The Times of India

Oman's Khasab, dubbed the Norway of Arabia, offers a stunning nature escape just hours from Dubai. This fjord-lined coastal town on the Musandam Peninsula boasts dramatic scenery, calm turquoise waters and playful dolphins. Accessible via a scenic road trip, it provides a serene break from city life with opportunities for dhow cruises, snorkelling and exploring traditional villages.

Sharjah authorities are cracking down on unauthorized entry into Mleiha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Strict fines and legal action now await off-roaders and visitors without prior authorization. Access is limited to approved, guided tours to protect fragile archaeological treasures and the environment. Plan ahead to avoid penalties and help preserve this vital heritage.

Kuwait Municipality is strictly enforcing Interior Ministry regulations on billboard lighting, prioritizing safety on highways and public areas. New rules mandate specific brightness levels to reduce glare and distraction, requiring companies to demonstrate compliance during tender processes. These measures aim to prevent public harm and minimize disruption to residents and motorists.

A driver has admitted causing the death of Marcus Fakana in a north London crash following a police pursuit, months after the British teenager returned from nearly a year in a Dubai prison. Fakanas case had drawn international attention and protests, making his death a tragic coda to a life shaped by legal injustice, public campaigning and brief freedom.

Winter Storm Fern has forced Emirates Airlines to cancel several flights to the United States between January 24th and 26th. Disruptions are expected across multiple US airports due to snow, ice, and strong winds. Passengers booked on affected routes, including those connecting through Dubai, are advised to contact their travel agents or the airline for rebooking.

A baby was born on the platform at Al Andalus Station, marking the first childbirth on the Riyadh Metro network. The operating team responded with professionalism and humanity, with female staff supporting the mother until ambulance crews arrived. This extraordinary event highlights the staff's readiness and the metro's role in facilitating significant human moments.

New expats in Dubai face sophisticated rental scams, with fraudsters offering deals but skipping crucial Ejari registration. This official system, managed by the Dubai Land Department, legally records tenancy contracts. Without it, tenants lack legal standing, face service disruptions, and are vulnerable to fraud. Landlords are legally responsible for registration, ensuring tenant protection and access to essential services.

Qatar braces for unsettled weather as strong northwesterly winds are set to sweep the nation on Sunday and Monday, January 25 and 26. These winds will raise dust levels, reduce visibility, and cause a noticeable drop in temperatures, prompting warnings for motorists and outdoor activities. Marine warnings are also in effect due to challenging sea conditions.

The UAE has released over 900 Indian prisoners as part of a humanitarian pardon ordered by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This significant gesture, coinciding with National Day celebrations, includes the clearing of financial penalties, enabling a genuine fresh start for the inmates. The release strengthens the deep-rooted brotherhood and goodwill between the UAE and India.

Kuwait Airways is expanding its international network with 11 new summer 2026 destinations, including European and Mediterranean cities. This strategic move aims to diversify offerings and cater to rising travel demand. Additionally, a limited-time 15% discount on economy class flights is available for bookings made between January 22 and February 15, 2026.

Expatriates in the UAE can now easily exchange their driving licences from 57 countries, including recent additions like Croatia and Texas, bypassing lengthy tests. This streamlined process, requiring a valid licence and an eye test, allows professionals and families to quickly get on the road, reinforcing the UAE's 'move-in ready' status for its diverse international community.

Dubai's groundbreaking First-Time Home Buyer Programme has empowered over 2,000 residents to own homes, generating billions in property sales. This initiative, a collaboration between government bodies and financial institutions, offers tailored support and priority access, significantly boosting the real estate sector and fostering long-term residency. It's a major step towards inclusive homeownership.

Kuwait has uncovered a massive citizenship fraud case. Nearly a thousand people have lost their nationality. This extensive fraud originated from a single citizenship file. Investigations revealed false registrations of dependents over decades. DNA testing played a crucial role in identifying fraudulent claims. Authorities are now seeking five individuals for further verification.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development launched the second phase of the Nitaqat Al-Mutawar program, aiming to create over 340,000 private sector jobs for citizens within three years. This initiative builds on the success of the first phase, which exceeded its employment targets, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in boosting national participation in the private workforce.

Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to foreign property ownership, with a new law effective January 22. A unified digital platform, Saudi Properties, now handles all applications for residents, non-residents, and companies. While ownership is permitted across the Kingdom, key cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, and especially Makkah and Madinah, have specific zoning and restrictions.

The UAE is set for a shift towards unsettled weather starting Friday, January 23, 2026, as a weak low-pressure system brings increased cloud cover and a chance of light rainfall, particularly over coastal and northern areas. Residents should prepare for rising humidity and potential mist or fog, especially in western regions overnight and into Saturday morning.

Saudi Arabia is enforcing strict mosque rules for Ramadan, limiting outdoor loudspeakers to the Adhan and Iqama to ensure peace. Mosques must adhere to official prayer times and prepare facilities, including designated iftar areas and clean women's prayer spaces. These measures aim for an organized, respectful, and spiritually enriching experience for worshippers and surrounding communities.

The UAE has enacted a new Child Digital Safety Law, holding parents legally accountable for their children's online activities. Effective January 1, 2026, the law mandates Digital Due Diligence, requiring guardians to ensure age-appropriate platform use and prevent data sharing. Neglect can result in fines ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 100,000, with potential for mandatory digital rehabilitation courses.

Dubai's Crown Prince shared a viral image of the Burj Khalifa covered in snow, sparking a city-wide fascination with the current cold snap. While a fantasy, the 'real feel' temperature has dropped significantly, with Jebel Jais recording near-freezing levels.

NRIs in the UAE cannot legally pay property deposits for friends in India due to Indian foreign exchange laws. Attempting to do so risks serious violations of FEMA, leading to investigations by the Enforcement Directorate and hefty penalties. Buyers must use authorised channels like the RBI's LRS or local UAE financing for compliant transactions.

Dubai tenants hosting relatives face specific rules. Short family visits are generally fine, but extended stays or co-residency require landlord permission. Article 24 of Dubai's tenancy law mandates written consent for subletting or significant occupancy changes. Ignoring these rules can lead to disputes and eviction. Always check your contract and inform your landlord.

Kuwait's General Traffic Department has implemented a new procedure requiring official approval before exhaust system repairs for vehicles and motorcycles. Owners must obtain a repair permit from Technical Inspection Departments for violations, then get a follow-up inspection after repairs at authorized facilities. This aims to streamline services, ensure compliance with technical standards, and reduce noise pollution.

UAE travellers are booking summer 2026 getaways unusually early, with enquiries starting in January. This shift is driven by significant visa appointment backlogs for Schengen and UK travel, alongside rising airfare and hotel costs. Residents are adopting a more strategic approach, booking early to secure deals and avoid potential delays.

The United Arab Emirates recorded its coldest morning of the winter season as temperatures dropped to 0.2C early today, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. The reading was logged at 5.45 am amid a January cold spell, with other areas also reporting low temperatures, highlighting unusually chilly winter conditions across mountainous and inland parts of the country this morning nationwide today.

An Indian expat in Dubai faces a staggering Dh400,000 hospital bill after a motorbike crash on E311 left him with multiple fractures. Avinash Sequeira, uninsured, underwent emergency surgeries and faces more, highlighting critical issues of road safety, high healthcare costs, and insurance gaps for freelancers in the UAE. His family seeks community support.

SpiceJet will launch non-stop flights between Ahmedabad and Sharjah from February 5, 2026, adding its second UAE destination after Dubai. Operating five days a week, the service targets business travellers, tourists, and expatriates. The route strengthens connectivity between India and the United Arab Emirates, with fares starting around Dh900 and bookings now open across official channels using available bilateral capacity for passengers.

A Year 4 teacher at Durham School Dubai, Sebastian Charles, tragically died in a road accident. Principal Kieran McLaughlin confirmed the news, highlighting Charles's recent, positive impact on pupils and staff. The school is offering grief counselling and encouraging open conversations with children. Sports day events were postponed out of respect for the well-liked educator.

Drivers in the UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi, are warned of fake Darb toll alerts via SMS. These scams claim pending fees and urge quick payment via suspicious links. Authorities emphasise using only official Darb channels for verification and payment to prevent financial loss and identity theft. Stay vigilant against these phishing attempts.

UAE government employees may soon receive 95 days of paid maternity leave as lawmakers push for enhanced family-friendly policies. This move, alongside calls for flexible work options and stronger domestic abuse protections, aims to bolster family stability and employee well-being. While the extension targets federal entities, private sector changes would necessitate amendments to current labor laws.

Gold prices in the UAE are soaring in early 2026, mirroring global rallies driven by geopolitical unease and safe-haven demand. Dubai's gold market sees record highs, with 24-carat gold reaching AED 573.75 per gram. This surge reflects international financial trends, impacting local jewellery souks and attracting investors seeking stability amid market volatility.

As Ramadan 2026 approaches, experts urge Muslims to prepare physically and nutritionally for fasting. Key advice includes wise hydration, balanced suhoor for sustained energy, breaking fast with dates and water and focusing on nutrient-dense iftar meals. Avoiding caffeine and fried foods, alongside smart movement and rest, are also crucial for a safe and comfortable observance.

Medicines are becoming a major concern in the UAE. Officials are now reviewing how drug prices are set. This review aims to close the gap between official prices and what people actually pay. The government is also looking at boosting local drug manufacturing. These changes are expected to make essential medicines more affordable for everyone in the UAE.

Fifty outstanding female students in Dubai are being rewarded for their academic dedication with a sponsored family Umrah trip. This initiative by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department celebrates their hard work and fosters family bonding, aligning with the UAE's Year of the Family 2026 vision.

Sharjah's Ruler approved 1,000 new government jobs for Emirati graduates, part of a 2,000-position initiative under the Sharjah 2026 budget. A fast-track training program with a AED 6,000 monthly allowance will launch in February 2026 for key specializations, ensuring a direct path to employment for the emirate's youth.