During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours across both the public and private sectors are traditionally reduced to accommodate the spiritual needs of those fasting. For the federal government, the standard schedule shifts to a four-and-a-half-day work week, with employees typically on duty from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM from Monday to Thursday, and […]
In a significant update effective February 2, 2026, the Indian government has simplified customs regulations under the Baggage Rules, 2026, primarily by scrapping the long-standing value-based caps on gold jewellery. For years, UAE expats were restricted by both weight and a rupee limit (₹50,000 for men and ₹1,00,000 for women), which had become increasingly difficult […]
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has officially approved a Dh500 million ($136 million) masterplan to redevelop Umm Suqeim Beach. The project aims to turn the 3.1-kilometre stretch—located between the Burj Al Arab and Kite Beach—into one of the world’s most advanced and sustainable urban beach destinations. Spanning approximately […]
The launch of Dubai+ marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s digital media landscape. Approved by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on January 28, 2026, the platform is designed to be a comprehensive digital media ecosystem. It serves as a free, family-focused destination that brings together local, Arab, and international series and […]
In a historic leap for regional transportation, Etihad Rail has successfully completed the first-ever magnetic levitation (maglev) rail trials in the Middle East. Conducted at the Al Faya Depot in Abu Dhabi in late January 2026, the test utilized cutting-edge “passive levitation” technology developed in partnership with the Italian engineering firm IronLev. Unlike traditional trains […]
India celebrated its 77th Republic Day at New Delhi’s Kartavya Path today, January 26, 2026, marking the event with a powerful display of “Aatmanirbhar” (self-reliant) military technology and a vibrant tribute to 150 years of the national song, Vande Mataram. The parade was uniquely distinguished by the presence of two Chief Guests from the European […]
The Ajman Transport Authority (ATA) has officially launched an ambitious roadmap for the Year of Community, rolling out 260 distinct initiatives designed to revolutionize the emirate’s transit landscape. This massive undertaking focuses on enhancing the daily lives of residents by integrating smarter technology, expanding public reach, and fostering a culture of safety and inclusion. By […]
As of today, January 19, 2026, the UAE Council for Fatwa has officially confirmed the sighting of the Shaaban crescent, marking a significant milestone in the Islamic calendar. This announcement signals that Tuesday, January 20, 2026, will be the first day of Shaaban 1447 AH, the eighth month of the Hijri year and the final […]
The expansion project is a strategic response to the surging passenger demand in Downtown Dubai, which often sees massive bottlenecks during New Year’s Eve, public holidays, and major shopping events. Under the new agreement, the station’s total area will grow from 6,700 to 8,500 square meters, effectively increasing its hourly passenger handling capacity by 65%—from […]
Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is set to undergo a historic transformation with its relocation to a newly commissioned Dh500-million mega exhibition centre in 2027. This ambitious project, which includes a Dh146 million investment in a prime land plot, aims […]