Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed played a key role in Northern Warriors’ four-run victory over Saif Hassan’s Asprin Stallions in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. Batting first after losing the toss, Northern Warriors posted 114 for 1 in 10 overs, powered by Johnson Charles’ 55 off 34 balls and Colin Munro’s unbeaten 38 off 21. In reply, the Stallions fell short, finishing on 110 runs. Taskin Ahmed claimed two wickets for 21 runs in his two overs, while Shahnawaz Dahani took three wickets to seal the win. Saif Hassan, playing his first T10 League match, struggled both with bat and ball, conceding 17 runs in one over and scoring only 15 off 11 balls. The Warriors’ disciplined bowling attack ensured their narrow but crucial win in the day’s opening match.

The Emirates Astronomical Society has forecast that Eid al-Fitr in 2026 will likely be observed on March 20, following a 30-day Ramadan. According to the society’s chairman, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan 1447 Hijri is expected to appear on the evening of February 17, though it may be difficult to see with the naked eye. Based on astronomical calculations, Ramadan is expected to begin on February 19. If the month completes 30 days, the UAE’s public holiday schedule suggests a four-day Eid break from March 19 to March 22, with regular work resuming on March 23. The official date of Eid will be confirmed later by the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee, but current projections indicate March 20 as the most probable date for the first day of Shawwal.

Abu Dhabi-based company LOOD has launched 'Heli,' the UAE’s first hybrid autonomous cargo aircraft, marking a major milestone in the nation’s aviation and logistics innovation. Witnessed by Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the maiden flight took place during Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week. Designed, developed, and manufactured entirely by Emirati engineers, Heli is built for medium-range heavy cargo operations with a 700-kilometre range and a 250-kilogram payload capacity. The aircraft uses a hybrid propulsion system that combines electric motors for vertical takeoff and an internal combustion engine for horizontal flight, optimizing efficiency and range. LOOD CEO Rashid Matar Al Mannaei described Heli as a step toward sustainable and autonomous air logistics, capable of connecting ports and industrial zones without traditional airports. The project underscores the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in intelligent air mobility solutions.

The United Arab Emirates has taken a major step toward futuristic urban mobility as Dubai successfully tested a passenger air taxi capable of carrying four people. Built in collaboration with US-based Joby Aviation, the electric, noise-free aircraft flew from Margham to Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum Airport). It can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h and cover 160 km on a single charge. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) informed Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who praised the innovation. Authorities plan citywide trial flights before launching the service to the public next year. Skyports Infrastructure is already building the first vertiport near Dubai International Airport. The initiative is part of broader transport projects, including metro expansion, new roads, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to enhance urban mobility.

Qatar has formally requested Israel to apologize for airstrikes in Doha before restarting negotiations on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release. Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani raised the demand with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Discussions later involved Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. envoy Steve Whitcuff, and Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. Qatar may accept an apology limited to the death of a Qatari security official, compensation to his family, and assurances of respecting Qatar’s sovereignty.

In an emergency summit held in Doha, leaders from nearly 60 Arab and Muslim nations called for a reassessment of diplomatic and economic relations with Israel in light of its recent actions in Gaza.

The joint declaration urged all states to take "legal and effective measures" to stop Israeli aggression against Palestinians, including suspending ties and pursuing international legal action.

While the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Jordan, and Egypt—countries that recognize Israel—sent representatives, their top leaders were notably absent. The summit was attended by high-profile figures including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The declaration also called on UN member states to work toward suspending Israel’s membership. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit Qatar following his Israel trip.

Doha witnessed a solemn funeral on Thursday for the victims of an Israeli airstrike, with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in attendance.

Among the six victims, five were Palestinians, whose bodies were draped in Palestinian flags. The sixth was a member of Qatar’s armed forces, honored with the national flag. The deceased were laid to rest at the Mesaimeer cemetery.

The September 9 Israeli airstrike targeted senior Hamas leaders, all of whom survived. However, among the dead was the son of Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya. Reports suggest the strike was aimed at assassinating Khalil and his associates.

Hamas leaders narrowly survived a series of Israeli airstrikes in Doha on Tuesday. At least 12 air raids were carried out on a hotel complex where top Hamas officials were meeting to discuss potential conditions for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Although the leaders—including Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin—remained unharmed, the hotel sustained heavy damage. Netanyahu later confirmed he personally coordinated the operation.

Qatar, in response, has condemned Israel’s actions, describing the strikes as “terrorist acts” against a sovereign state.

The Israeli military has confirmed that, with intelligence support from Shin Bet, its air force carried out an assassination attempt targeting top Hamas leaders in Qatar’s capital.

According to Israel, the leaders in question have overseen Hamas operations for years. The military stated that such actions will continue as part of its pledge to “defeat Hamas.”

This strike comes days after IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi warned that Hamas leaders abroad would be targeted. Just hours later, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced Israel’s acceptance of a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal.

Qatar condemned the attack as “a cowardly act.” The White House has yet to issue a statement.

The first round of indirect ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel in Qatar has ended without any breakthrough.

Hamas had proposed amendments to the draft agreement, but Israel rejected them outright. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, killing at least 82 Palestinians on Sunday, including 39 in Gaza City alone.

U.S. President Donald Trump remains hopeful that a ceasefire deal could still be reached within the week. However, the lack of clear directives for the Israeli negotiators has stalled finalization of the agreement.

Kuwait and Bahrain have reopened their airspace after temporarily closing it following Iranian missile attacks on U.S. military installations in Qatar. Dubai authorities confirmed that airport operations have fully resumed. Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority also issued a statement noting that air traffic has returned to normal.

Reuters has reported, quoting a U.S. official, that Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani mediated between the U.S. and Iran to secure Tehran’s agreement to a ceasefire in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. The breakthrough reportedly came after direct telephone conversations between Qatari and Iranian officials. The report further states that U.S. President Biden had obtained Israel’s consent for the ceasefire and then sought Qatar’s assistance in convincing Iran to agree.

Following Iran’s missile strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar, several Gulf states, including Qatar, Dubai, and Bahrain, closed their airspace on Monday. Flights are either turning back or diverting to alternate airports. FlightRadar24 confirmed multiple flights returning mid-route. The closure has disrupted schedules for airlines such as Qatar Airways and Emirates, causing widespread inconvenience to passengers.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Bahrain, and Lebanon have all condemned Iran's missile attack on Al-Udeid Air Base. In separate statements, they called the strike a threat to international law and regional stability. These nations expressed solidarity with the Qatari people and urged diplomatic dialogue as the only path forward to de-escalate tensions.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari condemned Iran's missile attack on Al-Udeid Air Base, calling it a "direct violation of Qatar’s airspace, sovereignty, and the United Nations Charter." He stated that Qatar reserves the right to respond under international law. He also noted that the Qatari air defense system successfully intercepted and neutralized the incoming Iranian missiles.