Ask, Share, and Connect Across the UAE

Under new UAE regulations announced in June 2026, children under the age of 15 will not be allowed to create or use personal social media accounts, with platforms given until mid-2027 to implement stronger age-verification systems. Acceptable verification methods may include government digital IDs, biometric checks, AI-based age estimation and other approved technologies. Experts say the rules aim to protect children from risks such as cyberbullying, anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, exposure to inappropriate content and online predators, but stress that parental guidance and school support remain essential. They also warn that using VPNs to bypass the age restrictions could lead to penalties if used to access prohibited content. Do you support banning social media for children under 15, or do you believe responsible parental supervision is a better approach? Why?

Yes. Families travelling to the UAE between July 15 and September 15 can benefit from an annual tourist visa fee waiver for children under 18 years old travelling with one or both parents. The exemption applies to both 30-day and 60-day tourist visas, provided the child's visa application is submitted together with the accompanying parent's application. However, the waiver covers only the visa application fee—parents may still need to pay travel insurance and travel agency service charges, which typically total around Dh120 per child, depending on the agency. If a child is travelling with only one parent, an undertaking letter may also be required. Do you think the UAE should make children's tourist visas completely free, including insurance and processing charges, to encourage more family tourism? Why or why not?

The rest of 2026 is expected to bring several developments that could shape daily life across the UAE, including the expansion of Etihad Rail passenger services with new stations opening in Dubai, Al Dhaid, and Al Dhafra, improving connectivity between emirates. Residents can also look forward to two remaining public holidays, including Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) birthday and UAE National Day, subject to official announcements. In addition, new attractions, including a museum and other leisure experiences, are expected to open, offering more entertainment and cultural opportunities. What are your views? Which upcoming development are you most excited about, and how do you think these changes will improve life in the UAE?

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.65% after the US Federal Reserve maintained its federal funds rate at 3.5%–3.75%. Because the UAE dirham is pegged to the US dollar, the UAE typically aligns its monetary policy with the Fed's decisions. The move means borrowing costs for mortgages, personal loans and business financing are expected to remain stable, providing certainty for consumers and businesses. Analysts said the Fed's decision was supported by moderating inflation and steady economic growth, although elevated oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to keep policymakers cautious about future rate changes. Do you think keeping interest rates unchanged is the right decision for the UAE economy, or would you prefer lower rates to make borrowing more affordable? Why?

Yes, eligible UAE residents can visit Montenegro visa-free for up to 10 days under a temporary scheme running until October 1, 2026. To qualify, travellers must have held continuous UAE residency for at least three years, fly directly from the UAE to Montenegro, carry a passport valid for their stay, and present a confirmed hotel booking or tour package plus a return ticket. The exemption is not a visa on arrival and cannot be extended, while travellers transiting through another country may need to follow Montenegro's normal visa rules. UAE citizens have separate visa-free access for up to 90 days. After arrival, visitors generally need to be registered with local authorities within 24 hours, usually through their hotel or accommodation provider. Would this temporary visa-free scheme make Montenegro a more attractive summer destination for you, or would the 10-day limit and direct-flight requirement be a drawback?

Several UAE airlines have extended flight cancellations to Kuwait and Bahrain as regional tensions continue, although the majority of services remain operational. Emirates has suspended flights EK835, EK837 and EK839 to Bahrain and EK853, EK855, EK857 and EK859 to Kuwait until further notice. The airline also cancelled EK821 to Dammam and EK905 to Amman on Monday and Tuesday. Air Arabia has cancelled G9107 to Bahrain on Monday and Tuesday, while G9105 was cancelled on Monday only. However, flydubai continues operating selected services to Kuwait and Bahrain, and Kuwait Airways and Gulf Air are also maintaining flights between their hubs and Dubai. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest schedule updates before travelling. If your flight was affected by these disruptions, what would you prefer—an immediate refund, a free rebooking, or compensation for the inconvenience?

Wadi Wurayah, the UAE's only protected area with a year-round natural waterfall, has been open to the public through controlled guided tours since January 2026 following its UNESCO World Heritage recognition. Located in Fujairah's Hajar Mountains, the reserve is accessible only during the hiking season (from early to mid-October onwards), with visitors required to book organised tours through Fujairah Holidays. Packages start from Dh300 per person and include guided access to the reserve's unique freshwater ecosystem, which features more than 1,099 recorded species, over 300 springs, 60 streams, and a 13-metre waterfall believed to have flowed continuously for thousands of years. Authorities say the controlled entry system helps protect the fragile environment while allowing residents and tourists to experience one of the UAE's most remarkable natural attractions. Would you be interested in exploring Wadi Wurayah's protected trails and waterfall, or do you think limiting visitor numbers is the best way to preserve such unique natural sites?

Ongoing regional hostilities have led to flight disruptions for several UAE airlines, particularly on routes to Bahrain and Kuwait. Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia have announced delays and cancellations on selected services, while the majority of flights across the UAE continue to operate as scheduled. Travellers are advised to check their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport, as schedules may change at short notice depending on the security situation. Have your travel plans been affected by recent flight disruptions? What measures do you think airlines should take to better support passengers during such situations?

Yes, but only if your review is truthful, factual and focused on the product or service rather than the person behind it. UAE legal experts say legitimate consumer feedback—such as commenting on poor service, food quality or delivery delays—is generally permitted if it is based on genuine experience. However, a review can become defamation if it includes personal insults, false accusations or unverified claims that harm someone's reputation. Under UAE law, defamatory online content can result in criminal fines, civil compensation, confiscation of devices, imprisonment and, in some cases, deportation for expatriates. Do you think stricter defamation laws protect businesses from unfair attacks, or could they discourage consumers from sharing honest reviews? Why?

While many UAE students have secured admission to US universities, obtaining an F-1 student visa remains a key hurdle, especially as routine visa processing in the UAE remains limited. The most common reason for refusal is under Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, where consular officers are not convinced that the applicant qualifies for a temporary student visa or intends to return home after completing their studies. During interviews, officers assess the student's academic plans, financial ability to fund their education, the credibility of their application, and overall eligibility. Experts advise students to be well-prepared, clearly explain why they chose their university and course, provide strong financial documentation, answer questions honestly and confidently, and apply for visa appointments as early as possible. What advice would you give students preparing for a US visa interview? Do you think current visa appointment delays could affect students' academic plans?