The Times of India

UAE schools and universities will observe an early spring break from March 9 to March 22, 2026. This extended holiday, confirmed by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education, applies to all public and private institutions, including students, teaching, and administrative staff. Classes and official duties will resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.

A Sharjah-based expatriate, Vibeesh Palliyali, has won the Dh15 million grand prize in the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi raffle draw. Palliyali purchased his winning ticket just days before the Series 284 live draw. This win highlights the life-altering potential of the popular monthly lottery, resonating with expatriate communities across the UAE.

The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has waived overstay fines for tourists and residents stranded by flight cancellations and airspace closures due to regional conflict. This humanitarian measure eases financial and bureaucratic burdens for thousands of travellers unable to depart the country, reflecting a flexible approach to travel policy during crises.

UAE's Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has penned and recited a poem celebrating President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership. The verses highlight strength, wisdom, and national pride, linking current governance to the legacy of the UAE's founder. This cultural gesture reinforces unity and stability amidst global uncertainties, projecting a confident national image.

The UAE has strongly refuted a Bloomberg report questioning its air defence capabilities, calling the claims false and misleading. Asserting its possession of diverse, multi-layered systems and robust munitions, the ministry stressed its unwavering operational readiness. This strong rebuttal highlights the nation's commitment to controlling its security narrative amidst regional tensions and calls for responsible journalism.

Kuwait has arrested two individuals for mocking its armed forces and air defence on social media amidst escalating USIsrael war with Iran. This move signals a stricter enforcement of public order and national security laws. Authorities emphasise the need for unity and respect for security forces as the nation actively defends its airspace against airborne threats.

Saudia has extended flight suspensions to eight key destinations until March 6, 2026. This decision stems from ongoing regional tensions and airspace closures due to USIsraelIran conflict, impacting commercial air travel. The airline is contacting affected passengers directly. Travellers are advised to verify flight status before heading to the airport. Other regional carriers also face similar disruptions.

UAE airlines are operating limited flights amid regional airspace closures due to escalating Iran-US-Israel tensions. Authorities are using emergency corridors to resume services cautiously, prioritizing stranded passengers. Most regular flights remain suspended, with airlines extending cancellations as safety assessments continue. Travelers are urged to verify flight status before heading to airports.

Indian TV actor Erica J Fernandes shared a Dubai video featuring intercepted aerial threats alongside confident UAE rulers, captioned 'Habibi you're still welcome to Dubai.' Her clarification emphasised her personal experience of safety and efficient handling of regional tensions amid Iran and US-Israel clashes, sparking debate on social media's role in portraying geopolitical realities.

Qatar Airways has halted all flights due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Passengers are awaiting updates as authorities determine when it's safe to resume operations. The airline will restart services only after official clearance. The next update is scheduled for March 6th at 9 AM Doha time.

Etihad Rail, typically a freight operator, deployed three exceptional passenger services to safely transport UAE citizens and residents from the Saudi border to Abu Dhabi. This emergency mission, coordinated with Abu Dhabi authorities, demonstrated the railway's readiness as a critical pillar of national emergency response infrastructure during regional travel disruptions.

Dubai International Airport has issued a warning regarding digitally manipulated videos falsely depicting incidents at the airport. Authorities urge the public to rely on official updates and refrain from sharing unverified content, emphasizing potential legal consequences under UAE regulations for spreading misinformation.

Following Operation Epic Fury, the United States and Israel launched sweeping strikes on Irans missile and nuclear infrastructure, an assault that killed Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and triggered widespread regional retaliation. The escalation came just days after former CIA officer John Kiriakou publicly warned that Washington had already decided to attack, a claim that now appears to have foreshadowed one of the most consequential confrontations in years.

High-resolution satellite images reveal extensive destruction across Iran following US-Israeli strikes on nuclear, military, and leadership sites. Operation Epic Fury targeted several locations in Iran, including Natanz nuclear facility and Ayatollah Khamenei's compound, with reports indicating that the Supreme Leader's death. Khamenei was killed in one of the initial strikes on Saturday.

The UAE is cracking down on illegal fireworks, imposing hefty fines of at least Dh100,000 and jail time of a year for possession, use, or trade. Authorities are emphasizing safety, warning of severe injuries and panic. Strict enforcement of federal law targets all unauthorized fireworks activities year-round, urging public cooperation.

Saudi Arabia is hosting stranded GCC nationals in Makkah with 2,500 hotel rooms allocated by the Makkah Chamber of Commerce. This initiative, a directive from King Salman, ensures comfort and facilitates safe return, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to regional unity and hospitality during travel disruptions.

CBSE has extended the postponement of Class 10 and 12 board exams in seven Middle Eastern countries due to ongoing security concerns and volatile regional conditions. The decision, affecting thousands of Indian expatriate students, prioritizes safety amid disruptions, with new dates to be announced after further review.

After joint USIsraeli strikes reportedly killed Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Donald Trump issued stark warnings that any attempt on his life would result in Iran being wiped off the face of the earth. As retaliation fears mount, his threats of total destruction have intensified concerns over escalation and presidential security.

After Jim Carrey accepted an honorary award at the Csar Awards in Paris, online speculation over his altered appearance spiralled into clone theories, body-double claims and AI misinformation. Drag artist Alexis Stone further fuelled debate with a hyper-realistic mask post, while a fabricated AI video falsely attributed to Carreys daughter deepened the viral storm.

A viral image falsely depicting Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in 'heaven' with '72 virgins' has circulated online. The image is a digital manipulation, combining real photos of Khamenei with schoolgirls into a fabricated paradise background. No Iranian state media outlets have published such imagery.

Videos of Iranians celebrating with YMCA-style dances and waving pre-revolution Iranian, US, and Israeli flags have gone viral, particularly from diaspora communities. These scenes reflect jubilation following the US-Israel war that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, seen as a symbolic collapse of the Islamic Republic's rule.

A Sharjah court heard a case where a man faces electronic insult charges due to a spelling mistake in a WhatsApp message. The defendant claims the word was a typo, not an intentional insult, during an exchange initiated on a vehicle sales website. The court has adjourned the session to allow for an amicable settlement between the parties.

Emirates has extended its flight suspension to and from Dubai until March 3, 2026, due to ongoing regional airspace closures. Escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions have led multiple countries to shut their airspace, impacting over 1,800 flights and major hubs like Dubai International Airport. Operations will resume once safety is confirmed by authorities.

Riyadh has become a crucial evacuation hub for wealthy individuals and executives as missile and drone attacks disrupt previously secure Gulf cities. With limited alternatives, the Saudi capital's open airspace and operating airport offer the most viable departure point for those seeking to leave the region.

Gold prices in the UAE surged dramatically on March 2, 2026, by over Dh10 per gram, mirroring global anxieties over escalating Middle East conflicts. This safe-haven rally, fueled by geopolitical tensions and persistent inflation, saw 24K gold reach Dh646.45 per gram. Analysts predict continued strength for gold as a hedge against global uncertainty.

UAE residents are cautioned about a rise in fraudulent calls in which impersonators pretend to be officials to steal personal data. The Interior Ministry has denied any link to suspicious numbers such as 70614213 and urges the public not to share sensitive information.

The UAE is stepping in to help thousands of travellers stranded by flight cancellations. The government will cover all accommodation and meal costs for passengers affected by the ongoing aviation crisis. Major UAE airports like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are facilitating rebooking and providing essential support. This move ensures passenger welfare during a period of significant travel disruption.

Drone debris from intercepted threats struck Abu Dhabi's Etihad Towers, injuring a woman and child. This incident highlights the spillover of the Iran-US-Israel conflict into the UAE, with similar debris falling in Dubai. Authorities confirm successful interceptions but acknowledge collateral damage, urging reliance on official updates amid heightened regional tensions.

Saudi Arabia has summoned Iran's ambassador. This action follows Iranian attacks on Saudi territory and neighbouring Gulf states. The move escalates tensions linked to the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. Other Gulf nations like Kuwait and Qatar have also protested Iranian actions. Saudi Arabia vows to defend its sovereignty and security.

Dubai's Jebel Ali Port, a global trade linchpin, has temporarily ceased operations following a fire caused by aerial debris amidst escalating US-Israel conflict with Iran. This precautionary shutdown highlights the widening regional instability, impacting vital supply chains and underscoring the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. The incident adds to DP World's recent corporate scrutiny after Epstein Files controversy.

Air travel in the Middle East is severely disrupted as the US-Israel war on Iran leads to extensive flight cancellations and airspace closures. Major UAE carriers have suspended operations, stranding thousands of tourists. Authorities are providing support, including accommodation and meals, while advising passengers to check flight statuses and know their rights.

As the US and Israel's military campaign against Iran escalates, the UAE implements broad public safety measures. Residents are urged to comply with official instructions, seek shelter during alerts, and avoid spreading unverified information, which carries legal penalties. Educational institutions have shifted to distance learning, and travel disruptions persist due to airspace closures.

The UAE has shut its Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock markets for two days, March 2-3, 2026, due to escalating Iran-US-Israel conflict fallout. This unprecedented move follows Iranian retaliatory strikes, disrupting regional business and investor confidence. Other Gulf markets saw sharp declines, with oil prices surging amid fears of supply disruptions.

In 2015, NASA-backed research led by Hongbin Yu revealed that millions of tons of Saharan dust cross the Atlantic each year, delivering vital phosphorus to the nutrient-poor Amazon rainforest. Satellite data showed this atmospheric link may replenish nutrients lost to rainfall, highlighting a vast intercontinental exchange that underscores how climate and ecosystems remain deeply interconnected.

Sharjah International Airport is experiencing significant flight disruptions, including cancellations and delays, due to temporary UAE airspace closures. These measures are a direct response to escalating US-Israel military actions against Iran and subsequent regional security concerns. Passengers are strongly advised to verify flight statuses with airlines before traveling to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

Iran's popular prayer app, BadeSaba Calendar, broadcasted anti-regime messages urging security forces to defect amid heightened unrest and foreign strikes. Screenshots circulated before a near-total internet blackout. While Israel hasn't confirmed, reports suggest this is part of its strategy to shape behavior through precise, psychologically impactful cyber operations, turning trusted tools into vulnerabilities.

Founded in London in December 2025 by Andrea Bechis, World Clap Day plans a synchronized global clap on 16 August 2026 at 10:00 PM EDT. Framed as a non-political celebration of humanity, the initiative has grown rapidly online, drawing hundreds of thousands of supporters and positioning a one-second gesture as an annual worldwide moment of unity.

CBSE has postponed Class 10 and 12 board exams scheduled for March 2, 2026, in several Middle Eastern nations due to escalating geopolitical tensions. The decision prioritizes student and staff safety amidst regional instability, with new dates to be announced after a review on March 3. The board also debunked a fake circular claiming permanent cancellation of exams.

Global aviation is in turmoil on March 1, 2026, as escalating US, Israel, and Iran conflict forces widespread airspace closures. Over 700 flights were cancelled by afternoon, with thousands of passengers stranded. Major carriers like Emirates and Air India suspended operations, impacting key transit hubs and leading to soaring fare prices.