Some Sharjah areas got a respite from the peak UAE heat, as rain pattered down, giving residents much-needed relief. In Al Dhaid and Sohailah, winds blew with might and UAE-based Storm Centre shared videos of the rain pouring down, as of around 4pm.UAE is a country where rarities occur — and this extends to nature too. Summer rain is frequently seen in the country, although the arid climate of the region is not apt for frequent precipitation.Currently, UAE is in the hottest and driest period of the year, known as 'Jamrat Al Qayth' (the peak of the summer heat).As earlier reported by Khaleej Times, it began on July 3, and will continue until August 10, marking the most intense phase of summer across the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula, according to the Emirates Astronomical.
The Pakistani passport has climbed the ranks on the Henley index this year to the 100th spot, after stumbling to the 103rd position in 2025, giving travellers access to 30 visa-free destinations. Since 2015, the passport has ranked below the 100th position, its place fluctuating as follows: 2015 (107), 2016 (103), 2017 (102), 2018 (104), 2019 (104), 2020 (103), 2021 (113), 2022 (108), 2023 (106), 2024 (101), 2025 (103), and 2026 (100). The timing of the upgrade comes as a blessing for travellers who are looking to make summer travel plans to destinations across the globe. Henley, which uses exclusive IATA data, has its index updated monthly to reflect global mobility changes.Singapore, meanwhile, claims the highest spot on the list, making it the world's most powerful.
