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11 hours ago
The Saudi Border Guard in the Makkah region successfully apprehended a person in possession of methamphetamine. The arrest took place during a routine patrol in the Rabigh area. The suspect and the confiscated drugs were transferred to the relevant authorities following initial legal procedures. Meanwhile, in Jazan, security forces thwarted two attempts to smuggle qat, an illegal stimulant plant. Authorities seized 60 kg of qat, while security forces in Al-Dayer governorate seized an additional 146 kg in a separate operation. All seized substances were handed over to authorities for further action.
11 hours ago
In a highly anticipated showdown at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the Green Falcons lost 2-0 to Japan in the third group stage of the Asian World Cup qualifiers for 2026. Despite the defeat, Saudi fans, who packed the stadium with an impressive 56,000-strong crowd, were a shining presence throughout the match. Hopes were high among the Saudi faithful for another victory in the qualifiers, especially against a Japanese side that had failed to win in Jeddah for several years, suffering three consecutive defeats. However, the Samurai Blue entered the match with a mission to avenge their past losses, and they delivered with a determined performance. Japan took the lead in the 14th minute with a goal from Daichi Kamada, who finished a well-executed team move with a close-range shot that found the back of the net. Saudi star Salem Al-Dawsari led a promising attack in the 41st minute, setting up Saud Abdulhamid for a stunning shot from outside the box, but Japan’s goalkeeper made a brilliant save to deny the equalizer, turning it into a corner kick. The Green Falcons thought they deserved a penalty just before halftime when Musab Al-Juwair went down in the box, but after reviewing […]
11 hours ago
An investigation has been ordered after a citizen travelled to Lebanon with his family in violation of a travel ban. The accused travelled to Lebanon via another country. Attorney General Dr Hamad Al Shamsi, who ordered the investigation, said the accused put his life and that of his family at risk by his action. He called on the citizens of the country to abide by the decisions issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding travel ban to certain countries and explained that such instructions primarily aim at safeguarding citizens. The Attorney General said any violation of the travel ban is a crime punishable by imprisonment and a fine, or one of these two penalties, in accordance with the provisions of the Crimes and Penalties Law. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (MoFA) website, UAE citizens are not allowed to travel to Lebanon “until further notice”. The move is owing to security concerns associated with the escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah. Currently, UAE citizens are also not allowed to travel to Afghanistan, except for the country’s diplomatic missions, emergency treatment cases and pre-authorised official, scientific and economic delegations, states MoFA. In another travel advisory on its website, […]
12 hours ago
With four days to go before opening day, Dubai’s Global Village on Friday activated its online ticketing platform. Visitors can now buy entry passes. The popular festival park will be back for its Season 29 on Wednesday, October 16, with a new ‘restaurant plaza’ and three more cultural pavilions. Now available on GV’s official website (www.globalvillage.ae), entry tickets start at Dh25. Here are the prices: Last season, those booking online could get weekday tickets at Dh22.50 each and any-day passes at Dh27. Entry is still free for children aged 3 and below, seniors above 65 years old, and people of determination. Timings This season of the Global Village will run until May 11, 2025. Park operating hours will be: What’s new Crowd-favourites Railway Market and Floating Market will be reopening with new design concepts, while the Fiesta Street will have double-story street kiosks. Foodies shouldn’t miss the upcoming ‘Restaurant Plaza’ next to the Carnaval fun-fair area. It will feature 11 two-storey restaurants, where guests can enjoy a variety of cuisines while enjoying live shows and performances.
12 hours ago
The Ministry of Education in Kuwait is grappling with a surge in retirement applications, as approximately 2,500 employees from educational, supervisory, and administrative roles seek to leave their posts. The wave of resignations has overwhelmed the administrative sector responsible for processing retirements, putting the ministry under significant pressure to handle the backlog within a one-month deadline. Educational sources report that the high volume of requests has strained ministry staff, who must complete a series of procedural steps for each retiree, including verifying documentation and coordinating with the Public Institution for Social Security to ensure legal compliance. The influx of retirements not only burdens the administrative staff with a heavy workload but also poses challenges for filling the vacancies left behind. With critical roles now open across educational, administrative, and supervisory levels, the ministry faces the urgent task of recruiting qualified candidates to maintain the continuity of Kuwait’s educational system. Administrative staff are working closely with social security authorities to streamline retirement processes and ensure retirees receive their benefits on time. Efforts are underway to enhance efficiency in processing retirements, including streamlining documentation and bolstering interdepartmental cooperation. Sources have urged the ministry to consider staff redistribution and prioritise recruitment efforts to […]
12 hours ago
Heavy rains lashed Mecca on Thursday, bringing thunderstorms and torrents that swept through the holy city and surrounding areas. Videos shared widely on social media captured the intensity of the downpour, which followed a wave of dust that had earlier reduced visibility across the region. The National Meteorological Centre had previously issued alerts warning of moderate to heavy thunderstorms, with potential flooding and hail in parts of Mecca, Jizan, Asir, Al Baha, and Medina. The forecast also called for strong winds carrying dust, with thunderstorms expected across parts of the Eastern Province and fog likely in some coastal areas of Tabuk. Thursday’s storms led to flash floods in several valleys and low-lying areas in Mecca, with authorities urging residents and visitors to exercise caution. Civil Defense officials advised the public to avoid valleys and follow safety guidelines as torrents surged through the streets, creating a dramatic scene of rain-drenched cityscapes that resonated with onlookers. The Saudi Meteorological Department’s report highlighted continued unstable conditions, including northwesterly winds over the Red Sea, reaching speeds up to 50kmph and resulting in high waves. Similar gusty conditions are expected along the Arabian Gulf, where rough seas are anticipated in central and southern regions. With […]
13 hours ago
Out of the world’s top 15 growth cities, 14 are forecast to be located in Asia, according to the Growth Hub Index 2024 by British real estate service Savills. These cities have been identified as set to develop particularly quickly by 2033, based on indicators measuring rising wealth, expanding economies and the potential for new development and business expansion. As the following chart, via Statista;’s Anna Fleck, shows, four Indian cities feature in the top 10, with Bengaluru in the top position. It is followed by Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and India’s Delhi. Several reasons are cited for the anticipated rise in Asia, including how many parts of the region have embraced tech-driven growth, while at the same time continuing to benefit from a strong traditional manufacturing sector. Many Asian cities are also forecast to see a growing middle class as personal wealth rises across the region, while at the same time they have strategies to improve connectivity and to invest in infrastructure. Savills analysts note that innovation hubs can attract new businesses, which in turn increases demand for office space, manufacturing spaces and housing and that if rapid urbanization is managed well, then it can lead to better health outcomes of populations and improved […]
13 hours ago
After Wednesday’s phone call involving President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – the US and Israel have moved closer on achieving consensus regarding Israel’s planned retaliation against Iran. There have been reports that Netanyahu is now seeking the approval of his security cabinet, however regional media says that no big resolutions have been reached. The expected big counterstrikes have yet to come, despite Iran firing some 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on October 1st. But The Wall Street Journal has described Iran’s “secret warning” conveyed to other Middle East regional countries this week as it braces for Israel’s potential retaliation. “Tehran is threatening in secret diplomatic backchannels to target the oil-rich Arab Gulf states and other American allies in the Middle East if their territories or airspace are used for an attack on Iran, said Arab officials,” writes WSJ. Israel could potentially use Jordanian, UAE, or possibly Saudi airspace in such an attack, despite these countries on an official level rejecting such a possibility. We detailed this week that the gulf states are pushing hard for Israel to avoid hitting Iranian oil facilities, on fears that Tehran would in turn authorize its proxies to attack Saudi Aramco sites, like happened in 2019. According to more from the WSJ: The Arab officials said the countries […]
16 hours ago
Etihad Airways is boosting its weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Jaipur to ten a week from December 15, 2024. The announcement, coming less than four months after the airline began serving the Rajasthan city, underlines the popularity of the route. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad, said: “We’ve seen sensational demand for this service, and in response, we are giving even more love to India by increasing our weekly flights, providing the frequency and convenient timings our guests desire. Etihad Airways Jaipur to Abu Dhabi flights “This expansion gives Indian travellers easy access to both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, while offering smooth connections to our global network, all with the promise of an exceptional flying experience.” Guests flying from Jaipur to the United States can take advantage of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at Abu Dhabi, streamlining the immigration process and ensuring a hassle-free journey. The increase in the Jaipur frequency further highlights Etihad’s deepening commitment to the Indian market where the airline has increased its capacity by more than a third over the past 12 months, and recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its first service to the subcontinent. The flights will […]
16 hours ago
The UAE Cabinet, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the country’s official stance on artificial intelligence (AI) policy internationally. Developed jointly by the Office of the Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology and the Office of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, the policy represents a strategic step within the UAE’s comprehensive foreign policy framework, designed to tackle the complex challenges presented by AI on the global stage. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasised that the UAE government plays a key role in shaping global AI governance frameworks and international policies by proactively contributing to multilateral platforms dedicated to establishing an effective and responsible AI sector. UAE approves AI poilcy He said: “The UAE has become a significant player in the global governance of artificial intelligence, actively contributing to international policy discussions and helping define the standards and frameworks that will shape the future of AI”. He added that this policy is set to strengthen the UAE’s global leadership in AI, ensuring that technological advancements go hand in […]
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