A tragic bus crash in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims, while a separate incident saw an Indian Tejas fighter jet crash during a demonstration at the Dubai Airshow. The pilgrims, part of a group of 54 from Hyderabad, were travelling near Madinah early on Friday morning when their bus collided with a diesel tanker. Of the 46 people on the bus, only one person survived and is currently receiving hospital treatment.
Key Developments Across the UAE
Residents are set to enjoy a four-day public holiday as the country marks its 54th Union Day, with 1 and 2 December designated as official days off for both public and private sectors. The long weekend will be accompanied by cultural events and performances nationwide to celebrate the occasion.
In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued a public warning about a fraudulent online scam. The scam falsely offers a 50% discount on traffic fines if paid through a specific website, which the RTA has confirmed is not affiliated with the organisation.
On the property front, new data from Property Finder indicates that one-bedroom apartments in several of Dubai’s developing neighbourhoods are now available for rent between Dh30,000 and Dh45,000 annually. While prices in premium districts remain high, these areas offer more affordable modern living options, reflecting a dynamic shift as new residential projects enter the market.
Business and Finance Updates
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has introduced significant banking reforms, removing the Dh5,000 minimum salary requirement for personal loans. This change allows individual banks to set their own lending criteria, potentially opening up access to financial services for lower-income residents. In a related move to protect worker rights, the CBUAE and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced updates to the Wage Protection System, ensuring private-sector employees receive their salaries without unauthorised deductions.
Meanwhile, hundreds of UAE-based employees at Petrofac, primarily engineers, have been laid off on short notice. The redundancies have sparked concern over unpaid end-of-service benefits, as the company’s parent firm undergoes administration proceedings in the UK.
Regional and International News
An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during its final demonstration flight at the Dubai Airshow on 21 November, resulting in the death of the pilot. The event, one of the world’s largest aviation showcases with over 1,500 exhibitors, was briefly paused for rescue operations. The airshow continues to be a major platform for announcements in the region’s aviation presence and new investments.
In India, Bhopal’s Rani Kamalapati Station, formerly known as Habibganj, has become the country’s first privately managed railway station. The transition promises to deliver modern facilities and improved services for passengers.
Finally, Liverpool football star Mohamed Salah provided a rare insight into his personal life and career in a conversation with renowned heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub. In the interview, aired on ON Sport TV, Salah discussed his early struggles with self-doubt on his path to becoming a global sports icon.
