News

A Ghanaian preacher calling himself Noah has gone viral after claiming God warned him of a three-year global flood beginning on 25 December. His videos show wooden boats under construction and promises of salvation for those who join him, but nothing has been independently verified. The trend raises sharper questions about faith, fabrication and how apocalyptic stories spread online.

Hamad Ali Al-Khater has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, effective December 7, 2025, succeeding Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. Al-Khater brings extensive experience from QatarEnergy and his tenure as Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, positioning him to enhance airport-airline synergy and passenger experience.

Bahraini rapper Flipperachi, real name Hussam Aseem, is gaining massive attention in India after his hit track FA9LA featured in the Bollywood spy thriller Dhurandhar. Known for his Khaleeji hip-hop style and international collaborations with artists like The Game, Shaggy, and Shaquille ONeal, Flipperachis music is now reaching millions, marking a major crossover into the Indian film industry.

Dubai Police have arrested Marko Dordevic, leader of the notorious Vracarci gang, also called the Witchcrafters, in a coordinated international operation named Haris. The arrest, carried out with Europol, Serbian, and Spanish authorities, follows a Red Notice by Interpol. Dordevics capture marks a major step in dismantling cross-border organized crime and highlights the UAEs role in global security efforts.

The UAE is introducing penalties of up to Dh5,000 for businesses violating e-invoicing requirements. Starting July 2026, all invoices must be created, exchanged, and reported electronically to the Federal Tax Authority. Fines apply for delays in implementation, failure to transmit invoices or credit notes, system failure notifications, and updating registered business data, emphasizing strict compliance and operational readiness.

Dubai's RTA has installed 595 new public bus shelters, nearing 89% completion of its 762-unit goal by 2025. This initiative modernizes public transport infrastructure, enhancing comfort and reliability for over 192 million annual riders. The project prioritizes accessibility and integrates advanced features like digital screens and air-conditioned waiting areas.

The UAE plans to produce 60 trillion AI tokens through its Stargate AI campus in Abu Dhabi, aiming to become the worlds factory of intelligence. AI tokens, the basic units of AI computation, turn data into actionable insights. The initiative positions the UAE as a global AI leader, drives economic and energy efficiency, and transforms intelligence into a strategic national resource.

Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step to simplify the Umrah pilgrimage for domestic and international visitors with the Nusk Al-Umrah card. It centralizes key services, including transportation, crowd management, accommodation, and bus refueling. Domestic pilgrims can use digital versions, while international visitors receive printed cards, enhancing safety, convenience, and efficiency for millions of worshippers each year.

The Saudi Embassy in Addis Ababa has warned its citizens about a deadly Marburg virus outbreak in southern Ethiopia, particularly in the South Omo Zone and Sidama regions. As of December 3, 13 cases have been confirmed, with eight fatalities. Citizens are urged to follow local health guidance, avoid crowded areas, and contact the embassys 24/7 emergency hotline for assistance.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense has opened a new military recruitment cycle for men and women, accepting applications from December 7th. The program seeks to fill positions from Private to Sergeant, catering to high-school, diploma, and degree holders across over 100 specializations. This initiative aims to bolster national forces with diverse and qualified talent.

UAE influencer Khalid Al Ameri has quietly confirmed his relationship with Indian actress Sunaina Yella through a heartfelt birthday post on Instagram. The carousel included intimate photos, including a mirror selfie showing them holding hands. Their relationship had been hinted at since mid-2024, with matching posts and subtle interactions, now finally confirmed to fans worldwide.

Sheikh Zayed Festival has unveiled Wonderland Entertainment City in Al Wathba, offering a complete family experience. Visitors can enjoy roller coasters, ice skating, a dinosaur park, pony rides, bowling, and skill-based games. Designed with modern technology and high safety standards, Wonderland combines fun, comfort, and accessibility, making it a central attraction in the festival, open daily through its operating hours.

Dubais Roads and Transport Authority distributed 500 child car seats to newborns across 26 hospitals from December 1 to 5, as part of its sixth annual Safety from the First Journey initiative during the UAEs 54th Eid Al Etihad. The program promotes road safety from day one, offers practical guidance for parents, and aligns with WHO recommendations to reduce child fatalities and injuries in traffic accidents.

Huda Kattan, an American makeup artist and entrepreneur based in Dubai, founded Huda Beauty, a global cosmetics and skincare empire. Starting with a beauty blog in 2010, she expanded into makeup, skincare, fragrances, and reality TV. With a net worth of $560 million and over 50 million Instagram followers, she also champions philanthropy, supporting causes from COVID-19 relief to social justice initiatives.

Traveling to Dubai for the first time can be overwhelming, but the right apps make it easy. From navigating the city with 2GIS to staying connected via Botim, booking rides with Careem, using public transport through NolPay, and accessing government services with DubaiNow, these five essential apps ensure a smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable first-time experience in Dubai.

The UAE has launched a new one-step service allowing Emiratis to renew their passports and Emirates ID cards together through the UAEICP app. This unified process eliminates separate applications, reduces processing times by 50%, and cuts customer inquiries by 40%. Part of the Zero Bureaucracy initiative, it simplifies document management and improves efficiency for citizens and families.

Saudi Arabia is set to experience several days of unstable weather, with thunderstorms expected across most regions from December 6 to 11. Heavy rain, dust storms, hail, and flash floods may affect areas including Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, and others. The National Center for Meteorology urges the public to stay updated and take precautions while traveling during this period.

Annie Jacobsens Nuclear War: A Scenario maps a chilling, minute-by-minute nuclear conflict, blending declassified sources, expert interviews, and climate models. She explores not just the immediate destruction, but the cascading famine, societal collapse, and global fallout that would follow. Through vivid scenarios, Jacobsen asks readers to confront the fragile assumptions of deterrence and the stark realities of modern nuclear strategy.

Dubai Police has unveiled a rare, customized Ferrari Purosangue Mansory. This powerful vehicle joins their luxury patrol fleet, enhancing visibility in tourist spots like Burj Khalifa. The addition marks 12 years of using supercars for security and community engagement. The fleet aims to boost safety and showcase Dubai's innovation.

UAE authorities have levied massive fines exceeding 34 million Dirhams on over 1,300 companies. These firms were caught creating fake jobs and manipulating the Emiratisation drive. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation is treating these as criminal fraud cases. Over 2.3 million Dirhams in benefits were also recovered. The crackdown aims to protect national employment initiatives.

UAE Lottery's Lucky Day draw now happens weekly on Saturdays at 8:30 PM. The grand prize is Dh30 million, with a Dh5 million second prize. Both top prizes will be split equally among multiple winners. Lower-tier prizes and a Dh100,000 raffle remain. This revamp offers more frequent winning chances.

Danish traveller Henrik Jeppesen, who has visited every country on Earth, says North Korea was the only place where he genuinely feared prison. His companion secretly scattered a friends ashes at the DMZ despite guides refusing permission, then filmed it. When airport officials found the video, both men were accused of polluting the country and escaped only after an apology letter.

On its 54th Union Day, the UAE orchestrated a mass wedding for 54 Palestinian couples in Gaza, a profound humanitarian gesture under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3. This initiative, symbolizing resilience and dignity, provided not just essential aid but also revived cultural traditions like the Thawb Al-Farah, offering a vital moment of joy and hope amidst conflict.

The Muscat Municipality and Omans Astronomical Society are hosting a public stargazing event in South Mabela on 4 December. From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, attendees can observe the Full Moon in its Supermoon phase and view Saturn through telescopes. The event is open to all, offering a guided, family-friendly evening of astronomy under the night sky.

Abu Dhabi has launched the Tahnoon bin Zayed Scholarship in AI Excellence to support outstanding undergraduate students at MBZUAI. Starting in 20252026, it will benefit around 350 students over six years, offering financial aid, hands-on learning, industry mentorships, and opportunities to represent the UAE internationally. The programme combines technical AI training with leadership, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary study.

Oman and Saudi Arabia have agreed to recognize each others certificates of origin, simplifying trade and reducing costs for manufacturers. The move follows progress on 17 joint initiatives, including the Industrial Integration Project and Factories of the Future. Bilateral trade exceeded US$8 billion in 2024, with efforts underway to streamline procedures and strengthen industrial and supply-chain cooperation.

Foreign residents in Saudi Arabia can drive with their foreign license for up to one year. After that, they must either convert their license or apply for a new one. Those from 48 approved countries can convert their license directly without a driving test. The process involves translation, medical exams, and appointments via Absher, with varying costs based on nationality.

In 2026, UAE residents can expect at least 12 public holidays, including opportunities for long weekends and family time. Key dates include New Years Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammads Birthday, and National Day. While some dates are fixed, others follow the lunar calendar, with holidays occasionally shifted to create extended breaks.

Kuwait's Cabinet has approved a draft decree-law criminalizing unlicensed currency exchange and hawala operations. New penalties include up to six months imprisonment and fines up to KD 3,000 for individuals, with businesses facing closure and larger fines. This aims to strengthen financial oversight and combat money laundering.

Muscat Municipality has announced temporary closures of Qurum Natural Park, Al Naseem Public Park, and Al Amerat Public Park to complete final preparations for Muscat Nights 2025. Qurum Park closes on December 4, while the other two close on December 7. The Municipality thanks the public for understanding and promises vibrant, fully prepared venues for the upcoming festival.

Dubai has joined the Global Resilient Cities Network, becoming the first city in the GCC to do so. The membership strengthens its position as a global leader in urban resilience, crisis management, and sustainable development. It enables knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration with international cities, helping Dubai build future-ready systems, enhance residents well-being, and turn challenges into opportunities.

The United Arab Emirates is experiencing a shift to winter weather. Temperatures are dropping significantly, bringing cooler nights. Expect light rain and increased cloud cover. Fog is also a concern, especially in the early mornings, reducing visibility for motorists. Drivers should exercise caution on inland highways. This change is driven by a northerly system and the Siberian high-pressure system.