The Times of India

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has called on Muslims to sight the Ramadan crescent on February 17, 2026. This traditional practice determines the start of the holy month. Believers are asked to report sightings to local courts. This annual appeal highlights the importance of moon sighting in Islamic tradition and Saudi legal practice.

The United Arab Emirates will gift a memorial monument to Kuwait. It will be installed at Al Shaheed Park in Kuwait City. This gesture celebrates the strong bond between the two nations. The monument symbolizes shared history and destiny. Young Emirati designer Omar Al Gurg will create the landmark. Al Shaheed Park is a significant cultural space in Kuwait City.

Dubai Metro will extend operating hours on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 5 am to 12 am to support the Dubai Marathon's 25th anniversary. This initiative by the RTA aims to ease congestion and facilitate travel for runners and spectators attending the event, which features a fast course and multiple race categories.

Get ready for early Ramadan shopping. The Ministry of Commerce is launching a 54-day sales season starting February 1, 2026. This initiative aims to help shoppers buy festive goods before the rush. Businesses can easily apply for discount permits online. Consumers can verify offers by scanning barcodes. Inspection teams will ensure all promotions are legitimate.

Qatar's Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning regarding driving without a valid license, emphasizing it's a criminal offense with severe penalties. Motorists face potential imprisonment from one month to three years and fines ranging from QR10,000 to QR50,000. These strict measures aim to enhance road safety by ensuring only licensed individuals operate vehicles.

The inaugural UAEKuwaiti Womens Forum in Abu Dhabi emphasizes women's empowerment, sustainable development, and future leadership, reinforcing bilateral cooperation. This initiative, aligned with national visions from both countries, fosters dialogue and collaboration on critical issues, including technology, peace, and climate action, while an accompanying exhibition showcases women-led businesses and heritage.

Saudi Arabia has officially launched its National Privatization Strategy, a key component of Vision 2030, aiming to boost infrastructure and public services. This move signifies a shift from planning to execution, with ambitious targets for private sector investment and public-private partnership contracts by 2030. The strategy seeks to enhance efficiency and create thousands of specialized jobs.

UAE residents are increasingly integrating AI chatbots into daily life, from shopping and work to complex decision-making. With adoption rates among the world's highest, generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are becoming everyday aides, enhancing productivity and personal planning. This shift signifies a growing reliance on AI for cognitive tasks, transforming how people learn, decide and interact.

Dubai's RTA has introduced a permit system for parking shades in residential areas to combat summer heat. Residents must obtain approval for these structures, ensuring they are made of quality materials, do not obstruct public pathways or utilities, and adhere to specific height and placement regulations. This initiative aims to maintain neighborhood aesthetics and safety.

Saudi Arabia is now reserving key leadership and commercial roles exclusively for its citizens. Starting January 29, 2026, expat workers cannot be hired or change professions to General Manager, Sales Representative, Marketing Specialist, or Procurement Manager. This move aims to boost local employment and align with Vision 2030 goals.

Dubai Plus, a new streaming platform, has launched in the UAE. It offers free access to Emirati and Arab content for all ages. The platform aims to showcase local culture and talent. It features TV shows, films, and live sports. Dubai Plus complements global services by focusing on regional storytelling. This initiative strengthens Dubai's position as a content hub.

The UAE is phasing out traditional signatures and SMS OTPs for banking transactions, transitioning to a digital handshake via mobile apps. This move enhances security by replacing vulnerable SMS codes with in-app approvals, including biometrics, for a faster and more secure banking experience.

America is now sending advanced computer chips to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. This move supports their big plans for artificial intelligence. These nations are becoming key players in global technology. This partnership strengthens US influence and helps Gulf countries diversify their economies beyond oil. It marks a significant shift in how technology is shared globally.

Dubai Police are inviting UAE residents to capture the upcoming UAE SWAT Challenge through a video contest, offering up to Dh30,000 in cash prizes. This initiative encourages creative storytelling, highlighting teamwork and human values displayed by elite tactical teams from around the globe. The contest aims to foster community engagement and showcase police professionalism to a wider audience.

In the UAE, simply deeming your manager incompetent won't stand up in labour court. The law protects employees from harassment, discrimination, and abuse, not just poor leadership. If a manager's actions create a hostile environment or violate your rights, documentation and formal complaints to HR or MoHRE are crucial steps. Understanding this distinction is key to addressing workplace issues effectively.

The UAE has launched the Middle East's first biometric payment system, enabling transactions via facial recognition or palm scans. This initiative, a proof-of-concept by the Central Bank of the UAE, aims to enhance convenience and security, positioning the nation as a leader in financial innovation and a digital-first economy.

Dubai's DIFC now allows a regulated insurer to accept crypto for policies, a first in the UAE. This move integrates digital assets directly into insurance payments, enabling Bitcoin to cover SUV, apartment, or health insurance. The development leverages blockchain's efficiency and programmable nature, bypassing traditional fees and offering 24/7 transactions, aligning with the UAE's digital economy goals.

Emirates flight EK35 from Dubai to Newcastle faced severe weather on January 27, 2026. Strong winds and poor visibility forced pilots to abort landing attempts. The Boeing 777-300ER then diverted to Edinburgh Airport. After a delay, the flight continued to Newcastle, ensuring passenger safety.

Dubai's gold prices hit an unprecedented Dh632 per gram on January 28, 2026, a nearly 20% surge in less than a month. This historic climb, mirroring global trends driven by geopolitical tensions and central bank buying, has seen other precious metals also rise significantly. Analysts debate if the rally will continue, with some predicting further gains.

Dubai is set to unveil the world's first Gold Street within its new Gold District, a comprehensive hub for the entire gold and jewellery value chain. This initiative aims to solidify Dubai's position as a global leader in gold commerce, attracting traders, investors and tourists by integrating retail, wholesale and investment services.

The Saudi Central Bank has released a 2026-2029 holiday schedule for financial institutions, aiming to enhance market transparency and operational continuity. This long-term plan provides advance notice for major religious observances like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, alongside fixed national holidays, enabling better financial planning for businesses and residents.

A boat carrying 25 French tourists capsized near Muscat, Oman, resulting in three fatalities and injuries to two others. Emergency services responded swiftly, providing medical aid to survivors. Omani authorities, including the Royal Oman Police and maritime officials, have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.

Saudi Arabia and Poland are strengthening ties following high-level talks in Warsaw. A new agreement will ease official travel for holders of diplomatic, service, and special passports, fostering deeper cooperation. Discussions also covered regional and international security, highlighting shared concerns and the need for continued dialogue between the two nations.

Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be built on Yas Island, marking the seventh global park and the first in the Middle East. Developed with Miral, the resort will feature a signature castle, climate-adapted attractions, and themed experiences, blending Disney magic with Emirati culture. Construction is expected to begin soon, with an opening anticipated around 2030.

Kerala grapples with a Nipah virus outbreak, prompting heightened international travel alerts. Multiple cases and fatalities have been confirmed, leading to stringent screening measures at airports globally. While the risk to the general traveler remains low, authorities urge vigilance and adherence to health advisories to prevent further spread.

The UAE has reaffirmed its neutral stance, declaring its territory, airspace, and waters will not be used for military operations against Iran. The nation emphasizes diplomacy and de-escalation as the most effective means to resolve regional crises, prioritizing stability and adherence to international law.

Expect sticky, hazy mornings across the UAE with fog possible until January 31. Fair to partly cloudy skies will prevail, with chances of light, scattered rain in eastern and northern areas. Temperatures will rise Thursday before a noticeable drop Friday, bringing cooler, cloudier conditions and stronger winds.

UAE content creators and advertisers must secure a mandatory Advertiser Permit by January 31, 2026, to avoid fines up to AED 10,000. This new regulation by the UAE Media Council aims to enhance transparency and professionalism in the digital advertising landscape.

Muslims worldwide anticipate a more moderate Ramadan in 2026, with fasting hours expected between 12-13 hours in Arab nations. This shift from recent summer fasts, due to the holy month falling in late winter/early spring, promises cooler temperatures and shorter daylight. Even in higher latitudes, fasting will be less demanding than previous years.

Gulfood 2026, the world's largest food trade show, has doubled its exhibition space across two Dubai venues for the first time in its 31-year history. This expansion accommodates over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries, showcasing 1.5 million products. The move aims to solidify Dubai's position as the global food trade headquarters, offering a more organized and expansive sourcing experience.

Doha faces dusty and windy weather. The Ministry of Labour has issued an advisory to employers. Companies must step up safety measures for outdoor workers. Protective equipment and adjusted schedules are crucial. This ensures worker wellbeing and safe work environments amidst adverse conditions. Continuous monitoring of weather is advised.

Dubai Culture and Spotify have inked a groundbreaking MoU to boost the region's music scene. This strategic alliance aims to empower local artists with resources, mentorship, and data insights, fostering sustainable careers and global reach. The initiative promises a richer, more diverse musical landscape for listeners, ensuring Dubai's creators gain international recognition and economic benefits.

The UAE is launching a nationwide celebration, UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever, from January 25 to February 4, to honor its deep-rooted relationship with Kuwait. The week-long event features over 40 social, cultural, and entertainment activities across all seven emirates, highlighting economic, educational, media, cultural, and sporting ties.

The UAE experienced a rare weather event as a low-pressure system brought hail and heavy rainfall to northern and eastern regions. Temperatures dropped significantly across the country, prompting advisories for motorists and residents to exercise caution due to reduced visibility and rough sea conditions. Fog is expected to develop in the coming mornings.