The Times of India

UAE businesses face a major digital overhaul in 2026-2027 with a new e-invoicing system. Starting July 2026, companies will transition from paper to structured digital invoices, enabling real-time reporting to the Federal Tax Authority. This significant compliance modernization aims to boost VAT accuracy and reduce evasion, aligning with the nation's digital vision.

Bahrain conducted a nationwide test of its Emergency Alert System Saturday night, ensuring mobile phones and smart devices received notifications. This crucial trial, aimed at bolstering public safety, confirmed the system's readiness to deliver vital information swiftly during critical events. iOS users were advised to update their devices for optimal reception, while Android users required no action.

The UAE has signed a new $20 million cooperation agreement with the UN World Food Programme to provide urgent food assistance to conflict-affected communities in Sudan. This initiative aims to address critical food security needs for vulnerable groups, including displaced populations, and reinforces the UAE's ongoing humanitarian commitment to the nation.

A moderate 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck southern Iran on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at a depth of 10 kilometers. While causing minor cosmetic damage in Iran, the tremor was not felt in the UAE due to distance and tectonic shielding. Advanced monitoring systems ensured no panic, with UAE residents experiencing no disruption.

The United Arab Emirates has achieved a historic milestone in non-oil trade, crossing the $1 trillion mark. This significant economic feat was accomplished ahead of schedule, reflecting strong global confidence and enhanced private sector collaboration. Non-oil exports saw substantial growth, driving this remarkable expansion. The nation's trade performance highlights a robust and developing investment ecosystem.

Abu Dhabi has launched a mandatory digital pet registration system, effective February 3, 2026, requiring all cats and dogs to be microchipped and documented via the TAMM platform. This initiative aims to enhance pet welfare, public health, and animal population management, with a one-year grace period for owners before a Dh1,000 fine is imposed for non-compliance.

Dubai's freelance visa remains active, attracting global talent with legal self-employment and family sponsorship. Professionals need a freelance permit from a free zone, proof of qualifications and meet age/documentation requirements. Costs range from AED 12,000-20,000 annually. This initiative supports a flexible labour market, fostering innovation and growth in the emirate.

QatarEnergy has announced lower fuel prices for February 2026, with reductions across premium and super petrol, as well as diesel. These adjustments align with Qatar's fuel pricing mechanism, which links domestic rates to international market movements. The monthly announcements, released by QatarEnergy since 2017, impact transport costs and daily expenses.

More than 25 years after making history as the first surviving septuplets, the McCaughey siblings have built independent lives with careers, marriages, and children. Born in 1997 after fertility treatment, they faced medical risks and intense public attention. Today, the family embraces quieter routines, close bonds, and shared memories, proving their extraordinary childhood gave way to ordinary, fulfilling adulthood.

South African man Martin Pistorius spent more than a decade fully conscious but unable to move or speak after a childhood illness left him misdiagnosed as vegetative. Trapped inside his body, he eventually regained communication through assistive technology. Now a father, professional and disability advocate, his story challenges assumptions about awareness, dignity and life with severe disability.

A 52-year-old Edinburgh mother, Lorraine Pettie, suffered rapid necrosis in her right hand after medical staff dismissed the darkening as bruising, or even newspaper ink. Despite urgent care visits, her condition worsened, leading to amputation. She later died from complications including heart disease and diabetes. Her family say earlier intervention might have saved her arm, highlighting failings in timely diagnosis.

Ashton Kutchers estimated $200 million net worth has been built less through acting than through disciplined technology investing. Early stakes in Airbnb, Uber and Spotify, followed by Sound Ventures more than $1 billion under management, repositioned him as a serious capital allocator. Selective acting, strategic philanthropy and AI investments now reinforce a portfolio defined by scale, utility and long-term conviction.

The UAE is set to host six major international events throughout February, attracting thousands of leaders and experts. These gatherings span governance, tolerance, education, digital trade, healthcare innovation, and global sport, reinforcing the nation's position as a key hub for international dialogue and large-scale events.

Dubai's Al Salam Cycling Championship is underway with exciting desert races. Top cyclists are competing for a whopping prize money. The championship features events for both men and women. This tenth season highlights Dubai's growing cycling culture. The Al Marmoom Reserve is the venue for these challenging competitions. The event aims to promote cycling across the UAE.

Fuel prices in the UAE will be lower in February 2026. Motorists will pay less for Super 98, Special 95, and E-Plus 91 petrol. Diesel prices also see a reduction. These new rates take effect from February 1, 2026. The changes reflect global oil market movements. This offers marginal savings for drivers and commercial users.

The UAE and Scotland have inked a landmark pact to boost investment and economic ties. Signed on January 30, 2026, the Memorandum of Understanding aims to foster capital, technology and expertise exchange. This strategic alliance will unlock new opportunities for businesses in both nations, focusing on sustainable growth and job creation, building on previous successful engagements.

Sharjah Police have launched a severe crackdown on drivers performing dangerous stunts during rainfall, impounding vehicles and penalising eight individuals. This action highlights the UAE's commitment to road safety, with hefty fines, black points and vehicle confiscation for reckless behaviour that endangers lives. Authorities urge public cooperation in reporting unsafe driving.

Qatar Airways has launched QVerse Island in Fortnite, a virtual representation of Doha designed to inspire travel. Players explore iconic landmarks and complete missions, with opportunities to win real flights and rewards. This initiative leverages gaming to engage potential travelers early in their planning process.

Saudi Arabia's Qiwa platform has clarified a recent change. Non-Saudi nationals can still be appointed as general managers. This is permitted if the job title is officially recorded in the company's commercial registration. The change was procedural, not a policy shift. This ensures consistency between employment contracts and official business details.

Police have made the first arrest more than a year after over 600 culturally significant artefacts were stolen from a Bristol museum archive in a late-night raid. A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, while detectives continue to appeal for help identifying four other suspects captured on CCTV.

A Warwickshire man is suing an NHS trust after alleged surgical and oncology failings left him with permanent brain and sight damage. David Bown was kept on chemotherapy for more than eight years, far beyond clinical guidance, after delayed post-operative scans and treatment errors. Lawyers say his case highlights systemic failures affecting dozens of patients.

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has called on Muslims to sight the Ramadan crescent on February 17, 2026. This traditional practice determines the start of the holy month. Believers are asked to report sightings to local courts. This annual appeal highlights the importance of moon sighting in Islamic tradition and Saudi legal practice.

The United Arab Emirates will gift a memorial monument to Kuwait. It will be installed at Al Shaheed Park in Kuwait City. This gesture celebrates the strong bond between the two nations. The monument symbolizes shared history and destiny. Young Emirati designer Omar Al Gurg will create the landmark. Al Shaheed Park is a significant cultural space in Kuwait City.

A Worcestershire mother lost 250,000 and her home after a two-year romance scam by fraudsters posing as celebrities. Drawn in through social media, she was emotionally manipulated into repeated payments, selling her house and belongings. Now homeless, she warns others about the addictive pull of online attention as police continue reviewing her case.

Dubai Metro will extend operating hours on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 5 am to 12 am to support the Dubai Marathon's 25th anniversary. This initiative by the RTA aims to ease congestion and facilitate travel for runners and spectators attending the event, which features a fast course and multiple race categories.

Get ready for early Ramadan shopping. The Ministry of Commerce is launching a 54-day sales season starting February 1, 2026. This initiative aims to help shoppers buy festive goods before the rush. Businesses can easily apply for discount permits online. Consumers can verify offers by scanning barcodes. Inspection teams will ensure all promotions are legitimate.

Qatar's Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning regarding driving without a valid license, emphasizing it's a criminal offense with severe penalties. Motorists face potential imprisonment from one month to three years and fines ranging from QR10,000 to QR50,000. These strict measures aim to enhance road safety by ensuring only licensed individuals operate vehicles.

The inaugural UAEKuwaiti Womens Forum in Abu Dhabi emphasizes women's empowerment, sustainable development, and future leadership, reinforcing bilateral cooperation. This initiative, aligned with national visions from both countries, fosters dialogue and collaboration on critical issues, including technology, peace, and climate action, while an accompanying exhibition showcases women-led businesses and heritage.

Saudi Arabia has officially launched its National Privatization Strategy, a key component of Vision 2030, aiming to boost infrastructure and public services. This move signifies a shift from planning to execution, with ambitious targets for private sector investment and public-private partnership contracts by 2030. The strategy seeks to enhance efficiency and create thousands of specialized jobs.

UAE residents are increasingly integrating AI chatbots into daily life, from shopping and work to complex decision-making. With adoption rates among the world's highest, generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are becoming everyday aides, enhancing productivity and personal planning. This shift signifies a growing reliance on AI for cognitive tasks, transforming how people learn, decide and interact.

Five-year-old Holly Nayler from Essex has CLN2 Batten disease, a rare and fatal form of childhood dementia that causes rapid neurological decline and frequent seizures. While an NHS-funded treatment cannot cure the condition, it has slowed the loss of her abilities. As access to the drug faces uncertainty, her family is calling for awareness and continued support.

Clips of thin, whistling tones are going viral on social media, startling listeners who suddenly hear hidden words. The sound itself doesnt change; once listeners know the sentence, their brains impose meaning, transforming whistles into intelligible speech. Known as sine-wave speech (SWS), the phenomenon shows how perception, expectation, and auditory priming shape what we hear, not secret messages or conspiracies.

Dubai's RTA has introduced a permit system for parking shades in residential areas to combat summer heat. Residents must obtain approval for these structures, ensuring they are made of quality materials, do not obstruct public pathways or utilities, and adhere to specific height and placement regulations. This initiative aims to maintain neighborhood aesthetics and safety.

Saudi Arabia is now reserving key leadership and commercial roles exclusively for its citizens. Starting January 29, 2026, expat workers cannot be hired or change professions to General Manager, Sales Representative, Marketing Specialist, or Procurement Manager. This move aims to boost local employment and align with Vision 2030 goals.

Dubai Plus, a new streaming platform, has launched in the UAE. It offers free access to Emirati and Arab content for all ages. The platform aims to showcase local culture and talent. It features TV shows, films, and live sports. Dubai Plus complements global services by focusing on regional storytelling. This initiative strengthens Dubai's position as a content hub.

The UAE is phasing out traditional signatures and SMS OTPs for banking transactions, transitioning to a digital handshake via mobile apps. This move enhances security by replacing vulnerable SMS codes with in-app approvals, including biometrics, for a faster and more secure banking experience.

America is now sending advanced computer chips to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. This move supports their big plans for artificial intelligence. These nations are becoming key players in global technology. This partnership strengthens US influence and helps Gulf countries diversify their economies beyond oil. It marks a significant shift in how technology is shared globally.

Dubai Police are inviting UAE residents to capture the upcoming UAE SWAT Challenge through a video contest, offering up to Dh30,000 in cash prizes. This initiative encourages creative storytelling, highlighting teamwork and human values displayed by elite tactical teams from around the globe. The contest aims to foster community engagement and showcase police professionalism to a wider audience.

In the UAE, simply deeming your manager incompetent won't stand up in labour court. The law protects employees from harassment, discrimination, and abuse, not just poor leadership. If a manager's actions create a hostile environment or violate your rights, documentation and formal complaints to HR or MoHRE are crucial steps. Understanding this distinction is key to addressing workplace issues effectively.

Former South Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee received a 20-month prison sentence. The court found she accepted luxury gifts, including a Chanel bag and diamond necklace, for political influence. This conviction highlights South Korea's strict stance on corruption involving those near power. The case has sparked debate about accountability for political elites. Kim's lawyers are considering an appeal.

The UAE has launched the Middle East's first biometric payment system, enabling transactions via facial recognition or palm scans. This initiative, a proof-of-concept by the Central Bank of the UAE, aims to enhance convenience and security, positioning the nation as a leader in financial innovation and a digital-first economy.

Dubai's DIFC now allows a regulated insurer to accept crypto for policies, a first in the UAE. This move integrates digital assets directly into insurance payments, enabling Bitcoin to cover SUV, apartment, or health insurance. The development leverages blockchain's efficiency and programmable nature, bypassing traditional fees and offering 24/7 transactions, aligning with the UAE's digital economy goals.

Emirates flight EK35 from Dubai to Newcastle faced severe weather on January 27, 2026. Strong winds and poor visibility forced pilots to abort landing attempts. The Boeing 777-300ER then diverted to Edinburgh Airport. After a delay, the flight continued to Newcastle, ensuring passenger safety.

Dubai's gold prices hit an unprecedented Dh632 per gram on January 28, 2026, a nearly 20% surge in less than a month. This historic climb, mirroring global trends driven by geopolitical tensions and central bank buying, has seen other precious metals also rise significantly. Analysts debate if the rally will continue, with some predicting further gains.