The Times of India

UAE air defence systems thwarted a significant aerial assault on March 23, 2026, intercepting seven ballistic missiles and 16 drones. This incident is part of a week-long pattern of escalating attacks, with hundreds of projectiles neutralized since the aggression began. Authorities urge calm and adherence to safety guidelines amidst ongoing regional tensions.

Unstable weather has brought sudden showers, strong winds, and reduced visibility across the UAE, particularly impacting Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously as authorities confirm ongoing unsettled conditions with rainfall expected to continue for the next six days.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre achieved a historic milestone, welcoming over 3.2 million guests during Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. The iconic Abu Dhabi mosque alone hosted 1.69 million visitors, with a record 980,010 iftar meals served, highlighting its growing spiritual and cultural significance.

Dubai's gold prices have significantly dropped, with 22K gold falling below Dh490 per gram, offering a welcome relief for shoppers ahead of Eid. This decline follows a global sell-off in bullion markets, driven by a stronger US dollar and shifting interest rate expectations. While some buyers are rushing in, others are adopting a wait-and-watch approach, anticipating further price easing.

Oman is grappling with a severe weather emergency as flash floods, triggered by heavy rains, have claimed at least four lives and left one person missing. Rescue teams are actively working to save stranded residents, with authorities issuing urgent warnings about the ongoing dangerous weather conditions and the risks associated with flooded wadis.

Saudi Arabia has granted the US access to King Fahd Air Base amid escalating tensions with Iran. This strategic move aims to bolster regional security and safeguard vital shipping lanes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which faces critical threats. Western allies are framing this as a defensive measure to deter conflict and ensure global stability.

Saudi Arabia's intensive crackdown on residency, labor, and border violations resulted in over 22,000 arrests in a single week. The majority of violations involved irregular residency status, with significant numbers also apprehended for attempting illegal entry. Authorities are expediting deportations and issuing stern warnings against facilitators, emphasizing strict penalties for aiding illegal activities.

Residents across the UAE can anticipate partly cloudy to cloudy skies on March 22, with rainfall likely in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. Temperatures will remain moderate, with daytime highs around 29-32C and cooler evenings. This unstable weather pattern is attributed to low-pressure systems and increased cloud activity.

On the most charged Eid in a generation, heads of state, mayors and kings pause to mark the end of Ramadan, each in their own way, each in their own world.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt have signed a new agreement to exempt holders of official passports from short-stay visa requirements. This initiative aims to facilitate travel for government officials and representatives, simplifying procedures for diplomatic and institutional engagements. The move underscores a commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing communication between the two nations.