The Times of India

A sharp diplomatic row has erupted between the United Arab Emirates and Iran. Iran accused the UAE of aggression, a claim the UAE strongly denies. Emirati officials state their actions are purely defensive. The region faces heightened instability due to ongoing Iran vs US-Israel war. The UAE emphasises restraint and diplomacy while protecting its territory and citizens.

Amidst Iran vs US-Israel war travel chaos, the UAE has successfully repatriated nearly 500 Golden Visa holders and residents stranded abroad due to airspace closures. This swift action highlights the nation's robust emergency response and flexible immigration policies, ensuring the safety and well-being of expatriates during geopolitical uncertainty. The initiative underscores the UAE's commitment to its international community.

Dubai has enacted a new law to modernise its Police Academy, aiming to enhance policing through technology and advanced training. The legislation establishes a new governance structure, expands academic programs to include digital transformation and mandates a five-year service commitment for graduates. This initiative reinforces Dubai's commitment to maintaining its status as a global leader in safety and innovation.

Qatar has announced a seven-day Eid Al Fitr holiday for public sector employees, running from March 17 to March 23, 2026. This extended break allows government workers to celebrate the end of Ramadan with family and participate in festivities. The private sector is expected to offer at least three paid leave days, with many aligning with the government's schedule.

Moroccan humanitarian Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi has dedicated over two decades to providing free cleft surgeries for children through Operation Smile. Her leadership has enabled over 19,000 surgeries in Morocco and expanded access to vital medical care across the Middle East and North Africa, transforming countless young lives.

Air India group is adding 62 extra flights to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, boosting India-Gulf connectivity amid regional air route disruptions. This move aims to help thousands of stranded passengers and restore vital travel links for millions of expatriates. The expanded schedule prioritizes key Gulf destinations, offering much-needed relief.

Abu Dhabi emergency teams swiftly contained a fire at an Al Mushrif construction site storing building materials on Saturday evening. The blaze, which posed no immediate casualty reports, prompted authorities to urge the public against spreading unverified information. Investigations into the cause are ongoing, with the incident occurring amidst heightened regional tensions.

Donald Trumps call for Irans unconditional surrender revives a wartime slogan that assumes a state capable of capitulating. Political scientist Francis Fukuyama argues Irans fragmented power structure and ideological foundations make that unlikely. The demand reflects broader uncertainty about Washingtons objectives, exposing the limits of military force and the persistence of geopolitical and civilisational tensions in the postCold War world.

Tensions surge as Iran warns residents to evacuate UAE ports, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, claiming they are used by US forces. This unprecedented threat follows US strikes on Iran's oil hub, escalating fears of a wider regional conflict. The warning highlights the vulnerability of vital economic centers and global energy markets.

UAE residents are embracing new ways to save money amidst rising living costs. Digital budgeting apps, automated savings tools and smart banking platforms are becoming essential. These technologies help track spending and build savings efficiently. Deal and rewards apps also offer savings opportunities. Financial discipline remains key to long-term financial health.

Middle East conflict triggers force majeure declarations from Gulf energy producers like Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. Attacks and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have halted oil and gas exports, causing global price spikes and supply chain concerns amid Iran vs US-Israel war. This legal clause highlights the immediate economic impact of geopolitical instability on energy markets.

Dubai's Global Village will not have its usual Eid Al Fitr fireworks this year. The popular attraction remains closed due to safety precautions. This decision follows country-wide directives restricting fireworks and drone shows. The closure is linked to heightened regional tensions. Authorities are prioritizing safety as the region navigates current geopolitical situations. Visitors should check official channels for updates.

For decades, the art world pondered the identity of Banksy, the anonymous street artist. Patient reporting, tracing clues from Bristol to Ukraine and a New York police file, revealed Robin Gunningham as the likely individual behind the iconic stencils. This discovery, while dismantling a myth, underscores the power of anonymity in art.

The UAE Cyber Security Council has issued a critical alert regarding the escalating threat of wiper malware, a destructive software designed to permanently delete data and cripple systems. Residents and organizations are urged to bolster digital safety practices, as this advanced threat targets both individuals and businesses, emphasizing the need for robust backups and vigilance against sophisticated cyber warfare tactics.

A Filipino domestic worker has been arrested in Saudi Arabia's Madinah region, accused of fatally stabbing a child in his home. Security patrols apprehended the suspect shortly after the alleged attack. The case has now been transferred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation and legal proceedings, as confirmed by Saudi Arabia's Public Security.

Amidst escalating Iran vs US-Israel war, Standard Chartered clarified reports of a Dubai office evacuation, stating it extended existing work-from-home measures as a precaution. The bank emphasised its regional operations remain active. This comes as other financial institutions also implement safety protocols, highlighting Dubai's crucial role as a financial hub facing geopolitical risks.

The US is significantly expanding its military presence in the Middle East, deploying thousands of Marines and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli amid escalating tensions with Iran. This move aims to deter further Iranian aggression, protect vital shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz and provide the US with greater response options in the rapidly widening regional conflict.

A 1,900-year-old Roman glass bottle from Turkey has yielded direct chemical proof of ancient physicians using human feces as medicine. Scientists identified human excrement mixed with thyme oil, matching descriptions by the famed physician Galen. This discovery confirms ancient medical texts and offers a rare glimpse into Roman healing practices, highlighting the surprising remedies once considered legitimate.

Alkmaar, Netherlands, revives a centuries-old cheese trading ritual every summer Friday. Dressed in white, guild members perform a synchronized trot, transporting heavy cheese wheels. This historic market, dating back to 1365, showcases traditional hand-clap bargaining and weighing, offering a vibrant glimpse into the nation's rich dairy heritage and past commercial prowess.

Dubai Festival City Mall is hosting a Ramadan Super Sale with discounts up to 90% until March 15. This event, part of Dubai's wider retail strategy, aims to boost spending ahead of Eid Al Fitr. Shoppers are flocking to the mall for fashion, lifestyle and entertainment deals, transforming it into a busy retail hotspot.

Amid escalating Middle East conflict, CISCE has cancelled Class 10 (ICSE) and Class 12 (ISC) board exams in the UAE due to security concerns. This decision impacts thousands of Indian students, following consultations with local authorities and diplomatic missions. Alternative assessment methods are likely, prioritising student safety during this uncertain period.

Thousands of expatriates stranded abroad can now return to the UAE without new permits as their residency visas expired. This temporary measure, valid until March 31, 2026, waives fines for those affected by flight disruptions and regional tensions. Residents must regularise their status upon arrival, easing burdens and reuniting families.

An Iranian drone strike reportedly targeted fuel storage facilities near Bahrain International Airport, igniting a large blaze and highlighting the growing threat to critical civilian infrastructure in the Gulf. This incident, occurring amid escalating Iran vs US-Israel conflict, underscores the region's vulnerability to drone warfare and its potential impact on global energy markets and trade.

Dubai faced a tense moment as debris from intercepted aerial threats struck a building on Sheikh Zayed Road, underscoring the escalating Iran vs US-Israel conflict's impact on Gulf states. UAE air defences successfully neutralised numerous missiles and drones, preventing direct hits, yet fragments caused minor damage, highlighting the unpredictable risks of modern warfare.

Despite escalating Iran vs US-Israel war, HSBC reaffirms strong confidence in GCC economies, signalling global banks are not retreating. The region's diversified economies, fiscal strength and strategic location continue to attract capital, even as markets grapple with conflict-driven volatility and energy price surges. Financial hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expanding, underscoring long-term appeal.

UAE hotels are assuring travellers of stable prices and support amidst regional air travel disruptions. Prioritising guest safety and flexible bookings, the hospitality sector is working with authorities to aid stranded passengers. While tourism faces a shock, hotels are promoting staycations and the UAE remains committed to its reputation as a safe haven.

A travel influencer's viral video documents a lengthy desert journey from Doha to Riyadh by land due to flight disruptions caused by the Iran vs US-Israel war. The experience highlights how travellers are improvising escape routes, with many opting for overland travel to reach operational airports amidst widespread airspace closures and flight suspensions across the Gulf.

Kenyan authorities apprehended a Chinese national at Nairobi's international airport. He was found with over 2,000 live queen ants hidden in his luggage. The insects were carefully packed to survive the journey. This discovery highlights a growing trade in rare insects. Officials are investigating potential links to a larger trafficking network.

A British tourist has been arrested in Dubai after allegedly filming missiles during escalating regional tensions linked to the IranUnited States conflict. The 60-year-old Londoner is among 21 people charged under UAE Cybercrime Law, which criminalises sharing sensitive security footage online. Campaigners warn strict laws mean routine social media activity can trigger serious legal consequences.

An employment tribunal ruled that Sainsburys unfairly treated long-serving manager Darren Cooper after he was excluded from a social media post celebrating male leaders while on anxiety-related sick leave. The tribunal found the omission linked to his disability and awarded 11,852 compensation. However, claims of direct disability discrimination and unfair dismissal against the retailer were rejected by the panel.

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.

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.

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.