Indians Set Skydive Record at 13,000ft
Three Indian expats based in the UAE have achieved a Guinness World Record for the most skydivers jumping together with national flags from a single aircraft. Jamsheer Thanalot from Kerala, Abhishek Rawat from Uttar Pradesh, and Isha Raj from Bihar were part of a 65-strong team of international skydivers who jumped from a Military Ilyushin Il-76TD aircraft at 13,000 feet in Libya on August 7. The Indian trio, all part of the skydiving community in the UAE, carried their own national flag during the jump, which was officially confirmed as a Guinness World Record on August 14, just before India’s 80th Independence Day.
The feat was especially demanding due to the large number of skydivers and the need for simultaneous exit from the aircraft, with each skydiver required to land within a designated zone. Abhishek Rawat, a product design lead and skydiving coach, and his wife Isha Raj, an account director, were among the Indian expats who achieved this record, bringing a personal dimension to the achievement as husband-and-wife skydiving partners. Jamsheer Thanalot, who runs an e-commerce business in Dubai, credited veteran Emirati skydiver Saif Matar for boosting his morale during the attempt.
The record attempt was made on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day, adding an extra layer of pride for the Indian expats. The trio had travelled to Libya on August 5 and carried out three trial jumps before being cleared for the final attempt. With over 1,500 combined jumps between them, the Indian expats were able to pull off the feat despite the pressure and risk involved.
This achievement is connected to a prior story of Indian expats in the UAE making notable contributions to the country’s sports and cultural scene.
AED 3,000 Fine for Blocking Emergency Vehicles in Abu Dhabi
Blocking an Emergency Vehicle in Abu Dhabi Costs AED 3,000
Drivers who fail to give way to emergency vehicles in Abu Dhabi now face a AED 3,000 fine, six traffic points and a 30‑day vehicle impoundment.
Who Must Comply
The rule applies to any driver operating a vehicle on Abu Dhabi roads, whether private, commercial or public‑service, as enforced by the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority and Abu Dhabi Police.| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fine | AED 3,000 |
| Traffic points | 6 points |
| Vehicle impoundment | 30 days |
UAE weather tomorrow: Light rain and 48°C heat across north
Scorching 48°C and brief showers set to hit UAE residents tomorrow
Northern UAE residents will wake up to a mixed bag on Sunday, August 16. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) says light rain will drift over parts of the northern and eastern emirates, while inland temperatures climb to a blistering 48 °C.
Rain, heat and humidity reshape the day A quick shower in Al Ain or Sharjah means commuters should expect slick roads early, especially on the Al Ain, Dubai highway where the forecast calls for partly cloudy to cloudy skies. By mid‑day the sun will dominate, pushing Dubai up to 42 °C and Abu Dhabi to around 45 °C, so anyone planning outdoor errands should carry water and wear a hat. Evening humidity will rise over the western coast, think Jumeirah Beach and Al Khan, raising the odds of mist forming as the night cools, which could make early‑morning drives a bit hazy on Monday.
The wind will stay gentle, blowing from southeast to northeast at 10‑20 km/h, though gusts could reach 30 km/h later in the afternoon. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea will stay slight, so small‑boat owners won’t need to alter plans. Overall, the blend of brief rain, soaring heat and nighttime mist means residents should tweak their routines: schedule outdoor work for early morning, keep windows closed during the peak heat, and be ready for a damp commute after the showers.
In short, tomorrow’s weather brings a short‑lived reprieve from the desert heat, but the relief comes with its own set of practical tweaks for daily life across the UAE.
Light rain hits northern UAE Sunday, UAE rain forecast
Sunday showers expected in northern UAE as heat peaks, UAE rain forecast
Northern and eastern parts of the UAE should brace for a brief splash of rain on Sunday, August 16, 2026, after a scorching Saturday that will stay largely dry.
Light rain could dampen weekend plans in northern and eastern neighborhoods Residents of places like Al Ain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah may see clouds thicken and a few localized showers appear on Sunday. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) says the rain will be light, not the kind that turns streets into rivers, but enough to make a difference for anyone heading out for a picnic or a market run.
The weekend’s weather will shift sharply after a blistering Saturday. Inland temperatures are set to climb as high as 49 °C, while coastal areas will hover between 40 °C and 45 °C. Those numbers mean air‑conditioners will be working overtime and outdoor chores will feel especially taxing. Humidity will rise Saturday night, bringing a chance of fog or mist along the coast, so drivers should keep an eye on visibility.
Sunday’s clouds will bring the only real break. The NCM forecasts partly cloudy to cloudy skies in the north and east, with a possibility of light rain. Winds will be light to moderate, starting from the southeast and turning northwest, reaching speeds of up to 30 km/h. Those breezes should help dry the streets quickly, but they may also stir up a little dust in open areas.
From Monday onward the pattern changes again. Convective clouds could form over eastern zones in the afternoon, potentially delivering more rain. Winds are expected to strengthen to around 40 km/h, raising the risk of blowing dust across the desert fringe. Tuesday’s outlook expands the cloud‑forming zone to include southern parts of the country, and Wednesday looks similar, with another chance of afternoon showers.
For most families, Saturday will stay hot and dry, so any outdoor work or school trips should be scheduled early to avoid the peak heat. Sunday’s light rain might be a welcome relief for gardeners and anyone hoping for a cooler evening, but it’s still wise to carry a small umbrella or a light jacket. The coming week’s stronger winds and dust could affect driving conditions on the outer ring roads, so motorists should allow extra travel time and keep headlights on.
Overall, the short‑term forecast signals a brief pause in the relentless summer heat, followed by a more unsettled spell that could bring occasional rain and dust through mid‑week. Residents should plan activities accordingly and stay tuned to local updates from the NCM.
UAE Labour Law Resignation: Notice Period Rules
Resigning in the UAE: A Guide to Notice Periods and Employee Rights
If you're considering leaving your job in the UAE, it's essential to understand the rules and regulations surrounding resignation, notice periods, and employee rights. The UAE's Labour Law, Federal Decree Law No. (33) of 2021, and its governing regulations provide the primary guidelines for the resignation process.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) clarifies that employees are expected to honour the duration specified in their contract, but they cannot be forced to continue in a job against their will. The termination clause in the employment contract outlines the steps to be followed when either party chooses to end the employment relationship.
The notice period is the time between when an employee resigns and their final working day, during which they wrap up tasks and assist employers in managing transitions. According to Article 43 of UAE Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021, either party may terminate the employment contract for a legitimate reason, provided that the other party is notified in writing and the employee continues to work during the notice period.
Imran Khan, a legal consultant at IK Lawyers in Dubai, explains that the notice period is the period an employee is required to continue working after resignation or termination of the employment contract, as agreed between the parties and stated in the employment contract.
Employees resigning from their jobs must provide written notice, which can range from 30 to 90 days, or pay compensation equal to their notice salary. The rules also outline strict probation exit requirements, exceptions allowing immediate resignation, and end-of-service rights.
For employees on probation, the rules are stricter, and they may face penalties for leaving their job without notice. However, there are exceptions that allow for immediate resignation, such as in cases of workplace harassment or unsafe working conditions.
In terms of end-of-service benefits, employees are entitled to a certain amount of money based on their length of service and salary. The MOHRE provides guidelines on how to calculate these benefits and what employees can expect from their employers.
To resign from a job in the UAE, employees should follow these steps:
- Review their employment contract to understand the notice period and any other obligations.
- Provide written notice to their employer, stating their intention to resign and the date of their last working day.
- Continue working during the notice period, unless otherwise agreed upon with their employer.
- Ensure they receive their end-of-service benefits and any other entitlements.
Up to AED 50,000 Music License Fee Starts Dec 1 2026
AED 50,000 Annual Music Licence Required for UAE Venues from Dec 2026
Effective 1 December 2026, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism will require every commercial venue to hold an annual licence to play copyrighted music, with fees that can climb to AED 50,000.
Who needs the licence
The rule covers any establishment that offers music to the public, restaurants, cafés, hotels, nightclubs, shopping centres and any other venue that streams or broadcasts music inside the UAE.The Ministry’s Collective Management in Music Guide does not spell out a step‑by‑step application process, so businesses should watch for further instructions from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism on how to register and pay the fee.
