The Times of India

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.

Low-cost carrier SalamAir has temporarily suspended flights to several Middle Eastern destinations, including Iraq, Lebanon and Iran, until March 28, 2026 and Kuwait City, Sharjah, Doha and Dammam until March 20, 2026. This decision stems from widespread airspace closures and safety concerns due to escalating geopolitical tensions, impacting thousands of travellers and forcing airlines to adjust operations.

Air travel between the UAE and India is stabilising as IndiGo resumes flights to key Gulf destinations and Europe. The airline is closely monitoring the geopolitical situation, which had caused widespread disruptions. Passengers are advised to confirm flight status before heading to the airport as schedules may continue to change.

Oman Air has cancelled numerous flights due to escalating geopolitical tensions and regional airspace closures amid Iran vs US-Israel war. This mirrors a wider aviation crisis across the Gulf, forcing airlines to reroute and suspend services. Passengers face significant disruptions, with schedules remaining fluid as the region awaits stability. The impact highlights aviation's deep connection to global security.

Dubai has enacted a new law, effective June 1, 2026, to bolster public safety across the emirate. This comprehensive legislation introduces stricter regulations for venues, events, buildings and recreational areas, aiming to prevent accidents and protect residents and visitors. Significant fines will be imposed for violations, reinforcing Dubai's commitment to being a secure global hub.

Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has emerged from the shadows, inheriting immense power after his father's passing. His quiet but influential rise, marked by deep ties to the IRGC and past controversies, now places him at the helm during a critical period of economic and regional challenges. His leadership promises to shape Iran's future trajectory.

Abu Dhabi residents were placed on high alert as the UAE's defence forces responded to incoming aerial threats amid escalating regional tensions. Emergency notifications urged citizens to seek shelter as air defence systems engaged potential missile and drone threats, with loud explosions reported. The incident underscores the spillover effects of the wider Middle East conflict impacting Gulf states.

Thousands of UAE residents stranded abroad due to travel disruptions amid Iran vs US-Israel war, face salary and job uncertainty. UAE labour law offers protections, with employers expected to assess situations reasonably. Communication and documentation are crucial for employees, who may be eligible for remote work or paid/unpaid leave. Termination is not automatic for justified absences.

During the reign of Queen Victoria, the British Empire profited heavily from exporting opium from colonial India to China, fuelling addiction and sparking the First Opium War after Chinese official Lin Zexu destroyed large shipments. The episode reveals a stark contradiction between Victorian moral ideals and an empire deeply reliant on the global narcotics trade.

Canadian MP Juanita Nathan highlighted the tragic homicide of Nancy Grewal, an Indian-origin woman, in her International Women's Day message. Grewal's death in LaSalle, Ontario, has deeply troubled many Canadians and the Indo-Canadian community. The investigation into the fatal stabbing is ongoing, with authorities seeking information.

Over 52,000 Indian citizens safely returned from the Gulf region between March 1-7, 2026, following recent disruptions. Commercial and rescue flights facilitated the repatriation, with Indian carriers transporting 32,107 passengers. The government remains vigilant, maintaining dedicated helplines for ongoing diaspora welfare.

The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate General in Dubai issued an urgent security alert for American citizens in the UAE due to escalating regional tensions and potential security risks. Non-emergency government employees and families were ordered to leave the country as a precaution amid ongoing conflict and drone activity.