What expats and travellers need to know

Key points: SIM binding: Apps must stop working if the linked SIM is removed, replaced, or deactivated. Web logouts: WhatsApp Web and similar services will log you out automatically every six hours. Re-login via QR code will be required. Compliance: Apps have 90 days to implement the changes and 120 days to report compliance. Why … Read more

What the changes really mean, who they benefit

The aim is straightforward: tighten the system, reduce ambiguity, and give both taxpayers and the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) a clearer framework to work within. Refund deadlines clarified The biggest changes deal with credit balances—cases where a business has paid more tax than it owes. The updated law sets a clear five-year window from the … Read more

Rohit Sharma breaks Pakistani batsman Shahid Afridi’s ODI sixes record

India’s Rohit Sharma added another major milestone to his glittering career on Sunday, breaking Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi’s long-standing world record for most sixes in One-Day Internationals. The former India skipper struck three clean hits over the ropes during the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi, taking his tally to 352 and moving past Afridi’s … Read more

Microsoft ramps up $15.2b UAE investment to supercharge AI growth

The programme, one of the company’s largest in the region, is designed to support the UAE’s goal of becoming a global centre for artificial intelligence, advanced cloud computing and digital transformation. The plan spans new data-centre capacity, major AI compute investments, workforce development and expanded partnerships with government and industry. Expanding cloud infrastructure A central … Read more

Bahrain makes Golden Visa more affordable, slashes investment threshold

Stable environment Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for NPRA, said the step demonstrates the government’s commitment to creating a stable and welcoming environment for investors seeking long-term opportunities in the region. “Lowering the threshold will boost the program’s competitiveness while preserving its standards and exclusivity,” he added. According to the media reports in … Read more

Four Dubai parks renamed and opening time changed for 20 by Dubai Municipality

Dubai: Dubai Municipality has rolled out sweeping changes to park facilities across the emirate, introducing earlier opening times and renaming five popular green spaces to better serve residents seeking morning fitness routines. The civic body announced that jogging tracks inside 20 residential parks will now open daily from 5am for the first time, marking a … Read more

Saudi Arabia arrests 21,134 in nationwide residency, labour, and border crackdown

Saudi security authorities detained 21,134 people last week as part of a nationwide campaign targeting residency, border, and labour violations, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday. The operations took place between November 20 and 26, coordinated across multiple government agencies. Residency, border, and labour violations 13,128 violated residency regulations 4,826 breached border security rules … Read more

Karan Aujla electrifies Abu Dhabi with a massive 25k-strong P-Pop Culture World Tour opener

The energy was unmatched The moment Aujla stepped on stage, over 25,000 fans erupted. He opened with high-energy tracks like ‘For A Reason’ that got the crowd moving immediately, working the stage from end to end and connecting with fans at every turn. The production was impressive: massive visuals, immersive sound, and stage theatrics that … Read more

Heavy rain, red alert in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry; Chennai flights cancelled

Chennai Airport cancels 47 flights Chennai Airport has cancelled 47 flights scheduled for Sunday, November 30, due to the approaching cyclone. Of these, 36 are domestic and 11 international. Authorities warned that further cancellations could occur if the cyclone intensifies. Passengers are advised to confirm flight timings with their airlines before travelling. Domestic and international … Read more

Commemoration Day honours UAE’s heroes: Sheikha Latifa

Remembering courage and legacy “On Commemoration Day, we reflect on the heroes’ stories, their strength, and deep sense of belonging to a nation that nurtured their ambitions and instilled in them dignity and pride,” Sheikha Latifa said. “Their legacy of courage endures, a reminder that true honour is built on sincere sacrifice. The memory of … Read more

Is parking free in Dubai and Abu Dhabi today for UAE National Day holidays?

Is parking free in Dubai for National Day? This temporary waiver is aimed at helping residents and visitors access shopping areas, entertainment spots, and public spaces during the Eid Al Etihad celebrations. Are there any exceptions in Dubai? Multi-storey car parks, including Al Khail Gate N-365, will continue to charge regular fees. Standard parking charges … Read more

Rain, fog and mist in the coming days

Winds will remain light to moderate, occasionally freshening, while seas stay slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Monday, Dec. 1 – Coastal clouds and possible rain Weather will remain fair to partly cloudy, with low clouds over coastal areas and islands, possibly bringing light rain. Humidity will rise overnight into … Read more

Rainfall, hail and thunderstorms expected in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia will officially enter meteorological winter on Monday, Dec. 1, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has confirmed. Temperatures are expected to gradually drop across the Kingdom, reports Saudi Gazette. Rainfall expected in multiple regions “Several areas are likely to see continued rainfall over the coming days,” said Hussein Al-Qahtani, NCM spokesperson, quoted by … Read more

Why is the Indian rupee falling? Should you remit now?

Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, CEO of Al Fardan Exchange, said the rupee’s softness reflects “external pressures: subdued foreign-portfolio inflows, global trade uncertainty, and headwinds from elevated US tariffs.” He added that “the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increased the intervention band to $89.50 from $88.80, leading to a sudden depreciation of the INR last week.” … Read more

OPEC+ to keep production policy steady as capacity debate takes center stage

Uneven OPEC+ capabilities Saudi Arabia remains the group’s strongest producer with meaningful spare capacity — the ability to quickly raise output when needed.The UAE, after spending heavily to expand production capability, wants those gains formally recognised in the new review. Iraq has also pushed for higher quotas but continues to struggle with infrastructure bottlenecks and … Read more

Sheikh Mohammed honours UAE’s martyrs on Commemoration Day

A legacy of courage and unity Sheikh Mohammed said Commemoration Day holds a distinct place in the UAE’s national memory, reminding people of the spirit of patriotism that binds the country together. The martyrs’ sacrifices, he added, reflect the deep connection between the leadership and its people — a relationship built on trust, unity and … Read more

Class 8 national-level skater jumps from school roof, survives

A Class 8 student and national-level skating player narrowly survived a suicide attempt on Friday after jumping from the third floor of his private school in Dongre Nagar in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam. The 13-year-old was rushed to a private hospital with critical injuries. Hospital sources later confirmed that his condition is now stable, according to … Read more

Top luxury palace stays around the world

 The Gritti Palace, Venice Parador de Lerma, Spain   Karishma Nandkeolyar is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist with a lifelong love for storytelling — she wrote her first “book” at age six and has been chasing the next sentence ever since. Known for her sharp wit, thoughtful takes, and ability to find the humor in … Read more

First houbara chick of new season hatches in Abu Dhabi via artificial incubation

Abu Dhabi: The International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) has announced the hatching of the first Houbara chick of the 2025–2026 season at the National Bird Research Center in Sweihan. The announcement was made during the Fund’s participation in the inaugural Al Ain International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2025. The chick hatched on November 20 … Read more

Abdullah Boulad, Founder & CEO of The Balance Rehab Clinic

In a recent interview, Abdullah Boulad, Founder and CEO of The Balance Rehab Clinic, shared insights on mental health, leadership, and innovative treatment strategies. The clinic specializes in providing comprehensive mental health services to individuals facing stress and burnout, particularly in high-pressure business environments. Boulad began by discussing his background and the concept behind The … Read more

Students, National Service members get priority licensing in Sharjah

Vehicle inspection and licensing Sharjah Police said technical inspection and registration services will be offered at several locations for easier access: Sharjah City: Al Rahmaniya Centre, the Comprehensive Centre in Al Suyouh, and ADNOC – Al Mirqab Central Region: Al Dhaid Registration Centre Eastern Region: Registration centres in Khorfakkan and Kalba, and ADNOC – Khorfakkan … Read more

Indian expats behind giant UAE flag in Sheikh Hamdan’s viral Dubai Run video

Planning the viral initiative The team initially considered creating a 200-metre-long banner but decided against it to avoid affecting the crowd. Instead, they purchased a ready-made UAE flag from the Irani Market in Deira. “This idea was proposed by one of our core team members, Hidayath Addoor, and we gladly accepted his suggestion,” Ikram said. … Read more

Martyrs’ Day 2025: UAE commemorates national heroes

The UAE remembers the heroic deeds of its martyrs, whose dedication spans various fields of service both within the country and abroad. Their actions embody the highest values of patriotism, loyalty, selflessness, and readiness to answer the call of duty at all times. The sacrifices of these courageous individuals remain a source of inspiration for … Read more

UAE introduces changes to tax rules starting January 2026

Enhancing financial discipline The amendments aim to establish a clearer legal framework for tax obligations and procedures, including regulating the timeframe for requesting refunds of credit balances with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). This ensures greater clarity regarding the rights and obligations of both taxpayers and the FTA, promoting stronger financial discipline. The new law … Read more

UAE launches PHI-1 Satellite on Elon Musk’s SpaceX Falcon 9 from US

Global platform for innovation PHI-1 is a 12U CubeSat that is designed to support a range of technology demonstrations that enhance the development of small satellite systems. With an expected operational lifespan of one year, the spacecraft will enable partner entities to conduct in-orbit testing that strengthens the partners capabilities in satellite engineering, data analysis … Read more

Your phone bills are about to get cheaper

Karishma Nandkeolyar is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist with a lifelong love for storytelling — she wrote her first “book” at age six and has been chasing the next sentence ever since. Known for her sharp wit, thoughtful takes, and ability to find the humor in just about anything, she covers everything from celebrity culture … Read more

Donald Trump’s AI image post sparks fresh debate over 2028 hint

Dubai: US President Donald Trump stirred fresh political chatter after sharing an AI-generated image on Truth Social showing him holding a blue sign that read “TRUMP 2028, YES!” The post, captioned “TRUMPLICANS!”, quickly revived debate over the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two elected terms, and whether he was teasing interest in a future … Read more