Gulf Insider

4 minutes ago

Al-Maliki: Three Drones From Iraq Intercepted And Destroyed After Entering Saudi Airspace

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defence Maj. Gen.Turki Al-Maliki said that three drones were intercepted and destroyed after entering Saudi Arabia’s airspace from Iraq on Sunday morning. Al-Maliki affirmed that the Ministry of Defense reserves the right to respond at the appropriate time and place. He said that Saudi Arabia will take all necessary operational measures to counter any attempted aggression against the Kingdom’s sovereignty, security, or the safety of its citizens and residents. READ MORE: Civil Defense Bans Entry And Use Of Gas Cylinders At Holy Sites From Monday

Electrical Generator Fire Outside Barakah Plant Perimeter Did Not Affect Its Safety, Basic Systems Readiness

UAE

13 minutes ago

FANR: Electrical Generator Fire Outside Barakah Plant Perimeter Did Not Affect Its Safety, Basic Systems Readiness

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) stated that it is continuing to closely monitor the incident involving a fire in an electrical generator located outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region, caused by a drone strike. FANR confirmed that the incident did not affect the safety of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant or the readiness of its essential systems. No release of radioactive material There has been no release of radioactive material, radiological safety levels remain within normal ranges, and there is no risk to the public or the environment. No injuries have been reported. FANR are maintaining close coordination with the plant operator and the relevant national authorities to verify all aspects of the incident and to confirm the continued integrity and readiness of plant systems. As part of its independent regulatory oversight, FANR is assessing the event in accordance with established national procedures and maintaining continuous monitoring of radiological conditions and plant status. The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant was designed, licensed, and is operated in accordance with the highest international standards of nuclear safety and security. Multiple independent layers of protection are built into every aspect of the plant’s […]

Oil prices up sharply as traders weighed ongoing supply disruptions, benchmark crude contracts further above the $100/barrel mark

World

19 minutes ago

Oil Prices Up Sharply As Traders Weighed Ongoing Supply Disruptions, Benchmark Crude Contracts Further Above The $100/Barrel Mark

Oil prices rose sharply on Monday (May 18) as traders weighed ongoing supply disruptions tied to tensions in the Middle East and tightening global inventories, pushing benchmark crude contracts further above the $100-per-barrel mark. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed $1.22 to $106.64 a barrel in early trading as of 9:24 am Tokyo time. Brent crude, the international standard, gained $1.03 to $110.29 a barrel. Murban crude surged 3.15% to $108.00, while the OPEC basket advanced nearly 7% to $115.09. Natural gas futures also moved higher, rising 2.06% to $3.021 per million British thermal units. Volatility Energy markets remained volatile amid continued uncertainty surrounding shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil exports. Moody’s Ratings, in its latest energy industry report, said the disruption to one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes is increasingly looking less like a short-term shock and more like a structural risk that could reshape global trade, energy markets and economic planning well beyond 2026. Analysts said fears of prolonged disruptions have kept a geopolitical risk premium embedded in crude prices. Supply losses The International Energy Agency (IEA) said last week that global oil inventories are falling at a […]

Kuwait

34 minutes ago

Kuwait Arrests Doctor Over Alleged Cocaine Trafficking

Kuwait’s General Department for Drug Control has arrested a Kuwaiti doctor employed by the Health Ministry on suspicion of possessing cocaine and narcotic pills intended for distribution and trafficking, authorities said. The arrest followed what officials described as extensive surveillance and detailed investigations into the suspect’s movements, local media reported. Anti-narcotics officers apprehended the suspect in possession of the drugs during what authorities said was a flagrant arrest operation. The Interior Ministry said the seized substances included quantities of cocaine and various narcotic tablets that had allegedly been prepared for promotion and distribution. Kuwaiti authorities have intensified anti-drug operations in recent months as part of broader efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and distribution across the country. No further details were immediately released regarding the quantity of drugs seized or potential charges against the suspect. READ MORE: Kuwait Launches Online Self-Service System For Work Permit Renewals

Garage Suspicion Uncovers Drug Network Owner Alert Triggers Police Investigation

Bahrain

45 minutes ago

Garage Suspicion Uncovers Drug Network Owner Alert Triggers Police Investigation

The High Criminal Court of Appeal is set to issue its verdict on June 22 in a drug trafficking and possession case involving four defendants, following an investigation that began after a garage owner reported suspicious activity at his workshop. According to case details, the owner became concerned after noticing repeated visits by individuals who did not bring vehicles for repair, raising suspicions of possible illegal activity involving one of his employees. The case escalated when the owner confronted the worker, who failed to provide clear explanations for the frequent visits. Shortly afterwards, three men arrived at the garage asking for the employee before fleeing when questioned about possible drug-related activity. The owner later escorted the employee to the police and filed a report. Security forces subsequently searched the suspect’s residence, where they found 195.3 grams of cannabis hidden in packaged form.Investigations by the Anti-Narcotics Directorate suggested the first defendant was part of an organised trafficking network using a “dead drop” method to distribute drugs without direct contact between buyers and sellers. The Court of First Instance had previously sentenced the main defendant, a garage worker, to 10 years in prison, fined him BD5,000, and ordered his deportation after serving […]

Civil Defense Bans Entry And Use Of Gas Cylinders At Holy Sites From Monday

Saudi Arabia

56 minutes ago

Civil Defense Bans Entry And Use Of Gas Cylinders At Holy Sites From Monday

The Civil Defense forces participating in Hajj operations confirmed the prohibition on the entry and use of liquefied gas cylinders of all types and sizes in pilgrim hospitality centers and government facilities within the holy sites, effective from the morning of Monday, the first day of Dhul Hijjah, corresponding to May 18. This measure comes as part of comprehensive preventive efforts implemented by the Civil Defense to reduce fire risks during the 2026 Hajj season. The forces stated that any gas cylinders or cooking stoves found in use will be confiscated, and legal procedures will be taken against violators in coordination with the relevant security authorities. The Civil Defense said that preventive supervision teams willintensify monitoring and inspection campaigns to ensure that gas is not used at the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat, covering all locations and facilities within the holy sites area to preserve the safety and security of pilgrims. READ MORE: Arafat Day On Tuesday, May 26 And Eid Al-Adha On May 27

Arafat Day On Tuesday, May 26 And Eid Al-Adha On May 27

Saudi Arabia

1 hour ago

Arafat Day On Tuesday, May 26 And Eid Al-Adha On May 27

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court announced on Sunday that Standing at Arafat, which marks the climax of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, will be on Tuesday, Dhul Hijjah 9, corresponding to May 26, and the first day of the Eid Al-Adha celebrations will be on Wednesday, May 27. According to the Supreme Court statement, carried by the Saudi Press Agency, Monday, May 18, is the first day of Dhul Hijjah. The court made the announcement following the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah in the Kingdom. The Crescent Sighting Department of the Supreme Court took this decision after holding a session on Sunday evening and reviewing the testimonies submitted by a number of witnesses with regard to the sighting of the crescent moon for the month of Dhul Hijjah. While making this announcement, the Supreme Court prayed to God to bestow Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman the best reward for the services they provide to the guests of God. It also supplicated God to enable the pilgrims perform their rituals of Hajj in ease and comfort and accept from them, as well as to preserve the security, […]

Massive Mushroom Cloud 'Test' Blast Rattles Uninformed Residents Outside Jerusalem

World

1 hour ago

Massive Mushroom Cloud ‘Test’ Blast Rattles Uninformed Residents Outside Jerusalem

Late Saturday night, a massive explosion and a bright fireball illuminated the skies over Israel’s Beit Shemesh, deeply rattling local residents and setting off rampant speculation in local media and online commentary. The area lies just 19 miles west of Jerusalem, close enough to be located within Jerusalem District. Curiously, the state-owned Tomer rocket propulsion defense ministry-linked firm subsequently sought clarify that the blast was actually a controlled, pre-planned test and that authorities were notified in advance. However, community members have complained about receiving absolutely no warning, and were shocked at the immensity of the blast which lit up the night sky, visible for many miles. Tensions were already running high in the city which had been struck multiple times by Iranian missiles during the recent war. The sudden detonation fueled widespread anxiety and anger among residents already on edge, bracing for the potential renew of the Iran war and thus Iranian ballistic missile attacks. Times of Israel has cited Channel 12, saying that “the test involved propellants for rockets, including those with a range of thousands of kilometers.“ The same report interestingly called it “apocalyptic” in appearance but suggested this was misleading: On Sunday, Kan reported that in the wake of the panic caused by […]

Attack Drone Hits Near UAE Nuclear Power Plant

UAE

2 hours ago

Attack Drone Hits Near UAE Nuclear Power Plant

Abu Dhabi authorities report that a kamikaze drone struck an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Al Dhafra. Officials said there were no injuries, no impact on radiological safety levels, and no disruption to plant operations. Dubai-based newspaper cited the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, which said the one-way drone attack on the Arab world’s first commercial nuclear facility did not affect the safety of the nuclear power plant or the readiness of its essential systems. FANR added that all systems were operating normally as of late Sunday. Barakah operates four APR-1400 reactors with a combined capacity of 5.6 gigawatts, generating about 40 terawatt-hours annually, or about 25% of the UAE’s electricity. Any successful attack on Barakah would cripple the UAE’s power grid. The incident comes as the broader U.S.-Iran truce remains fragile, with President Trump recently describing the ceasefire as being on “life support.” Trump told reporters on Friday that Iran’s latest proposal was “unacceptable” and blamed the Iranians for backtracking on the nuclear issue. In response to Iranian demands, the Trump administration has set five conditions of its own for Tehran, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency. Those conditions include: Here are […]

Trump Tells Iran 'Clock Is Ticking, Move Fast' After New Peace Proposal As Analysts Predict Likely Return To War

World

2 hours ago

Trump Tells Iran ‘Clock Is Ticking, Move Fast’ After New Peace Proposal As Analysts Predict Likely Return To War

President Trump has warned Iran on Sunday that the “clock is ticking” as Pakistani-mediated talks have not only stalled, but show no signs at all of restarting anytime soon. “They better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them,” he wrote on Truth Social. “TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!” He spoke the same day with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who along with Lindsey Graham has been calling for resumption of robust anti-Tehran action to ensure Iran can never go nuclear. Trump’s words have been somewhat of a familiar refrain going back several weeks. As we detailed below, Iran says it received a counter proposal of ‘5 conditions’ for peace from the White House. In many ways they are directly opposite the 5 conditions Iran sent to the US last week, which Trump had rejected as “garbage”. But as yet there’s been no indicator that the US side has attached a timeline to its latest demands. Trump is perhaps pushing this new “clock is ticking” as a timeline threat of sorts. But again, there was no specific date included in the fresh warning. Last week Bloomberg Intelligence circulated a report titled, Iran Rejects Trump’s Offer – Return to War Likely. It concluded: The […]

Abu Dhabi Authorities Respond To Fire Incident Near Barakah Nuclear Plant After Drone Strike

UAE

2 hours ago

Abu Dhabi Authorities Respond To Fire Incident Near Barakah Nuclear Plant After Drone Strike

Abu Dhabi authorities responded to a fire that broke out in an external electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region, following a drone strike. No injuries were reported, and officials confirmed there was no impact on radiological safety levels. All precautionary measures were taken, with further updates to follow as they become available. FANR confirms plant safety unaffected The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) said the incident did not affect the safety of the nuclear power plant or the readiness of its essential systems, adding that all units are operating normally. Authorities urge caution over misinformation Officials urged the public to rely only on verified sources of information and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified reports. READ MORE: UAE Skilled Private-Sector Workforce Grows 1.5%

Saudi Arabia

15 hours ago

Saudi Embassy In UK Urges Citizens To Stay Away From Gatherings

The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the United Kingdom has urged all Saudi citizens to exercise caution and stay away from gatherings in London. In a statement issued on Friday, the Embassy said: “Demonstrations are expected to take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in several areas. We urge everyone to exercise caution, adhere to the instructions of local authorities, and avoid gatherings and demonstrations for your safety.” The embassy pointed out that in case of any emergency, the citizens should contact directly on the unified number for Saudi affairs (00447799519495). The Saudi Embassy’s advisory came amid reports of planned rival marches in London on Saturday.

Crime

15 hours ago

Bahrain: Eight Face Trial Over BD800,000 Gold Theft

The Fourth Lower Criminal Court issued its ruling in a case involving eight defendants accused of stealing gold bullion, luxury watches and other valuables worth more than BD800,000 from a residence in the Juffair area. According to court files, the victim reported leaving his home on February 28 and returning on March 6 to discover the property had been burgled. Stolen items included 22 Rolex watches, around 1.5 kilograms of gold and nine small gold bars weighing nine grams each, which had been stored inside a steel safe in a bedroom. Investigators from the Capital Governorate Police Directorate reviewed surveillance footage from the surrounding area and identified a vehicle parked near the residence on the morning of March 2. Authorities also found that internal security cameras inside the house had been covered during the incident. Police later identified and questioned the vehicle’s owner, who denied direct involvement in the theft. He claimed he had been with friends on the rooftop of a nearby building watching what he described as shelling linked to the Iranian aggression against Bahrain. He later admitted that some acquaintances had shown him part of the stolen items in Sanabis and that he had received one watch […]

Bahrain

15 hours ago

Bahrain: Crabs Return To Markets

Crabs have returned to markets across Bahrain after the end of a two-month seasonal fishing ban aimed at protecting marine stocks, authorities and vendors said. The Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE) lifted the annual ban on crabs in Bahrain’s territorial waters, effective Saturday, May 16, 2026, following a closure that began on March 15. At Manama’s Central Market, traders said demand quickly picked up as supplies resumed. “Crabs have returned to the market, and so has their demand,” said Shankar, a local vendor at the Central Market in Manama. Prices currently range between 800 fils and 1.500 dinars per kilogram, depending on variety and availability. Female yellow-spotted crabs, prized in local markets for their softer and richer meat, are selling at slightly higher prices than male blue crabs, with a difference of around 100 to 200 fils due to seasonal supply patterns. The General Administration of Marine Resources said the annual ban on fishing, trading and sale of crabs is part of Bahrain’s broader efforts to protect marine resources and ensure long-term sustainability in its waters. Officials said the restrictions are designed to safeguard breeding and reproduction cycles, helping maintain healthier marine populations and improving stock availability during the […]

Crime

15 hours ago

Bahrain Jails Man For Life Over Iran, Hezbollah Links

The court sentenced a man to life in prison on Sunday after convicting him of collaborating with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement, in a case authorities as a threat to national security. The High Criminal Court also ordered the confiscation of seized materials after finding the defendant guilty of seeking and communicating with what prosecutors called “terrorist organisations”, obtaining sensitive information and delivering it to a foreign state for hostile purposes against Bahrain. In a statement, the head of the Terror Crimes Prosecution said the accused had also been convicted of endorsing and supporting “terrorist and hostile acts” targeting the kingdom. According to prosecutors, investigations by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science found that Lebanon’s Hezbollah had recruited the suspect while he was inside Bahrain after he allegedly sought to join the group. Authorities said he had been tasked with sending information, photographs and videos related to what prosecutors described as “Iranian aggression” against Bahrain to electronic accounts allegedly operated from Iran under the supervision of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian intelligence agencies. Prosecutors said the information was intended to benefit “the enemy” and threaten Bahrain’s security as well as the safety of […]

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