The UAE strongly condemns statements by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who called for the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

The UAE rejects these calls and criticizes any actions promoting further escalation in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the need for an urgent ceasefire and immediate delivery of humanitarian aid.

The US State Department also criticizes the remarks, describing them as “inflammatory and irresponsible.” The Israeli ministers presented the migration of Palestinians as a solution to the conflict, coinciding with ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza and increased violence in the West Bank.

The UAE has announced its public holidays for 2024, offering residents 13 days off, including four long weekends. The New Year kicks off with a 3-day weekend on January 1. The Eid Al Fitr festival in April provides a generous 6-day break. Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha in June result in a 5-day holiday.

The Islamic New Year in July offers a day off, and the date for Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday is yet to be specified. The year concludes with a grand 4-day National Day celebration on December 2 and 3. These breaks, coupled with annual leaves, provide ample opportunities for travel and relaxation.

Here is a table summarizing the UAE public holidays for 2024:

Note: Dates for Islamic holidays may vary based on moon sightings, and the date for Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday is not specified in the article. Additionally, the actual dates for holidays marked as “not specified” will be announced by relevant authorities closer to the occasion.

Ethiopian national Hannan Mohamed Abdurehman won $1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Series 445, becoming the third Ethiopian to win since 1999.

The announcement was made at the New Year’s draw at Dubai International Airport. Unfortunately, Abdurehman is currently uncontactable. Indian national Gowda Ashok Gopal, based in Mumbai, also won $1 million in Millennium Millionaire Series 446.

Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, two luxury vehicles were awarded in the Finest Surprise draw. Indian national Lahiz Mohammed won a Mercedes Benz, while Afghan national Mustafa Wali Mohammad became the first Afghan to win a Harley-Davidson Sportster S motorbike.

The Jebel Ali Hindu Mandir in Dubai experienced a significant increase in devotees on the first day of the New Year, with 40,000 worshippers attending, marking a rise of 12,000 compared to the previous year.

The General Manager, Mohan Narasimhamurthy, emphasized successful crowd management efforts, including separate queues for different groups.

The relocation of the temple from Bur Dubai to Jebel Ali was welcomed by many due to improved parking and crowd control. The temple has become a popular attraction for tour operators, with an average of seven to eight tour buses daily and visitors from over 40 different nationalities.

The UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has established the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council to oversee international humanitarian projects and philanthropic initiatives.

The council, chaired by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will have roles including overseeing the sector, reviewing and approving policy agendas, managing project preparation and implementation, developing future visions and frameworks, and forming subcommittees.

The council integrates various committees, including the Joint Strategic Committee for African Cooperation, UAE Humanitarian Committee, Higher Committee for Foreign Aid, and International Health Advisory Committee.

Rents in prime Dubai residential areas are expected to surge up to 20% in 2024, following a remarkable upswing of 23-30% in the previous year.

Property experts attribute this sustained buoyancy to factors such as increased investor interest, a rising influx of professionals, population growth, and Dubai’s growing appeal to the wealthy.

Net migration continuing to surpass the rate of new home deliveries is anticipated to exert upward pressure on rental prices.

The trajectory of rents in 2024 will be influenced by factors like residents choosing to buy rather than rent, and the attractiveness of property as an investment opportunity.

Dubai has introduced the ambitious AED208 billion “Dubai Social Agenda 33,” aiming to elevate the emirate’s standard of living and turn it into one of the world’s top three cities over the next decade.

Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the plan emphasizes empowering families, with goals such as doubling the number of Emirati families and providing world-class living standards.

The five main objectives include fostering happy and productive families, enhancing healthcare, improving education, developing a proactive social system, and creating suitable housing. The budget, over ten years, is more than double the previous decade’s support.

Dubai-based Emirates has revealed plans to enhance its operations to Seoul, South Korea, by introducing three extra flights per week.

Starting from February 19, 2024, the new flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The schedule for EK324, managed by a Boeing 777-300ER, involves departure from Dubai at 4:45 am and arrival at Seoul Incheon International Airport at 6:05 pm.

The return flight, EK325, is scheduled to depart Seoul at 10 pm and land in Dubai at 1:35 am the following day. These additional services will contribute over 1,000 extra seats weekly, addressing the growing demand for international travel to this prominent East Asian destination and supporting both inbound and outbound tourism for Korea.

Emirates has been serving Seoul since 2005, initially launching a daily Airbus A380 service, and with these additions, the airline will operate 10 weekly flights to Seoul.

India secured a seven-wicket victory against South Africa in the second Test, leveling the two-match series.

The match concluded in just two days with challenging batting conditions. South Africa, starting their second innings at 62-3 with a 36-run deficit, displayed an improved performance, particularly with a remarkable hundred from opener Aiden Markram (106 runs). However, the Proteas couldn’t withstand the Indian pace attack, getting all out for 176.

Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional bowling (6/61) limited India’s target to 79 runs in the fourth innings. Despite losing a few wickets, India successfully chased the target, with skipper Rohit Sharma (17 not out) and Shreyas Iyer (4 not out) securing the win.

The series is now leveled, as South Africa had won the first Test at Centurion.

In 2023, Burj Khalifa apartments witnessed a surge in sales, surpassing AED 1 billion, with a 22% increase in total deals to 117.

The iconic tower outperformed the city with a 17% higher average price, reflecting the growing number of long-term investors and end-users. Data from real estate consultancy Knight Frank revealed a 52% decrease in available homes for sale, indicating a shift towards a longer-term residency mindset.

The tower accounted for 7% of Downtown sales, amounting to AED 14.6 billion. The most expensive unit sold for AED 15 million, signaling sustained price growth in the Burj Khalifa.