The Times of India

UAE astronomers have issued a stark warning against observing the Ramadan crescent on February 17, 2026, due to extreme proximity to the sun, exacerbated by an earlier solar eclipse. Directing optical instruments without certified filters poses severe eye damage risks.

A wedding video sparked global buzz with claims of gold bar gifts. The footage showed what looked like solid gold biscuits being distributed. However, these were actually luxury chocolates wrapped in gold foil. The brand Patchi is known for such confections. The event was real, but the gifts were sweets, not precious metal.

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's intervention on the Direct Line radio programme led to immediate government action on public cases. He addressed issues ranging from employee entitlements and educational funding to infrastructure development, demonstrating responsive governance and a commitment to citizen welfare.

Barefoot pilgrims at the Kaaba enjoy cool marble even in extreme heat, a marvel of engineering. Thassos marble, known for its high solar reflectance and thermal conductivity, disperses heat efficiently. Combined with insulating layers and architectural airflow, this sophisticated system ensures comfortable walking surfaces in one of the world's hottest locations, a testament to thoughtful design.

UAE residents can expect fair to partly cloudy skies on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Fog is likely to reduce visibility in coastal and internal areas, especially early in the morning. Daytime temperatures will be warm, reaching up to 34C, while early mornings will be cooler, around 9C. Drivers should exercise caution due to potential mist.

Singapore ranks as the worlds most religiously diverse nation in a 2026 study by Pew Research Center, scoring 9.3 on its Religious Diversity Index. Covering 201 countries and drawing on 2,700 censuses, the report tracks global shifts: Christians remain largest, Muslims grow fastest, the unaffiliated reach 24.2%, and Asia-Pacific emerges most diverse regionally.

A Riyadh primary school pupil caused a stir by gifting classmates gold jewellery from his mother's drawer. School officials promptly contacted the family, who confirmed the items were theirs. The jewellery was returned, and the matter was resolved internally, highlighting the need for swift school and parent responses to unusual situations.

Dubai's Ruler has launched the 'Edge of Life' campaign to combat child hunger, aiming to save five million children under five from malnutrition-related deaths. This initiative, coinciding with Ramadan, seeks to raise AED1 billion for vital programs.

Kuwait's coastline will transform into a vibrant celebration of Indian heritage with Bharat Mela 2026 on February 13, 2026. This free, open-air festival on Green Island's beachfront will feature over 700 artists, authentic Indian cuisine, and immersive crafts, fostering unity between Indian and Kuwaiti communities.

New rules for private schools with British curricula will assess children born September-December for Foundation Stage 1 readiness from 2026-27. A one-time transition allows 2022 births to be placed in FS1 or FS2 based on assessment. Decisions are final. Other curricula see 2021 births eligible for Kindergarten 1 next academic year.

The UAE has announced reduced working hours for public and private sector employees during Ramadan. Federal government employees will work from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Private sector employees will see a daily reduction of two working hours, with flexibility for remote and staggered schedules.

UAE schools are embracing a unique approach this Ramadan, with public school students studying from home every Friday. This Ramadan with Family initiative, now in its second year, aims to foster family bonds while ensuring academic continuity. While students learn remotely, on-site staff remain, and parents can opt for in-person attendance with their own transport arrangements.

Dubai is launching fully autonomous ride-hailing services through a partnership between Baidu's Apollo Go and Uber, making it one of the first cities globally to offer robotaxis at scale via a mainstream app. Supported by the RTA, this initiative aims to modernise transport and achieve Dubai's goal of 25% autonomous trips by 2030.

Dubai's beloved Wild Wadi Waterpark reopens February 14, 2026, promising thrilling rides and family fun. After annual maintenance, the park unveils over 30 attractions, seasonal events like Al Wulfa and special AED 149 tickets for UAE residents. This marks a vibrant start to the year, boosting Dubai's leisure calendar with aquatic adventures and entertainment for all.

Rajan Lall, a UAE-based businessman and Bollywood producer, has won one million dollars. The win came just days after his 79th birthday. Lall secured the prize in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw. He purchased the winning ticket online while traveling to Mumbai. Lall is known as the 'Dubbing King of India' and has a successful business empire.

Sharjah is set to host a massive 1990s-themed vintage festival from February 12 to March 01, 2026. The 90s by RBO promises an immersive journey with music, movies, games and retro food. This event aims to transport visitors back to the iconic decade, celebrating its unique pop culture and fostering intergenerational connections.

UAE schools are implementing strict bans on sugary snacks and fizzy drinks from 2026 to boost student well-being and academic performance. Routine lunchbox checks and prohibitions on unhealthy deliveries are now in place. This initiative aims to combat rising childhood obesity and improve concentration, fostering healthier habits for a brighter future.

Oman has officially announced February 19, 2026, as the start of Ramadan 1447 AH, becoming the first nation to do so. This early confirmation, based on astronomical calculations, allows for seamless preparations. The Sultanate also introduced reduced working hours for public and private sectors, fostering a balance between work and spiritual observance.

Saudi Arabia has started issuing Hajj 2026 visas and this early process aims to improve planning and coordination for millions of pilgrims. Muslim pilgrims can now complete documentation and health checks. Arrivals are scheduled from April 18, 2026. This proactive approach ensures a smoother and more organised pilgrimage experience for all.

Abu Dhabi is set to embrace electric seagliders, revolutionising coastal travel with zero-emission, high-speed transport. These innovative craft, blending marine and aircraft tech, promise faster commutes, enhanced tourism and efficient logistics. This move aligns with the UAE's broader sustainable mobility goals, positioning the region at the forefront of future transportation.

Kuwait has overhauled its expatriate residency rules in 2026, introducing new fee structures and eligibility conditions for foreign residents and their families. These reforms aim to modernise the system, standardise procedures under Article 22 for family visas and mandate annual health insurance, impacting how long expats can stay and what they pay.

Indian expatriates in the UAE are encouraged to embrace India's new chip-enabled e-Passport that launched recently. This modern travel document promises faster immigration, enhanced security through biometric data storage and global recognition. The Passport Seva Programme 2.0 streamlines applications digitally, offering a smoother, more secure international travel experience for millions.

Emirates' busiest January for family travel highlights the advantage of early booking. Travel experts advise booking 2-3 months ahead, especially for Economy and leveraging mid-week travel. Utilising Emirates' Low Fare Calendar and considering off-peak seasons can secure better deals. Loyalty programs and promo codes offer additional savings for savvy travellers.

An Indian family in Dubai experienced a moment of panic when the gold they owned, worth AED 50,000 was accidentally thrown away. A diligent waste worker found the valuables. Dubai Police swiftly traced the gold back to the family. The precious items were returned within three days, showcasing civic efficiency and honesty.

Bahraini rap sensation Flipperachi is set to make his India debut with a Mumbai concert on March 13, 2026, at Phoenix Marketcity. Following his massive success in India, amplified by the film 'Dhurandhar', fans can anticipate an immersive, high-energy performance featuring his global hits and signature visuals.

India and the UAE are forging a powerful AI alliance in 2026, prioritising human-centric development for social welfare and equitable growth. The strategic partnership focuses on shared values. It aims to leverage AI for societal benefit through joint infrastructure, workforce development and ethical governance frameworks to set a global precedent.

Indian citizens seeking UAE visas in 2026 face increased scrutiny, with common rejections stemming from minor errors. Wonder what the key pitfalls include? Read on as we spill the beans on incomplete applications, passport issues, incorrect visa categories, weak financial proof and insufficient ties that could be the reason behind visa rejection. Careful documentation and adherence to guidelines are crucial for a smooth approval process.

Choithrams is implementing a permanent price reduction on thousands of everyday essentials across the UAE, aiming for everyday lower pricing rather than temporary promotions. This strategic move, affecting around 10,000 products with average cuts of 15%, seeks to provide predictable savings for consumers, especially ahead of Ramadan.

The Philippines' Department of Migrant Workers is introducing major digital changes. These reforms aim to make services faster for Overseas Filipino Workers, including those in the UAE. The goal is to cut down waiting times and simplify procedures. Digital passes and streamlined travel clearances will be key. This modernisation will improve support and protection for millions of vital overseas workers.

Newly released US Justice Department emails link Emirati diplomat Hind Al-Owais to Jeffrey Epstein in 469 exchanges from 2011-2012. While no charges are filed, the messages, including references to arranging social encounters and introducing her sister, have sparked debate given Epstein's sex trafficking convictions. The files are unverified, and Al-Owais remains in her role.

Kuwait's Cabinet has declared February 25th and 26th, 2026, as public holidays to celebrate National Day and Liberation Day. This announcement grants public sector employees a four-day break, including the weekend, with work resuming on March 1st. The holidays commemorate significant historical events and foster national pride through various public celebrations.

The Holy Quran Museum in Mecca has unveiled a rare folio from the legendary Blue Quran, a 9th-century manuscript renowned for its deep blue parchment and gold ink. This significant exhibit highlights the rich history of Islamic calligraphy and manuscript art, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's role in safeguarding global religious heritage.