Gulf Insider

2 minutes ago

Bahrain International Airshow’s Eighth Edition Rescheduled to November 2028

The Supreme Organising Committee of the Bahrain International Airshow has announced that the eighth edition of the event, previously scheduled for 18–20 November 2026 at Sakhir Air Base, will now take place from 15 to 17 November 2028. The revised dates are intended to allow for broader international participation from visitors, exhibitors, delegations and industry partners, enabling them to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by an airshow renowned for its standing on the global stage. The Supreme Organising Committee said it looks forward to staging the eighth edition of the Bahrain International Airshow from 15 to 17 November 2028, creating the right conditions to attract wide international participation and to strengthen the presence of the aviation community in the Kingdom of Bahrain. “Preparations for the eighth edition are continuing in close coordination with stakeholders, partners and the international aerospace community,” the Committee said. “This will reinforce the airshow’s role in building partnerships, supporting business and international trade opportunities, and cementing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a leading destination for specialised international events. We look forward to welcoming exhibitors, visitors, delegations and partners to the Kingdom of Bahrain in November 2028.” The Bahrain International Airshow was launched in […]

Qatar

3 minutes ago

Qatar to digitise sweetened drink registration process from November 1

Qatar will introduce a new electronic process for registering sweetened drinks from November 1, 2026. Under the new system, analysis certificates will be submitted through the Dhareeba platform, eliminating the need for taxpayers to upload them manually, Qatar’s General Tax Authority (GTA) said, in a statement carried by the country’s news agency. The process will begin with taxpayers submitting their product registrations on Dhareeba. They will then send product samples to laboratories accredited by the Ministry of Public Health and registered with the GTA for testing. Once the laboratory approves the product, its test results and analysis certificate will be automatically transferred to Dhareeba, removing the need for taxpayers to upload the documents manually. The GTA said the direct electronic integration will reduce paperwork, improve the accuracy of submitted information and speed up the product registration process. The move comes as Qatar expands its excise tax on sweetened drinks. The GTA said the new system is part of its wider efforts to improve digital services and strengthen coordination between government agencies.

Saudi Arabia

3 minutes ago

Saudi-led coalition in Yemen says 73 injured in Houthi attacks on the kingdom

At least 73 people were injured in attacks on Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said on Tuesday, vowing to respond firmly to the latest outbreak of hostilities. The Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen and much of the north, have been launching attacks towards Saudi Arabia since they declared a naval blockade against Riyadh in July, with strikes targeting its vessels in the Red Sea. The latest escalation was ‘dangerous’, as the Houthis attacked civilian and economic entities in the kingdom, the spokesperson of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said on Tuesday. The Houthis launched attacks on targets in the cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, it added. “The coalition will take all necessary operational measures to deter this terrorist militia and resolutely confront its hostile approach,” Colonel Turki al-Malki said in a statement on X. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs later strongly condemned the Houthi militia’s targeting of civilian and economic facilities in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. It also condemned the continued targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea and threats to the freedom of international maritime navigation. Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry said several […]

GCC Countries

4 minutes ago

One visa for 6 Gulf countries: GCC chief says scheme will launch ‘soon’

The long-awaited unified GCC tourist visa will “see the light soon”, the Gulf bloc’s secretary-general has said, indicating that the Schengen-style permit is moving closer to launch. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said the visa would make it easier for international visitors to travel between all six member states. His comments came during a special session at the Security and History Dialogue 2026 in Riyadh on September 6. He did not specify a launch date or give further details about the visa’s cost, validity or application process. The unified permit, also referred to as the GCC Grand Tourist Visa, is expected to allow foreign tourists to visit the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait on a single visa, similar to how the Schengen visa facilitates travel across several European countries. As reported previously, the permit had been approved, with implementation being handled by interior ministries and other relevant authorities. The unified tourist visa proposal was unanimously approved by GCC tourism ministers in October 2023. The following month, GCC interior ministers approved the unified Gulf tourist visa, moving the scheme further towards implementation. In June 2025, UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al […]

UAE

6 minutes ago

Popular Indian restaurant Chokhi Dhani Dubai to close permanently on September 15

Popular Indian restaurant Chokhi Dhani Dubai has announced that it will permanently close its doors, with its final day of operations set for September 15, 2026. The Al Seef restaurant shared the news in an Instagram post, thanking customers for the celebrations and memories they had shared at the venue over the years. “After many memorable moments, shared celebrations, and countless experiences together, Chokhi Dhani Dubai will be closing its doors permanently,” the restaurant said. It added: “To everyone who visited us, celebrated with us, and became a part of our journey, thank you for all the love and memories.” The restaurant did not disclose the reason behind the closure. Known for offering a dining experience inspired by Rajasthan, Chokhi Dhani Dubai served traditional Indian dishes in a setting featuring elements of the region’s culture and hospitality. The venue also thanked customers in the caption accompanying its announcement. “For years, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming you, celebrating with you, and sharing a little piece of India with you here in Dubai,” it said. “As we prepare to welcome you for the final time on 15th September 2026, we simply want to say thank you for being a part of […]

Saudi Arabia

7 minutes ago

New tourist, residential project along Arabian Gulf coast announced in Saudi Arabia

A new mega tourist and residential project has been announced in Saudi Arabia, on the Al Khafji coast overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The development will span around 20 square kilometres, with a 10-kilometre waterfront along the Gulf. It is aimed at addressing the growing demand for tourism and stay in in the northern part of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the launch of the Gulf Coast Development Company, which will oversee the development. PIF said that the new firm will develop the project in partnership with the private sector. The PIF has revealed some key details about the new destination. 1. Size: The development will introduce three neighbourhoods to the Al Khafji Governorate. It will offer: Full suite of public commercial, tourism and educational facilities 2. Timeline: The development will be completed in three phases, with the first set to be finished by 2030. 3. Location: The Al Khafji Governate was chosen for its strategic location, with close proximity and easy access for both visitors from other Gulf nations, as well as local travellers from Saudi Arabia. Saad Alkroud, Head of Local Real Estate Investments at PIF, said, “The Gulf Coast Development Company will capitalise on Al Khafji’s cultural […]

Saudi Arabia

8 minutes ago

Wijnaldum joins Al Ittihad as RSL transfer window closes

Georginio Wijnaldum has joined Al Ittihad on an initial one-year contract, returning to the Roshn Saudi League after leaving Al Ettifaq earlier this summer. The former Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was announced late Sunday as one of the headline signings on a busy final day of the 2026-27 summer transfer window. Wijnaldum, 35, spent three seasons at Al Ettifaq, where he established himself as a key figure and club captain before departing as a free agent in July. The Netherlands international scored 36 goals and provided 16 assists in 96 RSL appearances for the Dammam club. His most productive campaign came last season, when he recorded 16 goals and seven assists. He now joins Al Ittihad, the 2024-25 Saudi champions, as the Jeddah club strengthens its midfield for the new campaign. Across Jeddah, Al Ahli completed the signing of French midfielder Ibrahima Diaby from Belgian side Cercle Brugge and brought in right-back Saeed Baattiah from Al Fateh. The back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite winners also loaned forward Ricardo Mathias to Al Shabab. Al Qadsiah added two midfielders, signing 19-year-old Mahamadou Sangare from Manchester City and taking Saudi youngster Abdulmalik Al Jaber on loan from Al Nassr. Sangare follows Tijjani […]

Saudi Arabia

9 minutes ago

SR2000 fine for driving with mismatched vehicle license

The General Directorate of Traffic said that driving a vehicle with a license that does not match the vehicle’s size and type of use is a traffic violation. In a statement on its X account, the directorate stated that fines ranging from SR1000 to SR2000 will be imposed on those committing such a violation.

Oman

10 minutes ago

Oman navy rescues 16 crew members from Saudi vessel struck by Iran

Rescue mission follows fatal Iran attack on Saudi oil ship near Hormuz Oman’s navy on Monday revealed that it had rescued 16 crew members from a Saudi-flagged oil tanker that Iran attacked one week ago in the Strait of Hormuz. “A Royal Navy of Oman vessel provided logistical support to the tanker’s 25-member crew and evacuated 16 crew members while ensuring that the necessary medical care was provided,” Oman’s Maritime Security Centre said in a statement. The statement did not elaborate on the fate of all the crew members but confirmed two seamen on the vessel, the SIDR, had been killed in the incident. Saudi Arabia’s national shipping firm said on Wednesday that two Filipino sailors were killed when the tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz as fresh violence flared between the US and Iran earlier in the week. After six months of war, the foes remain at an impasse, with Iran disrupting traffic in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the US persisting with a counter-blockade of Iranian ports.

Saudi Arabia

11 minutes ago

SR100,000 fine and jail: Saudi Arabia warns employers over workers taking outside jobs

Authorities urge residents and employers to comply with residency, labour and border rules Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has warned individual employers that allowing their workers to take jobs with others or work for their own account could result in imprisonment, a fine of up to SR100,000 and a lengthy ban on recruiting new workers. The ministry said employers found in violation could face up to six months in prison, in addition to being barred from recruiting workers for as long as five years. The warning is part of the authorities’ enforcement of the Kingdom’s residency, labour and border security regulations, which restrict workers from taking employment outside the arrangements under which they were legally recruited. The ministry called on employers and workers to comply fully with the regulations and urged members of the public to report violations. Reports can be made by calling 911 in Mecca, Medina, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia

12 minutes ago

Engine failure forces Jeddah-bound Malaysia Airlines flight to land in Chennai

Flight carrying 186 people lands safely after Engine No. 2 fails; no injuries reported A Malaysia Airlines flight travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah made an emergency landing at Chennai airport on Monday after developing a technical problem involving one of its engines. Flight MH156, operated by an Airbus A330-200, was carrying 186 people when it diverted to the southern Indian city after a problem was detected with Engine No. 2. Chennai airport declared a full emergency at 4.07pm IST and activated emergency response measures, with fire tenders, ambulances and security personnel positioned as a precaution. The aircraft landed safely at 4.44pm and was directed to Bay 45. “It was a smooth landing. All passengers are safe,” a senior Chennai airport official told NDTV. According to Chennai airport, the flight was diverted after Engine No. 2 failed. The pilot contacted air traffic control and requested an emergency landing after the problem emerged while the aircraft was operating the Kuala Lumpur-Jeddah route. Passengers were evacuated safely after landing and their baggage was removed from the aircraft. “Further assessment of the aircraft and the technical issue is being carried out by the airline and relevant technical teams,” an airport spokesperson said, according […]

World

13 minutes ago

Jordan probes suspected mass poisoning of dozens of cats in Amman

Animal deaths in ِAl Rashid suburb spark public outrage and calls for accountability Jordanian security authorities have launched an investigation into the suspected poisoning of dozens of cats in an Amman neighbourhood, an incident that has triggered widespread anger and calls for those responsible to be prosecuted. Environmental police and other relevant authorities are investigating the deaths in the Al Rashid suburb of the Jordanian capital after residents filed official complaints, according to local media reports. Residents said dozens of cats they had routinely fed and cared for were found dead or suddenly disappeared, raising suspicions that the animals had been deliberately poisoned. Local news reports, citing residents, said suspicion had fallen on a woman and another person following earlier disputes over feeding cats in the residential complex. Authorities have not announced any charges, and the allegations have not been independently established. The tensions had escalated in the days before the deaths, with residents saying a woman had confronted and threatened another resident over feeding the animals, arguing that the area was private property where feeding cats was prohibited, according to local reports. The subsequent deaths shocked residents, who reported the incident to authorities and called for an investigation to […]

Kuwait

19 minutes ago

Over 67? Kuwait orders co-ops to end employment of affected staff

Affected workers must receive their full financial and employment entitlements Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs has instructed cooperative societies and unions to identify employees aged over 67 and take the necessary steps to terminate their services under applicable laws, regulations and decisions. The ministry said all employees affected by the directive must receive their full financial and employment entitlements, according to Aljarida newspaper. The Union of Cooperative Societies has been asked to circulate the instructions to all cooperative societies and provide the ministry with evidence that the measures have been implemented. It must also submit a list of employees covered by the decision within 30 days. The move is intended to regulate employment across the cooperative sector, support workforce replacement plans and create opportunities for young and qualified Kuwaiti talent. The ministry said the measure forms part of efforts aligned with the objectives of Kuwait Vision 2035.

Saudi Arabia

20 minutes ago

Saudi Arabia bans 30 foods and drinks from school canteens

Education Ministry tightens food safety rules and pushes healthier choices for pupils Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education has banned the sale and marketing of 30 food and drink items in school canteens, including processed meat, chips, cold tea and fizzy drinks, as part of new measures aimed at providing pupils with healthier and safer food choices. The ministry said the restrictions were designed to promote awareness of healthy nutrition and ensure that balanced food options were available in schools, while strengthening compliance with health standards governing the preparation and serving of meals. The banned list includes fizzy drinks, energy and sports drinks, cold tea, juices containing artificial colours, mortadella, ice cream, chocolate-coated biscuits, peanuts, flavoured and chocolate milk, croissants, chips and confectionery. Breaded meat, poultry and fish products are also prohibited, along with sandwiches containing custard, chocolate, toffee or vanilla fillings, as well as chewing gum, mayonnaise and pickles. The ministry also introduced stricter requirements governing how food sold in schools is prepared, packaged, transported and stored. Food intended for sale must be prepared on the same day it is offered to pupils, while refrigerated products must meet stringent packaging, transport and storage requirements. Separate conditions have been set […]

Oman

20 minutes ago

Oman introduces new EV charging fees of up to 120 baisa per kWh

New rates will vary according to charging capacity, with three tariff categories Oman will introduce regulated fees for electric vehicle charging from October 1, with motorists paying between 50 and 120 baisa per kilowatt-hour depending on the capacity and speed of the charger. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology announced the new tariff structure in coordination with the Authority for Public Services Regulation and Oman Net Zero Centre as part of efforts to regulate the country’s growing EV charging market. Under the approved rates, charging stations with a capacity of up to 90 kilowatts will charge 50 baisa per kWh. The tariff will rise to 90 baisa per kWh for chargers with capacities ranging from 91kW to 180kW, while chargers with a capacity of 181kW or more will charge 120 baisa per kWh. The new pricing framework is intended to improve transparency for EV owners and users while supporting the expansion and long-term sustainability of Oman’s charging infrastructure. Authorities said the tariffs were set following a comprehensive study of the economic and operational aspects of EV charging stations. The study sought to strike a balance between keeping charging affordable for motorists and ensuring that operating charging stations remains […]

Search Here

Recent Posts

Search Here

Featured Posts

Useful Links

Subscribe to our mailing list

Online Magazine