The United Arab Emirates has officially announced that the first day of Eid Al Fitr will be observed on March 20, 2026. This decision follows the moon-sighting committee's determination that the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates are investigating a fatal incident in the Al Bahyah district of Abu Dhabi. Reports indicate that a civilian vehicle was struck, resulting in one fatality. Officials have launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the event as security measures remain in place across the area.
The United Arab Emirates has introduced a temporary measure allowing residents whose visas expired while outside the country to return without incurring fines. This grace period, aimed at facilitating the return of expatriates, remains in effect until March 31, 2026, providing a window for those affected to regularize their residency status.
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense has confirmed that two members of the UAE Armed Forces died following a helicopter crash. The incident occurred during a routine training mission, according to official statements. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
A fire occurred at the Ruwais industrial complex in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, following a reported drone attack. The incident prompted a temporary suspension of production operations at the facility. Authorities have initiated investigations into the event, which has drawn international attention to regional security and energy infrastructure safety.
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence reported the successful interception and destruction of ballistic missiles and drones launched toward its territory. Authorities confirmed that the remnants of the intercepted projectiles fell in unpopulated areas, with no casualties reported. The incident highlights ongoing regional security challenges and the effectiveness of UAE air defense capabilities.
Educational authorities in the United Arab Emirates have directed schools to implement an early spring break and adjust reopening schedules. The decision follows a directive from the Ministry of Education aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff across the country amid evolving regional security developments.
French Rafale fighter jets stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates have successfully intercepted and neutralized hostile drones. The operation, conducted in coordination with regional partners, highlights the ongoing security cooperation between France and the UAE amid heightened regional tensions.
The United Arab Emirates ordered its major stock markets, including the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market, to close on March 2 and 3, 2026. This precautionary measure was taken by the UAE Capital Markets Authority in response to escalating regional geopolitical developments, specifically retaliatory Iranian strikes following US and Israeli military actions, aiming to safeguard market stability and investor confidence.
The United Arab Emirates successfully intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones on February 28, 2026, targeting the country. The attacks resulted in one civilian fatality in Abu Dhabi due to falling debris and prompted temporary airspace closures, significantly disrupting air travel.
Dubai Police's Command and Control Centre handled 8,263 emergency calls via hotline 999 during a two-day period of dense fog on February 23rd and 24th, 2026. The fog significantly reduced visibility, prompting authorities to issue safety warnings for motorists and other road users across the emirate.
The UAE's advanced Earth observation satellite, MBZ-Sat, has captured and released two high-resolution images of Kuwait, featuring Kuwait City and Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium, to commemorate Kuwait's 65th National Day.
Emirates airline has canceled multiple flights between Dubai International Airport and New York JFK Airport from February 22 to February 24, 2026, due to a severe snowstorm impacting the US East Coast. The storm, described as a Nor'easter, brought heavy snowfall and strong winds, leading to widespread travel disruptions and affecting other US routes including Newark and Boston. Passengers were advised to check flight statuses and contact the airline for rebooking.
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the release of 1,440 inmates and the settlement of their financial penalties to mark Ramadan 2026. This act of clemency, a longstanding tradition, aims to offer a fresh start and promote social stability during the holy month. Rulers across other emirates also issued pardons, bringing the total number of released prisoners to over 4,300.
The United Arab Emirates' Presidential Court has officially announced that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. The decision followed the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening by the UAE's Moon Sighting Committee, ushering in a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims.
Organizers of Abu Dhabi Finance Week confirmed a data breach that exposed personal details, including passport and ID scans, of over 700 delegates. The vulnerability, found in a third-party vendor's cloud storage, was swiftly secured after discovery by a security researcher, with affected individuals being notified.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, is set to lead the UAE delegation to the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, 2026. The summit, hosted by the Government of India, aims to shape global frameworks for inclusive, responsible, and impactful AI, drawing leaders and experts from over 100 countries.
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has authorized the launch of DDSC, the first dirham-backed stablecoin, developed by IHC, Sirius International Holding, and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). Operating on the ADI Chain, DDSC is designed for institutional and government-led applications, aiming to modernize payments and treasury operations within a regulated framework.
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has announced the launch of Phase II of its Real Estate Tokenisation Project, enabling the resale of approximately 7.8 million tokenized property shares in the secondary market from February 20, 2026. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), aims to enhance market liquidity, transparency, and investor accessibility within a regulated framework.
20-year-old Czech qualifier Sara Bejlek secured her first WTA Tour title at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open on February 7, 2026, defeating World No. 11 Ekaterina Alexandrova in a stunning final.
