Weekend Digest: UAE National Day holidays, gratuity rules, GCC unified visa update, Eid Al Etihad fireworks and more

From travel updates to regional news and major sports buzz, here are the key stories to start your week. The UAE’s National Day break could stretch to four or five days, while two Indian expats struck big lottery wins. Dharmendra family refutes death rumours, and Filipino billionaire Manny Villar faces scrutiny over a $22-billion property valuation.

Dubai unveiled major transport upgrades, Emirates warned US travellers of delays, and the GCC unified visa is set for a 2026 launch. Meanwhile, a deadly blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, and a Category 4 super typhoon is heading towards the Philippines. Scroll down to stay in the loop:

UAE residents have one public holiday left this year: Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day). Officially, the holiday falls on Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3, per Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024.

The public holiday law allows dates to be shifted to create longer breaks. Monday, December 1, could be added, giving a five-day break with the weekend. More likely, December 3 will be moved to Monday, resulting in a four-day holiday. Read more

Manjunath Harohalli, a 46-year-old store manager from Bengaluru who has lived in Al Ain since 2005, has finally won a 250g 24K gold bar in Big Ticket’s weekly e-draw.

Harohalli, who narrowly missed a Dh15 million jackpot years ago, has been buying tickets for seven years. This time, he purchased the winning entry with his daughter, calling her his “lucky charm.” Read more

Anilkumar Bolla, a 29-year-old Indian expat IT professional from Telangana, became the UAE’s first-ever Dh100 million jackpot winner on October 18, 2025. The UAE Lottery confirmed he will receive the entire amount in a single, tax-free transaction after a verification and approval process lasting several weeks. Read more

Bollywood icon Dharmendra, 89, remains on ventilator support at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, his daughter Esha Deol confirmed amid widespread false reports of his death.

The veteran actor’s hospitalisation has drawn attention from fans and fellow actors, with Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol visiting him. His second wife, Hema Malini, urged fans to pray for his recovery, while barricades were placed near his home as news of his condition spread. Read more

Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr, the Philippines’ wealthiest person, and his family are facing regulatory scrutiny as Villar Land Holdings’ $22-billion property revaluation in Cavite was questioned by their auditor. The Philippine SEC confirmed that auditing firm Punongbayan & Araullo, a Grant Thornton affiliate, rejected the valuation and requested a fresh expert appraisal. Read more

A massive car explosion near Gate No. 1 of Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening killed at least 13 people and left several critically injured. The blast hit a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light. Authorities have invoked anti-terror laws, with Prime Minister Modi calling it a “conspiracy.” Multiple states are on high alert, and police have tightened security in the capital. Read more

In the UAE, employees’ end-of-service gratuity is a key financial safeguard, but UAE Labour Law allows certain legal deductions. Employers can reduce gratuity for specific reasons, and banks may also freeze or use it to repay outstanding loans. Knowing the rules helps workers protect their severance pay. Read more

Etihad Credit Bureau has launched a consent-based system linked to UAE Pass, allowing residents to securely check another person’s credit score for Dh80. The feature aims to streamline rentals, private deals, and short-term contracts by removing delays and reliance on post-dated cheques or unverified assurances. Read more

Dubai is rolling out nine major transport projects aimed at transforming commuting across the city. Upgrades to roads, metro, and underground networks, alongside national transport initiatives, promise faster, smarter, and more futuristic travel for residents and visitors in the coming years. Read more

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, confirmed that the long-awaited Gulf unified visa for six GCC countries will launch in 2026. The initiative, four years in the making, aims to boost regional travel and strengthen tourism as a key economic pillar alongside oil and trade. Read more

Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong), a Category 4 super typhoon, is approaching the Philippines, threatening a possible direct hit on Luzon, including Manila. The Philippine weather bureau Pagasa reported rapid intensification over the past 24 hours, with the storm’s eye located about 360 km east of Manila. Residents are urged to stay alert and prepare for severe weather, with winds forecasted up to 220 km/h. Read more

Emirates Airline has urged passengers departing from the United States to arrive at airports at least four hours before their flights due to extended security screening times. The advisory comes as US airports face operational challenges causing delays for travellers nationwide. Read more

The UAE will celebrate its 54th National Day (Eid Al Etihad) from November 27 to December 3 with fireworks, parades, concerts, and cultural events across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other cities. The festivities mark the country’s founding on December 2, 1971, offering families plenty of opportunities to join in the celebrations. Read more

Cricket fans are gearing up for the India-Pakistan match in the ACC Rising Stars T20 tournament, starting November 14 in Doha, Qatar. The high-profile clash between the two Asian rivals is scheduled for Sunday, November 16, generating excitement across the subcontinent. Read more