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Amidst rising global tensions, experts identify regions offering relative safety in a potential World War III. Geographical isolation, political neutrality, and agricultural self-sufficiency are key factors. Nations like New Zealand, parts of Australia, Iceland, and select South American and African countries are frequently cited as potentially more resilient to widespread conflict and its devastating aftermath.

UAE Lottery has revamped its Lucky Day draw, shifting to weekly Saturday draws starting December 6th. The grand prize is now Dh30 million, with the second prize boosted to Dh5 million. This change aims to offer more frequent winning opportunities and sustained excitement for participants, concluding the era of the Dh100 million jackpot.

UAE motorists will see a slight increase in fuel prices for December 2025, with all petrol and diesel grades adjusted upwards. This change reverses the November dip and reflects global oil market movements. The new rates, effective December 1, 2025, bring Super 98 back to Dhs2.70 per litre.

In 2025, the UAE has streamlined its driving license system, allowing visitors from 52 countries to drive with their home licenses. Residents can also exchange their foreign licenses for a UAE one without tests. This move simplifies mobility, supporting the countrys ambition to attract global talent and enhance its reputation as a top business and tourism destination.

The UAE has introduced significant tax procedure amendments effective January 1, 2026, establishing a clear five-year window for refund claims and empowering the Federal Tax Authority. These changes aim to enhance transparency, streamline dispute resolution, and introduce a new R&D tax credit to foster innovation.

Telecom giant du is showering UAE residents with a massive 54GB of free 5G data to celebrate the nation's 54th National Day. Post-paid users get it automatically for seven days, while prepaid Flexi Yearly subscribers enjoy a full year. This generous offer, starting December 1, 2025, ensures everyone stays connected during the festivities.

The Hayya Platform is Qatars official e-visa system, streamlining entry, event access, and travel documentation in one interface. It offers multiple visa types, including tourist, GCC resident, ETA, companion, and visa-free for U.S. citizens. By simplifying immigration, linking visas to event tickets, and improving visitor flow, Hayya enhances tourism, supports major events, and strengthens Qatars global connectivity.

Starting November 30, 2025, GCC residents can stay in Qatar for up to two months under the updated Hayya A2 visa. The visa allows multiple entries, enabling visitors to travel freely during their stay, attend events, and explore Qatars cultural and entertainment offerings. The updates aim to simplify visits, enhance regional connectivity, and boost tourism during a busy event season.

The UAE has waived over AED 475 million in debts for 1,435 Emirati citizens through the Defaulted Debts Settlement Fund, in collaboration with 19 banks. Targeting low-income earners, retirees, senior citizens, medical cases, and the deceased, the initiative aims to ease financial pressures, restore stability, and support family wellbeing, reflecting the leaderships commitment to social development and citizen welfare.

The UAEs Golden Visa has expanded beyond traditional investment routes to include superyacht owners and maritime professionals, reflecting the nations push to attract global wealth and specialised talent. With high financial thresholds, detailed eligibility rules, and distinct pathways in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the programme positions the UAE as a leading year-round hub for luxury yachting and long-term residency.

Abu Dhabi is offering free parking and Darb tolls for three days starting Sunday, November 30, to celebrate UAE National Day. The initiative aims to make travel and festivities across the capital easier for residents and visitors. Parking fees and tolls will resume on Wednesday, December 3, encouraging people to join national celebrations with convenience and ease.

Starting in 2026, Filipino citizens will be able to visit Oman without a visa for stays up to two weeks. Announced by the Omani Embassy during National Day celebrations in Makati, the move aims to boost tourism and strengthen ties. Plans include expanding direct flights from Manila and Cebu, offering Filipinos easier access to Omans unique landscapes and cultural experiences.

The UAEs Golden Visa program now includes humanitarian workers and volunteers, offering long-term residency of 5 to 10 years without sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate meaningful contributions in recognized fields and secure endorsements from registered organizations. This initiative reflects the UAEs commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts both locally and globally, providing stability and recognition to those dedicated to serving communities.

Dubai Police have fined over 8,000 delivery riders since enforcing a ban on fast-lane riding on 1st November. Riders must avoid leftmost lanes on multi-lane roads to reduce accident risks. Penalties range from AED 500 fines to license suspension. The initiative, part of a five-year traffic safety plan, emphasizes speed limits, protective gear, defensive driving, and awareness campaigns to safeguard riders.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, is a billionaire royal with an estimated net worth of $30 billion. Owner of Manchester City and City Football Group, his empire spans sports, finance, real estate, and luxury assets. A key political figure, he oversees major investments, sovereign wealth funds, and strengthens UAEs global influence through business and diplomacy.

Dubai's RTA announces extended Metro and Tram timings for the Eid Al Etihad holiday, November 29 to December 2, 2025. Motorists enjoy free public parking on December 1 and 2, excluding specific zones. Passengers are reminded of strict luggage rules for public transport to ensure smooth travel.

The UAEs Black Points System assigns penalties to drivers for traffic violations, with each offense adding points that remain on the license for a year. Reaching 24 points can lead to suspension, fines or retraining. Drivers can check their points through police websites, mobile apps, SMS alerts or at traffic service centres to stay aware and avoid penalties.

Emirates brings the 54th UAE National Day to travelers with a unique inflight experience. Passengers can enjoy Emirati-inspired desserts, aromatic Arabic coffee, and festive cabin lighting. The award-winning ice entertainment system offers Arabic movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts. Dubai lounges also feature traditional dishes, creating a fully immersive cultural celebration for all passengers.

In a heartwarming gesture ahead of the 54th UAE National Day, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman have freed over a thousand prisoners. Rulers Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi's pardons, including settling financial debts for some, offer a fresh start and family reunion, embodying the UAE's values of forgiveness and community welfare.

Sharjah Police are offering drivers a traffic point waiver and fines discounts ahead of the UAEs 54th National Day. Violations before December 1, 2025, can have points cleared if dues are paid by January 10, 2026. Fines receive 35% discount if paid within 60 days, 25% within a year. The initiative promotes safer driving and compliance with traffic rules.

Riyadh Metro has officially been certified by Guinness World Records as the world's longest fully driverless train network, spanning 176 km across six lines and 85 stations. This significant achievement underscores the Kingdom's commitment to advanced urban mobility and positions Riyadh as a global leader in high-tech transportation infrastructure.

For UAE National Day 2025, Dubais RTA offers free public parking (excluding multi-storey lots) from November 30 to December 2, along with extended metro and tram hours. Public buses and marine transport schedules may vary, and select Smart Customer Happiness Centres remain open 24/7. These measures aim to ensure smooth travel and convenient access to services during the Eid Al Etihad holiday.

The UAE's Ministry of Economy & Tourism launched TM Market Place, the region's first digital platform for trading registered trademarks. This initiative aims to enhance the liquidity of brand assets, encourage trademark registrations, and attract global businesses by simplifying and securing trademark transactions.

Qatar's education ministry is streamlining end-of-semester exams for 2025-2026. Students can depart post-exam to curb crowding, while staff gain two hours of flexible time. New academic calendar shifts exams away from Ramadan and National Day, introducing a Test Day, Rest Day for high schoolers. These changes prioritize student well-being and operational efficiency.

Saudi Arabia is formalizing workplace attire with a new draft code. Saudi men must wear national dress, while non-Saudi men need a formal suit. Women are required to dress modestly, avoiding tight or transparent clothing. Employers must enforce these rules, facing penalties for non-compliance, aiming for a unified professional image nationwide.

Emirates is enhancing the Thanksgiving experience for international travelers with special festive menus served from November 24 to 30 on all flights to and from its 12 US gateways. The airline is also offering holiday dining in select Emirates Lounges starting November 23, ensuring a comprehensive gourmet celebration for passengers.