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7 hours ago
India’s Richest Man Sees Company Shares Dip After OFAC Request On Iranian LPG Allegations
Shares of Adani Enterprises Ltd fell as much as 3.5% in Mumbai earlier this week before trimming losses, after the company disclosed that a US agency has sought information over alleged imports of Iranian petroleum products. In a stock exchange filing, the flagship of the Adani Group said it received a request on Feb. 4 from the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), according to Telegraph India and Bloomberg. The outreach followed voluntary discussions the company initiated after a June 2025 Wall Street Journal report that claimed Adani-linked firms may have brought Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) into India, potentially exposing transactions to US sanctions risk. The company said OFAC is conducting a civil inquiry into certain transactions routed through US financial institutions that may have involved, directly or indirectly, Iran or sanctioned parties. It emphasized that the communication “does not contain any findings of aberrations/non-compliances” and that it is “voluntarily engaging and fully co-operating” with the US authority. The Journal had reported that US prosecutors were examining whether companies controlled by billionaire Gautam Adani imported Iranian LPG through Mundra port in Gujarat. It also said some tankers operating between Mundra and the Persian Gulf displayed characteristics experts associate with sanctions evasion. […]
7 hours ago
Confirmed: US Covertly Sent Thousands Of Starlink Terminals Into Iran Amid Unrest
The Trump administration has confirmed what was already long suspected -the US sent Iranian protesters thousands of Starlink terminals amid last month’s raging economic protests and unrest. The mainstream media had claimed the whole time that the demonstrations were both purely peaceful and completely spontaneous, but a Thursday Wall Street Journal piece greatly muddies this MSM narrative. “After Iranian authorities smothered mounting unrest in January by killing thousands of protesters and severely cutting internet connectivity, the U.S. smuggled roughly 6,000 of the satellite-internet kits into the country, the first time the U.S. has directly sent Starlink into Iran,” WSJ writes. This also contradicts earlier claims from weeks ago that it was merely activist non-profit NGO groups which got a small amount of Starlink systems to protesters. That was perhaps the ‘cover’ narrative. But later it became evident the SpaceX-made comms equipment was more ubiquitous. Skeptical observers questioned how that amount of sophisticated equipment could so easily get across Iran’s borders at a moment security forces were on a high state of alert. They concluded, reasonably, that it must have had the involvement of Western intelligence services. WSJ tries to tiptoe around the obvious contradictions: President Trump was aware of the deliveries, officials said, but they didn’t know if he or […]
7 hours ago
Who makes the most reliable cars? This visualization, via Visual Capitalist’s Niccolo Conte, ranks the most reliable car brands in 2026 based on predicted reliability scores by Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports calculated predicted reliability scores for nearly every new car, truck, and SUV by analyzing data from its annual member reliability surveys. These surveys collect detailed, self-reported information about problems owners have experienced with their vehicles. For the most recent analysis, CR used responses covering roughly 380,000 vehicles, allowing them to identify patterns in reliability across brands, models, and powertrains. The aggregated results are then used to score and compare vehicles, highlighting trends such as differences between gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric models. Japanese Automakers Lead the Rankings Japanese brands claim six of the top seven spots in 2026. Toyota leads the list with a score of 66, followed closely by Subaru and Lexus. These manufacturers are known for conservative engineering, long model cycles, and a focus on proven technology. Rank Brand Predicted reliability score Country 1 Toyota 66 🇯🇵 Japan 2 Subaru 63 🇯🇵 Japan 3 Lexus 60 🇯🇵 Japan 4 Honda 59 🇯🇵 Japan 5 BMW 58 🇩🇪 Germany 6 Nissan 57 🇯🇵 Japan 7 Acura 54 🇯🇵 Japan 8 Buick […]
1 day ago
Rolls-Royce Unveils Phantom Arabesque, Inspired by Middle Eastern Mashrabiya
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has hit a new feat in contemporary craftsmanship. This time, with a design that stands apart for the marque’s followers in the Middle East. Its latest Bespoke creation, Phantom Arabesque, is the first-ever laser-engraved bonnet in Rolls-Royce’s history. This one-of-one Phantom Extended was curated by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Private Office Dubai, one of five invitation-only commissioning hubs worldwide. Created for a client in the Middle East, the motor car draws inspiration from mashrabiya latticework, a defining feature of traditional Arabian architecture. The result is a Phantom that reflects both regional cultural identity and the evolving capabilities of Rolls-Royce craftsmanship. Architectural Inspiration from the Middle East Mashrabiya screens are known for their intricate wooden lattice patterns. Traditionally used in homes and palaces across the Middle East, they provide privacy while allowing light and airflow to pass through. They are decorative, functional and closely tied to the region’s architectural heritage. For Phantom Arabesque, this geometric pattern becomes the central design theme. It appears on the bonnet, within the interior Gallery, and as subtle Bespoke details throughout the motor car. According to the Bespoke design team at Private Office Dubai, the goal was to interpret the qualities of mashrabiya, privacy, […]
1 day ago
Gold Market Update: Navigating the 2026 Price Rollercoaster
The gold market has been quite unstable this month. After reaching record highs in January, the price of gold has fluctuated dramatically, leaving investors and shoppers uncertain about what will happen next. How much has it changed? Recently, the gold market faced a historic liquidity event. In late January and early February, prices saw a flash crash. In the international market, it dropped from nearly BHD 2,106 per ounce to a low of BHD 1,654, a massive drop in a very short time. However, the recovery has been just as fast. By mid-February, it bounced back to trade near the BHD 1,880 mark. This means that 24K gold, which peaked at nearly BHD 68 per gram, briefly dipped toward BHD 59 before climbing back to the current average of BHD 62. Where is it cheapest and most expensive? Prices differ around the world because of taxes and import duties. Based on current data for February 2026: Why is it so volatile? Margin Calls and Algorithms You may wonder why the price drops so suddenly. Two main factors are responsible: Looking Ahead: US Inflation and the Long-term View The market is currently waiting for the latest US inflation data. If inflation […]
1 day ago
India’s New Chip-Enabled Passport For Expats
The Indian government has officially updated its travel documents. All new Indian passports are now e-passports. This change represents a major technological improvement for millions of Indian expats living in the Gulf. The new system makes international travel faster and more secure than ever. What is the New Indian E-Passport? An e-passport looks like a traditional paper booklet, but it has a powerful feature. It contains an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and a tiny antenna. You can easily identify the new version by the small, gold-colored chip symbol on the front cover. The chip stores your personal details. This includes your name, date of birth, and nationality. It also holds your biometric data, such as digital fingerprints and your photograph. This digital layer serves as a second, tamper-proof version of your physical passport. Why Expats Should Upgrade For Indian expats in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and across the Gulf, the e-passport is a significant benefit. How to identify an e-passport It is easy to tell if you have the latest version. Just look for a small, gold-colored rectangular symbol on the front cover. This indicates the presence of the embedded RFID chip. You may also see a change […]
1 day ago
Etihad Starts Year With Strong Passenger Growth
Etihad Airways reported a sharp rise in passenger traffic at the start of 2026, signalling continued strength in travel demand and sustained momentum after a record year for the Abu Dhabi carrier. The airline carried 2.2 million passengers in January, marking a 29% increase from the same month last year, while seat occupancy remained high across its expanding network. The load factor reached 89.9% during the month, slightly higher than the 89.1% recorded a year earlier, reflecting steady demand even while capacity continued to grow. The results point to a stable demand environment despite broader shifts in global aviation markets, where airlines remain focused on balancing expansion with operational efficiency. Network expansion supports growth Etihad entered the year with an operating fleet of 127 aircraft and a global network spanning 110 destinations, reinforcing its push to widen connectivity while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as a transit hub. Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said: “January has been a strong start to 2026. Demand is high, our product is resonating with customers, and the dedication of our teams is evident in every flight,” he said. He added that maintaining high seat occupancy while expanding capacity remained a key operational achievement. “Maintaining load factors […]
1 day ago
Asian Currencies Hit Lows, But Expat Spirits Hit Highs
As we move through February 2026, many Asian currencies are reaching some of their lowest levels in years. While this creates economic challenges for countries in Asia, it presents a huge opportunity for millions working abroad. From the streets of London and New York to the business hubs of Singapore, expatriates find that their foreign earnings go much further when sent back home. The Great Slide: Why Asian Currencies are Dipping Several major Asian currencies face a combination of economic pressures. The Indian Rupee recently hit a historic low near ₹25 against the UAE Dirham and over ₹91 against the US Dollar, making it a great time for Indian expats to send money back home. In the Philippines, the Peso is struggling, trading at its weakest levels since 2022. This is mainly due to domestic political uncertainty and slower-than-expected economic growth. Similarly, the Pakistani Rupee is under significant pressure as the country continues its long road to economic recovery. Even typically strong currencies like the Japanese Yen have fluctuated, creating rare opportunities for those sending money from Japan or holding Yen-based savings. A Win for Global Expats This trend isn’t just a story limited to the UAE. It is a […]
1 day ago
Weather Update: UAE Braces For Strong Winds, Rough Seas And Cooler Temperatures
The UAE is set for largely fair conditions on Friday, with mild winter warmth lingering across much of the country before a noticeable drop in temperatures early next week, according to the National Center of Meteorology. Friday will be generally clear to partly cloudy at times, with light to moderate southeasterly to northeasterly winds ranging between 10–20 km/h, occasionally reaching 30 km/h. Humidity is expected to rise overnight and into Saturday morning, especially along coastal areas, where early-morning mist may form. Seas in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea are expected to remain slight. Temperature forecast Saturday: Similar pattern continues Saturday is expected to mirror Friday’s weather: fair to partly cloudy skies, light to moderate winds, and humid nights. Coastal mist may persist into early Sunday. Sunday: Winds shift, seas turn rough By Sunday, a change in wind direction will bring evolving conditions. Southeasterly winds are forecast to turn northwesterly, gradually freshening through the evening and becoming strong at times offshore, with speeds reaching up to 45 km/h. While daytime skies remain mostly fair, the Arabian Gulf will see rougher seas by nightfall, and the Oman Sea will become moderate to rough later. Monday: Cooler, dusty conditions A more pronounced change […]
2 days ago
Kuwait Declares Two-Day Public Holiday For National, Liberation Day
Kuwait’s Cabinet has declared a two-day public holiday across government entities to mark National Day and Liberation Day, creating a four-day extended break for most public sector employees when combined with the weekend. The decision was announced after the weekly Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al Abdullah Al Sabah. Work at all ministries, government agencies, public authorities and public institutions will be suspended on Wednesday and Thursday, February 25 and 26. Official working hours will resume on Sunday, March 1. Authorities said entities with special operational requirements will set their own holiday arrangements to ensure continuity of essential services and protect the public interest.
2 days ago
First Day Of Ramadan 2026 Announced In Oman
Oman has announced that Thursday, February 19, will mark the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, based on astronomical calculations confirming that the crescent moon cannot be sighted on the preceding evening. The main committee for sighting the Hijri months said Wednesday, February 18, will complete the Islamic month of Shaaban, making the following day the start of Ramadan. The decision follows astronomical findings showing that the moon will set on Tuesday, the 29th of Shaaban, before or at sunset across all governorates of the Sultanate, making visual sighting impossible that day. Authorities said the determination was made in line with established religious and scientific criteria used by the committee to confirm the start of lunar months.
2 days ago
Apple Calls For Urgent Update Of iPhones: iOS 26.3 Update Fixes Critical Security Flaws
If you haven’t updated your iPhone recently, now is the time to do it. Apple has just released iOS 26.3, and this one is more urgent than your average software refresh. Why this update is different Apple updates its software regularly, but this particular release comes with a specific warning. The update fixes 39 security problems on your iPhone, one of which is already being used by hackers to attack people’s devices right now. Apple has confirmed on its support page that it is “aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals.” That means cyber criminals have already found this weakness and are using it against real people. What makes this update particularly significant is that security experts believe this fix completes a chain of vulnerabilities that hackers have been using together to install spyware on iPhones. Apple fixed two related security flaws back in December with iOS 26.2, and this latest update appears to close the final gap in that same attack chain. In other words, all three pieces of the puzzle are now patched, but only if you install this update. This doesn’t mean every iPhone […]
2 days ago
Beggar Owning Three Luxury Cars Arrested; Another Caught With Dh25,000 Cash In Dubai
A man arrested for begging in Dubai was found to own three luxury cars, while another was caught with more than Dh25,000 in cash hidden under his mat, Dubai Police revealed on Thursday. Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department, told Gulf News the cases highlight how some beggars exploit public sympathy to make large sums of money. In one of the most shocking cases, Dubai Police arrested a resident who was caught begging despite owning three luxury cars. In a separate incident, an Asian man was apprehended while begging near mosques and residential areas, carrying his two-year-old baby to draw sympathy from passers-by. When officers searched him, they found around Dh20,000 in cash in various foreign currencies — an amount he had collected within just a few days. He had entered the country on a visit visa and was referred to Dubai Public Prosecution. Meanwhile, just three days ago, police arrested another beggar in one of Dubai’s markets. The man was sitting on the ground with a mat laid out in front of him to solicit donations. Upon inspection, officers discovered Dh25,000 hidden underneath the mat. Organised networks uncovered Captain Ammar Tariq of […]
2 days ago
UAE Announces Private Sector Working Hours During Ramadan
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced that private sector employees will work two hours less per day during Ramadan. Companies are also allowed to introduce flexible or remote work arrangements, depending on the nature of their business, to help staff balance work and fasting while maintaining productivity throughout the holy month.
2 days ago
New Report Tracks Blockchain’s Nationwide Roll-Out in The UAE
The conversation around blockchain in the UAE has clearly shifted. What once felt experimental is now being rolled out at scale, backed by regulation, institutions and real transactions. A new flagship report by The Blockchain Center Abu Dhabi maps that transition. It outlines how the country has shifted from testing blockchain applications to deploying them across finance, governance and public-sector systems in a structured, regulated way. Rather than sitting on the sidelines as an emerging technology, blockchain is now being positioned as part of the UAE’s core economic framework. The report was developed in collaboration with Binance as a co-author and reflects Binance’s evolution from a global crypto exchange to a provider of institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure operating within the UAE’s regulatory environment. From Experimentation to Execution at National Scale The report highlights that the UAE has moved into an execution phase defined by scale, regulatory clarity, and institutional deployment. Evidence of blockchain adoption appears in live, regulated use cases, including a national digital identity infrastructure serving 11 million users, multiple DFSA- and FSRA-approved stablecoins already live, a central bank digital currency in pilot with first transactions executed, and real-world asset tokenisation initiatives intending to tokenize $4 billion across real […]
4 weeks ago
1 month ago
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