The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) has announced the resumption of in-person learning and services starting April 12, covering nurseries, kindergartens, public and private schools, as well as educational service centers, in line with the approved academic calendar.

In an official statement, the ministry confirmed that government schools will implement alternative assessment methods for mid-term examinations during the second semester. These measures, recently introduced, aim to ensure continuity in evaluating student performance.

Flexible assessment measures introduced

The ministry emphasised that “the adoption of electronic applications does not conflict with the in-person learning model, but rather is a flexible assessment tool to measure learning outcomes in different circumstances,” according to a Qatar News Agency report.

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Private schools, meanwhile, will conduct internal assessments based on their approved educational plans, while continuing to administer centralised examinations in accordance with directives issued by their respective examination boards.

Strong infrastructure and preparedness

Reaffirming its readiness, the ministry highlighted the strength of Qatar’s educational infrastructure and its ability to adapt to changing conditions. It noted that comprehensive systems and procedural frameworks are in place to support both in-person and distance learning.

These include well-developed teaching plans, instructional strategies, and assessment mechanisms designed to maintain educational standards under various scenarios.

The ministry added that transitions between learning models are guided by precise criteria, developed in coordination with relevant authorities, to balance educational continuity with safety.

“The ministry will continue to monitor the current situation and will announce any updates through its official channels in due course,” the statement said, underscoring its commitment to student and staff well-being.

Kuwait’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Osama Boodai, on Monday issued a sweeping decision prohibiting cash transactions exceeding KWD10 across several sectors, mandating the use of banking channels and electronic payments instead.

The move, outlined in Ministerial Decision No. 32 of 2026, applies to institutions and companies operating in health institutes, salons for men, women and children, sports clubs, pest and rodent control firms, and businesses handling public health pesticides.

In a statement to KUNA, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said Article I bans cash payments above KWD10 in contracts, sales, and services.

“Article II states that penalties enshrined in Decree-Law 10/1979 shall be applied to violators,” the ministry said, noting shutdowns and legal action among possible consequences.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy said it has restored full pumping capacity on a major crude pipeline and recovered part of its oil output following recent attacks on energy facilities, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The ministry said operational efforts had reinstated the East–West pipeline’s capacity to around 7 million barrels per day, after earlier disruptions cut about 700,000 barrels per day of pumping capability.

It added that production at the Manifa field had been fully restored, recovering roughly 300,000 barrels per day

Work is still underway to bring output at the Khurais field back to full capacity after a disruption of about 300,000 barrels per day, with further updates to be announced once completed.

Swift recovery mark of resilience: Saudi Ministry of Energy

The swift recovery highlights the resilience of Saudi Aramco and the kingdom’s broader energy infrastructure, the ministry said, adding that supply reliability to domestic and global markets had been maintained.

The disruptions were disclosed in a statement issued on April 9, when the ministry outlined the impact of attacks on parts of the kingdom’s energy sector.

Airports Council International Europe has warned that Europe could face jet fuel shortages within weeks if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is not restored, raising concerns over airport operations and summer travel demand.

In a letter to European commissioners on April 9, ACI Europe said the region relies heavily on Gulf supplies, which account for about half of its jet fuel imports, leaving it vulnerable to prolonged disruption.

Director-general Olivier Jankovec said tightening supplies could disrupt airport operations and connectivity, with wider economic consequences.

He added that unless stable transit through Hormuz resumes within roughly three weeks, widespread shortages across the European Union could emerge.

The warning comes as airports report growing concern over fuel availability ahead of the peak summer season, with smaller hubs particularly exposed.

Carriers are raising fares to counter rising fuel prices

Airlines have already begun adjusting operations, cutting some flights and raising fares as fuel markets tighten.

Benchmark European jet fuel prices surged to a record $1,838 per tonne last week, more than double pre-conflict levels.

ACI Europe urged policymakers to intervene, calling for coordinated fuel purchasing and the temporary easing of import restrictions.

It also said the crisis should accelerate efforts to scale up sustainable aviation fuel, while warning conventional fuel prices may remain elevated over the medium term.

Air transport contributes around EUR851bn annually to Europe’s economy and supports about 14 million jobs, according to ACI Europe.

Rain is expected across parts of the UAE on Sunday, as unsettled weather conditions take hold due to a surface low-pressure system, according to the National Centre of Meteorology.

The weather is forecast to be partly cloudy to cloudy at times, with convective cloud formation bringing a chance of rainfall over scattered areas. Temperatures are set to dip slightly, offering a brief reprieve from recent warmer conditions.

Winds are expected to be light to moderate, becoming fresh to strong at times — particularly with cloud activity — which could raise dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility in exposed areas.

Wind speeds will range between 15 and 25km/h, with gusts reaching up to 45km/h, blowing from the southeast to northeast.

Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are expected to be moderate, turning rough at times with cloud build-up, while the Oman Sea will remain slight to moderate.

Temperatures will vary across the country, with highs of around 26°C in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, rising to 34°C in Fujairah. Overnight lows could drop to 17°C in inland areas such as Al Ain and Ruwais.

Humidity levels are forecast to reach up to 85 per cent in coastal regions, adding to the unsettled conditions.

Authorities typically advise residents to exercise caution during periods of reduced visibility and strong winds, particularly when driving.