Iran is preparing for crucial elections for its parliament and the Assembly of Experts on February 26, following the lifting of international sanctions due to a nuclear deal with Western powers. The elections will be a contest between moderates supporting President Hassan Rouhani and conservative hardliners. The Guardian Council, overseen by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has disqualified many reformist candidates, which could impact the direction of government policies and the 2017 presidential election. The Assembly of Experts, responsible for appointing the next Supreme Leader, is also significant as Ayatollah Khamenei is aging and has had health issues. Despite President Rouhani's efforts to ensure a 'free and fair election,' the conservative establishment poses a significant challenge to his reformist agenda.

A fire broke out in the Address Downtown hotel in Dubai on New Year's Eve, engulfing 20 of its 63 floors. British citizen Angus Viller recounted carrying his disabled mother from the 15th floor to safety. The Dubai government reported one person suffered a heart attack, one was moderately injured, and 16 sustained minor injuries. Early reports suggest an electrical fault may have caused the blaze. The fire, which started on the 20th floor, was largely controlled by the next day. Despite the fire, a large fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa proceeded. Concerns have been raised about the safety of Dubai's high-rise buildings, especially regarding the materials used for cladding. The incident follows previous fires in other Dubai skyscrapers, prompting a review of safety codes in 2013, though many existing buildings have not been retrofitted with the new safety measures.

British explorer Mark Evans, along with two Omani colleagues, is embarking on a journey to trek across the Empty Quarter, the world's largest sand desert, retracing the steps of Bertram Thomas's 1930 expedition. The team will travel from Salalah in Oman to Doha in Qatar, facing challenges such as navigating desert wells and potential attention from security forces. Evans, who established Outward Bound Oman, aims to inspire young Omanis and highlight Oman's role in regional diplomacy. The expedition is supported by the Omani government and reflects the country's soft diplomacy approach, contrasting with the regional tensions exemplified by the conflict in Yemen and differing policies towards Islamic movements by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The journey is also a nod to Oman's desert heritage and the historical achievements of explorers like Thomas and his Omani guide, Sheikh Salih bin Kalut.