August Fuel Prices: UAE Announcement Looms
The UAE will announce its fuel prices for August 2026 on Thursday, July 31, with the new petrol and diesel rates coming into effect from Saturday, August 1. Motorists are anticipating whether prices will rise or fall following July’s drop, as global oil prices have recently climbed. Brent crude, one of the world’s leading oil benchmarks, dipped below US$70 a barrel earlier this month before rebounding to around US$100.
The current fuel prices in the UAE are Super 98 at Dhs3.40 per litre, Special 95 at Dhs3.29 per litre, E-Plus 91 at Dhs3.21 per litre, and Diesel at Dhs3.60 per litre. These prices have seen fluctuations throughout the year, with July bringing some relief for drivers after fuel prices dropped across all grades compared to June.
The UAE Fuel Price Committee’s announcement will determine the direction of fuel prices for August, considering the global oil price movements. As international oil prices play a role in determining UAE fuel prices, motorists could see some changes at the pumps next month.
The UAE’s fuel price updates are a monthly occurrence, with the committee aiming to ensure fair pricing for motorists based on global oil market trends. The announcement on July 31 will provide clarity on whether the recent climb in global oil prices will impact local fuel prices.
This upcoming announcement follows a pattern of fuel price adjustments seen throughout 2026, with prices having risen and fallen in response to global market conditions. The UAE Fuel Price Committee’s decision will be closely watched by motorists and industry stakeholders alike, as it directly affects the cost of living and transportation costs in the UAE.
In the context of previous years, such as 2025, fuel prices remained relatively steady for much of the year before beginning to rise again towards the end of the year. The committee’s announcement for August 2026 will be significant in understanding how fuel prices might trend for the remainder of the year.
Katy Perry Slams White House Over "Firework" Use
Katy Perry: White House Misused "Firework"
Katy Perry has condemned the White House's use of her song "Firework" in a TikTok video depicting military strikes, stating it is a "complete violation" of the song's message of hope. The White House's official TikTok account posted a nine-second video on Thursday showing footage described as military strikes, set to Katy Perry's 2010 hit "Firework." Perry addressed the White House directly on X, saying she did not approve the use of her song, was not asked, and absolutely does not condone it.
The song's use in the video has sparked controversy, with Perry explaining that she wrote "Firework" to be an anthem of hope, healing, and inner strength for people going through their darkest personal moments. She described the video as "a complete violation of everything my song stands for," and stated that her music is for bringing people together, not celebrating warfare. However, it's worth noting that Perry sold the master recordings and publishing rights to "Firework" to Litmus Music in 2023, which means she may not have the legal right to control how the song is used.
This incident is part of a wider pattern of artists pushing back against the use of their music in official government content. Artists such as Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and the Rolling Stones have also objected to the unauthorized use of their work in official content. Perry has a history of Democratic political involvement, having endorsed Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris in successive presidential elections.
Perry's statement has drawn attention to the issue of music rights and the use of songs in political contexts. The incident highlights the complexities of copyright law and the challenges artists face in controlling how their work is used.
UAE solidarity with France amid wildfires
UAE Stands with France as Wildfires Rage
The UAE has expressed its solidarity with the French Republic following the wildfires in southwestern France, resulting in the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) conveyed the UAE's support and wishes for safety for all in France, as firefighters battle the blazes near Marcheprime, some 30km from Bordeaux.
The UAE's diplomatic gesture comes as the French government works to contain the wildfires, which have forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people. The MoFA's statement highlights the UAE's commitment to international cooperation and solidarity in the face of natural disasters.
The wildfires in southwestern France have drawn international attention, with many countries offering support and assistance to the affected regions. The UAE's expression of solidarity is a significant gesture of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively engaged in promoting international cooperation and solidarity, particularly in response to natural disasters and humanitarian crises. This latest gesture highlights the UAE's commitment to supporting its international partners in times of need.
Pay DEWA Bills via WhatsApp, App, or Website
Pay DEWA Bills in Minutes with New Channels
Paying your Dubai electricity and water bills just got easier. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) now offers multiple convenient channels for customers to pay their bills, including a dedicated WhatsApp service. This initiative aims to simplify the payment process for residents, allowing them to complete transactions quickly and efficiently.
DEWA provides various channels for bill payment, including the DEWA Smart App, DEWA Website, Empay UAE Application, Dubai Now, and EasyPay. Customers can pay their bills through these channels using credit cards, debit cards, ePay, or DubaiNow. The DEWA Smart App can be downloaded from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery.
For customers who prefer to pay online, the DEWA Website offers a safe and secure platform for bill payment. The website can be accessed at www.dewa.gov.ae, and customers can pay their bills using various payment options. The Empay UAE Application and Dubai Now also offer bill payment services, and can be downloaded from the respective app stores.
In addition to these channels, DEWA also offers a service called EasyPay, which enables customers to make different types of payments, including Green Bill, Green Charger, Estimate, Port Sale, KW Invoice, and General Services. A tutorial video is available on the DEWA website, which provides a step-by-step guide on how to pay bills online through the DEWA Website.
The various channels offered by DEWA cater to different customer segments, including people of determination, who can access universal accessibility tools through DEWA's digital channels. The authority is committed to protecting the rights of its website users and keeping data and information secure.
If customers face any issues while applying for the service, they can visit the Support page on the DEWA website for assistance. The website also provides a list of frequently asked questions and answers, which can help customers resolve common issues.
Overall, DEWA's multiple channels for bill payment provide customers with a convenient and efficient way to pay their electricity and water bills. With the option to pay via WhatsApp, app, or website, customers can choose the method that suits them best.
Here are the steps to pay your DEWA bill through the available channels:
- Download the DEWA Smart App or access the DEWA Website.
- Log in to your account using your DEWA online user ID or UAE PASS.
- Select the bill payment option and choose your preferred payment method.
- Enter the required details and confirm the payment.
- You will receive a confirmation message once the payment is successful.
UAE Bank Scam: How To Get Your Money Back
Recovering from UAE Bank Scams: Know Your Rights
If you\'ve recently discovered unauthorized transactions on your UAE bank account, you\'re not alone. With the rise of financial crimes, it\'s essential to know your legal protections and the steps to take to recover your lost funds. In the UAE, the Central Bank and cybercrime laws provide a framework for consumer protection, and financial institutions may be liable to compensate customers for losses.
The UAE Cybercrime Law, specifically Article 15 of the Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021, imposes penalties on individuals who hack e-payment instruments, including imprisonment and fines ranging from AED 200,000 to AED 2,000,000. Additionally, financial institutions are obligated to create awareness about financial crimes and maintain up-to-date security systems to protect against evolving threats.
If you\'ve fallen victim to a bank scam, you can take the following steps to recover your lost funds. First, report the issue to your bank immediately. The bank will investigate the matter, and if they find that the loss was due to a financial crime, they may compensate you for the loss. However, if the bank proves that the loss was due to your gross negligence or fraudulent behavior, they may not be liable to pay compensation.
It\'s crucial to note that financial institutions in the UAE are required to demonstrate that they have carried out sufficient consumer awareness activities related to educating consumers about the need to protect themselves from financial crime. They must also maintain up-to-date security systems and be prepared to implement new cybersecurity strategies as needed.
In terms of liability, financial institutions may be held responsible for compensating customers for financial losses due to financial crimes, unless they can prove that the customer was grossly negligent or engaged in fraudulent behavior. This is in accordance with Clause 6.2.2.4 of the Consumer Protection Regulations of Financial Institutions.
As a consumer, it\'s essential to be aware of the risks of financial crimes and take steps to protect yourself. This includes being cautious when using online payment instruments, monitoring your account activity regularly, and reporting any suspicious transactions to your bank immediately.
If you\'re a victim of a bank scam, don\'t hesitate to reach out to your bank and report the issue. You can also seek guidance from the Central Bank of the UAE or a legal expert to understand your rights and the steps to take to recover your lost funds.
In conclusion, while falling victim to a bank scam can be a distressing experience, it\'s essential to know that you have legal protections and recourse in the UAE. By understanding your rights and taking the necessary steps, you can recover your lost funds and prevent future incidents of financial crime.
UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi: Ankalaev Wins
Ankalaev Delivers at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi
The Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi was electric on Saturday as thousands of fans gathered for UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Guskov. The event cemented Abu Dhabi's status as a premier destination for the UFC, with fans from around the world attending the packed arena. From the moment the doors opened, the venue was buzzing with excitement, as supporters wore fighter jerseys, waved national flags, and debated predictions ahead of the night's biggest bouts.
The main event saw Magomed Ankalaev face off against Bogdan Guskov, with Ankalaev emerging victorious by unanimous decision after five competitive rounds. The crowd was on the edge of their seats throughout the fight, reacting to every exchange and cheering on their favorite fighters. The atmosphere was electric, with chants and applause filling the arena as the two light heavyweights battled it out.
The event was more than just the fights, with fans filling the concourses before the opening bouts to take photos, pick up merchandise, and soak in the festival-like atmosphere. Every fighter entrance was met with a different reaction, from loud cheers for fan favorites to chants that rippled around the venue. Between rounds and between fights, conversations continued as supporters debated scorecards, predicted finishes, and analyzed every performance.
The co-main event featured Steve Erceg taking on Ramazan Temirov in an entertaining flyweight contest, while welterweight prospect Islam Dulatov faced Wellington Turman in another closely watched matchup. Heavyweights Rizvan Kuniev and Tyrell Fortune brought explosive power to the Octagon, while lightweight fighters Magomed Zaynukov and Damian Rzepecki added more high-paced action to a stacked main card that kept fans engaged throughout the evening.
By the end of the evening, Etihad Arena had once again delivered the atmosphere that has become synonymous with UFC events in the UAE. Fans left with hoarse voices, full camera rolls, and another memorable night to add to Abu Dhabi's growing legacy as a global destination for mixed martial arts. With Magomed Ankalaev closing the show in convincing fashion, UFC Fight Night proved once again that the city's fight nights are about far more than the results, they're about the shared excitement, the energy of the crowd, and the unforgettable spectacle that unfolds from the first bout to the final bell.
