UAE steps up oil spill clean-up as marine pollution levels fall.
Dubai: UAE motorists will benefit from lower petrol and diesel prices from November 1, despite rising international oil prices and renewed concerns over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the UAE has reported a marked reduction in marine pollution as coastal monitoring and clean-up efforts continue.
Elsewhere in the region, Saudi Arabia reported another drone interception, while Oman rescued 25 crew members from a vessel attacked near Musandam. Iran, meanwhile, claimed that four tankers caught fire after striking mines in the Strait of Hormuz. These claims about the tanker incidents have not been independently verified.
UAE fuel prices: How much can motorists save in November?
The UAE Fuel Price Committee has announced <Link url=”https://gulfnews.com/business/markets/uae-fuel-prices-out-today-how-much-will-motorists-save-after-november-cut-1.500730214″>reduced petrol and diesel prices for November</Link>, with the new rates coming into effect on Sunday, November 1.
- Super 98: Dh4.16 per litre, down from Dh4.40.
- Special 95: Dh4.04 per litre, compared with Dh4.28 previously.
- E-Plus 91: Dh3.97 per litre, down from Dh4.21.
- Diesel: Dh4.75 per litre, compared with Dh4.80 in October.
The three petrol grades have each become 24 fils cheaper per litre, while diesel prices have dropped by 5 fils.
For motorists filling a 60-litre tank with Special 95, the November bill will be Dh242.40 — a saving of Dh14.40 compared with the previous month. Drivers purchasing 240 litres of petrol monthly could save Dh57.60, provided their fuel consumption remains the same. However, November prices are still above September’s levels.
UAE oil spill: Marine pollution falls as clean-up work continues
The ministry has also reassured consumers that fish and food products sold in local markets remain safe to eat.
Authorities stressed that temporary beach closures are precautionary measures and do not indicate that pollution has been detected at every affected coastal location. Residents have been advised to follow official instructions and updates regarding access to beaches and other coastal areas.
UAE flights: Cancellations and schedule changes
Flight disruptions continue to affect several UAE routes, including services connecting the country with Saudi Arabia. Etihad Airways has cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi and Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah until November 5. Emirates has also suspended selected services between Dubai and Riyadh, as well as Dubai and Dammam.
Singapore Airlines has further extended the suspension of its Dubai services, SQ494 and SQ495, until February 28, 2027.
Passengers are advised to confirm their flight status directly with their airlines before heading to the airport, as schedules and operating arrangements may change.
Oil prices: Brent crude nears $120 a barrel
Brent crude futures for December delivery climbed 2.54 per cent to $117.80 a barrel in Friday’s trading. The more actively traded January contract advanced by $3.04 to $113.84, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 2.61 per cent to $104.66.
The gains came amid growing concerns about maritime security and potential supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for international oil shipments. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported at least 35 attacks on vessels in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz during October.
Saudi Arabia: Drone intercepted over Riyadh region
Saudi air defence systems intercepted and destroyed what authorities described as a “hostile drone” over the Riyadh region on Saturday, according to a spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition.
Debris from the intercepted aircraft fell, but no injuries were reported. The coalition did not disclose who was responsible for launching the drone.
Yemen: Houthis target presidential palace in Aden
Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched two missiles at Yemen’s presidential palace in Aden on Friday, a police official told AFP.
Yemen’s internationally recognised government also said Aden International Airport was targeted in the attack. No casualties were reported.
Oman: 25 crew members evacuated from burning vessel
Oman’s navy rescued 25 crew members from the Panama-flagged merchant ship RITI after it came under attack and caught fire near Musandam.
The crew were provided with medical assistance following their evacuation. It remains unclear whether the incident was linked to Iran’s claims that several tankers had struck mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump says conflict with Iran could end soon
US President Donald Trump said the war with Iran could be “going to get wrapped up soon”, while maintaining that Washington required assurances that Tehran would never develop nuclear weapons.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Florida, Trump defended the US military operation and claimed that oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz were higher than they had been seven months earlier.
CENTCOM says primary Hormuz shipping routes have been cleared
US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper said American forces had cleared the internationally recognised primary shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian sea mines.
He said he had observed dozens of commercial vessels travelling through the waterway during an aerial survey.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has disputed the US account and called for independent evidence to support the claim that the routes have been cleared. Tehran has also warned ships against using what it describes as an unauthorised southern route near Oman, claiming that several tankers caught fire after striking mines.
The Associated Press said it was unable to independently verify Iran’s claims.
Qatar and Pakistan intensify mediation efforts
Qatari mediators have returned to Tehran to hold discussions with Iranian officials as diplomatic initiatives to bring an end to the US-Israel war on Iran continue. Iranian state media reported that the delegation is headed by Qatar’s foreign minister.
Pakistan has also signalled that its efforts to facilitate dialogue remain underway. Military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Islamabad was “cautiously optimistic” about its attempts to bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table.
What UAE residents should monitor
- Fuel prices: Reduced petrol and diesel prices will come into effect on November 1.
- Coastal updates: Keep track of official announcements regarding beach closures and access restrictions while clean-up operations following the GEM NO. 2 tanker spill continue.
- Flights: Confirm flight schedules with airlines before travelling, as further cancellations and changes remain possible.
- Regional tensions: Stay informed about developments around the Strait of Hormuz, particularly reports of shipping incidents and any changes to maritime routes.
- Diplomatic developments: Follow announcements from Qatar and Pakistan regarding mediation efforts between the US and Iran, as progress could affect the wider regional situation.
