GCC News

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia: SFDA Chief Rules Out Plan To Ban Sale Of Cigarettes Or Vapes

Saudi Arabia has no plan to ban the sale of traditional or electronic cigarettes, according to Dr. Hisham Al-Jadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). His remarks came amid growing international discussions on tobacco regulations, with countries like Belgium opting for stricter measures, including bans on vaping products. Speaking on Rotana Khalejia’s program “Fi Al-Soura” on Monday, Dr. Al-Jadhey clarified that electronic cigarettes are subject to different regulations worldwide. He emphasized that e-cigarettes are not a safer alternative to traditional smoking, countering common misconceptions. Dr. Al-Jadhey highlighted the SFDA’s overarching goal to encourage smokers to quit smoking entirely. “Our primary aim is to support smokers in transitioning away from tobacco use,” he said, while explaining that the authority works to ensure tobacco companies comply with established standards and regulations while actively monitoring potential violations. “Rather than implementing a blanket ban, Saudi Arabia’s current policy focuses on providing smokers with alternatives, including nicotine-based products, as a pathway to quitting,” Dr. Al-Jadhey said, stressing that offering these alternatives is a more effective strategy than outright prohibitions in achieving long-term public health objectives.

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia: More Than One Branch Of A Luxury Restaurant Not Allowed In A City

Ministry proposes requirements to ensure best dining experience The standards for luxury restaurants also include providing a menu containing at least three sections: appetizers, main dishes, and desserts with a total of five items as a minimum The Ministry of Municipalities has presented proposals for a public survey with regard to a series of requirements and set of standards for luxury restaurants. The ministry sought the opinions and feedback of the public on these proposals through the unified electronic platform Istitlaa so as to implement them after taking into account of the public’s viewpoints. The luxury restaurant standards prohibit the establishment of more than one branch of the same brand in the city, as the multiplicity of branches affects the quality of service and fair competition with other restaurants, with the exception of temporary seasonal branches. There are specific rules for the visitor’s dress code when entering the restaurant, in a manner that does not violate regulations and decisions. The ministry considered the requirement as a contribution to the consistency and professionalism of the restaurant’s general appearance. The proposals have set the criteria for classification and integrated service for the visitor while sitting at the table. The service begins from the moment the order […]

1 year ago

MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants Recognised at Gala Ceremony in Abu Dhabi

The fourth edition of the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards brought together culinary stars from across the region in Abu Dhabi, celebrating a diverse gastronomic landscape. Hosted at Erth Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), the event highlighted the top 50 restaurants from 11 cities. Topping the list for the third year in a row was Orfali Bros Bistro, a Dubai gem founded by Syrian-born brothers Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali. Manama Gems Featured Bahrain made its mark with Fusions (formerly known as Fusions by Tala), ranked No. 6 and named The Best Restaurant in Bahrain. CUT by Wolfgang Puck, represented by Chef Brian Becher returned to the list on No. 43. Bahraini Chef Tala Bashmi’s reimagined heritage dishes have redefined modern Middle Eastern gastronomy, earning her the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs’ Choice Award. This prestigious accolade, voted by her peers, highlights her positive impact on the region’s culinary community. Em Sherif’s Yasmina Hayek Recognised Another standout was Yasmina Hayek, Executive Chef of the Lebanon-based Em Sherif Group, who won the Middle East & North Africa’s Best Female Chef Award. Her work with Em Sherif, particularly at its flagship restaurant in […]

1 year ago

Pakistani Ambassador To Oman Clarifies On Issuance Of New Visa

The Ambassador of Pakistan to Oman, Syed Naveed Safdar Bokhari, said that the Sultanate of Oman has tightened the issuance of new visas across all categories for Pakistani nationals. Speaking on the visa issue, the ambassador admitted that they are working on this issue. “Hopefully we will reach a solution soon,” the ambassador said. He also said the Pakistani expats coming to Oman should always work on the right visas. “Many a time these visas are misused,” he said, adding that there is nothing called Azad visas. “Don’t come on azad visas. There is nothing like this. People should come and work for the right sponsors. The embassy is always there to help you,” he said. He also said that disputes can be solved in Oman courts if there is any disagreement between sponsors and workers. “Before coming to Oman, please be aware of the laws,” he said. Ex-chairman of Pakistan Social Club, A H Raja, said a lot of the people come to Oman in visit visas. “People coming to visit visas should not work and they should go back once their visas are expired,” he said.

1 year ago

Dubai Rent Hikes To Slow Down In 2025 As Property Market Set For Record Supply

The Dubai real estate market is expected to stabilise in 2025, with rent increases slowing down. Industry executives attribute this to an abundant supply of new properties and the implementation of the smart rental index. “The new index, which offers transparent and data-driven pricing mechanisms, will likely provide more accurate market insights, helping tenants and landlords make informed decisions. As new properties come online and more options become available, the increased supply is expected to temper the rapid price growth in recent years. This, combined with the ongoing market stabilisation, will contribute to a more balanced and sustainable rental environment,” said real estate brokerage Betterhomes. Rupert Simmonds, director of leasing at Betterhomes, said rent increases slowed in 2024 compared to the previous year, signalling stabilisation in the market. The real estate brokerage capped completions at 27,000 units in 2024 due to postponements, with 2025 set for a record-breaking 72,365 units, a massive increase of 171 per cent. “Dubai’s property prices are expected to remain stable by 2026 as the market absorbs an estimated 163,000 new housing units between 2025 and 2026. This influx, driven by pre-sales from 2022 to 2023, is anticipated to balance demand,” said Betterhomes. “While minor price adjustments may […]

1 year ago

SFDA Warns Against Consuming Arrowhead Roast Beef Due To Listeria Contamination

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has issued a warning against consumption of Arrowhead brand roast beef due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, posing a potential health risk to consumers, the SFDA said in a statement. The affected product originates from the United Arab Emirates and is packaged in 2-3 kg packages bearing the following information: production date 02/12/2024, expiry date 01/04/2025, and batch number B09M24NW. The SFDA advises consumers to immediately avoid consuming this product and to dispose of any remaining quantities. The authority has taken necessary actions, including product withdrawal from the market and regulatory actions against the importing company. The SFDA emphasizes its commitment to protecting public health and stresses that violations of the Food Law and its Executive Regulation can result in fines of up to SR10 million, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. The SFDA stated that it will not tolerate any violations that may affect the health of citizens and residents and will continue its efforts to ensure product safety and take necessary measures against violators. The authority called on the public to report food-related violations through contacting its unified call center […]

1 year ago

Bahrain: Drugs Hidden In Book Covers Send Smuggler To Jail, BD3,000 Fine Imposed

Drugs hidden inside book covers led to an Asian man being jailed for five years and fined BD3,000 after a sting exposed his role in an organised smuggling ring. The First High Criminal Court issued the sentence after customs officers intercepted a suspicious parcel at Bahrain International Airport. The package, arriving from an Asian country, was scanned and found to contain a crystalline substance concealed within book covers. Upon inspection, the substance was identified as the drug “shabu” (methamphetamine), weighing 1.3 kilograms. Anti-Narcotics officers set up an operation to track down the intended recipient. The man was arrested after picking up the parcel, and a search of his car uncovered a black bag containing another 492.94 grams of suspected shabu, along with a precision scale. During questioning, the man admitted to collecting the parcel on behalf of another individual. Investigators uncovered an organised network smuggling drugs into Bahrain, with the defendant tasked with receiving, storing, and distributing the narcotics under instructions from the ringleader. Laboratory tests confirmed the drugs’ nature, while forensic analysis of the defendant’s phone revealed more evidence, including images and videos of narcotics and tools used in drug distribution.

1 year ago

Foreign Investors Inject $33.6m Into Bahrain Stocks Market In 2024

A recent report shows that foreign investors continue to pump money into Bahrain’s stock market, reflecting growing interest in certain local firms’ shares. Figures from the Bahrain Bourse revealed a net foreign purchase of $33.6 million in listed stocks during 2024, marking a clear trend of international funds entering the market. Net purchase transactions The fourth quarter alone saw net purchase transactions valued at $1.1 million. In a bid to breathe new life into trading activity, the Bahrain Bourse has announced the launch of a broad incentive programme, which will kick off on 2 February 2025. This initiative is a cornerstone of the Financial Services Sector Development Strategy (2022-2026), designed to broaden participation in the market and increase liquidity through new approaches. Kamco Invest reported that Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul recorded the highest net foreign purchases in 2024, totalling $6.3 billion. Abu Dhabi’s bourse followed with $5.4 billion, while Dubai’s market posted $572.5 million.

1 year ago

Bahrain: MPs Back 2% Tax On Expat Remittances

Expat remittances in Bahrain may face a 2 per cent tax after MPs gave their backing to a revised proposal today. The original plan outlined a tiered system, imposing a 1 per cent levy on transfers below 200 dinars, 2 per cent on amounts between 201 and 400 dinars, and 3 per cent on sums exceeding 400 dinars. It also offered exemptions for transfers tied to investment agreements, capital movements, and certain cases under Bahrain’s tax framework. However, MPs have now opted for a simpler approach—a flat 2 per cent rate, aimed at making it easier to enforce. The proposal has already faced resistance. In January 2024, the Shura Council rejected it over fears that the tax might push expats to rely on informal transfer methods, such as black markets or cryptocurrencies, potentially destabilising Bahrain’s financial system. Since its first submission in February 2023, the bill has undergone multiple revisions to address these concerns. Pushed forward by Lulwa Al Rumaihi and backed by Dr Muneer Seroor along with three other MPs, the bill is part of a broader effort to reduce Bahrain’s dependence on oil revenue. Supporters argue that taxing the millions of dinars sent abroad each year could help […]

1 year ago

Bahrain: Accountant Sentenced To Five Years For Embezzling Over BD40,000 From Gulf Air Academy

The High Criminal Court has sentenced a 36-year-old accountant to five years imprisonment and a fine of BD 41,770.795. He has also been ordered to repay the same amount to Gulf Air Academy, a subsidiary of Gulf Air Group, following his conviction. As per the case records, the Public Prosecution accused the accountant, who served as a senior accountant and acting head of accounts and finance at the academy, of embezzling BD 54,121 between January 2021 and April 2022. The prosecution alleged that he exploited his position to misappropriate cash payments received from trainees, diverting the funds for his personal use instead of depositing them into the academy’s accounts. The accountant was further accused of manipulating the academy’s electronic information system. He allegedly altered transaction data and dates, falsified bank reconciliations, omitted accurate data, and systematically prepared monthly reconciliation reports to conceal his embezzlement. He also reportedly entered false value-added tax (VAT) entries to cover discrepancies between the academy’s bank records and its electronic system. Testimonies from the academy’s finance and accounts director revealed that since November 11, 2021, the department had consisted of two employees: the defendant and an accounts coordinator. “The coordinator, who was primarily focused on preparing […]

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Search Here

Saudi Arabia: SFDA Chief Rules Out Plan To Ban Sale Of Cigarettes Or Vapes

Saudi Arabia: More Than One Branch Of A Luxury Restaurant Not Allowed In A City

MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants Recognised at Gala Ceremony in Abu Dhabi

Pakistani Ambassador To Oman Clarifies On Issuance Of New Visa

Dubai Rent Hikes To Slow Down In 2025 As Property Market Set For Record Supply

SFDA Warns Against Consuming Arrowhead Roast Beef Due To Listeria Contamination

Bahrain: Drugs Hidden In Book Covers Send Smuggler To Jail, BD3,000 Fine Imposed

Foreign Investors Inject $33.6m Into Bahrain Stocks Market In 2024

Bahrain: MPs Back 2% Tax On Expat Remittances

Bahrain: Accountant Sentenced To Five Years For Embezzling Over BD40,000 From Gulf Air Academy

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