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As of March 1, 2026, key Middle Eastern airports including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha remain closed following US and Israeli strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with missile attacks damaging Dubai International Airport and others. Thousands of flights are canceled or rerouted, stranding travelers worldwide and causing widespread aviation disruption.
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Israeli authorities have arrested a man for spying for Iran, amid increased efforts to combat Iranian recruitment and espionage. Meanwhile, Iran continues to fund Hezbollah's rebuilding efforts through covert money transfers from the UAE, and Israeli security agencies are raising awareness among citizens about Iranian recruitment tactics.
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Recent articles highlight a surge in travel deals, including last-minute discounts on European hotels via Booking.com, Travel Tuesday promotions, and new resort openings in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, the Caribbean faces hurricane recovery delays, impacting holiday tourism. Consumers are advised to research carefully to avoid inflated prices and restrictions.
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Mary Carole McDonnell, 74, is wanted for allegedly defrauding over $15 million from banks by claiming she was an aerospace heiress with access to a secret $80 million trust. She fled to Dubai before her 2018 arrest warrant was issued, and her whereabouts remain unknown.
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A discreet store in Riyadh, opened in January 2024 for non-Muslim residents with Premium Residency, now allows limited alcohol purchases amid ongoing liberalization. The store is heavily secured, with high prices and restricted stock, reflecting cautious reforms in a strict Islamic state.
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Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, has scored 956 career goals for club and country. He aims to reach 1,000 goals before retiring, with his current tally including 143 for Portugal. Ronaldo plans to continue playing for one or two more years, motivated by trophies and personal milestones, including the 2026 World Cup.
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UK holiday bookings are rising sharply, with 200,000 more bookings expected in January. Destinations are shifting towards quieter, long-haul locations, with early bookings for summer 2026 and 2027. Traditional hotspots remain popular, and travel patterns are evolving amid increased confidence and planning.
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On New Year's Eve 2025, Sydney held a minute of silence and a menorah projection on the Harbour Bridge to honor 15 victims of a December 14 mass shooting at a Hanukkah event. Despite heightened security with thousands of armed police, celebrations continued citywide, reflecting resilience amid fears of rising antisemitism and terrorism in Australia.
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On New Year's Day at 1:30 a.m., a fire broke out at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, killing around 40 people and injuring over 100, many seriously. The blaze, likely caused by fountain candles on champagne bottles, rapidly engulfed the basement venue. Identification of victims is ongoing, with authorities ruling out an attack.
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Rifaat al-Assad, a key figure in Syria's history and known for his role in the 1982 Hama massacre, has died in the United Arab Emirates at age 88. His death follows years of exile and legal challenges related to war crimes and corruption. His legacy remains controversial.
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Leaders and industry experts warn of increasing pressure for countries to develop sovereign AI capabilities amid US-China tech rivalry. The GCC has invested early, while Europe focuses on building local infrastructure. Open-source models are seen as key for middle powers to maintain control.
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Russia launched extensive missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts amid harsh winter conditions. Meanwhile, a senior Russian military officer was wounded in an assassination attempt linked to Ukraine, with a suspect detained in Dubai and extradited to Russia. US efforts to broker peace continue despite stalled negotiations.
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Rouble Nagi received the Global Teacher Prize for establishing over 800 learning centers in India, focusing on marginalized children. She plans to use the $1 million prize to create a free vocational institute. The award highlights her innovative literacy and education efforts.
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Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alexeyev, deputy head of Russia's GRU military intelligence, was shot in Moscow. Russia claims Ukraine orchestrated the attack, with a suspect detained in Dubai. Ukraine denies involvement. The incident follows a pattern of high-profile assassinations amid ongoing tensions.
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As of February 2026, a landmark trial in Los Angeles County Superior Court is underway against Meta and Google's YouTube, accused of deliberately designing platforms to addict children and harm their mental health. The case centers on a 19-year-old plaintiff, KGM, and could set precedent for hundreds of similar lawsuits. TikTok and Snap settled earlier. Meta denies wrongdoing, citing complex mental health factors and safeguards.
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Scotland's Edinburgh Airport plans a nearly £1 billion expansion to handle passenger growth, including new gates and terminal revamp. Meanwhile, Heathrow faces crowding issues despite record passenger numbers, with plans for a third runway delayed until 2035. Dubai and Istanbul airports also see record traffic, highlighting global airport growth.
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On February 17, 2026, Thomas Pritzker resigned immediately as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels amid revelations of his ongoing contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Pritzker, 75, expressed regret for his "terrible judgment" and will not seek re-election to Hyatt's board. CEO Mark Hoplamazian succeeds him as chairman.
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Iran launched a wave of missile and drone strikes across Gulf cities, targeting the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Israel. Dubai and Doha suffered damage, fires, and injuries, amid intercepted attacks and ongoing regional tensions. The UAE reports 137 missiles and 209 drones fired, most intercepted.
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Israel launched large-scale strikes in Tehran targeting Iran’s military assets, as Iran retaliates with drone attacks across the Gulf, including Oman, Dubai, and Bahrain. Protests and violence erupted in Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan following Khamenei’s death, escalating regional tensions today, March 1, 2026.