The Times of India

NRIs in the UAE cannot legally pay property deposits for friends in India due to Indian foreign exchange laws. Attempting to do so risks serious violations of FEMA, leading to investigations by the Enforcement Directorate and hefty penalties. Buyers must use authorised channels like the RBI's LRS or local UAE financing for compliant transactions.

Dubai tenants hosting relatives face specific rules. Short family visits are generally fine, but extended stays or co-residency require landlord permission. Article 24 of Dubai's tenancy law mandates written consent for subletting or significant occupancy changes. Ignoring these rules can lead to disputes and eviction. Always check your contract and inform your landlord.

Kuwait's General Traffic Department has implemented a new procedure requiring official approval before exhaust system repairs for vehicles and motorcycles. Owners must obtain a repair permit from Technical Inspection Departments for violations, then get a follow-up inspection after repairs at authorized facilities. This aims to streamline services, ensure compliance with technical standards, and reduce noise pollution.

UAE travellers are booking summer 2026 getaways unusually early, with enquiries starting in January. This shift is driven by significant visa appointment backlogs for Schengen and UK travel, alongside rising airfare and hotel costs. Residents are adopting a more strategic approach, booking early to secure deals and avoid potential delays.

The United Arab Emirates recorded its coldest morning of the winter season as temperatures dropped to 0.2C early today, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. The reading was logged at 5.45 am amid a January cold spell, with other areas also reporting low temperatures, highlighting unusually chilly winter conditions across mountainous and inland parts of the country this morning nationwide today.

An Indian expat in Dubai faces a staggering Dh400,000 hospital bill after a motorbike crash on E311 left him with multiple fractures. Avinash Sequeira, uninsured, underwent emergency surgeries and faces more, highlighting critical issues of road safety, high healthcare costs, and insurance gaps for freelancers in the UAE. His family seeks community support.

SpiceJet will launch non-stop flights between Ahmedabad and Sharjah from February 5, 2026, adding its second UAE destination after Dubai. Operating five days a week, the service targets business travellers, tourists, and expatriates. The route strengthens connectivity between India and the United Arab Emirates, with fares starting around Dh900 and bookings now open across official channels using available bilateral capacity for passengers.

A Year 4 teacher at Durham School Dubai, Sebastian Charles, tragically died in a road accident. Principal Kieran McLaughlin confirmed the news, highlighting Charles's recent, positive impact on pupils and staff. The school is offering grief counselling and encouraging open conversations with children. Sports day events were postponed out of respect for the well-liked educator.

Drivers in the UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi, are warned of fake Darb toll alerts via SMS. These scams claim pending fees and urge quick payment via suspicious links. Authorities emphasise using only official Darb channels for verification and payment to prevent financial loss and identity theft. Stay vigilant against these phishing attempts.

UAE government employees may soon receive 95 days of paid maternity leave as lawmakers push for enhanced family-friendly policies. This move, alongside calls for flexible work options and stronger domestic abuse protections, aims to bolster family stability and employee well-being. While the extension targets federal entities, private sector changes would necessitate amendments to current labor laws.

Gold prices in the UAE are soaring in early 2026, mirroring global rallies driven by geopolitical unease and safe-haven demand. Dubai's gold market sees record highs, with 24-carat gold reaching AED 573.75 per gram. This surge reflects international financial trends, impacting local jewellery souks and attracting investors seeking stability amid market volatility.

As Ramadan 2026 approaches, experts urge Muslims to prepare physically and nutritionally for fasting. Key advice includes wise hydration, balanced suhoor for sustained energy, breaking fast with dates and water and focusing on nutrient-dense iftar meals. Avoiding caffeine and fried foods, alongside smart movement and rest, are also crucial for a safe and comfortable observance.

Medicines are becoming a major concern in the UAE. Officials are now reviewing how drug prices are set. This review aims to close the gap between official prices and what people actually pay. The government is also looking at boosting local drug manufacturing. These changes are expected to make essential medicines more affordable for everyone in the UAE.

Fifty outstanding female students in Dubai are being rewarded for their academic dedication with a sponsored family Umrah trip. This initiative by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department celebrates their hard work and fosters family bonding, aligning with the UAE's Year of the Family 2026 vision.

Sharjah's Ruler approved 1,000 new government jobs for Emirati graduates, part of a 2,000-position initiative under the Sharjah 2026 budget. A fast-track training program with a AED 6,000 monthly allowance will launch in February 2026 for key specializations, ensuring a direct path to employment for the emirate's youth.

On the first day of UMEX & SimTEX 2026, the UAE signed four major defence contracts worth AED879.785 million. Deals with EDGE Group and Diveco International cover unmanned vehicles, advanced aircraft, and remotely operated systems. Announced by Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, the contracts strengthen local capabilities, foster technology transfer, and highlight the UAEs growing role in advanced defence industries.

Dubai has launched Zhongtong electric buses, capable of 280km on a single charge, marking a significant step in its 2050 zero-emission transport strategy. This initiative, part of a larger 735-bus procurement, aims to electrify public transport, enhancing sustainability and passenger experience with advanced features. The move positions Dubai as a leader in green mobility within the Gulf region.

Dubai Police has launched a dedicated Lawyer's Digital Platform, enabling legal professionals to manage paperwork and track cases online 24/7. This secure platform, accessible via UAE Pass, streamlines legal procedures and enhances efficiency by centralizing seven specialized services. The initiative signifies Dubai Police's commitment to modernizing digital services for faster, more accessible legal processes.

Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, has consolidated immense power, becoming the de facto ruler. His influence, amplified by the vast Public Investment Fund, extends regionally and globally. While a key peer, UAE's Mohammed bin Zayed, presents a rivalry, MBS's control over Saudi Arabia's economic and political levers makes him the Gulf's most dominant royal.

Dubai is gearing up for Ramadan 2026 with adjusted Salik toll timings, reduced paid parking hours and shorter work and school days. These changes aim to ease daily routines for residents and visitors during the holy month, reflecting a blend of spiritual observance and practical convenience. Shorter fasting hours are also anticipated, making the period more manageable.

Saudi Arabias Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has raised Saudization rates to 60 percent for marketing and sales roles in the private sector, effective January 19. Establishments with three or more employees must comply within 90 days. Targeted positions include managers, specialists, and representatives, with a minimum wage of SAR 5,500. Support programs and guidance are provided to ease implementation.

Dubai's taxis saw a record 104,162 items lost in 2025, including over AED 2 million in cash, 35,000 electronics and 3,000 official documents. The RTA's efficient, multilingual system, utilising call centers, virtual agents and a smart app, ensures swift recovery, often within two hours, fostering trust in the city's mobility network.

Netflix is set to launch a diverse Arabic entertainment lineup in 2026. Fan favourites like 'Love Is Blind, Habibi' and 'Dubai Bling' return. New films and series including 'From the Ashes: The Pit', 'Chasing Shadows' and 'Obsess' will also be available. This slate highlights Netflix's commitment to regional storytelling and Arab talent on a global scale.

The UAE Ministry of Defence has firmly rejected allegations of weapons, explosives, and secret prisons at Riyan Airport in Mukalla, Yemen. The Ministry confirmed that all Emirati forces and equipment withdrew from Yemen on 2 January 2026. Officials called the claims unfounded and politically motivated, emphasizing that the facilities in question are standard military structures with no hidden purpose.

Abu Dhabi has once again been crowned the world's safest city for the tenth year running, according to the latest Numbeo Global Safety Index. This remarkable achievement highlights the UAE capital's consistent dedication to public safety through advanced technology, proactive policing and strong community engagement, ensuring residents and visitors feel secure at all hours.

The Ministry of Education has revealed the full schedule for Saudi Arabias second semester. The semester will span 92 school days, with adjustments during Ramadan, and includes three breaks totalling 28 days. Official holidays feature Founder's Day, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, with some regions observing holidays earlier. Summer vacation begins after the semester ends, with regional variations.

Emirates Airline is significantly expanding its Dubai-Manila route, adding four weekly flights starting April 2, 2026. This move boosts travel options for holidaymakers, business travellers and the large Filipino diaspora, while also enhancing cargo capacity for vital trade. The expansion strengthens UAE-Philippines economic ties, offering improved connections to North America, Europe and the Middle East.

Discovery Gardens has implemented a regulated paid parking system, effective January 15, 2026, to manage congestion and ensure fair street space usage. Residents must obtain permits via the Parkonic system, with one free permit per unit lacking dedicated parking. Unofficial parking rental offers have been cautioned against by Parkonic.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's official visit to New Delhi on January 19, 2026, highlighted the strong rotherhood between India and the UAE. The leaders discussed deepening cooperation, setting a goal to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032 through new agreements in energy, defense, and space.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Islamic Affairs is instructing mosque preachers to dedicate Friday sermons to encouraging marriage. The directive aims to counter narratives discouraging unions and highlight marriage as a Sunnah and social stabiliser. Preachers will warn against excessive wedding costs and online misinformation. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, promoting traditional family values amidst social change.

Gold prices in Kuwait stabilised at $4,595 per ounce after a volatile week, closing firmly despite profit-taking. Recent gains were tempered by easing geopolitical tensions and strong US economic data, with the Federal Reserve expected to hold rates steady. Local prices mirror global trends, offering opportunities for buyers and sellers.

Saudi Arabia's moon-sighting committees confirmed the start of Shaaban 1447 AH on January 20, 2026, following the non-sighting of the crescent moon. This announcement sets the stage for Ramadan, with astronomical predictions suggesting a mid-February start and a cooler Winter Ramadan in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Abu Dhabi has launched a revolutionary Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) blood test, capable of identifying over 50 cancer types from a single sample. This advanced liquid biopsy aims to detect silent killers early, complementing traditional screenings and making early detection more accessible for residents aged 40 and above.

Dubai is revolutionizing student commutes with a pilot program replacing traditional buses with luxury SUVs. This tech-driven initiative, starting January 2026, pools students aged 14+ from the same neighborhoods, utilizing smart data for efficient, safe rides. The goal is to significantly reduce school gate congestion and offer a premium, cost-effective transport solution.

Two Indian nationals were arrested in Kuwait after leaving their deceased friend at Mubarak Hospital. Fearing legal consequences due to expired visas, the men brought the body in a wheelchair, handed it to hospital staff, and fled. Forensic tests confirmed natural death. Authorities emphasized the importance of reporting deaths through proper channels to avoid endangering investigations and public safety.

The UAE has implemented a new minimum wage per month for private-sector employees in the Emirates, effective January 1, 2026. This policy aims to bolster Emiratisation efforts and strengthen labour standards. Companies must comply by June 30, 2026 or face penalties, marking a significant shift in the nation's labour market.

Dubai Creek Tower, once stalled, is set for a revival with Emaar Properties announcing a new tender within three months. Founder Mohamed Alabbar confirmed the project's re-envisioned concept, emphasising design and environmental cohesion over sheer height. This move signals a tangible step forward for the iconic landmark, poised to anchor the Dubai Creek Harbour development.

Kuwaits Ministry of Interior has announced a nationwide test of civil defence sirens on January 19 at 10:00 am. Authorities emphasised that it is a routine drill and there is no cause for alarm. The exercise forms part of a monthly schedule to ensure the alert system is fully operational and residents are familiar with emergency signals.

Winter's cool grip continues across the UAE on January 18, 2026, with mild to cool temperatures and highs around 25C. Expect overnight lows near 18C. While widespread rain isn't forecast, early morning fog and mist are likely. Strong winds and rough seas are also a concern, with advisories in place.

Saudi Arabia has banned commercial establishments from printing or writing the names of Allah on bags, packaging, and promotional materials that could be mishandled or discarded. The Ministry of Commerce, led by Abdulrahman Al Hussain, said the move aims to protect the sanctity of the Divine Names. Chambers of commerce will ensure compliance, and legal action will follow violations.

Umrah pilgrimage costs for Ramadan 2026 are soaring, with premium packages exceeding Dh8,000 due to high hotel rates in Makkah and global demand. New Saudi visa rules mandate entry within 30 days of issuance. Early booking is crucial to secure spots and avoid inflated prices, especially for the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Global music star Travis Scott will perform at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Riyadh on March 21, 2026. This event marks a new sports-entertainment venture in Saudi Arabia. Elite athletes and NFL legends will participate in the flag football tournament. Travis Scott's performance will be a major highlight of the halftime show.