Amidst the regional tensions in the Middle East Region, Dubai faced a sudden wave of disruptions after drone strikes reportedly hit areas near the airport, triggering a fuel tank fire and temporarily affecting flight operations. Authorities confirmed that a fire broke out near Dubai International Airport after a drone ignited a fuel storage tank. Civil defence teams responded quickly and brought the blaze under control, with no injuries reported.

The incident led to a temporary suspension of flights, creating widespread disruption to travel schedules. Emergency teams secured the area as aviation authorities worked to restore normal operations.

Following the disruption, Emirates stated that it expects to operate a limited flight schedule after 10:00 hours Dubai local time. The airline confirmed that some flights from the day’s schedule had been cancelled. Passengers affected by the changes will receive cancellation notifications along with information on alternative travel arrangements. Emirates also apologised for the inconvenience caused.

Air India also announced the suspension of its Dubai operations after Dubai International Airport temporarily halted all arrivals and departures. As a result, Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Dubai were cancelled for the day. The airline said that affected passengers will have the option to rebook for a future travel date or cancel their tickets for a full refund without additional charges.

Air India Express confirmed that its ad-hoc flight operations to and from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah will continue as previously announced.

IndiGo also shared an update stating that the evolving situation in the Middle East has led to further restrictions on flight operations in Dubai. As a result, some flights scheduled to operate between March 15 and March 17 have been affected.

The incident comes at a time when Dubai usually experiences a surge in tourism activity, especially as Ramadan approaches. However, the regional tensions have begun to impact the city’s usual festive atmosphere. Global Village Dubai has announced that its Eid fireworks and drone shows will be cancelled amid the ongoing situation.

Despite the disruptions, UAE officials have reassured the public that safety remains a top priority and that the situation is under control. Flight operations are gradually resuming as authorities work closely with airlines to restore normal schedules.

Mumbai's love for Korean food isn't slowing down, and Seoul Dak is making sure Andheri doesn't miss out. The Korean-founded QSR brand has opened its newest outlet in Oshiwara, bringing its cult-favourite Korean Fried Chicken and Seoul-style street food to one of the city's busiest hubs.

The star of the menu is Seoul Dak's signature Korean Fried Chicken, and it earns every bit of attention it gets. Deeply marinated for flavour and double-fried for that ultra-light, shatteringly crispy coating, it's the kind of fried chicken that makes you understand immediately why South Korea turned it into a cultural institution. The sauce lineup runs from smoky K-BBQ and garlicky Ganjang (soy garlic) to Sweet and Spicy and the aptly named Volcano, which does exactly what it promises.

Beyond the chicken, the menu covers the kind of Korean street food favourites that have been building loyal followings far beyond Seoul. Tteokbokki, the chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy sauce, are a comfort food staple. Soupy K-Ramen brings warm, satisfying bowl energy to the spread. Cheese corn dogs round things out with the indulgent, crowd-pleasing energy that's made them a street food phenomenon.

What keeps Seoul Dak honest is its approach to authenticity. Most key ingredients are sourced directly from South Korea, and the recipes follow traditional Korean flavour profiles. The only concession made for local diners is spice level adjustment. The core flavours stay exactly as they should be.

Recent menu additions including Potato Cheese Corn Dog, Seoul Cheese Bombs, Onion Rings, and Matcha-based beverages show the brand evolving in a measured, consumer-led way without drifting from what makes it special.

The Oshiwara opening is also part of a bigger plan. Seoul Dak is working towards 10 outlets by early 2026 and 50 locations over the following three years, operating across Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru as it builds towards its goal of becoming the largest and most loved Korean QSR brand in the region.

Mumbai's Korean food movement keeps growing, and Seoul Dak is here to keep it crispy

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, has unveiled the extended 51–100 list for 2026 ahead of the main awards ceremony set to take place in Hong Kong. The list provides an early glimpse into the region’s evolving dining landscape and recognises outstanding culinary establishments across Asia.

The rankings are compiled by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, which consists of more than 350 influential industry leaders including chefs, restaurateurs, culinary professionals, food writers, and critics from across the region.

This year’s extended list spans 27 cities, four more than last year, reflecting the growing diversity and reach of Asia’s dining scene. Ten new cities are represented in the 2026 list, with Busan, Chengdu, Kanazawa, and Nishikawa appearing for the first time.

A total of 12 restaurants have made their debut on the 51–100 list, highlighting the continued growth and innovation shaping Asia’s culinary landscape.

Seoul leads the rankings by city with seven restaurants featured on the extended list, including the new entry San at No.54. Busan has also made its first appearance in the rankings with Fiotto placed at No.99.

Bangkok has five restaurants on the list, while Singapore and Hong Kong each claim four spots. All three destinations have also welcomed a returning entry this year.

Japan continues to demonstrate strong representation, with Tokyo featuring three restaurants including new entry Sushi Shunji at No.63. The city of Kanazawa has two new restaurants on the list, Kataori at No.82 and Respiración at No.92. Nishikawa also celebrates its debut with Dewaya at No.93, reflecting the growing recognition of culinary excellence across various Japanese cities.

In China, Chef 1996 in Beijing stands out as the highest-ranked new entry, placed at No.52. Chengdu also joins the extended ranking for the first time with restaurant Co- positioned at No.69.

Kuala Lumpur’s Dewakan has recorded the highest rise on the extended list, moving up 22 places to secure the No.62 position.

A spokesperson for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants said, “We are delighted to unveil this year's 51-100 list, welcoming more outstanding establishments into this year's extended ranking. The 51-100 list once again highlights the incredibly diverse and thriving culinary scene of the region, this year including restaurants from 27 cities, with 12 restaurants represented on the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list for the first time.”

The complete list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2026 will be announced during the awards ceremony scheduled for March 25, 2026 in Hong Kong. The event will be held in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and will be streamed live on the 50 Best YouTube channel starting at 20:00 Hong Kong time.