RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and India are taking their partnership to a new level by expanding the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council. The move introduces four key ministerial committees, including a new focus on defence cooperation and tourism and culture—a big leap in strengthening ties beyond trade and energy. The announcement was made in a joint statement […]
MUSCAT: The Qatar animal registration database of reptile sightings just got an intriguing new entry—but from next door. For the first time ever, scientists have confirmed the presence of the elusive black cobra in Oman, specifically in the Dhofar governorate. This rare discovery was led by researchers from the University of Nizwa, in partnership with […]
DOHA: In a major move to improve public safety, Qatar has ordered all exotic and dangerous pet owners to complete Qatar animal registration by April 22—or risk serious consequences. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, along with the Ministry of Interior, has confirmed that fines can reach up to QR100,000 ($27,500). In cases where […]
KUWAIT: In a game-changing moment for the region, Kuwait has discovered four billion barrels of oil at two sites — Al-Nokhtha-1 and Al-Julaia-2 — thanks to the power of artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The announcement came during the regional training programme “Digital Transformation and its Applications in the Oil and Gas Sector,” organised by […]
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to building more sustainable and efficient energy systems, following high-level talks between Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. The focus keyphrase energy transition partnership took centre stage during their meeting in Riyadh, where both nations explored deeper […]
Jordan: His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Humanitarian Envoy of The Big Heart Foundation, emphasised that responding to the escalating humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians—particularly in the Gaza Strip—requires a united mobilisation of resources to implement sustainable development projects. These must target sectors such as healthcare, education, […]
ATM 2025 will spotlight Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism sector and future-focused vision. Prominent exhibitors participating in ATM 2025 include SAUDIA, Riyadh Air and Cruise Saudi. Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism sector continues on an upward trajectory, with the Kingdom welcoming 30 million international visitors in 2024, representing a 9.5 percent increase from the previous […]
DUBAI: The GCC construction industry is bracing for higher prices, with building costs across the UAE and Saudi Arabia now expected to rise even more sharply following fresh trade tariffs announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump. These concerns come as Stonehaven releases its 2025 UAE & KSA Construction Cost Benchmarking Report, which had already […]
ABU DHABI: The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are considering a joint bid for the 2035 Rugby World Cup, potentially bringing one of the world’s biggest sporting events to the Gulf for the first time. According to The Times, the trio of nations are exploring the possibility of co-hosting the tournament, with the goal of […]
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has officially opened Hajj registrations for the 1446 AH season, prioritising first-time pilgrims and ensuring compliance with mandatory vaccinations. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made Hajj packages available for Saudi citizens and residents via the Nusuk app and the official electronic portal. This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s effort […]
MAKKAH: The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque reported a total of 122,286,712 worshippers during Ramadan 1446 AH, with 16,558,241 performing Umrah, 75,573,928 praying at the Grand Mosque, and 30,154,543 visiting the Prophet’s Mosque. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), to efficiently manage the […]
