Weekend Digest: Saudi Umrah bus tragedy, Dubai Airshow crash, UAE National Day holidays, Petrofac layoffs and more

Dubai: From tragedies to regional updates and sports buzz: 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims died in a Saudi bus crash, and a Tejas fighter jet crashed at the Dubai Airshow. India’s first privately managed railway station opened in Bhopal. Dubai RTA warns of a 50% traffic fine scam.

UAE National Day on Dec 1–2 brings a four-day break. One-bedroom rents drop to Dh30k–45k. Banking reforms expand access, Petrofac layoffs spark concern, and Mohamed Salah opens up on his journey.

Scroll down to stay in the loop:

Saudi Arabia bus crash: 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims dead

A tragic collision near Madinah killed 45 Indian pilgrims when their bus struck a diesel tanker early Friday morning. The group had travelled from Hyderabad to Jeddah on 9 November. Of 54 travellers, 46 were on the bus; only one survived and is in hospital. Read more

Tejas fighter jet crashes at Dubai Airshow

An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during the final Dubai Airshow demo on 21 November. The pilot was confirmed dead. The show was briefly halted while rescue operations were conducted. The event hosts over 1,500 exhibitors in one of the world’s largest aviation showcases. Read more

India’s first privately managed railway station opens

Bhopal’s Rani Kamalapati Station (formerly Habibganj) has become India’s first railway station under private management, promising improved passenger services and modern facilities. Read more

Dubai RTA warns of 50% traffic fine scam

Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) issued a warning about a fraudulent online offer claiming “half off traffic fines” if paid online. The offer is not affiliated with the RTA. Read more

UAE National Day holidays confirmed

The UAE’s 54th Union Day (Eid Al Etihad) will see federal and private sector holidays on 1–2 December, giving residents a four-day break including the weekend. Celebrations will feature cultural events and performances nationwide. Read more

1-BHK rents drop across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi

Property Finder data shows one-bedroom apartments now available from Dh30k–Dh45k in several developing neighbourhoods, offering modern living at lower prices while premium districts remain expensive. Read more

UAE Central Bank scraps minimum salary requirement for loans

The CBUAE has removed the Dh5,000 minimum salary threshold for personal loans, allowing banks to set their own criteria and enabling low-income residents to access financial services. Read more

WPS update: UAE workers must be paid in full

The Central Bank and MoHRE announced changes to the Wage Protection System ensuring private-sector employees receive salaries without deductions, safeguarding worker rights. Read more

Petrofac lays off 200 UAE staff

Hundreds of UAE employees, mainly engineers, were laid off on short notice from Petrofac, leaving concerns over unpaid end-of-service benefits as the parent company undergoes administration in the UK. Read more

Visa–Mastercard US ruling could affect UAE shoppers

A US settlement affecting premium credit cards may increase global costs, potentially raising UAE card fees and impacting rewards programs for shoppers. Read more

Mohamed Salah opens up in emotional interview

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah shared his personal struggles, self-doubt, and journey to stardom in a heartfelt conversation with world-renowned heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub, aired on ON Sport TV. Read more