Gulf Insider

15 hours ago

Rabi Al Awwal crescent photographed in Abu Dhabi on August 13

The last crescent moon of the Islamic month of Safar was photographed by the Khatm Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi on August 12, UAE’s Astronomy Center said. Wednesday, August 12, is the 29th day of the month of Safar in some Islamic countries including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Palestine and Egypt. According to the Astronomy Center, the image clearly showed that the crescent could not be sighted on Wednesday, and thus, the 30th day of Safar would mark the last day of that month and the next month of Rabi Al Awwal will start on Friday, August 14. Last crescent moon of Safar photographed by the Khatm Astronomical Observatory on August 12. Photo: Astronomy Center On August 13, the Khatm Astronomical Observatory captured the Rabi Al Awwal crescent in the afternoon. Since the image was captured before sunset, it does not indicate the start of the next Islamic month. Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday falls on 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal in the Hijri calendar. Calculating from Friday, August 14, this would fall on August 25. However, UAE is yet to officially announce this date. Earlier, Friday, August 28, 2026, was declared as a public holiday for public […]

UAE

15 hours ago

Dubai Fitness Challenge returns with 30 minutes of daily activity for a month

Dubai Fitness Challenge is back with its 10th edition to encourage residents and visitors to make physical activity an integral part of daily life. This year’s edition will run from October 31 to November 29, 2026, Dubai Media Office announced. The month-long initiative will once again invite participants to complete 30 minutes of activity every day for 30 days, turning the city into a hub of fitness, wellness and community participation. Set to be its largest and most community-focused edition yet, DFC 2026 will build on the impact of its first nine editions, helping reshape attitudes towards physical activity and make active living an integral part of life in the city. The milestone edition will invite residents and visitors of every age, ability and fitness level to commit to 30 minutes of physical activity every day for a month. It will also harness digital innovation to connect with more people in new ways and further strengthen Dubai’s global profile as a destination for sport, wellness and active living. Organised by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council, the 2026 programme will feature the flagship Dubai Run, Dubai Ride, Dubai Stand Up Paddle and Dubai Yoga […]

UAE

15 hours ago

UAE to expand organ transplants to include face, hand, uterus, intestine

The UAE plans to expand its organ transplant programme to include procedures involving the face, hands, arms, uterus and intestine, as part of the next phase of the country’s transplant services. The Ministry of Health and Prevention said future plans under the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues, known as Hayat, include widening the types of organs and tissues that can be donated and transplanted. Among the planned procedures are intestine and uterus transplants, as well as what are known as vascularised composite tissue transplants. These can involve complex body parts such as the face, hands and arms. The expansion would take the UAE’s transplant programme into highly specialised areas that require several medical teams and careful coordination before, during and after surgery. The Hayat programme also plans to expand tissue donation to include corneas, bones, skin and heart valves. Another area being developed is donation after circulatory death, or DCD. This refers to organ donation after a person’s heart and blood circulation have permanently stopped. The Ministry said that expanding these pathways could help increase the availability of organs and tissues for patients who need life-saving or life-changing treatment. The plans form part of […]

Saudi Arabia

15 hours ago

12 Saudi students represent Kingdom at International Standards Olympiad in South Korea

Twelve Saudi male and female students will represent the Kingdom at the 21st International Standards Olympiad, competing alongside participants from 13 countries. Held annually in South Korea since 2006, the Olympiad will take place in Goyang from Aug. 12 to 14. Members of the Saudi Standards Team were selected and prepared through a comprehensive training program conducted in cooperation between the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), the Ministry of Education, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). Saudi Arabia made its debut at the Olympiad in 2024, becoming the first Arab country to participate in the competition. Across its previous two appearances, the Kingdom has won five international awards, including one gold medal, two silver medals, one bronze medal, and an honorary award. The participation builds on the Kingdom’s efforts to identify talented students and prepare them to compete at international scientific events, while providing them with valuable experiences that deepen their understanding of the importance of standards and their role in improving the quality of products and services. The International Standards Olympiad aims to raise awareness among middle and high school students about standards, metrology, and quality, while encouraging them to […]

Saudi Arabia

15 hours ago

Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve records 3 Arabian gazelle births

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority recorded three new Arabian gazelle births in the Al-Taysiyah area during the second quarter of 2026. The births reflect progress in conservation programs for endangered wildlife species. The births also highlight the success of breeding efforts in increasing Arabian gazelle populations, supporting their reintroduction into their natural habitats and enhancing biodiversity and sustainability within the reserve. The recorded births are part of an integrated system adopted by the authority to restore wildlife species. The process begins with breeding and population development, followed by habitat protection and preparation, ultimately leading to reintroduction. This approach enhances the prospects of establishing stable populations in their natural habitats and transforms breeding programs from efforts focused on wildlife conservation into a pathway for restoration and long-term sustainability. The breeding of Arabian gazelles in Al-Taysiyah reflects the development of the authority’s breeding programs and their ability to achieve results that support the growth of targeted populations. It also strengthens Al-Taysiyah’s role in the authority’s wildlife conservation efforts as an area hosting programs to breed wildlife species and develop their populations in their natural habitats. Breeding programs are an important tool for restoring native wildlife and conserving […]

Saudi Arabia

15 hours ago

Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Al-Nusfan wins Asian squash gold with 3-0 victory

Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Al-Nusfan won gold at the Asian Hong Kong U19 Junior and Cadet Squash Championship with a 3-0 victory. Competing in the championship in Hong Kong, Al-Nusfan claimed first place after defeating Hong Kong’s Wing Lung 3-0 in the final. The tournament is one of the Asian federation’s major gold-category championships and featured 320 players across the junior and cadet categories.

Kuwait

15 hours ago

Kuwait foils terrorist plot targeting vital facility

The Ministry says security agencies will step up efforts to counter threats to stability The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior on Wednesday foiled a terrorist plot targeting a vital facility in the country and arrested a Kuwaiti national affiliated with Daesh before executing his plan, following intensive security monitoring and surveillance. This came in a statement by the ministry carried by the Kuwait News Agency. The statement said investigations revealed that the suspect had received training related to the manufacture of explosives and drones and had built a drone with the intention of using it to carry out his terrorist plot and target a vital facility. The necessary legal procedures were taken against the suspect, who was referred to authorities to complete investigations and take the required measures in accordance with the law. The Ministry of Interior affirmed that its security agencies will continue their proactive efforts to monitor and confront any activities or plans that could threaten the country’s security and stability, stressing that it will show no leniency toward anyone seeking to undermine national security or the safety of citizens and residents and will deal firmly with any suspicious activities in accordance with the law.

Oman

15 hours ago

Oil spill off Oman reportedly reaches mainland: UN agency

Oman on Monday said it was working to contain the spill, which had affected 390 square km An oil spill from a tanker that ran aground off Oman’s coast has reportedly begun reaching the mainland, as monsoon winds obstructs containment efforts, the United Nations’ maritime agency said Wednesday. An AFP investigation had earlier found that the ship had been stranded for weeks near Oman’s al-Qibliyyah island after it was rocked by explosions. “The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is closely monitoring the oil leakage from the crude oil tanker CAROLINE BEZENGI, which grounded off the coast of Oman on 30 June 2026 and is currently around 22 nautical miles offshore of Sharbithat, Oman,” a spokesperson for the agency said. “Oil is drifting offshore to the northeast of Al-Qibliyyah Island with some oil reported to be reaching the mainland,” the spokesperson said, adding that “the seasonal monsoon has limited access to the vessel and delayed salvage operations”. The Oman News Agency (ONA) meanwhile quoted authorities as saying that “today’s monitoring results showed that some beaches in the Ras Madrakah area were affected by oil pollution”, on the sultanate’s southeastern coast. Oman on Monday said it was working to contain the spill, which […]

Oman

15 hours ago

Oman plans four new industrial cities under 2026-2030 development drive

Projects in four governorates aim to boost investment, jobs and economic diversification Oman’s Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) is moving ahead with plans to establish four new industrial cities across the Sultanate as part of the five-year development plan (2026-2030), expanding industrial investment beyond existing economic centres. The new industrial cities will be developed in Al Suwaiq in North Al Batinah, Al Mudhaibi in North Al Sharqiyah, Thumrait in Dhofar and Mudhaffar in Musandam. The projects support the economic and development priorities of Oman Vision 2040, particularly efforts to accelerate development across the governorates, promote sustainable cities and strengthen economic diversification. Khalid bin Sulaiman Al Salehi, General Manager of Marketing and Commercial Affairs and official spokesperson for Madayn, said the projects were designed to strengthen Oman’s investment environment and support sustainable economic growth. The new industrial destinations will feature modern infrastructure and integrated logistics services aimed at attracting investment and supporting industrial activity. Madayn assesses several factors before establishing new industrial cities, including their potential contribution to balanced geographical development and their ability to strengthen the competitiveness and economic advantages of individual governorates. The expansion also seeks to increase private-sector participation in the economy and create an attractive labour […]

Saudi Arabia

15 hours ago

Heavy rain, thunderstorms forecast across southwestern Saudi Arabia through Saturday

Jazan and Asir face heaviest rain, with showers also forecast in Mecca and Al Baha Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast to affect parts of southwestern Saudi Arabia through Saturday, with Jazan and Asir expected to bear the brunt of the unsettled weather, according to the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM). Forecasts from the Saudi Numerical Model show rain developing over southern Asir early on Thursday before shifting towards Jazan and the Farasan Islands. After a temporary lull, light to moderate showers are expected to return to southern Jazan later in the morning. Conditions are forecast to intensify during the afternoon, with rain spreading across much of Jazan and parts of western Asir. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected between the afternoon and evening, with thunderstorms developing near the Asir-Jazan border before conditions gradually ease later at night. Rain is expected to return on Friday morning over southern Asir and eastern Jazan before strengthening again during the afternoon. Moderate rainfall is forecast across much of Jazan, while showers could also affect areas east of Taif and northwestern Asir. Rain over western Asir is expected to intensify later on Friday, while conditions in Jazan gradually ease. On Saturday, light rain is […]

Saudi Arabia

15 hours ago

Saudi Arabia moves to prohibit children in fundraising advertising, introducing stricter governance and transparency

Draft rules tighten controls on donation campaigns and protect beneficiaries’ privacy Saudi Arabia is moving to prohibit the use of children in fundraising advertisements under new draft rules aimed at tightening oversight of donation campaigns and protecting donors and beneficiaries. The National Center for the Non-Profit Sector has published its draft Fundraising Governance Rules on the Istitlaa public consultation platform, with comments and feedback accepted until September 10. The 18-article draft sets out requirements for fundraising licences and establishes controls covering donation appeals, advertising campaigns, in-kind contributions and contracts with marketing and advertising providers. Under the proposed rules, fundraising advertisements would be prohibited from featuring children or containing misleading, exaggerated or inaccurate information. Campaigns would also be barred from using language suggesting guaranteed rewards, misinterpreting religious texts or publishing material that could damage the reputation of charitable work or provoke controversy. Advertisements would be required to include a QR code linked to the “Donate Safely” service, allowing donors to verify the validity and scope of a fundraising licence. The proposals also introduce safeguards for beneficiaries, prohibiting their photography or portrayal in ways that undermine their dignity or exploit their humanitarian circumstances. Organisations would need consent before using individuals’ contact details […]

Qatar

15 hours ago

Woman admitted to ICU after weight-loss balloon bursts in stomach

Gastric balloon ruptured three days after procedure at private hospital A Qatari woman was admitted to intensive care after suffering serious health complications when a gastric balloon inserted for weight loss burst inside her stomach about three days after the procedure, according to a local media report. The woman underwent the gastric balloon procedure at a private hospital in an attempt to lose weight, but her condition deteriorated suddenly a few days later after the balloon ruptured inside her stomach. She was subsequently transferred from the private hospital where the procedure was performed to Hamad General Hospital, where she was admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment. The incident has renewed attention on the potential complications associated with weight-loss procedures and the importance of choosing specialised medical centres and ensuring that such procedures are performed under the supervision of experienced medical teams. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that patients are fully informed about potential risks and complications before deciding to undergo weight-loss procedures.

World

18 hours ago

Swedish PM Calls Spanish Illegal Immigrant Amnesty ‘Very Bad Idea’

Authored by Guy Birchall via The Epoch Times, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has called the Spanish government’s amnesty for illegal immigrants a “very bad idea,” warning that it could spark another migrant crisis akin to the one that beset the continent in 2015. The center-right politician, who is running for reelection next month, told the Financial Times in an interview published on Aug. 11 that the Spanish amnesty for more than a million illegal immigrants had caused a “pretty big outcry” at the last summit of EU leaders. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government granted a royal decree on April 14, launching the regularization of people living illegally in the country. The proposal was first presented on Jan. 27 to allow about 500,000 illegal immigrants already living and working in Spain to obtain legal status through an accelerated process. According to figures from the Spanish government, almost 1.2 million applications for regularization were received. The move was controversial, but the migrant surge in Ceuta, a Spanish exclave on the North African side of the Mediterranean at the end of July, compounded concerns. Kristersson said a knock-on effect from Madrid’s move could pose a serious threat to the European Union’s […]

World

18 hours ago

British Youth Taught To Chant ‘Our Country Is An Arab Country’ At Pro-Gaza Camp

Authored by Steve Watson via Modernity News, More than 100 young people gathered in the English countryside for what organisers called a summer school. Instead of hiking and games, they were led in Arabic chants calling for victory over Zionism and declaring “our country is an Arab country.” Footage of the event, later posted by the organisers themselves, has forced a public investigation and raised serious questions about what is being allowed to take place on British soil under the banner of “youth education.” The four-day residential, organised by Palestinian Youth Movement Britain, took place at the Youth Hostel Association’s Edale Activity Centre in the Peak District over the late May bank holiday. Participants recited anti-Israel slogans and discussed the “next phase of our national liberation struggle.” Classroom sessions featured lectures on Ghassan Kanafani, the former spokesman for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a group designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States and the European Union. A banner in Arabic declared “Our revolution is for victory.” In videos shared by the group, a woman leads the attendees in chants that include “We will crush Zionism” and “Young people, rise up, our revolution is an Arab […]

Bahrain

19 hours ago

CBSE Schools in Bahrain: Fees, Admissions and What Parents Should Know

CBSE schools in Bahrain educate tens of thousands of children, making the Indian board one of the largest curriculum streams on the island. For the many Indian families here, and for some other South Asian families, a CBSE education offers continuity with home, affordable fees and a clear route into Indian universities. The system has its own rhythm, though, and it differs from the September-to-June pattern that governs most other schools in Bahrain. Understanding how the boards work, when the academic year runs and where the fees sit will save you confusion at admission time. This guide covers all of it. Why Bahrain has such strong demand for CBSE Indians form one of the largest expatriate communities in Bahrain, with families working across healthcare, retail, banking, construction and engineering. Many intend to return to India eventually, or want the option open, so schooling that keeps children aligned with the Indian system carries obvious value. A child who studies CBSE in Bahrain can move to a CBSE school in Kerala, Mumbai or Delhi with minimal friction, because the syllabus is the same board-prescribed programme. The Central Board of Secondary Education is India’s largest school board, and its affiliated schools abroad follow […]

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