The Times of India News

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.

The UAE will experience humid mornings with chances of fog or mist from Tuesday, 23rd December, to Saturday, 27th December. Skies will be fair to partly cloudy, with clouds over islands and some coastal areas. Light rain is possible on Thursday and Friday. Winds will be light to moderate, and seas slight to moderate, occasionally rough in the Arabian Gulf.

Sharjah Police has launched a new category of licence plates for classic vehicles and motorcycles across the emirate. Introduced on December 23, the plates follow Sharjahs approved visual identity, blending modern standards with heritage design. Available through Emirates Auction, the initiative offers distinctive, high-quality options while supporting efforts to enhance and modernise traffic services.

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has released a new Fees Guide, cutting customer charges across banking and payment services. The guide lowers administrative fees for financing, Mada card transactions, checks, standing orders, and electronic transfers, while reducing or eliminating account document costs. Effective within 60 days, the update promotes fairness, transparency, financial inclusion, and digital banking adoption nationwide.

For the first time in 30 years, snow has fallen across parts of Saudi Arabia, transforming desert-framed mountains into a winter spectacle. In areas like Tabuk and the Trojena highlands, temperatures dropped to -4C, allowing snow to settle at 2,600 metres. Residents embraced skiing, snowy landscapes, and even camels wandering in white deserts, creating a rare, unforgettable winter scene.

Winter officially began in the UAE on December 22, bringing cold nights, mild days, and occasional rainfall. Siberian high-pressure systems cause temperature drops, especially inland and in the mountains, while low-pressure systems bring clouds and rain. Coastal areas remain moderate, and outdoor activities are ideal. Recent storms caused flooding and hail, prompting safety alerts from authorities.

Dubai Municipality has launched the regions first integrated recreational vehicle route, creating a connected network of RV stations, serviced parks, and road trip experiences across mountains, beaches, and deserts. The initiative supports nature-based tourism, enables private-sector participation through regulation and incentives, and positions Dubai as a regional hub for family-friendly, year-round RV travel and sustainable outdoor experiences for local visitors.