- Middle East
Saudi Arabia warns against using SHTINE bottled water
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has issued a warning to withdraw SHTINE drinking bottled water from the local market due to its excessive levels of bromate, a chemical formed during water disinfection. The SHTINE…
- Middle East
Egyptian man executed for killing Indian expat in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh: The authorities in Saudi Arabia recently executed an Egyptian citizen who was convicted of killing an Indian expat in the Kingdom, in 2021. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said in a…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia updates fees for visa, Iqama services
Riyadh: The authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have updated fees for Iqama renewal, extended exit and reentry visa services, and other services for 2025. Arabic daily Okaz learned that…
- World
Switzerland ‘burqa ban’ law comes into effect
Bern: The government of Switzerland implemented the “burqa ban” on Wednesday, January 1, a controversial measure aimed at curbing public displays of facial coverings. The ban followed a 2021 referendum in which…
- India
Indian banker in Dubai wins Rs 2 crore in Big Ticket draw
Abu Dhabi: While number of people have been trying for years to win the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi jackpot, a 46-year-old Dubai-based Indian banker won a staggering Dirham one million (Rs 2,33,45,670)…
- Middle East
Dubai: Up to 85 pc off on diamond, pearl jewellery on Jan 4, 5
Dubai: Do you want to purchase a pearl or diamond as a New Year’s gift? This is a good chance for you. A flash sale weekend has been planned by Dubai Jewellery…
- Middle East
Over 53,000 Israeli settlers stormed Al Aqsa Mosque in 2024
At least 53,605 Israeli settlers stormed the Al Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem during the year 2024, according to the Islamic Endowments Department. This is the largest number of settlers to storm Al Aqsa Mosque…
- Middle East
Saudi Arabia executes six Iranians for drug trafficking
Riyadh: The authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on Wednesday, January 1, executed six Iranians sentenced for drug trafficking. The executed were identified as: Jssim Mohammed Shabani Abdul-Ridha Younis Tangasir…
- Middle East
Dubai: Consulate assists 15,000 Indians seeking UAE visa amnesty
The Indian Consulate in Dubai on Wednesday, January 1, said that it has assisted more than 15,000 Indians who sought the services of the UAE visa amnesty initiative, which ended on Tuesday, December 31.…
- Middle East
Former Israeli Defence Minister Gallant resigns from Knesset
Former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday, January 1, announced his resignation from the country’s parliament (Knesset). Gallant’s decision comes nearly two months after he was removed from his post by…
- Middle East
Dubai: Ban on single-use plastic products comes into force
Dubai: A ban on the single-use of plastic products in Dubai came into effect on Wednesday, January 1. The new ban will be applicable on styrofoam containers and cups, as well as…
- Middle East
UAE: Mandatory health insurance scheme comes into effect
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented a new basic health insurance scheme for private sector employees and domestic workers, which came into effect on Wednesday, January 1. The scheme, which has…