Local from Friday, April 3rd, 2026

More than 40 million students from 60 countries have taken part in the latest edition of the Arab Reading Challenge, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said on Friday.

Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, participated in a virtual meeting of Foreign Ministers on the Strait of Hormuz, hosted by Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom.

UAE air defences successfully intercepted 18 ballistic missiles, 4 cruise missiles and 47 drones launched from Iran on Friday, the Ministry of Defence said.

Dubai Police have warned motorists against reckless driving behaviour that poses a threat to road users, stressing such actions can lead to severe traffic accidents with serious consequences.

Authorities confirmed on Friday that an incident reported earlier in Abu Dhabi's Ajban area resulted in injuries to 12 members of the public, ranging from minor to major.

Abu Dhabi authorities are responding to a fire that broke out at Habshan gas facilities on Friday due to fallen debris from a successful interception, with the facility suspending its operations.

The UAE's Ministry of Defence has announced on Friday that its air defence systems are responding to a new wave of missile and drone threats from Iran.

Several churches and temples located in Dubai have announced their temporary closure and suspension of in-person services starting April 3 until further notice.

The UAE, alongside the GCC and Jordan, has announced its support for Bahrain's resolution to the United Nations' Security Council that affirms the need for the Strait of Hormuz to be opened for all transit passage without any state control.