The Times of India

With no rivers, lakes, or renewable freshwater, Kuwait depends almost entirely on desalination to supply water for life, industry, and growth. This engineered water security supports prosperity but comes with high energy and environmental costs. As climate pressures increase, Kuwaits reliance on fossil-fuel-powered desalination highlights both its resilience and long-term vulnerability.

Saudi Arabia is constructing Jeddah Tower, poised to be the world's tallest building, exceeding 1,000 metres. This megastructure, part of Jeddah Economic City, signifies the Kingdom's Vision 2030, blending luxury living, offices, and the highest observation deck. Resuming construction, it aims to redefine urban landscapes and showcase Saudi Arabia's global ambition.

Dubai's crypto market is poised for a pivotal 2026, with experts advising traders to adopt smart, risk-aware tactics. Strategies like day trading, arbitrage and dollar-cost averaging are highlighted, alongside the importance of regulated platforms and robust security. Advanced tools and institutional involvement are also shaping the landscape, emphasising risk management as crucial for navigating potential volatility and maximising opportunities.

Aluminium foil can startle cats into avoiding countertops, but the reaction has less to do with fear and more with sensory overload. Veterinarians say the foils high-frequency crinkle, unfamiliar texture and reflective surface can overwhelm cats finely tuned hearing and instincts. The effect, however, is usually temporary, as most cats adapt once the novwelty fades.

Barron Trump, now 19 and an NYU sophomore, is quietly taking elocution lessons to refine his speech and build confidence, according to family sources. Raised multilingual under Melania Trumps close watch, his accent reflects his upbringing. The effort isnt about fame, but privacy, self-definition, and preparing for a future where every word may be scrutinized.

A woman, her hair uncovered, ignites a cigarette using a burning photo of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This defiant act, defying multiple Islamic Republic taboos, has gone viral, sparking debate about resistance to state-imposed norms. The video's origin and the woman's identity remain unconfirmed, yet it powerfully symbolizes ongoing protests against repression.

A senior LuLu Hypermarket employee in Abu Dhabi has reportedly vanished after a staggering Dh6,60,000 (approximately $180,000 USD) shortfall was discovered in the Khalidiya Mall branch's cash office. The 15-year veteran's sudden absence and switched-off phone have triggered a police investigation, raising serious questions about internal security and financial controls within the prominent retail chain.

The General Pension and Social Security Authority announced 2026 pension payment dates, adjusting schedules to align with public holidays so beneficiaries receive funds before major occasions like Eid. Payments will fall between the 19th and 27th of each month. GPSSA advised pensioners to update personal details to avoid disruptions.

At Dubai's 1 Billion Followers Summit, branding expert Chris Do urged creators to stand out by clarifying their goals, strategically collaborating with established figures and courageously sharing unique, authentic stories. He emphasised that genuine identity, not just follower counts, builds lasting influence in today's saturated digital landscape, encouraging creators to be distinctive voices.

Etihad Airways is launching direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Luxembourg starting October 29, 2026, with three weekly services. This historic route, operated by the Airbus A321LR, aims to boost business, tourism and cultural exchange between the UAE and the EU. The move strengthens Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub, offering seamless connections for travellers.

Omans ruler, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, has granted a royal pardon to 334 inmates, including citizens and expatriates, ahead of January 11, the countrys Accession Day. The Royal Oman Police confirmed the decree applies to prisoners convicted of various offenses across Oman, taking into account their family and social circumstances, offering them a chance to reintegrate into society.

At Dubai's 1 Billion Followers Summit, social media strategist Brendan Kane debunked five common myths hindering creator success. He emphasised that rapid growth stems from impactful storytelling and audience relationships, not just luck. Authenticity, strategic content quality over quantity and leveraging modern tools are key to sustainable digital influence and lasting connection.

Amid rising tensions in Iran, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an advisory urging Kuwaitis in the country to stay vigilant, avoid public gatherings, and follow local authorities instructions. Citizens are advised to contact the Embassy of Kuwait in Tehran at +98 991 920 2356 or the Ministry in Kuwait via +965 159 or +965 22225504 in case of emergencies.

At Dubai's 1 Billion Followers Summit, creators are urged to prioritise meaningful impact and community over sheer follower numbers. Speakers emphasized that genuine engagement and purpose-driven content build lasting value, contrasting with the fleeting nature of viral fame. This shift signals a maturing creator economy where authenticity and influence with intent are increasingly valued.

Oman has announced a grand fireworks display in Muscat to mark the anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariks Accession to the Throne. The event will take place tomorrow , January 11, at Al Khoudh Dam in Seeb, starting at 8:00 PM, as part of nationwide Accession Day celebrations.

In the UAE, scientists are actively enhancing rainfall through a sophisticated cloud-seeding program. Utilising aircraft, salt crystals and advanced AI, they coax existing clouds to release more water, boosting precipitation by up to 25%. This innovative ain-tech is a cost-effective strategy to combat severe water scarcity in the arid region, offering a vital lifeline.

The US militarys E-4B Nightwatch, the airborne command centre designed for nuclear war and national catastrophe, was spotted on an unusual multi-city flight, prompting scrutiny. The rare public appearance drew attention to the aircrafts role as the National Airborne Operations Center, its extreme survivability features, and its function within the US nuclear command system during worst-case scenarios.

The US militarys E-4B Nightwatch, the airborne command centre designed for nuclear war and national catastrophe, was spotted on an unusual multi-city flight, prompting scrutiny. The rare public appearance drew attention to the aircrafts role as the National Airborne Operations Center, its extreme survivability features, and its function within the US nuclear command system during worst-case scenarios.

US President Donald Trump, speaking during a White House meeting with oil executives on Venezuela, again claimed he stopped a looming IndiaPakistan war, saying eight planes were shot down before he intervened. He argued that his role in resolving multiple conflicts, including between the nuclear-armed neighbours, made him deserving of a Nobel Peace Prize, repeating assertions he has made in earlier interviews.

Cory Lee, a wheelchair user with spinal muscular atrophy, has turned a lifetime of barriers into a mission to travel the world. After being told his disability made travel impossible, he founded Curb Free With Cory Lee, visiting 55 countries across all seven continents while documenting accessibility, challenging assumptions, and reshaping what inclusive travel can look like.

A man known as The Crooked Man has spent more than 300 days training only one trapezius muscle to deliberately reject TikToks looksmaxxing trend. His extreme, asymmetrical transformation has gone viral online, but doctors warn the experiment could cause serious long-term musculoskeletal problems, outweighing any short-term strength gains or internet attention, and prompting debate about health, balance, and body image.

Hundreds of travelers faced disruptions Friday as Dubai cancelled six major flights to Iran due to heightened regional uncertainty and ongoing civil unrest. Airlines are prioritizing safety, with Emirates halting transit passengers to Iran, Iraq, and Jordan. This follows a nationwide currency devaluation sparking widespread protests, making air travel risky.

Dubai has launched its driverless robotaxi service, a significant step towards its 2030 goal of 25% autonomous transportation. Initially covering 65 locations in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim, the service is managed by Baidu Apollo Go's operations center. This marks a major advancement in commercial autonomous vehicle deployment, with broader commercial launches anticipated.

Heavy rains have drenched the Northern Emirates, with Khorfakkan, Masafi, and Al Manama experiencing intense downpours. The National Centre of Meteorology has issued yellow and red alerts as convective clouds bring lightning and thunder. This winter weather pattern, driven by low pressure systems, is expected to persist through the weekend and into next week, with cooler temperatures and potential fog.

Dubai has launched AI-powered cameras on waste collection vehicles to monitor littering and illegal dumping in real time. The system identifies violations instantly, enabling authorities to take swift action, with fines up to Dh500 for offenders. Part of the Smart Waste Management framework, the pilot supports Dubais 2041 Waste Strategy, enhances public cleanliness, and reinforces the emirates sustainability and innovation goals.

Etihad Rail's national passenger service is set to launch in 2026, connecting cities across the UAE with 11 strategically located stations. Operating at 200 km/h, the high-speed trains offer a safe, efficient, and comfortable alternative to road travel, significantly reducing commute times and enhancing connectivity. The network aims to reshape national mobility and foster economic integration.

Emirates has advised UAE travellers about new UK travel rules as the country shifts to digital immigration. From February 25, 2026, visitors who do not require a visa for short stays must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). UK visa holders and those with indefinite leave to remain should convert to e-visas and update passport details to avoid travel disruptions.

A prediction market is allowing traders to bet on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ by the end of 2026, with current odds at roughly 3% for a Yes outcome. This follows a similar wager in 2025, where the No side ultimately prevailed. The market treats the event as a tradable probability, attracting capital seeking predictable, albeit unlikely, returns.

A woman who shared a photo of faint black lines on her thumb and toe nails on Reddit was urged to see a doctor after commenters warned the marks can sometimes indicate melanoma. Medical sources say such lines, known as melanonychia, are often harmless but can signal aggressive skin cancer, highlighting the importance of professional assessment rather than online diagnosis.

El Salvador's prisons are now buzzing with sewing machines, as inmates produce uniforms for public institutions. This state-backed program, part of a crackdown on gangs, offers work, training, and potential sentence reductions. Officials highlight its role in making prisons functional and reducing government spending, sparking international interest in similar reform models.

Scientists have recovered trace DNA from Renaissance drawings and letters linked to Leonardo da Vinci, using minimally invasive swabbing. The emerging field of arteomics reveals environmental and human genetic clues that may illuminate authorship and historical context. While some DNA aligns with Tuscan ancestry, researchers stress identity cannot be proven, highlighting both promise and limits of modern scientific inquiry today.

Neil deGrasse Tyson provocatively argues that falling into a black hole would be the most extraordinary way to die, not for comfort, but for insight. As tidal forces tear the body apart in spaghettification, extreme time dilation could allow the falling observer to witness the universes distant future unfold, making death a brutal yet uniquely cosmic experiment.

To celebrate 20 years of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoums leadership, Dubai Municipality and KHDA are planting 20,000 trees across the city. The initiative covers parks, neighbourhoods, and schools, promoting sustainability, community engagement, and environmental responsibility. It supports Dubais green vision, enhances quality of life, and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations through education and afforestation.

Saudi Arabia is set to fully open its capital market to global investors from next month, removing previous restrictions that limited access to select foreign investors. The Capital Market Authoritys reforms allow direct investment across all market segments, aiming to boost liquidity, diversify the investor base, and attract international capital. Analysts see it as a major step in Saudi Arabias global market integration.

Hollywood stars are increasingly visiting the Middle East, not by chance but through strategic industry players and tourism partnerships. Know all about the figures who bridge the gap, facilitating celebrity engagements for promotional campaigns and personal travel. This influx boosts global visibility, drives tourism and positions the region as a cultural hub.

The Emirates Drug Establishment has initiated a voluntary recall of specific Nestl infant formulas due to the presence of Bacillus cereus bacteria in a raw ingredient. While no illnesses have been reported in the UAE, the toxin produced by the bacteria is heat-stable and can cause food poisoning symptoms. Similar warnings have been issued in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.

Dubais Global Village is set to host its biggest drone show of Season 30 this Friday, January 9, at 7.15pm. Featuring 3,000 drones, the spectacular display kicks off the Wonderers Kids Fest and promises family-friendly entertainment, live performances, international pavilions, rides, and cultural shows. Season 30 runs until May 10, with tickets starting at Dh25.

An 18-year-old Emirati, Fatima Al Awadhi, has achieved a historic feat by conquering Mount Vinson, Antarctica's highest peak. She is now the youngest person and first Arab to reach the summit at her age, enduring extreme conditions. Her accomplishment, dedicated to UAE leaders, highlights the nation's support for youth empowerment and global ambition.

Dubai tenants can now check rent hike legality with the Smart Rental Index. This AI tool from the Dubai Land Department ensures fair rent increases. Landlords must follow specific rules and provide 90 days' notice. Tenants can use the index to negotiate or file complaints if increases are unfair. This system promotes transparency and protects renters from arbitrary hikes.

Saudi Arabia has temporarily banned poultry and egg imports from France and Poland following outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and Newcastle disease. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority allows only heat-treated products with verified health certificates. Both countries are facing ongoing outbreaks, leading to mass culling and strict control measures. The ban aims to protect public health and the domestic poultry industry.

A Paris court convicted 10 individuals for cyberbullying related to false claims about France's first lady, Brigitte Macron. Sentences ranged from awareness courses to jail time for spreading coordinated online content alleging she was born male. The ruling focused on the method and impact of dissemination, not political commentary.

For decades, knuckle cracking has been blamed for arthritis and joint damage. Scientists now say the sound comes from gas cavities forming inside synovial fluid, not bones or cartilage. MRI studies and long-term experiments, including a 50-year self-study, show no evidence that habitual knuckle cracking causes arthritis or enlarges joints.

The US Department of Education is reviewing Brown University's campus safety protocols. This action follows a recent campus shooting. The review will check if Brown met federal requirements under the Clery Act. The Department may impose penalties or demand policy changes if violations are found. Brown University is cooperating with the federal inquiry.