Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considers military action to free hostages held by Hamas. He believes Hamas is uninterested in a deal. Families of hostages demand their release. Hamas agrees to Red Cross access if Gaza receives aid. Gaza faces critical hunger and malnutrition. Aid delivery faces challenges. Palestinians risk their lives for limited aid.
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Outgoing US Ambassador Martina Strong received the UAE's First-Class Order of Zayed II, a high civilian honour, for her significant contributions to strengthening UAE-US relations. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the award, recognizing Strong's role in advancing security, economic, and cultural ties during her tenure. Strong expressed gratitude, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two nations.
A record-breaking lightning megaflash, stretching 829 kilometres, stunned scientists after occurring during a thunderstorm between Texas and Kansas City in 2017. Confirmed by the WMO, this event surpassed the previous record and highlights the dangers of megaflashes, which can strike far from storm cores. Satellite technology has improved detection, leading to better understanding and warnings.
Emirates is set to launch its fourth daily flight between Dubai and London Gatwick on February 8, 2026. Operated by the advanced Airbus A350-900, the new service enhances travel flexibility with state-of-the-art interiors and entertainment. This expansion underscores Emirates' commitment to the UK market, offering passengers more choices and seamless connections.
Saudi Arabia’s Q2 2025 budget report shows a 7% rise in non-oil revenues, reaching SR149.861 billion ($39.9 billion), now nearly half of total income. While oil revenues fell 29%, fiscal reforms under Vision 2030 drove stronger tax and non-oil performance. Despite a quarterly deficit of SR34.534 billion ($9.2 billion), spending and debt remain tightly managed.
Sheikh Hamdan, the Crown Prince of Dubai, recently shared heartwarming images of his newborn daughter, Hind, on Instagram. Born on March 22, 2025, Hind is his fourth child and is named after his mother, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum. The touching photos, showing the infant clasping her father's finger and being cradled in his arms, quickly went viral.
Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has announced the academic calendar for private schools, excluding foreign curricula, for the 2025-2026 year. Classes will commence on August 25, 2025, and conclude on July 2, 2026. Winter break is scheduled from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026, while spring break will be from March 16 to March 22, 2026.
Dubai will introduce one-hour free parking near 59 mosques during prayer times starting August 2025, managed by Parkin Company. This initiative, in partnership with IACAD, aims to ease congestion and support worshippers by designating specific zones. Outside prayer times, standard parking fees will apply, ensuring a balance between religious needs and traffic management.
Saudi Arabia has introduced new regulations for private food laboratories, focusing on spatial, technical, and visual standards. These rules aim to improve food safety, urban compliance, and investment conditions by setting requirements for lab size, parking, appearance, and location. The initiative seeks to align with broader goals of enhancing urban environments and attracting investment.
Sweden has urged the European Union to suspend its trade agreement with Israel, citing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and Israel's failure to meet its obligations regarding aid. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the need for unrestricted humanitarian access and called for increased pressure on Hamas, including the release of hostages and disarmament.