The United Arab Emirates has announced a unified schedule for Friday sermons and prayers across all seven emirates, including Dubai. Starting Friday, January 2, 2026, all mosques nationwide will hold the Jumu’ah prayer at 12:45 PM. The Islamic Affairs, Awqaf and Zakat General Authority stated that the new timing will take effect from the first Friday of the new year, urging worshippers to arrive early to avoid missing the sermon.

According to the authority, the initiative aims to standardize Friday worship practices across the country, ensuring that all worshippers can listen to the full sermon and maintain discipline during prayer. The unified timing is also expected to help families, workers, and students better plan their Fridays, aligning with the government’s broader policy of social coordination.

The UAE government has declared 2026 as the “Year of the Family.” Officials said the new prayer schedule supports family time, balanced living, and greater comfort on Fridays. Religious scholars confirmed that the 12:45 PM timing falls within the prescribed period for Jumu’ah prayer and meets all Shariah requirements.

Emirates Airlines has launched a new pocket prayer mat for passengers to use during flights, aiming to make in-flight prayers more convenient. The airline announced on December 27, 2025, that the mats will be available across its entire fleet. Passengers can request one directly from cabin crew while on board. The new version of the mat is described as thicker, more comfortable, and easier to carry than previous designs.

According to Emirates, the initiative is particularly useful for long-haul flights, where prayer times often coincide with travel hours. The airline said the mats are designed to provide comfort and practicality for passengers who wish to perform prayers mid-flight. A company spokesperson confirmed that the service will be available to all passengers, regardless of travel class—First, Business, or Economy.

The airline expects the new feature to enhance passenger comfort and address a common challenge faced by travelers seeking to maintain their prayer routines while flying.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman delivered a match-winning spell for Dubai Capitals in the UAE’s International League T20, claiming three wickets in a single over against Gulf Giants. His figures of 3.5 overs, 34 runs, and 3 wickets earned him his first Player of the Match award of the tournament as Dubai Capitals secured a six-wicket win in Abu Dhabi.

The Giants were cruising at 110 for 3 after 13 overs before Mustafizur’s second over changed the game’s momentum. He dismissed James Vince, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Abarshan Dickson in quick succession, reducing the Giants to 156 all out. Dubai Capitals chased down the target in 19.2 overs. The left-arm seamer has now taken 14 wickets in seven matches with an economy rate of 8.29, ranking just behind teammate Waqar Salamkheil, who leads with 15 wickets.

Mustafizur’s consistent form in the ILT20 strengthens his reputation as a dependable T20 specialist and could boost his prospects for upcoming international assignments with Bangladesh.

Al Jazeera Media Network has unveiled a new integrative artificial intelligence model named 'The Core', developed in collaboration with Google Cloud. The initiative aims to embed AI more deeply into journalistic workflows, shifting its role from a passive support tool to an active partner in content creation and newsroom operations.

According to Al Jazeera, 'The Core' is built on six foundational pillars that will enable AI systems to assist journalists in complex data analysis, immersive storytelling, and automated internal processes. Director General Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani said the project reflects Al Jazeera’s vision of combining human expertise with AI to modernize journalism. Google Cloud’s EMEA AI Managing Director Alex Rutter described the platform as a key step toward next-generation intelligent media.

The collaboration underscores Al Jazeera’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation in media. Industry observers expect 'The Core' to influence how news is produced, analyzed, and consumed across global networks in the coming years.

The crescent moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Rajab was sighted in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, signaling the start of the seventh month in the Hijri calendar. With this sighting, the formal countdown to the holy month of Ramadan has begun for Muslims worldwide, according to Gulf News. Rajab is one of the four sacred months in Islam, traditionally observed as a time for spiritual reflection and preparation before Ramadan.

Religious authorities noted that if both Rajab and Sha'ban months complete 29 or 30 days each, Ramadan is expected to begin in about 60 to 61 days. The exact start date will be confirmed by official moon-sighting committees in each country. In Bangladesh, the National Moon Sighting Committee, led by Religious Affairs Adviser A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, is scheduled to meet on Sunday to confirm local sightings. Based on current calculations, Ramadan in South Asia is likely to begin on February 19, unless the moon sighting is delayed by a day.

The sighting of Rajab’s moon marks the beginning of spiritual preparations across the Muslim world, as communities gear up for the fasting month ahead.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman delivered a standout performance in the ILT20, taking three wickets in a single over against MI Emirates just a day after being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 9.2 crore in the IPL auction. His spell, highlighted by dismissals of Rashid Khan, Tom Banton, and Mohammad Ghazanfar in the 18th over, limited the opposition to 137 runs.

Despite his efforts, Dubai Capitals fell short by seven runs, bowled out for 130. Mustafizur’s final figures stood at 3 for 35, bringing his tournament tally to nine wickets in five matches and placing him third on the ILT20 wicket-takers list. Teammate Waqar Salamkheil leads with 12 wickets.

The left-arm seamer’s performance reinforced his rising value ahead of the IPL season, where expectations are high for him to replicate his UAE form. Analysts note that his control in the death overs remains a key asset for both franchise and national teams.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has called for any proposed stabilization force in Gaza to remain neutral and avoid favoring one side over another. Speaking in Washington after meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and members of Congress, he expressed concern over repeated ceasefire violations and warned that such breaches undermine mediators’ credibility and the fragile truce.

The Qatari leader said he and the U.S. Secretary of State agreed to intensify efforts to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Preparations are underway for a meeting among mediators to establish a clear framework for the transition. Sheikh Mohammed also emphasized the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and urged for unrestricted humanitarian aid access.

He cautioned that the current situation in Gaza threatens to derail the ceasefire entirely if violations persist, underscoring the urgency of balanced international engagement and sustained diplomatic coordination.

Dubai’s tax-free environment and luxury lifestyle continue to attract elite athletes seeking both investment and indulgence. The city’s absence of property and inheritance taxes, coupled with its modern amenities, has made it a preferred destination for sports stars looking to diversify their wealth and enjoy year-round sunshine.

Cristiano Ronaldo owns land worth around $30 million on Jumeirah Bay Island and a penthouse overlooking the Burj Khalifa, while David and Victoria Beckham hold multiple properties, including a Palm Jumeirah villa and an apartment in the Burj Khalifa. Neymar has purchased a futuristic ‘Sky Mansion Penthouse’ in the upcoming Bugatti Residences, set to open in 2027. Tennis legend Roger Federer resides part-time in the Le Reve Tower, valued at over AED 86 million, and Formula 1 icon Michael Schumacher was gifted an entire island in The World Islands project. Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, now a Dubai Sports Ambassador, continues to live in her Palm Jumeirah villa after her divorce, running her tennis academy there.

The trend underscores Dubai’s growing reputation as a global hub for luxury living and athlete investment, blending financial security with lifestyle appeal.

Dubai-based Imtiaz Developments has announced ‘The Symphony’, a new architectural landmark in Meydan designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The project, valued at AED 1 billion (USD 272 million), blends Emirati cultural motifs such as Sadu weaving and Talli embroidery with futuristic design elements. Spanning over 4,000 square meters, the development will include luxury residences, commercial spaces, and offices, with apartment prices starting at AED 2 million and penthouses reaching AED 20 million.

The unveiling ceremony at Coca-Cola Arena reflected Dubai’s signature grandeur, attended by investors, partners, and industry leaders, with Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan as brand ambassador. Zaha Hadid Architects’ director Gianluca Racana noted that the project symbolizes Dubai’s drive for innovation and cultural continuity.

Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and conclude by mid-2029. Once completed, ‘The Symphony’ is expected to attract global high-net-worth buyers and design-focused investors, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for visionary urban development.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated that any ceasefire agreement in Gaza will remain incomplete without addressing the situation in the West Bank. Speaking at the Doha Forum 2025, he emphasized that Qatar views regional stability as integral to its national security and prefers diplomacy, investment, and strategic partnerships over military influence.

Al Thani highlighted Qatar’s role as a mediator in regional conflicts, maintaining open communication with all parties to ensure sustainable peace. He noted that since 2013, Qatar’s progress has stemmed from its engagement with diverse stakeholders. The prime minister also underscored the need to tackle the root causes of the Israel-Palestine conflict, including Palestinian national aspirations and reconstruction of Gaza.

Qatar, along with Turkey, Egypt, and the United States, is currently guiding the next phase of the ceasefire process. The statement comes amid ongoing Israeli attacks that have killed over 70,000 people in Gaza since October 2023, despite the ceasefire agreement brokered in October 2024.

The world’s tallest hotel, ‘Ciel Dubai,’ has officially opened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, marking a new milestone in global luxury hospitality. Standing 377 meters tall with 82 floors, the skyscraper hotel was developed by The First Group and will be operated by InterContinental Hotels Group under its Vignette Collection brand. The property features 1,004 rooms and suites, offering panoramic views of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah and Marina districts.

Room rates start at 1,310 dirhams (around $357) per night, while premium suites cost up to 2,400 dirhams. The hotel’s design emphasizes natural light and open spaces, with a rooftop observation deck providing 360-degree city views. Industry analysts note that the launch reinforces Dubai’s position as a global tourism and architectural hub.

Ciel Dubai’s debut comes amid a surge in high-end hospitality projects across the region, reflecting strong post-pandemic tourism recovery and continued investor confidence in the UAE’s luxury travel sector.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly suspended issuing visas to Pakistani citizens over alleged involvement in begging and other criminal activities, according to Pakistan’s Senate Human Rights Committee. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri confirmed that most Pakistani applicants are facing visa rejections or delays, with only a few successfully obtaining visas after significant difficulties. Pakistani employment entrepreneur Asim Baig stated that the UAE’s concerns stem from increasing reports of Pakistanis’ involvement in petty crimes, leading to the suspension. However, a senior UAE diplomat in Islamabad denied any formal visa ban, saying no restrictions exist on Pakistani passports. The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s key trade partners and a major source of remittances, with over 800,000 Pakistanis applying annually for travel and work visas. Islamabad’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly raised the issue with his UAE counterpart to resolve the growing visa concerns.

The United Arab Emirates has expressed strong support for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to classify the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, described the move as a 'strategic, bold, and historic decision' aimed at countering a major source of extremism. In an interview with CNN, Gargash argued that the Brotherhood uses Islam as a political tool and that the designation would limit its influence, particularly in controlling mosques and funding networks. He also alleged an 'organic link' between Sudan’s armed forces and the Muslim Brotherhood, claiming some factions sought to regain power during the country’s civil war. Addressing the Sudan conflict, Gargash reiterated the UAE’s stance in favor of an unconditional humanitarian ceasefire and a transition to civilian governance. He denied allegations that Abu Dhabi supports the Rapid Support Forces militarily or politically, emphasizing that the UAE’s goal is to preserve Sudan’s unity and stability.

US defense and intelligence officials suspect that members of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were stationed at a military facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after American personnel were denied access to part of the site. Two former senior US officials told Middle East Eye that the PLA may have been hosted at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Military City around 2020. The officials expressed concern that the facility could be used to gather intelligence on US forces stationed nearby at Al Dhafra Air Base. Reports suggest that the UAE may have provided financial or logistical support to host PLA members. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that China was building a military port near Abu Dhabi, which was later halted under US pressure, though leaked documents indicate work resumed a year later. The UAE and China have deepened military ties, including joint air force drills in Xinjiang in 2024. Neither the UAE, China, nor the US Department of Defense commented on the latest claims.

An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, killing the pilot. Videos circulating online showed the aircraft hitting the ground and exploding, sending thick black smoke into the sky. The Dubai Media Office confirmed the incident, stating that emergency response teams quickly arrived at the scene. The crash occurred shortly after 2 p.m. local time. The Indian Air Force expressed deep sorrow over the loss and announced the formation of a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to lose altitude rapidly before impact, leaving the pilot no time to eject. The Dubai Airshow, one of the world’s largest aviation events, was concluding on Friday, with around 150,000 visitors expected to attend over its duration. The tragic crash cast a shadow over the event’s final day.