The ET GenAI Hackathon 2026 has announced the results of its Idea Submission phase, with the shortlist finalised after evaluating entries from more than 54,000 builders across India. Shortlisted teams now advance to the Prototype Development Phase
The fast-expanding war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has captured global attention largely because it is disrupting oil and gas supplies from the Persian Gulf. Yet another resource is now emerging as far more critical to the survival of the region’s societies. Water
Indian technology stocks have seen an unprecedented rout over the past few weeks over fears of artificial intelligence upending the traditional outsourcing model that powers the country's $300bn (£223bn) back-office industry. The sell-off - part of a global correction in traditional software and
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday managed an easy victory in the biennial polls to five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, with its candidates including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP national president Nitin Nabin
Star Brazilian forward Neymar didn’t receive a call-up to the national team squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, although striker Endrick found a spot. With this snub, Neymar’s hopes of playing at the upcoming FIFA World Cup have received a massive blow
Israel-Iran War: Dogs tied, kittens left in boxes, heartbreaking crisis unfolds on Dubai streets as expats flee UAE

Israel-Iran War Impact UAE: Animal welfare groups in Dubai report a disturbing rise in abandoned pets as residents flee amid Middle East tensions. Shelters are overwhelmed as owners, unable to relocate their animals due to complex travel requirements, leave them behind. This crisis highlights the need for greater pet owner responsibility.
Animal welfare groups in Dubai have reported a disturbing rise in abandoned pets as some residents rush to leave the region amid growing tensions linked to the Israel–Iran conflict in the Middle East.
Veterinarians and rescue organisations say that dogs, cats and other animals are increasingly being left behind on the streets or at shelters as owners attempt to relocate quickly.
The sudden spike in abandonments has overwhelmed shelters and animal rescue volunteers across the emirate.
Israel–Iran War Fears Trigger Pet Abandonment Across UAE
Animal welfare groups in the United Arab Emirates say the number of abandoned pets has surged in recent weeks as uncertainty linked to the Israel–Iran war tensions continues to spread across the region.According to local rescue organisations, there are more than two million pets across the UAE, with cats making up the majority of household pets.
In cities like Dubai, cats outnumber dogs by nearly two to one, with roughly 65 per cent of pet owners choosing cats.
However, rescue groups say shelters are now struggling to manage the growing number of animals being left behind.
Animal Shelters Overflowing With Abandoned Dogs and Cats
One of the region’s well-known rescue organisations, K9 Friends Dubai, said they have seen a significant increase in pets being abandoned.Meanwhile, a Dubai pet boarding service called The Barking Lot revealed that their facilities are nearing full capacity as more animals are brought in by volunteers and concerned residents.
Rescue workers say they have seen hundreds of new abandonment cases, far higher than usual.
Images of dogs tied to poles, left alone in public places, and cats wandering deserted neighbourhoods have been widely circulated on social media and messaging groups.
Israel–Iran War Impact: Pets Left Behind as Residents Try to Leave Region
Animal welfare volunteers say some residents attempted to flee the region via Oman, but strict cross-border rules prevented them from taking their pets along.In some cases, pets have reportedly been abandoned in remote areas.
One resident in Al Ain discovered a heartbreaking scene outside her home, a mother cat and four kittens left in a box along with a handwritten note.
The note reportedly read that the owner was returning to their home country because of the situation and could not take the animals with them.
In another incident, a rabbit was left alone in a public park with its cage, water bowl and a small bag of feed.
Animal Rights Activists Condemn Pet Abandonment
Animal welfare organisations have strongly criticised the growing trend.War Paws, a charity that supports animals in conflict zones, said such behaviour was deeply concerning.
Louise Hastie, the organisation’s chief executive, pointed out that similar abandonment patterns had been seen in countries affected by conflict, including Iraq and Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Anso Stander, who runs the Six Hounds Animal Sanctuary in Al Ain, described pet dumping as “selfish and heartless”.
She even reported disturbing claims that two abandoned dogs were allegedly shot near desert areas close to the sanctuary.
Social Media Outrage Over Abandoned Pets
The incidents have sparked intense criticism online, particularly from animal lovers who say abandoning pets during a crisis is unacceptable.Many users on social media platforms expressed anger at residents who chose to leave their animals behind while relocating.
Animal welfare advocates say the crisis highlights the need for greater responsibility among pet owners, especially during emergencies.
Paperwork and Travel Costs For Pets Creating Difficulties
As per a TOI report, experts say some pet owners may be abandoning animals due to the complex and expensive process involved in relocating pets internationally.
Kirsty Kavanagh, founder of Dubai-based relocation company Pawsome Pets, said enquiries about relocating animals have increased dramatically.
According to her, the company saw a 2,000 per cent rise in requests within just three days.
Relocating pets typically requires:
A registered microchip Up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies Veterinary health certificates Import permits from destination countries Rabies antibody blood tests for some regions
These procedures can take weeks or even months, making urgent travel difficult for pet owners.
Dubai Municipality Introduces AI Feeding Stations for Stray Animals
In an effort to support stray animals, Dubai Municipality has launched an initiative called Ehsan Stations.These AI-powered feeding devices will be installed in several locations across Dubai, including public parks and facilities run by Dubai Holding.
The stations are designed to identify stray animals, collect data and automatically dispense food.
Officials say the project aims to provide a more organised and sustainable way to care for stray animals, especially as shelters struggle with rising numbers.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source
Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: Dubai B-school set up by Indian launches Masters course spread across Dubai California cat rescuers get creative to help adorable kittens to safety Jamie Laing's Candy Kittens to acquire UK snack brand Graze As cyclone impact unfolds Secondhand Smoke And Kittens A Mini Manchester Derby Unfolds In Turkey Political Drama Unfolds In Bihar As RJD Leaders Asked To Return Party Symbols Given By Lalu Yadav A Mini Manchester Derby Unfolds In Turkey Kerala Woman Explains Why She Left Dubai And Returned Home Nancy Guthrie’s children share heartbreaking note
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said Sunrisers Leeds' signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed "indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians". Gavaskar's comments are the most high-profile criticism of Sunrisers' deal for Abrar at last week's Hundred auction
5 hours ago
The US artificial intelligence (AI) firm Anthropic is looking to hire a chemical weapons and high-yield explosives expert to try to prevent "catastrophic misuse" of its software. In other words, it fears that its AI tools might tell someone how to make chemical or radioactive weapons
5 hours ago
If one wants to explore the many debates and controversies surrounding the Congress and its role in shaping India’s political trajectory, there may soon be a new address in the capital to turn to. At 3, Safdarjung Lane, the official residence of Nishikant Dubey — the Bharatiya Janata Party MP
5 hours ago
Chelsea have been handed a Premier League record fine of £10.75m and a suspended transfer ban. It was a result of the club making secret payments to unregistered agents and third-parties over transfers between 2011 and 2018. But it could have been a lot worse
5 hours ago
Kerala Congress (M), BDJS announce names of 12 candidates eachKerala Congress (M) and BDJS announced candidates for the upcoming assembly polls, including KC(M) chairman Jose K Mani from Pala and 12 others from BDJS. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:36 AM IST By Vishnu Varma
5 hours ago
Iran’s National Security Chief Ali Larijani on Monday penned a note to Muslim countries, questioning their lack of support for Tehran as the US-Israeli war is now entering its third week with no clear end in sight, disrupting global energy supplies and raising fears of a spike in global inflation
5 hours ago
Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi expressed strong displeasure over Dr. Asif Nazar being considered for the Lahorighat Assembly ticket, citing Nazar's alleged association with an individual charged in an attack on Bordoloi. Bordoloi wrote to AICC General Secretary Jitendra Singh
5 hours ago
A sessions court in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district on Monday convicted five persons and acquitted 35 others in connection with a 2016 case in which seven Dalits were assaulted in the town of Una, The Indian Express reported. Additional Sessions Judge Jignesh Pandya of the court in Veraval
5 hours ago
It's Hollywood's biggest night. The 98th Academy Awards featured emotional speeches, comical relief and a bevy of backstage fun. But it was perhaps a night to forget for Timothée Chalamet. As well as losing out to Michael B Jordan for best actor and One Battle After Another for best picture
5 hours ago
US President Donald Trump on Monday said more than 30 mine laying ships of Iran have been destroyed which has affected Tehran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. “We are hammering their capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz with more
5 hours ago
Love Horoscope Today for March 17, 2026: A spontaneous moment could lead to a meaningful connectionLove Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:28 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Aries: Mars is pushing you to
5 hours ago
Dubai arrests Iranian drone strike survivors after they sent explosion photos to loved ones3 foreigner nationals who survived drone strike in Dubai have been arrested after sending photos of the explosions to family members. Updated on: Mar 16
5 hours ago
‘Firms need to move to adaptive, energy-efficient AI models’Sarah Hooker is convinced that the future lies in AI systems that use less computing power, cost less to run and can adapt to the needs of users. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 6:58 AM IST By Shweta Taneja Share via Copy link In the last
5 hours ago
Baghdad witnessed a significant drone and rocket attack on the U.S. embassy early Tuesday. This incident marks the most intense assault since the commencement of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. Iraqi security forces have heightened their presence across the capital. The Green Zone
5 hours ago
Russell Wilson trade update: Chiefs hand a shock to Giants QB with Justin Fields move Published on: Mar 17, 2026 5:03 AM IST By Khushi Arora Share via Copy link New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) waves to fans after the game against the Dallas Cowboys (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5 hours ago
London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial Reporting and Third Party Investment.In 2022, Chelsea FC’s current owners voluntarily reported to the League that they had evidence of
5 hours ago
A Bengaluru-based cafe has drawn attention on social media after adding a 5 per cent “Gas Crisis Charge" to a customer’s lemonade order, sparking debate on social media platform X. The unusual fee, applied on a bill for two mint lemonades, has left many users amused and some questioning its
5 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Still using an older laptop? These Intel 13th Gen laptops show what modern performance feels likeIntel 13th Gen laptops bring improved performance
5 hours ago
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is planning to delay a high stakes visit to China later in March by about a month because of the Iran war. "We've requested that we delay it a month or so," he told reporters at the White House
5 hours ago
LDF ally ISJD, UDF ally RSP name candidates for four seats eachThe ISJD and RSP announced their candidates for Kerala Assembly polls, with ISJD's K Krishnankutty retiring from politics and RSP seeking assembly representation. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:30 AM IST By Vishnu Varma
5 hours ago
Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Operational strategies at work need refinementHoroscope Today: Read the astrological predictions for each zodiac sign based on an expert's guidance on March 17, 2026. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:19 AM IST By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma
5 hours ago
The report from Elara Capital said retail gasoline and diesel prices “could be fully protected through excise cuts until roughly $110/bbl, beyond which price hikes on diesel and gasoline would become inevitable”. Also Read :Fino Payments Bank Shares Fall To 52-Week Low Amid Probe Reports;
5 hours ago
Punjab Assembly session: House passes motion against LoP Bajwa over ‘band player’ remarkThe Punjab assembly condemned opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa for alleged derogatory remarks about a minister, leading to chaos and a walkout by Congress. Published on: Mar 17
5 hours ago
More than a thousand citizens in Ladakh's Leh and Kargil regions rallied on Monday, echoing calls for statehood and adherence to the Sixth Schedule. Leaders from the Apex Body Leh alongside the Kargil Democratic Alliance expressed their discontent regarding the central government's stance
5 hours ago
Menstrual pain is often dismissed as an inevitable part of being a woman. But when cramps become debilitating, interfere with daily life or are accompanied by chronic pelvic discomfort, they may signal something more serious. One such condition is endometriosis – a long-term disorder affecting
5 hours ago
Khushbu Sundar comes out in support of Trisha amid her viral pics with Vijay: ‘She is one of the most dignified women’Khushbu Sundar has addressed the online chatter surrounding the public appearance of Vijay and Trisha Krishnan, after the divorce petition filed by Sangeeta. Mar 17, 2026
5 hours ago
Rex Culpepper's fiancee pays sweet tribute after tragic bike accident death: ‘I don’t regret' Published on: Mar 17, 2026 4:55 AM IST By Yash Nitish Bajaj Share via Copy link Former Syracuse quarterback Rex Culpepper died after an accident on Saturday (Instagram/Rex Culpepper) Rex Culpepper
5 hours ago