Makkah hailstorm alert: Heavy rain and strong winds forecast across Saudi Arabia

The National Center for Meteorology issued an urgent alert for Makkah, forecasting intense winter storms with moderate to heavy thunderstorms, hail, and 60 km/h winds. Flash flood risks are high in valleys and low-lying areas, with rough seas expected along the Red Sea coast. Authorities urge extreme caution, especially for pilgrims and motorists.

Saudi Aramco raises $4 billion: Shakes global markets, Wall Street buzzing

Saudi Arabia’s oil giant Saudi Aramco has successfully raised $4 billion through a bond issuance. The move highlights strong investor trust in the company’s financial stability. The issuance, part of a global program, was priced in January 2026 and completed in early February 2026. Proceeds will fund capital expenditures and diversification efforts. This strengthens Aramco’s financial position and boosts confidence in Saudi Arabia’s economy.

India’s new customs rules bring duty-free relief on gold, electronics for UAE travellers

India has updated its duty-free allowance for returning residents and Indian-origin travelers to ₹75,000, including one laptop. New weight-based rules for jewelry and digitized customs processes aim to simplify travel. Passengers are advised to declare items exceeding the allowance to avoid penalties.

Big relief for UAE travellers to India: Higher duty-free limits, gold jewellery reforms, simpler baggage clearance, revamped customs rules

India’s new customs baggage rules, effective February 02, 2026, significantly benefit international travellers, especially UAE residents and Indian expats. The duty-free allowance has been raised to ₹75,000 and value caps on gold jewellery are removed, replaced by weight limits. These modernised regulations aim to simplify procedures and enhance passenger convenience.

Ramadan 2026: UAE schools announce 12-day holiday and shorter school days

Ramadan 2026 sees UAE schools adopt a unique schedule, with students attending full in-person classes for only about eight days. The Ministry of Education and KHDA have prioritized spiritual reflection and family time, incorporating shorter weeks, remote learning options, and extended holidays. This approach aims to balance academic continuity with cultural observance, ensuring students can fully embrace the holy month.

Singapore Airlines launches non-stop flights to Riyadh after 12 years: New route details, benefits explained

Singapore Airlines is relaunching non-stop flights to Riyadh from June 2, 2026, after a 12-year absence. Operating four times weekly on Airbus A350-900s, this service aims to boost business, tourism and cultural exchange between Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The move signifies Riyadh’s growing importance as a global hub and enhances connectivity for travellers.

Dubai set to adopt China’s ‘Sponge City’ model — What the future city could look like

Dubai is adopting the “Sponge City” model through a partnership with Shenzhen to enhance climate resilience and manage heavy rainfall. This initiative integrates permeable pavements, green roofs, and wetlands to absorb and purify rainwater, aiming to keep streets dry and functional while increasing urban greenery and reducing heat.

Inside China’s gray zone activities: How Beijing is salami slicing its way to influence

China is employing a ‘salami slicing’ strategy, taking incremental steps across military, economic, and technological domains to alter realities without triggering conflict. This ‘gray zone’ approach, evident in the South China Sea and beyond, bypasses international law and exploits rivals’ hesitation. The cumulative effect creates new facts on the ground, challenging the existing order.

Indian national convicted in US for sexual assault during flight

A federal jury in the United States has convicted Varun Arora, an Indian national living in the country without authorization, for sexually assaulting a fellow traveler onboard a domestic flight from Rhode Island to Washington D.C. in August 2024. The case highlighted the distressing nature of the assault, wherein Arora ignored the victim’s pleas to stop his advances.

Elon Musk calls Spanish PM ‘dirty Sanchez’ for proposing social media ban for minors

Elon Musk has fiercely criticized Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s proposal to ban social media for children under 16. Sanchez aims to protect minors from online harms, likening the digital space to a “wild west.” This move aligns with a broader European trend towards stricter tech regulations for young users.

Who was Saif al-Islam Gaddafi? Son of late Libya dictator Moammar Gaddafi killed in his home

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, once seen as Libya’s Western-friendly reformer and heir apparent, has been killed in a direct confrontation after gunmen stormed his home. He played a key role in his father’s regime, later becoming a divisive figure during the 2011 uprising. After years of detention and a death sentence, he resurfaced seeking the presidency, a bid that ultimately failed.

US-Iran tensions: Pakistan to be a part of Turkey-led peace talks

Pakistan has been invited to crucial talks in Turkey between Iran and the US, aimed at de-escalating regional tensions. Several other regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are also expected to attend. The discussions are anticipated to focus on Iran’s nuclear program, with both sides expressing cautious optimism for a deal, though Iran warns of war if negotiations fail.

Gallery with café? Artist Daniel Arsham opens new art-driven coffee and dessert restaurant in Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue welcomes Daniel’s Room, a unique concept by artist Daniel Arsham. This space artfully blends specialty coffee, exclusive desserts and contemporary art, offering an immersive experience. More than a café, it is a cultural destination where design, objects and culinary delights intersect, inviting visitors to linger and explore.

Watch Dubai’s craziest jaw-dropping stunt: 5 men fly through world’s tallest hotel at 200km/h

Five elite wingsuit athletes from XDubai executed a daring precision flight around the world’s tallest hotel, Ciel Dubai Marina, reaching speeds over 200 km/h. The stunt, including a pass through the “eye of the needle,” celebrated the hotel’s grand opening and highlighted Dubai’s strategy of fusing tourism, bold design and sky-high experiences.

US-Russia nuclear treaty nears expiry: Why New START matters for global security

The world faces a dangerous new phase as the last US-Russia nuclear arms treaty, New START, is set to expire this week without a replacement. Russia warned of increased risks, noting its proposal for a one-year extension received no formal response from Washington.

US envoy Witkoff to hold talks with Iran; tensions rise as USS Abraham Lincoln downs Shahed drone—what we know so far

A US F-35C fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone approaching an American aircraft carrier, escalating tensions. This incident occurred just as Iran’s president signaled a willingness for negotiations with the US. Despite the drone downing, planned diplomatic talks in Turkey are reportedly still scheduled.

‘My parents are immigrants…: Influencer responds after sitting through anti-ICE standing ovation

Does this angel look familiar? A modern face appears in a Rome fresco

Twitch CEO Dan Clancy debuts “Let’s Chat” podcast live with Cam Skattebo tomorrow

Twitch CEO Dan Clancy is launching the platform’s first podcast, “Let’s Chat,” with NFL star Cam Skattebo as the inaugural guest. The live show, airing tomorrow, February 4, 2026, will explore how live streaming shapes online culture and creator stories. This initiative aims to foster deeper connections within the Twitch community, featuring bi-monthly live recordings with top streamers.

Clavicular and Jenny Popach clash on live stream as girlfriend Violet’s anger sparks shocking viral controversy

A viral Kick stream showed Clavicular’s girlfriend Violet fighting with TikTok star Jenny Popach after a heated argument. The issue began when Violet believed Jenny was flirting with Clavicular on camera. The moment spread fast on X. Clavicular later said he did not understand how the fight even started.