Kazakhstan has signalled it is willing to take Tehran’s stockpile of uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels if the US reaches a deal with Iran over its nuclear programme, the head of UN’s nuclear watchdog told the Financial Times.

The central Asian state expressed its openness to keeping the stockpile when Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi in Astana this week, Grossi told the newspaper in an interview published on Friday.

Kazakhstan hosts an internationally-controlled bank of low-enriched uranium to ensure fuel supplies for power stations in IAEA member states and prevent nuclear proliferation.

The storage facility was opened in 2017 in collaboration with the IAEA.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he would soon decide on a proposed deal to extend the ceasefire with Iran, though the two countries still appeared to differ on significant issues that have been central to the conflict.

Trump said on Friday morning that he would meet in a secure White House room to make a “final determination” on the proposal, which would extend an early-April truce for another 60 days, giving negotiators time to forge a permanent end to the war.

A White House official said the meeting in the Situation Room lasted about two hours, but did not address whether Trump had made a decision.

“President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines. Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon,” the official said.

A senior Iranian source told Reuters an agreement was close but had not yet been approved.

However, Trump also said Iran would have to end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz and dismantle its capacity to make a nuclear weapon – two conditions that Tehran has not agreed to.

“Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb. The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions,” Trump said, adding that nuclear material would be “unearthed” by the U.S.

Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, citing sources, said Trump‘s comments were an “attempt to portray a fabricated victory.”

The senior Iranian source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the potential deal does not include any nuclear-related issues, while Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on state TV that the management of the strait must be decided by Iran and Oman.

Fars said the strait would be reopened under Tehran’s conditions after the US lifts its blockade on Iranian ships.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US blockade would be removed slowly if it happens.

Fars said there was agreement to release $12bn of Iran’s frozen assets.

Trump said no money would be exchanged “until further notice” – a possible reference to Iran’s demands for toll payments in the strait, war damage reparations or a release of frozen Iranian assets.

More than 300,000 workers across the UAE took part in large-scale Eid Al Adha celebrations organised at 30 locations nationwide under the theme, “Our Workers’ Happiness, the Joy of Our Eid”.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in partnership with several federal and local entities, featured a packed programme of entertainment, cultural performances and prize giveaways aimed at recognising the contribution of workers to the country’s development journey.

Read more-Eid Al Adha 2026 in Abu Dhabi: Top experiences on offer during the holidays

According to a WAM report, the celebrations included competitive and interactive activities, raffles for valuable prizes such as a car and travel tickets, as well as live entertainment shows and folk dance performances. Gifts were also distributed to workers attending the festivities.

Government and private sector unite for celebrations

MoHRE organised the events in collaboration with a wide network of government partners, including the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, police headquarters across the UAE, municipalities nationwide, AD Ports Group, and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai.

Additional participating entities included the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Dubai Civil Defence, the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs in Dubai, Dubai Event Security Committee, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Sharjah’s Department of Municipal Affairs, National Ambulance, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), and Burjeel Holdings.

Officials said the initiative reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to strengthening workers’ wellbeing and social inclusion during major national and religious occasions.

Companies organise activities for workers

Private sector companies also joined the celebrations by organising activities alongside the ministry’s programme, reinforcing what organisers described as a strong culture of social responsibility and care for workers.

Among the participating companies were Sobha Construction, Granada Europe Construction, Millionaire Building Contracting, Advanced Metal Works, Luxury Homes Real Estate, Al Mehwar Engineering Consultancy, DULSCO Group, the Labour Accommodation Authority in Abu Dhabi through eight of its facilities, and Innovo Build LLC.

MoHRE said honouring workers during holidays and national events remains a longstanding commitment carried out in cooperation with public and private sector partners. The ministry added that such initiatives aim to promote happiness, improve quality of life, and strengthen workers’ sense of belonging within the UAE community.

Officials also stressed that the celebrations recognise the key role workers play in supporting the UAE’s economic ambitions and reinforcing the country’s reputation as a leading global destination for living, working and investment.

Emirates Airline and Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have issued fresh travel advisories as several countries introduce precautionary measures linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak associated with the Bundibugyo virus strain in parts of Africa.

In an update issued on May 28, Emirates said multiple countries have implemented travel entry restrictions and enhanced screening procedures in response to the outbreak. The airline advised passengers to verify the latest entry requirements through official government channels before departure.

The advisory comes as health authorities across the region increase monitoring efforts following international updates and recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Read more-Emirates breaks ground on $5.1bn engineering complex at Dubai South

According to a report by Times of Oman, Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority released Circular No. 1/2026 on May 24, directing airlines and travellers to comply with strict precautionary health measures amid concerns over the spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Oman calls for strict health precautions

The CAA, working in coordination with the Medical Response Sector, instructed airlines operating in the Sultanate and passengers travelling to or arriving from affected areas to follow enhanced safety guidelines before, during and after travel.

Authorities urged travellers to avoid non-essential travel to outbreak-affected regions and closely monitor updates issued by WHO and national health agencies. The circular also advised passengers to secure adequate health and medical evacuation insurance prior to travel.

During travel, passengers were told to avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or bleeding, while also avoiding exposure to blood or bodily fluids. The authority further stressed the importance of regular handwashing and the use of alcohol-based sanitisers.

The advisory also warned against visiting unnecessary healthcare facilities in affected regions, handling wild animals or undercooked meat, and attending funerals or gatherings involving direct contact with infected or deceased individuals.

Travellers advised to monitor symptoms for 21 days

Under the latest guidance, travellers arriving in Oman from affected areas have been asked to monitor their health for 21 days from the date of departure.

The CAA said anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, severe headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding or extreme fatigue should seek immediate medical attention, disclose their travel history and avoid close contact with others until medically assessed.

Officials also clarified that Ebola does not spread through the air, but through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials, stressing that early reporting and rapid detection remain vital in limiting transmission and protecting public health.

Dubai Customs has stepped up operational readiness across the emirate’s airports and border crossings ahead of the return of Hajj pilgrims and the expected rise in passenger traffic during the Eid Al Adha holiday period.

The authority announced a series of enhanced measures aimed at ensuring smooth passenger movement, faster customs clearance procedures and a seamless travel experience for pilgrims, visitors and travellers arriving in or transiting through Dubai, a WAM report said.

The preparations are part of Dubai Customs’ annual operational framework implemented during peak travel periods. Officials said the strategy reflects Dubai’s broader commitment to maintaining its reputation as one of the world’s most prepared and efficient cities for managing global travel flows.

Read more-Eid Al Adha: UAE airlines issue travel advisories to beat the holiday rush

Authorities said advanced smart systems and digital technologies are being deployed to accelerate inspection procedures, reduce waiting times and maintain high standards of security and safety across all customs points.

Round-the-clock operations at Dubai Airports

Khaled Ahmed, director of Passenger Operations at Dubai Customs, said a fully integrated operational plan has been activated at Dubai Airports to support the return of Hajj pilgrims and accommodate the seasonal increase in passenger movement.

He said customs teams are operating around the clock to facilitate traveller movement and speed up customs procedures across arrival and departure halls.

Ahmed added that frontline inspection teams have been reinforced, while smart systems and modern inspection equipment have been upgraded to enhance operational efficiency during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

“Smart solutions and advanced technologies have become a core component in developing customs operations and improving service efficiency for travellers,” Ahmed said.

He noted that Dubai Customs continues to coordinate closely with strategic partners and entities operating at Dubai Airports to ensure a unified approach in delivering a smooth and efficient travel experience.

According to Ahmed, passenger comfort and safety remain among the top priorities guiding all seasonal operational plans.

Dedicated routes and faster baggage collection

Dubai Customs said special arrangements have been introduced to simplify arrival procedures for pilgrims returning from the Holy Lands.

The measures include the allocation of dedicated routes within hand baggage inspection zones located near counters operated by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. The dedicated lanes are designed to accelerate processing procedures for pilgrims and reduce congestion inside customs halls.

Officials also confirmed that baggage belts positioned near exit gates at Dubai International Airport terminals have been reserved to facilitate quicker luggage collection for returning pilgrims.

In addition, dedicated exit gates and electronic inspection channels have been assigned to streamline passenger movement and prevent overlap with other travellers during peak hours.

The authority said the measures are intended to reduce waiting times while maintaining smooth operational flow throughout airport terminals.

Medical support and coordinated response plans

As part of the preparations, Dubai Customs has coordinated with Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services to provide on-site paramedic support at customs halls inside Dubai Airports.

The move is aimed at ensuring immediate response capability in the event of medical emergencies or health-related incidents involving passengers.

Ahmed said the latest initiatives are part of a broader strategy focused on improving both operational efficiency and the overall traveller experience.

“These measures form part of an integrated approach focused on enhancing the traveller experience and improving operational efficiency,” he said, adding that the efforts reinforce Dubai’s standing as a leading global destination for travel, aviation and logistics services.

Hatta Border Crossing ramps up readiness

Meanwhile, Dubai Customs confirmed that preparations have also been intensified at Hatta Border Crossing, where authorities expect increased traffic volumes during the Hajj return season and Eid Al-Adha holiday.

Khaled Al Muadhin, director of Hatta Customs Management at Dubai Customs, said operational and field teams have strengthened readiness measures to ensure smooth border movement and rapid customs processing.

He said teams at the border crossing are working continuously to provide high levels of service to pilgrims, visitors and travellers entering or leaving the country.

“Our teams at Hatta Border Crossing are operating efficiently around the clock to deliver the highest levels of service while ensuring a safe and comfortable travel environment,” Al Muadhin said.

He added that logistical and technical support systems have been enhanced, while field shift capacity has been increased to handle the expected surge in traffic.

Authorities have also intensified coordination efforts with relevant entities and strategic partners operating at the crossing to ensure organized movement of passengers and buses during the holiday period.

Officials said the measures are part of a comprehensive operational plan aimed at improving passenger flow and facilitating border procedures in line with international standards of efficiency and security.

Smart customs systems continue to drive efficiency

Dubai Customs said it will continue implementing development plans focused on enhancing customs services and boosting operational performance across all ports and entry points.

The authority noted that advanced technologies and digital solutions remain central to efforts aimed at accelerating processing procedures and improving operational accuracy.

The initiatives align with Dubai Government’s wider vision of delivering proactive and smart government services based on innovation, flexibility and quality of life.

Officials said the integrated preparations demonstrate Dubai Customs’ ability to efficiently manage peak travel periods while maintaining high standards of service and security.

The authority added that the latest measures further reinforce Dubai’s position as a global model in smart customs operations and as a key enabler of travel, trade and customer experience across the emirate.