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The UAE has unveiled the United theme for its 54th Eid Al Etihad celebration, inviting all residents to join nationwide and online screenings. Taking place across all seven emirates, the festivities aim to foster connection, pride, and belonging among the countrys 200 plus nationalities. Events include public broadcasts, community activities, and interactive guides for families, ensuring everyone can participate.

Kuwaiti authorities are set to revoke the citizenship of a prominent Islamic preacher, known for his media presence and cultural engagements, as part of efforts to safeguard the national identity system. The decision follows uniform legal standards applied to all similar cases. Formal procedures are underway, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, while the preachers identity and family details remain undisclosed.

Akasa Air cancelled all flights to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi on 2425 November 2025 due to a volcanic ash plume from Ethiopias Hauli Gubbi eruption, which reached 45,000 feet and affected key India-Gulf flight paths. IndiGo also suspended or diverted Gulf flights. Airlines closely monitor conditions, prioritising passenger safety, offering refunds or rebooking, and coordinating with aviation authorities to resume operations safely.

StepOut, co-founded by engineer-turned-entrepreneur Jeet Karmakar, is using AI and machine learning to transform youth sports. By analyzing match videos, the platform delivers professional-grade performance insights to players, coaches, and clubs. Speaking to ANI at the UAE-India Startup Series, Jeet highlighted how StepOut helps grassroots talent improve, get noticed, and bridge the gap to elite-level scouting.

Kuwait has revamped its residency rules, introducing tiered long-term permits of up to 15 years for investors, property owners, and children of Kuwaiti women. This strategic move aims to boost the economy by attracting and retaining global talent and wealth, offering unprecedented stability to eligible expatriates. Standard residency remains at five years.

The UAEs formation and rapid transformation owe much to its founding rulers. Visionaries like Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Rashid, and their fellow leaders united seven emirates, laying foundations for governance, infrastructure, and social development. Beyond their leadership, countless workers and citizens turned ambition into reality. Their combined efforts created the modern UAE, a nation defined by foresight, unity, and enduring legacy.

Saudi Arabia's Developed Social Security program, funded by Zakat, offers financial aid and empowerment for long-term independence. Introduced in 2022, it aims to lift recipients out of poverty and integrate them into the economy. Beneficiaries can check their monthly eligibility status on the HRSD platform, with payments disbursed on the first day of each Gregorian month.

Experience the UAEs National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, through vibrant celebrations, cultural events, and grand parades that showcase the nations unity, heritage, and progress. For tourists, the 30-day tourist visa offers an ideal way to explore multiple emirates, enjoy festivities, and immerse in Emirati culture, making the holiday an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal is shifting his primary residence from the UK to Dubai and Switzerland, driven by the UK's impending wealth and inheritance tax reforms. He has acquired property on Dubai's exclusive Naa Island, a move reflecting a broader trend of high-net-worth individuals seeking tax certainty and asset protection.

Oman will host the worlds first Operational Launch Programme for Laila, a hybrid-electric, fully autonomous VTOL aircraft developed by Odys Aviation. Capable of 725km range and 60kg payload, Laila will undergo comprehensive testing across Omans deserts, mountains, and coasts, supporting logistics, medical transport, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and advancing next-generation Advanced Air Mobility

Oman has launched a new industry body, the Association of Expatriate Worker Recruitment Offices, to modernize its labor market and regulate foreign worker hiring. This move aims to strengthen governance, ensure fair practices, and eliminate chaos from unlicensed operators, promoting transparency and ethical compliance across the recruitment sector.

Dubai is revolutionizing student nutrition with its My School Food digital platform, targeting over 400,000 students. This initiative, featuring an AI chatbot and e-learning, enforces strict, color-coded food guidelines to combat childhood health issues. The program aims to foster healthy eating habits and ensure safer, more nutritious meals across all educational institutions by the 2025-2026 academic year.

Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded access to alcohol, allowing non-Muslim expats to purchase it in Riyadh stores that were previously limited to diplomats. The move aligns with Vision 2030s goal to boost tourism and diversify the economy. Historically restricted, alcohol sales remain tightly controlled, but this change signals cautious openness toward expatriates while maintaining the kingdoms conservative regulations.

Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved the emirates largest-ever Dh302.7 billion (~$83 billion) budget for 20262028. The three-year plan, projecting revenues of Dh329.2 billion (~$90 billion), aims to boost infrastructure, social development, and security, supporting Dubais goal of doubling its GDP and positioning the emirate among the worlds top three urban economies by 2033.

Kuwait allows visitors to convert visit visas to residency permits under five scenarios: government-related assignments, domestic worker employment, joining immediate family, resuming work visa processes after short departures, and exceptional cases approved by authorities. These measures, under Article 16, aim to facilitate legal long-term stays while maintaining strict immigration controls and supporting family, work, and government-related needs.

Oman is set to launch its first communications satellite, OmanSat-1, in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space, marking a major step in digital sovereignty and space capabilities. The satellite will expand secure communications across Oman and the region, support critical sectors, and develop local expertise, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 to drive technological independence and a knowledge-based economy.

The UAE has launched a $1 billion AI for Development initiative to support African nations in economic, social, and infrastructural growth. Led by ADEX and the UAE Foreign Aid Agency, the program integrates AI into education, agriculture, and infrastructure, promoting innovation, sustainable development, and global cooperation, reinforcing the UAEs position as a technological and humanitarian leader.

Dubai is set for Dubai Run 2025, with thousands expected to participate. To ensure smooth travel, the RTA will extend Metro services from 3:00am to midnight and close key roads from 3:00am to 10:00am. Alternative routes are suggested, and temporary Salik toll rates will apply. Participants should use World Trade Centre Metro Station and ensure sufficient nol card balance for hassle-free travel.

Oman is set to inaugurate a nationwide portfolio of development projects worth about RO1.4 billion as part of National Day celebrations. The programme spans major industrial ventures, upgraded water and road networks, and new referral hospitals and laboratories, advancing infrastructure, food security, and public services under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

Saudi Arabia is opening its real estate market to foreigners from January 2026, allowing property ownership and investment. This move, part of Vision 2030, aims to attract global wealth, boost market quality, and create jobs.

Dubai Police Search & Rescue teams completed over 5,200 missions in the first 10 months of 2025, significantly reducing land-incident response times to an average of 5.8 minutes. This achievement, driven by smart technology and upgraded readiness, surpasses strategic targets and highlights the force's commitment to rapid emergency response.

Dubai's Crown Prince has launched the Erth Dubai Award, a significant initiative to collect and preserve the personal stories and cultural heritage that have shaped the Emirate. This program aims to strengthen Dubai's collective memory by capturing lived experiences, family archives, and oral traditions from residents and institutions, ensuring this living history is preserved for future generations.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Islamic Affairs has launched a historic employment drive, announcing 31,000 new job openings for Imams and Muezzins. These positions operate under a flexible 'Rewards System,' allowing citizens to serve mosques while maintaining other employment.

Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre has imposed strict heavy vehicle restrictions during peak hours to combat congestion and enhance safety. Freight trucks and construction equipment face o-entry times on major roads and entry points. Operators must obtain permits and use digital tracking via the Asateel platform for compliance.

The UAE has announced a US$50 billion investment framework with Canada, targeting energy, artificial intelligence, logistics, mining, and other priority industries. Endorsed by senior leaders from both nations, the initiative aims to deepen economic cooperation, enhance high-value investment flows, and strengthen bilateral ties. As of 2024, UAE FDI in Canada reached US$8.8 billion, with Canadas investment in the UAE at US$242 million

Emirates has partnered with OpenAI to drive enterprise-wide AI adoption and innovation across airline operations. The collaboration will deploy ChatGPT Enterprise, launch AI literacy programs, establish an AI Centre of Excellence, and explore practical AI use cases. Executives and technology teams will work together to enhance operations, accelerate experimentation, and transform customer experience through AI-driven solutions.

Saad Al-Madi, a 75-year-old US-Saudi citizen and retired engineer, has returned to Florida after Saudi authorities lifted a travel ban that had kept him in the country since his 2021 arrest. Detained for critical tweets and sentenced to 19 years, he was released in 2023 but barred from leaving. His full freedom follows diplomatic engagement with the United States

Saudia Airlines, in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority, has launched the Flight Pass, a subscription-based travel package for domestic trips. Travelers can choose 8, 16, or 24 flights, paying annually or quarterly. The pass is valid for 12 months, allows flight changes or cancellations, offers digital payment options, and subscribers can cancel within seven days if no tickets are issued.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Abu Dhabi saw a significant deepening of economic ties with the UAE. The leaders signed an investment protection agreement and launched negotiations for a free trade deal, with the UAE committing $50 billion to Canadian projects.

Abu Dhabi's Natural History Museum officially opens its doors on November 22, 2025, becoming the largest in the Middle East. The institution spans 13.8 billion years of history, featuring world-famous specimens like Stan the T-Rex and a blue whale skeleton, alongside local Arabian finds.

The Dubai World Cup 2026, celebrating its 30th anniversary on March 28 at Meydan Racecourse, promises nine world-class races with $30.5 million in prize money. Tickets start from Dh40, with early bird offers available. Beyond racing, the event features luxury dining, hospitality packages, fashion competitions, and live entertainment, making it a full-day cultural and sporting spectacle for all.

Lebanon has arrested Noah Zeaiter, the countrys most notorious drug trafficker, during a military operation in Baalbek. Wanted for decades, Zeaiter led a vast narcotics network specialising in Captagon and maintained links to Hezbollah and the Assad regime. His detention follows years of evasion, international sanctions, and armed confrontations, marking a significant blow to Lebanons drug trade and cross-border smuggling networks.

India has expanded its Visa-on-Arrival program for UAE nationals to three new airports Kochi, Calicut, and Ahmedabad, joining six existing hubs. Eligible travelers with a prior Indian e-Visa or paper visa can enter for tourism, business, conferences, or medical purposes for up to 60 days, with double entry allowed. The move aims to simplify travel and strengthen bilateral ties.

The UAE has been recognized as the world's third-largest humanitarian donor for 2025, contributing $1.46 billion in aid. This significant contribution, confirmed by UN OCHA, highlights the nation's commitment to timely and effective relief, focusing on both immediate needs and long-term sustainable development for crisis-affected populations globally.

Dense fog swept across Abu Dhabi and parts of Dubai on Friday, November 21, reducing visibility below 1,000 metres in some areas. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued red and yellow alerts for fog, warning motorists to drive cautiously. The morning also brought partly cloudy skies, light dust, and a slight drop in coastal temperatures.