SM Ayaz Zakir

ayaz@khaleejtimes.com

SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.

Smoother traffic, less travel time in 18 Dubai areas after major road upgrades

Smoother traffic, less travel time in 18 Dubai areas after major road upgrades

Dubai's RTA said the project comes as part of its ongoing efforts to meet the demands of urban expansion and population growth

'Became a family here': Dubai gym hit by fire; members grieve loss of 'second home'

'Became a family here': Dubai gym hit by fire; members grieve loss of 'second home'

'Members trained together, supported each other and grew together. Seeing it all destroyed like this is really sad', said one fitness enthusiast

'People live without fear': Biker who crossed 59 countries lauds UAE 'calm' amid war

'People live without fear': Biker who crossed 59 countries lauds UAE 'calm' amid war

Dr Singara Vadivel, who is on a global motorcycle journey, says life in the UAE remained stable during the regional conflict, highlighting the contrast between perception and reality

Umrah visa: What UAE pilgrims must know as Saudi Arabia exit deadline nears

Umrah visa: What UAE pilgrims must know as Saudi Arabia exit deadline nears

According to operators, no one will be allowed to remain in Makkah without a valid Hajj permit after April 18

2-month-old among 64 nationalities carrying UAE flag as Abu Dhabi sets world record

2-month-old among 64 nationalities carrying UAE flag as Abu Dhabi sets world record

Participants carried the banner weighing over 200kg, walking a distance of 100 metres in a coordinated formation to complete the attempt

UAE Lottery reveals winning numbers in latest Lucky Day draw

UAE Lottery reveals winning numbers in latest Lucky Day draw

The Lucky Day game is now held every Wednesday and Saturday, offering players more chances to win prizes under the revised format, including a Dh30 million jackpot

Gurudwara, Hindu Temple in Dubai reopen as places of worship resume services

Gurudwara, Hindu Temple in Dubai reopen as places of worship resume services

Places of worship across Dubai were earlier asked to move activities online until further notice as a precautionary measure following official instructions issued amid regional tensions

UAE flags fly off shelves after Sheikh Mohammed’s call as residents rush to buy

UAE flags fly off shelves after Sheikh Mohammed’s call as residents rush to buy

Within hours of Sheikh Mohammed’s call, UAE flag demand surged across Dubai and Sharjah, with traders and retailers reporting good sales and strong customer interest.

'Car didn't stop' after braking: UAE motorists urged to check vehicles ahead of rainy weekend

'Car didn't stop' after braking: UAE motorists urged to check vehicles ahead of rainy weekend

With rain forecast across the UAE, motorists recall delayed braking and minor crashes during last showers; experts advise checking brakes, tyres and sensors before driving

Tried 'looksmaxxing'? UAE doctors warn of health risks related to social media trend

Tried 'looksmaxxing'? UAE doctors warn of health risks related to social media trend

Doctors advise young people to focus on long-term health rather than quick fixes and to seek qualified advice before trying any treatments or supplements