GCC News

2 days ago

Restaurant Fire Triggers Gas Cylinder Blast In Al Amerat, Two Hurt

Firefighting teams from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) in Muscat Governorate responded to a report of a fire that broke out at a restaurant in the Wilayat of Al Amerat, which resulted in a gas cylinder explosion. According to the Authority, the incident left two people with serious injuries. Ambulance teams provided emergency medical assistance at the scene before transporting the injured individuals to a medical facility for necessary treatment. The CDAA said its firefighting teams swiftly intervened to contain the blaze and manage the situation. No further details on the cause of the fire or the condition of the injured persons were immediately available. Authorities have urged business owners and residents to adhere to safety regulations and ensure the proper handling and storage of gas cylinders to prevent similar incidents. READ MORE: Oman braces for 50°C heatwave

2 days ago

7 Opec+ Nations Announce Second Straight 188,000 Bpd Output Increase For July

Seven Opec+ countries have announced a second consecutive monthly increase in oil production, agreeing to raise output by 188,000 barrels per day (bpd) in July 2026 after approving an identical increase for June last month, as the group continues its gradual easing of voluntary supply cuts. The decision was taken during a virtual meeting of Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman on Sunday to review global market conditions and outlook. Announcing the move, OPEC said the countries had decided to “implement a production adjustment of 188 thousand barrels per day from the additional voluntary adjustments announced in April 2023.” According to the production schedule released by the group, Saudi Arabia and Russia will each increase output by 62,000 barrels per day in July, followed by Iraq with 26,000 bpd, Kuwait with 16,000 bpd, Kazakhstan with 10,000 bpd, Algeria with 6,000 bpd and Oman with 5,000 bpd. “The additional voluntary adjustments announced in April 2023 may be returned in part or in full, subject to evolving market conditions and in a gradual manner,” Opec said in the statement. At the same time, the producers stressed that they would remain flexible in managing supply depending on market developments. The […]

2 days ago

Oman braces for 50°C heatwave

Oman is bracing for an intense spell of summer heat, with temperatures in some parts of the sultanate expected to approach the 50°C mark over the coming days, according to forecasts issued by the Civil Aviation Authority’s National Multi Hazard Early Warning Centre. The authority has warned that a strong upper-air high-pressure system, coupled with hot and dry northwesterly winds, is driving a significant rise in temperatures across the country. Forecasters expect the hottest conditions to be felt from Monday, particularly in coastal areas overlooking the Sea of Oman, where daytime temperatures are projected to remain in the upper 40s and could reach 50°C in isolated locations. The warning comes as Oman enters one of the most challenging periods of the summer season, with prolonged exposure to extreme heat posing risks to public health, outdoor workers and vulnerable groups. Meteorologists said inland governorates are also expected to experience scorching conditions, with temperatures generally ranging in the mid-to-high 40s. However, coastal areas of Al Wusta and Dhofar are likely to remain relatively milder due to the moderating influence of sea breezes. Authorities have urged residents to take precautionary measures to avoid heat-related illnesses. People are advised to minimise direct exposure to […]

2 days ago

Government Consolidates Apps Under Digital Transformation Plan

The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has announced the full migration of services previously available on the “Islamiyat” mobile application to the government’s unified “MyGov” app, as part of Bahrain’s ongoing digital transformation strategy. The transition is part of a wider government plan to consolidate public services into a smaller number of integrated platforms aimed at improving accessibility and simplifying the user experience. The “MyGov” app is available to the public through the Bahrain eGovernment Apps Store via bahrain.bh/apps. On the occasion, Ali Abdulaziz Janahi, Deputy Chief Executive for eTransformation at the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), said the move reflects continued efforts to make government services more convenient and user-friendly through digital channels. He said the migration supports Bahrain’s broader strategy to enhance digital transformation across public services and reduce fragmentation across multiple applications. Janahi added that the initiative is being implemented under the supervision of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology, chaired by Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, and in coordination with various government entities. The plan seeks to consolidate existing government applications into three main platforms: the MyGov for individuals, AlTajir for businesses and investors, and the Bahrain for visitors. Janahi […]

2 days ago

Kuwait Airport Recovery May Take Year

Speaking at the 82nd Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Rio de Janeiro, IATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, said early assessments suggest the impact on airport infrastructure is severe. He said the damage appeared extensive based on available images and video footage, though Kuwaiti authorities are still conducting formal evaluations and have not issued an official repair timeline. “From the videos and pictures sent to me, my guess is that recovery could take at least a year. The roof is gone,” Alawadhi said. The incident, which occurred less than a week ago, has raised concerns over wider disruptions to aviation infrastructure and operations across the Gulf region. Alawadhi noted that the affected terminal had been used primarily by non-Kuwaiti airlines, which has significantly impacted international operations at the airport. At present, only Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways are able to operate normally, as they use separate terminals unaffected by the damage. He added that authorities may need to accelerate parts of Kuwait’s new terminal development or temporarily allow foreign carriers to operate from facilities currently assigned to national airlines to restore capacity. READ MORE: Bahrain, Kuwait Issue Emergency Safety Warnings

2 days ago

GameExpo Boosts UAE Gaming And Creative Sector

Dubai’s GameExpo is putting a strong focus on local artists, creatives, gaming developers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as it highlights the growing scale and ambition of the United Arab Emirates’ gaming and digital industries. Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, the flagship event of the Dubai Esports & Games Festival features The Narrows — a curated platform supported by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The dedicated space brings together more than 75 SMEs, offering visitors the chance to explore and purchase limited-edition merchandise, independently produced artwork, collectibles, and custom creations from Dubai-based creatives and businesses. Among those showcasing their work was Adam Long, owner of Dubai Sound Academy, who said The Narrows has provided a valuable opportunity for exposure and engagement with a wider audience. He said the platform allows his organisation to connect with new communities while also giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their DJ skills in a live, high-profile environment. “Gaming is a strong community and this marketplace has a great vibe and atmosphere and with music, it is a brilliant combination,” Long said. “It is our first time participating here and there is a lot of engagement from attendees at GameExpo […]

2 days ago

Dubai Court Fines, Jails And Deports Man For Embezzling Dh2.1 Million

The company was awarded Dh2.3 million in compensation for material and moral damages Dubai: A former accounts manager has been ordered to pay Dh2.3 million to his employer after being convicted of embezzling more than Dh2.1 million in customer payments entrusted to him during his employment. The Dubai Court of First Instance awarded the company Dh2.3 million in compensation for material and moral damages, together with 5 per cent annual interest until full payment is made. The defendant was also ordered to bear court costs and pay Dh2,000 in legal fees. The ruling came after the employee was convicted in a criminal case and sentenced to three months in jail, fined Dh2,107,250 — equivalent to the amount embezzled — and ordered to be deported from the UAE. The Court of Appeal and Court of Cassation upheld the conviction, before the Civil Court in Dubai ordered him to compensate his former employer for the losses resulting from the offence. According to court records, the case began after the manager of a Dubai-based freight services company discovered discrepancies in the firm’s financial collections and filed a complaint with Al Muraqqabat Police Station in September 2023. An internal investigation found that the employee, […]

2 days ago

Qatar Denies Airspace Closure Amid Viral Social Media Claims, Flights Continue As Usual

Authority says reports of Qatar airspace closure are false, flights operating normally The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Qatar has clarified that reports circulating on social media about the closure of Qatar’s airspace or suspension of flights are inaccurate. According to a statement from the Qatar News Agency, the current aeronautical notice (NOTAM) is intended to designate alternative air routes, ensuring the continuity of air navigation services at the highest levels of safety and efficiency. The authority emphasised that all measures comply with international standards and aviation practices, and regular flights continue without interruption. GACA also cautioned against sharing unverified claims, saying such content can lead to legal accountability. It urged the public to rely only on official and trusted sources for aviation updates. READ MORE: Qatar announces Eid Al Adha holiday for public sector

2 days ago

Three-Year Prison Term Handed Down Over Controversial Instagram Post

Court overturned an earlier ruling that had spared the defendant punishment A Kuwaiti woman has been sentenced to three years in prison with immediate effect after an appeals court overturned an earlier ruling that had spared her punishment in a case linked to national security and sectarian incitement, according to local media reports. The State Security Circuit of Kuwait’s Court of Appeal ordered the prison term after finding the defendant guilty of publishing content on social media that authorities said promoted sectarian division and expressed sympathy for a hostile state during a period of conflict involving Kuwait. The case centred on a post published through the woman’s personal Instagram account. Prosecutors argued that the content undermined national unity and threatened social cohesion during a sensitive period for the country. The ruling marked a significant reversal from an earlier judgment in which the court had found the defendant guilty but refrained from imposing a custodial sentence. In the same case, however, the appeals court reached a different conclusion regarding another Kuwaiti defendant facing similar accusations. The court overturned a previous ruling that had suspended punishment and instead acquitted the man of all charges, finding insufficient grounds to establish criminal liability. The […]

2 days ago

Saudi Vehicle Imports Surge To 1.9 Million In 2 Years, With China Emerging Leading Supplier

Saudi Arabia imported approximately 1.9 million vehicles over the last two years, with China emerging as one of the leading suppliers to the Saudi automotive market. These developments coincide with the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance the value of its local supply chain and reduce dependence on vehicle imports, according to Al-Arabiya.net report. The Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) data showed that vehicle imports to Saudi Arabia reached around 959,403 units by 2025, further expanding the Kingdom’s already substantial automotive market, which ranks among the largest globally. The data also revealed that vehicle imports to Saudi Arabia reached approximately 942,118 units in 2024, with China identified as the leading source of vehicles imported into the Kingdom during the past two years. In a related development, ZATCA reported that Japanese vehicle imports ranked second after China, followed by India, Thailand, and South Korea. The United States occupied sixth place, reflecting a notable decline in the presence of American vehicles within the Saudi automotive market. The Saudi automotive market continues to maintain its global standing, ranking among the top 20 markets worldwide. According to a government report, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries account for more than half of the Kingdom’s […]

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Search Here

Restaurant Fire Triggers Gas Cylinder Blast In Al Amerat, Two Hurt

7 Opec+ Nations Announce Second Straight 188,000 Bpd Output Increase For July

Oman braces for 50°C heatwave

Government Consolidates Apps Under Digital Transformation Plan

Kuwait Airport Recovery May Take Year

GameExpo Boosts UAE Gaming And Creative Sector

Dubai Court Fines, Jails And Deports Man For Embezzling Dh2.1 Million

Qatar Denies Airspace Closure Amid Viral Social Media Claims, Flights Continue As Usual

Three-Year Prison Term Handed Down Over Controversial Instagram Post

Saudi Vehicle Imports Surge To 1.9 Million In 2 Years, With China Emerging Leading Supplier

Recent Posts

Bahrain FinTech Bay and Bahrain Association of Banks Host Forum on Payments, Digital Assets, and AI

US Launches Strikes On Iranian Military Targets After Apache Helicopter Incident

Seven People Rescued After Their Vessel Broke Down Off The Coast Of Rabigh

Now It Takes Just 48 Hours To Get UAE’s Single Entry Tourist Visa Valid Up To 60 Days

MoH Issues Summer Heat Guidelines As Temperatures Soar Above 48°C

Two Accused Of Assaulting Worker Over Car-Washing Turf Dispute In Sharjah

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