The UAE will implement a nationwide change to the timing of Friday prayers beginning January 2, 2026, according to an announcement from the country’s religious authorities.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat said the Friday sermon and congregational prayer will begin at 12:45pm across all mosques. The adjustment is intended to unify prayer timings throughout the Emirates.
The public is encouraged to arrive early to perform the prayer on time.
UAE braces for unsettled weather over coming week
The UAE's National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) says a surface low-pressure system will affect the country from December 13 to 19, bringing periods of instability.
Dubai Police arrest man after birthday road fire stunt
Dubai Police have taken legal action against a man who set fire to a public road to celebrate his birthday, after a video of the incident circulated on social media.
UAE announces New Year holiday for private sector
The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced the New Year's holiday for private sector employees.
Al Ain named ‘Capital of Arab Tourism 2026’
Al Ain has been named the “Capital of Arab Tourism 2026” by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism during its 28th session in Baghdad, Iraq.
UAE begins loading humanitarian ship to support Gaza
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Sheikh Abdullah, Jordan's Deputy PM & FM discuss Israeli escalation in West Bank
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasised the need to de-escalate tensions in the occupied West Bank during a meeting with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
Robotaxis hit Dubai streets in pilot launch
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the launch of its public Robotaxi service, marking a major step towards autonomous mobility.
ERC opens mobile clinic in Yemen’s west coast
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New Year holiday confirmed for UAE federal sector
The UAE's Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has announced the New Year’s Day holiday for employees of federal entities.
New committee established to document UAE’s founding history
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Rashid Rover 2 clears key tests ahead of Moon mission
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) says the UAE's Rashid Rover 2 has passed a new round of critical tests in the United States, carried out with Firefly Aerospace ahead of its mission to the far side of the Moon in 2026.
UAE imposes stricter penalties on prescription-drug violations
The UAE has amended the law on the medical use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, imposing fines of up to AED 50,000 and five-year jail terms for violators.
Sharjah Police foil two cocaine smuggling operations, seize 17kg
Sharjah Police have disrupted two cocaine smuggling operations, one domestic and one international, seizing a combined 17 kilograms of the drug and arresting several suspects linked to a multi-country trafficking network.
Advanced humanoid robot to be piloted in Abu Dhabi in 2026
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UNESCO raises awareness on gender inequality online at BRIDGE
UNESCO has raised awareness on gender inequality online, revealing that fewer female creators are present on social spaces than men due to gender-tech related violence.
UAE condemns Israeli raid of UNRWA headquarters
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DP World installs first 1,000 living seawalls panels at Jebel Ali Port
DP World has completed the first phase of its Living Seawalls installation at Jebel Ali Port, deploying 1,000 eco-engineered panels that transform flat seawall surfaces into habitats where marine life can thrive and enhance biodiversity, setting a new benchmark for sustainable port infrastructure in the region.
UAE 'an exceptional model' in developing AI policies, says Omar Al Olama
The UAE’s proactive approach to regulating and deploying artificial intelligence was in focus at BRIDGE Summit 2025 on Wednesday, where the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, warned that industries and nations hesitant to adopt AI risk being left behind.
Sheikh Mohammed honours Egyptian professor with 'Great Arab Minds' award
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has congratulated Egyptian professor Abbas El Gamal for winning the Great Arab Minds award.
UAE announces $550 million for UN’s 2026 Global Humanitarian Overview
Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has announced a pledge of $550 million to support the UN’s Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO).
The UAE's National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) says a surface low-pressure system will affect the country from December 13 to 19, bringing periods of instability.
Dubai Police have taken legal action against a man who set fire to a public road to celebrate his birthday, after a video of the incident circulated on social media.
The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced the New Year's holiday for private sector employees.
