Europe Delays ETIAS Launch: No Permit Needed for Now
The European Union has scrapped its late-2026 launch timeline for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, meaning travellers heading to Europe will not need to apply for the pre-trip travel authorisation yet. Visa-exempt travellers, including those from the UAE, do not need to obtain an ETIAS authorisation before travelling at present, as there is currently no application process open to the public.
Travellers planning European trips will be informed of the specific launch date several months before the system goes live, according to the EU. Once operational, ETIAS will apply to visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 European countries for short stays, and travellers will have to secure the electronic authorisation before beginning their journey. An approved ETIAS will be linked to the traveller’s passport and will generally remain valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ETIAS system is different from Europe’s Entry/Exit System, known as EES, which deals with border registration for non-EU nationals arriving for short stays. The EES became fully operational across participating Schengen countries on April 10, 2026, and records information including passport details, facial images, fingerprints, and entry and exit data at the external border. ETIAS, on the other hand, requires eligible visa-exempt travellers to obtain authorisation online before travelling.
This development is significant for visa-exempt travellers, as the EU had previously indicated that ETIAS would begin operating in the final quarter of 2026. The latest change does not provide a replacement launch date, and the EU’s current guidance only says that the specific date will be communicated several months before implementation.
The ETIAS system has faced repeated changes to its planned introduction since it was originally expected to begin operating in 2021. Until the EU announces a new start date, visa-exempt visitors can continue travelling without an ETIAS authorisation, subject to the existing entry requirements applicable to their nationality.
This news follows recent changes in European travel rules, including Germany’s 2026 visa-free list and Italy’s suspension of Schengen travel rules with Spain. Travellers are advised to stay informed about the latest developments in European travel regulations to ensure a smooth journey.
Colombia Earthquake 2026: 7.4 Magnitude Quake Kills 132
132 Dead in Colombia's 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Disaster
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 132 people and injuring more than 570. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 110 kilometers, was felt across Colombia, including the capital Bogota, and in neighboring Ecuador and Panama. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency as rescue workers search through collapsed structures amid power outages.
Volunteers and rescuers are working together to find survivors, forming human chains to remove bricks and masonry, and stopping every few minutes to listen for signs of life from those trapped below. The city of Pereira, which was among those hit hardest, was mostly plunged into darkness amid power outages on Monday night. Residents are describing the scene as "like a zombie city" with structures on the verge of collapsing.
The quake has caused widespread destruction, with furniture and fabrics sandwiched between concrete, walls and floors tossed into irregular angles, and cabling strewn across roads. In Manizales, the quake crumpled a tower of the city's beloved neo-Gothic cathedral. Hospitals in five Colombian cities were put on red alert, and a nighttime curfew was declared in Cali.
The international community is offering support, with messages coming in from countries across the region and the world. The devastation comes less than two months after powerful twin quakes rattled neighboring Venezuela, killing over 6,300 people and leaving tens of thousands homeless.
The Colombian Association of Capital Cities reported that the quake killed 132 people and injured more than 570 as of Monday afternoon. President de la Espriella vowed a concerted rescue effort, saying "we are trying to get everyone out alive." The US Geological Survey said the quake was likely caused by movement along a deep fault within the Nazca tectonic plate.
This earthquake is the strongest to hit Colombia in a decade, and the rescue efforts are ongoing. The situation is being closely monitored by the international community, with the United States stating that it "stands ready to support" the affected areas.
Emirates Offers Free Date Changes on Dubai Flights
Fly to Dubai with Flexibility: Emirates Introduces Free Date Changes
Emirates has announced a major upgrade to its customer experience, offering passengers flying to Dubai unprecedented flexibility with free date changes on flight bookings. Passengers traveling to Dubai can now change their travel dates without incurring heavy penalties, giving them total freedom and confidence to adapt their travel itineraries seamlessly. This new measure allows passengers to modify their departure dates without facing penalties, whether plans shift due to unexpected personal events or work schedule changes.
The airline has also introduced a comprehensive travel insurance policy, offering built-in protection against travel disruptions, emergency medical expenses, and unexpected trip cancellations. By embedding these safeguards directly into the booking process, Emirates ensures passengers remain fully supported from the moment they reserve their ticket until they touch down at their final destination. This double-layered protection empowers passengers to plan their future trips with complete peace of mind, knowing their investments are protected every step of the way.
The introduction of free date changes and comprehensive travel insurance sets a new standard for global aviation, prioritizing customer convenience and flexibility. Emirates continues to lead the industry by providing passengers with the freedom to adjust their travel plans without incurring significant costs.
This development is connected to the UAE's ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism and travel sector, with Emirates playing a significant role in promoting Dubai as a premier destination.
Qatar Bans 27 From Healthcare Over Fake Certificates
27 Banned From Qatar Healthcare Jobs Over Fake Certs
Qatar has banned 27 individuals from working in the healthcare sector after they submitted fake experience certificates to get a healthcare license in the first six months of the year. These individuals have been permanently blocked from working in the country's healthcare sector. The Ministry of Public Health said that it is committed to maintaining the highest standards for licensing international healthcare practitioners.
The decision to ban these individuals is part of the ministry's efforts to verify the authenticity of the information provided by applicants. This verification process is conducted in collaboration with specialized institutions to ensure the credibility of the documents submitted. The move aims to uphold high standards for licensing international healthcare practitioners and eliminate document fraud in the sector.
The nation has also recently centralized its healthcare system, allowing residents to access medical services without a health card. Instead, their health number will be available with their Qatar Identity Card, as per a decision issued by Public Health Minister Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud in April this year.
This development is part of Qatar's ongoing efforts to improve its healthcare system and ensure that only qualified and genuine practitioners are allowed to work in the sector. The ban on the 27 individuals is a significant step towards achieving this goal and maintaining the trust of the public in the healthcare system.
In related news, the UAE has also taken steps to improve its healthcare system, including the announcement of a fee for cafes, hotels, and malls for playing music from December. Additionally, Dubai has announced a shared housing initiative, allowing families and bachelors to rent homes on a monthly basis.
Meta AI Unveils Glimmer Model
Meta Unveils Glimmer AI Model to Counter Rivals
Meta has announced a new open weight model called Glimmer, developed in part from its closed-source model Muse Spark, as it attempts to keep up with OpenAI and Anthropic in the global AI race. Developers in China, including Alibaba, DeepSeek, and Moonshot, have created advanced and more affordable open models in recent months, spurring American companies to lower prices and build their own cheaper models. Meta's move is part of its effort to maintain American technological leadership in artificial intelligence.
Meta's Glimmer model uses less computing power than other models but is still capable of operating AI agents or software that can perform tasks without human intervention. This development comes as Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, laid out a vision for how the United States and the social media giant could win a global race to dominate AI amid fierce competition from China. Zuckerberg emphasized the need for a flexible US regulatory environment for open models, which would give Meta an advantage over OpenAI and Anthropic and help it compete with Chinese developers.
The announcement of Glimmer and Meta's push for a flexible regulatory environment comes after President Donald Trump ordered the setting up of a voluntary review process of advanced AI models before their release, with an initial deadline of August 1 that was missed. Meta has poured billions of dollars into its AI division, known as Meta Superintelligence Labs, as it attempts to keep up with OpenAI and Anthropic, the makers of ChatGPt and Claude, respectively.
This development is connected to a prior story where Meta announced its plans to invest heavily in AI research, aiming to stay ahead in the competitive AI environment.
Dubai Public Holiday August 28: Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
August 28 Dubai Holiday: Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has announced that Friday, August 28, 2026, will be a public holiday for Dubai Government departments, authorities, and institutions in observance of Prophet Muhammad's Birthday. Government employees will resume their official working hours on Monday, August 31, 2026. This announcement follows the UAE Government Media Office's declaration that August 28, 2026, will also be an official holiday for federal government entities and private sector establishments.
Dubai government employees can expect a long weekend, with the holiday falling on a Friday. The DGHR's announcement applies to all government departments, authorities, and institutions in Dubai, ensuring that employees across the public sector will have the opportunity to observe this significant occasion.
The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday holiday is a significant event in the UAE's calendar, and its observance reflects the country's strong cultural and religious heritage. As the holiday approaches, residents can expect various festivities and celebrations to take place across Dubai.
This holiday announcement is part of the UAE's broader efforts to promote cultural and religious awareness, and to provide opportunities for citizens and residents to come together and celebrate important occasions. The long weekend will undoubtedly be welcomed by government employees, who will have the chance to relax and spend time with family and friends.
The UAE Government Media Office's earlier announcement had already confirmed that August 28, 2026, would be a public holiday for federal government entities and private sector establishments, and the DGHR's declaration now extends this to Dubai government entities. With the holiday just around the corner, residents can start making plans for the long weekend ahead.
