Middle East

UAE launches Federal budget yearbook 2026/Image: WAM The UAE Ministry of Finance has launched the Federal Budget Yearbook 2026 under the theme “Investing in People, Securing the Future”, outlining how government spending will support social development, economic growth and long-term financial sustainability. The yearbook highlights a balanced federal budget of AED92.4 billion, reflecting the country’s…

Expats praises UAE’s leadership amid regional tensions As regional tensions continue to create uncertainty across parts of the Middle East, residents in the UAE are showing calm and resilience, with many members of the expatriate community expressing strong confidence in the country’s leadership and its commitment to keeping people safe. While the UAE’s defence and…

UAE authorities arrested 25 individuals of various nationalities for spreading misleading content and glorifying military aggression online/Image: WAM Authorities in the UAE have ordered the arrest of 25 more individuals accused of spreading misleading and fabricated content online that could harm national defence efforts and fuel public panic. Officials say the suspects, who belong to…

Saudi Arabia umrah visa deadlines announced/Image: File As the current annual Umrah season approaches its closing phase, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the final deadlines for issuing visas, entering the Kingdom, and the permitted stay of pilgrims. The ministry also reminded companies and pilgrims that performing Hajj requires a specific Hajj…

Flight Chaos Eases: Air India, Air India Express Deploys 62 Additional Services to UAE, Saudi Arabia Air travel between India and the Gulf has received a major boost as the Air India group, comprising Air India and Air India Express, announced the addition of 62 extra flights connecting India with the United Arab Emirates and…

Huge Blaze at Sharjah Petroleum Storage Site Sparks Panic Before Firefighters Bring It Under Control A fire that erupted at a petroleum storage facility in the emirate of Sharjah has been brought under control after emergency services rushed to contain the blaze late Saturday night. The incident occurred in the Sajaa Industrial Area, a major…

Iran Warns UAE Ports: Escalation in Gulf Conflict Threatens Global Trade Amid War With US-Israel The war between Iran, the United States and Israel has entered a dangerous new phase, with tensions spilling across the Gulf and threatening some of the region’s most important economic hubs. In a dramatic escalation, Iranian authorities have urged residents…

Citibank temporarily closes UAE branches as regional tensions rise / Image: file Global banking giant Citibank has temporarily shut several of its branches and financial centres across the United Arab Emirates as a precautionary measure amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The move affects most Citi branches across the country for a short…

UAE’s Best Savings Tools in 2026: Apps, Budget Rules and Smart Money Hacks Explained As the cost of living rises across the Gulf, many residents in the UAE are searching for smarter ways to save money without sacrificing their lifestyle. From digital budgeting apps to automated savings tools and simple financial rules, a new wave…

ADDS CAUSE OF BLACK SMOKE IN THE BACKGROUND.- A plume of smoke caused by an Iranian strike is seen in the background an an Emirates plane is parked at the Dubai International Airport after its closure in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) A British holidaymaker has been arrested in…