6.2 Billion Watch World Cup on beIN SPORTS
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has set records not just on the pitch, but also in terms of viewership. beIN SPORTS, the region’s leading sports broadcaster, recorded a cumulative viewership of 6.2 billion across the 39-day tournament, according to independent audience measurement by Ipsos. This unprecedented viewership was driven by the participation of a record eight Arab nations and high-stakes knockout matches.
Every historic moment on the pitch was matched by one on the screen. When Ferran Torres struck in extra time to crown Spain world champions at the New York New Jersey Stadium, 245.4 million were watching across the region, representing 68.6% of MENA‘s total adult population. Similarly, when Egypt took 2022 champions Argentina to the brink in the Round of 16, 192.6 million watched, a record for a match featuring an Arab team.
In all, 22 matches attracted more than 100 million cumulative viewers on beIN SPORTS, despite many of them kicking off at 01:00, 04:00 and 06:00 MECCA, proving, night after night, that distance and time zones are no barrier to the region’s passion. The region’s record eight representatives drew a cumulative 2.1 billion viewers across their 29 matches, as Egypt reached the Round of 16 for the first time and Morocco marched to a second successive quarter-final in front of 151.6 million viewers.
Mohammed Al Bader, Managing Director of beIN Channels – MENA, said: “This was a Fifa World Cup of unprecedented records, the most goals, most teams, and now, the biggest broadcast audience in beIN’s history. Reaching 6.2 billion cumulative viewers across 39 days tells a powerful story about what football means to this region. We are honoured to have been the exclusive home of every moment of it, and prouder still that when Arab teams made history on the pitch, the entire region experienced it together on beIN.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be remembered as a tournament that rewrote the record books, and beIN SPORTS played a significant role in bringing it to the masses. With its record-breaking viewership, beIN SPORTS has cemented its position as the leading sports broadcaster in the MENA region.
Strait of Hormuz ship attack
Hormuz Ship Attack Raises Tensions
A cargo vessel was struck by an unknown projectile near the Strait of Hormuz off Oman's coast, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported on Tuesday. This incident occurred amidst conflicting signals from the US and Iran over the status of talks to end their five-month-old war, boosting uncertainty and highlighting risks to global energy flows. Shipping activity in the Gulf has been significantly impacted, with only six vessels transiting the strait on Monday, down from seven the previous day, according to Kpler data.
The attack on the vessel and the rebound in oil prices on Tuesday highlightd doubts that the US-Iran war was nearing a resolution. Oil prices rose nearly 3% after a steep selloff in the previous session as investors reassessed optimism over diplomacy. Maritime sources told Reuters that the vessel struck near Hormuz was a dry bulk ship, and its crew had to abandon the vessel, with one seafarer missing.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that talks with Tehran were under way and Iran faced a “last chance” to reach a deal, while Iranian officials insisted no negotiations with the United States were taking place. Trump stated that discussions were taking place at the request of Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. However, Iran says its only talks are with Oman about the Strait of Hormuz, and no major meetings are planned this week.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, with the latest attack on shipping highlighting the ongoing threats to global energy flows. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of maritime shipping lanes and the potential impact on global energy supply. As the US-Iran talks remain uncertain, the international community is closely watching the developments in the region.
This latest incident is a reminder of the ongoing conflict in the region, which has been affecting global energy flows for months. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for international maritime shipping, with over 100 ships typically transiting the strait per day in peacetime. The current situation has led to a significant decrease in shipping activity, with only a fraction of the usual number of vessels transiting the strait.
The UKMTO maritime security agency has warned of the risks to shipping in the region, and the latest incident has highlightd the need for increased vigilance and cooperation to ensure the safety of maritime shipping lanes. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community will be closely monitoring the developments in the region and the impact on global energy flows.
In relation to previous events, the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz is a continuation of the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, which have been escalating since the start of the year. The conflict has had a significant impact on global energy markets, with oil prices fluctuating in response to the latest developments.
Ramadan 2027 Start Date: February 8
Ramadan 2027 to Begin on February 8, Subject to Moon Sighting
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday, February 8, in the UAE, subject to the official sighting of the crescent moon. This date is based on astronomical calculations, which indicate that the crescent moon will be sought on the evening of Sunday, February 7. If the moon is sighted, Muslims will perform the first Tarawih prayers that evening before observing the first day of fasting on Monday, February 8.
The Islamic lunar calendar, which governs the start of Ramadan, is around 11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian year. As a result, Ramadan gradually moves backwards through the calendar, falling in winter, spring, summer, and autumn over successive years. The final start date is confirmed only after religious authorities in each country observe the new crescent moon, making moon sighting an integral part of the beginning of the holy month.
In the UAE, Muslims will fast each day from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and smoking while placing greater emphasis on prayer, charity, self-discipline, family, and community. The month is expected to last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent, with Eid Al Fitr forecast to begin on Wednesday, March 10, 2027.
With around 198 days remaining until the expected start of Ramadan 2027, many Muslim-majority countries will begin planning for the holy month in the months ahead, from preparing mosques and public services to announcing official moon-sighting procedures. Despite increasingly precise astronomical calculations, the official beginning of Ramadan continues to be determined by the traditional sighting of the crescent moon in accordance with Islamic practice.
For Muslims in the UAE, the start of Ramadan is a significant event, marking the beginning of a month of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and community bonding. As the expected start date approaches, residents can prepare by learning more about the Islamic lunar calendar, the significance of moon sighting, and the traditions and practices associated with Ramadan.
As the holy month approaches, residents can expect to see preparations underway in mosques, public services, and communities across the UAE. From special Ramadan-themed events to increased charitable activities, the start of Ramadan is a time of great excitement and anticipation for Muslims in the UAE.
UAE Mobile Bill Payment Due Dates
Missed Payment Deadline? Here's What Happens to Your UAE Mobile Service
If you're a postpaid mobile customer in the UAE, it's essential to understand how your billing cycle works and when your payment is due to avoid service suspension. Both e& and du, the UAE's leading telecom providers, have distinct billing cycles and payment due dates.
For e& postpaid customers, the monthly bill is generated on the first day of every month, with a 15-day payment window. You'll receive an SMS notification with the bill amount and due date, which is usually the 15th of the month. This date is also mentioned on your monthly bill, accessible through the e& app. Paying your bill on time not only avoids service interruption but also helps improve your credit score with the Al Etihad Credit Bureau.
On the other hand, du's billing cycle depends on when you subscribed to the postpaid plan. After a billing cycle ends each month, the invoice is generated within four days, and you'll receive an SMS with the amount due and the payment due date. Your du bill's exact due date is printed on your monthly PDF or digital statement.
If you fail to pay your bill by the due date, both e& and du will send reminders, and your line may be suspended. However, you can avoid this by setting up autopay through the e& or du app, which links your preferred credit or debit card to your account and deducts the amount due every month.
To pay your bill, you can use various options, including the e& or du app, payment machines at malls and community centers, phone banking, or money exchange houses. For e& customers, you can also visit etisalat.ae/quickpay to pay using your credit or debit card. For du customers, you can go to myaccount.du.ae/webapp/en/quick-pay to make the payment.
It's crucial to note that unpaid bills can negatively affect your credit profile in the UAE. Therefore, it's best to settle your bills on time to maintain uninterrupted service and protect your credit rating.
If you're a postpaid user, it's essential to keep track of your billing cycle and payment due dates to avoid any service interruptions. By understanding how your billing cycle works and taking advantage of autopay options, you can ensure that your mobile service remains active and your credit score is protected.
For e& customers, the autopay option is available through the e& app, which links your preferred credit or debit card to your account. For du customers, you can enable AutoPay through the du app by following a few simple steps: tap on 'settings,' select 'Billing & Payment,' choose 'Payment Method,' and then tap 'Set up Auto-payment.'
In conclusion, staying on top of your mobile bill payments is crucial to avoid service suspension and protect your credit rating. By understanding the billing cycles and payment due dates of e& and du, you can ensure that your mobile service remains uninterrupted and your credit score is protected.
UAE Fuel Prices Ease as Oil Markets Stabilize
UAE Fuel Prices Drop 30% From Conflict Peak
UAE fuel prices have started moving closer to pre-conflict levels as international oil markets stabilize after months of exceptional volatility triggered by the Middle East conflict. Brent crude has fallen by around 30% from its conflict peak above $120 a barrel, improving expectations that UAE fuel prices could continue moderating if lower oil prices are sustained.
Despite the recent decline, Brent remains about 15%-20% above the low-$70 range seen before the conflict began, reflecting continued uncertainty over Gulf energy supplies and the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of global seaborne oil trade passes. For UAE motorists, the easing in oil prices points to improving market conditions, although the pace of further fuel price reductions will continue to depend largely on how international oil markets evolve.
The UAE Fuel Price Committee's August prices still reflect higher global oil prices, with Super 98 at Dh3.60, Special 95 at Dh3.49, E-Plus 91 at Dh3.41 and diesel at Dh3.80, compared with Dh2.45, Dh2.33, Dh2.27 and Dh2.72 respectively in February. The comparison reflects the sharp increase in international crude prices during the conflict, followed by the gradual moderation seen over recent weeks.
The UAE follows a market-linked fuel pricing mechanism introduced in 2015, under which retail fuel prices are reviewed each month using average international crude oil and refined fuel prices. As a result, local pump prices reflect broader market averages rather than daily fluctuations in crude oil prices. This approach means sustained increases or declines in international oil prices are gradually reflected in subsequent monthly fuel price revisions.
For UAE fuel prices to return to pre-conflict levels, several factors need to come into play. Firstly, oil prices need to remain lower, with Brent crude already falling significantly from the highs recorded earlier this year. Secondly, global supply needs to keep improving, with the latest OPEC+ production increase expected to add more oil to international markets. Lastly, greater stability around the Strait of Hormuz is crucial, with any sustained improvement in shipping conditions through the route supporting global energy supplies and helping reduce price volatility.
While the overall direction has become more favorable, uncertainty remains. Iran has denied that negotiations with the United States are under way, despite President Trump's comments. Oil markets also continue to react quickly to developments affecting Gulf shipping and regional energy infrastructure. Any renewed disruption to exports or shipping routes could slow the pace of normalization in global crude prices.
In the coming months, UAE motorists can expect a more balanced global energy market, although uncertainty remains. The UAE's market-linked fuel pricing mechanism will continue to reflect these international market trends, with further fuel price reductions possible if lower crude oil averages and stable Gulf shipping routes are sustained.
Here are some key questions and answers about the current state of UAE fuel prices:
Dubai 10 Dirham Dish at 160+ Restaurants
Dine for Dh10: 160+ Dubai Restaurants Join Summer Surprises
If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to dine out in Dubai, you're in luck. The Dubai Summer Surprises promotion has launched its "10 Dirham Dish" campaign, offering selected menu items for a flat Dh10 at over 160 restaurants and cafes across the city. This deal is available from August 3 to August 30, 2026, giving you a full month to explore the city's culinary scene without breaking the bank.
The participating restaurants and cafes have each chosen one or more items to feature as their Dh10 Dish, so you can expect a wide range of options to suit every taste and craving. From savory dishes like The Daily at Rove Hotels' Rove Poke Bowl and Hangry Joe's Three-Piece Chicken Wings, to sweet treats like Cafe Barbera's Italian gelato and Cold Stone Creamery's Birthday Cake Remix, there's something for everyone.
To take advantage of this offer, simply walk into any participating restaurant or cafe between August 3 and 30, and ask for their designated Dh10 Dish. Keep in mind that some venues may have specific conditions, such as dine-in only, so it's a good idea to check with staff when you arrive.
With over 160 outlets on board, this promotion is a great opportunity to try out new restaurants and cafes, or to revisit old favorites without worrying about the cost. Whether you're a foodie, a budget-conscious diner, or just looking for a fun and affordable way to spend time with friends and family, the Dubai Summer Surprises "10 Dirham Dish" campaign has got you covered.
Some of the participating restaurants and cafes include The Noodle House, Bikanervala, Oporto, Mamma Italia, Shake Shack, Matter by iCoffee, Filli Cafe, Dunkin', and Gelato Divino, among others. With such a wide range of options available, you're sure to find something that suits your taste and budget.
Next steps:
- Check the list of participating restaurants and cafes to see which ones are near you.
- Visit any of the participating outlets between August 3 and 30, 2026.
- Ask for the venue's designated Dh10 Dish and enjoy your meal.
