Abudhbai , january 3 , 2026 : The Ministry of Defence has announced the completion of the return of all UAE Armed Forces personnel from the Republic of Yemen.
In a statement, the Ministry said the withdrawal followed the implementation of an earlier decision to conclude the remaining counter-terrorism missions. The process was carried out safely and in coordination with relevant partners, ensuring the security of all personnel.
Dubai , January 3 . 2026 : The Ministry of Education has announced new Friday school hours for public schools, effective from January 9, 2026, following the nationwide adjustment of Friday prayer and sermon timings to 12:45 pm.
Under the revised schedule, kindergarten classes will run from 8:00 am to 11:30 am. Cycle 1 (primary) schools will operate on one of two schedules: 7:10 am to 10:30 am or 8:00 am to 11:30 am. For Cycles 2 and 3, boys’ schools will run from 7:10 am to 10:30 am, while girls’ schools will operate from 8:00 am to 11:30 am.
The ministry has also urged private schools to adjust their schedules, with Friday classes not extending beyond 11:30 am, to allow students sufficient time to prepare for Friday prayers and support family cohesion.
The Ministry of Education said Friday will remain a regular instructional day, with existing attendance and dismissal policies continuing to apply, adding that the decision reflects its commitment to balancing educational continuity with religious and national values.
Ajman , January 2 , 2026 : rivate schools in the Emirate of Ajman will resume classes on Monday following the end of the winter break, with nearly 95,000 male and female students returning to school.
Aisha Sultan Al Shamsi, Executive Director of the Ajman Private Education Affairs Office, affirmed that the winter break provided students and their families with additional time to rest and recharge, as well as opportunities for travel and participation in community and national events that help strengthen a sense of belonging and national identity.
She noted that private schools have completed all preparations to welcome students back, through educational and organisational plans designed to strike a balance between academic achievement and students’ mental well-being.
Dubai , January 2 , 2026 : Dubai will host the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival 2026 at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam from 6–10 January, bringing together elite endurance riders from around the world.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the prestigious festival honours his legacy as a World Endurance Champion and highlights Dubai’s position as a global hub for endurance riding.
The 19th edition will feature four major events, beginning with the 120km Ladies Endurance Ride on 6 January, followed by the 120km Private Stables Ride on 7 January, which includes incentives for Emirati breeders. The 120km Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares will take place on 8 January, before the festival concludes with the flagship 160km Endurance Cup on 10 January.
Organised by Dubai Equestrian Club, the festival reflects the UAE’s commitment to developing equestrian sport and delivering world-class sporting events. Sponsors include Emirates Airline, Azizi Developments, and Al Tayer Motors, which will once again sponsor the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares and award vehicles to winners.
Officials highlighted the festival’s growing international standing and Dubai International Endurance City’s readiness to welcome global competitors, while sponsors praised the event’s role in celebrating heritage, excellence and sporting achievement.
Abudhabi ,January 1, 2026 : UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone call today with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, during which they discussed fraternal relations and ways to strengthen cooperation for the benefit of both countries and their peoples.
The two leaders also exchanged views on the latest developments in the region and issues of mutual interest.
Dubai , January 1 , 2026 : The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah rang in 2026 with a spectacular 15-minute drones and fireworks display that set a new Guinness World Records title for the ‘Largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by multirotors/drones’.
The highlight of the celebration was an awe-inspiring drone performance that transformed the night sky into a living canvas. At the heart of this display was the record-breaking Phoenix, a mythical symbol of renewal, optimism, and rebirth, echoing Ras Al Khaimah’s own transformation and ambition to continuously reimagine its future. This display was brought to life by 2,300 drones, including 1,000 state-of-the-art pyro drones that ignited the Phoenix wings in a dramatic blaze of light as it soared above Ras Al Khaimah’s waterfront. The spectacle continued with another striking drone formation named ‘The Welcome’ – a human form rising from the sea with open arms, embodying the emirate’s spirit of warmth, openness, and hospitality.
Following the drone show, a precisely timed fireworks countdown to midnight ignited a six-kilometre-long fireworks display stretching from Marjan Island to Al Hamra. Hundreds of fireworks erupted in perfectly choreographed waves, cascading along the coastline in a dazzling symphony of color, sound, and light.
Thousands of spectators across Ras Al Khaimah’s beachfront resorts and at the New Year’s Eve Festival were treated to an array of live stage performances and vibrant festivities, making it a truly memorable night for everyone in attendance. Earlier in the evening, families and residents of the emirate also enjoyed an early fireworks display at Corniche Al Qawasim.
Commenting on the achievement, Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), said: “New Year’s Eve in Ras Al Khaimah is about bringing people together. With this year’s show, we wanted to create a celebration that could be shared by our entire community and everyone visiting Ras Al Khaimah at this special time. While achieving a new Guinness World Records title is great, what truly matters are the memories created for those who celebrated with us. 2025 was a year of significant progress for Ras Al Khaimah, and tonight was about celebrating that and welcoming the new year with optimism and excitement for what is to come.”
With this latest Guinness World Records achievement, Ras Al Khaimah adds to its impressive legacy of record-breaking displays, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s leading destinations for innovative and emotionally resonant New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Dubai , January 1 , 2026 : Global Village, the region’s leading multicultural family
destination for entertainment, shopping, dining, and attractions, welcomed 2026 with an
unforgettable night of celebrations, lighting up the skies with seven spectacular fireworks and
dazzling drone shows marking New Year moments across seven countries.
Alongside, the Main Stage set the rhythm for the night with an energetic live DJ
performance, while roaming entertainment brought every corner of the park to life. Guests
ended their last night of 2025 with extended hours by experiencing the richness of more than
90 explored across 30 cultural pavilions, enjoyed shopping from over 3,500 shopping outlets,
and savoured flavours from 250+ dining options across the Floating Market, Happiness
Street, Fiesta Street and more.
Families also enjoyed over 200 rides and attractions at Carnaval, along with new favourites
such as Dragon Kingdom, Gardens of the World, and The Little Wonderers for younger
adventurers.
Global Village once again stood out as the region’s favourite destination for unforgettable
family moments, celebrating major events season-round and ringing in 2026 with unity,
culture, and spectacular entertainment.
Dubai , January 1, 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) transported more than
2.8 million passengers during New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations, achieving ridership growth of over 13% compared to last year’s over 2.5 riders.
This was delivered as part of an integrated traffic and operational plan that included the management and regulation of traffic movement and implementation of temporary road closures across the Emirate, in
direct coordination with Dubai Event Security Committee, as well as relevant authorities and strategic partners. The results reflect the readiness and efficiency of the transport system and its ability to
ensure smooth mobility and public safety, while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global destination capable of managing major events in line with the highest international standards.
The total number of users of public transport, taxis, e-hailing services,
and shared mobility during New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations exceeded 2,836,859 passengers, marking a 13% increase compared to New Year’s Eve 2025, when ridership stood at 2,502,474 passengers.
Metro services on the Red and Green Lines were used by 1,249,636 passengers, while Dubai Tram carried 58,052 passengers. Public buses and bus-on-demand buses recorded 503,264 passengers during the night. Taxis transported 661,538 passengers, and marine transport services ferried 76,745 passengers across all modes. E- hailing services transported 286,135 passengers and shared mobility services carried 1,489 passengers. RTA reaffirmed that the approved traffic and operational plan contributed to ensuring the smooth and safe movement of the public
to the celebration sites, within the framework of integrated coordination with the concerned authorities and strategic partners in Dubai.
