The Times of India

The UAE has significantly expanded its Nafis programme, extending benefits until 2040 to boost Emirati employment in the private sector. Key changes include removing the cap on child allowances, offering targeted salary support for children of Emirati mothers and wives of Emirati citizens, and focusing on future job sectors.

Construction in Oman's Al Batinah region unearthed nearly 3,000-year-old Iron Age graves, revealing a structured cemetery with skeletal remains and grave goods. The discovery offers insights into ancient burial traditions, social status, and Oman's historical role as a vital trade crossroads.

Kuwait has enacted significant changes to its citizenship law, empowering the government to grant and revoke nationality with greater authority. The new decree tightens eligibility criteria, particularly for naturalisation and marriage-based applications, while reinforcing strict rules against dual nationality. These reforms aim to safeguard national identity and address past irregularities, ensuring citizenship is granted strictly by law.

Saudi Arabia has implemented strict entry restrictions into Makkah ahead of Hajj 2026, suspending Umrah visas to manage crowds and ensure safety. Only those with valid Hajj permits or official work/residency documents will be allowed entry from April 13. This move aims to prevent overcrowding and unauthorized participation during the pilgrimage.

Saudi Arabia has launched five new rail logistics routes to accelerate cargo movement and reduce transport costs, connecting Gulf ports with key economic hubs. This initiative aims to enhance supply chain efficiency, ease highway congestion, and position the Kingdom as a vital link in global trade under Vision 2030.

Qatar has fully reopened its maritime traffic for all vessels, restoring normal sea operations after precautionary restrictions. The Ministry of Transport confirmed the decision, citing improved regional stability. This move allows commercial and private vessels to resume operations within designated hours, with a strong emphasis on safety compliance and a warning against price gouging in marine services.

Dubai's education authority now permits home-based learning for children aged 0-6, recognizing diverse early development needs. This policy empowers parents to shape their child's initial educational journey, ensuring quality standards align with formal schooling. The move fosters flexibility, allowing home environments to nurture cognitive, emotional, and social growth alongside traditional nurseries.

Abu Dhabi's education department has mandated live online classes and strict attendance tracking for all schools, mirroring in-person learning standards. This aims to boost student discipline and academic outcomes, ensuring remote education is as rigorous as classroom teaching. Recorded lessons are now supplementary, with a focus on interactive, real-time instruction to enhance engagement and understanding across the emirate.

Dubai's Shri Krishna Temple and St Mary's Catholic Church reopened on April 11, 2026, after precautionary closures due to heightened regional tensions. These reopenings signal a gradual return to normal religious activities, with both institutions implementing safety measures and controlled access for worshippers.