The Times of India News

Saudi Arabia is attempting one of the most ambitious environmental transformations ever undertaken in an arid country. Through the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom is planting billions of trees, restoring degraded land, expanding protected areas and rebuilding water systems, grounding its climate goals in science, long-term planning and economic diversification as it prepares for a future beyond oil.

Dubai Civil Defence has unveiled a modern institutional identity, featuring a redesigned logo, updated uniforms, and the slogan Safeguarding Lives and Property. The refreshed look reflects the Commands mission, heritage, and future ambitions, combining symbolism, national pride, and contemporary design. The update strengthens visual communication, reinforces institutional presence, and aligns with Dubais vision to be the safest and most secure city.

Starting January 1, 2026, Saudi Arabia will implement a four-tier excise tax on sweetened beverages based on sugar content, replacing the previous flat 50 percent levy. Drinks with higher sugar levels will face steeper taxes, while low or zero-sugar options will cost less. The move aims to reduce sugar consumption, encourage healthier choices, and align with GCC public health initiatives.

From 1 January 2026, the UAE will enforce a Dh6,000 minimum wage for Emirati employees in the private sector. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will tie compliance to work permit processing, notifying employers through its smart app. Salaries below the threshold by 30 June 2026 will trigger enforcement measures, including exclusion from Emiratisation quotas and restrictions on new permits.

Saudi Arabia's economy is transforming, impacting daily finances for everyone. Consumer prices are changing, especially housing costs in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. While inflation is modest, rising rents are straining budgets, particularly for expatriates. Families are adjusting spending habits to manage household expenses. This economic shift presents both opportunities and challenges for residents.

Kuwait has introduced new residency rules capping expat stays abroad at six months, aiming to manage its population. However, long-term visas for investors and property owners offer extended stays. Stricter rules apply to domestic workers, with new fees and penalties for overstays. The nation is also digitizing immigration services and cracking down on visa trading.

A 17-year-old boy in the Netherlands temporarily lost the ability to speak his native Dutch after waking from knee surgery, communicating only in English. Doctors diagnosed the rare condition as foreign language syndrome, a poorly understood phenomenon sometimes linked to anaesthesia. The episode resolved on its own within days, adding to a very small number of documented cases worldwide.

Dubai is gearing up for a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration, headlined by a record-breaking show at the Burj Khalifa. With multiple viewing locations and extensive road closures, the RTA advises early arrival and recommends using the Dubai Metro and shuttle buses for access to the main events.

The UAE has introduced a new federal decree law to unify and elevate its higher education and scientific research sectors. This legislation mandates rigorous licensing, accreditation, and governance standards for all institutions, ensuring academic quality and aligning programs with labor market needs and national development goals. The law also strengthens scientific research and introduces penalties for non-compliance.

Discover how to secure high-paying remote jobs in Dubai, with salaries exceeding AED 20,000 monthly, without needing to be physically present daily. This guide highlights six legitimate platforms actively welcoming global talent to tap into the UAE's thriving job market. Explore opportunities for long-term settlement and international exposure.

Archaeologists excavating an extension to Rostocks town hall uncovered a rare medieval curse tablet hidden beneath a latrine. Carefully inscribed on rolled lead, the 15th-century text invokes demonic forces against two named individuals. With no known medieval parallels, the find offers a striking glimpse into private belief, fear and conflict in the Middle Ages.

Kumail Nanjiani has addressed an internet rumour claiming he was having an affair with Michelle Obama, calling it absurd and false. Speaking on the So True podcast, he said the claim even reached his wife, Emily V. Gordon, despite the fact he has never met Obama. Nanjiani treated the episode with humour while firmly shutting it down.

Bahrains Golden Residency reflects the Gulfs wider shift toward long-term settlement, offering a 10-year renewable visa focused on affordability, work freedom and livability. Positioned alongside UAE and Saudi reforms, Bahrain stands out for lower entry thresholds, tax-free income, strong expat integration and a business-friendly environment, making it a practical option for investors, professionals, families and retirees seeking stable Gulf residence.

Dubai's property market is entering a mature phase with rents expected to rise 6% in 2026 due to population growth. While prime areas like Marina will see steeper increases, expats can find value in emerging hubs like Dubai South and JVC. Savvy renters should leverage RERA's new AI-powered index for fair negotiations.

The UAE's GCAA is hosting a major aviation career fair in Dubai on January 21-22, 2026, connecting job seekers with airlines, airports, and aerospace firms. This event offers direct access to recruiters for roles in cabin crew, pilots, engineering, and more, streamlining the job search process for aspiring aviation professionals.

Saudi Arabia has suspended an Umrah company and its overseas agent after pilgrims arrived without the accommodation promised in approved contracts. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the violation breached regulations governing services at the Two Holy Mosques. The move reflects tighter enforcement as Umrah numbers surge and visa approvals become increasingly tied to verified bookings through official platforms.

Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared a heartwarming desert experience with his children, Sheikha and Rashid, at Dubai's Ghamran Camp. The technology-free zone fostered traditional Emirati activities, emphasizing heritage skills and family bonding. This visit highlights the importance of preserving cultural identity for future generations.

Cristiano Ronaldo, at 40, was named Best Middle East Player for the third consecutive year at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai. His move to Al-Nassr has significantly boosted the Saudi Pro League's global profile, with the Portuguese icon scoring over 100 goals and inspiring a Ronaldo Effect in the region.

Kuwait has launched a significant immigration overhaul, introducing e-services for visa and residency renewals, transfers, and new tiered residency options. A key highlight is a 15-year residency for foreign investors. These reforms aim to streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance Kuwait's appeal for talent and investment, benefiting expatriate workers and families.

Lucky Day Draw No. 251227 on December 27 saw winning numbers 1, 28, 6, 7, 29, 27 for Days and 9 for Month. The Dh30 million and Dh5 million prizes rolled over to 2026. Three participants won Dh100,000 each in the Lucky Chance raffle, with thousands more securing smaller prizes. The lottery now holds weekly Saturday draws.

A Dubai resident's heartwarming gesture of a 500 AED Christmas tip to a delivery worker who doesn't celebrate the holiday has gone viral. The man's shocked and grateful reaction resonated globally, highlighting the impact of kindness and respect during the festive season.

A new hypothesis from Columbia University astrophysicist David Kipping suggests humanitys first sign of alien life wont be a greeting, but evidence of collapse. Drawing on astronomys detection bias, he argues were most likely to notice civilisations at their loudest and most unstable moments, not at their peak, a bleak twist on decades of first-contact expectations.

The UAE-India aviation corridor is set for a significant expansion with new airlines, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, and the operational Navi Mumbai International Airport. Increased flight options and competitive pricing are expected as airlines add capacity and introduce new routes, benefiting millions of travelers.

UAE residents face significant changes from January 1, 2026, with an expanded single-use plastic ban, new Friday prayer and school timings, stricter income tax refund rules, a social media influencer permit deadline, and a tiered sugar tax on beverages. These egulatory resets aim for a greener, more efficient nation, but demand strict compliance to avoid penalties.

For decades, knuckle cracking has been blamed for arthritis and joint damage. Scientists now say the sound comes from gas cavities forming inside synovial fluid, not bones or cartilage. MRI studies and long-term experiments, including a 50-year self-study, show no evidence that habitual knuckle cracking causes arthritis or enlarges joints.