Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman has granted Omani citizenship to 45 individuals under a new Royal Decree. The decision, which follows an update to the Omani Nationality Law in February, recognises people with significant ties and contributions to the nation. The weekend also brought life-changing news for an Indian expatriate in Abu Dhabi who won Dh15 million in the Big Ticket raffle. In a more sombre story, a 29-year-old Egyptian expatriate died in a car crash in Dubai, just 11 years after his only brother was killed in a separate accident.
Major Lottery Wins and Community Updates
An Indian expatriate in Abu Dhabi became an overnight millionaire after winning the Dh15 million Big Ticket grand prize. He had only participated in three draws, purchasing the winning ticket in August after receiving a tip from a Bangladeshi friend. Meanwhile, Anilkumar Bolla, the first-ever Dh100 million jackpot winner, revealed he plans to buy a villa in Abu Dhabi but will continue working. He emphasised a focus on strategic investments over luxury spending.
In a tragic community story, the parents of Amr Hesham, the 29-year-old killed in a Dubai car crash, have been hospitalised with grief. He was laid to rest alongside his brother in Sharjah.
Education and Tenant Rights in the UAE
From April 2026, CBSE-affiliated schools in the UAE and other countries will adopt the new CBSE Global Curriculum. The change was announced during the Central Board of Secondary Education’s first international conference, held in Dubai and attended by education authorities from across the GCC.
For residents, RDC Senior Judge Dr Omar Al Suwaidi highlighted key protections for tenants regarding rent, eviction, and maintenance. He also pointed to the availability of digital tools for filing complaints online. Since the beginning of 2025, the Rental Disputes Centre has successfully completed 1,335 settlement agreements valued at Dh231 million.
Lifestyle, Travel, and Holiday News
The Dubai Flea Market continues to attract bargain hunters, growing from just 20 stalls in 2007 to become the UAE’s largest pre-loved market. Shoppers gather across parks and malls every weekend to find quirky items and hidden treasures.
In other news, residents who lose their Emirates ID can now access a free digital version through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. This is particularly useful for online services while waiting for a physical replacement. Looking ahead, residents can anticipate at least 12 public holidays in 2026, with the potential for long weekends around New Year and Eid, though final dates depend on the lunar calendar.
On the travel front, Emirates has suspended 10 flights to and from Dar es Salaam until 4 November due to civil unrest in the area. The airline recently resumed services to Madagascar.
Survivor Stories and Sporting Success
Viswash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, has spoken about the lasting physical and mental impact of the tragedy, in which his younger brother died. In sports, a spotlight on the world’s wealthiest women cricketers, including Ellyse Perry and Harmanpreet Kaur, has shown how they have built fortunes both on and off the field.
