Dubais Diwali 2025 shopping scene is packed with gold giveaways, festive discounts, and high-value raffles across jewellery stores, textile markets, and malls citywide. From winning up to AED150,000 in vouchers to scoring free gold coins and fashion deals, the Festival of Lights brings unbeatable offers. Participating outlets span Deira, Karama, Meena Bazaar, and major mallscheck VisitDubai.com for full updates.

University students in the UAE can now access Google Gemini Pro for free for one year, a cutting-edge AI platform designed to enhance learning and research. This initiative, part of the UAE's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, empowers students with advanced tools like Gemini 2.5 Pro and NotebookLM. Registration is open until December 9, 2025, requiring verification through SheerID.

Qatar's new Law No. 25 of 2025 introduces significant reforms for government employees, effective January 1, 2026. Key changes include an annual QAR 12,000 marriage allowance for Qatari couples, performance-based salary raises up to 150% of grade allowance, and enhanced family benefits like increased emergency leave and extended maternity leave.

Dubai's Diwali 2025 celebrations run from October 17 to 25, featuring dazzling fireworks at Al Seef and Global Village, a cultural Noor Festival, and vibrant events at Global Village's Diwali Mela. With live shows, food, shopping, and family fun, the city embraces the Festival of Lights with tradition, spectacle, and community spirit across multiple days and iconic locations.

Initially criticized as monstrous and useless, the Eiffel Tower's survival was secured by its creator, Gustave Eiffel. He transformed the structure into a hub for scientific research and radio transmissions, proving its practical value. These vital scientific uses led to a 70-year permit extension, saving the iconic landmark from demolition.

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone star in Abu Dhabi Tourisms latest promotional video, which has quickly gained attention for its stunning visuals of Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The video marks their first joint campaign for the emirate, engaging Indian travelers by showcasing Abu Dhabis rich culture, family-friendly sites, and warm hospitality.

On October 7, 2025, the UAE will witness the rare Hunter Supermoon, appearing 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. From deserts to mountains and beaches, prime viewing spots across the country offer stunning experiences. Organized events and natural locations provide opportunities to enjoy this spectacular celestial event in clear, dark skies under expert guidance.

Egypt's former Tourism Minister, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, is poised to make history as the first Arab candidate nominated for UNESCO Director-General. His strong nomination by the Executive Board now awaits a final vote from member states in November. El-Enany, an Egyptologist and heritage expert, aims to champion global heritage and intercultural understanding.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has issued a royal directive opening Masjid Al-Qiblatain in Madinah 24 hours a day, effective October 6, 2025. This landmark decision ensures continuous access for Muslims to pray and reflect at the historic mosque, highlighting the Kingdom's commitment to spiritual devotion and accessibility for all.

Emirates has launched a state-of-the-art, $8 million Hospitality Training Centre in Dubai to elevate cabin crew service to Michelin-inspired standards. Designed to train over 10,000 crew by year-end, the facility features fine dining simulations, wine training, and immersive service courses. It reflects Emirates commitment to delivering world-class luxury and personalized experiences to passengers worldwide.

Saudi Arabia now allows Muslims with any valid visa type to perform Umrah, expanding access under Vision 2030. This move simplifies pilgrimage procedures and supports religious tourism. Alongside, the new Nusuk Umrah digital platform offers instant permits, customizable packages, and easy booking, making the Umrah journey more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly for pilgrims worldwide.

Saudi Arabia launched a new Unified Employment Contract on October 6, 2025, to prioritize workers' rights and ensure fair employment. This digital, standardized agreement enhances transparency regarding wages and obligations, reducing workplace disputes and fostering a more secure environment for all employees.

In July 2025, an old video of King Mswati IIIs arrival in Abu Dhabi went viral, showing him with 15 wives, 30 children, and over 100 attendants. The extravagant royal entourage, clad in traditional attire, sparked global attention and criticism, highlighting the stark contrast between the kings wealth and the fact that nearly 60% of Eswatinis population lives below the poverty line.

Wizz Air is bringing back its Abu Dhabi to Larnaca route starting November 15, 2025. Flights will run four times weekly, with fares beginning at approximately AED 100. This offers UAE travelers a budget-friendly option for European getaways. Travelers can opt for basic fares or upgrade for more amenities. This move provides accessible and economical travel to the Mediterranean.

Iran is set to remove four zeros from its national currency, the rial, in a major redenomination effort. This move aims to tackle years of high inflation and a severely depreciated currency, simplifying transactions and restoring public confidence. The reform aligns with local practice and will allow a three-year transition period for both old and new rials to circulate.

Marcus Fakana, a 19-year-old British teen who was jailed in Dubai for having a sexual relationship with a minor, has died in a car crash in London just three months after his release. Fakana had received a royal pardon in July 2025. The crash followed a police pursuit, and another man has been charged with causing his death.

At the Italian Tech Week, investor Bernard Liautaud warned that Europes heavy reliance on Elon Musks SpaceX threatens its technological sovereignty and security. He urged governments to boost investment in domestic space and defence innovation to reduce dependence on US firms. With SpaceX and Blue Origin dominating, experts say Europe must act swiftly to secure its place in the global space race.

Starting January 1, 2026, the UAE will replace its flat 50% soft drink tax with a tiered system based on sugar content per 100ml. This aims to promote healthier choices, making high-sugar drinks pricier and potentially lowering costs for low or zero-sugar alternatives. Consumers and businesses must prepare for these significant price and registration changes.

The UAE Cybersecurity Council launched the Nebras Contest on October 6, 2025, inviting children and youth up to 16 to promote digital safety through creative video clips. Offering Dh30,000 in prizes, this initiative aims to empower young minds, enhance digital skills, and build a nationwide culture of cybersecurity awareness, addressing the prevalence of social engineering in cyberattacks.

Dubai has issued Law No. (14) of 2025 to regulate engineering consultancy activities across the emirate. The law mandates licensing, classification, and registration through Dubai Municipality, establishes a permanent regulatory committee, and introduces strict penalties for violations. It aims to enhance sector standards, attract global firms, and align practices with international benchmarks to support Dubais economic and urban growth.

Riyadh Season 2025 officially kicks off on Friday, October 10, with a spectacular grand parade and six immersive entertainment zones. Featuring global stars, major sporting events like Six Kings Slam, and music festivals, the season promises diverse cultural experiences and thrilling adventures. Tickets start at SAR 25, offering fun for all ages.

The UAE's Federal Tax Authority reported record corporate tax filings, with over 640,000 businesses registered, marking a significant milestone for its new tax regime. High compliance was driven by extended deadlines, penalty waivers, and extensive awareness campaigns. Businesses must now ensure ongoing compliance, timely filings, and accurate record-keeping to avoid future penalties.

The Zayed Charity Run arrives in Rio de Janeiro on October 5, 2025, marking its first South American stop. This global event combines fitness, culture, and philanthropy, with proceeds directly supporting local Rio charities focused on vulnerable children, women, and families. Featuring 5km and 10km races, it promotes unity and humanitarian impact.

Dubai Police have dismantled a drug trafficking network operating from a residential villa, arresting two Asian nationals and seizing 40kg of narcotics including ketamine, crystal meth, marijuana, and hashish oil. The operation was directed by a gang leader abroad. Using advanced technology and intelligence, authorities continue targeting drug networks and urge the public to report suspicious activities via 901 or the Police Eye app.

Kuwait and Bahrain have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to significantly enhance healthcare development, medical training, and expertise exchange. This collaboration aims to provide residents with faster access to medical services, improved hospital infrastructure, and highly skilled medical staff. The partnership also strengthens regional health security and emergency preparedness for future health challenges.

Dubais Roads and Transport Authority, partnering with Majid Al Futtaim Properties, has opened a new 300-metre bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road, cutting travel time from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali to Mall of the Emirates from 10 minutes to 1. The project includes major road, pedestrian, and cycling upgrades, supporting the malls Dh5 billion expansion and improving traffic flow and safety.

The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority partnered with the GermanEmirati Joint Council to attract German businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups to Dubai. This collaboration offers dedicated support, fast-track registration, and innovation platforms in sectors like Industry 4.0 and digital trade, aiming to boost bilateral economic ties and align with Dubai's D33 agenda.

Starting October 1, 2025, Flydubai will allow passengers to carry only one power bank with a capacity of 100Wh or less in hand baggage. Use of power banks onboard is banned, and they must be stored under the seat or in the seat pocketnot in overhead lockers or checked luggage. These rules align with Emirates safety measures to reduce lithium battery risks during flights.

Saudi Arabia has enforced new housing support regulations, introducing strict eligibility rules, a points-based priority system, and repayment terms. The framework targets low-income and special-needs groups, with clear guidelines on residency, ownership, and financial limits. Oversight includes data accuracy requirements, penalties for misinformation, and a formal appeals process, aligning with Vision 2030 goals for equitable housing access

Sharjah Police launched a stark awareness video, Don't Be The Next Number, highlighting 267 distracted driving accidents this year. The campaign warns that even brief phone use behind the wheel can cause tragedy, urging drivers to put phones away. This initiative is part of a wider UAE effort to curb a leading cause of road fatalities.

Between October and December 2025, UAE residents will witness three spectacular supermoonsthe Hunters, Beaver, and Cold Moonseach appearing larger and brighter due to their close proximity to Earth. Alongside, three major meteor showersthe Orionids, Leonids, and Geminidswill illuminate the skies, offering breathtaking celestial displays visible without telescopes from clear, dark locations across the Emirates.

Riyadh has launched a major municipal reform, abolishing 16 local offices and restructuring city management into five geographic sectors. Central to the plan are new Madiniti service hubs, designed to provide seamless, resident-focused municipal services. This comprehensive transformation aims to improve efficiency, enhance service quality, and support Riyadhs rapid growth and global ambitions under Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf.

In a directive by Dubais Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, over 200 exceptional educators have been awarded the UAE Golden Visa to mark World Teachers Day. The initiative highlights Dubais commitment to educational excellence and supports its E33 strategy to attract top teaching talent, recognising educators as key contributors to the emirates future and global standing.

Dubai Police have alerted the public about a significant increase in fraudulent online advertisements offering lucrative part-time job opportunities. These scams exploit job seekers, often involving them in illegal activities like money laundering. Authorities advise verifying recruiters, avoiding sharing sensitive personal details, and reporting suspicious ads to safeguard individuals and the wider community from financial crime.

The UAE Football Association (UAEFA) is providing five private jets to transport Emirati fans to Doha for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Oman and Qatar. Supported by Ajmans royal family and backed by the Dream of a Nation campaign, these efforts aim to boost team morale and ensure strong fan presence, marking a vital push in the UAEs quest to reach the World Cup.

Expo City Dubai is buzzing as 'UAE Loves Iraq 2025' kicks off, transforming the venue into a hub of Iraqi culture and heritage. This flagship festival, held on October 4, 2025, celebrates Iraqi arts, music, cuisine, and crafts, fostering stronger cultural and social bonds between the UAE and Iraq.

Indias new e-Arrival Card is now mandatory for all non-Indian nationals entering the country, including UAE travellers. Effective October 1, the digital form must be submitted 72 to 24 hours before departure. Emirates had issued an advance notice on September 30. The move streamlines immigration, eliminates paper forms, and speeds up arrivals, starting with Delhi Airport.

Egypt blames Ethiopia for severe Nile flooding in Beheira and Menoufia provinces, attributing rising water levels to mismanagement of the newly inaugurated Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Ethiopia denies responsibility, claiming the dam mitigated flooding in Sudan. Egypt, forced to release water from the Aswan Dam, accuses Ethiopia of violating international agreements, escalating tensions over Nile water rights.

Sharjah's RTA has announced a temporary closure of the King Faisal Street exit to Al Wahda Street, heading to Dubai, from October 3 to 11, 2025. This crucial road improvement project aims to ease congestion.

Gulf Air will resume direct flights between Bahrain and New York (JFK) on October 1, 2025, operating three weekly services with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This marks the airline's first U.S. route since the 1990s, aiming to boost tourism and business ties.