Smriti Mandhana makes first public appearance since calling off wedding

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, … Read more

UAE launches smart system for government employees

Enhancing productivity and encouraging positive competition Set to be implemented across the federal government in January 2026, the “Injazati” system aims to align employees’ key targets with performance expectations related to institutional initiatives and strategic and operational objectives. It seeks to boost productivity by fostering a flexible work environment that promotes positive competition and strengthens … Read more

Key routes, travel plans and cross-border links revealed

1. Saudi Arabia–Qatar high-speed rail Once operational, the journey between the two capitals could be cut to around two hours, with trains travelling over 300 km/h. Stretching 785 kilometres, the route is projected to carry more than 10 million passengers a year, supporting smoother travel, stronger trade links and increased tourism. The network will run … Read more

Dubai Police train more than 90 school bus drivers in road safety workshops

Aghaddir is a senior news reporter at Gulf News with more than a decade of experience covering the UAE’s most pressing developments. Known for her sharp eye for detail and deep expertise in the country’s legal and security systems, Aghaddir delivers journalism that clarifies complex issues and informs public discourse. While based in Sharjah, she … Read more

Dubai Health hosts second edition of Dubai Health Research Conference 2025

Dubai: Dubai Health successfully convened the second edition of the Dubai Health Research Conference 2025. The event brought together physicians, experts, and academics to present the latest in medical research, reinforcing Dubai’s position in advancing scientific research. Dr. Alawi Alsheikh Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, attended the conference and honored researchers recognised … Read more

‘I think of the days…’

“Hello everyone. I’m BTS’ Suga. I have some happy and proud news to share with you that my Mind Band friends, with whom I have shared music, will be performing on stage. First, I have something to say to our band members. Gunwoo, Yerim, Jian, and Dohyun from elementary school and Wonwoo and Sian from … Read more

Why all mosques are unifying the timing to 12.45pm

3. Winter-time and practical timing Considerations • Stability versus seasonal astronomical variations: In recent years, the UAE adopted a fixed Friday prayer time instead of adjusting it seasonally. Shifting from 1:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. provides a consistent schedule that is easier for institutions and individuals to follow, reducing confusion around changing prayer times between … Read more

Friday prayers unified at 12.45pm from 2026

• Facilitating community coordination and a unified worship experience: A fixed national schedule makes it easier for families, workers, and students to plan their weekly routines—especially given the UAE’s multi-emirate and multi-mosque landscape. This aligns with ongoing government efforts to streamline daily life through unified national policies. • Harmony with “Year of the Family” and … Read more

Rs540 million fake silk dupatta fraud exposed

TTD dupatta scam: What the investigation found Period of alleged scam: 2015–2025 Estimated loss: ₹540–₹550 million Supplier involved: VRS Export of Nagari and sister firms Material promised: Pure mulberry silk Material supplied: 100% polyester Lab confirmations: Central Silk Board labs in Bengaluru and Dharmavaram Tender violations: Required 20/22 denier mulberry silk not used Missing inscriptions … Read more

Dileep acquitted, shocking judicial leaks and Parvathy’s stand for survivor explained

Parvathy and industry solidarity Among the first to respond to the verdict was Malayalam actor Parvathy, known for her vocal advocacy on gender equality and women’s safety. On Instagram, she acknowledged messages from supporters of the survivor: “I am reading all your messages. Thank you. For taking the time out to write about how this … Read more

Middle East set to dominate global airline profits with $6.8 billion in 2026

IATA said this outperformance “attests to the difference a positive regulatory operating environment can make, and to the region’s strategic position as a global connecting hub.” With global airline net profit expected to stabilise around $41 billion in 2026, Middle Eastern carriers will punch well above their weight in contribution to industry earnings.​ Demand anchored … Read more

The truth about her ‘criminal conspiracy’ remarks

The speech that sparked controversy Two days after the assault, the Malayalam film industry gathered in Kochi to protest. Among the speakers was Dileep’s ex-wife, actress Manju Warrier, who subtly suggested that the attack might be part of a larger criminal conspiracy. Speaking as a close friend of the survivor, she said: “I pray that … Read more

CFI Group’s 2026 strategy management meeting sets stage for next phase of global growth

Throughout the workshop, CFI’s executive team presented the strategic priorities for 2026, aligned with the group’s transformation road map and its evolution from a regionally anchored trading and investing into a global, technology-driven financial ecosystem. Having built a strong leadership position in the Middle East and North Africa region, CFI is now advancing its evolution … Read more

UAE celebrates sustainability leaders at inaugural excellence awards

Captain Pradeep Singh, Founder and Chairman of Karma Developers, said: “We, the founders of Karma Developers, supported the Sustainability Excellence Awards because we are deeply committed to shaping communities aligned with the UAE 2040 vision of wellbeing, green mobility, and resilient urban living. As developers passionate about low-carbon, wellness-centred environments, we believe recognising sustainability champions … Read more

Yango CEO advocates for AI as core architecture at BRIDGE Summit

At a forum largely shaped by media leaders, content creators, and digital strategists, an unexpected and refreshingly external perspective came from Daniil Shuleyko, CEO of Yango Group. Unlike most speakers at BRIDGE Summit, Shuleyko does not work in media. His world is product architecture, large-scale digital infrastructure, and building city-level services. That distance gave his … Read more

Gold steadies in Dubai with traders waiting for the Fed’s final 2025 rate call

This week’s stability marks the first extended period of calm after several days of modest fluctuation early in the month. From December 1 to December 10, prices have oscillated within a relatively narrow band, moving between Dh503.75 and Dh511.75 for 24-karat gold. Prices softened briefly after the start of the month, falling from Dh511.75 on … Read more

This is the most downloaded app on earth. Can you take a guess?

Data from AppMagic shows that between January and November 2025, ChatGPT was downloaded more than 902 million times, outpacing TikTok by nearly 200 million installs and leaving Instagram trailing by some 380 million. That surge has pushed ChatGPT’s total downloads to 1.36 billion since launch, a staggering achievement for an app that entered the mainstream … Read more

When oversharing in new friendships breeds control

The illusion of instant intimacy  As Dr Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist, founder and the director of Lighthouse Arabia explains: Oversharing, for starters is when you share more and faster than the trust that is built in the relationship at the time. There is no safety, reciprocity to warrant those kinds of disclosure. “And yes, some … Read more

Why global hunger is rising despite abundant resources

The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that 318 million people will face hunger in 2026, more than twice the number in 2019, while available funding covers only half of the need. This threatens assistance for 110 million people, requiring $13 billion. In the Middle East, the crisis is evident in simultaneous famines in Gaza and … Read more

Acne medication shows promising results in trials

Hair loss has long been a source of frustration, with treatments mostly limited to minoxidil or oral anti-androgens like finasteride. Lotions, oils, and supplements often promise results but rarely deliver real regrowth. Now, clascoterone—FDA-approved in 2020 for acne—is emerging as a promising topical solution for hair restoration. How it works: Targeting hair loss According to … Read more

How UAE ministry de-accredited university misused local office

Fujairah: The Fujairah office of Midocean University, which lost UAE ministry recognition this week, was operating far beyond its stated purpose, resulting in serious violations that led to the ministry’s action. The decision came after MoHESR, working alongside Fujairah Free Zone Authority, discovered fundamental breaches in the university’s operational mechanisms, programme delivery controls, and adherence … Read more

UAE life set to change in 2026

Crypto goes mainstream Crypto is also entering everyday life faster than expected. Seven in ten UAE shoppers say they’d be excited to receive cryptocurrency as a gift. That’s a big signal that digital assets no longer feel experimental. They feel normal. Younger consumers are especially open to stablecoins. Some even expect them to become common … Read more

Zohran Mamdani relocates to Gracie Mansion — here’s why it matters

From Astoria to Manhattan: A lifestyle shift According to media reports, Mamdani currently resides in a rent-stabilised one-bedroom apartment in Astoria, paying around $2,300 per month. The 800-square-foot unit includes heat and hot water, a communal laundry room, and an elevator, a rare feature in the area. By contrast, Gracie Mansion offers: Views of the … Read more

Deepfake scams on the rise

Sharjah: Authorities in Sharjah have issued a public warning about the growing risks of AI-driven deepfake scams. Sophisticated forgeries can now be created with minimal effort, putting residents at risk of fraud and online deception. AI makes digital deception easier than ever In an awareness video, Lieutenant Colonel Ibraheim Al Midfa and Captain Saoud Bousim … Read more

6000 fans cheer at superstar shares life lessons

Life lessons from the King of Bollywood Speaking to his frenzied fans, he shared his simple but powerful philosophy on life and success: “If you want to change something in life — whether it’s monetary, emotional, happiness — you have to work hard for it. Give it the best you’ve got.” He added that he … Read more

Sharjah rolls out fully digital rental services on Aqari platform

The initiative, launched by Sharjah Digital Department in collaboration with Sharjah Municipality under the Digital Sharjah Platform, positions Aqari as a single digital gateway for real estate services across the emirate. It replaces traditional, paper-based procedures involving multiple entities with a unified, fully digital system aligned with Sharjah Government directives and the UAE’s broader digital … Read more