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In a landmark decision that recognizes the vital role of religious leaders, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has officially designated all imams and muezzins throughout the emirate as government employees. This transformative policy shift, announced on December 25, 2025, grants these religious figures the complete spectrum of benefits and privileges enjoyed by public sector staff.

The directive mandates the placement of mosque leaders on the emirate’s general government payroll, making them eligible for career promotions, comprehensive health insurance coverage, and various financial allowances. A significant component is a specialized work nature allowance of Dh3,000, acknowledging the unique demands of their spiritual duties.

A particularly notable provision addresses periodic leave management. Imams and muezzins will retain their accrued leave balance indefinitely if they choose not to utilize it. In coordination with the Department of Islamic Affairs, they will receive monetary compensation equivalent to the value of this unused leave.

This initiative represents a formal institutional recognition of the essential services provided by these religious leaders in maintaining places of worship and serving community spiritual needs. The policy underscores Sharjah’s commitment to supporting those who serve in houses of God, ensuring their dedication is met with appropriate professional and financial security.

Dubai Courts has officially declared a temporary suspension of all in-person payment processing services on December 31, 2025, in observance of New Year’s Eve celebrations. The closure will affect both morning and evening operational periods, marking a strategic pause to accommodate the extensive festivities planned throughout the emirate.

While traditional payment counters will remain inactive during this period, the judiciary body emphasized that digital payment channels will maintain uninterrupted service. Litigants and legal representatives can continue to process court fees and settlements through the official Dubai Courts website, ensuring minimal disruption to judicial proceedings.

This operational adjustment reflects Dubai’s continued commitment to digital transformation in its judicial services. The announcement, made on December 25, 2025, provides ample notice for court users to plan their transactions accordingly, either utilizing the electronic platforms or scheduling in-person payments outside the specified closure window.

The digital payment infrastructure has become increasingly sophisticated, building upon previous innovations such as Abu Dhabi’s pioneering adoption of AE Coin digital currency for judicial services. This stablecoin, regulated by the UAE Central Bank, represents the region’s progressive approach to integrating blockchain technology into governmental operations, though Dubai Courts’ current electronic systems utilize more conventional digital payment methods.

As the seasonal transition from spring to summer unfolded, several notable events captured international attention. Mark Carney unexpectedly guided Canada’s Liberal Party to a remarkable electoral triumph, while Britain’s Prince Harry disclosed to the BBC his earnest desire to mend fractured relationships within the Royal Family. Simultaneously, football icon David Beckham received prestigious royal recognition through knighthood honors.

These developments, however, represent merely a fraction of the significant occurrences that shaped the global landscape during this period. The second installment of our comprehensive four-part annual quiz now challenges participants to assess their recollection of world events from April through June. This carefully curated assessment features 52 thought-provoking questions corresponding to each week of the year, compiled by quizmaster Ben Fell.

For those seeking additional intellectual engagement, the publication offers access to part one covering January through March, alongside an extensive archive of historical quizzes spanning diverse topics including space tourism developments, Katy Perry’s cultural influence, evolving trends in pop music, United States current affairs, and broader musical phenomena.

A series of powerful atmospheric rivers has unleashed catastrophic flooding across California, resulting in at least three fatalities and widespread destruction during the busy holiday travel period. The relentless storms, which began over the weekend and are forecasted to persist through Friday, have transformed streets into raging waterways and triggered dangerous mudslides in vulnerable areas.

According to local authorities, the extreme weather has claimed lives through multiple tragic incidents. A 64-year-old San Diego man perished when a tree collapsed on Wednesday morning, while a 74-year-old individual drowned over the weekend during a vehicle rescue attempt in Redding. Earlier, a woman in her seventies was swept to her death by massive waves at MacKerricher State Park.

The meteorological onslaught has delivered unprecedented rainfall measurements, with Los Angeles County recording up to 11 inches (27 centimeters) of precipitation. The National Weather Service’s Prediction Center has issued grave warnings about continuing flash flood risks and potential river overflows throughout the region.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Wednesday for multiple Southern California counties as emergency crews conducted numerous water rescues for motorists trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters. The severe conditions have forced road closures, prompted evacuation orders for residents in San Bernardino County, and left approximately 100,000 households without electricity as of Thursday evening.

Particular concern has focused on burn scar regions where previous wildfires have reduced the land’s ability to absorb water. In Altadena, near Los Angeles, CBS News reported significant mudslides resulting from this vulnerability.

San Francisco Bay Area experienced hurricane-force winds exceeding 100 mph (161 km/h) near San Jose, adding to the system’s destructive power. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined state officials in declaring a local emergency while urging extreme caution for residents compelled to travel during the hazardous conditions.

The converging atmospheric rivers have transported massive tropical moisture plumes to the West Coast during one of the year’s heaviest travel weeks, creating what officials describe as a particularly dangerous and complex weather scenario that continues to evolve.