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Dubai (PTI file photo) Dubai has always been the Gulf's glittering safe haven amid endless Middle East turmoil — a dazzling hub of glamour, grandeur, towering skyscrapers, and a skyline that pierces the clouds. But recent shocks raise a stark question: Is the “Pearl of the Gulf” truly secure anymore?The city — drawing millions of tourists yearly — now stands on high alert, battered by missile and drone strikes from a vengeful Iran after joint US-Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.For decades, Dubai cultivated its status as the Middle East's financial powerhouse, flaunting dazzling skylines, luxurious lifestyles, and an aura of impregnable safety. Israel attacks IranUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Iran launches 'massive missile' strike at US airbase in Bahrain; Israel bombs BeirutIran Strikes Saudi Aramco Facility: Drone attack halts oil at Ras Tanura; Gulf states weigh response‘Last, best chance’: Trump sets out four clear objectives for endin..

AdvertisementSingaporeThis Week in AsiaLifestyle & CultureWhy some Singaporeans are saying no to having children amid ‘existential’ fertility crisisAs the city state battles a record low fertility rate, analysts say deeper anxieties and rising opportunity costs continue to shape decisions
5-MIN READ5-MINJean IauPublished: 7:00pm, 3 Mar 2026Even if market researcher Joey Lau were a millionaire and could devote all her time to her family, she still would not want children.
The 34-year-old Singaporean said the risks facing young people today – from social media-driven mental health pressures to climate change – were too high to justify bringing a child into the world.
“I feel like the only reason that I would want to have a child is because it’s cute, it would give shape to my life and my parents would be very happy because they want to be grandparents, but that would be too high a cost for this kid to pay in order for me to feel like I’m doing something with my life,” she said.
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AdvertisementSouth China SeaChinaMilitaryUS patrol flights over South China Sea drop 30% as focus shifts to Middle EastDecline in reconnaissance aircraft sorties comes during critical time in China-US ties ahead of planned Donald Trump visit
2-MIN READ2-MINAlcott Weiin BeijingPublished: 7:00pm, 3 Mar 2026US land-based reconnaissance aircraft sorties over the South China Sea decreased by around 30 per cent month on month in February, according to a Beijing-based think tank, as the US deploys assets to the Middle East.The South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI) said on Monday that only 72 US reconnaissance aircraft sorties were detected over the South China Sea in February. By contrast, 102 US reconnaissance aircraft sorties were observed over the waters in both January and December.The think tank’s analysis did not discuss the reasons behind the drop. However, the US moved military assets from around the globe to the Middle East last month ahead of its attack on I..

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Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility was struck during recent US and Israeli military operations, Iran’s envoy to the UN nuclear watchdog said on Monday. “Again they attacked Iran's peaceful, safeguarded nuclear facilities yesterday,” Reza Najafi told reporters at a meeting of the 35-nation board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Asked which sites were hit, he replied: “Natanz,” reported Reuters. '900 Strikes In Just…': US Unleashes Deadly B-2 Bombers To Raid Iran's Underground Missile Sites The development comes amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme. In June, the United States carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities that Washington says were part of a programme aimed at developing nuclear weapons. Tehran maintains its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes.Meanwhile, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would rebuild its nuclear infrastructure. Israel attacks IranUS F-15 down in Kuwait? Iran shares video..

Iranian-Australian broadcaster Rita Panahi reacted strongly on air after Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reported killed in US-Israeli strikes, saying, “All I have to say is that after 47 years of Islamist tyranny, the dictator is dead, and Iran is on the verge of being liberated.” Speaking live on Sky News Australia, Panahi added, “Never thought I would see this day in my lifetime,” and praised US President Donald Trump for his “courage” in launching the missile strikes, described by officials as “Operation Epic Fury”.In remarks delivered in Persian, Panahi said, roughly translated, “Your father is a d*g, dirt be on your head and burn in hell.” Iran Appoints Interim Leader After Khamenei Killing; Who Is Alireza Arafi | WAtch Her co-anchor Rowan Dean noted the personal nature of the moment for Panahi, who has previously said she cannot return to Iran due to fear of persecution.Israel attacks IranUS F-15 down in Kuwait? Iran shares video showing fighter jet engulfed in ..