UAE News - Gulf Insider

2 weeks ago

NRIs In UAE: 6 Changes In India’s 2026 Budget That Affect You Back Home

If you live in the UAE, many financial decisions still connect you to India — whether it’s investing in shares, selling property, sending money for education, or planning a family trip home. Although India’s Union Budget 2026 didn’t rewrite the tax code, it does fix rules that made everyday NRI choices harder. Here’s what has changed and how it impacts your savings, investments, property, and taxes back home: 1. Travel, remittances just got cheaper India Budget 2026 cuts the upfront tax on several common international expenses to 2%, making travel and overseas spend more affordable: If you send money from India for a child’s education in the UK or Canada, or book an international family trip from your Indian account, you’ll see less money blocked upfront as tax. That improves cash flow and makes budgeting easier. So if family in Dubai paying school fees to a US university earlier faced 5% upfront TCS, that upfront amount drops to 2% now, freeing up funds for essentials like books and accommodation. 2. Selling property to now be less painful This is one of the most practical changes for NRIs. Earlier, when you sold property in India, the buyer had to apply for a […]

2 weeks ago

Likely Ramadan 2026 Start Date Revealed

Most Muslim countries are expected to attempt to sight the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan on Tuesday, February 17, but astronomers say the sighting will be astronomically impossible or unfeasible across the Arab and Islamic world, making Thursday, February 19, the most likely first day of the holy month for the majority of countries that rely on confirmed moon sighting. According to astronomical analyses based on all internationally recognised crescent-visibility criteria, the moon on Tuesday will not have moved sufficiently from conjunction to form a visible crescent, whether by the naked eye, telescope or even advanced astronomical imaging techniques, the International Astronomical Center (IAC) said. These conclusions are consistent across multiple peer-reviewed visibility standards, including those developed by Ibn Tariq, Fotheringham, Maunder, Bruin, Mohamed Ilyas, the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), Yallop and Odeh. All indicate that crescent visibility on Tuesday evening is either impossible or not achievable anywhere in the Arab or wider Islamic world. As a result, countries that require an authenticated crescent sighting to declare the start of the lunar month are expected to complete 30 days of Shaaban on Wednesday, with Ramadan beginning on Thursday, 19 February. Some countries that apply alternative criteria may declare Ramadan a day earlier, on Wednesday, 18 February, though this […]

2 weeks ago

Ethiopian Nibret Melak wins Dubai Marathon 2026

The Dubai Marathon saw yet another double Ethiopian win with Nibret Melak taking first place in the Men’s category whilst Anchinalu Dessie finished first in the women’s race. The 25th edition of the Dubai Marathon saw Ethiopian runners win both categories for the fourth consecutive year. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AW (@athletics.weekly) Melak finished the race with a stunning time of 2:04:00 beating last year’s winner by a whole 50 seconds.Dessie won the women’s category clocking a time of 2:18:31, the 23-year-old bettered her personal best by almost four minutes. Anchinalu Dessie from Ethiopia wins the 25th anniversary edition of the Dubai marathon women’s category. Also read: Trump’s Planned Mediation Between Egypt & Ethiopia Might Worsen Regional Tensions

2 weeks ago

UAE Ranks Among World’s Most Air-Connected Countries, Minister Says

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Civil Aviation Authority, affirmed that the civil aviation sector is a fundamental pillar for supporting economic and tourism growth, enhancing trade flows, and connecting countries and peoples, amid the rapid developments taking place in the sector at both regional and international levels. This came during Bin Touq’s participation in the ministerial session held as part of the agenda of the “Wings of India 2026” Conference, taking place in Hyderabad, in India, with the participation of several ministers and senior government officials from around the world. Bin Touq noted that, guided by the leadership’s vision, the UAE has consolidated its position as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs, supported by one of the best logistics infrastructures globally and an integrated ecosystem that enables aviation, transport, and travel, strengthening its role as a key gateway linking East and West. Bin Touq explained that the UAE accounts for approximately 2.3 per cent of total global international passenger traffic and 32.2 per cent of international passenger traffic at the regional level. These indicators reflect the country’s high level of air connectivity and place […]

2 weeks ago

Abu Dhabi Launches Nutri-Mark To Simplify Healthier Food Choices

The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, has announced support for the implementation of Nutri-Mark as part of the Healthy Living Programme, aimed at making food choices clearer and easier for the community. Nutri-Mark uses a simple A–E grading system to help shoppers compare food products within the same category and make more informed dietary decisions. The initiative represents a shared step towards strengthening public health and promoting healthier lifestyles across the Abu Dhabi community.

2 weeks ago

Dubai-Based Indian Expat Businessman Dr CJ Roy Dies By Suicide In Bengaluru: Reports

Dubai-based Indian expat businessman and Confident Group Chairman Dr C.J. Roy has died by suicide, Indian media reported on Friday. According to reports, Dr Roy shot himself at his office in Bengaluru in Karnataka. He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. According to several Indian media reports, the incident was linked to an ongoing raid by the Income Tax Department on his company. Dr Roy was a prominent builder and film producer. A UAE Golden Visa holder, he lived in Dubai’s Emirates Hills and split his time between the UAE and India. The New Indian Express said the 57-year-old died by suicide at his office in central Bengaluru. Found with gunshot wound Police said he was found with a gunshot wound inside his office premises in Anepalya, the report said. Earlier in the day, Dr Roy was raided by the Income Tax Department and was subjected to questioning. Soon after a gunshot was heard, staff members rushed to his room and found him lying in a pool of blood. He was immediately taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead, PTI reported. Forensic teams were called in to examine the scene, and procedural formalities, including […]

2 weeks ago

Are You A Parent In The UAE? You Now Have A Legal Duty To Supervise Your Children’s Digital Lives

This article is part of Khaleej Times’ Schools and Parents, a dedicated section designed to support families in the UAE as they explore educational choices. The section offers explainers, guidance from education leaders, expert advice and insights from parents to help readers make informed decisions about schools, curricula and communities. When children in the UAE open a game, scroll through videos, or join a social media app, the law now expects the digital world around them to behave differently. A new Child Digital Safety Law shifts the focus from reacting after harm occurs to preventing it before it happens — placing responsibility on platforms while clearly outlining what parents are expected to do. For families, this raises two big questions: What exactly is my legal obligation? And how can I realistically meet it in daily life? 1. Does this law mean parents can be fined or punished for their child’s online behaviour? No. Parents are not fined or penalised under this law for everyday parenting decisions. The legal consequences apply to platforms and service providers, not families. However, the law does create a clear expectation: parents must exercise reasonable supervision over their child’s digital use. This means staying informed, using available […]

https://gulfnews.com/business/markets/dubai-gold-price-suddenly-plunges-dh35-after-record-high-after-global-5-drop-1.500425175

2 weeks ago

Dubai Gold Price Plunges Dh35 From Record High After 5% Drop Worldwide

Dubai gold prices fell sharply minutes after hitting fresh records, mirroring a sudden downturn in global markets. In the UAE, rates dropped from Dh665 to Dh629 per gram, a Dh35 slide that tracked a rapid pullback in international prices. It closed at Dh639 yesterday. Global gold tumbled more than 5% after reaching $5,000 an ounce for the first time, as traders reassessed the rally that had pushed the metal to repeated all-time highs. Gold later touched $5,111.07 an ounce before selling pressure accelerated. The retreat spread across metals markets. Silver plunged more than 8%. Copper and nickel also moved lower. “The parabolic rally had to come to an end,” Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, told AFP, as commodity prices had “gone up too far, too quickly”. Too far, too fast The rally had pushed prices too far, too fast, prompting traders to lock in gains as volatility returned to markets. Gold’s surge had been driven by global uncertainty and investor demand for safe-haven assets, fuelled by concerns over US trade policy, government spending, and inflation. “It vaulted over the psychologically important 5,000 mark on a glittering streak, heading sharply higher as trade tensions emanating from the US unnerved investors,” said […]

3 weeks ago

Emirates Building Systems Gets Major Contract For Cultural Complex In Oman

Emirates Building Systems (EBS) has won a major contract to deliver 50,000 square metres of full steel structure package for Sayyid Tarik Bin Taimur Cultural Complex in Oman. The Sayyid Tarik Bin Taimur Cultural Complex is one of Oman’s most significant upcoming cultural developments. Built to become a world-class destination for arts, heritage, and public engagement, the complex will bring together the National Theatre, National Library, National Archives and a series of cultural and community-focused facilities within an architecturally ambitious masterplan. EBS will deliver the complete structural steel works for the project. This includes detailed engineering, specialised fabrication, on-site erection, and the application of advanced fire-proofing systems. The package covers complex, long-span steel elements designed for theatre halls, public atria, and culturally significant spaces that require precise engineering, safety compliance, and structural durability. Joseph Chidiac, General Manager of Emirates Building Systems, said: “The Sayyid Tarik Bin Taimur Cultural Complex is a project of national importance and we are honoured to contribute to a landmark that will shape Oman’s cultural landscape for generations. “This contract reflects EBS’s track record in delivering large-scale, technically advanced steel structures with precision and reliability. We remain committed to upholding the highest global standards in engineering and fabrication […]

3 weeks ago

War Drums In Gulf: US Armada Arrives As Saudi Arabia, UAE Deny Airspace Access

Things between Tehran and Washington are moving fast according to an eerily familiar pattern hearkening back to the lead-up to the 12-day June war, when there was some wrangling over negotiations – and talk of good faith efforts at dialogue – just before the US greenlighted a surprise Israeli attack which also saw US entry into the conflict by the close of it (whereupon nuclear facilities were hit by American bombers). “Our stance is clear,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Wednesday as the US has expressed the desire to strike a deal. “Negotiations don’t go along with threats, and talks can only take place when there are no longer menaces and excessive demands.” Araqchi confirmed his country has had no recent communication with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and has not sought talks with Washington. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that another US “armada” was moving “beautifully” toward Iran, but he hoped Tehran would ultimately strike a deal and avoid conflict. The Iranian FM noted, however, that unnamed intermediaries were “holding consultations” and remained in touch with Iranian officials. Separately, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday that Tehran supports any process “within […]

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Search Here

NRIs In UAE: 6 Changes In India’s 2026 Budget That Affect You Back Home

Likely Ramadan 2026 Start Date Revealed

Ethiopian Nibret Melak wins Dubai Marathon 2026

UAE Ranks Among World’s Most Air-Connected Countries, Minister Says

Abu Dhabi Launches Nutri-Mark To Simplify Healthier Food Choices

Dubai-Based Indian Expat Businessman Dr CJ Roy Dies By Suicide In Bengaluru: Reports

Are You A Parent In The UAE? You Now Have A Legal Duty To Supervise Your Children’s Digital Lives

Dubai Gold Price Plunges Dh35 From Record High After 5% Drop Worldwide

Emirates Building Systems Gets Major Contract For Cultural Complex In Oman

War Drums In Gulf: US Armada Arrives As Saudi Arabia, UAE Deny Airspace Access

Recent Posts

Bahrain: Five Years, BD2,000 Fine For Trafficke

Bahrain: No Foreign Hires Without 21-Day Wait

Bahrain: Postal X-ray Scan Exposes 3Kg Drug Shipment

Bahrain: Unlicensed Medical Practice Penalties Set At Up To Five Years And BD5,000 Fine

Ramadan To Fall Entirely In Winter For First Time In 29 Years

Bahrain: Farmers’ Market To Continue Every Saturday During Ramadan

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