Here is how a Dr Seuss classic became a viral horror trend in 2026.

It started with a dark meme, not a costume

The trend traces back to 30 June 2026, when a TikToker called Daletok posted a clip using a scene from the 2003 live-action Cat in the Hat film, starring Mike Myers, under the caption: "How mfs be dancing at prom just to overdose 2 weeks later." The video used Guts' Theme, the eerie track from the 1997 anime Berserk, as its backing music. It picked up 4.4 million views in a week.

That single post sparked a wave of imitations. TikTokers and Instagram Reels users began taking scenes from the film and attaching the darkest captions they could think of, reinterpreting what is technically a children's movie as a found footage horror. The Cat's dancing scenes, his wide grin, his towering striped hat, all of it turned out to translate unnervingly well into the analog horror aesthetic.

Then someone put him on the streets

By August the trend had mutated into something with real-world consequences.

AI-generated images and video began appearing on Facebook, Snapchat and TikTok, placing a life-sized, towering version of the character on dark residential streets in Ireland and the UK. The images first emerged in Limerick, showing a freaky cat-like figure wandering streets at night and standing in driveways. They spread quickly, with sightings claimed in Glanmire, Cork, Cahir, Tipperary, Curracloe in Wexford and Broadford Park in Dublin.

They were not real. Gardaí in Wexford confirmed the images had been generated using artificial intelligence and issued a statement asking people to verify content before sharing.

The UK followed the same pattern. South Yorkshire Police was forced to deny social media claims that a killer Cat in the Hat had been spotted, and had to address a fake Facebook post purporting to be an official police warning about the sightings. A spokesperson said: "If you do see posts online providing policing updates and advice, please check that they are from an official policing account."

Claims of sightings spread to Manchester, Merseyside, Newcastle, Essex, Leeds, York, Cardiff and Blackpool.

The teenagers who genuinely believed it

The BBC spoke to teenagers who had been genuinely frightened. Sixteen-year-old Skye described being at a sleepover when everyone started watching Cat in the Hat videos at 3am. When she walked down her friend's driveway afterwards, she became convinced the Cat in the Hat was going to jump out. She called her mother to come and collect her.

Fourteen-year-old Lily, meanwhile, said she wanted to go and meet him, having heard the Cat in the Hat had a particular location in mind.

Her mother's response was immediate: "You are not going to meet anyone in the woods in the middle of the night."

One TikTok post showing the original Mike Myers costume from the 2003 film with the caption "Help, what do I do?" received 14.6 million views in three weeks.

What actually set it off

Online fascination with the trend surged further in August when Propstore announced that the original costume worn by Mike Myers in the 2003 film was heading to auction, with an estimated value of up to $24,000. That announcement circulated widely and added a real-world object to what had otherwise been a purely digital haunting.

Some users went further and created conspiracy theories suggesting that Mike Myers himself was somehow trapped inside the costume.

Where it fits in a long line of social media panics

This is not the first time AI-generated content has caused real-world confusion online. Earlier this year, a viral prank involving a fake AI-generated figure led to a string of genuine police calls in the UK from people who had been convinced by fabricated footage.

The closest historical parallel is the 2016 killer clown wave, when people across the UK and Ireland dressed as Pennywise and other sinister clowns and filmed themselves confronting members of the public. Police were called across multiple forces. At least one school closed briefly over clown-related fears. The difference in 2026 is that nobody needed a costume. Artificial intelligence handled the threat entirely from behind a screen.

Police advice on the Cat in the Hat trend is the same as it has always been for viral misinformation: pause before sharing, check the original source, look for confirmation from official accounts, and treat any invitation to meet strangers at night in isolated locations as a serious warning sign rather than a fun adventure.

As for the Cat in the Hat, he has a new animated film coming in November voiced by Bill Hader. That version appears to be considerably less sinister.

Al Zarooni was elected unopposed during the meeting, which brought together representatives from all ACC member nations and covered a range of governance matters, including changes to the Executive Board, the rotation of the ACC Presidency and the establishment of several committees.

His appointment marks another significant step in the growing influence of the Emirates Cricket Board within Asian and international cricket.

Since taking on the role of ECB Vice-Chairman, Al Zarooni has been closely involved in the development of cricket in the UAE, with the country’s men’s, women’s and junior teams making significant progress on the regional stage and securing qualification for major ICC tournaments.

He has also played a central role in the development of the International League T20 (ILT20), serving as chairman of the competition.

Since its launch in 2022, the league has established itself as one of the leading T20 competitions globally, while providing a platform for UAE and Associate Member players to develop through opportunities created by partnerships across the region and internationally.

The UAE has increasingly become a major hub for international cricket, regularly hosting ICC and ACC events. The country will once again be at the centre of the cricketing calendar this week when the eight-team DP World Women’s Asia Cup gets underway at Dubai International Stadium.

Al Zarooni’s new position will see him contribute to the ACC’s work in promoting and developing cricket across Asia, a region that represents the sport’s largest and most passionate fanbase.

His election also further strengthens the UAE’s position within the wider cricketing landscape and reflects the Emirates Cricket Board’s growing role in the development of the game across the continent.

Mr. Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, President, Asian Cricket Council said: “Cricket in Asia has always been more than a game, it is a shared language that connects nations, cultures and generations.

“The decisions taken at the Annual General Meeting reflect the maturity of our governance and our collective resolve to build institutions that will serve the sport long after we have left from these positions.

“I congratulate our newly elected Vice President and Executive Board Members, and I thank every Member Board for the spirit of unity and cooperation that continues to define this Council.”

But Suhail itself has yet to be seen with the naked eye in the UAE, with fog and prevailing weather conditions obscuring the star close to the south-eastern horizon before sunrise.

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Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, said the gradual decline in temperatures typically began after August 20, although hot conditions generally persist until the end of September, accompanied by high humidity and periods of morning fog.

The appearance of Suhail, known internationally as Canopus, has long served as an important seasonal marker for communities across the Arabian Peninsula. Its arrival traditionally signals the beginning of the easing of the most intense summer heat rather than an immediate change to cooler conditions.

Signs of the changing season

Al Jarwan said traditional signs associated with the period include cooler water and ground temperatures around dawn, soil retaining moisture until morning after being watered the previous evening, and camels requiring less water.

Other signs include samr trees beginning to turn green from their southern sides and the arrival of certain seabirds, including the sallal bird.

The appearance of Suhail also marks the beginning of the first 10 days of Al Safri under the traditional Al Drour calendar, part of a long-established system used in the region to track seasonal and climatic changes.

Farmers traditionally begin preparing for the coming agricultural season during this period with the gradual moderation of temperatures, while livestock owners trim sheep hooves, an important practice for maintaining the animals’ health.

Fish also begin moving closer to the coast when sea temperatures start to decline, Al Jarwan said.

The period marks the beginning of Al Safri, traditionally regarded by Arabs as the first of the changing seasons, bringing anticipation of milder conditions and beneficial rainfall.

Visible about 40 minutes before sunrise

Al Jarwan said Suhail is the second-brightest star in the night sky after Sirius and begins appearing above the south-eastern horizon around dawn from August 24 in central parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

Under favourable viewing conditions, the star can be spotted about 40 minutes before sunrise, low on the south-eastern horizon.

Its late-August return follows an absence of about three and a half months after it disappeared below the south-western horizon in the evening sky around the beginning of May.

Because Suhail lies far south in the sky, it is difficult or impossible to see from many areas of the Northern Hemisphere above roughly 38 degrees north latitude. Across the Arabian Peninsula, however, it can be observed, appearing first in southern areas before becoming visible farther north.

Its annual return became one of the region’s most important astronomical markers long before modern meteorological forecasting, helping communities track seasonal changes affecting farming, fishing and livestock.

Light left the star 310 years ago

Scientifically, Suhail is the Arabic name commonly used for Canopus, or Alpha Carinae, a star in the constellation Carina.

It lies about 310 light-years from Earth, meaning the light reaching observers in the UAE today began its journey roughly 310 years ago.

The Chinese smartphone brand's shipments rose 35 per cent during the first half of 2026, according to the latest data from research firm Omdia, making HONOR the only leading smartphone brand in the Middle East to record growth during the period.

The performance also pushed HONOR into second place in the regional smartphone market, as consumers became more selective amid a broader decline in shipments.

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Market falls

The Middle East smartphone market shipped 13 per cent fewer devices in H1 2026 compared with the same period last year.

Omdia's data shows HONOR moving against the wider market trend, with its shipments increasing 35 per cent year on year.

The company had already recorded strong growth at the start of the year, with its Q1 2026 shipments up 73 per cent year on year across the Middle East. HONOR said its H1 performance highlights the strength of its growing presence across the region and its ability to expand despite difficult market conditions.

The company's H1 market share rose to 15 per cent, compared with 10 per cent in H1 2025, according to the Omdia data supplied by HONOR.

Second place

HONOR maintained its position as the Middle East's second-largest smartphone brand in Q2 2026.

Omdia's quarterly data shows the brand shipped 1.3 million smartphones in the second quarter, giving it a 13 per cent share of the regional market, compared with 10 per cent a year earlier.

The quarterly market was significantly smaller than a year earlier, with total shipments falling to 10.6 million from 13.1 million, a decline of 19 per cent.

Samsung remained the largest brand, with 4.1 million shipments and a 39 per cent market share in Q2.

Apple shipped 1.1 million devices, with an 11 per cent share, while Xiaomi and TRANSSION each accounted for 11 per cent of the market.

UAE focus

For UAE consumers, the figures point to a highly competitive smartphone market at a time when overall demand across the region has weakened.

HONOR said the Middle East remains a strategic priority and that its growth has been supported by continued investment in its product portfolio, retail presence and partnerships.

The company's portfolio spans smartphones, tablets, wearables, audio products and PCs.

It includes the mid-premium Number Series, the X Series and the premium Magic Series, allowing the brand to target different consumer segments.

HONOR also highlighted compatibility with Apple's iOS ecosystem, saying this enables smoother file sharing, collaboration and productivity between devices.

Q2 slowdown

The quarterly figures underline how difficult the wider market has become. Middle East smartphone shipments fell 19 per cent in Q2 2026 compared with Q2 2025.

Samsung shipments declined 7 per cent year on year, while HONOR was broadly stable in quarterly shipment volumes at 1.3 million devices.

The biggest declines among the named brands were recorded by Xiaomi, whose shipments fell 50 per cent, and TRANSSION, which dropped 40 per cent.

Apple was the only other major brand in the Q2 data to record growth, with shipments up 1 per cent. The figures exclude Turkey.

In response to the study, HONOR said its performance reflects growing demand for its products across different consumer segments.

The company said it is continuing to expand its product portfolio and retail presence while strengthening partnerships and bringing new products and technologies to the Middle East.

HONOR said the growth demonstrates its increasing relevance in the region and its focus on responding to the changing needs of Middle Eastern consumers.

The company also described the Middle East as a long-term strategic market, with continued investment in products, partnerships, retail and consumer-focused experiences.

With the overall smartphone market contracting, the latest figures suggest the competition for market share is becoming increasingly important for smartphone brands operating across the UAE and wider Middle East.

The incident occurred after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45 in the 17th over of India’s first innings. Jaiswal walked towards the Sri Lankan seamer and the pair exchanged words before Fernando moved his head towards the Indian batter. Jaiswal responded by leaning in, resulting in the two players making head-to-head contact.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said both players admitted to the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, meaning no formal hearing was required.

“Both players were found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel,” the ICC said in a statement. The article relates to inappropriate physical contact with a player, player support personnel, umpire, match referee or any other person during an international match.

The governing body also confirmed that one demerit point had been added to the disciplinary records of both players. Neither Jaiswal nor Fernando had committed an offence in the previous 24 months.

The charge was brought by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Prageeth Rambukwella.

The offence falls under Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. Such breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, while the maximum punishment is a fine of 50 per cent of the player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.

Here’s a look at how you can join the celebration this year.

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AMELIA Dubai

Ladies get ready for a sweet surprise when you dine in at AMELIA Dubai this Friday. You’ll be treated to a complimentary Pelota de Chocolate (Chocolate Fondant) – because what says we appreciate you more than decadent dessert?

Price: Free, when you dine here

When: Aug 28, 7pm-10pm

Where: Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai

Carine

There’s nothing quite like a giggle and a goss with friends over coffee and cake. But the experience does level up at French Mediterranean restaurant carine – where both coffee and cake tango with pistachios and cream. The result is a decadent Pistachio Tiramisu, created specifically for Emirati Women’s Day (August 28) and the weekend after it.

Price: Free on Aug 28 for women; Dh65 thru the weekend after

When: Aug 28-30

Where: Carine, Emirates Golf Club

Caffeine&Culture

This homegrown brand is all about authenticity, in its food and beverage options and in its celebrations. This Emirati Women’s Day, the café is giving Emirati women a huge discount on its menu of roasted coffees, matcha, teas and delicious food on-site.

Price: 50% off for Emirati women

When: Aug 28-31, 7.30am-10pm

Where: Dubai Design District

China Tang Dubai

They may be small pockets, but each of the ‘jewel’ dim sums at China Tang Dubai hold a big message: of strength, of resilience. The six dim sums are Pearl Garden Dumpling, with water chestnut filling; Sapphire Silk Dumpling,  mushrooms in a blue case;  Ruby Blossom Dumpling, filled with mixed vegetables; Imperial Jade Dumpling with a scallop and shrimp filling; Amber Crystal Dumpling, stuffed with chicken; and Golden Topaz Dumpling, a Xiao Long Bao. Each colour and flavour has been chosen with a value in mind Inspired by this year’s theme, “We Emerge Stronger and Better,” announced by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi. And each collection is called Jewels of Her Strength.

Price: Dh54 per basket

When: Aug 24-31

Where: The Lana Promenade

Dunkin’ JLT

Prone to overthinking things? This year, don’t. For every Dh15 you spend on something at Dunkin’ JLT, you’ll get a free coffee  - simple right? Happy celebrating

Guerlain Spa

Need a little pick me up? If so, this is one you want to consider. The special here begins with Dubai Harmony Treatment – a dance of hot and cold techniques designed to regenerate the skin, improve circulation, oxygenate tissues and relieve muscle tension. Then there’s a four-hand treatment known as the Bastien Duo.

Price: Dh1,500 per person for the 2.5-hour Path to Calm Ritual

When: Aug 28-Sep 30

Where: One&Only The Palm

La Maison Ani

Ladies, take a moment to celebrate everything that you have achieved today. Reward yourself with a pause at La Maison Ani, where a new dessert is being concocted. It’s called a Tarte Cacahuète & Caramel Salé and has a chocolate tart base, filled with peanut caramel, chocolate ganache and sea salt caramel, finished with a cloud of vanilla mascarpone cream. On Emirati Women’s Day, you will be recognised for all you do with one of these, complementary, during lunch and dinner service.

Price: Free for women

When: Aug 28

Where: Dubai Mall

Mausam

For a Bengali-style feast for the senses – and the taste buds – reserve your spot at the Bong Bhoj table which will give you a front row seat to a celebration of flavours and  to views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. Among the tasters are Doi Phuchka, Kosha Mangsho (lamb), Lepu Pata Murgir Jhol (chicken), and Chanar Kofta Curry (cottage cheese). End on a delicious note with Patishapta.

Price: From Dh175

When: Aug 15-Aug 31

Where: Mausam, Dubai Mall

Raffles Dubai

Knead those knots out of your system before you get the goss sis. How? Turn up at Raffles Dubai this August with a pal, indulge in a 60-minute massage that will have you sighing with happiness before you begin on the tea. This session of chill comes with sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and artfully crafted pastries, alongside free-flowing TWG teas.

Price: Dh450 per person, includes a 60-minute massage and Afternoon Tea.

When: August, 2-6pm (Afternoon Tea)

Where: Sheikh Rashid Road

The Tea Room

It’s the quiet spaces that invite heart-to-heart conversations – the kind that stay with you long after the meeting is done. And for now, you can claim a spot that not only encourages confidence but also does it while treating you to all manner of delicious nibbles. The Tea Room at Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel’s Coastal, Tropical & Floral Afternoon Tea comes with savouries - including seared scallops with celeriac purée, tomato jam and balsamic pearls – and sweets such as mango and coconut mousse.

Price: 30 per cent off Coastal, Tropical & Floral Afternoon Tea

When: Aug 26 – Sep 2, noon-9pm

Where: Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel

VEO Fitness

Four days, four sessions – to unwind and give yourself a chance to breathe. Take it easy with these classes that will suit women of all ages and abilities. The programme begins with a Hatha Yoga session at VEO Manzil on Thursday evening, followed by Hatha Yoga at VEO Arabian Ranches 2 on Friday. On Saturday, guests can enjoy a Flow Yoga session at VEO Meadows, before the programme concludes with a final Hatha Yoga session at VEO Hayya Lakes on Sunday.

Price: Free, advance booking needed

When: Aug 27-Aug 30, various

Where: Manzil, Arabian Ranches 2, Meadows, Lakes

Waldorf Astoria Spa DIFC

If relaxation is on your mind, keep an eye on this spa, which is offering a discount on a combo deal that includes a Quartz stone massage targeting the back and an express facial treatment. Looking snatched has never been so easy.

Price: Dh680

When: Aug 28-31

Where: DIFC

Jamieson’s success was made even more significant as he also secured the honorary title of this season’s Closing Swing Champion, with the season entering its final stretch this week ahead of the start of the Back 9, before the grand global finale in the UAE, with events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, respectively, in November.

But what really capped off the Scot’s success was a video call with US President Donald Trump following his win. 

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"He (Trump) was very complimentary and it sounds like he was actually watching it," Jamieson told BBC Sport. "He said he was following along, so it was really cool... I mean he is the President of the United States."

Jamieson produced an impressive performance on the final day, carding a 67 to finish the tournament at 11 under par. He earned 585 points, climbing 93 places to 42nd in the latest Race to Dubai Rankings released on Monday, with a season total of 802 points.

"Fourteen years, that's wild," said Jamieson. "It's just so tough, so hard to win. I was so patient all day... just can't believe I've won."

The Scot’s strong performances in the Closing Swing, during which he accumulated 604 points, also earned him an additional $200,000 bonus, taking his total prize money for the weekend to more than $700,000 when combined with his prize for winning the Nexo Championship.

The 42-year-old Jamieson has enjoyed a long career on the DP World Tour, with the tournament marking his 421st appearance on the Tour.

The Scottish event also saw Adrian Otaegui continue his steady progress towards qualifying for the season-ending playoffs and becoming the first UAE player to achieve the historic feat, after finishing tied 16th with a tournament total of two under par.

Otaegui moved up three places following the result to sit 32nd in the Race to Dubai Rankings, with a season total of 891 points.

The top 70 players in the Race to Dubai Rankings qualify for the DP World Tour Play-Offs, beginning with the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links from November 5 to 8. The top 50 players will then qualify for the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 12 to 15, where the season champion will be crowned.

Alongside the Closing Swing, the current season has featured the Opening Swing, International Swing, International Swing and Asian Swing, while the Back 9 begins this week.

American Patrick Reed currently leads the Race to Dubai Rankings with 2,889 points, closely pursued by Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, the defending season champion, who currently has 2,552 points.

The current season features 42 tournaments around the world. 

The council hosted a community and business networking evening at the Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah on Sunday, bringing together Pakistani business leaders, bankers, exchange company representatives, community figure and PBCS members.

Pakistan’s Trade and Investment Counsellor to the UAE, Ali Zaib Khan, Head of the National Bank of Pakistan in the UAE Rashid-ul-Islam, and Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah President Khalid Chaudhry were among the prominent guests.

Stability

Addressing the gathering, PBCS Senior Vice Chairman Syed Saleem Akhtar praised Sharjah’s leadership for its role in the emirate’s economic and cultural development and for creating an environment conducive to business and community life.

He said Pakistanis living and working in Sharjah regarded the UAE as their second home and valued the peace, security, stability and opportunities provided by the country’s leadership.

Akhtar said PBCS would continue working to promote business networking, mutual cooperation and stronger links between Pakistani businesses and the wider UAE commercial community.

Joint initiatives

Ali Zaib Khan described the tribute to Sharjah’s leadership as a meaningful recognition of the emirate’s development and achievements. He praised PBCS for creating a platform to expand business networking, trade relations and links between Pakistani entrepreneurs and the UAE business community. Khalid Chaudhry welcomed the initiative and praised PBCS for bringing business and community leaders together. He also expressed hope that a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations would lead to greater cooperation, joint initiatives and new opportunities for the Pakistani community.

Rashid-ul-Islam highlighted the importance of using formal banking channels and legal avenues for remittances to Pakistan. He also welcomed PBCS efforts to bring banks, exchange companies and business leaders together to explore opportunities for closer cooperation.

PBCS, Pakistan Social Centre MoU

A key highlight of the evening was the signing of an MoU between PBCS and the Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah.

The agreement was signed by Syed Saleem Akhtar, Senior Vice Chairman of PBCS, and Khalid Chaudhry, President of Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah.

The two organisations subsequently exchanged commemorative shields, symbolising their commitment to cooperation and closer engagement.

“The event underlined PBCS’s efforts to build stronger business connections, facilitate cooperation and create new opportunities for the Pakistani business community in the UAE,” added Akhtar.

This week the list spans a wrestling icon turned Hollywood actor, a Marvel actress, a One Piece star, one of Arabic pop's most beloved voices and a comic con first-timer straight out of the Star Wars universe.

1. John Cena — MEFCC, Abu Dhabi

When: 11 to 13 September, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi Tickets: From Dh160 at mefcc.com

If you know John Cena from the memes ('You can't see him'), you know his face better than most people who have actually watched him wrestle.

He spent the better part of two decades as the face of WWE, a multiple-time world champion and one of professional wrestling's most recognisable figures before retiring from in-ring competition in 2025. The transition to Hollywood was gradual and then suddenly very successful. The Suicide Squad, F9: The Fast Saga, Fast X, Bumblebee and the Peacemaker series gave him a second career that has outlasted his first.

He is also, quietly, one of the most prolific Make-A-Wish volunteers in history, having granted more than 650 wishes. That detail tends to soften whatever opinion people walked in with.

MEFCC is his first UAE appearance, and for a figure this size, the photo opportunity and autograph session format of a comic con is actually a closer interaction than any arena concert offers.

2. Pom Klementieff — MEFCC, Abu Dhabi

When: 11 to 13 September, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi Tickets: From Dh160 at mefcc.com

Most people know her as Mantis, the empath with the antennae who first appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and has since shown up in Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Thor: Love and Thunder and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. She is set to return as Mantis in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, which makes this a timely appearance.

What is less well known is that her career predates the MCU by several years and runs considerably deeper. She appeared in Park Chan-wook's Oldboy, the Mission: Impossible franchise and a Black Mirror episode, and trained at the Cours Florent drama school in Paris.

For Marvel fans specifically, she is one of the Guardians cast members who turns up at these events with genuine warmth and a reputation for memorable fan interactions.

3. Mackenyu — MEFCC, Abu Dhabi

When: 11 to 13 September, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi Tickets: From Dh160 at mefcc.com

If you have watched Netflix's live-action One Piece, you already know Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, the three-sword-style swordsman who manages to be simultaneously stoic, chaotic and extremely loyal to a crew he pretends not to care about. The casting was among the most scrutinised of the adaptation, and the reception was largely that he nailed it.

He is the son of Japanese martial arts action star Sonny Chiba, which partly explains the physicality he brings to the role. His other credits include Knights of the Zodiac, Rurouni Kenshin: Final Chapter and Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge of Scar. He is one of the more in-demand names in Japanese live-action adaptations of anime properties right now, and the Zoro casting gave him a genuinely global audience.

One Piece has one of the most passionate fanbases in anime. You may expect long queues.

4. Tamer Hosny — Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi

When: 17 October, with Tamer Ashour Tickets: From Dh137 at platinumlist.net

Tamer Hosny is one of those Arabic pop artists whose name recognition runs so deep across the region that his concerts function less like live music events and more like collective memory exercises. He started in Egyptian pop in the early 2000s and built a following that spans multiple generations of Arabic music listeners, known for romantic ballads that are equal parts radio-friendly and emotionally direct.

Beyond music, he has a film career in Egypt and a social media presence that keeps him visible year-round. Sharing a stage with Tamer Ashour, who operates in a similar emotional register with a devoted following of his own, makes this a night built around sing-alongs and a room full of people who know every word.

If you have never been to an Arabic pop concert, this is a reasonable entry point. The connection between these artists and their audiences is something that does not fully translate in a write-up.

5. Amr Diab — Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai

When: 7 November Tickets: From Dh345 at platinumlist.net

Known as the 'King of Arabic Pop' and 'Father of Mediterranean Music', Amr Diab is the most awarded artist in the history of the World Music Awards, and across the Arab world he occupies a position that has no clean equivalent in Western pop. He has been releasing music since 1983 and has not stopped being relevant at any point in between.

Nour El Ain, Habibi, Tamally Maak, El Alem Bellah and Wayah are the songs that will bring a Coca-Cola Arena to something close to a standstill. He will also be performing fan favourites including Khatafouni, Baba, and Shayef Amar, along with his iconic classics such as Ya Ana Ya La, Amarain, Leily Nahary, Enta El Hazz, and Nour El Ein. 

We’re looking for someone who is equally obsessed with Dubai as much as they are social media.

We’re after someone who is always on their phone capturing content and knows about the latest trends before anyone else. If you love filming, editing, sharing recommendations and celebrating Dubai, apply now.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Create engaging video content in a timely manner based on the requirements shared by the Editor.

• Attend events and coordinate shoots for social media content.

• Build industry contacts and represent the brand.

• Develop creative content edits to enhance audience engagement and brand visibility.

• Supporting with social media content planning.

• Comfortable appearing on camera.

• Complete other duties and activities as assigned by the Editor from time to time.

• Working Hours: 9.50 Hrs per day five days a week.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Degree in film, photography or digital media, or proven experience in social media editing with a portfolio highlighting your work. 

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in filming and editing videos on various social media platforms.  

• Filming and editing videos with social media software, including Canva, CapCut and Edits. 

• Ability to grasp cultural and political sensitivity. 

• Strong attention to detail with time management and organisational skills. 

• A positive can-do attitude and an absolute passion for social media and trends. 

• Excellent knowledge of Dubai, the UAE and a hunger to out exploring. 

• Willingness to take initiative to coordinate shoots, film, edit and post multiple projects daily. 

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and working through a high volume of edits daily. 

To apply, please submit your CV, samples of your work and a 30-second video explaining your favourite part of Dubai to Lavkesh Grover on lgrover@gulfnews.com

With the passing of Obaid Humaid Al Mazrouei, Emirati journalism loses a prominent media and cultural figure who contributed significantly to shaping the history of national media. His name is closely linked to the nation's development and progress since the early years of the Union. The deceased also left a clear mark on the cultural and literary landscape of the UAE and the region.

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Born in Ajman in 1935, Al Mazrouei began his career in the oil sector in Saudi Arabia before moving to the banking sector. He ultimately dedicated himself to journalism, choosing it as his calling and mission, firmly believing in the power of the written word and media to serve his nation and society. In 1974, Al Mazrouei obtained a license to publish the newspaper "Al Fajr," the first issue of which appeared on March 17, 1975. It became one of the Emirati newspapers that chronicled the journey of the UAE from its earliest years, its name symbolically representing the dawn of a new era in the nation's history.

"Al Fajr" began as a weekly newspaper before becoming a daily in 1978, and it has maintained a presence in the Emirati media landscape for over five decades.

The late Al Mazrouei's career was not limited to journalism; he was also a poet and writer, deeply interested in culture, literature, poetry, and heritage. Through "Al Fajr," he ensured a platform for these fields, most notably the "Fajr Al Shu'ara" (Dawn of Poets) supplement, which contributed to supporting poetic talent and highlighting the poetic and cultural movement in the UAE, the Gulf region, and the Arab world.

Al Mazrouei also left behind a number of publications, including "Events of Time and Pillars of Construction" and "The Necklace of Pearls in Praise and Eloquence", which, along with his journalistic and literary experience, constitute a part of his intellectual and cultural legacy.

The media community in the UAE remembers the late Al Mazrouei's career and his contributions to journalism and culture, as well as the impact he had on generations of journalists, writers, and intellectuals. He was one of those who helped establish the presence of the national press and keep pace with the development of the federal state from its earliest stages.

Taking to social media platform X, the airlines said adverse weather conditions were affecting flight operations and schedules.

IndiGo said it was closely monitoring the situation and advised passengers to check real-time flight updates and factor in extra travel time due to possible traffic delays.

“Bad weather over #Delhi has impacted flight schedules. We are closely monitoring the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly,” IndiGo wrote on X.

Similarly, Air India cautioned that weather-related disruptions could impact flights to and from Delhi, urging travellers to verify their flight status before leaving for the airport.

“Adverse weather conditions may impact flight operations to and from Delhi today,” the airline said.

Akasa Air said severe weather in Delhi had affected certain flights across its network, while SpiceJet warned that arrivals, departures and connecting flights could face delays due to the conditions.

“Due to severe weather conditions in Delhi, certain flights across our network have been impacted. We realize that this may inconvenience your travel plans and seek your patience and understanding. While this situation is completely beyond our control, please rest assured that our teams are always ready to assist you,” Akasa Air posted on X.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued weather alerts for Delhi, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and strong gusty winds in parts of the capital.

Earlier, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued travel guidelines for flyers.

“Before you travel, stay informed about local weather conditions at your departure and arrival cities,” AAI said on X.

It also advised travellers to arrive at the airport well in advance, as rain could affect road traffic. “Arrive at the airport well in advance to avoid delays,” the AAI said.

A laptop, tablet or smartphone is no longer merely a tool a student uses to complete schoolwork or attend virtual classes. These devices have become digital vaults containing vast amounts of personal and academic information — from photos, documents and assignments to login credentials, financial information and family data.

At the same time, a cyber attacker no longer necessarily needs to breach a sophisticated device or break through advanced security systems. Sometimes, all it takes is a single click on a suspicious link, opening an attachment or entering a password on a fake page that looks almost identical to a school or university website.

Cybersecurity specialists warn that phishing relies primarily on deceiving users and persuading them to take the dangerous step themselves — whether by clicking a link, downloading a file or disclosing sensitive information.

Students: An attractive target for cybercriminals

A student may assume that their data is of little value to cybercriminals. The reality, however, is very different.

A school or university account may be connected to learning platforms, grades, assignments, email, payment services, cloud storage and, in some cases, other services that use the same email address for password recovery.

Recent guidance for students, for example, notes that a university email account can be an important target because it may be linked to financial aid, student records, campus services and password resets for other accounts.

This is where the problem begins: the theft of a single account can provide an entry point into an entire chain of accounts and data.

How does an attack begin?

A student may receive a message that initially appears completely legitimate:

“You have a new assignment. Click here.”

Or:

“Your school account needs to be verified.”

Or:

“Your account has been suspended. Log in within 24 hours.”

Or even:

“You have a package waiting for collection.”

Such messages use what is known as social engineering — exploiting human behaviour and emotions rather than relying solely on a technical vulnerability.

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) explains that phishing messages may impersonate financial institutions, government agencies, companies or trusted individuals and attempt to persuade users to click a link, open an attachment or provide personal information.

More worryingly, a message may be carefully designed to look authentic, using the school or university logo and the name of a teacher or administrator. It may even come from an account that has already been compromised.

A fake link can be more dangerous than it looks

The problem is not always that a link looks obviously suspicious. Attackers can use web addresses that closely resemble legitimate ones, changing just one letter or number or adding a small word.

In a warning related to online education, the FBI has explained how users can fall victim to fake websites because of subtle changes to a website address, such as replacing one character with another or using a number that resembles a letter.

This means that simply seeing a familiar logo or a recognisable login page is not enough to prove that a website is genuine.

The golden rule is simple: if a message arrives unexpectedly and asks a student to log in, update information or download a file, the student should not click the link immediately.

Instead, they should access the school or university’s official website by manually entering the known web address, use the institution’s official app or contact the organisation through a trusted communication channel.

Urgency: The most common psychological weapon

Why does a message say “within one hour” or “before the end of today”?

Because urgency reduces the amount of time a user gives themselves to think.

Cybersecurity experts advise users to be particularly cautious about messages that pressure them to act immediately, especially when they threaten account closure, loss of a service or request personal information.

Therefore, phrases such as:

• “Your account will be suspended.”

• “Last chance.”

• “Click now.”

• “Your files will be deleted.”

• “You must verify your identity immediately.”

• “Unusual activity has been detected.”

should prompt students to stop and verify, rather than rush.

Does HTTPS mean a website is safe?

This is one of the most common misconceptions that needs to be corrected.

The presence of HTTPS means that the connection to a website is encrypted, but it does not, by itself, mean that the website is legitimate or trustworthy.

Attackers can also obtain encryption certificates for malicious websites. Students should therefore not rely solely on the padlock icon. They should examine the website address, domain name and spelling, consider the organisation that sent the link, and ask whether they were actually expecting the message.

Cyber fraud prevention experts recommend checking links carefully, verifying that the address matches the legitimate organisation and avoiding suspicious links.

The attachment: It could be more dangerous than the link

Links are not the only source of risk.

A student may receive a Word document, PDF, image or compressed file with an enticing title such as “Exam Results”, “Class Schedule”, “New Curriculum” or “Project File”.

Depending on the nature of the attack and the file, opening it or enabling certain features within it could result in malicious software being executed.

Specialist authorities advise users not to open unexpected attachments, even when the message appears to have been sent by someone they know, because the sender’s account itself may have been compromised.

One password: A key to more than one door

One of the most common mistakes is using the same password for email, learning platforms, games, social media and other services.

If an attacker obtains the password from one website, they may attempt to use it to access other accounts.

Cybersecurity guidance therefore recommends using long, strong and unique passwords for every account, with a password manager where appropriate.

Even more importantly, students should enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever it is available. This adds another layer of protection, meaning that a password alone is not sufficient to access the account.

Do not keep your secrets on an unprotected device

Family photographs, passports, identity cards, school files, financial documents and personal projects may all be stored on a student’s device without the student realising how valuable that information could be.

Students should therefore:

1. Keep the operating system regularly updated.

2. Update apps, browsers and security software.

3. Use a screen lock.

4. Never leave a device unlocked in public places.

5. Use reputable, up-to-date security software.

6. Encrypt the device where available and appropriate.

7. Keep backups of important files.

Cybersecurity guidance specifically aimed at students recommends keeping devices updated, backing up important files, locking devices when stepping away from them and regularly reviewing privacy settings.

Backups: The emergency plan

What happens if malware infects a device and files are deleted or encrypted?

This is where backups become essential.

A student who keeps an additional copy of a graduation project, assignments, photographs or important documents in a secure location is in a much stronger position than someone who has only one copy stored on their device.

However, backups themselves must be protected. Students should avoid having all devices and accounts connected in a way that could allow an attacker to access everything simultaneously.

Free wi-fi is not an invitation to open everything

Public Wi-Fi networks can be useful for students in cafés, airports and libraries, but they should be used with caution.

When using a public network, students should avoid conducting sensitive transactions over an untrusted connection if they can wait or use a more secure connection instead.

They should also make sure they are connected to the correct website and never ignore security warnings displayed by the browser.

Social media: An information goldmine for scammers

An attacker may not need to hack a student’s device if the student is already sharing large amounts of information about their life online.

The name of the school, teacher, city, date of birth, family members, place of residence, travel plans, photographs and even the names of pets could provide information that might be used for identity theft or to guess answers to security questions.

Security authorities advise students to protect their personal information, avoid sharing their location and think carefully before posting anything online.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also warns about online quizzes and surveys that request information that may appear harmless but could reveal answers that can be used in attempts to compromise accounts or reset passwords.

What if a student has already clicked the link?

The biggest mistake at this stage is to panic or try to hide what happened.

If a student has clicked a suspicious link, they should act quickly:

1. Close the page and do not enter any additional information.

2. Do not download any file if one has not yet been downloaded.

3. If a password was entered, change it immediately through the official website, particularly if the same password is used on other accounts.

4. Enable multi-factor authentication.

5. Notify the school, university or IT department.

6. Run a security scan on the device in accordance with the relevant authority’s guidance.

7. Monitor accounts for unusual activity.

8. If financial or other sensitive personal information has been exposed, take appropriate protective measures and notify the relevant authority.

Authorities and government agencies stress the importance of contacting the legitimate organisation through a known website or telephone number, rather than using contact details contained in the suspicious message itself.

When the message appears to come from a “teacher” or “university”

An attacker may send a message that appears to come from a teacher or school administrator.

The solution is not to trust the name displayed in the message, but to verify the actual email address and communication channel used.

If an unexpected message asks a student to make a payment, log in or provide personal information, the student can contact the teacher or administration through another known channel to verify the request.

Cybersecurity guidance for students recommends checking the sender’s email address rather than relying solely on the displayed name, particularly when a message is urgent or requests payment or sensitive information.

What should schools and families do?

Responsibility does not rest solely with students.

Schools need to build a culture of cybersecurity, teach students how to recognise phishing attempts and provide a clear and rapid channel for reporting suspicious messages.

Students should also understand that reporting a mistake is better than hiding it. A student who reports a suspicious link may protect dozens or even hundreds of other students from facing the same threat.

Families, meanwhile, should make digital security part of everyday education rather than an emergency lesson delivered only after something goes wrong.

Specialist authorities recommend teaching children and students how to identify and report suspicious messages and links, while ensuring that schools have a clear point of contact for incidents involving devices and digital learning.

Threats go beyond email

The digital environment surrounding students has become much broader.

A text message, social media account, pop-up advertisement, game, educational app, file-download website or even a message from a friend containing an interesting link can become a means of targeting a student.

Even more concerning, some attacks exploit genuine accounts that have already been compromised, making the message appear more credible.

That is why the right question is not:

“Do I know who sent this message?”

It is:

“Was I expecting this message, and is the link it asks me to use actually the official one?”

The investigation starts with “three seconds”

Before clicking anything, students can follow a simple rule:

Stop – Check – Then Click.

Stop responding to the urgency.

Check the sender, address and link.

Then decide whether there is a genuine need to click.

CISA guidance indicates that pausing before clicking unfamiliar links, using multi-factor authentication, maintaining strong passwords and keeping devices and software updated are among the fundamental elements of digital security in the school environment.

The real risk is not just the device

Ultimately, this is not simply about protecting a laptop or smartphone. It is about protecting a student’s digital identity.

A device can be replaced. Software can be reinstalled. A file can be recovered if a backup exists.

But the exposure of personal information or compromise of accounts can have consequences that extend far beyond the device itself.

Recent attacks targeting education platforms demonstrate that student data has become a genuine target for cybercriminals. In May 2026, the company behind the Canvas platform suffered a breach that resulted in the theft of student information, according to recent cybersecurity awareness reports.

UAE Cyber Security Council outlines measures to protect students’ devices

The UAE Cyber Security Council has urged students to make the security of their electronic devices a priority and adopt a range of measures to protect their devices, files and personal data.

The Council warned that a single click on an unsafe link could change everything and expose private files and personal information to risk.

In an awareness message posted on its official social media accounts as part of its back-to-school campaign, the Council stressed the importance of updating operating systems and applications, reviewing permissions granted to apps, enabling screen locks, deleting unused applications and ensuring that installed apps are safe and trustworthy.

It also urged students not to ignore warnings that appear when attempting to access an untrusted link, stressing that they should not click on unsafe links because a single click could change everything and potentially expose or compromise study files and personal data.

The Council further urged students not to wait until they lose their files before taking action, emphasising the importance of protecting data through regular backups to ensure that information remains secure.

It stressed the importance of not postponing the protection of personal files and data, stating: “Do not postpone protecting your files and personal data. Back them up,” and urging students to make regular backups a habit.

In another awareness message, the Council said: “Do not wait until you lose your files. Protect your data by creating regular backups.”

The bottom line for every school and university student: Do not let curiosity become the gateway to a cyberattack

In the digital education era, the distance between a student and their files, photographs, accounts and personal data may be no more than a single click.

But protection does not require students to become cybersecurity experts.

They simply need to develop a few essential habits: a strong, unique password; multi-factor authentication; regular updates; backups; privacy-conscious posting; and extreme caution when dealing with unexpected links and attachments.

The most important rule remains simple: If an unexpected message asks you to act quickly, do not act quickly. Stop, verify its source through an independent channel, and then decide.

In cybersecurity, not every click is merely a click. Some clicks can be the beginning of a lost account, stolen data, encrypted files or the exposure of personal information that should never have left a student’s device.

The family of Nabanipa Sinha, who recently completed her grade 12 and was set to join university, has been shattered after the fatal crash on August 13.

According to the parents, who spoke to Gulf News on Monday, the accident took place while the trio was returning after watching the Perseids Meteor Shower at Al Quaa, Abu Dhabi's popular "Milky Way" stargazing spot.

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The family has been in shock while trying to piece together what happened.

Nabanipa's mother Aatreyee Sinha told Gulf News that the three youngsters had been told to return home only after 5am to avoid the risks of driving late at night.

Minutes away from home

She said she had received messages from Nabanipa and from her son, Deeptanshu, both indicating they expected to reach home very soon.

But the news the parents received later was about the accident.

Aatreyee said the family had been struggling to come to terms with the loss of Nabanipa while also caring for her critically injured son.

Deeptanshu, a second-year engineering student in the US who was on vacation here, has been slowly recovering physically but is still dealing with multiple injuries and the trauma of the accident.

He has recently been shifted from the ICU to a step-down ICU and is scheduled to undergo some more surgeries.

"We couldn't have broken the news to him today without the support of the social service team. We are extremely thankful to the entire medical team here at Shakhbout Medical City hospital for their constant support to us," said Aatreyee.

Meanwhile, Deeptanshu's close friend Niranjan, a student at a Dubai university, who was behind the wheel and suffered critical head injuries, continues to be in the ICU. His family has also been struggling to cope with the tragedy.

Light of the family

Nabanipa's pet name was Diaa (which means lamp or light). Aatreyee described her daughter as the light of the family and as the "connecting dot" in the family.

"She was my pride, the light of my life, my best friend and at times my counsellor. She was just everything to us. Our lives revolved around her," she recalled.

For her father Diganta Sinha, Diaa also represented his mother's presence around him.

"She was not only my pride, but also a source of motivation and inspiration to carry on. She spread immense happiness in the family by her conduct and achievements," the grieving father said.

Aatreyee said Nabanipa had been especially close to her brother.

"They were inseparable," she said.

She also remembered Nabanipa as someone who was "pure at heart", straightforward and hardworking.

Outstanding student

Second topper in commerce stream at her school, Nabanipa had been looking forward to starting university and had earned a 50% scholarship to join her Honours course in accounting and finance at a university in Dubai.

She had been academically outstanding and was supposed to complete the equivalent of a four-year course in three years after receiving exemptions based on her academic record.

Nabanipa's funeral was held at New Sonapur Crematorium in Jebel Ali, Dubai, on August 18.

Second fatality on same route

Nabanipa's is the second fatality reported on the same route within a year.

As reported by Gulf News in March 2025, another Indian expat, Sarath Sasidharan, 36, died in a road accident while travelling with four friends to Al Quaa.

The group was heading to the desert camping destination to see the Milky Way when their car reportedly skidded and rolled over at around 11pm.

Sarath died, while some of the other occupants suffered minor injuries and the vehicle's owner was hospitalised in stable condition.

Perumbavoor announced at the Mazhavil Manorama Awards, saying there would definitely be a fourth Drishyam film. His confirmation comes just months after the release of Drishyam 3, the third chapter in the Malayalam thriller franchise.

The success of Drishyam 3 has further raised expectations for the next chapter. The film crossed Rs 100 crore worldwide in just three days and Rs 200 crore in 10 days, eventually grossing around Rs 238.6 crore globally.

However, details about Drishyam 4 remain under wraps. While Perumbavoor has confirmed that another instalment is planned, director Jeethu Joseph and actor Mohanlal have not separately provided formal confirmation of their involvement in the fourth film.

Mohanlal has previously spoken about the possibility of Drishyam 4. Ahead of the third film’s release, he suggested that Georgekutty’s story could continue and even mentioned the possibility of a fourth or fifth instalment.

Jeethu Joseph has also said he remains open to another sequel but has stressed that he does not want to rush into one simply because the franchise has performed strongly. He has indicated that a compelling story and the right development for the characters would be essential before moving ahead.

The franchise began with Drishyam in 2013, followed by Drishyam 2 in 2021 and Drishyam 3 in 2026. Mohanlal’s Georgekutty has remained at the heart of the series, which combines family drama with crime and suspense.

The first two films were remade in several Indian and international languages, helping turn Drishyam into one of Indian cinema’s most widely adapted thriller franchises. You can add these two lines:

Ajay Devgn’s Hindi Drishyam 3, titled Drishyam: The Conclusion, is set to continue the remake franchise with Devgn returning as Vijay Salgaonkar. The film is scheduled for release on October 2, 2026, following the Malayalam version and marking the latest chapter in the Hindi adaptation series.

For now, fans will have to wait for further announcements on the cast, director, story, shooting schedule and release date of Drishyam 4.

On Sunday, Del Toro became the first of his countrymen ever to win the general classification of the Lidl Deutschland Tour in Germany, as he moved UAE Team Emirates-XRG to 67 victories in 2026. It was Del Toro’s 11th win of 2026, and his fourth stage race success of the season, following the UAE Tour, Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes.

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In the general classification (final) after stage 4, Del Toro finished with an overall time of 17:39:48, 53 seconds ahead of Visma-Lease a Bike's Louis Barre, while Tudor Pro Cycling's Marc Hirschi was third, 1:08 behind.

For Del Toro, who only turned professional in 2024, it has already been a year to remember. The young Mexican shares a close bond with his more famous Slovenian teammate who guided him to a Stage 2 victory at the 2026 Tour de France, where Del Toro later finished third overall while helping Pogacar secure his record-equalling fifth title.

The Mexican driver though hasn’t had it easy in his fledgling career. Despite strong performances during his amateur career, he struggled to convert them into victories. During this period, UAE Team Emirates sports manager Joxean Fernández Matxín was in contact with him and helped him secure a developmental contract with Caia Rural-Sequiros RGA so he could begin racing professionally in Europe.

In 2022, Del Toro had a serious accident while training in San Marino, breaking his femur and severing an artery. He suffered severe hemorrhaging and had to be airlifted out. He spent 16 days in the hospital and had screws and a metal bar inserted in his leg to regenerate the femur.

He rose to international prominence following his recovery in 2023 when he won the Tour de l'Avenir, widely regarded as the most important stage race for under-23 riders and a traditional showcase for future professional stars.

After his victory, UAE Team Emirates decided that he was ready to move directly to the WorldTour rather than follow the original developmental path. In October 2023, the team announced that Del Toro would join the squad on a three-year contract starting in 2024.

It was a decision UAE Team Emirates has not regretted since. At the Tour de France this year, where he finished third overall behind teammate Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel, he also claimed the overall young rider classification, both incredible feats. He is just 22 and with such enormous potential as an all-round cyclist, no mountain seems too high to climb.

Whether you want a full sit-down sadhya, a takeaway box at home or a full day of music, comedy and cultural performances, here is where to go.

What is the sadhya?

Onam Sadhya, also known as Onasadya, is the traditional vegetarian feast associated with the festival. The meal is served on a banana leaf and brings together a wide variety of curries, vegetables, pickles, savouries and desserts. Classics include sambar, avial, olan, erissery, kalan, thoran and rasam, finished with payasam. Eaten by hand, it is the kind of meal that halts conversation and demands seconds. Most restaurants require a reservation, so do not leave it to the last minute.

Where to eat in Dubai

Prices for these ahead may be subject to changes and I recommend you check before booking

Bombay Brasserie at Taj Dubai
When: 20 to 26 August, lunch 12.30pm to 3pm, dinner 6pm to 11pm
Price: Dh195

Dress up for this one. The spread includes inji puli, sharkara upperi, rasam, palakkadan matta rice and erissery, with Kerala-themed background music doing the rest of the mood work.

Calicut Paragon (Al Nahda and Karama)
When: 26 August only, 11.30am to 8.30pm, walk-ins only
Price: Dh52

One of the most trusted names in the city for Kerala food. The 24-dish sadhya is served on a banana leaf and takes no reservations, so arrive early.

Indian Coffee House, Rolla Street, Bur Dubai
When: Mini sadhya on 23, 24, 25 and 28 August; grand sadhya on 26 and 27 August
Price: Mini sadhya Dh37 dine-in, Dh39 takeaway; grand sadhya Dh44 dine-in, Dh47 takeaway

Two options, both available to eat in or take home. The mini version is good for a lighter meal; the grand one is what you want if you have been waiting all year.

Jamavar at Address Residences Opera District, Downtown Dubai
When: 15 to 30 August, lunch and dinner
Price: Dh195 vegetarian, Dh215 non-vegetarian

For the second year running, Jamavar is serving Leelamma's Onam sadhya, a 21-dish tribute to the Nair family matriarch and the founding family of the restaurant. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, and it is one of the more elegant settings in the city for the occasion.

Kovalam Restaurant, President Hotel, Al Karama
When: 26 August, noon to 4pm
Price: Dh69 including one beverage

Traditional is the word at Kovalam. Classic flavours, no frills, and the kind of sadhya that has people coming back to the same table year after year.

Punjab Grill, Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel
When: 21 to 26 August, noon to 3pm, pre-booking required
Price: Dh99 per person

Thirty-three dishes on a lush green leaf. You will be spoilt for choice and probably need a lie-down afterwards. Book ahead.

Papillon Restaurant & Bar, San Marino Hotel, Deira
When: 26 and 28 August, noon to 4pm
Price: Dh39 dine-in, Dh45 takeaway

The 30-part sadhya is also available on Noon and Keeta for delivery, making it one of the most accessible options if you want the feast without leaving home.

Rasam, Discovery Gardens
When: Until 31 August
Price: From Dh65

More than 30 traditional dishes and a menu described as authentic and well curated. The extended run through the end of August makes it a solid choice if Thiruvonam itself does not work for your schedule.

Shamiana at Taj Jumeirah Lake Towers
When: 22 to 27 August, 12.30pm to 3pm
Price: Dh175 per person

One of the prettier settings for a sadhya in the city. Everything from avial to paal payasam is on the leaf, with non-vegetarian add-ons including fish fry available if you want them.

Suja's Kitchen (Al Quoz, Arjan, DSO, Oud Metha, Qusais, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi)
When: 20 to 30 August
Price: Dh52

Home-style cooking in a box with 26 dishes. If you have been craving something that tastes like it was made with care rather than scale, this is your option.

Tharavad Restaurant, Qusais
When: 24 to 26 August, noon to 3.30pm
Price: Dh45 dine-in

Twenty-eight dishes if you eat in, 26 if you take it away. Homely is the vibe and it delivers on that promise.

Malabar Tiffin House, Karama
When: 26, 29 and 30 August

Over 25 traditional dishes, seasonal vegetables and payasam, served across three dates for those who cannot make it on Thiruvonam itself.

AARAAMAM Restaurant (Karama and Bur Dubai)
Price: From Dh35

Homestyle Kerala flavours with unlimited payasam refills. One of the more generous options on this list.

Want to celebrate at home?

The Kitchen by Lulu, all UAE stores
When: 26 to 30 August
Price: Dh38.90

Prepared by well-known chef Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri, the 24-item sadhya in a box comes complete with a banana leaf. Dishes include palakkadan matta rice, sambar, kichadi, pachadi, thoran, kaalan, olan avial, rasam and payasam. Available online and at all Lulu stores across the UAE.

Events across the UAE

BurJuman Mall, Dubai (until 29 August, free)
The Onam Bazaar is running through the month with festive fashion, accessories, decor and traditional food. A Pookalam Competition offers prizes, and live performances of Thiruvathira, Mohiniyattam and Chendamelam are scheduled on select dates.

Madras Beats at Sports Bay Karama, Dubai (28 August, from Dh65)
Chenda Melam by Team Indri, a live concert by Madras Beats, DJ sets by Jijesh Menon and an authentic Onam Sadhya on the evening. Traditional attire encouraged.

Onam in the Dark 2.0, Abu Dhabi (29 August, from Dh50)
South Indian beats, three DJ sets and appearances by Maveli and Pulikkali at Scorpio Sting Restaurant, World Trade Centre Level 5. Dress in mundu, kasavu or classic Kerala colours. Free parking available and free entry for ladies until 12 am then Dh50.

Onamamangam Season 5, Sharjah Expo Centre (6 September, from Dh65)
The UAE's biggest Onam celebration seats more than 8,000 guests for a grand royal sadhya, with Mollywood star Kunchacko Boban as chief guest. Live music from Shweta Mohan backed by Bennet and the Band, Vedan on stage, violinist Sabareesh Prabhakar in a Chenda and Violin fusion, and comedian Sudheer Paravoor performing as K7 Maman. Sadhya sessions run from 11am to 3pm. Tickets from Dh65 at Platinumlist. Children under four enter free.

How to dress for it

For traditional Onam attire, head to Bur Dubai, Karama and Meena Bazaar for Kasavu sarees, mundus, jewellery and festive accessories. Lulu Hypermarket and Nesto also carry a convenient range of Kerala-style outfits and Onam essentials.

Some Malayali retailers this year are offering traditional Kerala outfits featuring UAE landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future, blending Kerala heritage with affection for their adopted home.

In an interview with Gulf News Akshay Uthaman, a Dubai-based RJ, shared "We are very happy to see this trend emerging at a time when we are expressing our love and loyalty to the UAE."

The 15 year old made his Duleep Trophy debut for East Zone against North East Zone on Sunday, August 23. He was also named deputy to captain Ishan Kishan for the tournament.

Sooryavanshi started in his usual aggressive fashion, hitting two boundaries before North East Zone pacer Bishworjit Konthoujam dismissed him for 8 off six balls.

His aggressive approach has already brought him plenty of success in shorter formats, but longer format cricket demands a different level of patience and maturity.

Sooryavanshi will need to understand when to attack and when to spend time at the crease. Red ball cricket can test a batter's technique, temperament and patience in ways limited overs cricket does not.

But he is still only 15 and has plenty of time to learn and improve. The talent is clearly there. The next step in his development will be adding patience and maturity to his natural attacking game without taking away the fearlessness that makes him such an exciting prospect.

Why did Vaibhav Sooryavanshi tape his jersey?

As Sooryavanshi walked back to the pavilion, fans noticed something unusual. Part of the number on the back of his jersey had been covered with tape.

The reason appears to be simple. Sooryavanshi prefers wearing the No. 3 jersey, but seemingly did not receive one from East Zone.

The youngster found his own solution, covering part of the original number with tape to make it appear as No. 3.

Sooryavanshi has become closely associated with the number. He wears No. 3 for Rajasthan Royals and also wore the same number after making his India debut.

Why does Sooryavanshi wear No. 3?

There is a personal reason behind his choice.

Sooryavanshi previously revealed that his mother suggested No. 3 because of numerology.

“1 and 2 make 3. My mother told me that there is no point in taking 12; let's take three directly,” Sooryavanshi said during India A's media day ahead of the Under 19 Asia Cup in 2025.

He has stuck with No. 3 since then and has enjoyed plenty of success while wearing it.

This time, however, his favourite number could not bring him much luck. Sooryavanshi managed just eight runs in his first innings, although he will have another opportunity to make his mark if East Zone bat again.

Claims by US President Donald Trump that the Danish autonomous territory of Greenland should become American and China's move to send a container vessel on a route through the Arctic has put an intense spotlight on the region.

The September 13-14 meeting aims "to strengthen the EU's common strategic approach to the Arctic region as its geopolitical significance continues to grow rapidly," according to a statement from Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's office. 

EU leaders including Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen are scheduled to attend, along with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and EU Council President Antonio Costa.

"The Arctic region is an increasingly important part of Europe's security environment," Orpo said in the statement. 

"The European Union has direct interests in its stability, security and sustainable development. It is very valuable to be able to discuss these issues together with a comprehensive group of EU leaders," he added.

The Arctic has taken on increased strategic importance as the melting of sea ice has improved access to crucial natural resources and opened up new maritime routes.

Top aviation analysts Gulf News spoke with say passenger numbers are recovering faster than expected, airport projects remain on track, and confidence is returning.

But full-service carriers, hotels and insurers are still counting the cost of a conflict that hit some markets far harder than others.

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Recovery gathers pace

Dubai is on course to finish the year close to its pre-war trajectory. André Martins, Partner and Head of Transportation and Advanced Industrials at Oliver Wyman, said: "The recovery has been faster than many expected."

He added: "Assuming there is no further major disruption, and international tourism continues to recover through the remainder of the year, Dubai is on track to finish 2026 close to 100 million passengers — broadly in line with its pre-conflict trajectory. Doha and Abu Dhabi have also rebuilt their networks at remarkable speed."

Transfer traffic — the lifeblood of Gulf hubs — took the sharpest early hit but has come back strongly.

"By the summer peak, connecting passengers were once again accounting for around half of Dubai's traffic," Martins said. Dubai Airports is due to report its H1 passenger traffic figures later this week.

Usman Tahir, Head of Aviation at Roland Berger Middle East, struck a similarly upbeat note: "The Gulf aviation sector's recovery can best be described as resilient; major carriers have progressively restored their schedules, with flight volumes now approaching pre-conflict levels across key international routes."

Low-cost carriers bounce back

Not every airline is recovering at the same speed. Virendra Jain, Co-Founder and CEO at VIDEC, said: "It would be wrong to say that all Gulf markets have been hit similarly." He explained that Kuwait and Bahrain were "the most affected, the UAE to a lesser degree," while "Saudi is mostly flat, and even grew in some months."

On low-cost carriers, Jain said: "Low-cost carriers like Air Arabia and flydubai have recovered their capacity and are running at around 90 per cent of their 2025 levels. They fly point-to-point, and regional and intra-Gulf demand is the demand that comes back first. So the LCCs are performing relatively better."

Full-service carriers have had a rougher ride. "The big boys, the full-service network carriers, have seen a much bigger impact. Their capacity is still around 20-25 per cent below 2025 levels," Jain said, adding: "We do not expect their full capacity to return this year."

With Emirates "bigger than the other three UAE carriers combined," Jain said, "an impact there has a meaningful impact on the UAE air market." He expects "for the full-service carriers, 2026 will remain in net deficit against 2025."

Fares still elevated

Passengers felt the squeeze too. "Fares helped compensate for some of the lost capacity. In the initial months, fares went up 35-45 per cent," Jain said. "They have now started to normalise, but they are still higher than the pre-war levels."

Linus Benjamin Bauer, Founder & Global Managing Partner, BAA & Partners, described the war as "a significant operational and financial stress test, but not a structural setback for Gulf aviation."

He estimated: "UAE carriers likely incurred hundreds of millions of dollars collectively in additional fuel costs, longer flight times, crew expenses and operational disruption." But he said, "their strong balance sheets, global networks and operational flexibility enabled them to absorb the shock far better than many international competitors."

However, Bauer struck an optimistic note on sentiment: "Passenger confidence has largely returned," he said, adding that the episode "reinforced rather than weakened" investor confidence, "demonstrating that Gulf airlines and governments can respond quickly and effectively to geopolitical disruption."

His takeaway for the industry: "Resilience has become as important as efficiency."

Hotels feel the strain

The knock-on effect has been visible on the ground. For example, Dubai's hotel occupancy averaged 56 per cent in the first half of 2026, marking a 30 per cent year-on-year decline due to regional conflict and travel.

"ADRs have also declined, so whatever occupancy you have is coming at lower ADRs,” said Jain.

Saudi Arabia, by contrast, has fared better. "Saudi Arabia has held up much better because it has strong domestic demand," Jain said, concluding that "otherwise, Saudi Arabia is broadly net positive YoY."

Airports push ahead

Despite the turbulence, big-ticket airport projects haven’t slowed.

James Burlumi, Managing Director at Matthews (a development management consultancy) EMEA, said, "We have not seen any meaningful reduction in development activity across the aviation sector as a result of the recent conflict. If anything, the resilience of the sector has reinforced the Middle East's position as a global aviation hub."

On investment, Burlumi said: "Businesses have naturally adopted a more cautious and disciplined financial approach since the conflict, particularly in relation to short-term commitments. However, this has not diminished the Gulf states' ambition to continue investing in the long-term development of the aviation sector."

He added: "We are seeing significant and sustained investment in aviation development programs across the major international gateways (Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah) as well as regional airports (Madinah, Abha, Al Taif) and emerging markets (Iraq, Syria)."

Insurance costs tighten

Behind the scenes, insurers have also been recalibrating.

Prashant Parthasarathy, Head of Aviation at EIRS, said: "As a result of the disruption, the aviation insurance market has become more cautious in its underwriting decisions and more selective in its risk appetite."

He said the focus now is on "deductibles, sub-limits and war-risk protection rather than a simple across-the-board premium increase."

On pricing, Parthasarathy said, "Aviation premium rates in the Middle East were expected to increase sharply following the conflict, even as the wider insurance market moved in the opposite direction."

He noted that "global commercial insurance rates modestly fell in Q2 2026, with the IMEA region recording a steepest decline estimated around 15 per cent."

Winter will tell

Analysts agree the real test is still to come. Martins pointed to the global supply crunch as a cushion for Gulf carriers: "With a global aircraft backlog exceeding 17,000 aircraft, competitors have limited spare capacity with which to permanently absorb displaced traffic."

He said the winter season "will therefore give us a much clearer indication of whether bookings have returned at full strength."

Tahir cited the wider forecast weighing on the sector, noting that "IATA forecasts global airline profits to reduce by nearly 50 per cent, net profit margins shrinking from 4.2 to 2 per cent," and that Middle East airlines are projected to swing "from a $7.2 billion net profit in 2025 to a $4.3 billion net loss in 2026, making the region the only part of the global industry expected to fall into the red this year."

Even so, Tahir remained confident on the fundamentals: "The structural drivers that made Gulf aviation one of the most compelling growth stories in global transport remain intact: geographic positioning at the intersection of Europe, Asia and Africa; world-class infrastructure; strong sovereign backing; and an established track record of executing at scale."

Looking further out, he said Gulf carriers "will return to growth and in some respects may emerge from this period with competitive advantages."

Jain closed on a similar theme, pointing to regional coordination as the key to recovery: "Whenever there was a problem, the UAE and the wider Gulf worked together... That created an overall sense of safety, coherence, and coordination. That needs to sustain."

The new journey transforms FAB’s traditionally manual personal loan application process into an end-to-end digital experience for eligible customers within the FAHR-integrated employer network.

Through a secure digital link with FAHR’s central HR system, the journey enables real-time salary validation and automated data entry, reducing the need for customers to manually collect, scan, print or submit traditional salary certificates and salary transfer letters.

The launch marks an important step in FAB’s digital lending transformation, moving personal loan applications from manual processing towards a more automated, paperless and customer-friendly experience.

By integrating verified employment and salary information directly into the application journey, FAB is helping reduce administrative steps, improve data accuracy and support faster processing.

Eligible customers can complete the application in a few simple steps, with the system securely retrieving up-to-date employment and salary information to support FAB’s credit evaluation process. The journey is designed to reduce friction for customers and employers by limiting the need for physical documentation or manual HR intervention.

The launch reflects FAB’s continued investment in digital banking capabilities that simplify customer journeys and deliver more efficient, secure and accessible financial services. It also reinforces FAB’s focus on working with strategic partners to support the UAE’s wider digital transformation agenda.

Following his first-look reveal last week that had social media buzzing, Akshaye Khanna is barely recognisable in his new role — a white beard, tangled locks, and ancient robes transforming him into Shukracharya, the legendary guru of the Asuras. It's a striking pivot for the actor, who recently earned praise for his role in Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar.

Titled #Shukracharya'sWarCry, the trailer throws viewers straight into a clash between the forces of Dharma and Adharma. Khanna's Shukracharya recounts the ancient banishment of the Asura race to the netherworld, sealed away behind the doors of the 14 realms. Now, driven by vengeance, he sets a 14-day deadline to unleash the Asuras' war cry and win their eternal freedom, even commanding the demon Raktabeej to wipe out humanity along the way. Standing in his path: the unstoppable divine force of Maa Kali herself.

The reaction online has been instant and enthusiastic, with fans praising Khanna's transformation and predicting another hit is on the way, many saying they got goosebumps from the teaser alone.

A growing cinematic universe

Mahakali marks the third installment in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe, which kicked things off in 2024 with Hanu-Man. That Teja Sajja-led Telugu superhero film became a genuine phenomenon, pulling in roughly Rs 295 crore worldwide and smashing box office records along the way. With Jai Hanuman also in the pipeline, the universe continues to expand and Mahakali looks poised to be its most ambitious chapter yet.

Inside Mahakali

Directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru and written by Prasanth Varma, the film centers on Goddess Kali in a Bengal setting, weaving in themes of women's empowerment, courage, and unshakeable faith. It's being mounted on a global scale too, with an IMAX 3D release and plans for international rollout across multiple languages.

Smaran Sai composes the score, and RKD Studios is producing. Alongside Khanna, the cast includes Bhoomi Shetty, Rohit Saraf, Sriya Reddy, Rajat Kapoor, and Nassar. Mahakali is slated to hit theatres on January 8, 2027.

Speaking to TV9 Telugu, Varma described the film as a bold new addition to his cinematic universe, teasing that Kalika Devi's form will confront evil on an unprecedented scale — and promising to redefine what a superhero film can be.

India's foreign ministry said that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for talks on Tuesday.

"Doval, India's Special Representative (SR) on the India-China Boundary Question, arrived in Beijing on a two-day visit earlier this afternoon," the ministry said.

Doval will also meet China's Vice President Han Zheng, it added.

The two side have met repeatedly for talks about their border since a deadly 2020 clash.

"At this meeting, the two sides will, in accordance with the spirit of the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, continue to engage in in-depth communication on the boundary question and jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters.

The two Asian giants share a 3,500-kilometre.

The September 12-13 BRICS meeting will be held in the Indian capital, with the Middle East, trade and the shifting global order expected to feature prominently.

BRICS was created in 2009 as a forum for major emerging economies seeking greater influence in institutions dominated by Western powers.

The grouping, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has since expanded.

A passenger’s laptop caught fire aboard an American Airlines flight from Atlanta to Dallas last week, filling part of the cabin with smoke and leaving a passenger with burn injuries — a reminder that the lithium-ion batteries inside everyday electronic devices can become a serious hazard in the air.

American Airlines Flight 2398 was carrying 133 people when the fire broke out as the aircraft approached Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

“Cabin fire in the back of the airplane,” the pilot told air traffic controllers as flight attendants battled the blaze, according to audio cited by CBS News.

The crew contained the laptop in a thermal containment bag and the aircraft landed safely. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating.

Laptops have caught fire before

While power-bank fires have attracted increasing attention, this is not the first time a laptop has caused an emergency aboard a passenger aircraft.

In July 2024, passengers were evacuated from another American Airlines aircraft at San Francisco International Airport after a laptop battery caught fire as the plane was preparing to depart for Miami. Three people suffered minor injuries.

The incidents highlight an easily overlooked fact: Laptops, smartphones, tablets and power banks commonly use lithium-ion batteries, meaning they can be vulnerable to the same basic type of battery failure.

UAE airlines: Power bank and laptop rules

EMIRATES

Power banks

• One per passenger, maximum 100Wh (watt-hours).

• Cabin baggage only; not allowed in checked baggage.

• Cannot be used to charge devices or be recharged during the flight.

• Cannot be stored in the overhead locker; keep it in the seat pocket or a bag under the seat.

• Capacity rating must be clearly visible.

• Laptops

• Laptops and other portable electronic devices containing lithium batteries are permitted, subject to battery limits.

• Batteries above 100Wh and up to 160Wh require airline approval.

ETIHAD

• Power banks

• One per passenger, maximum 100Wh.

• Power banks over 100Wh are not permitted.

• Must be carried in cabin baggage, not checked baggage.

• Using a power bank to charge a device, or recharging the power bank from the aircraft power supply, is prohibited onboard.

• Laptops

• Passengers can carry laptops and other personal electronic devices.

• Devices may be carried in cabin or checked baggage, but those checked in must be completely switched off — not in sleep or hibernation mode — and protected from damage.

FLYDUBAI

• Power banks

• One per passenger, maximum 100Wh.

• Cabin baggage only; not permitted in checked baggage.

• Must remain switched off and cannot be used or recharged onboard.

• Cannot be stored in overhead lockers; keep it under the seat or in the seat pocket.

• The Wh rating must be clearly marked on the power bank.

• Laptops

• Laptops and other lithium battery-powered electronic devices are permitted subject to flydubai’s battery restrictions.

• Devices and batteries must be protected against damage, short circuits and accidental activation.

AIR ARABIA

• Power banks

• Up to two power banks per passenger, each with a maximum capacity of 100Wh.

• Cabin baggage only.

• Must remain switched off throughout the flight.

• Cannot be used to charge another device or be recharged onboard.

• Cannot be kept in overhead lockers; they must be in the seat pocket or a bag under the seat.

• Laptops

• Laptops, phones, tablets and cameras containing lithium batteries are permitted.

• Lithium-ion batteries must not exceed 100Wh under the standard allowance.

• Air Arabia permits up to 15 personal electronic devices per passenger for personal use.

AT A GLANCE

• Emirates: 1 power bank | 100Wh max

• Etihad: 1 power bank | 100Wh max

• flydubai: 1 power bank | 100Wh max

• Air Arabia: 2 power banks | 100Wh each

• Common rule: Keep power banks in the cabin, never in checked baggage, and don’t use or recharge them onboard.

Why can a laptop suddenly catch fire?

The danger comes from a process called thermal runaway.

Lithium-ion batteries store large amounts of energy in a compact space. If something goes wrong inside a battery, it can begin producing heat faster than it can dissipate it.

That rising temperature can trigger further chemical reactions, producing still more heat. The process can accelerate rapidly, causing the battery to swell, smoke, ignite or rupture.

The FAA says thermal runaway can occur without warning if a battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged or improperly packed. Manufacturing defects can also cause it.

What are the warning signs?

Passengers should immediately alert cabin crew if a laptop, phone, tablet or other lithium-powered device begins overheating, expanding, smoking or burning, the FAA says.

A swollen laptop battery or device that suddenly becomes abnormally hot should therefore never be ignored.

Flight crews are trained to recognise and respond to lithium-battery fires in aircraft cabins.

Why are power banks banned from checked baggage?

Power banks and other spare lithium batteries must be carried in cabin baggage under FAA rules.

If a cabin bag is taken at the gate and placed in the aircraft hold, passengers must remove their power banks and spare batteries and keep them in the cabin.

The reason is crucial: an overheating battery in the cabin can be spotted and dealt with quickly. A battery fire developing unseen inside baggage is far more difficult to detect and tackle.

Battery terminals must also be protected against short circuits. The FAA recommends keeping spare batteries in their original packaging, covering terminals with tape or placing them in a protective case or pouch.

Can laptops go in checked baggage?

Portable electronic devices containing lithium batteries can generally be carried in checked baggage under FAA rules, but the agency recommends keeping them in the cabin.

If checked, the device must be completely switched off and protected from accidental activation and damage.

How large can the battery be?

Most ordinary phones, tablets and laptops fall within aviation limits.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are generally limited to 100 watt-hours (Wh). Batteries between 101Wh and 160Wh require airline approval, with restrictions on the number of spare batteries permitted.

Airlines may impose stricter limits, so passengers should check their carrier’s rules before travelling.

What about a damaged or swollen laptop?

Don’t take it aboard.

The FAA says damaged or recalled batteries and devices capable of producing sparks or dangerous heat must not be carried on an aircraft unless the battery has been removed or otherwise made safe.

A swollen battery, bulging laptop case, unusual heat or visible battery damage should therefore be treated as a warning before reaching the airport.

What if your laptop starts smoking in flight?

Tell the cabin crew immediately.

Don’t wait to see whether the device cools down or attempt to deal with a developing battery fire yourself.

The latest American Airlines incident shows how quickly an everyday electronic device can become a cabin emergency.

For travellers, the message is simple: It’s not only your power bank you need to watch. The lithium-ion battery inside your laptop, smartphone or tablet can also overheat and catch fire.

Check out the Gulf News’ winners and losers from a packed weekend of sport, as we look at the biggest stars, teams and talking points from the action.

Winners

Lando Norris: The reigning F1 champions driver produced a superb race to win a dramatic Dutch Grand Prix and make it back-to-back victories. Starting from pole, Norris had to fight off championship leader Kimi Antonelli during a thrilling race, eventually reclaiming the lead to take the chequered flag ahead of the Mercedes driver.

Hull City: The Tigers marked their return to the Premier League in spectacular fashion, stunning Manchester United 2-0 on the opening day. Goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy, both from set pieces, secured a memorable victory for the newly promoted side, who were playing top-flight football for the first time in nine years. The result was also Hull’s first league win over United in 52 years, making it a dream start to life back in the Premier League.

Arthur Fils: The Frenchman produced the biggest win of his career in Cincinnati, beating Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 1-6, 6-0 to claim his first ATP Masters 1000 title. The 22-year-old recovered brilliantly after dropping the second set, dominating the decider to become the youngest French Masters 1000 champion and move up to a career-high No. 11 in the world. With the US Open now on the horizon, Fils heads to New York full of confidence.

Coco Gauff: In the women’s tournament Gauff was crowned the winner in Cincinnati, defeating fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-4 to claim her second Cincinnati Open title. It was Gauff’s first trophy of 2026 and her fourth WTA 1000 crown, giving her a major confidence boost heading into the US Open. The 22-year-old also joined Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka as the only women in the Open Era to win the Cincinnati title twice.

Mitchell Starc: The fast-bowler helped Australia responded emphatically to their shock defeat in the opening Test against Bangladesh. Starc claimed 10 wickets for 51 runs as Australia bowled Bangladesh out for just 64 and 95, wrapping up an innings-and-51-run victory in less than two days. The result levelled the two-Test series 1-1 and provided a huge response from the world’s top-ranked Test side.

Wyndham Clark: The American held his nerve to claim the BMW Championship in impressive fashion, overcoming a tense final round at Bellerive Country Club to finish three shots clear of Rory McIlroy. The American carded an even-par 70 to finish on 17 under, securing his third PGA Tour victory of the year and a $3.6 million prize.

Losers

Max Verstappen: It was a hugely disappointing home race at Zandvoort for Verstappen who crashed on the opening lap of the Dutch Grand Prix. The four-time world champion lost control of his Red Bull on the damp track and hit the barriers, bringing out the red flag and ending his race almost immediately. It is particularly harsh for Verstappen given the huge support from the home crowd and the fact that this was the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, making his early exit all the more painful.

Manchester United: The Red Devils endured the worst possible start to their new Premier League campaign, following their shock defeat to newly promoted Hull City on the opening day. There had been plenty of optimism surrounding United after an encouraging previous campaign under Michael Carrick, but his first competitive game of the new season quickly brought those hopes crashing back down to earth. Two first-half set-piece goals left United chasing the game, and despite dominating possession, they failed to find a way back.

Rory McIlory: After putting himself in genuine contention to win BMW Championship on the final day, McIlory would have been left disappointed by his performance. The Masters champion fought back from five shots behind Wyndham Clark to briefly move level with the leader, but his challenge faded late on after a costly bogey at the 17th. McIlroy eventually finished third, four shots behind Clark, ending a frustrating weekend after coming so close to mounting a remarkable comeback.

These observers cite reports by the International Energy Agency, which affirm that “diversifying export routes in the Gulf enhances global supply resilience,” reflecting alignment between UAE policy and international approaches to maritime risk management.

The UAE, having long recognised the geopolitical challenges of the region, adopted an approach centered on avoiding harm — reducing the impact of threats without disrupting the essential routes that underpin its economy and maritime standing. This approach is not reactive; it is anticipatory, built on establishing systems capable of functioning under all conditions, both inside and outside the strait.

Followers of the sector point to analyses by S&P Global, which describe the UAE as “one of the most logistically resilient countries in the region.”

Critical artery of global trade

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical arteries of global trade, and no country — regardless of its capabilities — can treat it as an option that can be ignored or dispensed with. It is an international waterway governed by maritime law, supporting global energy flows and shaping the economic security calculations of regional and global actors. Yet observers note that the UAE, fully aware of the strait’s strategic importance, chose to reduce the impact of any potential disruption by building a parallel system that operates both within and beyond the strait, without diminishing its role or significance.

This understanding is reinforced by Lloyd’s List, which states that building parallel routes in the Gulf “does not aim to bypass the strait, but to fortify national economies.”

A clear example of this logic can be seen when an airport is subjected to hostile shelling. The state does not abandon aviation or replace air transport with another mode; it repairs the damage, strengthens protection, opens alternative routes, and resumes using the airport once the threat subsides. Hostile acts are the exception, not the rule, and alternatives are built to reinforce strength, not compensate for weakness. The same logic applies to the Strait of Hormuz.

Alternative system

In this context, the UAE has emerged as an advanced model in building an alternative system operating outside the strait. Fujairah Port, located on the Arabian Sea, has become a global hub for ship bunkering and a cornerstone of the country’s maritime resilience. With the Abu Dhabi–Fujairah pipeline, the UAE can export oil without passing through the strait — an embodiment of long-term strategic foresight.

World Bank reports note that Fujairah represents “one of the most important logistical resilience points in the Middle East.”

Meanwhile, Khorfakkan Port, which is undergoing significant expansion, has become one of the pillars of the UAE’s maritime flexibility. Its recent reception of the largest shipment of Chinese cars demonstrates its readiness to handle massive commercial flows and proves that the UAE’s alternatives are not theoretical projects but fully functioning systems on the ground. These ports — alongside Jebel Ali and Khalifa — form an interconnected network enabling the country to redirect commercial movement swiftly and efficiently, in line with the philosophy of avoiding harm.

Observers note that this approach aligns with findings from Chatham House, which highlight the UAE’s “ability to manage maritime risks through a multi-directional port network.”

Fortifying economies

Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its energy routes reinforce the same idea. The East–West pipeline (Petroline), which transports oil from the Eastern Province to Yanbu Port on the Red Sea with a capacity exceeding five million barrels per day, represents a regional model of building alternatives without abandoning essential routes. This Saudi model, alongside the UAE’s, confirms that the region’s states are not seeking to bypass the Strait of Hormuz but to fortify their economies through parallel pathways that ensure operational continuity under all circumstances.

The CSIS in Washington notes that “the UAE and Saudi approach to building alternatives represents a strategic evolution in global energy security.”

Through its approach of avoiding harm, the UAE is not attempting to erase geography; it is managing it intelligently. The strait remains a pivotal international waterway, and alternatives remain tools for enhancing resilience — not for eliminating foundational routes. In an era of accelerating maritime transformations, the UAE presents an advanced model of a logistical system capable of operating both inside and outside the strait, without being hostage to any single route or sudden circumstance.

Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi is former UAE Minister of Climate Change and Professor of Sustainability at the American University of Sharjah

The initiative connects Thai exporters, manufacturers, and brand owners with UAE retailers, distributors, and consumers, highlighting a curated selection of Thai products. Featured brands include Thai Coco (coconut-based beverages and foods), Chimma (Thai snacks and consumer goods), and Muay Thai Gears (authentic Muay Thai sporting and training equipment), each representing a unique aspect of Thai craftsmanship and export capability.

As part of the campaign, the Thai Trade Center Dubai and Letstango.com held a “Win a Trip to Bangkok” giveaway throughout August. UAE shoppers had the opportunity to win return flights from Dubai to Bangkok, and a three-night hotel stay with each completed purchase, further encouraging engagement with Thai products.

Pitichai Ratananaka, Director, Thai Trade Center, Dubai, said, “LetsGoThai 2026 brings the best of Thailand to UAE consumers as both products and experiences. From the freshness of Thai Coco to the craftsmanship of Muay Thai Gears, this campaign highlights the depth and diversity of Thai exports. We are proud to support Thai businesses in building lasting partnerships in the UAE.”

Interest in Thai food, beverage, and lifestyle products has increased among UAE consumers in recent years. DITP states that campaigns such as LetsGoThai 2026 are part of its strategy to connect Thai exporters with regional retailers, e-commerce platforms, and shoppers. This initiative aims to support Thai businesses entering or expanding in the UAE and the wider GCC market.

The public can explore the LetsGoThai Collection at Letstango.com or follow @thaitradecenterdubai and @letstangome on Instagram to discover more Thai products and receive updates on future DITP initiatives in the UAE.

The Mexican became the first of his countrymen ever to win the general classification in Germany, as he moved UAE Team Emirates-XRG to 67 victories in 2026. It was his 11th win of 2026, and his fourth stage race success of the season, following the UAE Tour, Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

Paul Magnier of Soudal Quick-Step won stage 4 in 3:37:39, ahead of Danny Van Poppel of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe and Tim Torn Teutenberg of Lidl-Trek, who were both given the same time.

In the general classification (final) after stage 4, Del Toro finished with an overall time of 17:39:48, 53 seconds ahead of Visma-Lease a Bike's Louis Barré, while Tudor Pro Cycling's Marc Hirschi was third, 1:08 behind.

Meanwhile, Tadej Pogačar finished third on stage 2 of the Vuelta a España in Spain, with the result enough for the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider to retain the red leader's jersey.

Visma-Lease a Bike's Matthew Brennan won the stage in 4:47:47, ahead of Bahrain Victorious rider Miquel Pau and Pogačar, who were both given the same time.

Pogačar leads the general classification with an overall time of 4:58:40. Wout van Aert of Visma-Lease a Bike is second, nine seconds behind, with teammate Brennan third at 10 seconds.

From affordable everyday picks to high-yield models built for frequent printing, noon brings together a range of options to suit different student needs and budgets. Here are five printers worth considering this back to school season.

1. Epson EcoTank L3252

A Reliable All-in-One for Everyday Home Printing

The Epson EcoTank L3252 is designed for households that need to print, scan and copy regularly without constantly worrying about replacing ink. Its high yield ink system can produce up to 4,500 black and 7,500 colour pages, making it suitable for everything from school assignments to everyday documents.

Built-in Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct make wireless printing simple, while the Epson Smart Panel app lets users print and monitor the printer directly from their smartphone. For families and students looking for a versatile home printer, the L3252 offers convenience and high printing capacity.

2. Epson EcoTank L3351

High-Yield Printing with Smart Wireless Features

For users who print frequently, the Epson EcoTank L3351 combines a compact design with a high-yield ink system. It comes with enough ink to print up to 8,100 black and 6,500 colour pages, helping reduce the need for frequent refills and keeping printing costs lower over time.

The 3-in-1 printer can print, scan and copy, while Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct and Apple AirPrint make it easy to print from smartphones, tablets and laptops. Its compatibility with the Epson Smart Panel app adds another layer of convenience for everyday printing.

3. HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 2975

An Affordable All-in-One for Everyday Printing

If you're looking for an affordable printer for basic home needs, the HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 2975 offers printing, scanning and copying in one compact device.

With print speeds of up to 7.5 pages per minute in black, it is well suited to everyday documents, schoolwork and occasional home printing. Wireless printing through the HP app, along with Apple AirPrint and Android compatibility, makes it easy to send documents directly from a smartphone or laptop.

4. HP Smart Tank 581

High Volume Printing Without Frequent Refills

The HP Smart Tank 581 is designed for homes and small workspaces where printing is a regular requirement. Its refillable ink tank system comes with enough ink to print up to 6,000 black and 6,000 colour pages, helping deliver a low cost per page.

Beyond printing, the all-in-one device can also scan and copy, while its illuminated Smart Buttons help guide users through print jobs and maintenance. For families, students or home-office users with high printing requirements, the Smart Tank 581 offers a practical combination of capacity and convenience.

5. HP Smart Tank 580

Built for High-Volume, Low-Cost Printing

For households or home offices that print frequently, the HP Smart Tank 580 stands out for its exceptionally high ink capacity. It can print up to 18,000 black pages or 6,000 colour pages with the included ink, helping reduce the cost and hassle associated with frequent refills.

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Iran’s currency hit a new record low Monday as Washington prepared to announce new sanctions it said would be an “economic D-Day” and would add further pressure on an economy already battered by previous sanctions and a US naval blockade.

The rial dropped to 2.02 million to the U.S. dollar as trading opened on informal currency markets. Iran’s official Central Bank rate stood at around 1.5 million rial to the dollar, but the informal rate is what most Iranians pay.

The currency had already been under pressure before the US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, with double-digit inflation and negative growth, but has been hitting new record lows as nearly six months of war have taken an even greater toll.

Iran dismisses US threat of 'economic D-day'

Iran on Monday dismissed Washington's declaration of a massive economic pressure campaign, saying it disproved US claims to have dismantled Tehran's military and nuclear capabilities. 

"Your narrative doesn't add up: you say that Iran's military power has been 'dismantled', 100% of its military factories 'destroyed' and its nuclear program 'buried'," Kazem Gharibabadi, deputy foreign minister, said in a post on X. 

Yet, he added, "there is a need for 'the largest financial invasion in history' and the mobilisation of 'all institutions and powers' of the United States! Is this a victory or an admission of America's defeat?"

Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent wrote in the Financial Times that Washington was launching the "single greatest financial offensive marshalled against an adversary" -- calling it an "economic D-Day".

Iran says France's move to expel two of its diplomats 'illegal'

Iran's foreign ministry said on Monday that France's move to expel two Iranian diplomats in response to Tehran's ban on two French diplomats was "illegal". 

"The action that France took is an illegal action in response to Iran's legal action, and is in no way helpful to bilateral relations," said ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei in a weekly press conference. 

Iran warns of 'consequences' for countries joining US economic pressure

Iran's foreign ministry on Monday warned countries of "consequences" if they join an economic pressure campaign against the Islamic republic by the United States. 

"The necessary warnings have definitely been given, because any complicity with America in carrying out its aggressive actions against Iran will definitely have its own consequences," ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in a weekly press briefing. 

Greece moves Patriot system over reported Iran threats to US bases: media

The Greek military on Monday moved one of its Patriot missile interceptor systems to the island of Crete in response to Iranian threats to hit US military bases in Europe, media reports said.

The battery was moved from the eastern island of Karpathos to Crete, where there is a major US base at Souda, the reports said. Media images showed the Patriot system on a truck waiting to be loaded on a barge.

Oman top diplomat to visit Iran to discuss Hormuz Strait

Oman's foreign minister will travel to Iran on Tuesday, Iran's foreign ministry said, as Tehran and Muscat seek a way to regulate the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Badr al-Busaidi will hold the "ongoing political consultations between the two sides, as two littoral states of the Strait of Hormuz, to help strengthen peace and security in the region," Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in a statement on Monday.

"The visit is aimed at strengthening Iran-Oman bilateral cooperation and al-Busaidi will meet with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss bilateral and regional issues," Baqaei added.

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Oil falls as Trump pledges economic war on Iran

Oil prices fell on Monday as investors braced for details of a US plan to isolate the Iranian economy that President Donald Trump billed as the "most crushing" financial operation ever against Tehran.

Asian stocks were mostly down in early trading, with South Korea's tech-rich Kospi falling 1.4 percent after Samsung Electronics said it spent a massive $80 billion to buy back its own shares following weeks of turbulent trading.

Iran touts regional security bloc, alternative trade to blunt US pressure

Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf sarcastically derided the economic and foreign policy strategies of the US, asserting that Iran will bypass these "unjust sanctions" by deepening economic ties with neighbouring countries and moving toward bilateral trade using national currencies rather than the US dollar. He also announced that Tehran has already received "numerous messages" from neighbouring countries regarding a new, independent regional security order that bypasses US influence entirely.

Iran is also trying to link security with trade. Ghalibaf's latest statement specifically mentioned economic cooperation alongside security arrangements.

Tehran wants neighbouring states to have an economic stake in keeping regional trade, energy flows and transportation networks functioning, of which the proposed regional approach to the Strait of Hormuz is the foremost example.

Oman has proposed a regional management system involving Iran and other parties, with voluntary fees for navigation and safety services, modeled partly on arrangements around the Strait of Malacca, Reuters reported.

US‑Israel war on Iran: Recent developments

Day 171: US sanctions pressure Iran as Hormuz tensions persist; Iran president admits country facing 'many problems'

Day 170: US-Iran tensions: Trump calls Hormuz ‘American territory’, warns Iran on nuclear weapons

Day 169: Oman, Iran discuss resuming talks on Strait of Hormuz

Day 168: US-Iran conflict: Trump says Iran situation is ‘so good

Day 167: Trump says no talks planned; UAE detects Iranian missiles

Day 166: Israel strikes Lebanon; Oman holds Hormuz talks

Day 165: US-Iran tensions rise over Trump’s Hormuz claim

Day 164: Iran demands faster US exit from Middle East

Day 163: 2 ADNOC vessels attacked in Hormuz; no injuries

Day 162: Trump says US has ‘total control’ of Strait of Hormuz

Day 161: Tehran: Hormuz stays shut as US-Iran diplomacy push continues

Day 160: Tehran reshuffles military

But with a wife and a widowed mother to help support, he needed a quick solution. So the laid-off web developer turned to one of a growing number of three-year degree programmes.

“I can’t afford to be out of the workforce for four years. That just seems like forever, and the three-year made it seem less daunting,” said Sims, a student at Ensign College, a private Salt Lake City school that recently changed all its bachelor’s degrees to require fewer classes than a traditional four-year degree.

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Popular condensed programmes

The condensed programmes have exploded in popularity. As of this spring, 26 US states have a college that offers at least one reduced-credit, three-year bachelor's, according to the nonprofit research group RAND.

Advocates say these programs are a solution to the college affordability crisis and a godsend for non-traditional students like Sims.

Critics, however, worry that they’ll narrow too much what students learn, confuse employers, limit graduate school options and create headaches in fields that require state licenses.

The American Association of University Professors, for one, says the programs devalue the meaning of a college credential.

“This is not innovation. This is just cutting corners,” said Todd Wolfson, AAUP's president.

A new option to graduate more quickly, but with reduced credit

For decades, colleges have offered accelerated programs that let students finish faster, often by forgoing long summer breaks, maximizing transfer credits and condensing semester-long courses into shorter, five- to 10-week terms.

But those programmes maintained the same course load, measured as credits. The new programmes let students finish faster by completing as few as 90 credit hours. That shaves a year off the typical 120-hour bachelor’s degree.

Three-year bachelor’s degrees are common in other countries including the United Kingdom, India, France and Italy.

But they can create complications for graduates seeking admission to US graduate schools, which sometimes require extra coursework.

Some of the earliest colleges in colonial America, modeled after English institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, initially had three-year degrees, said John Thelin, the author of “A History of American Higher Education.” By the 19th century, the four-year format had taken hold, partly because there wasn’t an established system of public high schools to prepare students, Thelin said.

“The colleges would have to kind of start from scratch,” he said.

A change in accreditation opened the door to shorter degrees

The idea of bringing three-year degrees to the U.S. got attention in 2009 when Robert Zemsky, the founding director of the Institute for Research on Higher Education at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, argued in a Newsweek cover story that three-year degrees could shake up a broken system.

But there was a roadblock, he recalled recently. “Accreditors said, ‘College is 120 credits, not 90 credits,’” he said.

Years passed. And in 2022, amid mounting concerns about college affordability, Zemsky helped revive the idea.

The College-in-3 Exchange was born, and dozens of higher education institutions joined the network to look for ways to help students get degrees faster.

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities was the first accreditor to say yes in 2023, when it approved reduced-credit programs at Ensign and Brigham Young University-Idaho. Other accreditors quickly followed.

As of May, 119 reduced-credit programs had been publicly announced, according to the RAND analysis, which was conducted to help education officials in Ohio as they weigh the feasibility of reduced-credit degrees.

It comes at a time when tuition and fees averaged $11,950 for in-state students at public schools and $45,000 at private nonprofits last school year, although many students get discounts that reduce the price, according to a report from the College Board, the nonprofit that oversees the SAT.

Some degrees are easier to compress

Private nonprofit schools offer three-quarters of the reduced-credit programs, frequently online. Typically, they compress the majors by reducing electives. Business degrees in fields such as marketing and management are the most common, followed by computer and information sciences.

Other majors, such as engineering, with its extensive math requirements, have been harder to shrink. And RAND found just six reduced-credit degrees in teacher education, which involves real-world experience requirements and state licensure.

Jill Cohen, 42, lives on a ranch in rural Yoder, Colorado, and is completing her teaching degree through one such program at Indiana Wesleyan.

She quit her old job selling life insurance and turned to teaching after a farming accident nearly claimed her life. Already, she is in the classroom, teaching middle school English, as she works on the degree through a special “Grow Your Own” program designed to address staff shortages.

Because her home is busy — she has twin 12-year-olds, along with a menagerie that includes horses, goats and chickens — she appreciates the streamlined degree.

“Why do I need to take, you know, underwater basket weaving when I could just take the evolutionary structure of the English language — what I’m going to be teaching,” she said.

However, programs with state licensing requirements are one of the biggest worries for Jenna Kramer, a policy researcher at RAND.

Indiana Wesleyan, which has a growing slate of reduced-credit offerings, said its education programs are specifically designed to meet Indiana licensing requirements. Students from elsewhere will need to check if the programs meet their state requirements, said Pam Downing, the school's director of communications, in an email.

The RAND report also found the programs are so new that there are no standard practices for admitting three-year degree recipients into graduate school.

Students acknowledge it's a gamble

Gabriella Staten, a 20-year-old student in the reduced-credit digital marketing program at Mount Mary University, a Catholic women’s institution in Milwaukee, estimates it will save her at least $20,000. While she sometimes wonders whether employers will take her degree as seriously as a four-year degree, she decided she could prove herself.

“Even if they were to look a little bit down on the three-year pathway, I can show them otherwise with the work,” she said.

Wesley Hardy, who is three semesters into a bachelor of applied science in accounting at Ensign, also sees the pros and cons. He likes that the three-year format will get him into the workforce faster.

But he noted that the requirements to become a certified public accountant — something he has considered — vary by state. Many require 120 semester hours to sit for the exam and 150 to become licensed. Graduate school often is needed.

Bruce Kusch, president of Ensign, said he has talked to multiple college presidents and doesn’t anticipate that graduate school will be a problem. But Hardy, 22, has questions about how it would work.

“Would I have to take extra classes?” he asked. “It’s definitely something I’ve thought of.”

The inaugural event, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Euroleague Basketball, will take place at Etihad Arena on September 18 and 19.

Two-day ticket packages are already on sale through the Etihad Arena website, while single-day tickets will go on sale on August 31.

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Four top clubs, two days of action

The tournament will feature Olympiacos Piraeus, Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul, Real Madrid and Dubai Basketball, giving local fans the chance to watch some of Europe’s biggest clubs on home soil.

The competition will follow a four-team knockout format, with two games on each day.

On Friday, September 18, Olympiacos Piraeus will face Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul at 6pm, followed by Dubai Basketball against Real Madrid at 9pm.

The tournament will conclude the following evening, with the third-place match at 6pm and the inaugural SuperCup final at 9pm.

For Dubai Basketball, the event will provide an opportunity to compete against some of the continent’s most established teams while representing the UAE on a major international stage.

Abu Dhabi builds on basketball success

The SuperCup adds to Abu Dhabi’s growing calendar of major international sporting events and follows the success of the EuroLeague Final Four in the emirate.

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said hosting the new competition reflects the emirate’s ambition to bring major sporting events to the capital while creating memorable experiences for fans.

He said the tournament would also support local businesses and the wider visitor economy, while helping inspire young people to take an interest in basketball.

Dejan Bodiroga, President of Euroleague Basketball, said Abu Dhabi was an ideal location for the launch of the new competition, citing the emirate’s growing commitment to basketball and its track record of hosting major international sporting events.

New fixture on basketball calendar

Chus Bueno, CEO of Euroleague Basketball, said the SuperCup was designed to bring European club basketball to new audiences and give fans a high-quality event at the start of the season.

The competition forms part of the long-term partnership between Euroleague Basketball and DCT Abu Dhabi, with the agreement brokered by Euroleague Basketball’s strategic partner IMG.

Organisers hope the SuperCup will become a regular fixture on the international basketball calendar, combining top European clubs with Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a destination for major sporting events.

The victim, identified as Rajesh, had been living with his wife, Vimla Devi, in a rented house near Raj Palace on Pehowa Road. The couple reportedly had an argument at around 5pm before the incident.

Their landlord, Rinku, told police that he heard the couple arguing and went to check what was happening. When he reached the terrace, he allegedly found Rajesh lying in a pool of blood with severe injuries to his abdomen.

According to a report cited by IANS, Vimla was allegedly attempting to place her husband’s protruding intestines in a bag when the landlord arrived. She then reportedly jumped from the terrace.

She survived the fall but sustained injuries and was taken to hospital.

Police await wife’s statement

Investigators are waiting to record Vimla’s statement and hope it will help establish the sequence of events and possible motive behind the killing.

Rajesh was originally from Dhampur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district and had been living with his wife in Kurukshetra for nearly a year. He worked in the supply department of a water trading company on Pehowa Road.

A post-mortem examination found extensive injuries to his body, including an incision of about 35cm across the abdomen and several deep wounds suspected to have been caused by sharp weapons.

Investigators also found that part of his liver and his right kidney were missing. Police are trying to determine the circumstances surrounding this finding and whether the organs were removed during the attack.

Three knives recovered

Police recovered three knives of different sizes from the scene.

A team led by Station House Officer Surinder Singh reached the rented house after being alerted to the incident, while forensic specialists examined the scene and collected evidence.

The landlord has claimed that Vimla practised traditional healing and activities related to exorcism and that arguments between the couple were frequent. Police have not established whether those claims have any connection to the killing.

The couple had been married for several years and had no children.

Investigators are examining their relationship, previous disputes and other circumstances that could help establish what led to the attack.

- with inputs from IANS

Shaikha Al Blooshi, Visitor Experience Supervisor at Al Ain Museum, said the museum is more than a cultural destination, as it provides a space to tell the story of the people and place while bringing Al Ain’s history and heritage closer to visitors.

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She said Emirati women and young women at the museum play an active role by bringing their knowledge, experience and views to the visitor experience.

“Al Ain Museum represents more than just a cultural destination; it is a space where we tell the story of people and place, bringing Al Ain’s heritage and history closer to every visitor,” Al Blooshi said.

She added that Emirati women’s contribution to the museum reflects this year’s Emirati Women’s Day theme, ‘Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years’.

“Emirati women continue, through their dedication and ambition, to contribute to preserving our cultural heritage and presenting it to future generations in ways that are more impactful and inspiring,” she said.

Creating a sense of belonging

Dr Khawla Al Marri, Education and Community Section Head at Al Ain Museum, said the role of museums goes beyond sharing knowledge, as they can create experiences that help younger generations develop a sense of belonging and confidence.

She said women should have opportunities to take part in telling their own history and shaping cultural experiences.

“I believe our role in museums goes beyond sharing knowledge; it is also about creating experiences that give new generations a sense of belonging, confidence and the ability to play an active role in shaping the future of their heritage,” Al Marri said.

She added that empowering women starts by creating opportunities for them to take part in preserving and presenting culture and heritage.

“To me, empowering women begins by creating the space for them to be present in telling their own history and shaping their cultural experiences, and to see culture and heritage as fields in which they can learn, create and make a meaningful impact,” she said.

Al Marri said the UAE’s heritage should not only be seen as a memory of the past, but also as a source of inspiration for future generations.

“In the spirit of this year’s theme, ‘Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years,’ I believe our strength lies in continuing to learn and evolve, and in our ability to transform our heritage from a source of cherished memory into a source of inspiration for generations to come,” she said.

It’s not easy to do that when you are the reigning world champion but with most of the attention focused on the current championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes and his closest challengers in teammate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, McLaren’s Lando Norris is slowly making his way up the ladder with back-to-back wins in Budapest and Zandvoort.

Currently at 159 points, 83 adrift of Antonelli, the Briton sits in fourth place with the kind of deficit that Red Bull’s Max Verstappen nearly erased last season, as the McLaren driver clinched his first championship by just two points in Abu Dhabi.

The good news for Norris is that the championship battle looks to be going down to the wire again, with the season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit now confirmed. Yet, despite his resurgence, the 26-year-old believes he doesn't yet have a car capable of vying for the Formula 1 title and yet could "win every race" remaining this season if McLaren manages to solve its biggest vulnerability.

"I know I've just won two races in a row and had two poles in a row, but at the minute I don't have the car I need to fight for a championship," Norris said after the Dutch Grand Prix. He added that the right changes to target McLaren's troubles in slow-speed corners could set him up to chase down Antonelli.

"We're very, very strong in high-speed (corners), and that's the place we've improved the car the most ... No one matches us in high speed, and that's a good thing," Norris said.

However, Norris added that "Mercedes' advantage that they have to us in slow speed is also crazy."

Norris urged McLaren not to get "complacent" and to focus on improving how the car handles in low-speed corners to unlock its full potential.

"If we can improve on these slow speeds, I'm confident that I can win every race this season. If we don't, then it's much more difficult to believe so," he said.

According to McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, Norris is now more confident than ever on the track and he's getting better at picking his moment to strike. The highlight of Norris' race was an audacious overtaking move around the outside of Antonelli, reacting fast to the Italian's own failed attempt to pass Hamilton.

Norris' confidence shines through in a willingness to wait for the best chance to win, rather than rushing, Stella said.

"The self-confidence sometimes is not demonstrated by being the most aggressive," Stella noted. "In both the last couple of races that he won he didn't defend the pole position, he was actually second at the end of the first lap. I did not hear or perceive any decay in his confidence as to the fact that he was fast. He was just preparing his opportunity and then cashing in on his competitiveness."

Norris said he was improving on track but credited his Dutch GP win to smart work with the team to fix the car's setup after he failed to match Mercedes for pace in Saturday's sprint.

That "is a perfect example of the work we put in overnight transformed our race and gave me the opportunity to win," he said. "The work we put in away from the track is certainly a huge part of that."

The celebrations don't stop when the theatre lights come on. For those planning an Onam movie marathon from the comfort of home, OTT platforms have plenty to offer, from the breezy romance of Pyaar Prema Kalyanam to much-loved Malayalam favourites such as Premam and Kumbalangi Nights. Dulquer Salmaan's I'm Game, meanwhile, is one to keep on the radar, with its release now scheduled for September 3.

Here is your guide to the Malayalam movies worth catching this Onam in the UAE.

1) Khalifa: Prithviraj brings the action

If your idea of an Onam movie involves guns, gold smuggling, revenge and a star-heavy cast, Khalifa is the obvious theatrical pick.

Directed by Vysakh and written by Jinu V Abraham, the film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran as Aamir Ali, a character connected to an international gold-smuggling network. The film spans locations including Kerala, the Middle East, London and Nepal, and also features Mohanlal, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Tovino Thomas.

The film was confirmed for an August 20 worldwide release, making it one of the biggest releases of the festive season.

It has also made its opening weekend a genuine Onam box-office talking point, going head-to-head with Nivin Pauly's Bethlehem Kudumba Unit.

Best for: Action fans and anyone looking for a big-screen Malayalam spectacle.

Where to watch: In theatres now.

2) Bethlehem Kudumba Unit

Guitars and some brooding, anyone?

Arriving a day after Khalifa, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit offers a very different proposition.

Directed by Girish A.D., the filmmaker behind Thanneer Mathan Dinangal, Super Sharanya and Premalu, the film stars Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju. It is produced by Dileesh Pothan, Fahadh Faasil and Syam Pushkaran under Bhavana Studios.

The story centres on a couple with a significant age difference and the complications surrounding their relationship, giving the film a romantic and family-oriented flavour rather than the action-heavy mood of Khalifa.

It opened in cinemas on August 21 and has quickly become one of the major talking points of this year's Onam season.

Best for: Families, rom-com fans and viewers looking for something lighter after an action-heavy theatrical outing.

Where to watch: In theatres now.

3) Thudakkam

The debut that sparked a fire.

Thudakkam, directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, marked the acting debut of Vismaya Mohanlal, daughter of superstar Mohanlal. The film also features Mohanlal and Ashish Joe Antony.

Rather than waiting for the actual Onam weekend, the thriller arrived in cinemas on August 7. It follows a young woman forced to confront danger and fight for her survival, with the film positioned as an emotionally charged thriller.

Best for: Viewers curious about Vismaya Mohanlal's debut and fans of Malayalam thrillers.

Where to watch: In theatres now

4) I'm Game

This is the one to keep in mind if you were expecting Dulquer Salmaan to be part of this year's Onam box-office clash.

I'm Game, directed by RDX filmmaker Nahas Hidhayath, was initially scheduled to release on August 20 alongside Khalifa. But the makers subsequently postponed it by two weeks.

The new release date is September 3, 2026.

Dulquer plays Dan John, a man deeply involved in gambling who believes in an algorithm rather than luck. The film also stars Antony Varghese, Mysskin, Kathir and Kayadu Lohar, and will release simultaneously in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada.

So while I'm Game was one of the films originally expected to define the Onam clash, it is now a post-Onam theatrical release.

Best for: Dulquer fans and viewers who prefer gangster/action thrillers.

Where to watch: Theatres from September 3.

And then there is the OTT Onam

Not everyone wants to fight for theatre seats during the festive rush. For those planning to spend Onam at home, streaming platforms offer a mix of recent releases and Malayalam favourites.

Pyaar Prema Kalyanam

If you're after something breezy and romantic, Pyaar Prema Kalyanam is now streaming on Netflix.

The 2026 romantic comedy stars Elan and Saanve Megghana, with Radikaa Sarathkumar also in the cast. The story follows a newly married couple whose decision to live in the wife's family home creates a very different kind of marital adjustment. Netflix lists the film as available in Malayalam as well as Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and Kannada.

It began streaming on August 21, making it particularly well-timed for the Onam weekend.

Where to watch: Netflix.

Best for: A light romantic comedy when you don't want anything too intense.

Kumbalangi Nights: the Malayalam classic worth revisiting

For something more layered, Kumbalangi Nights remains a solid, Onam-at-home choice.

Madhu C Narayanan's 2019 film follows four brothers living together in Kumbalangi whose fractured relationship gradually changes as circumstances force them to confront their family dynamics. The film stars Soubin Shahir, Shane Nigam, Sreenath Bhasi, Mathew Thomas and Fahadh Faasil.

It has family drama, romance, humour and characters without ever feeling like a conventional family entertainer.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

So, what should you watch this Onam?

If you're heading to the cinema, the choice is fairly straightforward: Khalifa for action and scale, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit for romance and family entertainment, and Thudakkam if you haven't caught Vismaya Mohanlal's debut yet.

If you're staying home, Pyaar Prema Kalyanam is the new romantic-comedy option, Premam is the nostalgia fix and Kumbalangi Nights is the more substantial family drama.

And if you're specifically waiting for Dulquer Salmaan, don't look for I'm Game in the Onam listings. The game has moved to September 3.

That may leave the 2026 Onam theatrical race less crowded than originally expected, but for Malayalam cinema fans, there is still plenty to choose from — whether your perfect festive evening involves a cinema ticket, a sofa and a streaming subscription, or, ideally, all three.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion will feature in a one-night exhibition at Arthur Ashe Stadium during Fan Week, sharing the court with fellow tennis legends Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi and John McEnroe.

US Open organisers confirmed Federer’s appearance on social media, announcing: “An icon is returning to New York!” The Swiss great will first face longtime rival Roddick in a one-set singles match, with a deciding point to determine the winner if required.

Federer and Roddick met 24 times during their professional careers, with Federer winning 21 encounters. Their rivalry included several memorable Grand Slam battles, making their exhibition rematch one of the most anticipated moments of Fan Week.

The event will then move to doubles, with Federer teaming up with four-time US Open champion McEnroe against Roddick and Agassi.

Legendary connection

Federer has a legendary connection with Flushing Meadows. He won five consecutive US Open titles from 2004 to 2008, becoming the only player in history to claim five straight men’s singles crowns at the tournament.

His five US Open titles are a joint Open Era record, shared with Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors.

Federer’s last competitive appearance at the US Open came in 2019, making this exhibition his first return to Arthur Ashe Stadium since then.

The Swiss legend is relishing the opportunity to revisit a venue where he created some of the defining moments of his career.

“Looking forward to being back in New York and adding new memories to so many special ones over the years,” Federer said. “See you soon NYC.”

The exhibition is scheduled for August 25 as part of Fan Week, ahead of the 2026 US Open. The main singles draws are set to begin on August 30.

The image was produced by Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory, part of the International Astronomy Centre, using 724 individual exposures taken through four filters. It reveals both the nebula’s bright central “eye” and a much larger, fainter and irregular shell of gas surrounding it.

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Known formally as NGC 6543, the Cat’s Eye Nebula lies in the constellation Draco, about 3,000 light-years from Earth. A planetary nebula is not related to planets; it is created during one of the final stages in the life of a star roughly comparable in mass to the Sun.

As such a star exhausts its nuclear fuel, it expands into a red giant and begins shedding its outer layers into space. What remains at the centre eventually becomes a hot, dense white dwarf, whose radiation illuminates the expelled gas.

The Abu Dhabi image took nine days to complete using the observatory’s main 14-inch reflecting telescope equipped with a monochrome camera. Three narrow-band filters captured emissions from hydrogen, oxygen and sulphur, while a fourth recorded infrared light.

The final image represents a total exposure time of 36 hours and 12 minutes. It combines 183 hydrogen-filter images, amounting to nine hours and nine minutes of exposure; 187 oxygen images totalling nine hours and 21 minutes; 178 sulphur images totalling eight hours and 54 minutes; and 176 infrared images totalling eight hours and 48 minutes. Each exposure lasted three minutes.

At the centre is the structure that gives the nebula its name: a small but intensely bright region of overlapping shells, bubbles and arcs of gas surrounding the dying star.

Images from the Hubble Space Telescope have shown the inner Cat’s Eye to be among the most intricate structures seen in a planetary nebula, containing gas shells, high-speed jets and knots of material, some formed by shock waves.

Astronomers believe fast stellar winds from the hot central white dwarf helped sculpt those structures by colliding with gas expelled during earlier stages of the star’s life.

X-ray observations from NASA’s Chandra observatory have also shown that the nebula’s core is surrounded by gas heated to millions of degrees. Some material expelled from the star is travelling at speeds approaching six million kilometres an hour.

The precise reason for the Cat’s Eye’s unusually complicated shape remains under study. One explanation is that the white dwarf may have interacted with a companion star, with the gravitational relationship between the two helping channel expelled material into irregular shapes rather than a simple spherical shell.

Beyond the luminous inner eye lies the second major feature captured in the Abu Dhabi image: a vast, faint outer halo of filaments, edges and scattered clouds of gas.

That outer material was expelled during an earlier phase of the star’s decline and therefore acts as a record of an older stage in its evolution. More recent observations combining data from the Hubble and Euclid space telescopes have helped distinguish those earlier emissions from the younger and brighter structures closer to the centre.

Hubble observations have also identified at least 11 concentric shells or rings around the Cat’s Eye. What appear as rings are thought to be the projected edges of nearly spherical bubbles of gas, suggesting the star experienced repeated episodes of mass loss separated by roughly 1,500 years rather than shedding its outer layers in a single event.

The enormous difference in brightness between the inner nebula and its outer halo makes the latter particularly difficult to photograph, requiring long exposures and image processing capable of bringing out very faint gas spread across a much wider area.

The Cat’s Eye also offers a glimpse of the distant future of the Sun. In several billion years, the Sun is expected to expel its outer layers and leave behind a white dwarf. Its resulting nebula, however, would not necessarily resemble the Cat’s Eye, whose form depends on factors including stellar winds, the way material is lost and possibly the presence of a companion star.

Although the brief meeting between the pair looked pleasant with Infantino offering his best wishes to Ronaldo as the forward chases his 1,000th career goal, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner looked visibly uncomfortable as he walked away.

Ronaldo greeted Infantino by asking, “How are you?” Infantino replied with a reference to his pursuit of 1,000 career goals: “23 goals remaining? Good luck!,” said the FIFA president.

It was Ronaldo’s gestures and facial expression as he walked away from Infantino that has generated divided opinions among fans, despite the good relationship both demonstrated in past encounters.

Infantino in hot water

The meeting came at a challenging time for Infantino and FIFA, with several confederations reportedly calling for the FIFA president to be removed from his position.

Infantino is facing growing pressure after FIFA’s abandoned plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenues to private investors triggered a major backlash from UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF.

Infantino is facing growing pressure after FIFA’s abandoned plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenues to private investors triggered a major backlash from UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF.

Six Nordic associations also declared they had lost confidence in his leadership, adding further pressure as he seeks a fourth term as FIFA president in 2027.

Pant achieved the milestone during India’s second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo on Monday. Pant had amassed 2,501 runs at an average of 41.68, edging past Dhoni’s tally of 2,496.

Former India wicketkeepers Farokh Engineer (1,209), Syed Kirmani (1,109) and Kiran More (901) complete the top five on the list.

Pant’s landmark came a day after he was forced to retire hurt following a painful blow to his left arm. The incident occurred during the third session on Sunday when Sri Lanka pacer Lahiru Kumara bowled a short delivery. Pant attempted to pull the ball behind square but missed, with the delivery striking him on the arm.

The batter was visibly uncomfortable and was immediately attended to by the Indian team physiotherapist. An ice pack was applied before his arm was strapped, although the tape was later removed as Pant continued to appear in discomfort.

After scoring three runs from 15 balls, Pant walked off the field alongside the physiotherapist in the 58th over of India’s innings.

However, he showed his resilience by returning to the crease on Day 2 after debutant Saransh Jain was dismissed for six by Asitha Fernando, giving Sri Lanka their sixth wicket.

Pant joined Dhruv Jurel in the middle with India looking to build a competitive total. Sri Lanka’s pacers continued to test him with short-pitched deliveries, with Pant taking a couple of blows to the shoulder before the drinks break.

Despite the barrage, Pant stood firm and went on to bring up his 21st Test half-century from 80 balls, reaching the landmark with a boundary off Keshara Nuwantha.

Jurel also registered his third Test fifty, his second in successive matches, as the pair put together a crucial partnership to steady India’s innings.

Pant’s latest milestone adds to his impressive recent run. He had scored a brisk 66 off 69 balls in the second innings of the opening Test, helping India secure a dominant victory over Sri Lanka.

"The Company Security Officer reported a tanker has been struck by unknown projectile causing a fire to the vessel on the main deck. All crew are safe and accounted for and no environmental impact has been reported," said the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). 

The incident took place 63 nautical miles west from the Saudi city of Yanbu, the agency reported.

Work Reimagined UAE: The Next Era of HR, Culture & Employee Experience, presented by InsuranceMarket.ae in association with Gulf News, brings these priorities into focus on September 14 at Clubhouse, InsuranceMarket.ae HQ, Motor City, Dubai.

The event is part of a four-month leadership series jointly presented by InsuranceMarket.ae and Gulf News, with the series kicking off in September.

The forum brings together senior HR executives, chief human resources officers (CHROs), policymakers and workplace strategists to examine the decisions driving workforce strategy in the UAE. It combines senior-level discussion with practical insights that HR leaders can apply within their organisations, bringing benefits, culture, technology, talent and regulation into one conversation.

 “We are living through one of the most exciting periods of change the workplace has seen. Policy frameworks are evolving, AI is unlocking new possibilities, and employees are asking thoughtful questions about purpose and well-being,” says Avinash Babur, Founder & Chairman, InsuranceMarket.ae.

“The best decisions come from shared thinking, not solo judgment. That is why events like Work Reimagined UAE matter. They give HR leaders the clarity and tools to shape the future. That is the impact we hope every session leaves behind. Practical, positive, and ready to act on,” Babur adds.

A focused agenda for HR leaders

The agenda covers some of the critical decisions now shaping workforce strategy, from employee benefits and workplace culture to AI, talent development and UAE labour priorities. The programme features keynotes and panel discussions, bringing together different perspectives on the changing role of HR, the employee experience, talent strategy and the use of technology in the workplace. Each session looks at a different part of the HR function while keeping the wider business impact in view.

The sessions are designed to give HR leaders a practical view of where people strategy is heading and how these changes are influencing business decisions.

The forum will also create opportunities for senior HR and business leaders to connect, exchange experiences and build valuable professional relationships through dedicated networking sessions.

For more information about the forum and to register, visit https://events.gulfnews.com/WorkReimaginedUAE#/?lang=en.

The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority said Ali bin Abi Talib Street would be closed in the direction from Hayawa Square towards Al Majlis Al Adabi Square in Al Bardi 4.

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The closure begins on Monday, August 24, and will remain in place until Saturday, August 29, while maintenance and road improvement work is carried out.

The authority said the affected section of Ali bin Abi Talib Street would be closed within the designated work zone, with motorists directed to alternative internal roads around Al Bardi 4.

A traffic diversion plan identifies the closed section in red and alternative routes in green, allowing drivers to reach surrounding areas without entering the work zone.

Motorists will still be able to access destinations within Al Bardi 4 through the surrounding internal road network, with routes varying according to their destination.

The authority urged drivers to follow temporary road signs and approved diversions and not to enter lanes reserved for maintenance crews.

It said compliance with the diversions would help protect motorists and workers while keeping traffic moving safely and efficiently during the six-day closure.

The Public Authority for Manpower said workers may terminate a contract without notice when an employer breaches the employment agreement or Labour Law, when the worker is assaulted by the employer or the employer’s representative, or when there is a serious threat to the worker’s safety or health, subject to the conditions set by law.

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The guidance, issued as part of PAM’s “Know Your Rights” campaign, also outlined circumstances in which an employment contract may end by operation of law.

These include the death of the worker, a proven inability to perform the job, exhaustion of statutory sick leave, permanent closure of the establishment or a final court judgment declaring the employer bankrupt.

Employers also have the right to terminate employment under circumstances specified by Kuwait’s Labour Law.

For indefinite-term contracts, an employer may terminate the agreement by providing the legally required notice. In more serious cases prescribed by law, a worker can be dismissed without notice.

PAM stressed, however, that workers retain the right to challenge a dismissal if they believe it was unjustified.

The authority’s advisory referred to Articles 41, 44, 46, 48, 49 and 50 of Kuwait’s Labour Law, with the applicable provision depending on how and why the employment relationship ends.

The guidance aims to make workers and employers more aware of both their rights and obligations before either side takes steps to end an employment relationship.

“Termination of the employment contract has causes and procedures,” the authority said, adding that understanding the law helps protect both parties and contributes to a fair and safe working environment.

Kaziah will now represent India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant, scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico in November. Miss Universe India 2025 Manika Vishwakarma crowned Kaziah as her successor at the finale.

The grand finale brought together prominent figures from the Indian pageant and entertainment world. The jury included former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen, former Miss Universe India titleholders Urvashi Rautela and Celina Jaitly, Miss Universe India 2024 Rhea Singha and film producer Pragya Kapoor.

Born in 2007, Kaziah spent her formative years in Abu Dhabi, where she completed her schooling at Emirates National School, St Joseph’s School and Abu Dhabi Indian School. Her upbringing in the UAE exposed her to a diverse, multicultural environment, which she has credited with helping shape her confidence, communication skills and outlook.

She is currently pursuing a law degree in Bengaluru while also working as a model. Her journey in pageantry began during her teenage years, when she won the Miss Teen Diva title in 2024. In 2025, she represented India at Miss Teen International, finishing as the first runner-up and gaining valuable international pageant experience.

Kaziah also has a strong background in the performing arts. She is a trained classical dancer and has studied the art form for 12 years. Her talents extend to music, with the beauty queen also known for singing and playing the drums and violin. She has explored public speaking and acting, making her acting debut in the Malayalam film Shylock.

Her journey has also involved overcoming personal insecurities, particularly around appearance and confidence. She has spoken about the importance of personal growth, resilience and developing strong communication skills in building confidence.

At the Jaipur finale, Vaishnavi Ganesh of Tamil Nadu was named first runner-up and will represent India at Miss International 2026. Anushri Satavlekar of Gujarat finished second runner-up, while Tejaswini Shrivastava of Maharashtra and Anubha Vashisth Chaudhary of Uttarakhand were named third and fourth runner-up respectively.

From her Kerala roots and childhood in Abu Dhabi to winning India’s national crown, Kaziah’s journey combines her UAE upbringing, Indian heritage and international pageant experience. She now faces her biggest challenge yet as she prepares to represent India on the Miss Universe stage in Puerto Rico.

With inputs from ANI

The figures amount to roughly one divorce recorded for every six marriages involving an Omani and a foreign national. Among the 7,719 marriages, 640 involved Omani women marrying non-Omani men, according to the judiciary data.

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The comparison does not represent a divorce rate for the same group of marriages, since divorces recorded during the period may involve marriages that began earlier. But specialists said the figures warranted closer examination of the pressures facing some cross-national couples.

Said bin Rashid Al Maktoumi, head of family consultations at the Ministry of Social Development’s Department of Family Guidance and Counselling, said divorce indicators were assessed alongside the circumstances and underlying causes of individual cases rather than as numbers alone.

Cases handled by family counselling departments point to a range of recurring factors, he said, including poor communication between spouses, differing expectations over family roles and responsibilities, difficulties adapting to cultural and social differences, financial pressures and interference by others in married life.

Geographical distance from extended family can create additional challenges for some couples, he added, stressing that no single explanation could be applied to all divorces involving Omanis and foreign spouses.

The ministry runs counselling programmes for people preparing for marriage and newlyweds, covering partner selection, realistic expectations of married life, communication, conflict management, financial planning and parenting.

Particular attention is given to understanding cultural and social differences when spouses come from different national backgrounds.

Aisha bint Amer Al Nadhiri, a psychologist and marital relations consultant, said differences over parenting, relationships with extended families and expectations of each spouse’s role could become sources of tension, particularly during the early years of marriage.

Other challenges can include language, customs, religious differences, deciding which country to live in and the cost of maintaining ties with families in two countries, she said.

Legal complications can become especially significant when such marriages end, particularly when children are involved.

Lawyer Reem bint Noor Al Zadjali said disputes involving spouses of different nationalities may raise questions over custody, maintenance, visitation, residence, travel and nationality, with cases becoming more complicated when parents or children live in different countries.

She said Omani law generally governs custody, maintenance and visitation disputes when the spouses live in Oman and Omani courts have jurisdiction, with the best interests of the child remaining the central consideration.

The Ministry of Social Development said its counselling work also seeks to reduce the effects of marital disputes and divorce on children, including through psychological and social support and efforts to help separated parents maintain a constructive relationship with their children.

NDTV reports the incident in Rangpur city began innocuously enough on Thursday, when the retired schoolteacher Ganapati Chakraborty heard sounds coming from the roof of his home. He went up to suss out the source of the noise when he came across his neighbours – cousins Siddhartha Das (19) and Mugdha Das (23)  - allegedly consuming yaba, a methamphetamine-based drug.

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Having been discovered, the cousins attacked Chakraborty , reportedly strangling him with the towel he was carrying. When his wife, hearing the struggle ran up to the roof, she was also overpowered and killed.

When the couple’s daughter followed them out, she struggled with the killers only to be strangled with a rope. The 12-year-old son was then sought out and murdered so he would not identify him.

NDTV quoted Police Commissioner Mabud as saying that the two suspects seemed to stay in the house overnight, bathing, eating and consuming drugs (traces of which were found on a table).

They sought to make the deaths look like a robbery gone wrong, suggests the news portal, noting that cupboards and drawers had been overturned and gold jewellery was missing.    

When the family was found on Saturday, their faces had been burned.

The suspects are currently in custody and have confessed to the crime, says the report. The jewellery has also been recovered.

The investigation is ongoing.

Al Marri was received by Dr Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, alongside Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President – Healthcare Division, and senior members of the Group’s academic and clinical leadership.

In this context, Al Marri said: “Medical and longevity tourism are promising sectors experiencing rapid growth, globally. The UAE continues to develop its infrastructure and capabilities in this field, attracting visitors and patients from various markets and enhancing the competitiveness of its tourism sector. These efforts also contribute to the country’s vision of establishing itself as a leading global hub for advanced and sustainable health and wellness.”

Al Marri added: “The Thumbay Group exemplifies the private sector’s role in enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE’s medical and longevity tourism landscape on the global stage. The Group has become a destination for students from over 111 countries and patients from across the region. Institutions such as the Thumbay Healthcare City contribute to developing specialised experiences and services, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership as a global hub attracting talent, stimulating innovation, and providing health and education services according to the highest international standards.”

Al Marri toured the Gulf Medical University, the leading private medical university in the region, along with the academic hospitals of Thumbay Medicity, including Thumbay University Hospital, Thumbay Dental Hospital and Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital. The Minister of Economy and Tourism was briefed on the Medicity’s integrated model, where education, patient care and research operate side by side, as well as Gulf Medical University’s journey since its establishment in 1998. Today, the University attracts students from more than 111 countries, making it one of the most internationally diverse student bodies of any medical university in the world.

The discussions focused on the contribution of private-sector healthcare and academic institutions to the national economy, the UAE’s emergence as a global destination for health and wellness tourism, and the role of institutions like Thumbay Medicity in attracting international patients, students and investment to the country.

Commenting on the visit, Dr Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, said: “It is a privilege to welcome Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, to Thumbay Medicity. When we established Gulf Medical University in 1998, we set out to build institutions that would serve the UAE for generations – educating doctors, healing patients and advancing research from Emirati soil for the world. The Minister’s visit is a recognition of how far that vision has come, and of the role healthcare and medical education now play in achieving the nation’s vision for tourism. We are proud to stand behind the UAE’s ambition to be a global hub for health tourism and knowledge-based industries.”

The visit concluded with the Minister of Economy and Tourism touring the Medicity’s research and innovation facilities, where Al Marri reviewed key projects and initiatives. The Minister also met with faculty, clinicians and students, and heard about their experiences and perspectives on the Medicity’s educational and research environment.

Six other infants were shifted to a Super Speciality Hospital for treatment following the blaze at the District Women’s Hospital. Officials said dozens of other newborns were brought to safety as hospital staff launched an evacuation after the fire broke out on the third floor of the building at around 3.30am.

Preliminary reports indicated that the blaze may have started following an electrical malfunction or explosion involving a ventilator in the NICU. However, authorities have said the precise cause has not yet been established and will form part of the investigation.

36 infants rescued

Fadnavis said 36 children were successfully rescued unharmed and announced compensation of Rs500,000 for the families of each of the three babies who died. The state government will also bear the medical expenses of the injured infants.

“The strictest possible action will be taken against those responsible for this incident,” Fadnavis said, adding that the state Health Minister and Health Secretary had been directed to travel to Amravati.

“The incident of the death of three children is extremely tragic and heart-wrenching. We share in the grief of their families,” he said.

The chief minister also directed the Amravati District Collector to ensure that the injured children receive treatment at government expense.

Maharashtra Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakashrao Abitkar said hospital personnel had made every effort to save the newborns.

“Our staff provided ventilator support and made every possible effort to save them, but unfortunately, they did not succeed,” he said.

Father recounts chaotic scenes

The father of one of the infants admitted to the hospital described scenes of panic after a loud explosion was heard in the ICU area.

“It happened between 3:30am and 4:00am. My wife was in the ICU when there was the sound of a blast. After the blast, my wife went inside and saw that a fire had started,” he said.

He said the flames spread rapidly and several babies were trapped in ventilators and incubators. He also alleged that there were delays in the firefighting response and called for an investigation into the hospital’s electrical systems and fire-safety arrangements.

The hospital’s third floor has three NICU wards with a combined capacity of 39 beds. The fire occurred in a section caring for high-risk and premature babies. Questions have also been raised over reports that the building’s automated fire-suppression system failed to activate.

Opposition alleges negligence

The deaths triggered criticism from opposition parties, which demanded that accountability be fixed and safety systems at hospitals across Maharashtra be reviewed.

NCP (SP) Working President and MP Supriya Sule called the incident a “glaring example of negligence in the system” and sought fire audits of government and private hospitals as well as safety checks of medical equipment.

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar also questioned whether fire-safety systems and medical and electrical equipment at government hospitals were being adequately inspected and maintained.

“No drama of inquiry after innocent lives are lost; fix accountability and take strict action against the guilty,” he said.

Former Maharashtra minister Anil Deshmukh referred to the January 2021 fire at a hospital in Bhandara in which 10 newborn babies died. He claimed that recommendations made by a high-level committee following that tragedy had not been implemented.

“Had the government implemented the report, today’s heartbreaking incident may have been averted,” he said.

— with inputs from IANS and ANI

According to ADEK’s School Fees Policy, private schools are required to divide their approved fees into six components: tuition fees, educational resources fees, school uniform fees, transportation fees, extracurricular activity fees and other fees. Schools may also charge separate fees for board examinations.

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In addition, private schools may impose administrative fees related to board examinations, provided they clearly explain the reasons for such charges, including costs associated with document processing, invigilation, mailing and other related services. Schools must clearly publish separate board examination fees on their websites, along with the applicable grade levels and any additional administrative charges, while complying with VAT regulations.

Details online

Schools must announce their ADEK-approved fees and publish them on their websites, together with payment schedules. The approved fee structure must carry the Department’s official stamp.

Schools are required to offer at least three equal instalments for tuition fees, while they may allow parents to pay tuition fees in up to 10 instalments. Schools are also entitled to collect the first instalment up to one month before the start of the academic year.

ADEK said the policy aims to establish a clear, transparent and accurate approach to regulating school fees for both schools and parents. It seeks to ensure that fees are reasonable, provide added value and reflect the quality of education, while remaining accessible to different segments of the community.

The policy also aims to clarify schools’ fee structures and the reasons behind any increases, enable parents to make payments conveniently and regularly, encourage the growth of the private-school market and create an environment conducive to investment.

School bus fees

As school bus fees continue to rise, parents have identified six alternative modes of transport for their children to travel to school, seeking to avoid the high cost of school bus subscriptions, which range from Dh5,000 to Dh8,500 per student.

The alternatives include family cars, ride-sharing services, student scooters, shared taxis, public buses and carpooling services, as families seek to reduce the cost of school transportation.

The private school transportation sector is witnessing a noticeable surge in activity as students prepare to return to classrooms next week. Social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp and Instagram, have seen a proliferation of advertisements and offers for transportation services, with private car owners promoting their carpooling services and prices.

Meanwhile, parents have complained across various platforms about the continued increase in school transportation costs, which can reach Dh8,500 per student at some schools. They said the high fees are forcing some families to seek alternative transportation options that may be less safe, and called for greater price regulation to ensure that school transport services remain affordable for families.

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Al Ansari Exchange has partnered with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in association with MDX Technology Solutions ME, to make the cards available through selected branches across the city.

The move expands the number of places where residents and tourists can purchase a nol card, while adding the travel product to Al Ansari Exchange's growing range of third-party services.

Al Ansari Exchange, a subsidiary of Al Ansari Financial Services PJSC, operates one of the UAE's largest exchange-house branch networks.

The company said the partnership forms part of its strategy to build a connected physical and digital ecosystem offering customers access to financial, payment and everyday lifestyle services.

How nol works

The nol Travel Card is used for cashless payments across Dubai's public transport network.

It can be used on: Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, marine transport, and public parking.

The card is also accepted at more than 14,000 retail outlets across the UAE. Through the nol Pay App, cardholders can also access more than 200 lifestyle offers and discounts.

Musad Ibrahim Alhammadi, Director of Automated Collection Systems at Corporate Technology Support Services Sector at RTA, said the additional distribution channel would make mobility services more accessible.

“Expanding the availability of nol Travel Cards through strategic collaborations supports RTA's efforts to make mobility services more accessible across Dubai.”

He added that providing additional distribution channels would help encourage wider adoption of digital payment solutions and improve the travel experience for residents and visitors.

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Al Ansari expands

For Al Ansari Exchange, the partnership is part of a broader push to expand beyond traditional remittance and foreign exchange services.

Ali Al Najjar, Chief Executive Officer of Al Ansari Exchange, said customer expectations were changing and the company was responding by bringing together financial, payment and lifestyle services through its branches and digital platforms.

“As customer expectations continue to evolve, we are expanding the role of Al Ansari Exchange beyond traditional financial transactions by bringing together financial, payment and everyday lifestyle services through both our branch network and digital platforms.”

He said making nol Travel Cards available through Al Ansari's branches “complements our broader strategy of creating a seamless customer experience” while supporting Dubai's vision of a smart, digitally connected city.

The nol partnership comes as Al Ansari continues to expand the range of services available through its branch network.

The company recently marked 10 years of its partnership with Dubai Municipality, through which individual and corporate customers can pay government service fees at Al Ansari Exchange branches across the UAE.

Annual Dubai Municipality collections made through Al Ansari have increased by approximately 710 per cent over the past decade, according to the company.

In April 2026, Al Ansari also expanded its partnership with Etihad Credit Bureau, allowing UAE residents to obtain personal credit reports directly from more than 285 Al Ansari Exchange branches across the country.

Meanwhile, Al Ansari Financial Services reported a 28.7 per cent drop in first-half net profit to Dh151 million, as geopolitical pressures, weaker activity across some remittance corridors and tougher competition squeezed profitability.

Experts call it the "vacation hangover." The stark contrast between holiday freedom and constant work decisions can make routine tasks feel immediately overwhelming. Small decisions feel draining, and an intense workload can make you feel like you are instantly behind, according to Forbes. The good news is that it passes, and there are a few things you can do to speed that along.

1. Give yourself a buffer day

Flying back on a red-eye and sitting at your desk the next morning is rarely a good idea. Give yourself one buffer day between landing and returning to work. Use it to unpack, do laundry, get your home back in shape, and review your calendar. Reinstating your routines, like going to bed at your normal time or resuming a workout, will make the transition noticeably easier.

If the buffer day is not an option, at least protect your first morning back. Do not book meetings back to back. Forbes advises giving yourself time to scan what happened while you were away, organise your workload, and work out what actually needs your attention today versus what can wait.

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2. Sort your inbox by importance, not by date

The pile of emails is real and it is waiting. HuffPost, which spoke to several productivity coaches, reports that one expert recommends reviewing emails in reverse chronological order, which sounds counterintuitive but works. Things that looked urgent a week ago may already be resolved. Write your tasks down on paper as you go. Things rarely look as bad in black and white as they do spinning around in your head.

Mailbird also suggests setting an automated reply for a day or two explaining you are catching up, so people know it may take you longer than usual to respond. That buys you breathing room to focus on what actually matters.

3. Start small and pick three priorities

Forbes also says: your first day back does not need to be your most productive day of the month. Treat it as a transition. Identify two or three things that genuinely require your attention today. Clearing emails may feel productive, but an empty inbox is not evidence you accomplished your most important work.

Resist the temptation to accomplish everything immediately. Select three important goals for your first week and focus on them. A productive return begins with realistic expectations.

4. Clean your space before you sit down

It sounds basic but it works. Creative Boom, which surveyed members of the creative community on this exact question, found that clearing your desk, going through shelves and drawers, and getting organised before diving in is like hitting a reboot button.

Giving yourself the first morning to plan and set new goals, rather than feeling deadline dread straight away, can get you fired up again rather than immediately buried.

5. Take breaks on purpose

Calendar.com notes that the human brain cannot focus on a single task for extended periods, especially after a long break. Your mind will wander, which will hinder your productivity. Taking two to five minute breaks throughout the day to reset, through deep breathing, stretching or a short walk, makes a real difference.

Another advice by experts is to continue building relaxation and fun into your schedule even after your vacation has ended. Do not skip downtime in an effort to catch up. Taking breaks will boost your productivity and help ease the back-to-work stress.

6. Reset your sleep schedule first

Motivation Minceur recommends starting this one before you are even back at your desk: a few days before returning to work, begin going to bed and waking up slightly earlier.

A consistent schedule helps your body adjust and reduces fatigue during the first week back. Late nights are a holiday luxury. One early night before your first day back makes more of a difference than most people expect.

7. Remember why you took the break

The holiday was not time wasted. Taking a vacation allows you to clear your head, de-stress and renew your energy for the coming months, and you can use this restart as an opportunity rather than a setback.

Summer vacations often bring fresh energy and new perspectives, so use that energy to bring creative ideas to the table and kick off new projects rather than just getting back to where you were.

The September stretch is long in the UAE. Pacing yourself now is not laziness, it is strategy.

The figure was the highest number of vessels received by the maritime services and ship-repair hub in one day, according to DP World.

Occupancy of the city’s dry berths, where vessels are lifted from the water for inspection, maintenance and repairs, rose 22 per cent year on year in July.

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The total number of vessels handled during the month also increased 7 per cent, from 188 in July last year to 202 this year.

Offshore support vessels of up to 150 metres accounted for a significant share of the increase as operators prioritised maintenance and sought to keep their fleets ready for deployment.

Demand from the yacht and leisure-boat sector also accelerated sharply. Dry-berth occupancy for the segment rose 88 per cent year on year in July and was up 110 per cent from the start of the year through the end of the month.

Abdulla Al Hashmi, chief executive and managing director of DP World GCC, said the rising demand at Dubai Maritime City pointed to the expansion of the region’s maritime industries and a growing need for specialised infrastructure.

He said DP World’s investment in the facility was intended to strengthen Dubai’s position as a maritime services hub while supporting the wider network connecting industry, trade and logistics.

Ahmed Al Hammadi, chief operating officer of Dubai Maritime City, said the July performance showed growing confidence among shipowners, adding that the city was continuing to invest in facilities, technology and equipment to meet customer demand.

Dubai Maritime City is also expanding its capacity for smaller vessels by acquiring and refurbishing more than 500 vessel-support cradles, allowing it to accommodate as many as 60 small boats.

The expansion will enable the facility to serve a broader range of vessels, from yachts, leisure boats and traditional wooden vessels to commercial ships and offshore support vessels.

Automation is also being expanded across the site. Three vehicle gates have been automated, digitising about 16,000 vehicle movements each week, while artificial intelligence-based safety systems have been introduced.

Work is also under way to automate berth-booking and reservation-management systems, part of a wider push to increase the speed, safety and efficiency of operations as the facility expands.

Few cities, though, have defined themselves through a verb, and fewer still have earned it. Earlier this year, Dubai did just that.

Dubai-it.

Coined by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the phrase captures a mindset that has become inseparable from the emirate: achieving extraordinary results in record time without compromising on quality.

More than a slogan, Dubai-it is about making the future a part of everyday life. Here, innovation quietly shapes how people live, work, travel and interact. Technologies are embraced not because they are trending, but because they make lifestyles simpler, smoother and more intuitive.

 That philosophy is perhaps most visible in the way Dubai moves.

The first few minutes after landing in a city often define a traveller's impression of a destination, and in many cities, arrival means queues, uncertainty or negotiating fares. Dubai prefers a different script. Here, mobility begins before you even leave the airport.

Nicolas Soucaille, General Manager, MEAPAC at the global chauffeur service company Blacklane, puts it well: "How you arrive is very much part of experiencing Dubai. Dubai boasts an interesting approach to establishing a seamless integration of luxury hospitality, real estate, retail and mobility into one connected experience that has been considered from the outset."

It’s a philosophy reflected in Blacklane's service. Flights are monitored automatically, chauffeurs adjust for delays, and vehicles wait at the arrivals areas of Terminals 1 and 3, anticipating travellers' needs and taking care of them before they even arise.

Having spent decades investing in digital government services, intelligent infrastructure and customer-centric innovation, premium mobility is simply another expression of Dubai’s ambition.

"Premium travel today is defined by personal care delivered with a combination of the human touch and technology,” explains Soucaille. “Personalisation and a frictionless booking process are not a differentiator, but the entry point. The personal touch from a professional chauffeur who greets you warmly, delivers the care, discretion and attention to detail that make a journey genuinely premium."

But luxury, Soucaille believes, is about purpose over excess. "Technology should quietly enable hospitality rather than replace it, allowing every thoughtful detail to be taken care of while people focus on the experience itself."

Mobility evolving

Dubai’s diverse mobility landscape includes every option from Blacklane’s highest standards in luxury hospitality to being a test-bed for autonomous transport in delivery and ride-hailing.

In these sectors Yango Group has steadily moved artificial intelligence, automation and autonomous transport from conference rooms into everyday life, and a clear example can be found on neighbourhood pavements.

Within communities such as Sobha Hartland, Yango's fully electric autonomous delivery robots quietly transport everyday essentials, navigating pathways, avoiding pedestrians and offering a glimpse of tomorrow's urban landscape.

Alongside these innovations, through its app Yango provides residents and visitors with an intuitive way to move around the city while reflecting the smart transport ecosystem Dubai is building for the future. “Dubai’s first commercial autonomous taxi services show that the technology has moved beyond small trials and can now operate as part of daily transport,” says Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Middle East.

Intelligent routing, digital convenience and seamless booking all support a much broader ambition.

"Dubai moves quickly because the government turns long-term plans into clear projects, with public authorities and technology companies working together from the start," explains Karim. "The city has high digital adoption, modern road infrastructure, and a diverse population, which make it a strong testing environment for understanding how new transport systems work under real-world conditions.

"Five years from now, a car arriving without a human driver may feel as routine as booking a taxi today. The more remarkable change could be the coordination behind the journey, with transport systems directing passengers towards the most efficient combination of metro and other shared services as demand changes across the city."

Payment networks such as Visa help enable seamless travel experiences, connecting visitors to the services, experiences and mobility solutions that make exploring Dubai effortless. It isn't the centre of attention, but that's precisely the point - the best technology is often the one you barely notice.

Effortless movement

Cities are often remembered for their landmarks. Dubai is increasingly remembered for how effortlessly people move between them.

Perhaps that is the true meaning of Dubai-it. Not simply doing things faster but doing them better. Designing systems and services so intuitive that complexity disappears behind simplicity.

Whether it's stepping into a waiting Blacklane’s chauffeur-driven first-class vehicle moments after clearing immigration or hailing a ride through an app like Yango that reflects one of the world's most forward-thinking transport ecosystems, the experience feels unmistakably Dubai.

Throughout it all, Visa Destinations Dubai helps travellers connect with the experiences that define modern Dubai, making it easier to discover, access and enjoy the city's innovative mobility ecosystem. The payment fades into the background; the experience takes centre stage.

That, ultimately, is the city's greatest innovation. And that may be the most compelling definition of Dubai-it yet.

This designation recognises Mediclinic Middle East's commitment to delivering high standards of quality patient care and safety, while consistently supporting high standards of clinical quality, patient care and safety across multiple facilities. It also reinforces the organisation's integrated model of care, ensuring patients benefit from the same level of expertise and excellence wherever they access endoscopy services within its Dubai network.

The recognition follows the accreditation of Mediclinic City Hospital, Mediclinic Parkview Hospital, Mediclinic Welcare Hospital and Mediclinic Dubai Mall, all part of Mediclinic Middle East's Dubai network, as SRC Centers of Excellence in Endoscopy. Collectively, these accreditations enabled Mediclinic Middle East to achieve SRC's Network of Excellence in Endoscopy designation.

SRC accreditation is unique in recognising both the accredited facilities and the physicians delivering care. To achieve accreditation, providers undergo a rigorous independent assessment against internationally recognised standards evaluating physicians' expertise and experience, clinical pathways, consultative services, equipment, patient education and continuous quality improvement.

Hein van Eck, Chief Executive Officer, Mediclinic Middle East, said: "Achieving SRC Network of Excellence in Endoscopy is a proud milestone for Mediclinic Middle East and reflects our continued commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care across our network. More importantly, it demonstrates our commitment to ensuring every patient benefits from consistent standards of excellence, regardless of which of our accredited facilities they visit. This achievement reinforces our commitment to being a trusted healthcare partner for the communities we serve."

Dr Jacques Kobersy, Chief Medical Officer, Mediclinic Middle East, said: “Endoscopy plays a vital role in the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal conditions. Achieving this recognition across all four facilities reflects the strength of our clinical governance, multidisciplinary collaboration and commitment to continuous quality improvement across our network, supporting the delivery of care that is aligned with recognised quality and safety standards across our network."

Gary M. Pratt, Chief Executive Officer of Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), said: "We are proud to recognise Mediclinic Middle East for its commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients. This accreditation signals that this network is dedicated to delivering high standards of quality and patient care."

This recognition reflects Mediclinic Middle East's commitment to advancing clinical quality and patient safety across its network. Through its integrated model of care, the organisation continues to strengthen access to high-quality gastrointestinal services and consistent standards of excellence across its accredited facilities.