As the Gulf region continues to grapple with unusual weather patterns, some parts of Saudi Arabia witnessed a rare sight on Thursday as pristine white snow covered the mountains.

On February 15, heavy rains drenched the mountainous regions of Jabal Al Lawz, followed by light snowfall, marking a significant drop in temperatures.

While snowfall in the desert often captures attention and prompts viral videos, the Tabuk region is accustomed to such weather occurrences and is a favored spot for tourists seeking the chilly climate. Situated at a height of 2,600 meters, the region, named after its almond bushes, frequently experiences snowfall.

The Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday that “moderate to heavy thunderstorms will occur in Al-Baha, Makkah, Al-Qassim, Riyadh, and Sharqiya,” with thunderstorms also forecasted for Madinah, Tabuk, Al Jawf, the northern border, and the eastern region.

Jayson Soberon, a talented Filipino artist and graphic designer, has triumphed in the sixth edition of the Murals and Art Competition “Art for Change,” hosted by The Waterfront Market in partnership with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The competition, which supports COP28’s vision for a sustainable world, awarded Soberon the top prize of AED 30,000 for his mural titled ‘Sustainability.’

Soberon’s winning piece, set to be permanently displayed at the Waterfront Market, celebrates the ‘Year of Sustainability’ in the UAE. It draws inspiration from the country’s sustainability slogan “Today for tomorrow,” featuring themes like renewable energy, affordable food, water conservation, recycling, and economic growth. His work underscores the importance of current actions for achieving sustainable development goals and securing a future for coming generations.

Officials from Dubai Culture and the Waterfront Market praised Soberon’s contribution. Khalil Abdulwahid Hassan, Director of the Fine Arts Department at Dubai Culture, emphasized the role of art in promoting sustainability and conservation messages within society. Mohammad Al Madani, Waterfront Market Associate Director, highlighted the competition’s goal of inspiring artists to effect positive change and raise environmental awareness, commending Soberon’s mural for its impactful depiction of sustainability themes.

Dubai-based carrier Flydubai has unveiled plans to enhance its European presence by introducing four new services, elevating its network to 43 destinations across 21 countries.

The airline’s latest expansion milestone includes becoming the UAE’s first national carrier to offer direct flights to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, set to commence from August 2.

In a strategic move, Flydubai is also venturing into the Baltic region with direct flights to Riga International Airport in Latvia starting October 11, along with connections to Tallinn Airport in Estonia and Vilnius International Airport in Lithuania from October 12.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at Flydubai, expressed pride in the airline’s network expansion, stating, “We are proud to see our network grow bigger than ever with the new route launches. We have created a diverse network of 126 destinations, 60% of which previously had very limited or no connections to Dubai.”

Furthermore, these newly introduced services align with Flydubai’s commitment to enhancing connectivity through Dubai’s aviation hub. Passengers will benefit from seamless connections, whether visiting Dubai or connecting to other destinations in the Flydubai network or beyond through its codeshare partner Emirates.

The flights will operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB), with Emirates codesharing on these routes, providing passengers with increased travel options and accessibility through Dubai’s international aviation hub.

The UAE’s ambitious space exploration journey reaches another significant milestone as the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme prepares to graduate next month. Out of an impressive pool of 4,305 applicants, Nora AlMatrooshi and Mohammad AlMulla have emerged as the chosen candidates.

These two individuals from the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme underwent intensive training at NASA’s renowned Johnson Space Centre, made possible through a joint strategic agreement between the UAE and the US. Salem Al Marri, the Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), proudly announced that the Emirates astronauts will graduate on March 5, marking a historic first for the programme with Emirati graduates.

“The UAE is immensely proud of our pioneers who have undergone rigorous training and emerged successful,” stated Al Marri. Following their graduation, the astronauts will engage in various assignments and missions at NASA and the MBRSC in Dubai. They will also contribute to projects like the Lunar Gateway, playing a pivotal role in space exploration.

Moreover, MBRSC is advancing its space capabilities with the development of the MBZ-SAT, the most advanced commercial satellite in the region for high-resolution satellite imagery. Amer Al Sayegh, Senior Director of the Space Engineering Department at MBRSC, provided updates on the MBZ-SAT project, highlighting its significance in bolstering the UAE’s space sector.

Furthermore, the agreement between MBRSC and NASA includes the provision of a pressure equalization unit by the UAE for the Lunar Gateway station, securing a seat for an Emirati astronaut to orbit the moon and conduct scientific research.

Al Sayegh emphasized the growing importance of the space sector to the UAE’s economy, highlighting the international recognition and trust earned through dedicated hard work in this groundbreaking industry.

Dubai Islands Beach, renowned for its dog-friendly ambiance, introduces a new attraction bound to delight both pups and their owners: the beach’s inaugural dog park. Scheduled to open its gates in February, this dedicated space spans 460 square meters, promising a leash-free haven where dogs can frolic, socialize, and enjoy a plethora of engaging activities.

Designed with both canine enjoyment and owner convenience in mind, the dog park boasts a range of amenities. From ramps and agility seesaws to obstacle courses and hoop rings, there’s no shortage of excitement for four-legged visitors. Meanwhile, dog parents can relax on benches while their furry companions revel in playful antics.

In addition to recreational facilities, the park prioritizes practicality with amenities such as a dog waste bin and dispenser, a pet shower, and a drinking fountain to ensure pets stay hydrated throughout their visit.

This latest addition further cements Dubai Islands Beach’s reputation as a haven for dog lovers seeking quality time with their pets. Beyond the dog park, visitors can indulge in various activities including beach volleyball, football, paddle boarding, and kayaking, all offered in partnership with Blue Safari.

Conveniently situated within walking distance of Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai and Hotel Riu Dubai, Dubai Islands Beach is easily accessible by both road and water transportation. Boat and yacht owners can anchor at Nakheel Marina Dubai Islands, ensuring a day filled with family-friendly fun.

The Dubai Islands Beach dog park welcomes visitors daily starting February 15th, from 8 am to 6 pm, promising endless enjoyment for both dogs and their devoted owners.

Nol cards will soon be valid for use on Etihad Rail passenger trains.

The integration of the Nol ticketing system into the pan-UAE railway network comes after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Etihad Rail, the entity behind the development and operation of the national railway network.

This agreement marks the initial phase of a collaborative effort, with the RTA spearheading the development of ticket booking and fare payment solutions through its Nol system.

Widely recognized as a versatile smart card for paying transportation fares across Dubai’s public transport networks and parking fees at RTA parking zones, the Nol card will now offer added convenience for travelers utilizing Etihad Rail services.

Moreover, the card’s functionality extends to covering entry fees at various attractions and facilitating purchases at select retail stores.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated keynote address at the 2024 World Governments Summit in Dubai, the iconic Burj Khalifa illuminated with the vibrant hues of the Indian Tricolour. Scheduled for Wednesday, the summit is set to host leaders from around the globe.

We extend a warm welcome to the Republic of India, the guest of honour at this year’s World Governments Summit, and to His Excellency Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. The strong ties between our nations serve as a model for international cooperation.
The… pic.twitter.com/enMaunw4oT

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) February 13, 2024

Prime Minister Modi, on his two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will also mark the inauguration of the BAPS Mandir today, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, hailed as a stunning architectural wonder.

Expressing a warm reception, Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum welcomed the Republic of India as the esteemed guest of honor for this year’s summit. He highlighted the robust ties between the two nations, showcasing them as a beacon of international collaboration.

Dubai Police recently rescued five vehicles from the threat of being swept away by floodwaters in Hatta’s valleys. The successful operation, conducted by Hatta Rescue Teams, prevented potential disasters amid adverse weather conditions.

Brigadier Dr Hassan Suhail Al Suwaidi, Commander of the Hatta Sector, affirmed the readiness of the Sector under the directives of Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police. Preparation efforts were coordinated by the Resilience Centre in Dubai Police in collaboration with various strategic partners.

Captain Abdurrahman Burqaibah, Head of Maritime Rescue Section at the Ports Police Station, highlighted the swift response of marine rescue patrols, which saved four vehicles and their occupants. Despite repeated advisories, these vehicles ventured into hazardous areas during the rainy weather but were rescued in time.

Additionally, another vehicle became trapped in a mountainous region the following day. Quick action from Dubai Police’s marine and land rescue teams ensured its safe relocation before any soil erosion could occur.

Brigadier Al Suwaidi urged the community to heed safety warnings, especially to avoid valleys and areas prone to flooding during rainstorms. He emphasized the dangers of attempting to cross flowing valleys and advised against using mobile phones or radios in such areas.