6 hours ago
Dubai Police have issued a strong warning to parents, teenagers, and young people over the growing spread of so-called deadly challenges on social media platforms, cautioning that the trends pose a serious threat to lives. The challenges, often promoted online as entertainment or viral trends, involve extremely dangerous behaviours among children and adolescents. These include acts such as skull breaking, choking, breath holding, and other reckless practices that can lead to severe injuries or death. Dubai Police deadly challenge warning Dubai Police explained that such challenges frequently attract teenagers seeking excitement or online attention, without fully understanding the serious consequences involved. Similar challenges in other countries have already resulted in critical injuries and fatalities, the force said. Authorities stressed that parents and guardians play a vital role in protecting their children by raising awareness and closely monitoring online activity. Families were urged to speak openly with their children about the dangers of imitating harmful content shared on social media and to help them resist peer pressure or the desire for online popularity. Dubai Police also called on the wider community to report any dangerous or inappropriate behaviour. Reports can be made by contacting the Dubai Police Contact Centre on 901 […]
6 hours ago
Abu Dhabi has strengthened its position as a global cruise hub after securing top international accolades, reflecting sustained investment in port infrastructure, visitor experiences and regional partnerships. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced that the emirate has been named “World’s Best Cruise Destination” and “Middle East’s Best Cruise Destination” for 2025 by the World Cruise Awards. The honours underscore Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision and commitment to developing a world-class cruise tourism sector, which welcomed nearly 700,000 cruise arrivals in 2024. The awards highlight Abu Dhabi’s dual-port strategy, offering visitors two distinct cruise experiences. The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port serves as a gateway to the capital, providing streamlined immigration and direct access to major attractions. Cruise passengers can explore the landmarks of the Saadiyat Cultural District, including the new Zayed National Museum and Natural History Museum, or embark on wider adventures across the emirate. Meanwhile, Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach, the Arabian Gulf’s only dedicated beach cruise terminal, offers an island retreat featuring pristine beaches, wildlife safaris and water sports. Abu Dhabi cruise sector Haitham Ali Khamis, Director of Tourism Product Development at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “These awards are a […]
7 hours ago
Saudi authorities arrested 18,054 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. A total of 11,343 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,858 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,853 for labor-related issues. The report showed that among the 1,491 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 59 percent were Ethiopian, 40 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities. A further 18 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 23 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported. The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property. Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
7 hours ago
Saudi Arabia Railways announced a tender for the supply of 10 new passenger trains for the northern network as part of efforts to develop the transport system and enhance passenger rail services across the Kingdom. The move aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the objectives of Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. The tender covers the design, manufacturing, and supply of the trains, as well as fleet maintenance services, supporting operational readiness and long-term asset sustainability. Bids must be submitted by May 11, 2026, in accordance with approved regulatory procedures for public tenders, the SPA added. Saudi Arabia Railways CEO Bashar Al-Malik said expanding the passenger train fleet is a strategic priority. The new trains will help meet growing passenger demand by nearly tripling the operational capacity of the northern network, raising annual seating to more than 2.4 million, and strengthening the railway’s ability to support intercity travel growth. The trains will serve the northern network, which connects major cities including Riyadh, Al-Majmaah, Qassim, Hail, Jouf, and Al-Qurayyat. Plans are underway to expand the network further, including the addition of new stations such as Al-Zulfi, the SPA reported. The tender is part of Saudi Arabia Railways’ phased plan to modernize and expand its passenger fleet. The company […]
16 hours ago
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a newly expanded bridge leading to Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport (DXB), the authority announced on Saturday. The project, carried out in partnership with Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, has widened the bridge from three lanes to four. This expansion boosts the bridge’s capacity from 4,200 vehicles per hour to 5,600 vehicles per hour, an increase of 33%. The move is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion for drivers heading to Terminal 1, particularly during peak travel times. The RTA said the upgrade is part of ongoing efforts to enhance road infrastructure and support the growing number of passengers using DXB, one of the world’s busiest airports. The project also included road pavement upgrades, improved utility and support infrastructure, and landscaping to blend the bridge seamlessly with the surrounding road network. New street lighting was installed to boost safety and visibility. The Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects said the work reflects their ongoing commitment to developing Dubai’s aviation infrastructure. The upgrade aims to improve traffic flow to the airports, enhance quality of life, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for air travel.
17 hours ago
A contentious bill that could fundamentally alter how Expat ID cards are issued has put lawmakers and authorities at loggerheads, as parliament prepares to debate the measure on Tuesday. If passed, the amendment would stipulate that “in all cases, the ID card for a non-Bahraini shall be valid for a period not exceeding the duration of his residence in the Kingdom of Bahrain”—effectively tying the card’s validity strictly to the holder’s lawful residency. The Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee has already urged MPs to reject the proposal in principle, underscoring deep divisions ahead of the debate. Supporters argue the change would strengthen controls on overstays, curb access to ID-linked services and transactions, and increase fee revenue. The government, however, dismisses the proposal as redundant, stressing that ID cards are already automatically deactivated once residency expires, immediately cutting off access to government services, banking and other dealings that require an active card. The Ministry of Interior added that individuals leaving Bahrain are granted a 30-day grace period to settle their affairs before their ID cards are deactivated. It also warned that tying card validity to residency periods would create operational complications, as residence permits vary widely in length, […]
17 hours ago
The High Criminal Court sentenced a café worker to three years in prison for throwing hot water at a colleague, leaving her with a 5% permanent disability. Court records show the man, in his 20s, argued with his Asian co-worker over handling an order, which escalated into a physical altercation. He hit the woman, knocking her to the floor, before other delivery workers intervened. Prosecutors said the defendant then stood behind the woman, called her by name, and threw hot water at her from a drink-preparation container, causing burns confirmed in a forensic report. The victim told the court she had asked for his help that morning, which he ignored. After opening her account on the cash register and closing his, he attacked her, hitting her and throwing her down. Even after co-workers intervened and she contacted the manager, he followed her and poured hot water over her face, striking her again on the head. During the investigation, the defendant admitted to the assault. He was charged with deliberately causing permanent disability, assault by beating and choking, and continuing the attack after the first confrontation was broken up.
17 hours ago
Bahraini actor Mohammed Al Fahad has achieved a historic milestone for the Kingdom’s entertainment industry, becoming the first local actor to feature in a major Bollywood production for Netflix. Starring in the series Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web, Al Fahad’s debut represents a breakthrough for regional talent, bridging the gap between Bahrain’s growing creative sector and the global cinematic stage. Now streaming worldwide, the series has quickly gained traction for its intense narrative and high production value. The production has generated significant buzz online, particularly after a scene filmed on location in Bahrain went viral. This global attention has not only highlighted Al Fahad’s performance but has also cast a spotlight on the Kingdom as a premier destination for international film projects. By showcasing the island’s unique landscapes and urban settings to a massive Netflix audience, the series has underscored Bahrain’s untapped potential as a hub for large-scale cinematic ventures. Industry experts view Al Fahad’s participation as a turning point that could open doors for more Bahraini artists to enter international markets. The success of Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web proves that local talent can compete at the highest levels of global entertainment. As fans and critics alike praise the gripping storyline, […]
17 hours ago
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Captain of the Royal Endurance Team, took part in the 100-kilometre International Endurance Race, held as part of the His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Cup. The championship is held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the General Sports Authority and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and is organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF). The event was attended by His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Supreme Council for Environment, Deputy Chairman of the High Committee of the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club, and Member of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, along with His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. During the event, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa affirmed continued support for endurance racing, highlighting its importance in strengthening Bahraini equestrian sports by fostering discipline and perseverance. He noted that the backing of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad […]
17 hours ago
Dubai prosecutors have referred two men to trial after authorities uncovered their involvement in a robbery in which Dh4.45 million was taken from a man inside a parking facility, before being fully recovered during the investigation, according to judicial sources. The incident took place in the Baniyas-Al Rigga area, where police were alerted to an assault and theft inside a multi-storey parking building. When officers arrived, they found the victim shaken but unharmed. He told investigators that he had been carrying a large cash amount related to a gold trade transaction and had briefly stopped at the parking facility before the robbery occurred. Case files indicate that earlier that day the victim had been asked by an associate to collect Dh4.25 million from a business office in a tower. After receiving the funds, an additional Dh200,000 was added, raising the total to Dh4.45 million. The victim then travelled with a companion to the parking area, where the cash was kept inside bags in his vehicle. While the victim was seated inside the car, several individuals suddenly entered the vehicle, blocking his exit and restraining his movements. Within moments, the attackers seized the bags containing the cash and fled. The victim […]