Which airlines are still flying to the Middle East and what happens if I fly there? The ‘Middle East 3’ – Emirates and Etihad of the UAE and Qatar Airways – are resuming flying The Independent UK · Mar 19
Eid Al Fitr 2026: Abu Dhabi issues safety guidelines, warns against fireworks and reckless driving UAE will mark Eid Al Fitr on March 20, following the non-sighting of the Shawwal moon. Abu Dhabi authorities have released safety guidelines for celebrations, emphasizing caution on roads and around public spaces. This comes amidst regional tensions. Increased security and traffic patrols are planned to ensure a secure and… The Times of India · Mar 19
UAE Eid Al Fitr 2026: Top brands offering up to 90% discounts - Here's how to grab the best deals before it ends Eid Al Fitr 2026 in the UAE transforms into a grand shopping and lifestyle festival. Expect massive discounts up to 90% across malls, fashion, and electronics. Enjoy free parking and entry to attractions like Dubai Miracle Garden. Restaurants offer special festive menus, making it a peak saving season for all. The Times of India · Mar 19
UAE News: Up to 50% tax credit announced for businesses under new Tax Incentive Rules 2026 The UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced a significant tax incentive. Businesses can now claim up to 50% tax credit on research and development spending. This move aims to reduce the tax burden for innovative companies. It will strengthen the UAE's position as a global hub for technology and advanced… The Times of India · Mar 19
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain announces official start date of Eid Al Fitr 2026 Eid Al Fitr 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, March 20 across the UAE and several Gulf countries, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted, marking the completion of a 30-day Ramadan. The Times of India · Mar 19
‘Israel violently lashed out’: Trump says US ‘knew nothing’ of South Pars gas field strike; warns Iran after Qatar LNG hub hit Israel struck Iran's South Pars gas field, prompting retaliation against Qatar's energy facilities. US President Donald Trump blamed Israel for the initial strike and warned of massive US retaliation if Qatar is attacked again. Iran also targeted UAE energy sites. Global energy markets are experiencing significant price surges due to… The Times of India · Mar 19
UAE slams Iran’s ‘terrorist attack’ as missiles target Abu Dhabi's Habshan gas facility, Bab oil field: Calls it ‘dangerous escalation’ amid war with US-Israel Iran targeted the UAE's Habshan gas facility and Bab oil field. UAE air defence intercepted the threats. No casualties were reported. The UAE strongly condemned the attack, calling it a dangerous escalation. This incident highlights the growing vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure. Energy itself has become a battlefield in the… The Times of India · Mar 19
Dubai’s green corridor with Oman goes live: UAE opens new route for faster sea and air cargo shipments Dubai and Oman have launched a new green corridor for sea-air cargo. This initiative promises faster and more efficient trade between Asia and the Middle East. Goods will move seamlessly between sea ports and air cargo facilities. This collaboration aims to reduce transit times and streamline customs. It positions the… The Times of India · Mar 19
Qatar gas hub hit by missile, fire erupts at key LNG facility: Ras Laffan attack shakes global energy markets amid Iran vs US-Israel war A missile attack on Qatar's vital gas facility, a shared energy lifeline with Iran, has triggered a fire and damage, escalating the ongoing Iran vs US–Israel war. This strike targets critical global energy infrastructure, raising fears of widespread supply disruptions and economic instability. The incident marks a dangerous shift towards… The Times of India · Mar 18
US-Iran war Day 19 highlights: Mojtaba Khamenei releases rare revenge message, strikes hit airports and energy sites Iran vows revenge after top security officials were killed in Israeli strikes, escalating the 19-day conflict. Energy infrastructure is hit, oil prices surge, and the war expands regionally with attacks in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. US intelligence notes Iran's government remains intact despite leadership losses, while global powers discuss… The Times of India · Mar 18
Iran threatens Gulf energy facilities after Israeli attack on its largest gasfield Revolutionary Guards say they will strike infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar after South Pars field hit The Guardian - UK · Mar 18
Choke on Strait of Hormuz hurts many nations, US is not one of them - in fact, it profits President Donald Trump's recent appeal to Asian allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in the war against Iran, bluntly brought to focus their outsized reliance: "Countries that receive oil through the Strait of Hormuz must take care of that passage — China, Japan, South Korea… The Times of India · Mar 18
‘Rather be in Dubai’: Gym boss flees London’s ‘petty crime,’ says UAE safer despite missile threats Rory McEntee, a Dubai-based businessman stranded in the UK during Middle East flight disruptions, said he was “desperate” to return, arguing the UAE felt safer than London despite missile threats. He criticised the UK government for offering “zero help” and pointed to “constant petty crime” in London, calling the situation… The Times of India · Mar 18
Starlink now available in UAE: Cost, plans, availability and what Elon Musk’s satellite internet really offers Satellite internet from Elon Musk's Starlink has officially launched in the UAE, offering a new connectivity option. While monthly plans start around Dh230, a significant upfront hardware cost is required. Starlink utilizes low-Earth orbit satellites for faster speeds and lower latency, especially in remote areas. The Times of India · Mar 18
The Guardian - UK · Mar 18 Sky considers ending controversial UAE news joint venture Sky News Arabia has been accused of broadcasting propaganda and whitewashing genocide in Sudan
The Times of India · Mar 18 UAE news: Eid Al Fitr 2026 prayer timings announced across all 7 emirates UAE residents can now plan for Eid Al-Fitr 2026, with prayer timings announced across all emirates, scheduled shortly after sunrise. While official confirmation hinges on the Shawwal moon sighting on March 18, preparations are underway for mosque-based prayers. The festive mood is building as holidays and travel plans are finalized.
The Times of India · Mar 18 Meet Hussain Sajwani: The DAMAC founder donates Dh100 million to UAE’s ‘Edge of Life’ campaign for child hunger relief In February 2026, Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, through the DAMAC Foundation, committed Dh100 million to the UAE’s ‘Edge of Life’ campaign under an agreement with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), announced in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. The Ramadan-launched initiative aims…
International Business Times UK · Mar 18 'The Ultra-Rich Are Worried': Wealthy Expats Flee Dubai for Switzerland as War Fears Grow and Fortunes at Risk Amid rising US-Israeli tensions with Iran, wealthy expats shift fortunes from Dubai to Switzerland for security, impacting Dubai's economy and boosting Swiss banks as safe havens.
The Times of India · Mar 18 Tesla makes supercharging free across UAE and gulf stations during ‘tough times’ Tesla has activated free Supercharging across its UAE network and select Gulf locations, a move reserved for challenging times. This temporary relief for electric vehicle owners applies to numerous charging points in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The company has not…
The Times of India · Mar 18 US-Israel-Iran war: UAE reveals identities of civilians killed in ongoing attacks The UAE has revealed the names of six people killed in Iran’s ongoing missile and drone attacks, bringing the human impact into focus as the conflict enters its third week with thousands of aerial threats intercepted.
Euronews · Mar 18 Iran fires barrages at Israel and wider region after killing of two of its top security officials Iran fired advanced missiles at central Israel in the early hours of Wednesday, killing two people, as it looks to avenge the killing of two of its top security officials. Several countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iraq have also reported new attacks from Tehran.
The Times of India · Mar 18 Eid ul Fitr 2026 alert in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar: No open grounds, prayers only inside mosques as Gulf countries announce new guidelines amid Iran vs US-Israel war Eid ul Fitr 2026 prayers in the UAE will be held exclusively inside mosques nationwide, suspending traditional outdoor prayer grounds. This significant shift aims to enhance public safety and streamline organisation amidst heightened regional sensitivities due to the ongoing Iran vs US-Israel war. While the venue changes, the timing and…
The Times of India · Mar 18 UAE arrests man for trespassing, filming in restricted Fujairah areas without permit UAE authorities have arrested an individual for filming in restricted areas without a permit, highlighting a crackdown on unauthorised content creation amid rising regional tensions. This incident underscores strict regulations against capturing sensitive infrastructure or security details, with legal consequences even without proven harmful intent. The clear message is to…
The Times of India · Mar 17 UAE sends emergency missile alert: Dubai confirms sounds heard across emirate were successful air defence interception amid Iran vs US-Israel war UAE residents received rare emergency alerts for a potential missile threat, followed by loud sounds across Dubai. Authorities clarified these were successful air defence interceptions, not impacts. This incident, a direct consequence of escalating Iran vs US-Israel war, saw hundreds of aerial threats neutralised, highlighting the proximity of war to…
The Times of India · Mar 17 'Eid ul Fitr 2026 on Friday' trends online: Do we pray twice? UAE Fatwa Council clarifies as prayer confusion goes viral As Eid ul Fitr potentially falls on a Friday in 2026, the UAE Fatwa Council clarifies that both Eid and Jummah prayers are obligatory and must be performed separately. This ruling emphasises the distinct significance of each prayer, reinforcing consistency in religious observance and communal worship for Muslims in the…