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Across The UAE

Yes, but not because the star itself changes the weather. Suhail, also known as Canopus, is expected to rise on August 24, traditionally signalling the gradual end of the UAE’s most intense summer heat and the start of the roughly 40-day Sufriya transition. Temperatures will not suddenly drop, and hot conditions can continue through September, but nights may gradually become cooler before more settled weather arrives around mid-October. For generations, Suhail served as a natural seasonal calendar, helping communities plan farming, fishing, travel and other activities long before modern weather forecasting.

Do you still look for Suhail as a sign that summer is ending, or do you rely entirely on modern weather forecasts? Share your views.

Dubai property owners must first check whether their property is in one of the approved shared-housing areas, then choose either individual or family accommodation and ensure it meets space, bathroom, kitchen and bicycle-parking requirements. They must obtain a building permit through the Dubai Building Platform, submit detailed plans and safety information through an engineering consultancy, and secure a shared housing permit after receiving the completion certificate. The permit is valid for one year, with a two-year option, and must be renewed at least 30 days before expiry. Owners and operators have until September 8, 2027, to regularise their status, although the grace period does not cover building violations or unauthorised changes of use.

An Abu Dhabi court ordered a bank to refund Dh92,854, close a customer’s credit card account and issue a clearance certificate after it failed to provide documents proving that he had agreed to the interest rates and fees charged. A court-appointed banking expert reviewed the account and found that the customer had paid Dh1.605 million against withdrawals of Dh1.403 million, with unsupported charges and compound interest removed from the calculation. The court accepted the expert’s findings and also awarded 3 per cent annual interest on the refund from the date the lawsuit was filed, subject to a cap equal to the principal amount. The ruling highlights the importance of banks maintaining proper records and proving the contractual basis for charges imposed on customers.

Dubai property owners must first check whether their property is in one of the approved shared-housing areas, then choose either individual or family accommodation and ensure it meets space, bathroom, kitchen and bicycle-parking requirements. They must obtain a building permit through the Dubai Building Platform, submit detailed plans and safety information through an engineering consultancy, and secure a shared housing permit after receiving the completion certificate. The permit is valid for one year, with a two-year option, and must be renewed at least 30 days before expiry. Owners and operators have until September 8, 2027, to regularise their status, although the grace period does not cover building violations or unauthorised changes of use.

UAE petrol prices could see a minor increase in September 2026 as global crude prices remain elevated amid supply concerns and tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude averaged around $87.70 a barrel in August, compared with $83.46 in July, while it was trading above $91 on Tuesday. The UAE had already increased petrol prices by about Dh0.20 per litre in August, with Super 98 at Dh3.60, Special 95 at Dh3.49 and E-Plus at Dh3.41 per litre. Analysts say further US sanctions on Iran or continued disruption to tanker traffic could keep Brent above $90, although improved diplomatic conditions could ease prices. The official UAE fuel prices for September will be announced on Monday.

Do you expect petrol prices to rise again, and how would another increase affect your monthly budget or daily commute? Share your views.

Dubai developers cannot automatically cancel an off-plan contract or keep a buyer’s payments simply because an instalment is missed. Under Article 11 of Dubai Law No. 13 of 2008, as amended, the developer must notify the Dubai Land Department (DLD), which verifies the default and gives the buyer 30 days to pay or reach a settlement. The developer’s options and permitted deductions depend on the project’s completion stage: deductions may reach 40 per cent of the unit’s value when completion exceeds 60 per cent, fall to 25 per cent when construction has started but completion is below 60 per cent, or reach 30 per cent of the amounts paid if construction has not started for qualifying reasons beyond the developer’s control. Buyers may challenge unlawful action through court or arbitration, while buyers in projects formally cancelled by RERA are entitled to a full refund under the applicable law. The key takeaway: Dubai law protects developers’ rights while requiring them to follow a prescribed legal process.

Dubai property owners must first check whether their property is in one of the approved shared-housing areas, then choose either individual or family accommodation and ensure it meets space, bathroom, kitchen and bicycle-parking requirements. They must obtain a building permit through the Dubai Building Platform, submit detailed plans and safety information through an engineering consultancy, and secure a shared housing permit after receiving the completion certificate. The permit is valid for one year, with a two-year option, and must be renewed at least 30 days before expiry. Owners and operators have until September 8, 2027, to regularise their status, although the grace period does not cover building violations or unauthorised changes of use.