mecca

UAE residents will enjoy a public holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026, for the Islamic New Year. This official break, announced by FAHR and MoHRE, grants both public and private sector employees a three-day weekend. Schools and educational institutions will also observe the holiday, with normal operations resuming Tuesday.

In the vast Texas desert, a locked Prada boutique stands as a surreal art installation. Created by artists Elmgreen and Dragset, it critiques consumerism by showcasing unusable luxury goods.

An Austrian court has sentenced Beran A., 21, to 15 years in prison for planning a knife and bomb attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna. Authorities thwarted the plot, leading to the cancellation of Swift's August 2024 shows. Beran A. also admitted to charges related to terrorism and networking with the Islamic State group.

Eid Ul Adha, also known as Bakra Eid, will be celebrated on May 28, 2026, in India after the Dhul Hijjah moon was not sighted. This major Muslim festival honors Prophet Ibrahim's devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son. While Gulf countries celebrate on May 27, India's date was confirmed later, with state governments updating holiday calendars accordingly.

Giant clocks worldwide are more than timekeepers. They are architectural wonders and cultural symbols. From Saudi Arabia's Makkah Royal Clock Tower to India's Bhestan Floral Clock, these structures blend engineering and art. They stand as landmarks, reflecting local heritage and human creativity. These colossal timepieces captivate visitors and locals alike.

The US President has urged Muslim allies to join the 2020 Abraham Accords as part of the ongoing Iran negotiations. Pakistan has long resisted external pressure to recognise Israel, but how it navigates this latest challenge amid warming ties with the Trump administration is yet to be seen

Bakra Eid, or Eid Ul Adha, will be celebrated with joy on May 28, 2026, honoring Prophet Ibrahim's devotion. Muslims worldwide observe this by sacrificing animals, sharing meat with family, friends, and the needy. The festival involves morning prayers, charitable acts, and the tradition of giving Eidi to younger family members, fostering community spirit and gratitude.

Tech's obsession with all-nighters is being challenged by Kevin O'Leary, who calls sleep deprivation a liability for investors. Studies show chronic fatigue costs billions in lost productivity, as overworked minds hinder innovation. Experts now advocate for smart work, prioritizing health and focusing on high-impact areas like AI solutions for small businesses, proving ambition and balance can coexist.

In India, tea transcends a mere beverage, embodying habit, nostalgia, and ritual. From delicate Darjeeling brews to spicy, milky concoctions and even salty Ladakhi versions, each regional variation holds its own significance. Despite diverse preparations, tea universally offers comfort, fosters connection, and punctuates life's moments, from quiet contemplation to lively gatherings.

Affluent pilgrims are opting for lavish Haj packages, enjoying luxury accommodations, private transport, and gourmet multi-cuisine buffets. These premium services, including air-conditioned tents and proximity to sacred sites, come at a significant cost, sparking debate about the display of wealth during the religious journey.

England's summer of cricket promises excitement with the Women's T20 World Cup and a historic one-off Women's Test at Lord's. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her dream of playing at the iconic venue. The match is already breaking attendance records, highlighting growing interest in women's cricket.

Singer Rashmeet Kaur electrified Hindu College's annual cultural fest, delivering a high-energy performance for a massive crowd. She described the experience of performing on a campus where she once studied as 'healing,' crediting the audience's energy for uplifting her

A 21-year-old Austrian man has admitted to charges related to a planned terrorist attack targeting Taylor Swift's Vienna concert. Authorities discovered bomb-making materials at his home, intended for use outside the stadium. The accused was reportedly part of a wider international plot. Swift expressed devastation over the cancellation, citing fear and guilt.

Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein cultivated Middle Eastern connections and acquired rare Islamic artifacts, including pieces from the Kaaba, for a building on his private island he called a 'mosque.' Documents reveal his interest in Islamic architecture and his pursuit of Saudi Arabian business opportunities before his arrest and death.

A 9th-century Persian scholar, Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, revolutionized mathematics by introducing systematic methods for solving equations, laying the groundwork for algebra. His name gave rise to the term 'algorithm,' and his work facilitated the spread of the Hindu-Arabic numeral system. Al-Khwarizmi's abstract approach shifted mathematical thinking, influencing modern science and computing.

Saudi Arabia is accelerating Hajj 2026 preparations with earlier visa processing and a fully digital Nusuk platform for millions of pilgrims. Strict timelines and new regulations aim to enhance safety and efficiency, while regional tensions may cause minor flight disruptions. Pilgrims must adhere to digital registration and compliance rules for a smoother experience.

Jharkhand's Health Minister Irfan Ansari has put travelers' minds at ease amid the ongoing Gulf tensions, assuring that their spiritual voyage to mecca remains safe and secure. There are no new regulations hindering their journey.

mecca is home to the Kaaba, one of Islam's holiest sites and the direction of Muslim prayer, and thus mecca is regarded as the holiest city in Islam.