The Times of India

Dubai Festival City Mall is hosting a Ramadan Super Sale with discounts up to 90% until March 15. This event, part of Dubai's wider retail strategy, aims to boost spending ahead of Eid Al Fitr. Shoppers are flocking to the mall for fashion, lifestyle and entertainment deals, transforming it into a busy retail hotspot.

Amid escalating Middle East conflict, CISCE has cancelled Class 10 (ICSE) and Class 12 (ISC) board exams in the UAE due to security concerns. This decision impacts thousands of Indian students, following consultations with local authorities and diplomatic missions. Alternative assessment methods are likely, prioritising student safety during this uncertain period.

Thousands of expatriates stranded abroad can now return to the UAE without new permits as their residency visas expired. This temporary measure, valid until March 31, 2026, waives fines for those affected by flight disruptions and regional tensions. Residents must regularise their status upon arrival, easing burdens and reuniting families.

An Iranian drone strike reportedly targeted fuel storage facilities near Bahrain International Airport, igniting a large blaze and highlighting the growing threat to critical civilian infrastructure in the Gulf. This incident, occurring amid escalating Iran vs US-Israel conflict, underscores the region's vulnerability to drone warfare and its potential impact on global energy markets and trade.

Dubai faced a tense moment as debris from intercepted aerial threats struck a building on Sheikh Zayed Road, underscoring the escalating Iran vs US-Israel conflict's impact on Gulf states. UAE air defences successfully neutralised numerous missiles and drones, preventing direct hits, yet fragments caused minor damage, highlighting the unpredictable risks of modern warfare.

Despite escalating Iran vs US-Israel war, HSBC reaffirms strong confidence in GCC economies, signalling global banks are not retreating. The region's diversified economies, fiscal strength and strategic location continue to attract capital, even as markets grapple with conflict-driven volatility and energy price surges. Financial hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expanding, underscoring long-term appeal.

UAE hotels are assuring travellers of stable prices and support amidst regional air travel disruptions. Prioritising guest safety and flexible bookings, the hospitality sector is working with authorities to aid stranded passengers. While tourism faces a shock, hotels are promoting staycations and the UAE remains committed to its reputation as a safe haven.

A travel influencer's viral video documents a lengthy desert journey from Doha to Riyadh by land due to flight disruptions caused by the Iran vs US-Israel war. The experience highlights how travellers are improvising escape routes, with many opting for overland travel to reach operational airports amidst widespread airspace closures and flight suspensions across the Gulf.

Kenyan authorities apprehended a Chinese national at Nairobi's international airport. He was found with over 2,000 live queen ants hidden in his luggage. The insects were carefully packed to survive the journey. This discovery highlights a growing trade in rare insects. Officials are investigating potential links to a larger trafficking network.

A British tourist has been arrested in Dubai after allegedly filming missiles during escalating regional tensions linked to the IranUnited States conflict. The 60-year-old Londoner is among 21 people charged under UAE Cybercrime Law, which criminalises sharing sensitive security footage online. Campaigners warn strict laws mean routine social media activity can trigger serious legal consequences.

An employment tribunal ruled that Sainsburys unfairly treated long-serving manager Darren Cooper after he was excluded from a social media post celebrating male leaders while on anxiety-related sick leave. The tribunal found the omission linked to his disability and awarded 11,852 compensation. However, claims of direct disability discrimination and unfair dismissal against the retailer were rejected by the panel.

Citibank has temporarily closed most of its branches and financial centers across the UAE from March 12-14 as a precautionary measure due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Mall of the Emirates branch will remain open, and digital services are fully operational. Other global banks are also implementing similar safety measures.

Dubai has announced a four-day Eid Al Fitr holiday for public sector employees from March 19 to March 22, 2026. Private sector workers will also enjoy a holiday, potentially extending to March 22. March salaries will be paid early on March 17 to aid preparations. Residents can plan staycations, explore local festivities, or take short international trips.

UAE residents can enjoy free entry to the Dubai Miracle Garden from March 15 to March 31. This initiative aims to provide a relaxing escape amidst regional tensions and ahead of Eid festivities. Visitors can walk in without reservations, with the garden open daily from 9 am to 9 pm.

Amidst escalating Iran vs US-Israel tensions disrupting air travel, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait is coordinating with Jazeera Airways and Kuwaiti authorities to facilitate emergency travel for Indian nationals. This initiative addresses flight suspensions and airspace closures, ensuring that the stranded expatriates, a significant community in Kuwait, can return home or continue their journeys.

Drones struck Oman's Port of Salalah on March 11, 2026, igniting fuel tanks and disrupting vital shipping routes. This attack, part of a wider regional escalation involving Iran, the US and Israel, highlights the growing threat to Gulf energy infrastructure and global trade. The incident underscores the conflict's expansion beyond military targets.

An Indian expatriate in the UAE has won $1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw, continuing a trend of Indian nationals dominating the lottery's winners' list in the UAE emirate. The promotion's limited tickets and tax-free prize make it a popular choice for those dreaming of a life-changing fortune, with many participants trying for years.

Dubai has enacted a stringent new law to regulate shared housing, imposing hefty fines up to Dh500,000 for violations and Dh1 million for repeat offenders. This move targets overcrowding and unsafe ed-space rentals, aiming to balance affordability with strict safety and quality standards in the booming property market. The regulation mandates permits for all shared accommodations, ensuring compliance and transparency.

An Indian traveller, Varun Krishnan, abandoned waiting for flights in Doha and embarked on a desert road journey to Saudi Arabia due to escalating Iran vs US-Israel conflict. His dramatic escape highlights the widespread travel chaos, with thousands stranded as airspace closures disrupt global aviation. Krishnan's resourceful overland trip underscores the vulnerability of modern travel networks to geopolitical shocks.

A crypto trader's viral tweet about needing a social media permit in Dubai has ignited debate. While framed as bureaucracy, experts clarify that the new UAE regulations target promotional content and influencer marketing, aiming for transparency and professionalisation. This reflects a global trend of governments regulating the burgeoning digital advertising landscape.

Donald Trump returned to power promising peace and economic relief, yet the US campaign against Iran has triggered a widening regional conflict. His niece, Mary L. Trump, argues the war reflects a familiar psychological pattern: using disruption to deflect pressure and preserve dominance. As casualties rise and markets react, she frames the conflict less as strategy than personal and political diversion.

Unsettled weather is forecast across the UAE from Wednesday until March 15, bringing chances of rainfall, dusty winds, and cooler temperatures. Conditions are expected to gradually improve later in the week, with a return to fair to partly cloudy skies and rising temperatures by Sunday.

UAE authorities are actively monitoring markets to keep prices stable and essential goods available. Daily inspections are underway across the nation. The country holds strategic reserves to meet demand for up to six months. Retailers must adhere to pricing regulations for nine key items. Temporary price hikes in onions and tomatoes are being addressed with increased supply.

La Rinconada, a settlement over 5,000 meters high in the Peruvian Andes, is home to 50,000 people living in harsh conditions amidst a gold rush. Visitors describe extreme altitude sickness, pollution, crime, and dangerous mining practices, painting a stark picture of life in one of the world's most difficult places.

The UAE's aviation authority has imposed a nationwide ban on drones and light sports aircraft. This restriction is in effect due to current exceptional circumstances. All related permits are suspended. Operators and hobbyists must adhere to this rule. Violators face legal action. The move aims to ensure public safety and airspace security.

A Sharjah resident faces legal action after her neighbour accused her of phone harassment. The neighbour claims repeated calls to confirm a visit were excessive, leading to a lawsuit. The accused denies harassment, stating she called only when her neighbour didn't answer the door after inviting her over. The court has adjourned for a verdict.

In May 1979, American Airlines Flight 191 crashed near Chicago, killing 273. Days before, David Booth reported experiencing ten consecutive nights of vivid visions foretelling the disaster. Though he contacted the FAA, authorities lacked actionable details. The visions eerily mirrored the crash, leaving Booth and witnesses haunted. Flight 191s tragedy remains entwined with unsettling folklore and aviation superstition.

A 20-year-old, Daniel Jackson, claims to have founded the Free Republic of Verdis on a disputed strip along the Danube River between Croatia and Serbia. Arguing the land is terra nullius, he built an online micronation with citizens and passports. Croatian authorities removed him after a 2023 settlement attempt, leaving him running the project from exile in the United Kingdom.

Bridgertons depiction of Queen Charlotte as a Black monarch has revived a long-running historical debate about her ancestry. While some genealogists argue she may have descended from a Moorish lineage in medieval Portugal, most historians remain sceptical. The controversy highlights how popular culture can reopen historical questions about race, representation and interpretation in Europes royal past.

Qatar Airways is resuming limited flight operations between March 9-11, utilizing authorized corridors following regional airspace closures. This controlled schedule aims to assist stranded passengers and restore essential connectivity to Doha. Passengers with confirmed tickets are prioritized, with airport access strictly enforced.

Dubai's Edge of Life campaign has raised over AED 1.14 billion to combat global childhood hunger. The initiative, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, saw significant pledges from international organizations and a successful charity auction of special numbers. This massive fundraising effort aims to rescue millions of children from starvation worldwide.

UAE gold prices experienced a Dh10 per gram drop on March 9, 2026, offering relief after a month of hikes. This correction, driven by a strengthening US dollar and geopolitical tensions, has led to cautious buying across the GCC as shoppers await price stabilization.

Oman is ensuring workers can celebrate Eid Al Fitr without financial stress. Government employees will receive March salaries by March 17, 2026, following strict payroll deadlines. Private sector firms are also directed to disburse March wages by March 18, 2026, to help families prepare for the festive occasion.