Saturday, March 07
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah suspended 1,800 foreign travel agencies due to service quality and compliance issues. Pilgrims with existing visas are unaffected but agencies have 10 days to rectify problems or face further action. This move aims to enhance the Umrah sector's reliability and protect pilgrim rights.
Residents and visitors in the UAE can expect a mix of humidity-driven fog and pleasant daytime warmth on February 02, 2026. The National Centre of Meteorology forecasts partly cloudy skies with a chance of light rainfall in some areas. Motorists are advised to drive with caution due to potential low visibility in the early morning hours.
Sweeping US immigration and trade policies, particularly the H-1B visa fee hike to $100,000, are straining the strategic partnership with India. This has disrupted Indian professionals' careers, impacting IT giants and creating anxiety. Critics argue these protectionist measures undermine innovation and alienate a key partner, potentially boosting India's domestic tech sector.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy announced a delay in crucial trilateral talks with Russia and the US, now set for February 4-5 in Abu Dhabi. This follows surprise US-Russia discussions in Florida, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts despite unresolved territorial disputes. Both sides remain committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the protracted conflict.
