NAIROBI —A Kenyan high court has suspended plans for the United States to set up an Ebola quarantine facility for Americans in the country that has sparked public concern about cross-border infection risks. The 50-bed isolation center is to be staffed by US medics and was due to begin operations on Friday, according to an American official. High Court Judge Patricia Nyaundi said in her orders late on Thursday that Kenya was also not allowed to admit anyone exposed to or infected by Ebola under the planned agreement with the United States, until a case challenging the deal was heard…
Author: Editorial Team
NAIROBI — Kenyan police arrested eight female students on suspicion of arson after a fire destroyed a dormitory at a boarding school, killing 16 children and injuring dozens of others, authorities said on Friday. The fire in the early hours of Thursday morning at the Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, about 120km north-west of capital city Nairobi, tore through the upper floor of a dormitory which had 135 bunk beds. The girls were arrested for planning and carrying out the suspected arson attack, according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, a department of the national police. The motive remained under…
MAKKAH — Sheikh Bandar Balila, imam and khateeb of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, said that a primary sign of an accepted Hajj is a pilgrim returning with a more pious heart and purer conduct. Delivering the Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Balila emphasized that worship is a lifelong journey, describing Hajj as a school of faith that instills patience and monotheism. The imam reminded pilgrims to complete their remaining Tashreeq rituals, including the stoning of the Jamarat, and stressed that the Farewell Tawaf is mandatory before departing Makkah. Source: Saudi Gazette
Emirates has issued a travel advisory as several countries introduced entry restrictions and enhanced screening measures due to Ebola. Passengers are advised to check the latest entry requirements through official government sources before travelling. Travellers should also ensure their contact details are updated and monitor their flight status before heading to the airport. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels If travel plans are affected, Emirates will assist with rebooking on the next available flight, including connecting journeys beyond Dubai. Customers booking flights from 2 April will also be eligible for one complimentary date…
MAKKAH — On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishaal handed over on Friday the new Holy Kaaba cover (Kiswa) to Kaaba’s gatekeeper. Deputy Chief Gatekeeper Abdul Malik bin Taha Al-Shaibi received the new Kiswa. The handover is prior to the annual customary replacement of the Kiswa scheduled to be held on Muharram 1, the first day of the new Hijri year. Tailored with meticulous craftsmanship at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, the piece is manufactured out of premium black-dyed natural silk. Standing 14 meters…
Books transcend and unite cultures, reminding people everywhere that literature “carries the questions of one civilisation into the heart of another,” Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi of Sharjah told the official opening ceremony of the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026 on Thursday. The Emirate of Sharjah is Guest of Honour at the fair, which began Thursday and is ongoing through May 31. Sharjah is the first-ever Arab guest of honour. Addressing a crowd of dignitaries and literary figures under the soaring, cabled roof of PGE Narodowy stadium in Warsaw, Sheikha Bodour said the power of translated literature proves that…
MAKKAH — Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif received Syrian Minister of Interior Anas Khattab at the ministry’s headquarters in Makkah on Friday. Several senior officials attended the meeting. During the meeting, the ministers reviewed areas of existing cooperation and security coordination between the two countries and discussed a number of topics of mutual interest. The Syrian interior minister praised this year’s Hajj operation, notably the integrated services and efficient crowd management. “The excellent Hajj operation reflects the level of care the Kingdom extends to pilgrims, as well as its…
MADINAH — Madinah welcomed on Friday evening the first groups of pilgrims arriving from Makkah after performing the Hajj rituals. They arrived via the Haramain High-Speed Train and buses and other vehicles along the Hijrah Road. The arrival of these pilgrims to Madinah was facilitated by a comprehensive system of field and organizational services provided by relevant authorities to ensure their smooth arrival and transportation to their accommodations mainly in the central Haram area. The relevant Hajj authorities and sectors in Madinah have raised their readiness to receive groups of pilgrims during the post-Hajj season. Field teams continue their work…
MINA — Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman held talks with President of Chad Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno at the Royal Court of Mina Palace on Thursday. During the meeting, the leaders reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and prospects for cooperation across various fields. They also discussed several issues of mutual interest. Several officials attended the meeting. They include Minister of State, Cabinet Member, and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, General Intelligence Chief Khalid Al-Humaidan, Crown Prince’s Secretary Dr. Bandar Al-Rasheed, and Saudi Ambassador to Chad Dr. Attallah Al-Zaid. Source: Saudi Gazette
Al Ain City Municipality plants more than five million seasonal flower seedlings across the city every year as part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance liveability, green coverage and quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The initiative implemented through dedicated urban beautification contracts spans the city’s main roads, key public squares, parks and recreational spaces, with carefully designed decorative planters and green installations that complement Al Ain’s street infrastructure and civic facilities. Speaking on the project, Engineer Salama Shatit Al Dhaheri said the planting programme features 30 species of seasonal flowers, branching into 40 flowering varieties across 20…