UAE sets clear rules for safe and respectful vehicle celebrations on Union Day
As the UAE prepares for its 54th Union Day, the Ministry of Interior has issued guidelines for safe vehicle celebrations. Only Union Day stickers and the UAE flag are allowed on vehicles, while unsafe or disruptive behaviors like stunts, loud music, or unauthorized modifications are prohibited. Authorities stress respectful flag display, public safety, and cooperation with traffic officers to ensure joyful, hazard-free festivities.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Net worth and lavish lifestyle
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with an estimated net worth of $525 billion, wields immense political and economic power. Known for lavish purchases like a $500 million yacht and da Vincis Salvator Mundi, he blends personal wealth with state influence. His reforms, luxury lifestyle, and control over the Public Investment Fund highlight his global impact and controversial prominence.
UAE unveils United theme for 54th Eid Al Etihad celebration with nationwide and online screenings
The UAE has unveiled the United theme for its 54th Eid Al Etihad celebration, inviting all residents to join nationwide and online screenings. Taking place across all seven emirates, the festivities aim to foster connection, pride, and belonging among the countrys 200 plus nationalities. Events include public broadcasts, community activities, and interactive guides for families, ensuring everyone can participate.
Kuwaiti authorities to revoke citizenship of prominent islamic Preacher
Kuwaiti authorities are set to revoke the citizenship of a prominent Islamic preacher, known for his media presence and cultural engagements, as part of efforts to safeguard the national identity system. The decision follows uniform legal standards applied to all similar cases. Formal procedures are underway, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, while the preachers identity and family details remain undisclosed.
Akasa Air cancels India-Gulf flights amid volcanic ash disruption
Akasa Air cancelled all flights to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi on 2425 November 2025 due to a volcanic ash plume from Ethiopias Hauli Gubbi eruption, which reached 45,000 feet and affected key India-Gulf flight paths. IndiGo also suspended or diverted Gulf flights. Airlines closely monitor conditions, prioritising passenger safety, offering refunds or rebooking, and coordinating with aviation authorities to resume operations safely.
Meet Jeet Karmakar: the Indian engineer helping young players get discovered through data
StepOut, co-founded by engineer-turned-entrepreneur Jeet Karmakar, is using AI and machine learning to transform youth sports. By analyzing match videos, the platform delivers professional-grade performance insights to players, coaches, and clubs. Speaking to ANI at the UAE-India Startup Series, Jeet highlighted how StepOut helps grassroots talent improve, get noticed, and bridge the gap to elite-level scouting.
Unsung architects of the UAE: The leaders who forged a nation
The UAEs formation and rapid transformation owe much to its founding rulers. Visionaries like Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Rashid, and their fellow leaders united seven emirates, laying foundations for governance, infrastructure, and social development. Beyond their leadership, countless workers and citizens turned ambition into reality. Their combined efforts created the modern UAE, a nation defined by foresight, unity, and enduring legacy.
Saudi Arabia: How to check your Ahlyah Social Security Number to access benefits
Saudi Arabia's Developed Social Security program, funded by Zakat, offers financial aid and empowerment for long-term independence. Introduced in 2022, it aims to lift recipients out of poverty and integrate them into the economy. Beneficiaries can check their monthly eligibility status on the HRSD platform, with payments disbursed on the first day of each Gregorian month.
Planning a UAE National Day trip? Heres why the 30 day Tourist Visa is ideal
Experience the UAEs National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, through vibrant celebrations, cultural events, and grand parades that showcase the nations unity, heritage, and progress. For tourists, the 30-day tourist visa offers an ideal way to explore multiple emirates, enjoy festivities, and immerse in Emirati culture, making the holiday an unforgettable experience for visitors.
What is Naa Island and why Indian-origin billionaire Lakshmi Mittal is shifting there from the UK?
Steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal is shifting his primary residence from the UK to Dubai and Switzerland, driven by the UK's impending wealth and inheritance tax reforms. He has acquired property on Dubai's exclusive Naa Island, a move reflecting a broader trend of high-net-worth individuals seeking tax certainty and asset protection.
Oman to test Laila, a pilotless hybrid electric VTOL aircraft
Oman will host the worlds first Operational Launch Programme for Laila, a hybrid-electric, fully autonomous VTOL aircraft developed by Odys Aviation. Capable of 725km range and 60kg payload, Laila will undergo comprehensive testing across Omans deserts, mountains, and coasts, supporting logistics, medical transport, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and advancing next-generation Advanced Air Mobility
Oman establishes association to protect expats and crack down on illegal recruitment agencies
Oman has launched a new industry body, the Association of Expatriate Worker Recruitment Offices, to modernize its labor market and regulate foreign worker hiring. This move aims to strengthen governance, ensure fair practices, and eliminate chaos from unlicensed operators, promoting transparency and ethical compliance across the recruitment sector.
Dubai launches My School Food with AI chatbot Ghalia to boost nutrition for 400,000 students
Dubai is revolutionizing student nutrition with its My School Food digital platform, targeting over 400,000 students. This initiative, featuring an AI chatbot and e-learning, enforces strict, color-coded food guidelines to combat childhood health issues. The program aims to foster healthy eating habits and ensure safer, more nutritious meals across all educational institutions by the 2025-2026 academic year.
Saudi Arabia quietly lets expats buy alcohol in Riyadh stores
Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded access to alcohol, allowing non-Muslim expats to purchase it in Riyadh stores that were previously limited to diplomats. The move aligns with Vision 2030s goal to boost tourism and diversify the economy. Historically restricted, alcohol sales remain tightly controlled, but this change signals cautious openness toward expatriates while maintaining the kingdoms conservative regulations.
Kuwait clarifies 5 cases for switching Visit Visa to Residency Permit: All you need to know
Kuwait allows visitors to convert visit visas to residency permits under five scenarios: government-related assignments, domestic worker employment, joining immediate family, resuming work visa processes after short departures, and exceptional cases approved by authorities. These measures, under Article 16, aim to facilitate legal long-term stays while maintaining strict immigration controls and supporting family, work, and government-related needs.
Oman makes history with launch of first national communications satellite, OmanSat-1
Oman is set to launch its first communications satellite, OmanSat-1, in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space, marking a major step in digital sovereignty and space capabilities. The satellite will expand secure communications across Oman and the region, support critical sectors, and develop local expertise, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 to drive technological independence and a knowledge-based economy.
UAE launches $1 billion AI for Development initiative to growth in African countries
The UAE has launched a $1 billion AI for Development initiative to support African nations in economic, social, and infrastructural growth. Led by ADEX and the UAE Foreign Aid Agency, the program integrates AI into education, agriculture, and infrastructure, promoting innovation, sustainable development, and global cooperation, reinforcing the UAEs position as a technological and humanitarian leader.
RTA announces extended metro hours and road closures for Dubai Run 2025 today
Dubai is set for Dubai Run 2025, with thousands expected to participate. To ensure smooth travel, the RTA will extend Metro services from 3:00am to midnight and close key roads from 3:00am to 10:00am. Alternative routes are suggested, and temporary Salik toll rates will apply. Participants should use World Trade Centre Metro Station and ensure sufficient nol card balance for hassle-free travel.
Oman to unveil RO1.4 billion in national projects marking 55th National Day
Oman is set to inaugurate a nationwide portfolio of development projects worth about RO1.4 billion as part of National Day celebrations. The programme spans major industrial ventures, upgraded water and road networks, and new referral hospitals and laboratories, advancing infrastructure, food security, and public services under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Saudi Arabia to permit foreign property ownership from 2026: Heres what you can buy
Saudi Arabia is opening its real estate market to foreigners from January 2026, allowing property ownership and investment. This move, part of Vision 2030, aims to attract global wealth, boost market quality, and create jobs.
Dubai Police Search & Rescue teams completed over 5,200 missions in the first 10 months of 2025, significantly reducing land-incident response times to an average of 5.8 minutes. This achievement, driven by smart technology and upgraded readiness, surpasses strategic targets and highlights the force's commitment to rapid emergency response.
Dubai's Crown Prince has launched the Erth Dubai Award, a significant initiative to collect and preserve the personal stories and cultural heritage that have shaped the Emirate. This program aims to strengthen Dubai's collective memory by capturing lived experiences, family archives, and oral traditions from residents and institutions, ensuring this living history is preserved for future generations.
Abu Dhabi truck ban starts Dec 1; key road closures and reroutes explained
Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre has imposed strict heavy vehicle restrictions during peak hours to combat congestion and enhance safety. Freight trucks and construction equipment face o-entry times on major roads and entry points. Operators must obtain permits and use digital tracking via the Asateel platform for compliance.

