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4 weeks ago
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has announced violations against six pharmaceutical facilities that failed to have registered products available for the local market or did not report an expected shortage or interruption in supply. The authority said that its inspectors identified the violations during monitoring and inspection visits in July, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The authority stated that it imposed penalties and financial fines exceeding SR121,000 ($32,000), in accordance with the Pharmaceutical and Herbal Facilities and Products Law and its implementing regulations. According to the law, manufacturers and warehouses of pharmaceutical and herbal products must maintain a permanent stock of their registered preparations sufficient for a period of six months, based on consumption data and annual demand reviewed by the authority. Unless a decision is issued by the authority to cancel the registered product, the law requires manufacturers and warehouses to address any shortage in stock within a maximum of three months. The law stipulates that pharmaceutical and herbal product manufacturers and warehouses are obligated to inform the authority of an expected shortage or interruption in the supply of registered products for a period of not less than six months from the expected shortage date. They are also […]
1 year ago
The Lamborghini Urus Performante is an absolute game-changer in the world of supersport utility vehicles. With its introduction in 2017, this insanely powerful car has made its mark as a true all-around super sports car. The exterior design is defined by its liberal use of lightweight carbon-fibre components, providing significant weight reduction and bringing an undeniable sporty, sleek and bold presence on the road. Driving the Urus Performante is a thrill not just for its roaring sports titanium exhaust system but also for the pleasant suspension that balances power with comfort. While appearing colossal from the outside, the car is practical and user-friendly to drive. The interior showcases Alcantara and carbon fibre materials, giving it a refined, contemporary feel with a touch of exclusivity through Performante logos and contrast stitching. The interior is designed to make drivers feel like a pilot, ready to take on any challenge with ease. With top speeds reaching 306 km/h, powered by 8 cylinders and capable of going from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.3 seconds, the Urus Performante lives up to its promise of driving exhilaration and pure performance. Lamborghini Connect ensures that drivers stay connected while driving the Urus Performante, thanks to […]
1 year ago
The SUV market has experienced tremendous growth over the past two decades. While modern SUVs have been present since the 1980s with the introduction of the Jeep Cherokee XJ, it was in the late 1990s that mainstream automakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche entered this segment. Since then, SUVs have surpassed other vehicle types to become some of the best-selling cars in the US. The popularity of SUVs stems from their ability to meet various needs. They offer ample space for most families’ requirements and possess off-road capabilities. Furthermore, as more options flood the market, they have become increasingly affordable. Traditionally, speed was not a characteristic associated with SUVs. However, advancements in automotive technology have allowed manufacturers to push boundaries and elevate performance levels in these vehicles. As a result, many incredibly fast SUV models have emerged on the market. These high-performance SUVs boast mind-boggling acceleration, precise handling, and top speeds that rival those of traditional performance cars. While we often discuss ranking the fastest cars globally today, it is equally intriguing to explore which are currently considered as some of the fastest SUVs available. 10. 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Performance Alfa Romeo, once a popular automaker, had faced […]
2 years ago
It was time to celebrate the new year with a new car on the road as we got to test drive one that’s got a lot of heads turning – the HONGQI HS5. The luxury SUV is the product of a rich automotive history dating back to the 1950s. HONGQI was in fact the first independently manufactured vehicle in China. Gulf Insider got to take the HS5 out for a spin, picking it up from Zayani Motors and making our way to the lush surroundings of Al Bander Resort in Sitra. What we loved about the SUV most was how light it was to drive. It absorbs bumps pretty well – thanks to good suspension while giving you the on-road power that you need. Five driving modes for different terrains and a host of driver assistance features are only some of the benefits that come with an HS5. The four-cylinder engine allows you to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hr in less than 9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 210 km/hr while experiencing a robust 223 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque. The model comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a mileage of 13 km/litre. HONGQI has made […]
2 years ago
By Charlie Cooksey INFINITI is a car brand I’ve not been hugely familiar with, so this was a chance for me to both experience the new QX60 as well as learn more about the brand. Also, I had never been to Georgia before and for some time been curious to visit – it always makes a car drive more exciting when flying somewhere new. After landing at Georgia’s capital Tbilisi, I and the other motoring journalists were taken for about a two-hour drive into what seemed like the middle of nowhere. We stayed in a beautiful vineyard estate house that’s been converted into a boutique hotel. Surrounding the property were vineyards, snow-capped mountains, and generally just lots of stunning nature – it was Autumn so nature’s colours were red and radiant all around us. So, let me tell you about the QX60. It is a luxury, three row mid-size crossover SUV, sharing its platform with its ‘cousin’, the Nissan Pathfinder. Before even stepping into the latest QX60 I was impressed by the design. It doesn’t look too much like the previous model it replaces which had a more rounded and ‘bulbous’ look. The exterior designers of the new QX60 have made […]
2 years ago
By Charlie Cooksey To get to this BMW drive event required the longest journey I’ve ever made, flying from Manama, Bahrain to Los Angeles, California. Some may say I’m mad to travel so far to drive a car for a few days, but such people don’t know the importance of the BMW 7 Series, and this trip included driving BMW’s first-ever fully electric 7 Series. The 7 Series was the main event, but this trip also entailed driving the majorly facelifted X7, BMW’s flagship 3-row luxury 7-seater SUV. Also, I had the opportunity to be amongst the first in the world to see BMW’s XM. The XM is a special project. It is an SUV like nothing else on the market – a wild cocktail of super performance, ahead of its time. It has style, luxury, comfort, and an aggressive presence, packed with a 4.4L V8 under the hood. It is also a plug-in hybrid. But back to my point – it was worth the 13,500km journey. This was a beautiful, picture-perfect location that BMW selected for such an important drive event. We were stationed for 3 days in Palm Springs, a desert city located just over 2 hours east […]
2 years ago
Gulf Insider drives BMW’s exciting new iX and i4 in Florida, USA. By Charlie Cooksey During August, I was in Florida – America’s Sunshine State, for a few wonderful weeks. While there, I had the opportunity to enjoy driving various cars stateside. First, I hired a couple of American ‘muscle cars’, a Ford Mustang followed by a Chevrolet Camaro. Both were convertibles and I loved them. Driving these iconic American cars for a couple of weeks felt somehow satisfying. But things started to get interesting when BMW North America kindly provided me with BMW’s new electric iX for a week. The iX is an SUV powered by two electric motors providing all-wheel drive. Two versions are available, the xDrive50 (516 hp – zero to 100 kph in 4 seconds), and the M60 (610 hp – zero to 100 kph in just 3.3 seconds). This is Ferrari worthy power! The iX has a spacious, luxurious, and futuristically designed interior. On the centre console, there is a large digital dashboard display controlled by a cool ‘crystal’ rotary knob. Its large panoramic sunroof features electrochromic shading – a new feature found on only a few vehicles. There’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and […]
2 years ago
Gulf Insider experiences the Porsche Panamera GTS. By Charlie Cooksey Some people want to own a Porsche, but for whatever reasons may feel the brand’s 911 and 718 two-doors aren’t the most practical forms of transportation for them. Enter the Panamera, a Porsche supercar with a four-door body and an upmarket interior. You sit low in the Panamera, which gives a sports-car feel. The handling is great, just like you’d expect a Porsche to be, while it provides much additional space and comfort for even the tallest drivers and passengers. The Panamera GTS has a 473-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. “Normal” mode is best for comfortable high-speed cruising, while “Sport” makes everything firmer and favors more sporty driving. Despite its weight, the GTS can get you from zero to 100 kph in just 3.9 seconds, with a 300 kmh top speed. The interior of the GTS models come fitted with black leather and Alcantara adaptive Sports seats. There are ‘GTS’ logos on the headrests, as well as decorative trim and door sill guards made of brushed aluminium. The GT sports steering wheel and roof lining are also finished in Alcantara. The centre console is littered with touch-sensitive controls, and there’s a big 12.3-inch touchscreen. Porsches have a very […]
2 years ago
Gulf Insider drives the new Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, and is impressed. By Charlie Cooksey Things have changed since the days when the Boxster was considered by many as the poor stepchild of the Porsche line-up. This model looks fantastic and may have even eclipsed the 911 cabrio in good-looks. This is a real sports car, so the cockpit is snug with absolutely no space wasted, and there’s a traditional power folding soft top. Under the bonnet there is a naturally-aspirated, flat-6 “boxer” engine offering 395 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque – a huge engine for the size of this car. The 0-100 km/h takes just 4.0 seconds, with a top speed of 288 km/h. The mid-engine layout helps it to feel balanced and stable through corners, while the superb steering reacts quickly and accurately. The 718 Boxster’s handling and steering is just wonderful. The 718 Boxster may not share the same iconic image of the Porsche 911, but it not only has great styling, it also is without doubt one of the best-driving sports cars there is. GTS spec includes the Sport Chrono package with its clock atop the dash, Sport Plus mode for even faster gearshifts, […]
2 years ago
Gulf Insider drives the car that, since its launch nearly 50 years ago, sets the standard for ‘hot hatches’. By Charlie Cooksey From picking up the kids, to carting around boxes, to driving just for the sheer fun of it… the Golf GTI is considered the daddy of hot hatches – a fast and practical car that will do just about anything you need. Now in its eighth generation (Mk8), a new 2-litre turbo four-cylinder engine provides 245 horsepower and a substantial 273 pound-feet of torque. Choose Sport mode and the car instantly becomes stiffer. An ultra-responsive throttle gets this car from zero to 100 kph in 6.4 seconds. VW has reworked the suspension for better performance and the steering feels good. Understeer is usually a let-down in front-wheel-drive cars, but the GTI is in another league. Further noticeable changes from the previous model include new rear hatch and taillight designs, a greater sloping bonnet, and full-width running lights below the bumper. Inside, a big difference from the previous model is the fully digital cockpit making the interior clean and uncluttered. There are no knobs and few buttons on the dash – whether this is a good thing or not is subjective. A 10.3-inch […]
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