operate as a point-to-point network, with aircraft moving between vertiports at regular intervals. Over time, this network approach is expected to expand both within Dubai and across the UAE, including potential routes to Ras Al Khaimah.

A key part of the user experience will be integration with ground transport, enabled through Joby’s partnership with Uber.

“Passengers will be able to combine air taxi and ground journeys in a single, seamless trip,” he explains.

For any new mode of transport, passenger confidence is critical. Joby is positioning safety as the core of its value proposition, embedding it across design, testing, and regulatory compliance.

“Safety is absolutely fundamental, it’s built into every layer of the system,” El-Khoury says.

The aircraft itself incorporates multiple redundancies, including six propellers with dual-wound motors, independent battery systems, and backup flight control systems. Globally, Joby has flown over 50,000 miles as part of its testing programme and is in the final stages of certification with the Federal Aviation Administration.

In the UAE, local test flights have validated performance under regional conditions, including recent operations in Margham and at Al Maktoum International Airport.

“While the technology is new, the safety framework is well established,” he adds.

Built for urban environments

Unlike traditional aircraft adapted for city use, Joby’s eVTOL aircraft are designed specifically for urban environments.

“Our eVTOL aircrafts aren’t adapted for urban environments, they’re designed for them,” El-Khoury says.

This distinction is critical in addressing challenges such as heat, air density, noise, and limited landing space. Distributed electric propulsion enables stable lift and control, while the aircraft’s acoustic profile is significantly lower than that of helicopters.

In dense urban settings, this combination of efficiency, manoeuvrability, and reduced noise is essential for scalability.

One of the most compelling aspects of air taxis is the promise of predictable travel times in a city where road congestion can be unpredictable.

“The goal isn’t just a fast journey. It’s a journey you can plan around,” El-Khoury says.

Operating within controlled airspace ensures consistency, with routes designed in coordination with aviation authorities. While factors such as weather and airspace management will still play a role, variability is expected to be significantly lower than ground transport.

“What this model fundamentally changes is the variability,” he explains. “Ground transport in Dubai is subject to congestion, unpredictability… An air route doesn’t have those variables.”

A blueprint for global expansion

Beyond its immediate impact on Dubai’s transport network, the project represents a broader strategic milestone for Joby Aviation.

“Dubai is much more than just an early market for Joby,” El-Khoury says. “What we’re building here… is a blueprint that can be adapted to other cities globally.”

The combination of government vision, regulatory agility, and private sector collaboration has created an environment where advanced mobility concepts can move rapidly from pilot to commercial deployment.

For Joby, success in Dubai will not only validate the aircraft, but the entire ecosystem — from vertiports and regulatory frameworks to passenger experience and operational integration.

“Getting it right here is how we scale it everywhere else,” El-Khoury concludes.

As Dubai positions itself at the forefront of advanced air mobility, the transition from infrastructure to operations will determine whether air taxis evolve from a headline innovation into a viable, scalable mode of transport.