The Times of India

UAE residents gear up for Eid al Fitr 2026, a significant public holiday. Workers are entitled to paid leave or premium pay if required to work. The law protects employee rights, with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation handling disputes. This festive break also offers strategic leave planning opportunities.

New UK border rules from February 25, 2026, are causing travel chaos for dual British citizens, especially those in the UAE. They can no longer use foreign passports to enter the UK, requiring a British passport or a costly Certificate of Entitlement. This has led to confusion, delays, and urgent passport applications.

UAE health authorities have urgently recalled four products, including three supplements and one medical item, due to serious safety concerns like unapproved ingredients and contamination. Consumers are warned against purchasing or using these. The recall of the supplements and health product highlights the nation's commitment to public health and strict regulatory enforcement.

Dubai's Crown Prince, Fazza, captivated millions with a touching video montage celebrating his son Mohammed's third birthday. The heartwarming compilation, shared on Instagram, beautifully chronicled the young prince's journey from infancy to toddlerhood, featuring intimate family moments. This deeply personal tribute resonated globally, highlighting universal themes of family, time and parental pride.

Kuwait is cracking down on citizenship fraud after a multi-generational forgery scheme, initiated by an alimony dispute, was uncovered. This led to mass revocations and criminal charges, highlighting deep-rooted falsification of lineage. The nation is intensifying its review of nationality claims to preserve identity and ensure rightful entitlement, sparking public debate.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) allows passengers to carry up to a limited number of portable electronic devices, including phones and laptops, per person. This regulation, driven by lithium battery safety concerns, requires devices to be switched off and properly packed. Travellers should protect spare batteries and consider carrying essential electronics in carry-on baggage for a smoother security experience.

A 41-year-old Canadian author has described her year-long relationship with an AI companion as a genuine romantic partnership, despite family scepticism. Featured on TLCs My Strange Addiction, she says the digital entity, created through ForgeMind, provides emotional intimacy, control and fulfilment. The story raises complex questions about love, autonomy and evolving definitions of connection in the age of artificial intelligence.

A Hong Kong man discovered that a hidden camera had recorded him and his girlfriend inside a Shenzhen hotel room, with the footage later uploaded to an adult website without their consent. The case highlights Chinas persistent spy cam epidemic, exposing failures in hotel privacy protections, weak enforcement, and the lasting psychological toll of digital sexual exploitation.

Jai Raj Choudhary, an engineer of Indian origin, rapidly advanced his career at a San Francisco AI startup by embracing a demanding 9-to-9, six-day work schedule. Leveraging his strong data background, he played a key role in building AI agents at StackAI.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has honored Mahmoud Khalil Al-Hussary as the 2026 International Quranic Personality at the Dubai International Holy Quran Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates Al-Hussary's lifelong dedication to preserving and perfecting Quranic recitation, with his recordings setting global standards for accuracy and accessibility.

Shantanu Narayen transformed Adobe from a boxed-software maker into a cloud subscription powerhouse, growing revenue from $3 billion in 2007 to over $21 billion by 2024. Born in Hyderabad and educated in the US, he represents a generation of Indian technologists who reshaped Silicon Valley, while now championing Indias role in responsible AI governance and innovation.

Dubai World Cup 2026 is set to be a grand affair with pop star Jason Derulo headlining the post-race concert on March 28. The event boasts $30.5 million in prize money and promises a spectacular celebration following the world's richest race day. Tickets are now available, including concert access.

The UAE has experienced Red Alert fog events, causing near-zero visibility and significant travel disruptions. This seasonal phenomenon, typical of late winter, is driven by high pressure trapping moisture, calm winds, and high humidity. While fog is expected to persist through February, clearer skies and warmer days are anticipated by early March as spring arrives.

Saudi Arabia has implemented extensive import bans on poultry and table eggs from 40 countries due to ongoing disease concerns, primarily avian influenza. An additional 16 nations face regional import restrictions. Exemptions are available for heat-treated products meeting strict health and certification requirements.

For nearly a decade, Jeffrey Epsteins former Boeing 727 has sat abandoned in Georgia, engines stripped and interior decaying. Once used to ferry powerful figures and, prosecutors say, trafficking victims between his properties, the jet remains a haunting relic of his crimes. Despite ownership changes and scrapping plans, it endures as a physical symbol of scandal and unanswered questions.

New Yorks population growth has stalled, adding just 1,008 residents between 202425, driven by a historic drop in international immigration and ongoing domestic outmigration. Once a magnet for newcomers, high housing costs, work authorization delays, and affordability pressures now push immigrants away. With births barely offsetting losses, the state faces economic and demographic risks without renewed immigration.

UAE residents will find essential medicines more accessible and affordable following a landmark reform by the Emirates Drug Establishment. Effective February 24, 2026, a new rule mandates multiple authorized agents for each drug, dismantling single-agent monopolies. This move enhances supply chain flexibility, boosts competition, and strengthens the nation's healthcare sector.

Saudi Arabia has opened Hajj 1447 AH (2026) registration for citizens and residents inside the Kingdom via the Nusuk platform. Priority is given to first-time pilgrims, with package bookings commencing soon. Applicants must meet age and health requirements, with residents needing a valid permit of over one year.

Saudi Arabian schools are enforcing strict attendance for first-term exams during Ramadan. Students missing tests must provide official excuses for make-up opportunities. The Ministry of Education aims to combat absenteeism and maintain academic standards. Schools are implementing flexible schedules and communication with parents to ensure learning continues smoothly throughout the holy month.

Dubai-based Indian businessman Firoz Merchant is expanding his philanthropic efforts beyond releasing insolvent inmates during Ramadan. His initiative now includes direct financial support for cancer patients struggling with medical costs, reflecting a broader humanitarian approach to social welfare in the UAE.

Doha gears up for a spectacular treat as Cirque du Soleil's acclaimed show 'Corteo' arrives for a limited six-day run from April 8-13, 2026. Eight captivating performances at the Qatar National Convention Centre promise a blend of acrobatics, music, and fantasy. Tickets are on sale now, offering a rare chance for residents to witness this world-renowned production locally.

Saudi Arabia is preparing for a multi-day period of dust storms and strong winds through Saturday, February 28, 2026. The National Center of Meteorology has issued multiple alerts, with Red Alerts indicating visibility as low as 1 km in some areas. Outer effects of Cyclone Tej may also bring rain and higher seas to southern regions.

The Ministry of Education has unveiled a three-year academic calendar, spanning 2026-2029, providing fixed start dates, breaks, and end dates for public and private schools. This initiative aims to enhance stability, enabling families and educators to plan ahead. The calendar balances instructional time with learning outcomes, ensuring a structured educational journey for students.

Kuwait is gearing up for its national celebrations on February 25th with a strong call for responsible festivity. Authorities are urging residents to showcase civic awareness and respect for public spaces, emphasizing that national pride should be demonstrated through clean, safe, and orderly conduct.

FBI Director Kash Patel joined the US men's hockey team in their locker room after their Olympic gold medal victory. Footage showed him celebrating with players following their win against Canada. The event sparked online discussion, with supporters calling it patriotic and critics questioning its appropriateness for the FBI Director's office.

Air Arabia is offering significant discounts of up to 40% on select flights for travel between March and June 2026. Bookings must be made before February 25. This promotion covers various destinations, including popular spots like Milan, Athens, Phuket, and the Maldives, providing a budget-friendly opportunity for early planners.

A Kerala woman, detained in Sharjah for visa overstay and an absconding complaint, has returned home after political intervention and swift legal action. She faced detention after being unable to pay exorbitant renewal fees demanded by her agent. Her safe return highlights the importance of legal aid and local representation in navigating UAE immigration laws.

UAE has announced the Eid Al Fitr holiday schedule, offering early clarity for all. Federal government employees get a break from March 19-22, 2026. Private sector workers will enjoy a holiday from March 19-21, with a potential extension to March 22 depending on Ramadan's duration. This allows ample time for planning.

A major fire erupted at an Abu Dhabi warehouse on February 23, 2026, triggering a swift emergency response. Civil defence and police teams are actively battling the blaze, with no casualties reported so far. Investigations into the cause will commence once the site is secured, highlighting the UAE's focus on fire preparedness.

The UAE thwarted a major cyberattack this past weekend. Sophisticated AI-powered assaults targeted national digital platforms and vital infrastructure. The UAE Cybersecurity Council confirmed the attacks were organized and aimed at destabilizing the nation. Advanced monitoring and rapid response systems prevented widespread disruption. Essential services remained operational. This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber warfare.

The UAE has successfully launched its first seven-year Islamic Treasury Sukuk. This new offering, valued at AED550 million, attracted nearly six times its value in bids. The issuance marks the longest maturity under the program. This move strengthens the UAE's Islamic finance framework and the dirham yield curve. Investor confidence in the national economy remains high.

A powerful Nor'easter has caused significant disruptions to air travel between the UAE and the US East Coast. Emirates and Etihad have cancelled and rescheduled numerous flights to and from New York and Boston due to heavy snow and strong winds, impacting airport operations and creating hazardous travel conditions.

Kuwait's Bar Association is cracking down on unlicensed legal advice shared online, filing complaints against expatriates offering consultations via social media. This move, alongside deregistering lawyers and suspending firms, aims to protect the public and uphold professional standards. Only registered legal professionals can legally offer advice, ensuring accuracy and accountability in Kuwait's legal system.

A video from Mecca shows a pigeon cleverly using its body to activate a Zamzam water cooler. The bird then drinks the sacred water, delighting worshippers. This unusual moment has gone viral online. Pigeons are a common sight in Mecca but this interaction with technology has sparked widespread admiration and reflection. The clip highlights nature's ingenuity in a holy setting.

Jazeera Airways has launched a groundbreaking 'Fly Now, Pay Later' option, becoming the first Kuwaiti airline to offer interest-free installment payments for flights. This strategic partnership with deema aims to enhance travel affordability and accessibility for a wider range of passengers. The move signifies a significant step in the region's digital aviation transformation.

Oman's Ministry of Education is opening teaching positions for graduates and those expecting to complete their degrees soon. This initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, aims to bolster the teaching force and create sustainable employment for Omani job seekers. Applications are being accepted electronically from February 22 to March 12, 2026.

Sheikh Saleh bin Awad Al-Maghamsi has been appointed as an imam at the Prophets Mosque in Madinah. He led his first Isha prayer on February 21. Al-Maghamsi is a respected scholar with decades of experience in Islamic teaching and Quran interpretation. He previously served as imam and khateeb of Quba Mosque.

An anonymous philanthropist has donated AED35 million to the 'Edge of Life' campaign, a Ramadan initiative aiming to rescue five million children from hunger. Launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the campaign seeks AED1 billion for sustainable programs addressing childhood malnutrition globally, building on the UAE's humanitarian vision.

Turkish authorities have launched a massive anti-narcotics crackdown, detaining 346 suspects and seizing over 80,000 psychotropic pills and 11 kg of drugs. The coordinated operation across five provinces also uncovered unlicensed firearms, disrupting major drug trafficking networks. This significant action underscores Trkiye's ongoing commitment to combating organised crime and protecting public health.

Saudi security forces apprehended over 19,000 illegal residents in a single week through coordinated campaigns. The detentions included violations of residency, border security, and labor laws, with a significant number already deported. Authorities also arrested individuals attempting to enter or leave the Kingdom illegally and those aiding violators.

Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has debunked a viral social media claim about severe penalties for unpermitted Ramadan gatherings. Authorities clarified that no fines of KD 1,000 or six-month jail terms are in place for organisers. Citizens are urged to rely on official channels for information, as such rumours can cause unnecessary public alarm.