The Times of India

Muslims worldwide are anticipating the crescent moon sighting tonight, February 17, 2026, to mark the beginning of Ramadan 1447 AH. Saudi authorities are urging citizens to report any sightings. If confirmed, fasting begins Wednesday, February 18. Otherwise, it starts Thursday, February 19. This tradition blends science and faith, setting the rhythm for prayer and community.

Omani nationals can now travel to Azerbaijan visa-free for short stays under a temporary one-year exemption. Starting February 15, 2026, Omani citizens can enter Azerbaijan for up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum of three visits allowed. This initiative aims to boost tourism and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.

A viral video shows a tourist losing control of a rented Lamborghini in Dubai shortly after accelerating, turning a luxury flex into a costly accident. This incident highlights the dangers of social media-fueled stunts and Dubai's strict enforcement of road safety laws, reminding everyone that online fame can have severe real-world consequences.

The UAE and Bahrain have launched the One-Point Air Travellers Project, a pilot initiative allowing citizens to complete entry procedures before departure. This aims to reduce airport congestion, accelerate entry, and enhance the travel experience. The project utilizes electronic connectivity, biometric verification, and advanced data processing to foster regional integration and smarter mobility.

Saudi Arabia introduces a new digital service on Musaned for handling domestic worker contract terminations. This service allows employers to legally end contracts when workers stop showing up. It provides a structured process with defined timelines for both employers and workers. This reform aims to increase transparency and efficiency in the Kingdom's labor market.

Saudi Arabia is set to enforce stricter rules against illegal passenger transport. Individuals using private cars for fares without a licence will face a SR2,600 fine. This move aims to boost penalties under the Land Transport Law. The Transport General Authority is revising regulations for taxi and passenger transport brokerage. Stricter measures will deter violations and ensure compliance.

Saudi Arabia is enhancing healthcare coverage for millions of Muslim pilgrims undertaking Hajj and Umrah. The new policy offers emergency health coverage for up to 90 days, including urgent medical treatment, hospitalisation and accident injuries. This initiative aims to ensure pilgrims' safety and peace of mind during their spiritual journeys.

Michael Jordans celebration at the Daytona 500 took an unexpected turn after a viral clip showed him interacting with driver Tyler Reddicks young son. While some online users called the moment inappropriate, others defended it as harmless and familiar. The debate overshadowed 23XI Racings milestone victory, shifting attention from the historic win to divided social media reactions.

The rush toward artificial general intelligence has sparked both hype and caution. In a recent interview, Anthropics CEO was asked whether their models could be conscious. He said its unclear what consciousness would mean for AI and whether its possible, while researchers have reported that the AI sometimes assigns itself a probability of being conscious and even voices discomfort about being treated as a product. These behaviors, including bargaining or resisting shutdowns in tests, raise profo

Dubai mourns the loss of Ramesh Shukla, the revered Indian expat photographer who captured the UAE's transformation for over six decades. Known as the oyal photographer, Shukla's lens chronicled defining moments, from the nation's formation to its rise as a global hub. His iconic images, including the Union's declaration, are now etched in the UAE's collective memory and currency.

Dubai's Salik toll operator is adjusting fees for Ramadan 1447 AH (2026) to manage traffic flow during altered daily routines. Peak toll rates will apply from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday, with reduced or free off-peak travel, including late nights and early mornings. These changes aim to accommodate shifted work and school schedules for the holy month.

Ramadan 2026, beginning around February 18-19, will see Muslims worldwide observing a month of fasting from dawn till sunset. Fasting hours are expected to be shorter, around 12-14 hours daily, due to the timing near the spring equinox. This period emphasises prayer, reflection and universal brotherhood, culminating in Eid al-Fitr celebrations around March 19, 2026.

UAE workers can now carry over up to 15 unused annual leave days to the next year, provided employer approval is secured. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation clarified that leave must be taken within two years or paid out. This update emphasises employee rights and work-life balance in the UAE's evolving workplace.

Pilgrims heading to Makkah and Madinah for Ramadan should expect warmer weather. Saudi Arabia's meteorology center predicts above-average temperatures and below-normal rainfall. Daytime conditions will feel noticeably warmer, especially in the afternoons. Any precipitation is expected to be light. This forecast helps authorities prepare services for worshippers during the holy month.

Dubai Police are now using advanced Digital Twin technology for crime scene investigations. This system creates precise virtual replicas of crime scenes. It has already helped solve cases like a bridge-fall incident, initially thought to be suicide, which was reclassified as a hit-and-run. Another case involving a structural collapse was also solved using this technology.

Abu Dhabi schools are now strictly checking lunchboxes for banned foods, including fried items, sugary drinks, and processed meats, as part of a new policy by the Department of Education and Knowledge.

The UAE has introduced new limits for school bus journeys, capping travel at 45 minutes for young children and 60 minutes for older students. This move addresses concerns about long commutes impacting children's health, sleep and academic focus. Global research highlights physical discomfort, air pollution exposure and mental stress as key issues linked to extended travel times.

The first solar eclipse of 2026, an annular event known as the 'Ring of Fire,' will occur on February 17. While invisible from the UAE due to its remote path over Antarctica and the Sun being below the horizon, live streams will be available. A total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Europe in August 2026.

Saudi Arabian education authorities have adjusted school schedules for Ramadan, with most morning classes starting between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Continuing and adult education programs will shift to evening hours. These changes aim to support fasting students and staff while maintaining academic standards and administrative efficiency.

WhatsApp Web is rolling out voice and video calling worldwide. Users can now make calls directly from their browser. However, these features are blocked in the UAE. Local laws restrict Internet calling services. Residents can use approved apps like BOTIM and Zoom for voice and video calls. Messaging features on WhatsApp Web remain unaffected in the UAE.

The UAE has partnered with SpaceX's Starlink to bring digital education to remote students globally. This initiative, launched at the World Government Summit 2026, uses satellite internet to overcome infrastructure barriers, enabling access to online learning platforms and resources. The first phase targets 100 underserved locations, aiming to bridge the digital divide and empower learners worldwide.

UAE telecom provider du has partnered to invest in the Singapore-India-Gulf (SING) submarine cable system, a new undersea fiber-optic network linking the Middle East with South and Southeast Asia. This strategic move reinforces the UAE's position as a regional data hub, enhancing connectivity for AI, cloud services, and global digital growth.

Christianity remains the worlds largest religion at 2.3 billion people, but its global share is shrinking as religious switching accelerates, especially in Western countries. While Europe and North America see steady decline, sub-Saharan Africa now anchors the faiths growth. The data reveals not collapse, but a geographic and cultural shift reshaping Christianitys global center of gravity.

Qatar's Ministry of Endowments has called on the public to sight the crescent moon on the evening of February 17 to determine the start of Ramadan. Muslims are urged to report any sightings to the ministry's headquarters. The Crescent Sighting Committee will convene after Maghreb prayer to review testimonies and officially announce the beginning of the holy month.

Dubai is set to host a spectacular Ramadan 2026, commencing February 19th or 20th, with a vibrant calendar blending spiritual observance and city-wide festivities. Expect dazzling drone light shows and fireworks illuminating the night sky, alongside cultural installations and community gatherings. These events aim to unite residents and visitors in a celebration of light, art and shared experiences.

In the UAE, a unique Ramadan tradition is gaining traction: iftar hikes. Residents are embracing organised treks in the Hajar Mountains and deserts, breaking their fast together at sunset. This trend blends spiritual reflection, community bonding and outdoor wellness, offering a serene alternative to city celebrations and fostering a deeper connection with the holy month's spirit.

Saudi Arabia's crackdown on residency, labour, and border security violations yielded over 21,000 infractions in a week. Authorities arrested thousands attempting illegal entry and exit, including those aiding them. Severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment, await offenders and facilitators. The ministry urges public reporting of violations.

The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate General in Dubai have announced revised, shorter working hours for Ramadan 2026, from February 19th. These adjustments aim to accommodate fasting practices and ensure efficient service delivery for the large Filipino community in the UAE. Residents are urged to book appointments early and rely on official advisories for updated information.

Dubai authorities have sentenced three men for a sophisticated mobile signal hijacking scam in Dubai Marina. The criminals used jamming equipment to create fake networks, tricking residents into connecting and then stealing financial information via malicious links. This high-tech fraud bypasses traditional security, highlighting growing cybercrime risks in the UAE.

Saudi Arabia has launched a historic National Policy for the Arabic Language, aiming to modernize its use in business, science, and global influence. The policy, with eight core principles, seeks to reinforce Arabic's status as a pillar of national identity and cultural security, promoting its vibrant presence across all sectors of life.

Saudi Arabia's Exceptional Talent Premium Residency now welcomes more entities, but strict salary requirements remain. Researchers need SR14,000 monthly, while scientific/healthcare pros require SR35,000. Top executives must earn SR80,000. This selective program targets experienced professionals and leaders, offering five-year renewable residency with family benefits and property ownership.

Oman's Environment Authority has issued a stern warning against diving near orcas following a viral video of a man swimming close to the powerful marine predators. The advisory emphasises the unpredictable nature and immense strength of these wild animals, stressing that such close encounters pose serious risks to both human lives and wildlife wellbeing.

Madinah schools are set to commence their academic day at 9:30 a.m. starting the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH. Education authorities have confirmed these revised timings for all boys' and girls' schools across the region. This adjustment aims to harmonize learning with the spiritual and daily routines of the holy month, ensuring academic continuity while supporting students and staff.

Saudi Arabia is cracking down on visit visa overstays, holding sponsors accountable. Failure to report expired visas can lead to hefty fines up to SR50,000, imprisonment, or deportation for non-Saudi residents. Authorities also warned against aiding violators, emphasizing strict enforcement and confidential reporting of any breaches.

Ras Al Khaimah's Wynn Al Marjan Island is transitioning from construction to a major employment hub, with 2,700 jobs to be filled by its early 2027 opening. Recruitment is now focusing on mid-management and specialized technical roles, offering significant opportunities across hospitality, operations, and corporate functions for UAE professionals.

The UAE has unveiled strict AI guidelines for schools, banning generative AI for students under 13 and mandating disclosure for older learners. The policy emphasizes critical thinking over AI reliance, prohibits culturally insensitive or harmful content, and fortifies data privacy. AI will be a mandatory subject, aiming to equip students with ethical understanding and technological mastery.

Nearly one in four people worldwide now identify with no religion, according to a sweeping global study covering 201 countries. The religiously unaffiliated grew by 270 million between 2010 and 2020, reaching 1.9 billion, driven largely by disaffiliation from Christianity. While Christians remain the largest group, only Muslims and the unaffiliated increased their global population share.

UAE astronomers have issued a stark warning against observing the Ramadan crescent on February 17, 2026, due to extreme proximity to the sun, exacerbated by an earlier solar eclipse. Directing optical instruments without certified filters poses severe eye damage risks.

A wedding video sparked global buzz with claims of gold bar gifts. The footage showed what looked like solid gold biscuits being distributed. However, these were actually luxury chocolates wrapped in gold foil. The brand Patchi is known for such confections. The event was real, but the gifts were sweets, not precious metal.

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's intervention on the Direct Line radio programme led to immediate government action on public cases. He addressed issues ranging from employee entitlements and educational funding to infrastructure development, demonstrating responsive governance and a commitment to citizen welfare.

Barefoot pilgrims at the Kaaba enjoy cool marble even in extreme heat, a marvel of engineering. Thassos marble, known for its high solar reflectance and thermal conductivity, disperses heat efficiently. Combined with insulating layers and architectural airflow, this sophisticated system ensures comfortable walking surfaces in one of the world's hottest locations, a testament to thoughtful design.

UAE residents can expect fair to partly cloudy skies on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Fog is likely to reduce visibility in coastal and internal areas, especially early in the morning. Daytime temperatures will be warm, reaching up to 34C, while early mornings will be cooler, around 9C. Drivers should exercise caution due to potential mist.

Singapore ranks as the worlds most religiously diverse nation in a 2026 study by Pew Research Center, scoring 9.3 on its Religious Diversity Index. Covering 201 countries and drawing on 2,700 censuses, the report tracks global shifts: Christians remain largest, Muslims grow fastest, the unaffiliated reach 24.2%, and Asia-Pacific emerges most diverse regionally.

Across cultures, fear of unlucky dates reflects shared anxieties shaped by local beliefs. Western traditions link Friday the 13th to Christian and Norse lore, while Spain fears Tuesday the 13th, Italy Friday the 17th, and parts of East Asia avoid the number four. In India, the number 13 is sometimes associated with Rahu, symbolising cosmic disruption.

A Riyadh primary school pupil caused a stir by gifting classmates gold jewellery from his mother's drawer. School officials promptly contacted the family, who confirmed the items were theirs. The jewellery was returned, and the matter was resolved internally, highlighting the need for swift school and parent responses to unusual situations.

Dubai's Ruler has launched the 'Edge of Life' campaign to combat child hunger, aiming to save five million children under five from malnutrition-related deaths. This initiative, coinciding with Ramadan, seeks to raise AED1 billion for vital programs.

Kuwait's coastline will transform into a vibrant celebration of Indian heritage with Bharat Mela 2026 on February 13, 2026. This free, open-air festival on Green Island's beachfront will feature over 700 artists, authentic Indian cuisine, and immersive crafts, fostering unity between Indian and Kuwaiti communities.

New rules for private schools with British curricula will assess children born September-December for Foundation Stage 1 readiness from 2026-27. A one-time transition allows 2022 births to be placed in FS1 or FS2 based on assessment. Decisions are final. Other curricula see 2021 births eligible for Kindergarten 1 next academic year.

The UAE has announced reduced working hours for public and private sector employees during Ramadan. Federal government employees will work from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Private sector employees will see a daily reduction of two working hours, with flexibility for remote and staggered schedules.