- Middle East
UAE: Facial recognition may soon replace Emirates ID
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to launch a next-generation digital identity system that will eliminate the need for residents and visitors to present physical Emirates ID cards when accessing essential…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia: Over 6.5M int’l pilgrims perform Umrah in Q1 2025
Over 6.5 million international pilgrims performed Umrah in Saudi Arabia during the first quarter of 2025, representing an 11 percent increase compared to the same period last year, the Saudi Minister of…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia set to pay off Syria’s World Bank debt
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)is planning to settle Syria’s outstanding debt to the World Bank—estimated at approximately 15 million USD—as part of efforts to support the war-torn nation following years of…
- World
Maldives bans entry of Israeli passport holders over Gaza war
The Maldives has officially banned Israeli passport holders from entering the country, citing ongoing Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip and expressing “resolute solidarity” with the Palestinian people. The ban follows…
- Middle East
Military dogs from Netherlands used to attack, torture Palestinians: Report
The Netherlands’ ongoing export of military dogs to Israeli occupation forces—despite clear evidence of their use in the torture and intimidation of Palestinians—poses a serious risk of violating international law. Human rights…
- Middle East
Madinah hosts second edition of Umrah and Ziyarah Forum
The second edition of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum kicked off on Monday, April 14, at the King Salman International Conference Center in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Organised by the Ministry of Haj…
- Middle East
Makkah hotels to accommodate Haj permit holders from April 29
Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has instructed all hospitality facilities in Makkah to refuse accommodation to visitors without a Haj permit or an entry permit for work or…
- Middle East
UAE airlifts resident from Saudi Arabia for urgent medical care
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the National Guard’s National Search and Rescue Centre, has successfully airlifted its resident from Saudi Arabia for urgent…
- Middle East
Abu Dhabi imposes Rs 107 crore fine on Hayvn Group, ex-CEO
In a significant joint enforcement action, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and the Registration Authority (RA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) have imposed penalties totalling USD 12.46 million (Rs 1,07,27,62,760)…
- Middle East
Four Indian expats win Rs 35 lakh each in Big Ticket draw
In a life-changing moment, four Indian expatriates have won a staggering 150,000 Dirham (Rs 35,12,037) each in the latest Big Ticket Abu Dhabi weekly electronic draw. The winners — Samsudhin Hosdurg, Jishnu Thottingal Kunjankutty,…
- Middle East
Dubai Airport named world’s busiest international airport for 2024
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has maintained its position as the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic for the 11th consecutive year, amid a strong surge in long-haul travel demand throughout 2024.…
- Middle East
Gulf countries welcome Oman’s hosting of US-Iran talks
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have praised Oman for hosting talks between the United States and Iran, recognising its role in facilitating dialogue and bridging differences…
- Middle East
Indian pilgrim saved after stroke during Umrah at Grand Mosque
An Indian pilgrim was recently saved by a specialised medical team after suffering a stroke while performing Umrah rituals at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Emergency teams from the Saudi…
- Middle East
Fact check: Mumbai to Dubai in 2 hours via underwater train?
A proposed high-speed underwater train project that could link Mumbai to Dubai in just two hours and cover the distance of nearly 2,000 kilometres is once again making headlines, following widespread coverage…
- Middle East
Dubai’s Global Village season 29 closing date announced
Dubai’s much-loved family destination, Global Village, has announced that season 29 will officially close on May 11. The announcement was shared on the official Global Village X account, encouraging visitors to make…
