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6 hours ago
Saudi Team Wins Top Arab Spot at World Robot Olympiad in Turkiye
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Jawhara Al-Qahtani and Aseel Al-Jasser secured first place among Arab countries and ninth globally on debut in the Future Engineers category at the World Robot Olympiad International Final. Held in the Turkish city of Izmir from Nov. 26 to 30, the contest drew participants of all ages from more than 90 countries, with a focus on creativity in robotics and artificial intelligence. The Kingdom sent 15 teams of 30 students from various regions, supported by 11 advisers and 15 trainers, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The collaborative effort involved the Saudi Ministry of Education, the Saudi Federation for Robotics & RC Sports, Tuwaiq Academy, and Tatweer Education Holding Co. The competition featured categories such Robo Missions, Robo Sports, Innovators of the Future, and Future Engineers. Al-Qahtani and Al-Jasser credited their success to months of work at a camp at Tuwaiq Academy, SPA reported. They built the robot using artificial intelligence, machine learning, 3D printing, and sensors connected to camera and radar technologies. A training camp for Saudi participants was held at Tuwaiq Academy, the training arm of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, aimed at enhancing students’ creativity, design capabilities and problem-solving skills through robotics competitions […]
6 hours ago
Emirati Rider Mohammed Al Balooshi Clinches Third World Title
There was glory for the UAE on the eve of the country’s National Day as home rider Mohammed Al Balooshi sealed his third FIM Bajas World Cup crown after another exhilarating day’s competition at the Dubai International Baja. This weekend’s action around the sands of Dubai marked the season finale for the world’s international off-road series on both two wheels and four. On the motorbikes Poland’s Konrad Dabrowski won the event itself but Al Balooshi’s second place was enough for him to take the championship. As for the cars, Portugal’s Joao Ferreira took the FIA World Baja Cup title with a fine second place behind Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah, who took his 13th win in Dubai after a blistering battle in the desert. Heading into this weekend’s final Baja of 2024, championships were still up for grabs in numerous categories as the FIA and FIM World Cup seasons came to a conclusion. Zayed and Rashid Stage 3 was a repeat of Saturday’s Al Futtaim Toyota Stage 2 featuring 195km of timed stages plus 164km of road section in the intense heat of Al Qudra Desert. Over the course of the event’s three days the competitors have each thus completed a […]
6 hours ago
Liverpool Inflict More Pain on Man City to Extend Premier League Lead
Liverpool opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League as Manchester City’s crisis deepened in a 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Sunday. Cody Gakpo’s 12th-minute goal was scant reward for the Reds’ first-half domination and they sealed an 18th win in 20 games under Arne Slot thanks to Mohamed Salah’s penalty. City are now 11 points off the runaway leaders down in fifth and winless in seven games, including six defeats. Arsenal and Chelsea are Liverpool’s closest challengers as City appear set to lose their crown as English champions after winning an unprecedented four consecutive titles. City’s only point since October 26 even felt like a defeat as they blew a 3-0 lead in the final 15 minutes to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord in the Champions League in midweek. Pep Guardiola responded by dropping goalkeeper Ederson, while Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias were also restored to the defence. But there was no response from the defending champions as they were blown away in the opening stages. Stefan Ortega was forced into fine saves from Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai before Virgil van Dijk crashed a header off the post. City could barely get out of their half […]
6 hours ago
Emirates Extends Flight Cancellations to Iraq and Lebanon
Emirates has extended its suspension of flights to and from Iraq and Lebanon due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East. “Emirates flights to and from Baghdad are cancelled through December 14, 2024. Passengers transiting through Dubai with Baghdad as their final destination will not be accepted for travel until further notice,” the airline announced in a travel update on its website. However, flydubai continues to operate flights to Baghdad. Passengers with confirmed flydubai bookings for Baghdad will be accepted for travel, and customers are advised to monitor the airline’s flight status for updates. Emirates has also extended its suspension of flights to Beirut until and including December 31, 2024. Passengers transiting through Dubai with Beirut as their final destination will not be permitted to travel at their point of origin. Passengers impacted by these cancellations are encouraged to contact their booking agents for alternative arrangements or reach out to Emirates directly if they booked through the airline. Customers are also urged to update their contact details via the “Manage Your Booking” section on the Emirates website to receive timely updates.
6 hours ago
Saudi Arabia Grants 60-Day Grace Period for Runaway Workers to Correct Their Status
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) launched a new campaign to grant a 60-day grace period for runaway foreign workers to correct their status through the ministry’s Qiwa platform, according to local sources. “Those workers, against whom there is an absence report, can utilize the grace period, starting from Dec. 1 and ending on January 29, 2025, to transfer their services to another employer,” the Qiwa platform, under the ministry, revealed. The platform called on workers, who meet the conditions, to quickly transfer their services to another facility through the service available on the Qiwa platform before the end of the specified deadline on January 29. It indicated that the campaign aims to enhance the stability of the labor relationship and give workers an additional opportunity to correct their status in line with the regulations and allow them to transfer their services to another employer. It stressed the need to take advantage of the available period before the expiry of the deadline. The Qiwa platform aims to provide all work system services digitally and safeguard the rights of contractual parties such as employers and employees while ensuring a stable and attractive working environment. The ministry has updated […]
6 hours ago
164 Employees From 4 Ministries Arrested Over Corruption Charges
The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) announced the arrest of 164 employees from four ministries over corruption charges. The arrested employees from the ministries of interior, health, education, and municipalities and housing were accused of bribery and abuse of office. Some of the arrested employees were released on bail, Nazaha said in a statement on Sunday. The Nazaha officials carried out 1635 inspection tours during the last month of November and initiated a number of criminal and administrative cases against those charged with crimes of corruption. The authority carried out investigations into corruption charges against 370 employees.
6 hours ago
GACA Introduces Annual Permits for Private Non-commercial Aircraft
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has approved the issuance of annual permits for private non-commercial aircraft operated by foreign companies, subject to conditions. This new move ensures private aircraft owners can travel to and within the Kingdom without requiring individual permits for each trip. This step aligns with GACA’s strategic objectives to enhance collaboration with strategic partners and entities while building sustainable and efficient transportation systems in Saudi Arabia. It supports the implementation of the Kingdom’s Public Aviation Roadmap and contributes to the Vision 2030 goal of fostering a safe, seamless, and high-quality aviation experience in the country. The initiative underscores GACA’s commitment to adopting robust regulatory frameworks that guarantee security, efficiency, and operational excellence. It aims to facilitate the operation of centralized private flights in Saudi Arabia, providing maximum convenience to travelers.
9 hours ago
Max Verstappen Wins Qatar GP, F1 Teams Title Race Goes on After Lando Norris Penalty
Max Verstappen won his ninth race of the season on Sunday at the Qatar Grand Prix, which was marked by a key penalty and three appearances by the safety car. The Dutchman started one place off the pole after a penalty in qualifying but quickly took control. Sunday’s race slowed almost as soon as it began, with a safety car coming out on the first of 57 laps due to an incident involving Nico Hulkenberg. It looked as if Lando Norris would challenge Red Bull’s Verstappen, who won the season drivers’ title last weekend in Las Vegas. But officials assessed a 10-second stop/go penalty, contending Norris failed to slow under a double-yellow flag, putting him out of contention. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari finished six seconds behind Verstappen, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in third. The gap closed in the race for the team title, with McLaren standing 21 points ahead of Ferrari. In the final Formula One race of the season, set for next weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 44 points will be available for the constructors’ championship. George Russell of Mercedes, who held the pole position on Sunday, finished in fourth place, followed by Alpine’s Pierre Gasly.
9 hours ago
Mbappe and Bellingham Respond to Unhappy Fans With Goals in Real Madrid’s 2-0 Win Over Getafe
Kylian Mbappe made some peace with Real Madrid’s fans. Mbappe scored in Madrid’s 2-0 win over Getafe in the Spanish league on Sunday to help ease the pressure on the France star. Mbappe, who has been criticized by some supporters because of his disappointing performances since joining the Spanish powerhouse this season, found the net in the 38th minute to seal Madrid’s victory at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Mbappe was coming off a lackluster outing — which included a missed penalty kick — against Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday. Jude Bellingham, also the target of some fans’ criticism for recent poor play, had put Madrid ahead at the Bernabeu by converting a 30th-minute penalty. He also assisted in Mbappe’s goal — a well-placed low shot from outside the area. Mbappe had scored only once in the team’s last six matches across all competitions, and twice in the last nine games. “He played very well, was active and was as dangerous as always,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “He scored and created opportunities. He was very active, it’s what we want from him.” Mbappe was still far from his best, and he did not take the penalty kick which […]
9 hours ago
60 Passengers Stranded for Over 13 Hours at Kuwait Airport Depart for Manchester
Indian passengers who were stranded for over 13 hours after their flight was diverted due to a technical snag departed early on Monday from Kuwait, Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a statement. The statement added that the embassy team was on the ground till the Gulf Air flight departed. In a post on X, it said, “Gulf Air flight to Manchester finally departed at 4.34am today.” The 60 passengers, travelling on Gulf Air flight GF 005 from Mumbai to Manchester, complained of facing discomfort as the airline failed to provide food, accommodation, or basic assistance during their extended wait. The situation escalated as passengers voiced their grievances on social media, which eventually prompted a response from the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. The Embassy said, “Food and water is available for the stranded passengers at the lounges.” The embassy officials said that the passengers were accommodated in two airport lounges. “Embassy had immediately taken up the matter with Gulf Air in Kuwait. A team from Embassy is at the airport to assist the passengers and coordinate with the airline.” Arzoo Singh, one of the stranded passengers travelling from Mumbai to Manchester, said: “After we raised the issue on social media, […]
9 hours ago
Several Reckless Drivers Arrested in Fujairah
A number of reckless drivers have been arrested in Al Faqit area, Fujairah Police said in a social media post. The drivers have been referred to Public Prosecution, authorities added. Earlier this year, Fujairah Police arrested several motorists for illegally racing on a public road in the emirate. The authorities investigated the incident, which took place in March, in Al Sodah region, by monitoring surveillance footage. It was revealed that one vehicle lost control, swerved off the road, spun, and collided with a rail barrier. After videos of the incident were circulated in early 2024, authorities swiftly tracked down the perpetrators.
10 hours ago
King Abdulaziz Camel Festival Starts in Al-Sayahid
The ninth King Abdulaziz Camel Festival began on Sunday in Al-Sayahid in the southern part of Al-Dahna Desert under the theme “Pride of its People.” The event continues its mission to preserve and promote the camel as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s cultural identity, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Camel Club Chairman Fahd bin Falah bin Hathleen said the one-month festival reflects the significant attention the Saudi leadership gives to national heritage. He added that this year’s edition is set to be the largest and most diverse in the festival’s history, with more activities and participants. Bin Hathleen said various cultural and heritage activities blending authenticity with innovation will take place, including camel beauty competitions that attract owners and visitors from around the world. He emphasized cultural attractions such as the Aqilat Museum, which offers insights into the Arabian Peninsula’s history, and exhibitions that celebrate the creativity of Saudi artisans. Visitors can engage in interactive experiences such as camel riding, milking and feeding. Bin Hathleen said poetry holds a central role at the festival, with a poetic duel — a prominent traditional art form — expected to captivate enthusiasts in a lively, engaging atmosphere. There will also be innovative competitions that […]
15 hours ago
Police Recover BD150K Jewellery Set in 2 Hours
The Southern Governorate Police got back a jewellery set worth BD150,000 lost in a shop that is taking part in Jewellery Arabia within two hours of the case being reported. When the case of the lost set was reported, search and investigation operations were carried out, including reviewing the CCTVs. It was found that one of the workers had thrown it with waste in a garbage bag and placed it in the designated place for waste. The set was found and handed over to the jewellery store. Legal proceedings were taken.
15 hours ago
Man Gets 15 Years, BD 5,000 Fine For Smuggling Drugs In Cereal Boxes
A man was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined BD 5,000 by the First High Criminal Court after attempting to smuggle drugs concealed in cereal boxes. Police revealed the defendant hollowed out clothing to hide the narcotics and enlisted his sister to distract customs officers. The case came to light when airport customs officers flagged the man’s suspicious behaviour upon his arrival from an Arab country. A captain from the Anti-Narcotics Directorate testified that the man’s luggage contained 53 pieces of cannabis wrapped in nylon, 1,975 Captagon pills hidden inside cereal boxes, over 1,000 psychotropic pills (including Lyrica and alprazolam), and 101 grams of suspected cocaine in his backpack. Authorities discovered that the pills were sewn into clothing and food containers were altered to appear untouched. It was also noted that the defendant had used his sister to create a diversion, hoping to evade detection. A follow-up raid on his home uncovered 34.47 grams of cannabis hidden under his bed, along with cutting tools, packaging materials, and an electronic scale. Prosecutors confirmed that the smuggling attempt occurred earlier this year. While the man initially claimed the drugs were for personal use, further investigation revealed his intention to sell them.
15 hours ago
BD250,000 Stolen in Covert Car Rental Scheme, Three Employees Sentenced
Three Asian employees at a car dealership have been sentenced to one year in prison and deportation for embezzling BD253,631 by turning company cars into a covert rental scheme. The trio, aided by two accomplices, used forged invoices and erased company records to siphon the proceeds, which they split among themselves. Vehicles were discreetly rented out near Andalus Park, with accomplices advertising and delivering them to renters. The dealership’s lawyer, Issa Al Wadaei, revealed how the employees abused their roles and falsified records to mask the theft. The court ordered the stolen amount to be repaid, with a related civil claim for additional damages referred to the Civil Court.
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