The United Arab Emirates has banned several single-use plastic products, including beverage cups, lids, cutlery, food containers, straws, and bags, with effect from 1 January 2026. The move is part of the country’s efforts to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment. The decision is the second phase of a wider ban introduced under Ministerial Decision No. 380 of 2022 by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The first phase of the ban came into force on 1 January 2024 and prohibited all single-use plastic shopping bags. The restriction on bags applies to all materials, i
Doha has been selected as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2026, as announced by the tourism ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The city received this honour for its rich cultural heritage, impressive modern architecture, and strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, said the recognition is a big step for the country. He added that it will help Gulf countries work together on tourism and create new jobs and business opportunities. Doha is known for its strong transport and connectivity infrastructure. Hamad International Airpor
The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to recognise the vital role women play in agriculture worldwide. The year-long campaign will highlight women’s contributions across agri-food systems, from farming and food processing to marketing and trade, where their work often remains unseen. The initiative will focus on challenges faced by women farmers, including limited land rights, lack of access to finance, technology, education,n and essential services. It also aims to encourage governments and institutions to adopt policies and investments that
India is working to attract more Vietnamese tourists by improving tourism links and travel products, officials and travel businesses said at a tourism workshop held in Hanoi on December 30. The event was organised by the Indian Embassy in Vietnam and brought together many Vietnamese travel companies. Discussions focused on how to increase cooperation, promote new tour products, and solve problems that may discourage Vietnamese visitors from choosing India. Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Tshering W. Sherpa said India has more than 40 UNESCO-recognised sites and many famous destinations lin
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi became the first hospital in the world to give ITVISMA, a one-time gene replacement therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. The landmark treatment was administered on December 28, 2025, under the supervision of the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi. With this decision, the UAE became only the second country, after the US, to approve the therapy for clinical use. ITVISMA, developed by Novartis, directly tackles the genetic cause of spinal muscular atrophy by replacing the defective SMN1 gene, which is important for the production of the survival motor n
Health experts across India applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong message on antibiotic overuse, given on the final broadcast of this year's Mann Ki Baat radio programme. PM Modi warned that using antibiotics without proper medical supervision reduces their efficacy and poses major health risks, particularly in cases of pneumonia and urinary tract infections. He emphasised that medicines, particularly antibiotics, should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor and not as quick solutions for common ailments. PM Modi, citing research from the Indian Council of Medical Research, war
GCCs are emerging as the key drivers of technology hiring in India, even as the traditional IT services industry slows recruitment. As large service providers delay new hires due to uncertain global demand, Global Capability Centres are building teams with long-term intent. These centres are no longer limited to supporting functions. They are expanding their skills in artificial intelligence, data engineering, cybersecurity, and core product development, which is driving demand for skilled professionals. Industry data shows a growing disparity between the two models. GCC hiring continues t
Dubai Municipality has unveiled the Middle East's first fully integrated recreational vehicle route, taking a huge step towards reshaping outdoor tourism in the city. The project proposes a regulated, interconnected network that provides structure to RV travel while opening up new leisure and investment options. The route is designed as a seamless system, connecting purpose-built RV stations, serviced parks, and scenic driving corridors into one accessible travel experience. Travellers will be able to move seamlessly between Dubai's deserts, beaches, and mountainous areas, with no logistic
The fifth edition of the joint military exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 between the Indian Army and the Royal Malaysian Army was completed successfully at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan after two weeks of coordinated training activities, according to defence officials. The exercise, which spanned from December 5 to December 18, brought together 120 Indian Army personnel, primarily from the Dogra Regiment, as well as 70 soldiers from the Royal Malaysian Army's 25th Battalion, highlighting the two nations' growing defence engagement. The training focused on sub-conventional comb
Deepavali, the festival celebrated throughout India with lamps, colours, and traditions, has been formally added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement has given India great pride, as the event now stands with major cultural symbols such as Ghana, Georgia, Congo, Ethiopia, and Egypt. UNESCO released the update, describing it as a new and meaningful addition to the list. The decision was made during the current session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which India is hosting at