JEDDAH — The Passports Department at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah has swung into action in processing the departure procedures for the outbound flights of pilgrims returning home after completing their Hajj rituals. The General Directorate of Passports confirmed its peak operational readiness across all of the Kingdom’s land, air, and sea ports to handle the post-Hajj departure phase. It urged all international pilgrims to strictly adhere to their scheduled travel times. The directorate confirmed its full readiness to process departing pilgrims across all of the Kingdom’s international air, land, and sea ports, facilitating their smooth return home after…
Author: Editorial Team
MAKKAH — Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif said that the security situation during Hajj 2026 was stable and no incidents disrupting the Hajj or compromising the safety of the pilgrims happened. He attributed this to complete discipline of pilgrims and close monitoring of the pilgrims’ conditions, movements, and accommodations by the concerned authorities. The interior minister made the remarks in cables of greetings sent to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on the occasion of the Eid Al-Adha…
The public health situation in the UAE remains stable, with no indication of concern within the country, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) announced on Saturday, May 30. The announcement came after a meeting between NCEMA, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), emergency management officials and strategic partners. During the meeting, stakeholders reviewed the latest regional and international developments related to the Ebola virus and assessed the country’s readiness to respond to any potential health risks. As part of the discussions, officials examined current epidemiological trends and evaluated existing preparedness measures to ensure the UAE remains…
TEHRAN — Iranian authorities are preparing for a “grand” funeral for slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, official media reported Friday, nearly three months after his death in the initial wave of US-Israeli bombings that triggered the region to the war. The ceremony, which had been planned for shortly after his death, was frequently postponed due to the fighting and increased security concerns. Though the timing was still uncertain, “a special headquarters has been formed to prepare for the funeral ceremony, and various agencies are currently planning and making arrangements,” state TV reported, citing Mohsen Mahmoudi, head of the Tehran…
BERLIN — The German government on Friday expressed “concern” over Israeli plans to expand control in Gaza, saying it would complicate humanitarian aid efforts for Palestinians living in the war-ravaged territory. “We view these announcements and the reports about them with concern, and if this were to happen, it would complicate our efforts—particularly the provision of further vital humanitarian aid, especially for the population,” Germany’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kathrin Deschauer told journalists in Berlin. Deschauer also said Germany opposes any permanent division of the Palestinian territory. “You also know that it is the position of the federal government and the…
Abu Dhabi’s largest indoor summer sports event returns on June 6, with the fifth edition of Abu Dhabi Summer Sports (ADSS) running through August 19 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The Al Ain edition opens simultaneously for its fourth year. Organised by ADNEC Group, Capital 360, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, ADSS is the largest indoor summer sports event of its kind in the Middle East. This year’s edition expands to Halls 1 through 11 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, a significant increase from previous editions, offering residents an air-conditioned sporting destination through the peak of the UAE summer.…
In light of Ebola-related health developments, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised citizens against travelling to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan, except when necessary. The Ministry also urged citizens currently in these countries to exercise maximum caution and vigilance, follow health and safety instructions issued by local authorities, register with the “I’m Here” service, and contact the Ministry in case of emergencies. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels Amid rising concerns, UAE health authorities said on May 19 they are fully prepared to respond to any…
GAZA — Hamas said on Friday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration that his country would expand its area of control in Gaza was a dangerous escalation, as European states and residents of the Palestinian territory also voiced alarm at the plan. “In a blatant violation of all agreements, as is their usual practice, Netanyahu announced expanding control over 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, while the killing and starvation continue,” Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim told AFP news agency. “Any attempt to impose a new reality of occupation in Gaza is null and illegitimate,” said Ismail Al-Thawabta,…
LOS ANGELES — A former Southern California mayor pleaded guilty on Friday to acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government, admitting she promoted Beijing-backed content in the United States without notifying federal authorities. Wang, 56, stepped down as mayor of the Southern California city of Arcadia earlier this month after being charged in April with acting in the United States on behalf of a foreign government. Prosecutors said she worked to advance the interests of Chinese officials by sharing articles favorable to Beijing while failing to register her activities as required under US law. Wang was elected to…
The UAE and Eswatini have signed a memorandum of understanding to waive entry visa requirements for both countries. The deal was signed by Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, and Princess Lindiwe, Minister of Home Affairs. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels The agreement is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and making travel between the two countries easier, while supporting wider cooperation across different sectors. Both sides said the move reflects their shared commitment to deepening relations and expanding opportunities for coordination and partnership. Source: Khaleej Times