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UAE and Indonesia unite to treat Gaza patients under Operation Gallant Knight 3
The UAE Floating Hospital, part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, has welcomed its fifth Indonesian medical team to Al-Arish, Egypt. This collaboration strengthens specialized care, including orthopedics and surgery, for Gazan patients. The mission has provided over 12,000 medical services, offering critical aid and hope.
After years of private celebration, Christmas goes public in Saudi Arabia
Christmas in Saudi Arabia has gradually moved from private homes to visible public spaces. Once marked quietly by expatriates, the festive season is now reflected in mall decorations, themed events, and commercial celebrations. Driven by Vision 2030, this shift highlights Saudi Arabias evolving cultural openness while maintaining legal and religious boundaries around public observance.
Cristiano Ronaldo buys two luxury private villas at Saudi Arabias Red Sea Nujuma Island
Cristiano Ronaldo and his wife Georgina Rodriguez have purchased two luxury private villas at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on Saudi Arabias Red Sea. Located on private islands accessible only by boat or seaplane, the villas offer privacy, luxury, and year-round adventure. The couple has been visiting since 2023 and can now enjoy exclusive family retreats in this sustainable, ultra-luxury destination.
Saudi Arabia has drafted a regulation targeting banned and counterfeit pesticides, proposing up to five years in jail and fines of SR10 million. Minor violations may receive warnings and a grace period. The SFDA and Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture will enforce penalties, manage disposal or re-export of materials, and may temporarily or permanently close offending facilities.
Saudi Arabia to see rain across multiple regions through December 31
Saudi Arabia is set to experience rainfall across several regions until 31 December, the National Centre for Meteorology has forecast. The expected showers coincide with a sharp drop in temperatures, signalling the onset of winter. Regions likely to be affected include Makkah, Asir, Al-Baha, Jazan, Madinah, Riyadh, Tabuk, Al-Jouf, the Eastern Province and the Northern Borders. Residents are advised to follow official updates.
Visa-free travel between Oman and Turkiye: Everything you need to know
Oman and Turkiye have officially launched a mutual visa exemption for ordinary passport holders, effective November 1, 2025. This landmark agreement allows Omani citizens to visit Turkiye for up to 90 days and Turkish citizens to enter Oman for up to 30 days per visit, with a 90-day limit in 180 days.
The UAE has no rivers or lakes, yet it somehow supplies water to millions; heres how
Despite having no rivers, the UAE has become a global model for water sustainability through advanced desalination, wastewater recycling, strategic storage, and dam infrastructure. Guided by its Water Security Strategy 2036, the country meets growing demand while also supporting international water aid. The UAEs innovation turns desert scarcity into long-term resilience and global leadership in water management.
UAE weather alert issued for Dec 2529; Rain possible in RAK, Fujairah and Sharjah
The UAE is experiencing a cooler winter vibe this week as a weak low-pressure system brings moderate daytime temperatures and crisper nights. Scattered light to moderate showers are expected, particularly in the islands and Northern Emirates, with fog and mist likely in inland and coastal areas. Mariners should exercise caution as sea conditions are expected to become rough by Sunday.
UAE weather forecast: Humid mornings, fog, and light rain expected from 23rd to 27th December
The UAE will experience humid mornings with chances of fog or mist from Tuesday, 23rd December, to Saturday, 27th December. Skies will be fair to partly cloudy, with clouds over islands and some coastal areas. Light rain is possible on Thursday and Friday. Winds will be light to moderate, and seas slight to moderate, occasionally rough in the Arabian Gulf.
UAE: Sharjah introduces special licence plates for classic vehicles and motorcycles
Sharjah Police has launched a new category of licence plates for classic vehicles and motorcycles across the emirate. Introduced on December 23, the plates follow Sharjahs approved visual identity, blending modern standards with heritage design. Available through Emirates Auction, the initiative offers distinctive, high-quality options while supporting efforts to enhance and modernise traffic services.
Saudi Central Bank slashes banking and payment fees: Heres all you need to know
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has released a new Fees Guide, cutting customer charges across banking and payment services. The guide lowers administrative fees for financing, Mada card transactions, checks, standing orders, and electronic transfers, while reducing or eliminating account document costs. Effective within 60 days, the update promotes fairness, transparency, financial inclusion, and digital banking adoption nationwide.
Saudi Arabia sees rare snowfall after 30 years, desert mountains turn into winter wonderland
For the first time in 30 years, snow has fallen across parts of Saudi Arabia, transforming desert-framed mountains into a winter spectacle. In areas like Tabuk and the Trojena highlands, temperatures dropped to -4C, allowing snow to settle at 2,600 metres. Residents embraced skiing, snowy landscapes, and even camels wandering in white deserts, creating a rare, unforgettable winter scene.
UAE weather: Winter begins, NCM warns of cold nights and occasional rain
Winter officially began in the UAE on December 22, bringing cold nights, mild days, and occasional rainfall. Siberian high-pressure systems cause temperature drops, especially inland and in the mountains, while low-pressure systems bring clouds and rain. Coastal areas remain moderate, and outdoor activities are ideal. Recent storms caused flooding and hail, prompting safety alerts from authorities.
UAE: Dubai launches the regions first integrated RV route
Dubai Municipality has launched the regions first integrated recreational vehicle route, creating a connected network of RV stations, serviced parks, and road trip experiences across mountains, beaches, and deserts. The initiative supports nature-based tourism, enables private-sector participation through regulation and incentives, and positions Dubai as a regional hub for family-friendly, year-round RV travel and sustainable outdoor experiences for local visitors.
Saudi Arabia permits private schools to build on campus student residential facilities
Saudi Arabia has permitted private schools to build on-campus student residential facilities, provided they are separate from the main educational buildings. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has issued detailed regulations covering construction standards, land use, site planning, and minimum area per student. The rules apply to nurseries, kindergartens, schools, and educational complexes across all private education stages.
UAE K-Pop Concert: Chung Ha and Onew to perform free in Dubai; fans urged to arrive early
K-pop enthusiasts in the UAE are in for a treat! South Korean solo stars Chung Ha and SHINee's Onew will perform a free, one-night-only concert at Dubai Festival City Mall on January 3, 2026, as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival. Fans can anticipate captivating performances from these celebrated artists at the iconic Festival Bay.
Oman launches first polymer one-rial banknote, circulation starts from January 2026
Oman has launched its first polymer one-rial banknote, which will start circulating from January 11, 2026. Made from durable polymer, the note features the Oman Botanic Garden on the front and the Sayyid Tariq bin Taimur Cultural Complex with Duqm Port and Refinery on the back. It includes advanced security features and limited collector editions will also be available.
UAE humanitarian highlights 2025: $1.46 billion aid delivered globally
The UAE solidified its global humanitarian leadership in 2025, ranking as the third-largest donor with $1.46 billion in aid. Significant contributions reached Gaza and Sudan, addressing critical needs like healthcare and water. The nation also launched the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative and supported educational projects, demonstrating a deep-rooted commitment to global welfare.
UAE students launch SmartPocket mobile app, offering student savings of up to 20% monthly
Emirati student Naji Faqihi Al Awadhi developed SmartPocket, a mobile platform to help UAE students aged 12-25 manage their finances. Launched in October 2025, it offers verified student discounts from over 20 local brands, aiming to reduce monthly spending by an average of 20%.
US entertainment giant Universal Studios to build multibillion dollar theme park in Saudi Arabia
US based Universal Studios is exploring to build a multibillion-dollar theme park in Saudi Arabia, with plans still in the early concept stage. The park is expected to be part of Qiddiya, the Kingdoms massive entertainment and tourism hub. The move reflects Saudi Arabias growing appeal to global entertainment brands and its push to boost tourism under Vision 2030
Top 5 Christmas markets across the UAE you can visit this season
The UAE's festive season in 2025 is dazzling with elaborate Christmas markets across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From Madinat Jumeirah's iconic tree to Expo City's high-tech Winter City and Habtoor Palace's chic Winter Garden, these destinations offer magical experiences. Global Village also joins with festive cheer, while Abu Dhabi's Galleria boasts an AI elf. These markets promise unforgettable holiday memories.
UAE weather forecast: Cloudy skies, light rain, and fog expected in coastal and western areas
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts partly cloudy skies across the UAE, with low clouds forming over islands and western regions, bringing a chance of light rain. Humidity will rise overnight, raising the likelihood of fog or light mist in coastal and western inland areas. Winds will be light to moderate, and sea conditions are expected to remain calm to moderate.
Saudi Ministry of Interior launches special stamp to celebrate World Arabic Language Day
Saudi Arabias Ministry of Interior, in partnership with the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, has launched a special commemorative stamp to mark World Arabic Language Day on December 18. Available at King Khalid International Airport, Jeddah Islamic Port, and King Fahd Causeway, the stamp celebrates Arabic heritage, offering travelers a symbolic and cultural tribute to the languages significance.
UAE becomes second country to approve gene therapy Itvisma for spinal muscular atrophy
The UAE has become the second country worldwide to approve Itvisma, a gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, for adults and children aged two years and older. The therapy replaces the defective gene causing the disease, improving motor function and reducing long-term treatment needs. The approval reflects the UAEs commitment to rapid access to advanced, life-changing medical innovations.
Starting January 1, 2026, Saudi Arabia will mandate that all domestic worker salaries be paid through official channels, including banks and digital wallets via the Musaned platform. The phased initiative aims to secure wages, ensure timely and transparent payments, reduce cash handling, and simplify procedures for workers and employers, marking a major step in modernizing the domestic worker sector.
U.S. Considers Scaling Back Federal Childhood Vaccine Recommendations
The Trump administration is weighing a significant change to national vaccination policy, potentially reducing the number of childhood vaccines formally recommended by federal health agencies. Instead, parents would be encouraged to consult with doctors to make decisions about most immunizations, according to two people familiar with the discussions. Such a move would mark a departure from the longstanding U.S. system, in which federal authorities set clear guidelines to protect children against infectious diseases. The details remain unsettled, including which vaccines might be affected, but the deliberations reflect President Donald Trumps recent directive to explore a leaner schedule. He has described the United States as an outlier compared with other developed [] U.S. Considers Scaling Back Federal Childhood Vaccine Recommendations
