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.

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.