The Times of India News

Kuwait has launched a significant immigration overhaul, introducing e-services for visa and residency renewals, transfers, and new tiered residency options. A key highlight is a 15-year residency for foreign investors. These reforms aim to streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance Kuwait's appeal for talent and investment, benefiting expatriate workers and families.

Lucky Day Draw No. 251227 on December 27 saw winning numbers 1, 28, 6, 7, 29, 27 for Days and 9 for Month. The Dh30 million and Dh5 million prizes rolled over to 2026. Three participants won Dh100,000 each in the Lucky Chance raffle, with thousands more securing smaller prizes. The lottery now holds weekly Saturday draws.

A Dubai resident's heartwarming gesture of a 500 AED Christmas tip to a delivery worker who doesn't celebrate the holiday has gone viral. The man's shocked and grateful reaction resonated globally, highlighting the impact of kindness and respect during the festive season.

The UAE-India aviation corridor is set for a significant expansion with new airlines, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, and the operational Navi Mumbai International Airport. Increased flight options and competitive pricing are expected as airlines add capacity and introduce new routes, benefiting millions of travelers.

UAE residents face significant changes from January 1, 2026, with an expanded single-use plastic ban, new Friday prayer and school timings, stricter income tax refund rules, a social media influencer permit deadline, and a tiered sugar tax on beverages. These egulatory resets aim for a greener, more efficient nation, but demand strict compliance to avoid penalties.

Abu Dhabi has launched HawAQM, an advanced Indoor Air Quality Observatory, to continuously monitor air pollutants in schools, homes, and offices. Using high precision sensors, the system provides real-time data via a dedicated dashboard, enabling specialists to assess conditions and take immediate action. Part of ADPHCs public health strategy, HawAQM aims to ensure safer, healthier indoor environments across the emirate.

Kuwaits Civil Service Commission has announced January 1, 2026, as a public holiday, giving government employees a three-day New Year weekend through Saturday, January 3. Work will resume on Sunday, January 4. While most government offices will close, entities with special operational needs may adjust schedules to ensure essential services continue, allowing residents and officials to celebrate the New Year with minimal disruption.

Muscat Municipality has launched the Masar food truck hub to support small and medium enterprises and organize street vending. The site provides fully serviced spaces, designated parking, shaded seating, and essential utilities for food truck operators. Sohar International contributed 25 equipped trucks through its CSR program, enabling entrepreneurs to start businesses with minimal costs while enhancing visitor experiences.

The idea that Coca-Cola invented Santas red suit persists every Christmas, but history tells a different story. Long before 20th-century advertising, writers and artists across Europe and America had already shaped Santa as a rotund, red-clad figure. Coca-Cola didnt create the image; it amplified and standardised an existing tradition.

Dubai is gearing up for New Years Eve 2026 with a record 48 fireworks shows across 40 locations. The city will deploy over 23,000 security personnel, coordinate 55 agencies, and provide extensive medical and transportation support to manage millions of residents and tourists. Authorities urge the public to follow safety guidelines and use public transport.

A man was injured after jumping from the upper levels of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, prompting swift intervention by security forces. A security officer was injured during the rescue, with both taken to hospital. Saudi authorities confirmed legal procedures were completed and urged pilgrims to respect the sanctity of the holy site, emphasising the preservation of life.

Saudi Arabia has launched a new Halal Mark Track that integrates halal certification with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Developed by the Saudi Halal Center in partnership with the Halal Product Development Company and THIQAH, the initiative aims to boost trust in halal products, enhance compliance, and support local and international businesses in expanding their reach and competitiveness.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has introduced a draft regulation for its White Land and Vacant Property Tax system, imposing strict violations and heavy fines. This initiative aims to compel landowners to develop idle land or face escalating financial penalties, encouraging productive use and boosting housing supply.

Sharjah has granted imams and muezzins government employee status, recognizing their role in serving mosques. Under a directive by Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi, they will receive salaries, promotions, allowances, health insurance, and a AED 3,000 work allowance. Leave encashment is included, ensuring financial security and dignity. The decision strengthens community support and sets a benchmark for valuing religious service.

In 2025, the UAE has emerged as a global leader, ranking among the top five in competitiveness and excelling in human development, technology, healthcare, and safety. The nation leads in talent readiness, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship, while attracting significant foreign investment. These achievements highlight the UAEs rapid growth and its rising influence on the world stage.

The UAE Floating Hospital, part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, has welcomed its fifth Indonesian medical team to Al-Arish, Egypt. This collaboration strengthens specialized care, including orthopedics and surgery, for Gazan patients. The mission has provided over 12,000 medical services, offering critical aid and hope.

Christmas in Saudi Arabia has gradually moved from private homes to visible public spaces. Once marked quietly by expatriates, the festive season is now reflected in mall decorations, themed events, and commercial celebrations. Driven by Vision 2030, this shift highlights Saudi Arabias evolving cultural openness while maintaining legal and religious boundaries around public observance.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his wife Georgina Rodriguez have purchased two luxury private villas at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on Saudi Arabias Red Sea. Located on private islands accessible only by boat or seaplane, the villas offer privacy, luxury, and year-round adventure. The couple has been visiting since 2023 and can now enjoy exclusive family retreats in this sustainable, ultra-luxury destination.

Saudi Arabia has drafted a regulation targeting banned and counterfeit pesticides, proposing up to five years in jail and fines of SR10 million. Minor violations may receive warnings and a grace period. The SFDA and Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture will enforce penalties, manage disposal or re-export of materials, and may temporarily or permanently close offending facilities.

Saudi Arabia is set to experience rainfall across several regions until 31 December, the National Centre for Meteorology has forecast. The expected showers coincide with a sharp drop in temperatures, signalling the onset of winter. Regions likely to be affected include Makkah, Asir, Al-Baha, Jazan, Madinah, Riyadh, Tabuk, Al-Jouf, the Eastern Province and the Northern Borders. Residents are advised to follow official updates.

Oman and Turkiye have officially launched a mutual visa exemption for ordinary passport holders, effective November 1, 2025. This landmark agreement allows Omani citizens to visit Turkiye for up to 90 days and Turkish citizens to enter Oman for up to 30 days per visit, with a 90-day limit in 180 days.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr contract extension until 2027 makes him football's first billionaire. His deal includes a staggering 178 million annual tax-free salary, performance bonuses, luxury perks like private jet access and personal staff, and a 15% ownership stake in the club. This groundbreaking agreement redefines athlete negotiation and financial milestones.

Despite having no rivers, the UAE has become a global model for water sustainability through advanced desalination, wastewater recycling, strategic storage, and dam infrastructure. Guided by its Water Security Strategy 2036, the country meets growing demand while also supporting international water aid. The UAEs innovation turns desert scarcity into long-term resilience and global leadership in water management.

The UAE is experiencing a cooler winter vibe this week as a weak low-pressure system brings moderate daytime temperatures and crisper nights. Scattered light to moderate showers are expected, particularly in the islands and Northern Emirates, with fog and mist likely in inland and coastal areas. Mariners should exercise caution as sea conditions are expected to become rough by Sunday.