Total Solar Eclipse Not Visible in UAE Until 2081
If you’re waiting for a total solar eclipse in the UAE, be prepared for a long wait. The next total solar eclipse visible from the UAE won’t occur until September 3, 2081 – 55 years from now. Today’s total solar eclipse, which sweeps across northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, is not visible from the UAE due to the country’s location outside the viewing path.
The last solar eclipse visible from the Emirates was a partial eclipse on October 25, 2022, which covered around 39% of the Sun’s disc and lasted over two hours. In contrast, the annular solar eclipse on December 26, 2019, was a rare event, with the Moon sitting too far from Earth to cover the Sun completely, leaving a bright ring around the edge. This event was the first of its kind in the UAE in 172 years.
For those eager to witness a solar eclipse, the next partial eclipse visible from the UAE will occur on August 2, 2027, with around 53% coverage in Dubai. This eclipse will be a total eclipse elsewhere, with the path of totality crossing Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt before moving over the Red Sea into Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The Emirates Astronomical Society and Dubai Astronomy Group have been instrumental in promoting awareness and safe viewing practices for solar eclipses in the UAE. Hasan Al Hariri, chief executive of Dubai Astronomy Group, has emphasized the importance of protecting one’s eyesight during these events, stating that “the sun emits intensive light, which is too bright for our eyes” and that “if we look at it without protection, our eyesight will be damaged.”
While the wait for a total solar eclipse in the UAE may be long, stargazers can look forward to the next partial eclipse in 2027. In the meantime, it’s essential to prioritize eye safety during solar eclipses and follow the guidance of experts in the field.
The UAE’s unique location means that total solar eclipses are rare events, with specific locations averaging a 375-year wait between total solar eclipses. As the country continues to develop its astronomy sector, residents and visitors can look forward to witnessing partial eclipses and other celestial events in the years to come.
Ronaldo's £85,900 Monthly Prenup
Ronaldo's £85,900 Prenup Secures Georgina's Future
You're probably curious about the latest news on Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez's marriage. The couple tied the knot in a civil ceremony in Cascais, Portugal, on August 11, 2026. But what's really got people talking is their prenuptial agreement, which includes a £85,900 monthly lifetime payment for Georgina and ownership of a Madrid mansion.
The prenup, first reported in 2023, grants Georgina a significant amount of financial security, regardless of the couple's marital status. This is because she's the mother of all five of their children, including Cristiano Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, and their daughters Alana and Bella. The arrangement is seen as a practical step to protect both partners and their children, rather than a reflection on their relationship.
As one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo's finances are certainly impressive. With a reported $275 million in earnings for 2026, it's no surprise that he's taking steps to secure his family's financial future. The prenup is just one part of his broader estate planning, which is likely to include a range of other financial arrangements.
So, what does this mean for Georgina and the couple's children? In short, it means they'll be financially secure for the long term, regardless of what happens to the relationship. The £85,900 monthly payment and ownership of the Madrid mansion are just the beginning. With Ronaldo's wealth and Georgina's newfound financial independence, they're likely to be set for life.
If you're wondering why prenups are so important for high-net-worth couples, it's because they provide a level of financial security and protection that's hard to find elsewhere. By securing their assets and finances, couples like Ronaldo and Georgina can ensure that their families are taken care of, no matter what the future holds.
Etihad Rail Ticket Refund Rules
Etihad Rail Ticket Change and Refund Rules: What You Need to Know
If you're one of the over 70,000 passengers who have booked a ticket on Etihad Rail, you'll want to know about the company's ticket change and refund rules. Etihad Rail has outlined different conditions for ticket changes, refunds, and seat selection across its three ticket categories: Saver, Value, and Flexible, available in both Comfort and Premium classes.
The Saver ticket is designed for travelers with fixed plans and does not allow changes, refunds, or transfers to another passenger. Seat selection is available for an additional fee, while seats are automatically assigned 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. The Value ticket, on the other hand, is suitable for travelers who require a moderate level of flexibility, allowing unlimited free changes up to 72 hours before the train's scheduled departure time. After that, a fee of AED 20 applies for each change, in addition to any fare difference. The ticket also includes free seat selection, but refunds and transfers to another passenger are not permitted.
In contrast, the Flexible ticket offers the highest level of flexibility, allowing unlimited free changes before the scheduled departure time and up to 30 minutes after departure. The ticket may also be transferred to another passenger before boarding. Passengers can receive a full refund if the ticket is canceled 24 hours or more before departure, while a 30% cancellation fee applies for cancellations made on the day of travel.
Passengers can change their tickets through four channels: the mobile application, the website, ticket vending machines, and the call center. However, changing the itinerary, including the departure or arrival station, is not permitted for any ticket type. Regarding cancellations and refunds, passengers who are unable to travel can cancel their tickets through the Etihad Rail app or website by accessing the "My Bookings" section.
If you're a passenger with a Saver ticket, be aware that you won't be able to make any changes or get a refund. If you have a Value ticket, you can make changes up to 72 hours before departure, but you won't be able to get a refund. If you have a Flexible ticket, you have the most flexibility, with unlimited free changes and the option to transfer your ticket to another passenger.
To change or cancel your ticket, you can use the Etihad Rail mobile application, website, ticket vending machines, or call center. Make sure to check the specific rules for your ticket type before making any changes or cancellations.
Here are the key takeaways from Etihad Rail's ticket change and refund rules:
- Saver tickets: no changes, refunds, or transfers allowed
- Value tickets: unlimited free changes up to 72 hours before departure, AED 20 fee for changes after that, no refunds or transfers allowed
- Flexible tickets: unlimited free changes, transfers allowed, full refund if canceled 24 hours or more before departure, 30% cancellation fee for same-day cancellations
Trump Administration Spends $900m on White House Construction
Trump Administration Allocates $900m for White House Modernization
The Trump administration is set to spend at least $900 million on construction projects on the White House grounds. According to reports, the administration has gathered funding from other agencies and private donors, directing it to an account that holds a few million dollars for routine maintenance of the White House. This funding will be used for White House "modernization projects," as indicated by confidential contracts and related planning documents.
Local residents and visitors to Washington, D.C., will be affected by these construction projects, as they will likely cause disruptions and changes to the White House grounds. The administration's decision to gather funding from other agencies and private donors, rather than securing money directly from Congress, has allowed them to move forward with these projects.
The White House has not immediately responded to requests for comment on the construction projects. Reuters could not verify the report, but the Washington Post cited records as the source of the information.
This spending is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to modernize the White House, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the area.
The Trump administration's decision to spend $900m on White House construction is a significant development in US politics, and it will be interesting to see how the project unfolds.
Solar Eclipse 2026 Hits Europe
Europe Witnessed Total Solar Eclipse
Millions of people gathered in Iceland and northern Spain to witness Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The eclipse was a significant event, with Spanish officials warning people to avoid areas where a heatwave has raised the risk of wildfires. Authorities were expecting up to 6 million visitors in mostly rural areas within the eclipse's path across the north of Spain and the Balearic Islands, said Juan Cruz, Spain's Secretary of State for Science.
The eclipse will be quickly followed by the sunset in Spain, making the event particularly alluring. Police were on standby, with 25,000 officers assigned to guarantee security around the eclipse observation, and nearly 100 planes and helicopters deployed. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska called on citizens to follow the eclipse from the 350 observation points set up by authorities and abide by the restrictions set up around some parks, citing the extreme wildfire risk due to high temperatures.
In Iceland's capital Reykjavik, eclipse glasses had been sold out for days as the Nordic country of roughly 400,000 people expected to welcome up to 80,000 visitors. A narrow path of totality reached Iceland's westernmost coast, with totality lasting up to 2 minutes and 13 seconds in the far west. The US space agency NASA planned to fly a high-altitude WB-57 aircraft from Iceland to follow the moon's shadow, and NASA-funded teams launched balloons to study the sudden darkness and cooling's effect on the lower atmosphere.
The Iberian Peninsula last saw a total solar eclipse in 1912 and is set to experience another one on August 2, 2027, and an annular eclipse in January 2028, completing the so-called "Iberian Eclipse Trio." This event drew not only casual observers but also "eclipse chasers," enthusiasts who travel the globe to be in the path of totality whenever an eclipse occurs.
The eclipse was a rare astronomical alignment, with the moon passing directly between Earth and the Sun, causing a brief period of twilight and silence among some animals. The event was seen as a chance for Spain to showcase seldom-visited regions and draw tourists away from its overcrowded beach resorts.
The previous total solar eclipse in the Iberian Peninsula occurred in 1912, and the region is expected to experience another total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, followed by an annular eclipse in January 2028.
Sharjah University Scholarships: 470 Approved
470 Scholarships for Al Qasimia University Students
In a significant move to promote education and cultural exchange, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved 470 scholarships for international students to enroll at Al Qasimia University during the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative will enable students from around the world to study in an integrated academic environment that combines quality education with Islamic values and openness to other cultures.
The scholarships are available to students admitted to the university's five undergraduate colleges: the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Economics and Management, the College of Communication, and the College of Holy Quran. With students from 140 nationalities already attending Al Qasimia University, this move is set to further boost the university's global presence and promote values like moderation, tolerance, and coexistence.
For students considering applying to Al Qasimia University, the scholarships offer a unique opportunity to receive a high-quality education in a diverse and inclusive environment. The university's commitment to combining academic excellence with Islamic values and cultural openness makes it an attractive option for students from a wide range of backgrounds.
Regarding the UAE's efforts to promote education and cultural exchange, the approval of these scholarships is a significant development. It reflects the country's commitment to providing opportunities for young people to access quality education and develop their skills and knowledge.
