What started as a casual TikTok scroll has turned into a life-changing windfall for Indian expat Shakil Ahmad Nazrul Haque. The 38-year-old civil engineer from Bihar, who has been living in Fujairah for the past six years, discovered Big Ticket through the popular social media platform and decided »»»

Dubai: The US is set to change how it hands out H-1B work visas, a move that could have a direct impact on professionals in the UAE and expats around the world hoping to work in America. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The Department of Homeland Security said it will r»»»

The US Department of Justice released its latest - and largest - tranche of Jeffrey Epstein files on Tuesday. The 11,000-plus documents continue a stream of released information that began on Friday, the deadline mandated in a new law that required the department to publicly release all of its inve»»»

Search-and-rescue team members try to reach the wreckage of a plane crash in which Libyan Chief of General Staff Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad and seven others were killed in Haymana District in Ankara, Turkey, on Tuesday. Photo by Necati Savas/EPA Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Libyan Army Chief of Staff Mohamma»»»

The killing of a Hindu man during recent violent protests in Bangladesh has pushed already strained ties between Dhaka and Delhi into a deeper crisis. As the two neighbours accuse each other of destabilising relations, questions are growing over whether their once close, time-tested relationship is»»»

Tribune News Network Doha Celestyal has held a series of plaque exchange ceremonies to mark Celestyal Discovery’s debut in the Arabian Gulf.The 1360-guest ship, which has joined Celestyal Journey in the region, set sail on December 12, operating the cruise line’s new three-, four- and seven-night ‘»»»

Abu Dhabi: The UAE has strongly condemned an armed attack targeting a police patrol in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which resulted in the deaths of five security personnel. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the UAE’s firm rejection of all forms »»»

A Dubai court has ordered a woman to pay Dh4.3 million in compensation after she was found guilty of defrauding an investor of $1 million through a fake cryptocurrency deal, carried out in collusion with her fugitive husband. The case dates back to when the investor met a man who claimed to own an »»»

Sharjah: Sharjah Coop has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with LEAFIO, a global provider of AI-powered retail solutions, as part of its drive to accelerate digital transformation and enhance operational efficiency. Under the agreement, the cooperative will deploy the LEAFIO AI Retail Platf»»»

Agents of the National Security Force burn illegal mining equipment during an operation by Brazilian authorities against the advance of deforestation and illegal mining in the Itaituba II Environmental Forest, Brazil, in 2023. The surroundings of Itaituba, in the state of Para in northern Brazil, i»»»

Dubai: Dubai Police has launched the ‘Speak Out’ community awareness campaign, urging women to report abuse and assuring them of full legal protection, as part of the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the Year of the Family. Led by the General Department of Human Rights, in collaboration with the Genera»»»

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today welcomed His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, King of Malaysia, who is on a working visit to the UAE lasting several days. The meeting took place at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, where Sheikh Mohamed welcom»»»

Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday received Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Ammar, along with other Sheikhs and guests, exchanged greetings and engaged in cordial conve»»»

Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday received a delegation representing banks and financial institutions that contributed to the initiative to waive the debts of Emiratis facing financial challenges. The initiative is led by the Defaulted Debts Settlem»»»

Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, today visited Dubai Health’s headquarters to review its integrated operations combining advanced medical care, ac»»»

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CAMERON HUNT (@cameronhunt__) Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Pedestrians in Christchurch, New Zealand, were left scratching their heads by a series of seemingly-official signs with messages including: "This area is slightly haunted, but manageable." The signs, posted »»»

TOKYO, Dec 23 (KUNA) -- Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama on Tuesday warned against excessive movements in the foreign exchange market, saying the government would take action against speculative-driven yen depreciation. Katayama made the remarks at a press conference after a Cabinet meeti»»»

Dubai: Churches across the UAE are preparing for one of the most significant occasions on the Christian calendar, with special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services scheduled to accommodate the country's diverse Christian community. The UAE's churches reflect the multicultural tapestry of the na»»»

Norway’s soldiers lack basic winter gear as the NATO nation’s military leaders have prioritized sending aid to Ukraine, according to Forsvarets forum, a media outlet published by the Norwegian Armed Forces’ main trade union. The national army is facing shortages of items essential for operating in »»»

Dubai: Emirates has turned its flagship superjumbo into the “Sleigh380”, complete with a glowing red nose straight out of Rudolph’s playbook, and suddenly Santa’s ride has gone fully long-haul. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The Dubai airline’s annual Christmas greeti»»»

For Emirati women like Azza Alghunaimi and Khawla Al Marzouqi, running is far more than a physical challenge – it is a journey of resilience, self-discovery and empowerment. Azza Alghunaimi, 49, a divorcee and mother, has long made her mark in endurance sports. A member of the Abu Dhabi Running Tea»»»

New parents in the UAE can now complete all newborn registration procedures smoothly and without the stress of paperwork, through services provided by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), which offer two streamlined digital options designed to save time »»»

Dubai: A new residential project, “KHK 31,” has been launched in Dubai’s rapidly expanding Al Warsan district, offering investors and homebuyers premium yet affordable living options in one of the city’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. The project is being developed by KHK Real Estate Development in s»»»

Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a major new tool in its effort to ease traffic congestion, launching an AI-powered Transport Data Analysis Laboratory designed to anticipate pressure points on the road network and act before delays build up. The initiative marks a s»»»

Dubai: Sharjah Police have launched a new category of number plates for classic vehicles and motorcycles, including the first category, as part of efforts to enhance the emirate’s visual identity and keep pace with ongoing updates to vehicle plate designs. The move reflects Sharjah’s cultural and h»»»

Dubai: The UAE is expected to experience generally pleasant and moderate weather from December 25 to 29, with temperatures dipping slightly during the night, as a weak extension of a low-pressure system passes across the country, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). In a statement»»»

Sharjah Police have confirmed their full readiness to welcome the New Year 2026, with comprehensive security and traffic plans in place to ensure public safety and smooth movement across the emirate. Brigadier Omar Al Ghazal, Director General of the General Department of Operations and Security Sup»»»

Indian expat Jijo Jacob from Kerala, who has called Dubai home for the past 13 years, is celebrating a Dh100,000 win in the UAE Lottery’s Lucky Chance category.Still soaking in the moment, Jijo said he hopes to use the prize to support his children’s future. “I haven’t decided what to do yet in the»»»

Dubai: Riyadh Air has taken a major step towards launching operations after its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner successfully completed its initial test flight in the United States. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The aircraft took off from Boeing’s facility in Charleston»»»

Across the Gulf, more wealthy women are taking an active role in financial planning, including in the private insurance space. It’s not a sudden shift, but the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. There’s a noticeable uptick in interest and intent from women with significant wealth, whether it’s a»»»

Ras Al Khaimah Police have announced a reduction in the speed limit on Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Road (E18), from the Applied Technology Schools area to Al Kharran Roundabout, to 80 km/h, down from 100 km/h. The new limit will come into effect at the beginning of next month, with radar enforcement s»»»

Dubai: Move over, Dubai bling—there’s a new queen in town, and she’s selling more than luxury homes. Meet Sarah Serhan, the savvy real estate broker turned reality TV star, and the newest cast member of Million Dollar Listing UAE Season 2. “It’s so exciting. It was such an opportunity for me, first»»»

Dubai: Dubai Police have issued an urgent warning to motorists regarding the dangers of driving while fatigued or unwell following a serious collision on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311) caused by a driver losing consciousness. The incident occurred when a motorist suffered a sudden medical ep»»»

Dubai: The Central Bank of the UAE has revoked the licence of Omda Exchange, struck the firm off its official register, and imposed a financial sanction of Dh10 million. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The central bank said the action followed examinations that identif»»»

Dubai: Ras Al Khaimah Police have recorded a notable improvement in public safety during the first half of 2025, with serious crimes falling by 6.9 per cent compared to the same period last year. Brigadier Dr Tareq Mohammed bin Saif, Director General of Police Operations at Ras Al Khaimah Police, s»»»

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police have launched a targeted road-safety awareness campaign for electric scooter users along the Abu Dhabi Corniche, as part of the wider ‘Safe and Enjoyable’ winter campaign, aimed at promoting responsible riding and reducing accidents during the peak outdoor season. The ca»»»

Dubai: As the UAE enters its year-end slowdown, many employees, residents and travellers are searching for clarity on one key question: Is New Year a public holiday in the UAE? The answer is yes — but work arrangements vary between the public and private sectors. Also Read: New Year 2026 holiday an»»»

Hungary would be better served spending its money domestically than financing golden toilets for Ukrainian oligarchs, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said. Speaking at the opening of a new motorway section linking parts of central Hungary on Monday, Orban emphasized the advantages of spending Hunga»»»

Dubai: US authorities have confirmed that Dubai-based travel influencer Anunay Sood died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl and alcohol. The 32-year-old, known for his travel content and motivational posts, died on November 4 while visiting Las Vegas. Anunay was found unresponsive in his hotel»»»

Abu Dhabi: The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi hosted a special Christmas celebration at its premises, bringing together members of the Pakistani Christian expatriate community living in the United Arab Emirates. A large number of Pakistani Christian families attended the event, along with senior »»»

Ahead of the implementation of E-invoicing in the UAE, companies are hurrying up to mandate Accredited Service Providers (ASPs) as stipulated by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to comply with E-invoicing requirements. AVS Lewis & Pecker, leading Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors in the UA»»»

Abu Dhabi: The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai will remain closed for five days during the Christmas period, it was announced on Tuesday. Both diplomatic facilities will be shut from Wednesday, December 24 through Friday, December 26, 2025, in observance of the Christm»»»

Abu Dhabi: The Joint Committee for Security and Safety has launched the National Winter Traffic Safety Campaign, aimed at raising public awareness of safe practices at petrol stations and reducing accidents linked to unsafe refuelling behaviour. The committee is chaired by the Ministry of Energy an»»»

Dubai: Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub at Dubai South expanded its partnership with UUDS AERO, handing over two new Code F plots that can handle three widebody aircraft each for cabin completion and retrofits. The move supports UUDS's scaling to meet regional aerospace demand and bolsters Dubai's»»»

Dubai: The Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) has approved a set of recommendations calling for accelerated digital transformation and enhanced institutional integration at the Department of Planning and Survey, as part of efforts to advance sustainable urban development across the emirate. During »»»

Pakistani diplomatic missions in the UAE and around the world will remain closed on Wednesday, December 25, 2025, in observance of Christmas day and Quaid-e-Azam Day. The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi announced on Monday, December 22, that it will not provide consular services on the day as it is a»»»

Dubai: A Dubai civil court has ordered two Arab nationals to jointly pay nearly Dh29,000 to a car rental company after abandoning a hired vehicle following a traffic accident and leaving the country, leaving the firm to bear repair costs and unpaid rental fees. The Dubai Court of First Instance rul»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Middle East is rapidly positioning the region as a rising global nexus for AI data center investment and innovation, according to Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report, ‘AI Data Centers: An Opportunity in the Middle East’. As global demand for AI infrastructure accelerates, with dat»»»