The Times of India

The current obsession with 2016 isnt really about the year itself, but about how a specific early Gen Z internet culture turned it into a shared, ironic reference long before it went mainstream. What began as a niche, coded way of remembering a feeling has since been diluted into a trend, stripped of context by celebrities, algorithms and media eager to explain something that was never meant to be explained.

On the first day of UMEX & SimTEX 2026, the UAE signed four major defence contracts worth AED879.785 million. Deals with EDGE Group and Diveco International cover unmanned vehicles, advanced aircraft, and remotely operated systems. Announced by Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, the contracts strengthen local capabilities, foster technology transfer, and highlight the UAEs growing role in advanced defence industries.

Dubai has launched Zhongtong electric buses, capable of 280km on a single charge, marking a significant step in its 2050 zero-emission transport strategy. This initiative, part of a larger 735-bus procurement, aims to electrify public transport, enhancing sustainability and passenger experience with advanced features. The move positions Dubai as a leader in green mobility within the Gulf region.

Dubai Police has launched a dedicated Lawyer's Digital Platform, enabling legal professionals to manage paperwork and track cases online 24/7. This secure platform, accessible via UAE Pass, streamlines legal procedures and enhances efficiency by centralizing seven specialized services. The initiative signifies Dubai Police's commitment to modernizing digital services for faster, more accessible legal processes.

Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, has consolidated immense power, becoming the de facto ruler. His influence, amplified by the vast Public Investment Fund, extends regionally and globally. While a key peer, UAE's Mohammed bin Zayed, presents a rivalry, MBS's control over Saudi Arabia's economic and political levers makes him the Gulf's most dominant royal.

Dubai is gearing up for Ramadan 2026 with adjusted Salik toll timings, reduced paid parking hours and shorter work and school days. These changes aim to ease daily routines for residents and visitors during the holy month, reflecting a blend of spiritual observance and practical convenience. Shorter fasting hours are also anticipated, making the period more manageable.

Saudi Arabias Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has raised Saudization rates to 60 percent for marketing and sales roles in the private sector, effective January 19. Establishments with three or more employees must comply within 90 days. Targeted positions include managers, specialists, and representatives, with a minimum wage of SAR 5,500. Support programs and guidance are provided to ease implementation.

Dubai's taxis saw a record 104,162 items lost in 2025, including over AED 2 million in cash, 35,000 electronics and 3,000 official documents. The RTA's efficient, multilingual system, utilising call centers, virtual agents and a smart app, ensures swift recovery, often within two hours, fostering trust in the city's mobility network.

Netflix is set to launch a diverse Arabic entertainment lineup in 2026. Fan favourites like 'Love Is Blind, Habibi' and 'Dubai Bling' return. New films and series including 'From the Ashes: The Pit', 'Chasing Shadows' and 'Obsess' will also be available. This slate highlights Netflix's commitment to regional storytelling and Arab talent on a global scale.

The UAE Ministry of Defence has firmly rejected allegations of weapons, explosives, and secret prisons at Riyan Airport in Mukalla, Yemen. The Ministry confirmed that all Emirati forces and equipment withdrew from Yemen on 2 January 2026. Officials called the claims unfounded and politically motivated, emphasizing that the facilities in question are standard military structures with no hidden purpose.

Abu Dhabi has once again been crowned the world's safest city for the tenth year running, according to the latest Numbeo Global Safety Index. This remarkable achievement highlights the UAE capital's consistent dedication to public safety through advanced technology, proactive policing and strong community engagement, ensuring residents and visitors feel secure at all hours.

The Ministry of Education has revealed the full schedule for Saudi Arabias second semester. The semester will span 92 school days, with adjustments during Ramadan, and includes three breaks totalling 28 days. Official holidays feature Founder's Day, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, with some regions observing holidays earlier. Summer vacation begins after the semester ends, with regional variations.

Emirates Airline is significantly expanding its Dubai-Manila route, adding four weekly flights starting April 2, 2026. This move boosts travel options for holidaymakers, business travellers and the large Filipino diaspora, while also enhancing cargo capacity for vital trade. The expansion strengthens UAE-Philippines economic ties, offering improved connections to North America, Europe and the Middle East.

Discovery Gardens has implemented a regulated paid parking system, effective January 15, 2026, to manage congestion and ensure fair street space usage. Residents must obtain permits via the Parkonic system, with one free permit per unit lacking dedicated parking. Unofficial parking rental offers have been cautioned against by Parkonic.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's official visit to New Delhi on January 19, 2026, highlighted the strong rotherhood between India and the UAE. The leaders discussed deepening cooperation, setting a goal to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032 through new agreements in energy, defense, and space.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Islamic Affairs is instructing mosque preachers to dedicate Friday sermons to encouraging marriage. The directive aims to counter narratives discouraging unions and highlight marriage as a Sunnah and social stabiliser. Preachers will warn against excessive wedding costs and online misinformation. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, promoting traditional family values amidst social change.

Gold prices in Kuwait stabilised at $4,595 per ounce after a volatile week, closing firmly despite profit-taking. Recent gains were tempered by easing geopolitical tensions and strong US economic data, with the Federal Reserve expected to hold rates steady. Local prices mirror global trends, offering opportunities for buyers and sellers.

Saudi Arabia's moon-sighting committees confirmed the start of Shaaban 1447 AH on January 20, 2026, following the non-sighting of the crescent moon. This announcement sets the stage for Ramadan, with astronomical predictions suggesting a mid-February start and a cooler Winter Ramadan in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Abu Dhabi has launched a revolutionary Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) blood test, capable of identifying over 50 cancer types from a single sample. This advanced liquid biopsy aims to detect silent killers early, complementing traditional screenings and making early detection more accessible for residents aged 40 and above.

Dubai is revolutionizing student commutes with a pilot program replacing traditional buses with luxury SUVs. This tech-driven initiative, starting January 2026, pools students aged 14+ from the same neighborhoods, utilizing smart data for efficient, safe rides. The goal is to significantly reduce school gate congestion and offer a premium, cost-effective transport solution.

Swan Hill, Australia, is deterring vandalism and late-night hangouts at public toilets by playing classical music. The local council opted for this unusual sound-based approach, featuring pieces like Wagner's 'Ride of the Valkyries,' to make the area less inviting for disruptive behaviour. Early results indicate a noticeable drop in incidents.

Residents in West Sumatra are warned against drinking water from a new sinkhole after tests revealed E. coli contamination. Locals flocked to the site, believing the water had healing properties, but authorities emphasize it's unsafe and potentially dangerous. The sinkhole's formation is attributed to geological conditions and heavy rainfall, highlighting the risks of consuming untreated water.

SNL kicked off 2026 by hilariously imagining Stranger Things sequels, spin-offs, and absurd reboots. Highlights included Steve as a forever-teen drama teacher, Nancy covering the O.J. chase, Mike gossiping in Manhattan while writing a coming-of-age story about Eleven, and Ted Wheeler oblivious to Demogorgons. The sketch skewered franchise excess, viral fan obsessions like Conformity Gate, and the shows long-running quirks, blending cringe and comedy.

A Saturday Night Live sketch has folded Heated Rivalry into pop-culture shorthand, spoofing the HBO hockey romance through a Harry Potter parody packed with innuendo. With Finn Wolfhard, Ben Marshall and a surprise Jason Momoa cameo, the sketch reflects how quickly the series, already renewed for season two, has travelled from niche hit to mainstream reference point.

Two Indian nationals were arrested in Kuwait after leaving their deceased friend at Mubarak Hospital. Fearing legal consequences due to expired visas, the men brought the body in a wheelchair, handed it to hospital staff, and fled. Forensic tests confirmed natural death. Authorities emphasized the importance of reporting deaths through proper channels to avoid endangering investigations and public safety.

The UAE has implemented a new minimum wage per month for private-sector employees in the Emirates, effective January 1, 2026. This policy aims to bolster Emiratisation efforts and strengthen labour standards. Companies must comply by June 30, 2026 or face penalties, marking a significant shift in the nation's labour market.

Dubai Creek Tower, once stalled, is set for a revival with Emaar Properties announcing a new tender within three months. Founder Mohamed Alabbar confirmed the project's re-envisioned concept, emphasising design and environmental cohesion over sheer height. This move signals a tangible step forward for the iconic landmark, poised to anchor the Dubai Creek Harbour development.

Kuwaits Ministry of Interior has announced a nationwide test of civil defence sirens on January 19 at 10:00 am. Authorities emphasised that it is a routine drill and there is no cause for alarm. The exercise forms part of a monthly schedule to ensure the alert system is fully operational and residents are familiar with emergency signals.

Winter's cool grip continues across the UAE on January 18, 2026, with mild to cool temperatures and highs around 25C. Expect overnight lows near 18C. While widespread rain isn't forecast, early morning fog and mist are likely. Strong winds and rough seas are also a concern, with advisories in place.

Saudi Arabia has banned commercial establishments from printing or writing the names of Allah on bags, packaging, and promotional materials that could be mishandled or discarded. The Ministry of Commerce, led by Abdulrahman Al Hussain, said the move aims to protect the sanctity of the Divine Names. Chambers of commerce will ensure compliance, and legal action will follow violations.

Umrah pilgrimage costs for Ramadan 2026 are soaring, with premium packages exceeding Dh8,000 due to high hotel rates in Makkah and global demand. New Saudi visa rules mandate entry within 30 days of issuance. Early booking is crucial to secure spots and avoid inflated prices, especially for the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Global music star Travis Scott will perform at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Riyadh on March 21, 2026. This event marks a new sports-entertainment venture in Saudi Arabia. Elite athletes and NFL legends will participate in the flag football tournament. Travis Scott's performance will be a major highlight of the halftime show.

Armed robbers stormed a Manhattan Pokmon card shop, making off with rare collectibles worth over $100,000. The brazen heist, which lasted only three minutes, saw thieves smash a display case and grab high-value cards, including a first-edition Charizard. This incident highlights a growing trend of Pokmon card thefts across the US, driven by their increasing value as investments.

Anktiva, also known as nogapendekin alfa inbakicept, is a new cancer therapy that boosts the immune system to target cancer cells. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has become the first regulatory body globally to grant conditional approval for Anktiva in advanced non-small cell lung cancer and high-risk bladder cancer, offering a new treatment option for patients with limited alternatives.

Emirates is launching daily, year-round direct flights between Dubai and Helsinki starting October 1, 2026, establishing the first non-stop air link between the UAE and Finland. This new route, operated by the Airbus A350-900, will boost tourism and trade, offering seamless connections for travellers from Asia, Africa, and Australasia to Finland.

Expats in Saudi Arabia working self-employed were reminded to comply with residency, labour, and border laws. Non-compliance can result in fines up to 50,000 riyals, six months imprisonment, and deportation. On January 12, the Ministry of Interior reminded the public of these rules and explained how breaches can be reported confidentially via 911 (major regions) or 999 (other areas)

Move over Mediterranean: The World's Best Cruise Destination for 2025 has been crowned and this is a second consecutive win for the winner city. This prestigious award highlights the city's dual-port strategy, offering both cultural city experiences and tranquil island escapes. Significant growth in cruise calls and strategic tourism planning are key drivers behind this remarkable achievement, solidifying the city's global appeal.

Air India and Saudia will launch a codeshare agreement in February 2026. This partnership will simplify travel between India and Saudi Arabia. Passengers will enjoy single-ticket bookings and seamless connections. The deal expands access to numerous domestic destinations in both countries. This makes planning trips for business, tourism and family visits much easier.

Dubai Police have warned parents and teenagers about dangerous social media challenges that involve skull breaking, choking, breath holding, and other life-threatening acts. Teens often take part seeking excitement or online attention, unaware of the severe risks. Authorities urge families to monitor online activity, speak openly about dangers, and report harmful behaviour via the Dubai Police 901 line or Police Eye app.