The Times of India

Saudi Arabia has quietly begun selling alcohol to wealthy, non-Muslim foreign residents, a significant shift after over 70 years of prohibition. This move, linked to Vision 2030, targets affluent expats with premium residency and high incomes, signaling a cautious approach to social liberalization aimed at boosting tourism and investment. Further expansion is reportedly planned.

Staying in the UAE beyond your visa's validity incurs fines. Wonder what is the amount per day for most visa types? Authorities offer online and in-person methods to check and pay these penalties, crucial for avoiding travel bans and future visa application issues. Tracking expiry dates and extending visas proactively are key to preventing these costs.

Newly unsealed Epstein Files reveal fragments of the sacred Kaaba cloth, the Kiswa, laid on the floor of Jeffrey Epstein's US residence. The shipment, declared as artwork, had earlier sparked global outrage and deep cultural backlash within Muslim communities. Unanswered questions persist regarding the purpose and oversight of this transfer.

The Central Bank of the UAE has released limited edition gold and silver commemorative coins to celebrate five years of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. The coins, featuring university landmarks and national emblems, recognize MBZUAI's growth and its alignment with the UAE's AI and knowledge-driven economy goals.

The UAE Ministry of Education is seeking qualified educators and administrators for public schools, with applications now open for teaching and specialist roles. Applicants need a bachelor's degree, two years of experience, and fluency in Arabic and English, with an IELTS score of 6.5 required.

The UAE Ministry of Education has announced a fixed registration window for public schools, running from February 9 to March 6, 2026. This period is for Emirati citizens and eligible students seeking admission from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Early registration is crucial for schools to prepare resources and ensure a smooth start to the 2026-27 academic year.

Sharjah's Ruler inaugurated the Al Dhaid Wildlife Museum, a new interactive educational hub focused on the Arabian desert's biodiversity. This initiative reinforces the emirate's commitment to environmental stewardship, scientific research and public engagement with nature. The museum aims to foster ecological awareness and support sustainable development, enhancing Al Dhaid's appeal as a cultural and natural tourism destination.

King Khalid International Airport will undergo a significant terminal reshuffle from February 16 to February 25, 2026. This extensive operation will gradually reassign flights across multiple terminals for Saudia, flynas, flyadeal, and foreign airlines. Passengers are urged to verify their terminal assignments and arrive early to navigate these changes smoothly.

Arabic perfumes are a significant expression of personal style and cultural resonance this Ramadan, blending tradition with modern trends. Women are embracing floral-oriental, warm spice, and soft sweet scents, reflecting a global shift towards personalized and textured fragrance experiences. Layering these evocative scents creates unique sensory journeys, enhancing the spiritual and social rhythms of the holy month.

UAE Islamic Affairs Council has set official rates for Ramadan 2026 charitable contributions. Zakat Al Fitr is fixed at Dh25 per person, while Fidyah for missed fasts is Dh20 daily. Kaffarah for broken vows or invalidated fasts ranges from Dh200 to Dh1,200. These figures, based on market studies, ensure transparency and fairness in charitable giving across the Emirates.

Ramadan 2026 sees fragrance taking centre stage in the Gulf. Arabic cologne trends focus on heritage notes with modern touches. Woody, oud, amber and spicy oriental scents are popular. Fresh-spice hybrids offer a modern twist. Musk and soft leather accents provide subtle sophistication. Fragrances honour moments from prayers to Eid embraces.

Shashi Tharoor captivated Dubai at the Emirates Literature Festival, sharing insights on language's power to shape thought and culture. His Wonderland of Words session, blending humour and anecdotes, highlighted linguistic connections and the importance of clear communication. Tharoor also stressed lifelong reading for children and cautioned against over-reliance on AI for writing.

Dubai's early school admissions are changing for 2026-27 with a new December 31st age cut-off for FS1 and FS2. This shift, impacting new admissions, aims for uniformity but has caused anxiety for some families. Schools are introducing transitional programs and expanding capacity to support parents through this significant policy update.

Qatar will observe an official public holiday on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, for National Sports Day. This annual observance, falling on 22 Sha'ban 1447 AH, aims to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles nationwide. Public and private institutions will organize various sporting and wellness events to encourage community participation.

Muslims across the world are gearing up for Ramadan 2026. What do the forecasts suggest? When will the holy month of fasting commence? How long is it expected to last? When will Ramadan conclude this year, leading to Eid al-Fitr celebrations? Read on as we spill all the details including shorter fasting hours due to the winter season, making observance more manageable.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has launched its services on ChatGPT, marking a global first for government and utility providers. This move shifts DEWA towards conversational, AI-led service delivery, allowing customers to access information and support through natural language interactions. The initiative aims to enhance customer experience and position Dubai as a leader in AI and sustainable innovation.

Saudi security agencies arrested over 20,000 individuals for violating residency, labor, and border laws during intensified enforcement operations. The crackdown, which also saw 11,656 deportations, targeted illegal residents and those aiding them. Authorities continue to warn against facilitating illegal entry, with severe penalties for offenders.

Buying off-plan property in Dubai offers strategic entry into the market with flexible payment plans and potential price appreciation. Read on as we outline the process, from developer research and DLD/RERA registration to understanding costs, signing SPAs and navigating handover. While offering benefits like lower entry prices and customisation, buyers must be aware of risks such as construction delays and market fluctuations.

Dubai is undertaking a massive coastal transformation, expanding public beaches to 105 km and enhancing facilities by 400% through the Blue and Green Spaces 2030 Roadmap. Projects like Jumeirah Beach 1, Al Mamzar Beach Corniche with its floating bridge and a Dh500 million Umm Suqeim Beach makeover are set to redefine the emirate's shores, introducing innovative features and all-season destinations.

The GCC is launching a unified tourist visa, allowing entry to all six member states with a single online application. Travellers can expect a streamlined digital process, requiring essential documents like a valid passport, itinerary and proof of funds. This initiative aims to simplify multi-country travel across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

Dubai will host the Arab Hope Makers closing ceremony on February 15. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will attend. The event will honour humanitarian efforts from across the Arab world. A winner will receive a one million Dirham award. This initiative celebrates individuals and organisations dedicated to improving lives through voluntary work.

The UAE State Security Department has launched the SSD service, a confidential reporting channel for residents to alert authorities to potential threats. This initiative aims to enhance preventive security, foster community partnership, and reinforce national security by encouraging public participation in maintaining a safe society. The service accepts reports on various security concerns and ensures strict confidentiality for all reporters.

The UAE Embassy in Madrid has issued a critical safety advisory for Emirati citizens in Spain due to Storm Leonardo, which has caused severe flooding and evacuations. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, avoid affected areas, and follow official guidance. The embassy also advises registration on the 'Tawajudi' service for emergency assistance.

The UAE's Ministry of Education has mandated that advanced mathematics and science subjects will be taught in English across private schools, starting with Grade 9 in the 2026-2027 academic year. This phased implementation, extending to Grade 12 by 2029-2030, aims to equip students with global competencies for higher education and STEM careers where English is prevalent.

The United Arab Emirates made history at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, marking its first-ever senior team debut. Alpine skiers Alexander Astridge and Piera Hudson proudly carried the UAE flag, showcasing the nation's growing commitment to winter sports. This milestone underscores a strategic, long-term vision for developing a sustainable winter sports ecosystem beyond traditional snowbound nations.

UAE residents should prepare for humid mornings and increasing cloud cover this week. Rain is possible, particularly over islands and coastal areas from Saturday night into Sunday, with another chance on Tuesday. Temperatures will rise until Monday before a slight dip. Light to moderate winds are expected, with occasional rough seas.

The UAE and US have inked a strategic pact to bolster critical mineral and rare earth supply chains, crucial for defense and technology. This framework aims to accelerate secure supplies through policy tools and public-private investment across the entire value chain. Both nations will jointly identify projects and provide financing, enhancing economic and national security cooperation.

Oman Air announces a major Global Sale offering 20% off Business and Economy Class tickets. This promotion allows travelers to book spring and early summer 2026 getaways. The sale covers over 40 destinations across the airline's network. Tickets are available for travel between April 12 and June 24, 2026.

Dubai and UAE brace for intermittent light rain and cloudy skies, particularly in the early morning hours. Coastal areas may experience fog, impacting visibility. While northern regions anticipate more showers, Dubai's rainfall is expected to be brief. This unstable weather, influenced by pressure shifts, is typical for the winter transition.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education has revoked the operating licenses of 74 private schools due to repeated regulatory violations, including expired licenses and lack of safety certifications. This decisive action aims to protect student safety and uphold educational standards across the Kingdom.

Dubai has officially begun testing fully autonomous RT6 taxis on public roads, a significant stride in integrating AI into its transport system. Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum experienced a ride, showcasing the technology's readiness. This paves the way for a public launch in early 2026, with plans for over 1,000 vehicles.

Saudi Arabia has launched visa processing for the 2026 Hajj season, nearly four months ahead of schedule. This proactive measure, part of Vision 2030, aims to enhance service readiness, improve pilgrim comfort, and streamline logistics. Contracts for holy site services and Makkah accommodations are finalized, with significant pilgrim registration already underway, ensuring a more organized pilgrimage.