Indian expat runs 23km from Al Qusais to DIFC

A self-made challenge: 21km every day for 30 days This year, Husain set himself a bold Dubai Fitness Challenge goal: a half marathon every day. “Thirty half marathons in 30 days—that was my target,” he said. With only days left in the challenge, he has already crossed 500km and is on track to reach nearly … Read more

Waiheke rates council’s low hanging fruit

Over decades, Waiheke residents become inured to having one of the highest average rating valuations per household in the region and chasing metrics from an institution as bulky and self-serving as Auckland Council has always been disturbing. Officials said this year’s citywide average residential rate for the 2025/2026 rating year across the city – from … Read more

Understanding the military-backed ‘reset’ proposal

What does it mean? Who’s behind it? The controversial idea — essentially a non-traditional coup d’etat to overhaul the government — has sparked fierce debate. Critics brand it a threat to democracy. Backers view it as a desperate fix for instability.  What is the proposed “reset”? Why now? The backdrop of crisis The proposal surfaces … Read more

Petrofac: From Dh30b giant to scandals, strain, and then collapse

The momentum shifted after a corruption probe surfaced, followed by heavy financial pressure and the collapse of a crucial offshore wind contract. By late 2025, the parent company’s move into administration reflected years of mounting strain on its finances and credibility. You can track the company’s rise, unravelling, and final collapse through the key moments … Read more

AT: Mātiatia carpark would need to expand by 50 percent to meet demand

Auckland Transport says Mātiatia needs another “half a carpark” again to meet demand, as there’s a resurgence of Waihekeans grumbling about the current Mātiatia carpark overflowing. Summer has barely arrived and island residents are already facing the issue of potentially missing appointments in Auckland when they are unable to find a car park before getting … Read more

Ronaldo’s response is a stunning bicycle kick for career goal 954 as Al Nassr beat Al Khaleej 4-1

Electric start from Al Nassr Al Nassr continued their perfect start to the new Saudi Pro League campaign with another dominant performance in Riyadh. They came into Matchday ten with eight wins from eight, the highest goal tally in the league and the strongest defence. Against sixth placed Al Khaleej, Jorge Jesus’ side once again … Read more

Thinking of working at Tesla? Elon Musk drops a game-changing chips roadmap

The team, he revealed, has already shipped “several million AI chips” powering Tesla’s vehicles and data centres — the very tech fuelling the company’s edge in real-world artificial intelligence, from Full Self-Driving (FSD) to neural network training. The current powerhouse in Tesla cars: AI4. But it doesn’t stop there. Musk hinted at new innovations: The … Read more

Recreational fishers to protest new Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act

Catch and release advocate Tony Wood says many recreational fishers will be joining the protest this Saturday. Recreational fishers are rallying for a peaceful protest against the new Marine Protection Act, which prohibits them from fishing in protected areas of the Huraki Gulf, while still allowing access to commercial interests. A fleet of fishers will … Read more

Was contest rigged? Dubai’s Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub calls out ‘unjust’ public polling

Dubai: Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub, who made history as the first woman from her country to participate at Miss Universe 2025, has publicly questioned the transparency of the Miss Universe app’s fan voting after an abrupt spike in votes shifted the results of the “Most Beautiful People” category shortly before it closed. In a video … Read more

Kuwait rolls out major hike in residency and visa fees

Visit visas now cost KD10 Under the new structure, all visit visas — including those for tourism, family visits, work entry or residency entry — will carry a flat fee of KD10. The by-laws also allow visit visas to be renewed once for the same period and permit their conversion into residency under certain conditions. … Read more

5 ways Dubai’s record budget will change daily life for UAE residents

1. Stonger healthcare, schools A major share of next year’s spending goes toward social services. That includes funding for hospitals, clinics, schools, housing programmes, community centres, sports facilities, and support services for seniors and people of determination. For families, that means continued investment in the places they rely on most. For young people, it means … Read more

UAE dirham rates to help expat remitters this week

Will the rupee stay weak this week? Based on the data available, the rupee is likely to stay weak or move sideways this week, rather than show any major recovery. Here’s why this expectation is reasonable: The rupee already touched a lifetime low, breaking through levels that traders consider psychologically important. Higher US interest rates … Read more

Water taxis and ferries in Abu Dhabi transport 700,000 passengers since 2021

Six daily trips depart from ADNEC Marina between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm throughout the exhibition period, held from November 20 to 23. Expanding routes across the emirate Since launching services in 2022, the Integrated Transport Centre, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Maritime, has operated water taxi routes serving destinations across the Yas Bay area. … Read more

Oman launches association to regulate expatriate worker recruitment

Mandate and functions The association, formed under the Civil Associations Law, will coordinate recruitment policies with government institutions both inside and outside Oman. It will represent licensed recruitment offices before authorities and safeguard their rights, ensuring operations comply with national legislation. Labour dispute mediation Specialising in the settlement of labour disputes, the association will liaise … Read more

Dubai completes major phase of Hatta development plan

Hatta Dam Amphitheatre opens to visitors One of the flagship additions is the new Hatta Dam Amphitheatre, a 610-metre ascent that gives visitors a direct and accessible route to the top of the dam. The path rises 37 metres from its base and includes six rest stops. The full walk takes around 17 minutes and … Read more

My first Dubai Run and why I’m going back

I started the morning at 3am, half-asleep but curious. The metro ride set the tone for the day. World Trade Centre station was filled with people in blue T-shirts, laughing, taking photos, filming TikToks and chatting like it was late afternoon, not before sunrise. There was no rush, just an excitement that everyone seemed to … Read more

Jumada Al Akhirah crescent spotted in the UAE

Sightings confirmed worldwide The crescent was captured through astrophotography in Malaysia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Libya. In Iran, it was sighted using optical aids such as binoculars and telescopes. Meanwhile, naked-eye sightings were confirmed in Yemen, Morocco, and Ghana. Jumada Al Akhirah and the lunar calendar Jumada Al Akhirah is the sixth month of the … Read more

How Pakistan joins the world’s fastest undersea internet network

In parallel, TWA is developing a Tier III-certified data centre in Karachi, set to open in January 2026. This facility will directly connect to major subsea systems, including SMW-6, SMW-5, TW1, and 2Africa. It will be Pakistan’s first data centre designed for high-density AI workloads, offering secure, scalable hosting for both national and international operations. … Read more

Meet Dubai Police’s ‘Gold medal sniper’ and master of tactical training

A member of several committees including the UAE SWAT Challenge Committee, Lt. Col. Fayrouz continues to shape Dubai Police’s training standards through dedication, innovation, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Athletic beginnings Lt. Col. Fayrouz launched his sports journey in 1990, excelling in javelin and discus for two decades until retiring due to injury in … Read more

What residents must know before travelling

Full support for UAE travellers Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the campaign reflects the directives of the UAE leadership, which prioritises the well-being of every citizen. He noted that MoFA continuously develops and delivers comprehensive travel services and guidelines, keeping pace with updates from international destinations to ensure … Read more

IAF bids farewell to fallen pilot Namansh Syal

A dedicated officer and skilled flyer Wing Commander Syal, 37, was a native of Himachal Pradesh and served as a senior officer at the Sulur base. He had flown the Tejas Mk-1 Light Combat Aircraft from Sulur to Dubai for India’s aerobatic display at the international aviation expo, which drew major aerospace companies and global … Read more

UAE schools resume exams after fog-related delays

Safety first: Temporary postponement Messages sent to parents and students explained that the brief delay was an emergency precaution to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school staff. Administrators described it as a temporary, weather-driven measure no longer needed as conditions and traffic flow have returned to normal. Exam timings back on track According … Read more

Teddy Swims brings soul, fire and full-throttle emotion to Dubai

Heartbreak, tenderness and spotlight moments From there, he pivoted into softer territory with “She Loves the Rain” and “Are You Even Real,” inviting one of his background vocalists to share the spotlight. Throughout the night, Swims continued this gesture, giving each of his three vocalists their own moment. It’s a rarity in today’s industry and … Read more

Dubai Run transforms Sheikh Zayed Road into a vibrant festival of fitness and unity

A family affair for all ages Ashwani Kumar is a journalist and storyteller with almost two decades of experience, including more than 10 years across the UAE and Oman. As Chief Reporter, he covers multiple beats, crafting engaging stories that resonate with readers across platforms. A rolling stone with a reporter’s curiosity, instinct and relentless … Read more