Ramadan 1447 AH commenced on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following verified crescent moon sightings across the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Dubai residents began their fast at dawn, with Imsak at 5:24 AM and Fajr at 5:34 AM. Evening prayers and community gatherings will mark the spiritual observance throughout the month. […]
UAE and Bahrain launch pilot allowing citizens to complete immigration clearance before flying/Image: WAM The United Arab Emirates has launched the pilot phase of a new cross-border travel initiative with Bahrain designed to streamline entry procedures and reduce airport waiting times. The “One-Point Air Travellers” Project allows citizens of both countries to complete entry formalities […]
Dubai mourns the loss of Ramesh Shukla, the revered Indian expat photographer who captured the UAE’s transformation for over six decades. Known as the “royal photographer,” Shukla’s lens chronicled defining moments, from the nation’s formation to its rise as a global hub. His iconic images, including the Union’s declaration, are now etched in the UAE’s […]
UAE School Bus Time Limits: New 45-60 Minute Caps for Child Well-being Parents and policymakers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are increasingly debating the impacts of extended school bus journeys on children’s well-being, after reports highlighted that some students were spending two hours or more on buses daily. Responding to these concerns, UAE authorities […]
Skywatchers worldwide are preparing for the first solar eclipse of 2026, set to occur on February 17, 2026 / AI Image Tomorrow, Tuesday, February 17, the world will witness the first solar eclipse of 2026. Known as an “annular” eclipse, it happens when the Moon is too far from Earth to completely cover the Sun, […]
WhatsApp Web Calling Launched Globally: What UAE Users Need to Know WhatsApp has begun a global rollout of voice and video calling features on WhatsApp Web, allowing users to make and receive calls directly from their browser without installing the desktop app. This update brings long-awaited calling functionality to the web version of the platform, […]
UAE Partners with Starlink to Expand Global Digital Education Access The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a strategic global partnership with Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, aimed at transforming digital education access worldwide, especially for students in remote and underserved communities with limited or no reliable connectivity. The initiative, launched alongside […]
du to invest in the subsea fibre optic network that will link six key locations, with landing points in Kalba in the UAE, Muscat in Oman, Mumbai and Chennai in India, Kedah in Malaysia and Singapore. In a major step for the UAE’s digital infrastructure ambitions, telecom provider du has announced a strategic partnership to […]
UAE Ramadan 2026: Iftar Hiking Trend Gains Popularity in Hajar Mountains and Deserts As Ramadan 2026 unfolds, a rising trend among residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is capturing attention: iftar hikes or organised group treks in the Hajar Mountains and desert landscapes where people break their fast together in nature’s calm, far from […]
Philippine Missions in UAE Cut Hours During Ramadan: Are Services Being Hindered? As the holy month of Ramadan 2026 approaches, with the crescent moon sighting expected around 19 February, embassies and government offices across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have begun updating service schedules and working hours to accommodate shorter days and fasting practices. Among […]
