The Times of India News

The UAEs Rashid Rover 2, its second lunar rover, has successfully passed key tests in the US and is set to launch in 2026 aboard Firefly Aerospaces Blue Ghost Mission 2. Designed to explore the Moons far side, it carries international instruments and builds on lessons from Rashid Rover 1. The mission strengthens the UAEs space role alongside regional collaborations like the Arab satellite 813.

The UAE has announced that Thursday, January 1, 2026, will be a public holiday for federal employees to celebrate New Years Day. Friday, January 2, will be a remote work day for staff who can work from home, while employees required on-site will continue their duties as usual. The schedule has been shared across all federal entities.

Saudi mining giants Maaden and AMAK have strategically swapped exploration licenses to accelerate discovery and development. This move aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to boost the mining sector as the economy's third pillar. The partnership is expected to create thousands of jobs and significantly contribute to national economic diversification.

The UAE Central Bank has lowered its base rate by 0.25 percentage points, aligning with the US Federal Reserve's move to maintain the Dirham's peg. This policy easing aims to support economic growth, making borrowing cheaper for individuals and potentially boosting the real estate market.

Widespread industrial action across Portugal has led to significant flight cancellations, including Etihad Airways' Abu Dhabi-Lisbon service and Emirates' Dubai-Lisbon routes on December 11, 2025. The national strike, the most impactful since 2013, paralyzed airport operations, forcing airlines to suspend flights and assist thousands of affected travelers during the peak holiday season.

Emirates is marking the holiday season with a range of festive offerings for travelers. Passengers at 40,000 feet can enjoy seasonal cuisine, desserts, and rare wines in premium cabins. Lounges worldwide feature traditional holiday dishes, while inflight entertainment includes Christmas movies, TV specials, and music. The initiative also highlights charitable giving and special gift options for passengers.

Professor Abbas El Gamal, a pioneer in digital communications, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Great Arab Minds Award in Engineering and Technology. The Egyptian-American academic from Stanford University is recognized for his foundational work in network information theory and digital imaging. This accolade, often called the 'Arab Nobel,' celebrates his significant contributions and inspires future Arab innovators.

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has pledged $550 million to the UNs 2026 Global Humanitarian Overview, which seeks $33 billion to assist 135 million people across 23 crises, aiming to protect 87 million urgently in need, while reinforcing partnerships with UN agencies and supporting health, food, refugee, and child-focused programmes worldwide.

Saudi Arabia has updated its corporate rules to clearly identify beneficial owners in companies. Individuals holding 25 percent or more ownership are now considered beneficial owners, with alternative criteria based on control if ownership is unclear. Shareholders acting on behalf of others must disclose details within 15 days, while subsidiaries of listed companies are exempt, strengthening transparency and corporate accountability.

Authorities have temporarily closed a slip-road on Emirates Road (E611) at Bridge No. 7 for northbound traffic heading towards Jebel AliLehbab Road/Al Qudra Road. This closure, effective December 11, 2025, is part of a Dh750 million expansion project to enhance capacity and safety on the E611. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes like Bridge No.

The Kingdom of Bahrain will observe public holidays on Tuesday, December 16, and Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in celebration of National Day and the Accession Day of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. All ministries, government departments, public authorities, and institutions will be closed, allowing citizens and residents to honor the nations progress, unity, and leadership.

The UAE is set for unsettled weather from December 12 to 19, with scattered rain, gusty winds, and variable cloud cover across the country. Light to moderate showers may appear intermittently, while winds could stir dust in exposed areas. Coastal waters will be rough at times, particularly in the Arabian Gulf, prompting caution for outdoor and marine activities.

The UAE Central Bank has clarified that Nafis payments are temporary incentives, not guaranteed income for loan eligibility. This ruling impacts Emirati private sector employees' creditworthiness by excluding government top-ups from income calculations, making it harder to meet debt-burden ratio requirements. Banks will assess these incentives case-by-case.

Oman Air is launching a new MuscatTaif route starting January 31, 2026, marking its fifth destination in Saudi Arabia. Operating three weekly flights on a Boeing 737, the expansion strengthens economic and cultural ties between the two countries. The airline aims to enhance regional connectivity, offer greater travel options, and support tourism and business links across the Gulf.

The UAE passport has achieved 8th place globally in the Henley Passport Index 2025, granting visa-free access to 184 destinations. This marks the largest improvement in the index's history, a testament to a decade of dedicated diplomatic efforts. The enhanced mobility offers significant economic and social benefits for citizens and the nation.

On August 2, 2027, Saudi Arabia will witness the longest solar eclipse in 100 years, with the Moon blocking the Sun for over six minutes. The eclipse will also pass across North Africa and southern Spain. Daylight will fade to twilight, and the Suns glowing corona will shine around the Moon, offering observers a rare, breathtaking celestial spectacle.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has imposed a travel ban on Mali, urging citizens not to visit and calling on those already there to return immediately. Authorities emphasize strict adherence to official guidance, heightened caution, and vigilance. Nationals are encouraged to use the 24/7 emergency hotline for support, ensuring safety amid ongoing concerns in the West African nation.

The General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat has announced that starting January 2026, Friday sermons and prayers across all UAE mosques will begin at 12:45 pm. Worshippers are urged to arrive early to fully participate in the sermon and prayer. The change aims to provide consistency, better organization, and a smoother experience for all communities nationwide.

Kuwait authorities have arrested 15 individuals in connection with the Ya Hala raffle scandal, part of the countrys most famous shopping festival. Investigations revealed bribery, forgery, and misuse of official positions to direct prizes to select beneficiaries. The case, covering multiple draws and substantial prizes, highlights vulnerabilities in commercial promotions and ongoing efforts to restore public trust.

Dubais Free Zones provide expats with a simple, tax-friendly way to start a business with 100% foreign ownership. Dubai now offers a Dedicated Free Zone Passport, enabling operations across multiple zones with a single permit. This guide covers what Free Zones are, how to choose the right one, step by step setup, license types, costs, timelines, and key considerations for launching a business in Dubai.

The UAE Ministry of Higher Education revoked recognition of Midocean University after inspections revealed major violations, including unaccredited programmes, flawed online courses, record discrepancies, and non-compliance with national laws. The universitys qualifications are now not accredited. The Ministry urges students to verify institutions accreditation, emphasizing protection of students, academic integrity, and enforcement of regulatory standards across the UAE.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan has approved comprehensive plans to enhance residential areas, family welfare, and digital infrastructure. The initiatives introduce sustainable, socially connected neighbourhoods, with parks, walking and cycling paths, and essential community services. Alongside the Digital Resilience Policy, the plans support Dubai Plan 2033, aiming to strengthen quality of life, social cohesion, and the emirates position as a global model.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have launched a 785-kilometer high-speed electric rail connecting Riyadh and Doha, cutting travel time to just two hours. The project will serve over 10 million passengers annually, create 30,000 jobs, boost trade and tourism, and strengthen Gulf cooperation. Built to the highest safety and sustainability standards, it marks a major step in regional development

Abu Dhabi's BRIDGE Summit, a global gathering of over 60,000 creatives and industry leaders, commenced today to shape the future of media through AI and global storytelling. Hollywood star Idris Elba highlighted his mission to empower African creators and address financial barriers, while discussions emphasized AI's potential and ethical challenges in the $2.8 trillion media sector.

Saudi Arabia has expanded its presence in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities with the addition of Riyadh, AlUla, and Riyadh Al-Khabra. This recognition highlights their dedication to lifelong learning and community initiatives, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals for a knowledge-based economy and human capital development.

Taibah University in Madinah has suspended all in-person classes, shifting to online learning via Blackboard due to a severe weather warning. This mandatory move prioritizes student and staff safety amidst forecasts of heavy rainfall. The university urges everyone to stay updated through official channels and continue with coursework remotely.

Saudi Arabia faces severe weather alerts across eight regions. Red, Orange, and Yellow warnings are active due to heavy rain, flash floods, strong winds, and thunderstorms. Residents in Madinah and Northern Borders are under Red Alert, facing extreme danger. Other regions like Ha'il, Qassim, Tabuk, Makkah, Asir, and Al Baha are also affected. Authorities urge immediate preparation and caution.