Dubai's Cashless Strategy has exceeded its key 2026 targets ahead of schedule, with cashless transactions reaching 90.1%. The initiative has contributed more than AED 8 billion to Dubai's economy and strengthened digital payments across government and private-sector services.

Check Dubai prayer timings for October 2026, including Fajr, Sunrise, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha. Find the daily Salah schedule and learn about the five obligatory prayers in Islam.

A Russian bomb attack on Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine killed at least 33 people and injured 18 others, according to Ukrainian authorities. The strike reportedly occurred on a street where city buses were operating, prompting officials to suspend public transport in nearby cities.

Authorities in India have stepped up security and introduced transport restrictions ahead of a major protest. Demonstrations have erupted across the country following allegations of misconduct by the Election Commission of India published in a newspaper investigation last month.

Investigators are examining the background of an Omani flydubai co-pilot in connection with an alleged attempted attack involving flight FZ1073. Reports indicate that investigators are looking into his past and possible links to extremist ideology.

Dubai has introduced clearer shared housing regulations covering approved locations, occupancy limits, bedroom space, safety standards and permits. Existing shared housing properties have until September 8, 2027, to comply with the new framework.

The global wellness economy reached $6.8 trillion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $9.8 trillion by 2029. The UAE is emerging as a major wellness market, creating new business opportunities across tourism, technology, retail, hospitality and preventive healthcare.

The UAE has issued red and yellow weather alerts for fog, with humidity expected to increase at night. Temperatures in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are forecast to reach a high of 39°C.

US President Donald Trump has reportedly ruled out launching a new attack on Iran before the US midterm elections. The development comes amid continuing regional tensions and the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.

Emirates NBD has launched the UAE’s first dedicated Transition Finance Framework to help businesses reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and invest in cleaner technologies. The initiative supports the bank’s target of $30 billion in sustainable and transition finance by 2030.