GCC News

1 year ago

Cabinet Declares Half-Working Day for Bahrain Sports Day on February 20

In celebration of the upcoming Bahrain Sports Day, the Cabinet has announced that Thursday, February 20, 2025, will be a half-working day for all ministries and government agencies. This decision aims to encourage public sector employees to actively participate in various sporting activities and promote a healthier lifestyle. The announcement was made during the weekly Cabinet meeting held today at Gudaibiya Palace, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Bahrain Sports Day is an annual event dedicated to fostering a culture of fitness and well-being among citizens and residents. Government institutions, private organizations, and sports clubs are expected to organize a range of activities to mark the occasion. By granting a half-working day, the government underscores its commitment to promoting sports and physical activity as essential components of a balanced lifestyle.

1 year ago

Jeddah Mayoralty Serves Notices to Owners of 351 Dilapidated Buildings in Faisaliah and Rabwa Neighborhoods

The Jeddah Mayoralty has started on Monday serving notices to owners of 351 dilapidated buildings in Jeddah’s Faisaliah and Rabwa districts. The mayoralty called on the owners of the concerned buildings to quickly visit its headquarters to complete the required procedures. The mayoralty started implementing the measures, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, as part of its ongoing efforts to protect lives and property of residents and enhance public safety in the city. The mayoralty stated that it has begun listing dilapidated buildings in the two neighborhoods. The inspection teams have detected a total of 263 dilapidated buildings in Faisaliah and 88 buildings in Rabwa neighborhoods. “Notices were placed on the buildings, asking their owners to contact the mayoralty urgently to complete the necessary regulatory procedures,” it said. The mayoralty pointed out that it has beefed up efforts of inspecting the buildings within an ongoing plan to monitor the conditions of buildings that are threatened to collapse in various neighborhoods of the city. This is aimed at reducing potential risks to residents and surrounding areas, while taking all preventive measures to ensure public safety. The mayoralty’s new measures come within a campaign implemented by the General Department of Emergencies and […]

1 year ago

Bahrain: CBB Announces Final Batch Of Silver Commemorative Coin For HM The King’s Silver Jubilee

The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) announces the date for booking appointments to purchase the second and final batch of the silver commemorative coin minted on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s 25th Accession Anniversary to the throne, starting Tuesday, February 4. The silver commemorative coin is available in a limited quantity of 1,000 coins. The price of the coin is BD125 and it weighs 62.2 grams. The front side of the silver commemorative coin features the portrait of HM King Hamad and the Silver Jubilee logo, while the reverse side features The Prosperous Al Sakhir Palace. CBB issued the commemorative coins using Ultra High Relief Technology for a three-dimensional (3-D) effect for the first time on both sides. Under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, all proceeds from the sale of the coin will go to charitable organisations and funds, through the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF). The coin can be purchased by booking an appointment through ‘Mawaeed’ National Appointment System app, noting that the booking service to purchase the coin will be available on the Central Bank of Bahrain’s Services page on “Mawaeed” app at […]

1 year ago

Road Improvements Worth SR8 Billion Announced For Riyadh

The second phase of a project to expand Riyadh’s road network and improve traffic congestion has been announced. The eight new projects, costing around SR8 billion ($2.13 billion), are the second phase of the Road Development Program for the capital, announced by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. As part of the works, a 20km road network surrounding King Abdullah Financial District will be developed to include three intersections and 19 bridges. Two major intersections will be constructed on Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz I Road in the northern part of Riyadh, as well as three bridges and a tunnel, increasing road capacity to 200,000 vehicles per day. In the center of Riyadh, five intersections will be upgraded on the Thumamah Road axis, and 11 bridges and five tunnels will be constructed, also increasing road capacity to 200,000 vehicles per day. Imam Abdullah bin Saud Road will have four main intersections, three bridges and two tunnels, increasing capacity to 200,000 vehicles daily. Dirab Road, where there will be two main intersections and nine bridges, will see an increased vehicle capacity of 340,000 vehicles per day. Imam Muslim Road will serve as the future southern extension of the Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz […]

1 year ago

WhatsApp Calls Reportedly Activated In Saudi Arabia: Permanent Change Or Temporary Test?

Many WhatsApp users in Saudi Arabia reported on Saturday that voice and video calling features had been activated after years of restrictions. However, there has been no official confirmation on whether this is a permanent change or a temporary test. The sudden activation has raised questions, particularly in the absence of an announcement from authorities. Technology expert Abdullah Al Subaie noted that this move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance telecommunications and digital infrastructure, potentially improving communication for users. WhatsApp, one of the world’s most widely used messaging apps, introduced voice calls in 2015 and video calls in 2016. However, these features have been blocked in Saudi Arabia due to regulatory policies. While there have been occasional reports of brief activations, they were typically linked to technical updates rather than policy shifts. In March 2024, speculation arose that the ban had been lifted, but Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission denied the claims, reaffirming that WhatsApp calls remained inaccessible. If the current activation proves permanent, it would mark a significant improvement in connectivity within the kingdom.

1 year ago

Kuwait: Up To Three Months In Jail And 75 Dinar (Dh895) Fine For Using Phone While Driving

Kuwait is set to implement strict new penalties for drivers caught using mobile phones or other handheld devices while driving, as part of an effort to curb distracted driving and improve road safety. Starting April 22, motorists found using their phones while on the road will face a fine of 75 Kuwaiti dinars (Dh895 or $245), the General Traffic Department has announced. More serious violations, if referred to court, could result in up to three months in jail, fines ranging between 150 and 300 dinars, or both penalties. Authorities say the move is aimed at reducing road accidents, with distracted driving being one of the leading causes of collisions globally. “Using a phone while driving takes a driver’s focus away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents,” a traffic department official said. “These penalties are designed to deter such dangerous behavior and encourage safer driving habits.” Officials urged motorists to adhere to the new rules by using hands-free devices if necessary or pulling over safely before checking their phones. The General Traffic Department has advised drivers to stay updated on traffic regulations through official government announcements, emphasizing that the new penalties are designed to protect lives and promote responsible […]

1 year ago

Watch: Saudi Woman Brings Horse Inside Store Again

After sparking controversy for riding a horse inside a pharmacy, Saudi female equestrian Shahd Al Shammari is back in the spotlight. A new video shows her inside a garment store, this time seemingly as part of a promotional campaign. Wearing an elaborately decorated dress, she walks alongside a horse inside a clothing hypermarket in Sabya, Jazan region, promoting the store’s affordable selections for men, women, and children. Last week, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health announced legal action against a pharmacy after it shared promotional videos featuring horse-riding influencers inside. The ministry emphasized the importance of professionalism in the health sector, warning that violations would not be tolerated. The controversy began when a viral video showed Shahd casually riding a horse through a pharmacy, browsing shelves, and collecting items as a man filmed her. The footage ignited debate on social media over ethical marketing practices in the health industry. Nicknamed “The Saudi Equestrian Shahd”, the young rider is among Saudi Arabia’s most prominent female equestrians. Admired for her skill and confidence, she has built a large following on social media, where she regularly shares videos showcasing her talents. Many fans see her as a role model for Saudi women breaking barriers […]

1 year ago

Kuwait Cryptocurrency Scam: 40 Million Dinars Lost In ‘Bitcoin Kuwait’ Fraud

A wave of cryptocurrency fraud has struck Kuwait, leaving investors stunned after an estimated 40 million Kuwaiti dinars ($130 million) disappeared in just hours. This financial blow, one of the largest in the country’s digital trading history, followed the collapse of a newly introduced cryptocurrency called “Bitcoin Kuwait.” Traders had invested heavily in the asset, only for it to collapse almost immediately after its launch. The scheme, allegedly orchestrated by an anonymous developer over three years, was first exposed by Dr. Safaa Zaman, a professor of computer science at Kuwait University and president of the Kuwait Society for Information Security. Dr. Zaman took to social media platform X, revealing that the creator of “Bitcoin Kuwait” vanished with the funds, leaving behind many victims—mostly young and inexperienced investors. “Where is the oversight, where is the legislation, and where is the fraudster?” she asked, pointing to the regulatory failures that allowed such a massive fraud to unfold. Despite the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s refusal to license Bitcoin trading in Kuwait, no effective safeguards are in place to protect the public from cryptocurrency scams. Dr. Zaman noted that the Central Bank of Kuwait officially prohibits dealings with digital currencies, but enforcement measures […]

1 year ago

Watch: Wild Bull Runs Rampant Through Oman’s Ibra, Causing Chaos

Chaos erupted in Ibra, Oman, when a wild bull went on a rampage through the streets, leaving residents in a state of shock. The bull was spotted charging through the city, and its wild path led it straight into a local shop, where it sent customers into a frenzy. A video that quickly went viral shows terrified shoppers scrambling for cover as the bull barreled through the store, knocking over merchandise and causing panic. One brave man, armed only with a stick, was seen trying to push the rampaging bull out of the shop, but the animal proved impossible to control. But the bull wasn’t done yet — it continued its destructive path, colliding with a car as it made its way through the streets, adding to the chaos. The video ends with the bull still on the loose, leaving the situation unresolved and the fate of the animal unknown. Authorities have not yet provided updates on whether the bull was eventually captured or if anyone was injured during the episode. As the search continues, the whereabouts of the bull remain a mystery, and Ibra residents are left wondering what happened next.

1 year ago

UAE Becomes Top Global Destination for Winter Tourism: Report

The UAE has advanced to 18th position globally in the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index, whilst maintaining its regional leadership. The nation’s Tourism Strategy 2031 targets AED100 billion in investments and 40 million hotel guests. The World Travel & Tourism Council reports that the UAE received 29.2 million international tourists in 2024, marking a 15.5 percent increase from 2023. The council projects visitor numbers to reach 45.5 million by 2033, WAM said in a statement. UAE tourism sector projects 45.5 million visitors by 2033 The UAE stands as the sole Middle Eastern nation among the top 10 countries for international tourism revenue, with winter emerging as the peak tourism period. The nation has launched its fifth ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign, which showcases the country’s destinations through tourism experiences. The initiative targets domestic and international visitors, marking 53 years of the UAE’s development as a tourism hub. The campaign highlights the UAE’s winter offerings, from desert safaris and mountain adventures to camping and wadi exploration. Visitors can access mountains, deserts, coastlines, and nature reserves, alongside activities including paragliding, rock climbing, and rappelling. The nation’s infrastructure developments continue to strengthen its position as a winter tourism destination, offering experiences from traditional desert camping and […]

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Search Here

Cabinet Declares Half-Working Day for Bahrain Sports Day on February 20

Jeddah Mayoralty Serves Notices to Owners of 351 Dilapidated Buildings in Faisaliah and Rabwa Neighborhoods

Bahrain: CBB Announces Final Batch Of Silver Commemorative Coin For HM The King’s Silver Jubilee

Road Improvements Worth SR8 Billion Announced For Riyadh

WhatsApp Calls Reportedly Activated In Saudi Arabia: Permanent Change Or Temporary Test?

Kuwait: Up To Three Months In Jail And 75 Dinar (Dh895) Fine For Using Phone While Driving

Watch: Saudi Woman Brings Horse Inside Store Again

Kuwait Cryptocurrency Scam: 40 Million Dinars Lost In ‘Bitcoin Kuwait’ Fraud

Watch: Wild Bull Runs Rampant Through Oman’s Ibra, Causing Chaos

UAE Becomes Top Global Destination for Winter Tourism: Report

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