Summer in UAE Ends on September 23: What You Need to Know
If you’re wondering when summer will finally come to an end in the UAE, the answer is September 23. This date marks the autumnal equinox, which is the official start of autumn. However, many meteorologists treat September as the first month of autumn for climate reporting purposes, which can sometimes lead to confusion about when the seasons actually change.
People living in the UAE should note that while the official start of autumn is on September 23, the weather may not immediately change. The country’s hot temperatures often persist well into the autumn months. Residents and visitors alike should continue to take precautions against the heat, even after the official start of autumn.
Businesses and individuals who plan outdoor events or activities should also be aware of the difference between astronomical and meteorological seasons. While the official start of autumn is on September 23, many meteorologists consider September 1 to be the start of the autumn season for climate reporting purposes. This can impact planning and decision-making for outdoor events and activities.
To stay up-to-date on the latest weather forecasts and seasonal changes in the UAE, residents and visitors can follow local news sources and weather reports.
UN Resolution 2817: Iran Must Halt GCC Attacks
What is UN Security Council Resolution 2817?
As the US-Iran war approaches its six-month mark, the United Nations Security Council's Resolution 2817 has been frequently invoked. Adopted on March 11, 2026, this resolution demands that Iran halt its attacks on Gulf nations. But what exactly does the text say, and what are its implications?
UN resolutions are formal expressions of the opinion or will of United Nations organs. The UNSC is charged with taking action on any threats to peace, through resolutions and decisions. Resolution 2817 was drafted after several GCC countries and Jordan were forced to defend themselves against Iranian attacks. The resolution reiterated support for the territorial integrity and political independence of the countries facing Iran's attacks, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Jordan.
The resolution affirmed the right of "individual or collective self-defence" and denounced Iran's attacks on civilians, residential areas, and civilian infrastructure. It demanded the cessation of attacks and threats to neighboring states, including the use of proxies, and condemned attacks on vessels and Iran's actions aimed at interfering with navigation or closing the Strait of Hormuz. The resolution also affirmed that freedom of navigation by merchant and commercial vessels must be respected and noted the right of Member States to defend their vessels from attacks and provocations.
The adoption of Resolution 2817 has significant implications for the region. It demonstrates the international community's commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Gulf region. The resolution's demand for Iran to halt its attacks on GCC nations and regional civilian infrastructure is a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated.
For GCC countries, the resolution provides a framework for collective self-defence against Iranian aggression. The affirmation of the right to individual or collective self-defence is a crucial aspect of the resolution, as it allows GCC countries to take necessary measures to protect themselves against Iranian attacks.
The resolution's impact on the UAE is particularly significant, given the country's strategic location and its role as a major trade hub. The UAE has been a strong advocate for regional stability and has worked closely with its GCC partners to address the Iranian threat. The resolution's demand for Iran to cease its attacks on commercial shipping and its affirmation of the right to defend vessels from attacks and provocations are crucial for the UAE's maritime security.
In conclusion, UN Security Council Resolution 2817 is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. The resolution's demand for Iran to halt its attacks on GCC nations and regional civilian infrastructure is a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated. The resolution's implications for the region, particularly for GCC countries and the UAE, are significant, and it provides a framework for collective self-defence against Iranian aggression.
Polish Bus Crash Hungary: 12 Dead, 10 Injured
12 Killed, 10 Injured in Polish Tourist Bus Crash on Hungary's M3 Motorway
Twelve people have been killed and at least 10 injured after a Polish-registered bus overturned at night on a motorway in eastern Hungary. The bus, which was heading towards the city of Nyiregyhaza on the M3 motorway, ran into a ditch and tipped over near the town of Mezokeresztes. Hungarian police said preliminary information suggests the driver likely fell asleep at the wheel, and they are taking the driver into custody.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki expressed deep sorrow over the tragic news, saying many Polish compatriots died in the accident. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski also commented on the incident, calling it a "tragic accident" involving a bus carrying Polish tourists. The consular service is operational, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide verified information.
The injured passengers have been taken to hospitals for treatment, but authorities have not yet released the victims' identities or the nationalities of those injured. The bus was carrying 57 Polish passengers and two drivers, according to Hungary's state news agency MTI.
This incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety, and an investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing.
The accident occurred on the M3 motorway near Mezokeresztes, a town in eastern Hungary. The Polish-registered bus was traveling towards Nyiregyhaza when it veered off the straight stretch of road, entered a ditch, and overturned.
As the investigation continues, Polish officials are working closely with Hungarian authorities to provide support to the victims and their families. The cause of the accident is still being determined, but preliminary findings suggest the driver's sleepiness may have contributed to the crash.
Iran Offers $30,000 Bounty for US Soldiers
Iran Puts $30,000 Bounty on US Soldiers
Iran's military announced on Sunday that it was offering a bounty equivalent to $30,000 for killing or capturing US soldiers, with the reward doubled if carried out by a woman. The Iranian Army Chief, Amir Hatami, stated that the plan had been drawn up following "the large number of requests" to participate in the financial support. This move is seen as a response to ongoing hostilities and claimed public requests to provide financial backing for defense efforts.
The bounty, which is equivalent to $30,000, is a significant amount, and the fact that it is doubled for women suggests that Iran is actively encouraging female operatives to participate. The Iranian military has not provided any further details on how the bounty will be implemented or who will be eligible to receive it.
The announcement of the bounty comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the US, with both countries engaging in a war of words and proxy conflicts in the region. The US has not yet responded to the announcement, but it is likely to be seen as a provocative move by the Iranian government.
In recent months, the US and Iran have been involved in a series of escalating incidents, including the downing of a US drone and the seizure of a British-flagged tanker. The situation remains volatile, and the announcement of the bounty is likely to further increase tensions between the two countries.
The Iranian government has framed the bounty as a response to public requests for financial support for defense efforts. However, the move is likely to be seen as a provocative gesture by the US and its allies, and it remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming days and weeks.
In the context of recent events, this announcement is the latest in a series of escalations between Iran and the US. On June 17, a 14-point deal was signed, but since then, hostilities have continued to escalate. The situation remains complex and volatile, with both countries engaging in a war of words and proxy conflicts in the region.
Greece wildfires claim 2 lives
2 Dead, Hundreds Evacuated as Wildfires Engulf Greek Island
Two people died and hundreds were evacuated on Sunday as two fires broke out on the Greek island of Salamis near Athens, the fire department said. Local residents and bathers were among those evacuated, with hundreds of people hurriedly leaving the area as the fires broke out "almost simultaneously" in Peristeria and Selinia, two popular bathing areas in the island's south and east.
The civil protection ministry issued four evacuation orders as the fires spread, with the fire service mobilising a large force of some 200 firefighters, nearly 50 engines, six aircraft, and seven helicopters. Greece's coastguard also dispatched five patrol boats to the area, and several private vessels, including ferries, were made available to assist in the evacuation efforts.
Thirty-four fires have broken out over the past 24 hours around Greece, according to the fire department, with five firefighters dying so far, including a Danish pilot killed in a mid-air collision between two Bell helicopters while battling a blaze near Athens earlier this month. The recent wildfires in Greece have been fueled by unusually strong winds, after the country largely escaped the heatwave temperatures that blanketed much of Europe earlier this summer.
The situation on Salamis island is being closely monitored, with local officials trying to keep the two fires from scaling a mountain and linking up. The fire department has warned of a difficult fire inside an inhabited area, with some roads remaining open and police forces guiding people to safety.
This latest incident follows a series of major wildfires in Greece since late July, with firefighters having largely contained a blaze on the Aegean island of Skyros earlier. The Greek authorities are working to bring the situation under control, with the fire service and coastguard working together to evacuate those in danger and contain the spread of the fires.
The recent wildfires in Greece are part of a larger pattern of extreme weather events affecting Europe, with several countries experiencing severe heatwaves and wildfires in recent weeks. The Greek government has declared a state of emergency in response to the wildfires, with the military and emergency services working together to respond to the crisis.
Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Retirement
Ronaldo Eyes Farewell Season
Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that the current season will likely be his final year in professional football. The 41-year-old Portugal forward made this revelation in an interview with Vogue, where he expressed his desire to leave a lasting legacy and spend more time with his family. Ronaldo's comments come after Portugal's World Cup campaign ended in the last 16 against eventual champions Spain.
Ronaldo's decision to potentially retire from football will see him miss the 2030 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. He has already confirmed that the recent World Cup was his last, and his current contract with Al Nassr runs until June 2027. Despite this, Ronaldo has not announced a definitive retirement date, leaving the possibility of continuing beyond the mentioned timeframe.
The Portugal icon has scored three goals in the recent World Cup and remains one of the sport's biggest names. His interview with Vogue also comes shortly after his marriage to Georgina Rodríguez, where they discussed their plans for life beyond football. Ronaldo hopes to travel, play more padel, and enjoy time with his family after years of training, competition, and sacrifice.
Ronaldo's potential retirement will mark the end of an era in football, with the legendary player having spent over 25 years at the top of the sport. His legacy will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come, and his decision to retire will have a significant impact on the football world.
The 2030 World Cup will be one of the first major tournaments without Ronaldo's participation, and it will be interesting to see how his absence affects the sport. For now, fans will have to wait and see if Ronaldo will indeed retire after the current season or if he will continue to play beyond his mentioned timeframe.
In the context of his career, Ronaldo's potential retirement is a significant development, coming after a long and successful career with numerous achievements. His decision to retire will be remembered as a key moment in football history.
