Weekend Roundup: UAE antibiotic ban, Dh100m winner, and Ramadan 2027 forecasts

UAE veterinary antibiotic ban

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has announced that the use of ciprofloxacin in veterinary medicine will be banned from 1 November 2026. The prohibition applies to all veterinary products and raw materials containing the drug. Nine products are affected, eight of which are imported while one is manufactured locally. Companies are required to cease production, importation and supply of the drug, and to clear existing stock before the deadline. Any remaining stock must be re-exported or destroyed under approved procedures.

Unusual odours and reassurance

Sharjah Police have moved to reassure residents after reports of unusual smells in Sharjah and other emirates. Lieutenant General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, stated that authorities have been monitoring the situation since the odours were first reported on Monday, in coordination with federal and local agencies. He emphasised that there is no indication of a threat to public health or safety.

Dh100 million lottery winner’s year

Anilkumar Bolla, an Indian expatriate based in Abu Dhabi, won Dh100 million in the UAE Lottery a year ago. He says the greatest benefit has been the ability to spend more time with family. Over the past twelve months, he has supported loved ones, purchased property in the UAE and India, travelled, and begun exploring business opportunities.

Thiruvananthapuram airport closure

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala will suspend flight operations for five hours on 20 October to accommodate the traditional ‘Alpassi Arattu’ procession of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Operations will halt from 16:00 to 21:00 local time, according to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Ltd (TIAL). Travellers from the UAE are advised to check their flight schedules.

Indian cricketers in the news

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, a known admirer of Tamil cinema icon Rajinikanth, booked an entire cinema theatre to watch the superstar’s latest film, ‘Jailer 2’, with family, friends and teammates. He expressed excitement at catching the action thriller on the big screen after missing its opening day due to a commitment in Delhi.

India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav has invested in a luxury home in Dubai, choosing Shahrukhz Residences by Danube, a waterfront development named after Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. He announced the purchase on Instagram, but the property’s price has not been disclosed. The original Shahrukhz commercial tower was valued at Dh 2.1 billion.

Asian Games swimmer’s vow

Indian swimmer Vedaant Madhavan, the 21-year-old son of Bollywood actor R Madhavan, has broken his silence on social media after a challenging debut at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. He shared pictures from Japan on Instagram and vowed to return stronger after failing to qualify for several events.

Veteran actor’s return to work

Aruna Irani, the veteran actor, has returned to work eight weeks after the death of her husband, filmmaker Kuku Kohli. She posted a heartfelt video on Instagram, her first public message since his death in August. She expressed deep gratitude for the support she received and said it gave her the strength to face the world again. She closed by wishing that her well-wishers remain with her “till my last breath.”

Ajay Devgn’s Juhu bungalow

Part of the interior work at Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn’s bungalow in Juhu, Mumbai, has been demolished by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over alleged unauthorised alterations. The action followed a stop-work notice issued on 10 September 2026 concerning the 7,802-square-foot property in Kapole Co-operative Housing Society, Juhu.

Ramadan and Eid 2027 forecasts

Astronomical forecasts have provided early indications for the start of Ramadan and the dates of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha in 2027. However, the final dates will depend on official crescent moon sightings.