19 minutes ago

Hamas Planned Oct. 7 To Prevent Israel-Saudi Normalization, Documents Confirm

Newly uncovered internal Hamas documents confirm a longtime theory explaining the motives behind the Oct.7, 2023 terror attack which kicked off the bloody and grinding Gaza war, which still shows no signs of abating and has resulted in unprecedented death and destruction in the Gaza Strip. The documents, published by The Wall Street Journal, demonstrate that Hamas leaders had a specific aim of preventing a potential peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia based on the US-backed Abraham Accords. This was speculated about soon after the horrific attacks that also kicked off the hostage crisis. This is according to minutes from a high-level meeting which cite now slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and which were reportedly discovered by Israeli forces in Gaza tunnels. Sinwar was quoted in the internal papers, which are dated Oct. 2, 2023 – as saying, “There is no doubt that the Saudi-Zionist normalization agreement is progressing significantly.” He expressed alarm that a deal would “open the door for the majority of Arab and Islamic countries to follow the same path.”  Indeed the Palestinians have long feared that broad acceptance of the Abraham Accords in the region would leave the cause of a statehood permanently forgotten and sidelined. It would allow for Israeli expansion with […]

24 minutes ago

Makkah Police Arrest 2 Egyptians for Hajj Campaign Scam

Patrol teams of Public Security forces in Makkah have arrested two Egyptian residents —a man and a woman— for promoting fake Hajj campaign. It was found that they were involved in posting fake Hajj campaign advertisements through social media in which they falsely offered housing and transportation services for pilgrims within the holy sites. The suspects were referred to the Public Prosecution after carrying out the necessary legal measures against them. The Public Security has urged citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations and report violations by calling over the number 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the other regions. Also read: Egyptian Arrested For Transporting Four Undocumented Individuals Who Lacked Official Hajj Permits

27 minutes ago

Tourism Ministry: Hospitality Facilities Will Face Maximum Fine of SR1 Million for License Violations

The Ministry of Tourism warned private tourist and hospitality facilities of maximum fine of SR1 million for committing violations related to license regulations. In the absence of the requisite license or permit, the violators will face penalties, which may include fines of up to SR1 million, facility closure, or both, along with potential damage to the establishment’s reputation, the ministry said while emphasizing that penalties will be imposed on any establishment that violates the Tourism Law by operating without the necessary license from the Ministry of Tourism. The ministry stressed the importance of hospitality and private tourist facilities obtaining proper licenses to operate in compliance with the Tourism Law and its regulations. This requirement aims to ensure the quality of services provided to tourists and visitors across all Saudi regions and cities. Also read: Etidal Blocks 1.2 Million Extremist Links That Used to Evade Digital Monitoring

43 minutes ago

Etidal Blocks 1.2 Million Extremist Links That Used to Evade Digital Monitoring

The Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) has blocked terrorist organizations from using more than 1.2 million links to evade digital monitoring and directed users to rely on alternative content. Etidal explained that terrorist organizations are using deceptive methods to circumvent monitoring, including the use of links to redirect users. These methods are being countered, including the removal of more than 1.2 million links during the first quarter of this year alone. This was made possible through partnership with the Telegram platform. The content of the alternative links varies from digital files containing extremist propaganda content, websites hosting prohibited or difficult-to-track content, to groups and channels on social media platforms with weak oversight. It is noteworthy that the Etidal recently announced its joint efforts with Telegram to combat extremist propaganda during the first quarter of 2025, removing 16,062,667 extremist content and shutting down 1,408 extremist channels. The collaboration, launched between Etidal and Telegram in February 2022, has resulted in the removal of 176,758,457 extremist materials and shutting down of 16,201 channels by the end of March 2025. This ongoing cooperation reflects a firm commitment to the continuation of combating extremist rhetoric and striving toward a safer digital environment. The Riyadh-based […]

47 minutes ago

Dubai’s RTA to Add 6 New Bus, Taxi Lanes to Cut Travel Time by 41%

Dubai will expand its dedicated bus and taxi lanes, adding six new ones spanning 13km. The expansion is expected to reduce journey times by 41 per cent and improve bus arrival times by 42 per cent, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). It will encourage public transport use and help alleviate traffic congestion, said Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA. The authority previously announced that the lanes would be introduced on six major streets: Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, 2nd of December, Al Satwa, Al Nahda, Omar bin Al Khattab, and Naif. With this, the total length of dedicated lanes will reach 20km. The special lanes are marked with a distinctive red colour to prevent private vehicle drivers from mistakenly using them. Motorists caught driving on these lanes can be fined Dh600. The expansion was announced as the RTA revealed that its buses now cover nearly 90 per cent of Dubai. Its fleet of 1,390 buses completes 11,000 daily trips, transporting over 500,000 riders and covering approximately 333,000km. “The RTA is committed to enhancing the public bus service to encourage residents to choose public transport for their daily […]

1 hour ago

16 Rescued in Two Separate Sea Incidents Off UAE Coast

The UAE National Guard rescued 16 individuals in two separate sea accidents near the country’s coast on Sunday. In the first incident, three Asian men were saved after their cargo ship began sinking. The rescue team coordinated with other emergency services to ensure their safe evacuation. Details about the location, timing, and cause of the accident have not been disclosed. Later that day, a second boat started sinking while its passengers were enjoying a picnic at sea. Thirteen people, including UAE citizens and residents, were rescued by the National Search and Rescue Centre and the Coast Guard. All passengers were safely evacuated, and no serious injuries were reported. Also read: UAE: RTA To Auction Premium Dubai Number Plates

2 hours ago

Bahrain Named World’s Cleanest Airport In 2025 By Skytrax

Bahrain International Airport has achieved global recognition as the World’s Cleanest Airport for 2025 in the category of airports handling up to 25 million passengers, according to the UK- based air transport rating organization, Skytrax. This prestigious distinction places Bahrain at the forefront of global aviation hygiene standards, further reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to excellence in travel infrastructure and passenger experience. Japan also celebrated significant success, with Tokyo Haneda Airport earning the title of the World’s Cleanest Major International Airport, topping the global list for cleanliness among high- traffic terminals. The Japanese capital’s gateway outshined other prominent hubs, while Centrair Nagoya, Tokyo Narita, Kansai, and Osaka Itami were also ranked among the cleanest airports in the world across both main and mid-sized categories. In Skytrax’s World’s Cleanest Airports 2025 (Up to 25 Million Passengers) list, Bahrain led the top 10, followed by: Bahrain International Airport New Chitose Airport (Japan) Centrair Nagoya (Japan) Osaka Itami Airport (Japan) Helsinki-Vantaa (Finland) Adelaide Airport (Australia) Cam Ranh International Airport (Vietnam) Quito International Airport (Ecuador) Houston Hobby Airport (USA) Brisbane Airport (Australia) Singapore Changi Airport Meanwhile, Singapore Changi Airport reclaimed the top honor as the World’s Best Airport 2025, receiving multiple accolades including the World’s […]

2 hours ago

Labour Ministry Denies Existence Of Fake Companies On Job Portal

The Ministry of Labour has clarified that no fake companies have been detected offering job or training opportunities on its official electronic platform. It confirmed that all listed entities are licensed and legally operating under the laws of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The announcement follows a public appeal issued by the Ministry via various channels, urging individuals to report any suspicious activity or fictitious companies promoting fake job offers- either online or through the Ministry’s virtual job and training fair. Citizens were encouraged to share evidence or company details for investigation. Reaffirming its commitment to integrity and transparency, the Ministry stated it remains vigilant in ensuring that all vacancies posted for Bahraini job seekers are authentic. It also pledged to continuously improve service quality and help better integrate nationals into private sector employment. The Ministry further emphasized its ongoing coordination with relevant authorities to verify the legal status of all participating companies, assuring the public that only legitimate businesses are allowed to engage in its recruitment and training initiatives. Also read: Bahrain: Pharmacy Ordered to Pay BD3,100 Over Unpaid Medical Supplies

15 hours ago

Saudi Arabia Warns Firms to Submit Financial Statements or Face Fines

Businesses in Saudi Arabia have just weeks left to submit essential financial information or they face fines. The Ministry of Commerce has urged all companies with a fiscal year ending in December 2024 to submit their financial statements by Monday, June 30, 2025, to prevent financial penalties under the Companies Law. The ministry stated that Article 17 of the Companies Law stipulates that companies must prepare and submit their financial statements within six months of the fiscal year’s end, in accordance with national accounting standards. Saudi accounting deadline It also noted that responsibility for submission lies with the company’s president, manager, or board chairman, depending on its legal structure. Submitting financial statements ensures regulatory compliance, clarifies company performance and operations, and promotes transparency and good governance. It also helps avoid legal penalties, keeps shareholders and partners informed, and strengthens the company’s credibility with lenders and investors. The ministry stressed that failure to prepare or submit financial statements in accordance with the approved standards and legal provisions will result in financial penalties under Article 262 of the Companies Law. Companies are required to submit their financial statements electronically via the Qawaem platform.

15 hours ago

Abu Dhabi Authorities Bust Smuggler Who Hid $1.4m of Cocaine in His Intestines

Abu Dhabi authorities halt man with AED5m ($1.4m) of cocaine hidden inside his body. The General Directorate of Ports at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security thwarted on Friday an attempt to smuggle narcotic substances at . Authorities seized 89 capsules of cocaine weighing approximately 1,198 grams, with an estimated market value of around AED5m ($1.4m), hidden inside the intestines of a traveller. The seizure was made after customs inspection officers at Zayed International Airport grew suspicious of a traveller arriving from a South American country. He was subjected to advanced screening equipment, which revealed indications of foreign objects inside his body. He was then referred to the competent authorities, who extracted the 89 capsules from his intestines. The Authority praised the efforts of the inspectors in carrying out their duties with efficiency and competence. It also reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to developing the inspection system to ensure the protection of society from the dangers of narcotics. This is part of the national efforts to maintain the security and safety of the community and deter anyone who may attempt to compromise the security of the state.

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