18 seconds ago
UAE Ranked 2nd Safest Country In The World
The UAE has been ranked the second safest country in the world, achieving an impressive safety index score of 84.5, according to the 2025 Safety Index by Numbeo. Andorra claimed the top spot with a score of 84.7, while Qatar secured third place, followed by Taiwan in fourth. GCC countries dominated this year’s rankings, with Oman joining Qatar in the top five by securing fifth place globally. Additionally, the UAE ranked as the country with the second-lowest crime rate in the 2025 Crime Index by Numbeo, further reinforcing its reputation as one of the safest nations worldwide. Numbeo’s data is based on surveys conducted among its users, with questions modeled after scientific and government surveys. These surveys assess perceptions of crime levels, safety concerns, and experiences with property and violent crimes to compile the safety and crime indices. 20 safest countries in the world According to the 2025 Safety Index by Numbeo, the 20 safest countries in the world include:
10 minutes ago
Kuwait Sees 84,442 Divorces In A Year – 231 Per Day On Average
As more Kuwaiti families fracture under the weight of outdated legal frameworks, calls are mounting for urgent reform of the country’s Personal Status Law. With divorce rates reaching unprecedented levels, 84,442 cases recorded last year alone an average of 231 divorces per day — lawyers and human rights advocates warn that the current system is failing families, deepening social divides, and undermining women’s rights. Legal professionals are urging the government to prioritise amendments to key provisions related to alimony and child visitation. Among their top demands is the reinstatement of court-supervised visitation arrangements and stricter penalties for parents who fail to comply with rulings. Others have pushed for raising the legal marriage age to 18 for both men and women, arguing that early marriages deprive young people —especially girls — of education, autonomy, and the opportunity to choose a suitable partner. Attorney Fawaz Al Shallahi welcomed the Ministry of Justice’s ongoing efforts to modernise the law, describing them as long overdue. He emphasised the need for a revised legal framework that introduces tighter restrictions on divorce procedures and strengthens protections for children post-separation. “This is not just a legal reform — it’s a social necessity,” he said. Al Shallahi also […]
1 hour ago
Yemen: Father Kills Two Young Men Over PUBG Game Dispute, Just Before Iftar
A petty dispute over an online video game turned deadly in Yemen’s Hadramaut governorate, where an elderly man shot and killed two young men after they allegedly refused to play the popular game PUBG with his son. The shocking incident occurred just before iftar in Wadi Amd district, southeastern Yemen. According to local media reports and a statement by the Yemeni Ministry of Interior, the conflict began at a café near the suspect’s home, where a disagreement escalated between the two victims and the suspect’s son. The victims, identified as 20-year-old Ali Mohammed Basaleeb and his 18-year-old brother, Majed, reportedly declined to join the suspect’s son in playing PUBG — a popular online multiplayer battle game. The refusal led to an argument that quickly turned physical. Authorities say the son informed his father about the altercation. The 55-year-old man, identified by initials A.M.A.B., intervened in the dispute armed with a firearm and, without hesitation, opened fire on the two brothers, killing them instantly. He later surrendered to local police. In a statement, the Interior Ministry’s media department confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody and that the victims died at the scene despite attempts to provide emergency assistance. “The […]
1 hour ago
Kuwait To Keep Evening Shift For Government Employees Until June
An evening shift, which went into effect in Kuwait in January, will be kept until June on a trial basis, according to a Kuwaiti media report. The system targeting government employees aims to improve the work environment, boost productivity rates, and reduce traffic congestion in the morning. The system also seeks to give members of the public greater flexibility in accessing government services by extending working hours to suit different schedules. “The experiment is currently being evaluated to boost its positive aspects, address any negatives, and avoid any obstacles,” Al Anba newspaper reported, citing unidentified sources. According to the rules set by the Civil Service Commission, Kuwait’s state employment agency, for implementing the system, each government agency is authorised to set the evening working hours, with a total of four and a half hours worked per day. Evening shifts must not begin before 3:30pm. The sources told Al Anba that an employee, who has joined the evening shift and now wishes to return to work in the morning, is required to get approval from the relevant government agency. “If the employee does not receive this approval, he/she will continue to work for at least seven consecutive months,” the sources added. However, these sources remarked […]
1 hour ago
Kuwait Uncovers Raffle Fraud: Egyptian Woman, Officials Under Investigation
Kuwaiti authorities are expanding an investigation into a suspected fraud network that manipulated raffle draws, with an Egyptian woman accused of winning multiple prizes under suspicious circumstances. The primary suspect, an Egyptian expatriate, was arrested Sunday evening at Kuwait International Airport as she allegedly attempted to flee the country, according to officials familiar with the matter. The case, which has stirred public and media attention, also involves a Ministry of Commerce employee and the woman’s husband, both of whom have been detained. Early findings suggest that the scheme dates back to 2023 and could include more than six individuals, with connections that may extend beyond Kuwait’s borders. Preliminary confessions by the suspects have led investigators to believe that the woman repeatedly entered raffle draws using slight variations of her name — alternating between first and last, first and middle, and full names — to evade detection. The cars she allegedly won, seven in total, were reportedly registered in her husband’s name and later sold for profit. Authorities suspect the fraud ring to be more extensive than initially thought, involving individuals of multiple nationalities, including Egyptians, Indians, Asians, and Kuwaiti citizens. Investigators are now seeking official permission to access communication records between the […]
2 hours ago
GCC Unified Visa Faces Delays Over Security Concerns, Says Omani Minister
Efforts to roll out a unified visa for GCC countries have hit a roadblock, with Oman’s minister of heritage and tourism confirming that security concerns and differing national perspectives are causing significant delays. Speaking during the Shura Council’s eighth regular session, Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi acknowledged that while the unified visa initiative was formally approved in 2023, it remains under study and is unlikely to be implemented in the near future. “The unified GCC visa is still in the research phase,” Al Mahrouqi told council members, citing unresolved issues related to security and coordination among the six GCC nations — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The visa scheme, often likened to Europe’s Schengen system, is intended to simplify travel across the Gulf by allowing tourists to move freely between member states on a single visa. Advocates argue it would strengthen the region’s appeal to international travelers and foster deeper economic cooperation. But behind closed doors, concerns about security, data sharing, and immigration control have reportedly slowed momentum, despite public support for the concept among tourism authorities.
2 hours ago
Saudi Arabia: Expat Doctor Arrested For Circulating Offensive Acts Through Social Media
An expatriate doctor working at a private healthcare facility in Riyadh was arrested for violating the provisions of the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions and the Anti-Cybercrime Law. The doctor was caught circulating unprofessional and offensive behavior through social media. The Ministry of Health has initiated the necessary legal action against him for violating the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions and the Anti-Cybercrime Law. The case against him has been referred to the security authorities. The ministry reiterated that it will not tolerate any abuse by a healthcare practitioner or facility that harms the dignity of patients or the community. It called on Saudi citizens and expatriates to report to it any such violations or irregular practices through official communication channels.
2 hours ago
TGA Detects 13,000 Transportation Violations In Makkah And Madinah Last Week
Inspection teams from the Transport General Authority (TGA) have detected 13,000 transportation violations in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah during the last week. The violations were discovered during 54,000 field inspections carried out between March 16 and 22. The inspections were held as part of intensified campaigns to enforce regulations governing transportation activities, including verifying licenses, assessing vehicle conditions, and identifying unauthorized operations. The TGA continues its oversight efforts during Ramadan in coordination with relevant government agencies to ensure high-quality transportation services for worshippers and Umrah pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah. In Makkah, 43,000 inspections were conducted, resulting in 11,000 violations, primarily for operating unlicensed vehicles, failure to comply with uniform requirements, and employing unauthorized drivers. Violations also included deficiencies in vehicle equipment and safety standards, with an overall compliance rate of 90 percent. In Madinah, 11,000 inspections were conducted, detecting 2,000 violations related to unlicensed vehicle operations, inadequate technical equipment, and the employment of unauthorized drivers. TGA continues its field inspections to enhance transportation services for pilgrims, aligning with their needs and improving the overall efficiency of the transportation and logistics sector.
2 hours ago
Saudi Arabia: GACA imposes SR3.8 million in aviation fines in Q1 2025
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) imposed fines totaling SR3.8 million in the first quarter of 2025 for violations of civil aviation regulations, according to a report released by the authority’s violations committee. The report detailed 147 violations issued against airlines and individual travelers who failed to comply with aviation laws, executive regulations, and directives set by the authority. Two airlines were fined a total of SR15,000 for failing to implement the Advance Passenger Information System and violating competition guidelines. Another 63 violations were issued for airlines that did not properly verify passengers’ travel documents or failed to adhere to their assigned time slots, resulting in fines exceeding SR1 million. The most significant penalties came from 61 violations related to passenger rights protection laws, leading to fines of over SR2.7 million. Additionally, 21 individual travelers were fined a total of SR12,400 for violating in-flight safety regulations and engaging in disruptive behavior on board. The aviation authority said the penalties reflect its commitment to transparency and regulatory oversight, as well as efforts to enhance passenger experience and improve air transport services in Saudi Arabia.
2 hours ago
Heavy Rain And Hail Transform Asir Into Winter-Like Landscape
A powerful storm swept across the Asir region on Tuesday, bringing heavy rain and large hail that blanketed mountain peaks and roads, transforming the landscape into a winter-like scene rarely seen in the area. The storm affected Abha and nearby areas, including Al-Soudah, Tabbab, Bilahmar, Khamis Mushayt, Ahad Rafidah, Sarat Abidah, Al-Harajah, Tanomah, Al-Namas, and Balqarn. Hail accumulated across open spaces and mountaintops, creating dramatic views as sunlight filtered through dense clouds. Videos and images shared widely on social media showed roads and highlands blanketed in white, drawing residents and visitors outdoors to witness and capture the unusual weather event. Authorities have advised caution, warning of potential flooding in valleys and low-lying areas, as well as reduced visibility caused by intense rainfall and hail. Emergency teams remain on alert as unstable weather conditions are expected to continue in parts of the region.
2 hours ago
Sweden Proposes Higher Income Requirement For Foreigners To Acquire Citizenship
The Swedish Ministry of Justice has introduced a new proposal to tighten citizenship requirements by raising the minimum income threshold for applicants. Under the draft memorandum, individuals seeking Swedish citizenship would need to demonstrate an annual income equivalent to three income base amounts — translating to a gross monthly salary of approximately SEK 20,000 (approximately €1,830). The government says the move is designed to reinforce the value of Swedish citizenship and ensure that applicants are firmly rooted in the labor market. “Being granted Swedish citizenship is something you should feel proud of,” said Migration Minister Johan Forssell. “We are tightening the requirements to make it more meaningful and to ensure that those who become citizens have made an effort to become part of our society.” This proposal is part of a broader integration strategy supported by the ruling coalition and the right-wing Sweden Democrats which keep the government in power, and aims to strengthen societal cohesion. Forssell emphasized that the new requirement aligns with existing standards for self-sufficiency and is intended to motivate migrants to seek employment and settle in regions with better job opportunities. The memorandum also outlines the government’s intention to exclude certain types of income from the annual calculation […]
2 hours ago
China’s Purchases Stall After Trump’s Tariff Threat On Buyers Of Venezuelan Oil
China, the biggest buyer of oil from Venezuela, saw trade with Venezuela stall on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Monday 25% tariffs on the goods of any country buying Venezuelan oil. Traders and refiners in China were caught off guard by Monday’s executive order and are waiting to see whether Beijing will have some direction on the matter, trading sources told Reuters. China is the biggest buyer of Venezuelan oil and is estimated to be importing via various – often opaque – channels about 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and fuel from Venezuela. A large share of the cargo is being rebranded as coming from Malaysia after trans-shipments in Asian waters. Some Chinese buyers are now refraining from touching Venezuelan oil amid the latest uncertainty from the U.S. sanctions and trade policy. “The worst thing in the oil market is uncertainty. We won’t dare touch the oil for now,” a senior executive at a regular Chinese trader of Venezuelan oil told Reuters. On Monday, President Trump said in an executive order that “On or after April 2, 2025, a tariff of 25 percent may be imposed on all goods imported into the United States from any country that imports Venezuelan oil, whether […]
5 hours ago
Bahrain Announces Holidays for Eid Al-Fitr
HRH Prince Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, issued a circular on the Eid Al-Fitr holidays. The circular stipulates that the Kingdom’s ministries and public institutions will close on the day of Eid Al-Fitr and the two days that follow.
10 hours ago
Saudi Arabia to Launch First Space Research Mission on Eye Microbiome
A Saudi nonprofit, Falak for Space Science and Research, is preparing to launch the Kingdom’s first space-based experiment focused on the human eye, in collaboration with SpaceX as part of the FRAM2 mission later this month. The groundbreaking mission will investigate how microgravity affects the eye’s natural microbiome, offering insights that could benefit astronaut health and unlock new medical discoveries on Earth. According to Falak, all necessary preparations — including sample collection, integration, and transportation — have been completed ahead of launch. Dr. Ayoub Al-Subaihi, CEO of Falak and the mission’s principal investigator, described the initiative as a major milestone for Saudi Arabia’s emerging space sector. “We are proud to be the first Saudi society specializing in space science and its applications,” he said. “In a short time, we’ve made a tangible impact through research and training programs that have supported students and scientists. This mission marks the next step in our journey.” Al-Subaihi emphasized the importance of nonprofit contributions to scientific advancement. The experiment will study how bacteria in the eye respond to low-gravity environments by analyzing genetic and protein changes that may impact astronaut health. Researchers will assess whether microgravity alters microbial resistance to antibiotics and encourages biofilm […]
10 hours ago
Kuwait: Policeman Gets 4 Years in Jail for Bribe Scam
A Kuwaiti criminal court has sentenced three defendants, including a policeman, to four years in prison each for involvement in smuggling mobile phones to inmates in exchange for money. The other defendants are an inmate and a mediator, according to Media Court, a Kuwaiti website reporting about legal cases. The case involved the smuggling of eight mobiles in return for a bribe of KD1,000 ($3,244). They were referred to the public prosecution after they had been caught red-handed committing the illegal act via surveillance cameras. The cop has been dismissed from his job and ordered to pay double the bribe sum. In recent months, Kuwait took legal action against several law enforcers accused of wrongdoing. Earlier this month, a Kuwaiti police officer was discharged for having violated rules on good conduct. The step was taken after Kuwait’s Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Fahd Al Yousuf received information about an officer appearing in a video clip driving his car blaring out loud music with a girl sitting next to him, Al Rai newspaper reported, quoting well-informed sources. The officer, who worked for the Interior Ministry, was summoned and questioned. He admitted that the video was his, and that the escort […]
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