The Times of India News

After nearly 100 years, the critically endangered Camel Bird ostriches have returned to Saudi Arabia. Reintroduced to the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, these North African ostriches serve as ecological replacements for the extinct Arabian ostrich. The move is part of the reserves long-term ecosystem restoration, supporting biodiversity, desert habitat recovery, and Saudi Arabias environmental goals.

Saudi Arabia has permitted private schools to build on-campus student residential facilities, provided they are separate from the main educational buildings. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has issued detailed regulations covering construction standards, land use, site planning, and minimum area per student. The rules apply to nurseries, kindergartens, schools, and educational complexes across all private education stages.

K-pop enthusiasts in the UAE are in for a treat! South Korean solo stars Chung Ha and SHINee's Onew will perform a free, one-night-only concert at Dubai Festival City Mall on January 3, 2026, as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival. Fans can anticipate captivating performances from these celebrated artists at the iconic Festival Bay.

Oman has launched its first polymer one-rial banknote, which will start circulating from January 11, 2026. Made from durable polymer, the note features the Oman Botanic Garden on the front and the Sayyid Tariq bin Taimur Cultural Complex with Duqm Port and Refinery on the back. It includes advanced security features and limited collector editions will also be available.

The UAE solidified its global humanitarian leadership in 2025, ranking as the third-largest donor with $1.46 billion in aid. Significant contributions reached Gaza and Sudan, addressing critical needs like healthcare and water. The nation also launched the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative and supported educational projects, demonstrating a deep-rooted commitment to global welfare.

Emirati student Naji Faqihi Al Awadhi developed SmartPocket, a mobile platform to help UAE students aged 12-25 manage their finances. Launched in October 2025, it offers verified student discounts from over 20 local brands, aiming to reduce monthly spending by an average of 20%.

US based Universal Studios is exploring to build a multibillion-dollar theme park in Saudi Arabia, with plans still in the early concept stage. The park is expected to be part of Qiddiya, the Kingdoms massive entertainment and tourism hub. The move reflects Saudi Arabias growing appeal to global entertainment brands and its push to boost tourism under Vision 2030

The UAE's festive season in 2025 is dazzling with elaborate Christmas markets across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From Madinat Jumeirah's iconic tree to Expo City's high-tech Winter City and Habtoor Palace's chic Winter Garden, these destinations offer magical experiences. Global Village also joins with festive cheer, while Abu Dhabi's Galleria boasts an AI elf. These markets promise unforgettable holiday memories.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts partly cloudy skies across the UAE, with low clouds forming over islands and western regions, bringing a chance of light rain. Humidity will rise overnight, raising the likelihood of fog or light mist in coastal and western inland areas. Winds will be light to moderate, and sea conditions are expected to remain calm to moderate.

Starting December 23, Kuwait will require all foreign residents and visitors to have health insurance. Fees range from 5 dinars for entry and visit visas to 100 dinars for residency permits. Some categories, including certain domestic workers, diplomatic staff, and children of Kuwaiti citizens, are exempt. The regulations aim to standardize coverage, clarify obligations, and ensure all foreigners are properly insured.

Saudi Arabias Ministry of Interior, in partnership with the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, has launched a special commemorative stamp to mark World Arabic Language Day on December 18. Available at King Khalid International Airport, Jeddah Islamic Port, and King Fahd Causeway, the stamp celebrates Arabic heritage, offering travelers a symbolic and cultural tribute to the languages significance.

The UAE has become the second country worldwide to approve Itvisma, a gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, for adults and children aged two years and older. The therapy replaces the defective gene causing the disease, improving motor function and reducing long-term treatment needs. The approval reflects the UAEs commitment to rapid access to advanced, life-changing medical innovations.

Starting January 1, 2026, Saudi Arabia will mandate that all domestic worker salaries be paid through official channels, including banks and digital wallets via the Musaned platform. The phased initiative aims to secure wages, ensure timely and transparent payments, reduce cash handling, and simplify procedures for workers and employers, marking a major step in modernizing the domestic worker sector.

Starting January 2026, Riyadh will introduce new semester passes for students and annual passes for all passengers, offering unlimited travel across the city. The initiative aims to make commuting more convenient, save time and money, and improve the efficiency of the public transport system. It reflects Riyadhs push for modern, accessible, and passenger-friendly transit options.

Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism mandates strict adherence to safety guidelines for adventure tourism operators and participants. This legal requirement ensures safe practices for activities like canyoning and rock climbing, protecting both visitors and the Sultanate's natural landscapes. Compliance is crucial for responsible tourism growth.

AGMC is voluntarily recalling over 5,500 Geely Emgrand sedans in the UAE due to a potential fuel system defect. A non-vented fuel filler cap can cause vacuum pressure, potentially leading to fuel leaks. Affected owners can get their vehicles serviced for free, including a cap replacement and system inspection.

Saudi Arabia's northern Tabuk region, particularly Jabal Al-Lawz, experienced a rare and heavy snowfall on December 18, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. This dramatic weather event, driven by a strong cold air mass, brought temperatures below freezing and stunned locals and global observers alike, sparking widespread social media attention.

Dubai Police now offer a fully automated digital service for vehicle damage certificates caused by weather. Motorists can now obtain this crucial document for insurance claims online, skipping the need for a physical police station visit.

Ferry services between Dubai and Sharjah have been temporarily suspended due to adverse weather, the Roads and Transport Authority announced via an X post. Passengers are urged to monitor official updates and arrange alternative travel. The suspension is a precautionary measure prioritizing safety, with no confirmed timeline for resumption, and the RTA thanked commuters for their understanding and cooperation

Mecca has unveiled its first fully electric Bus Rapid Transit network, the Masar BRT, revolutionizing pilgrim transport. Launched in late 2025, this eco-friendly system offers smoother, quieter, and more sophisticated journeys, enhancing the experience for millions visiting the Holy City in 2026 and beyond. The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, promising reduced emissions and improved urban mobility.

The Saudi government, via the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, is offering 10,024 residential plots at discounts of up to 84% below market rates, priced at SR1,500 per square meter. Targeting married citizens or those 25 and above, the initiative aims to curb rising land and rental costs, expand housing supply, and support long-term affordability and urban stability in Riyadh.

The UAE is experiencing unstable weather with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds due to a low-pressure system. Authorities have issued safety warnings, urging caution for motorists and advising against outdoor activities. Transport services, including intercity buses and flights from Dubai International, have been affected.

Starting January 1, 2026, all parcel deliveries in Saudi Arabia must include a national address. The Transport General Authority mandates this to improve delivery accuracy, boost e-commerce, and enhance logistics efficiency. Individuals and businesses can register their addresses via National Address, Absher, Tawakkalna, Sehhaty, or SPL. Shipments without a national address will be refused, ensuring precise and reliable parcel services.

Due to unstable weather conditions including heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, the RTA has temporarily suspended several intercity bus routes connecting Dubai to Sharjah and Ajman. This proactive measure prioritizes public safety by reducing large vehicles on potentially hazardous roads. Services will resume once authorities deem routes safe for transit.

Saudi Arabia has revoked fees on expatriate workers in licensed industrial establishments to strengthen national factories and boost global competitiveness. Approved by the Council of Ministers, this move reduces operational costs, enhances efficiency, and supports industrial expansion. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, it aims to foster a resilient, innovative, and globally competitive industrial sector, driving sustainable economic growth and investment.