The Times of India News

From January 9, schools across the UAE will end classes earlier on Fridays to align with the new 12.45pm Friday prayer time. The change affects students from kindergarten to grade 12, including public and private schools. Staggered schedules and possible online lessons aim to ensure curriculum requirements are met while giving families time for school pick-up and prayer.

Dense fog is expected to cause near-zero visibility across parts of the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from midnight to 10 am. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution due to hazardous conditions. The fog is forecast to clear by mid-morning, giving way to strong winds and blowing dust throughout the weekend.

Saudi Arabia has introduced new rules banning Sharia-violating names in public facilities across the nation. The regulations, approved by the Cabinet and published in the Umm Al-Qura Gazette, set unified naming standards, governance frameworks, and strict religious restrictions. Government entities must follow the rules, maintain official records, and issue bylaws to ensure names align with Islamic principles and national administrative standards.

Riyadh Season 2025-26 unveils 'Flying Over Saudi,' a groundbreaking aerial cinematic experience at Boulevard City. This immersive attraction uses 8K visuals, motion seats and atmospheric effects to transport visitors across Saudi Arabia's diverse landscapes and landmarks, offering a unique, sensory journey without leaving the ground. It is a key highlight of the festival, blending technology with cultural storytelling.

Indian comedy star Kapil Sharma launches Kap's Cafe in Dubai: This marks the brand's first Middle Eastern location. The cafe offers comfort food and a Netflix-inspired ambiance. It aims to provide a cosy experience for fans and travellers. The Dubai opening follows an earlier launch in Canada. Sharma's venture blends entertainment with hospitality.

Dubai transforms into a global sports hub in January 2026, hosting a diverse range of elite events. From the prestigious Dubai Racing Carnival and Silver Cup Polo Tournament to the challenging Hood to Coast Dubai Relay Race and iconic golf tournaments like the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the Emirate offers a packed calendar for athletes and fans alike.

Saudi Arabia is revolutionising its coastlines with new beach operator regulations and a digital guide, prioritising safety, sustainability and visitor experience. This mandatory framework, effective January 1, 2026, sets stringent standards for all official beaches, ensuring quality and environmental protection. The initiative aims to boost tourism along the Red Sea, offering a professionalised and eco-conscious experience for global travellers.

QatarEnergy has announced lower fuel prices for January 2026. Premium-grade petrol will cost QR 1.95 per litre, Super-grade petrol QR 2 per litre, and diesel QR 2 per litre. The reductions, part of the companys routine monthly review, aim to reflect market changes and ease fuel costs for consumers and businesses across the country.

UAE banks are phasing out SMS OTPs for online card payments starting January 6, 2026, due to security risks like SIM-swapping and phishing. This shift mandates in-app authentication via push notifications and biometric verification, enhancing transaction security and user experience. Residents must update their bank apps and enable notifications to avoid payment disruptions.

Recent UAE legislative updates clarify asset distribution for expats. Heirless assets will now be designated for charitable endowments, while non-Muslims will follow a 50/50 spouse/children split, with gender equality in inheritance. A new 15-year-old rule allows minors to seek judicial permission to manage assets, fostering youth entrepreneurship.

The Qatar Judiciary Council is hosting a major online auction featuring vehicles, real estate, heavy machinery, and distinctive license plates. Conducted through the Court Mzadat app, the auction offers a transparent, regulated platform for individuals and businesses to participate. Full details, schedules, and registration are available via the app and official council channels.

The UAE has unified Friday prayer timings to 12:45 PM across all emirates starting January 2, 2026, simplifying schedules for families and workers. This change, part of the 'Year of the Family' initiative, aims to synchronize community events. Expect increased traffic due to school dismissals and concentrated mosque-goers, with public transport frequencies boosted. Weather remains fair with mild temperatures.

The UAE has enacted a comprehensive Civil Transactions Law update, lowering the age of legal majority to 18 Gregorian years and empowering young entrepreneurs. This modernized framework clarifies contracts, consumer rights, and company structures, fostering legal certainty and reinforcing the UAE's global business standing. It emphasizes good faith and disclosure, aiming for predictable and fair legal interactions.

The National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) has warned of a cold wave across northern and central Saudi Arabia from Saturday to Tuesday. The warning covers Al-Jawf, Northern Borders, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Qassim, Riyadh, and northern parts of the Eastern Province. Residents and authorities are advised to follow updates and take precautions as the cold wave affects multiple regions.

Oman has made premarital medical examinations mandatory for all couples, effective January 1, 2026, the Ministry of Health announced. The screening tests for hereditary blood disorders like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, as well as infectious diseases including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS. Couples must complete the exams and receive a certificate before finalizing their marriage contract.

Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 2026 with a record-breaking 15-minute drone and fireworks show, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest aerial phoenix. 2,300 drones, including 1,000 pyro drones, lit up the sky, while fireworks spanned six kilometers along the coastline. Thousands of residents and visitors enjoyed live performances, celebrating the emirates spirit, hospitality, and optimism for the year ahead.

New Year's Day 2026 brought a wave of joy as babies were born across the UAE, with Saeed in Abu Dhabi being the first. These newborns, including Hamdan and others in Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, mark the start of a new year and join Generation Alpha, a generation shaped by technology and digital advancements.

The UAE fuel price committee has announced petrol and diesel prices for January 2026. Super 98 petrol will cost Dh2.53 per litre, Special 95 Dh2.42, E-Plus 91 Dh2.34, and diesel Dh2.55. The rates, effective from 1 January, mark a decrease from December, continuing the monthly adjustments introduced after the country deregulated fuel prices in 2015.

Dubai Civil Defence has unveiled a modern institutional identity, featuring a redesigned logo, updated uniforms, and the slogan Safeguarding Lives and Property. The refreshed look reflects the Commands mission, heritage, and future ambitions, combining symbolism, national pride, and contemporary design. The update strengthens visual communication, reinforces institutional presence, and aligns with Dubais vision to be the safest and most secure city.

Starting January 1, 2026, Saudi Arabia will implement a four-tier excise tax on sweetened beverages based on sugar content, replacing the previous flat 50 percent levy. Drinks with higher sugar levels will face steeper taxes, while low or zero-sugar options will cost less. The move aims to reduce sugar consumption, encourage healthier choices, and align with GCC public health initiatives.

From 1 January 2026, the UAE will enforce a Dh6,000 minimum wage for Emirati employees in the private sector. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will tie compliance to work permit processing, notifying employers through its smart app. Salaries below the threshold by 30 June 2026 will trigger enforcement measures, including exclusion from Emiratisation quotas and restrictions on new permits.

Saudi Arabia's economy is transforming, impacting daily finances for everyone. Consumer prices are changing, especially housing costs in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. While inflation is modest, rising rents are straining budgets, particularly for expatriates. Families are adjusting spending habits to manage household expenses. This economic shift presents both opportunities and challenges for residents.

Kuwait has introduced new residency rules capping expat stays abroad at six months, aiming to manage its population. However, long-term visas for investors and property owners offer extended stays. Stricter rules apply to domestic workers, with new fees and penalties for overstays. The nation is also digitizing immigration services and cracking down on visa trading.

Dubai is gearing up for a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration, headlined by a record-breaking show at the Burj Khalifa. With multiple viewing locations and extensive road closures, the RTA advises early arrival and recommends using the Dubai Metro and shuttle buses for access to the main events.

The UAE has introduced a new federal decree law to unify and elevate its higher education and scientific research sectors. This legislation mandates rigorous licensing, accreditation, and governance standards for all institutions, ensuring academic quality and aligning programs with labor market needs and national development goals. The law also strengthens scientific research and introduces penalties for non-compliance.

Discover how to secure high-paying remote jobs in Dubai, with salaries exceeding AED 20,000 monthly, without needing to be physically present daily. This guide highlights six legitimate platforms actively welcoming global talent to tap into the UAE's thriving job market. Explore opportunities for long-term settlement and international exposure.