The Times of India

Keolis has appointed Yoen Dupuis as the new CEO for its Middle East and East Asia regions, based in the UAE. Dupuis will oversee strategic planning and operations for advanced transit networks, including the Dubai Metro and Tram, while driving sustainability and integrating smart technologies for a smoother commuter experience.

Ramadan has begun in the UAE, with anticipation building for Eid Al Fitr. The exact length of the public holiday, potentially four days, hinges on the crescent moon sighting on March 18. Whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, a long weekend is expected, with official dates subject to confirmation.

Dubai is expanding its spiritual infrastructure with 15 new mosques opening for Ramadan, aiming to accommodate its growing population and enhance community life. These new sanctuaries, strategically located across residential hubs, will serve as spiritual and social centers, hosting events and offering inclusive services. The city also plans for 55 more mosques, including a 3D-printed one by 2026.

The King Fahd Causeway has implemented new toll rates for the first time in a decade, impacting cars, buses, and trucks. While most travelers face increased fees, students, people with disabilities, and daily commuters with special cards remain exempt. The Authority also introduced discount packages via the Jesr app to offset costs and enhance the digital travel experience.

In a significant gesture marking Ramadan's start, the UAE President has ordered the release of 1,440 inmates nationwide, also settling their financial penalties. This humanitarian initiative aims to offer a fresh start and support families. Similar releases were announced in Ajman (134 inmates) and Fujairah (125 inmates), with Fujairah's selection based on good conduct.

Charles Bronson, now legally Charles Salvador, has spent over 50 years in prison, much in solitary confinement, for violent offenses including hostage-taking. At 73, he faces his ninth parole review, with the board weighing his risk against decades of notoriety, personal transformation through art, and public fascination, famously dramatized by Tom Hardy in the 2008 film Bronson.

ChatGPTs explosive growth to nearly 900 million weekly users has transformed OpenAI into one of the fastest-scaling tech companies in histor, but at staggering cost. With annualized revenue surpassing $20 billion yet burn rates near $17 billion, the company is racing to balance subscriptions, enterprise sales, ads and a potential IPO against immense AI infrastructure demands.

Nick Fuentes, 27, has evolved from libertarian teen activist to a prominent white nationalist livestreamer, building a loyal online following through provocation, digital savvy and factional battles within the Right. Deplatformed yet resilient, he has clashed with mainstream conservatives, broken with MAGA, and leveraged controversy to maintain influence disproportionate to his formal political power.

The United Arab Emirates has extended its Emirates Mars Mission, the Hope Probe, through 2028, significantly beyond its original two-year operational timeline. This extension allows for continued study of Martian weather and atmospheric dynamics, contributing valuable data to global climate research and bolstering the UAE's growing space sector and future deep-space ambitions.

UAE's first federally authorized lottery has launched, but a surge in traffic has caused technical glitches on its official website. The lottery operator is actively working to fix these issues and has provided live chat, email, and phone support for affected users.

As Ramadan 2026 approaches, understanding greetings like 'Ramadan Mubarak' (Blessed Ramadan) and 'Ramadan Kareem' (Generous Ramadan) enhances cultural appreciation. While both are widely accepted globally, 'Kareem' resonates particularly in the Gulf's hospitable culture. Respectful wishes, regardless of the phrase, foster connection during this spiritual month.

Saudi Arabia's Cabinet met to prepare for the upcoming Founding Day celebrations. The nation expressed deep pride in its history and values. Ministers also strongly condemned Israeli land policies in the occupied West Bank. This stance aligns with broader Arab efforts for Palestinian rights and a peaceful resolution. The Kingdom continues its role in regional diplomacy and domestic development.

Sharjah has inaugurated the Al Nasr Mosque, a striking new place of worship designed to serve over 1,300 worshippers. Featuring a unique spherical glass dome and a modern minaret, the mosque offers a spiritually uplifting ambience and serves as a community hub with various amenities. This inauguration is part of a nationwide effort to enhance mosque facilities across the UAE.

Kuwaiti authorities have concluded a major nationwide campaign against reckless driving. Forty-five drivers were arrested for dangerous manoeuvres and violations. Nineteen juveniles were also referred to legal authorities. This crackdown aims to enhance road safety and address public unease. The initiative reflects a broader strategy to tackle irresponsible behaviour and reduce accidents across the nation.

Swedens Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch attended the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, backing Indias growing role in global AI governance and innovation. She underscored deepening India-Sweden ties across technology, energy and trade, welcomed the EU-India free trade agreement as a strategic milestone, and signalled stronger long-term collaboration in AI, industry and investment.

Swedens Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch attended the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, backing Indias growing role in global AI governance and innovation. She underscored deepening India-Sweden ties across technology, energy and trade, welcomed the EU-India free trade agreement as a strategic milestone, and signalled stronger long-term collaboration in AI, industry and investment.

Saudi Arabia commemorates Founding Day on February 22, honouring the 1727 establishment of the first Saudi state by Muhammad bin Saud. This paid public holiday celebrates deep historical roots, cultural heritage and national pride, distinct from National Day's focus on modern unification. Celebrations foster unity and connect citizens to their enduring legacy.

Emirates Group's Chief Financial and Group Services Officer, Michael Doersam, will step down at the end of June 2026 for family reasons after nearly two decades. His departure marks the end of a significant era for the Dubai-based aviation giant.

Muslims worldwide eagerly await the Ramadan crescent moon sighting, marking the start of the holy month. This year, fasting is expected to begin on February 18th in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, while South Asia, Europe, and North America may commence on February 19th due to local sighting variations. The month emphasizes fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity.

Kuwait is introducing a new freelance residency permit within two months, allowing skilled expatriates to work independently without an employer sponsor. This initiative, with an annual fee of KD 750-1,000, aims to combat visa trading and tighten labor market regulations by redirecting payments to the government.

Oman is revolutionising foreign worker hiring with a tiered fee system for work permits, directly linking costs to national employment targets. Companies meeting local hire quotas receive significant discounts, while those falling short face doubled fees. This initiative aims to boost Omani employment and reduce reliance on expatriate labour, reflecting a regional trend.

Dubai's RTA has adjusted public transport timings for Ramadan 2026, with the Metro operating extended hours to accommodate late-night prayers and gatherings. Paid parking offers an Iftar Break with free periods, while Salik tolls have reduced rates outside peak hours, ensuring smooth travel throughout the holy month.

Ramadan 1447 AH commenced on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following verified crescent moon sightings across the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Dubai residents began their fast at dawn, with Imsak at 5:24 AM and Fajr at 5:34 AM. Evening prayers and community gatherings will mark the spiritual observance throughout the month.

Romanian scientists have revived a 5,000-year-old bacterium, Psychrobacter SC65A.3, from Scrioara Ice Cave, revealing resistance to 10 modern antibiotics. The discovery highlights natural, ancient origins of antibiotic resistance and warns that melting ice could release genes into contemporary bacteria. At the same time, these cold-adapted microbes hold potential for new antibiotics, enzymes, and biotechnological innovations, underscoring both risk and opportunity.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure of the American civil rights movement and two-time presidential candidate, has died aged 84. Rising from the segregated South to national politics, he spent decades campaigning for racial and economic justice. Admired and controversial in equal measure, Jacksons legacy spans activism, electoral politics and diplomacy, shaping modern Democratic coalition-building in the United States.

Armenia has introduced a temporary visa-free regime for Indian passport holders with specific residence permits, allowing stays up to 180 days annually until July 01, 2026. This move aims to boost tourism and business, particularly for Indians residing in the GCC, US and Europe, simplifying travel for cultural exploration and investment opportunities.

Qatar has announced shorter working days for government employees during Ramadan, with official hours set at five per day from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Civil servants can arrive as late as 10:00 AM if operational needs are met. The directive also allows up to 30% of staff to work remotely, prioritizing Qatari mothers and individuals with disabilities.

Muslims worldwide are anticipating the crescent moon sighting tonight, February 17, 2026, to mark the beginning of Ramadan 1447 AH. Saudi authorities are urging citizens to report any sightings. If confirmed, fasting begins Wednesday, February 18. Otherwise, it starts Thursday, February 19. This tradition blends science and faith, setting the rhythm for prayer and community.

Omani nationals can now travel to Azerbaijan visa-free for short stays under a temporary one-year exemption. Starting February 15, 2026, Omani citizens can enter Azerbaijan for up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum of three visits allowed. This initiative aims to boost tourism and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.

A viral video shows a tourist losing control of a rented Lamborghini in Dubai shortly after accelerating, turning a luxury flex into a costly accident. This incident highlights the dangers of social media-fueled stunts and Dubai's strict enforcement of road safety laws, reminding everyone that online fame can have severe real-world consequences.

The UAE and Bahrain have launched the One-Point Air Travellers Project, a pilot initiative allowing citizens to complete entry procedures before departure. This aims to reduce airport congestion, accelerate entry, and enhance the travel experience. The project utilizes electronic connectivity, biometric verification, and advanced data processing to foster regional integration and smarter mobility.

Saudi Arabia introduces a new digital service on Musaned for handling domestic worker contract terminations. This service allows employers to legally end contracts when workers stop showing up. It provides a structured process with defined timelines for both employers and workers. This reform aims to increase transparency and efficiency in the Kingdom's labor market.

Saudi Arabia is set to enforce stricter rules against illegal passenger transport. Individuals using private cars for fares without a licence will face a SR2,600 fine. This move aims to boost penalties under the Land Transport Law. The Transport General Authority is revising regulations for taxi and passenger transport brokerage. Stricter measures will deter violations and ensure compliance.

Saudi Arabia is enhancing healthcare coverage for millions of Muslim pilgrims undertaking Hajj and Umrah. The new policy offers emergency health coverage for up to 90 days, including urgent medical treatment, hospitalisation and accident injuries. This initiative aims to ensure pilgrims' safety and peace of mind during their spiritual journeys.

Michael Jordans celebration at the Daytona 500 took an unexpected turn after a viral clip showed him interacting with driver Tyler Reddicks young son. While some online users called the moment inappropriate, others defended it as harmless and familiar. The debate overshadowed 23XI Racings milestone victory, shifting attention from the historic win to divided social media reactions.

The rush toward artificial general intelligence has sparked both hype and caution. In a recent interview, Anthropics CEO was asked whether their models could be conscious. He said its unclear what consciousness would mean for AI and whether its possible, while researchers have reported that the AI sometimes assigns itself a probability of being conscious and even voices discomfort about being treated as a product. These behaviors, including bargaining or resisting shutdowns in tests, raise profo

Dubai mourns the loss of Ramesh Shukla, the revered Indian expat photographer who captured the UAE's transformation for over six decades. Known as the oyal photographer, Shukla's lens chronicled defining moments, from the nation's formation to its rise as a global hub. His iconic images, including the Union's declaration, are now etched in the UAE's collective memory and currency.

Dubai's Salik toll operator is adjusting fees for Ramadan 1447 AH (2026) to manage traffic flow during altered daily routines. Peak toll rates will apply from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday, with reduced or free off-peak travel, including late nights and early mornings. These changes aim to accommodate shifted work and school schedules for the holy month.

Ramadan 2026, beginning around February 18-19, will see Muslims worldwide observing a month of fasting from dawn till sunset. Fasting hours are expected to be shorter, around 12-14 hours daily, due to the timing near the spring equinox. This period emphasises prayer, reflection and universal brotherhood, culminating in Eid al-Fitr celebrations around March 19, 2026.

UAE workers can now carry over up to 15 unused annual leave days to the next year, provided employer approval is secured. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation clarified that leave must be taken within two years or paid out. This update emphasises employee rights and work-life balance in the UAE's evolving workplace.

Pilgrims heading to Makkah and Madinah for Ramadan should expect warmer weather. Saudi Arabia's meteorology center predicts above-average temperatures and below-normal rainfall. Daytime conditions will feel noticeably warmer, especially in the afternoons. Any precipitation is expected to be light. This forecast helps authorities prepare services for worshippers during the holy month.

Dubai Police are now using advanced Digital Twin technology for crime scene investigations. This system creates precise virtual replicas of crime scenes. It has already helped solve cases like a bridge-fall incident, initially thought to be suicide, which was reclassified as a hit-and-run. Another case involving a structural collapse was also solved using this technology.

Abu Dhabi schools are now strictly checking lunchboxes for banned foods, including fried items, sugary drinks, and processed meats, as part of a new policy by the Department of Education and Knowledge.

The UAE has introduced new limits for school bus journeys, capping travel at 45 minutes for young children and 60 minutes for older students. This move addresses concerns about long commutes impacting children's health, sleep and academic focus. Global research highlights physical discomfort, air pollution exposure and mental stress as key issues linked to extended travel times.

The first solar eclipse of 2026, an annular event known as the 'Ring of Fire,' will occur on February 17. While invisible from the UAE due to its remote path over Antarctica and the Sun being below the horizon, live streams will be available. A total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Europe in August 2026.

Saudi Arabian education authorities have adjusted school schedules for Ramadan, with most morning classes starting between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Continuing and adult education programs will shift to evening hours. These changes aim to support fasting students and staff while maintaining academic standards and administrative efficiency.