RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has introduced more flexible residency permit (iqama) renewal options for domestic workers, allowing employers to issue or renew permits for periods starting from three months through the Absher platform. The Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), announced the initiative in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Musaned platform. Under the new service, employers can now issue or renew residency permits for domestic workers and those in similar categories for periods of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, or 24 months. Previously, renewals were limited…
Author: Editorial Team
Indian and British expatriates continued to drive Dubai’s residential property market in the first half of 2026, helping transactions reach Dh225.7 billion despite regional geopolitical tensions, according to a new report by Anarock. The consultancy found that buyers from more than 150 countries invested in Dubai’s housing market in 2025, with Indians accounting for the largest share at 22 per cent, followed by British buyers at 17 per cent and Chinese investors at 14 per cent. The report said Dubai’s residential market remained resilient during the US-Iran regional conflict, with buyer confidence returning quickly after a brief slowdown. Residential transactions…
JEDDAH — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) forecasts the continuation of hot to extremely hot weather, with temperatures reaching 49°C in parts of the Kingdom through Saturday. According to the NCM, maximum temperatures ranging from 47°C to 49°C are expected from July 20 to 25 across parts of the Eastern Province and the eastern and southern parts of the Riyadh Region. Meanwhile, maximum temperatures between 46°C and 48°C are forecast from July 20 to 22 across parts of the Makkah, Madinah, and Qassim regions. The NCM advised the public to follow its official website, mobile application, and social media…
DUBAI, 19th July, 2026 (WAM) — The customs facilitation measures and economic solutions introduced by Dubai Customs under the economic support packages approved by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, have provided more than AED79 million in liquidity to the private sector, helped maintain trade flows worth AED33.9 billion between 1st March and 30th June 2026, supported business continuity for thousands of companies and strengthened supply chain resilience. Introduced to strengthen economic resilience and maintain trade continuity amid regional…
Ever wanted to carry a Chanel clutch for a wedding or wear a Prada dress to a gala without paying the full retail price? A Dubai-based fashion rental platform is making luxury wardrobes more accessible, with designer bags, dresses and accessories available for delivery in around 120 minutes across the city. Best Kept Shared is a peer-to-peer fashion rental and resale platform that connects people looking to rent luxury fashion with owners willing to lend pieces from their wardrobes. The platform offers items from brands including Chanel, Bottega Veneta and Prada, giving users access to designer fashion for a fraction…
ASIR — Saudi Border Guard arrested 14 Ethiopian and Yemeni nationals in the Asir Region for attempting to smuggle 240 kilograms of narcotic khat plant. Border Guard land patrols in the Raboua Sector of the Asir Region arrested the suspects for violating the Border Security Law after they were caught attempting to smuggle the narcotic plant. Authorities said the necessary preliminary legal procedures were completed, and the suspects, along with the seized qat, were referred to the competent authority. The Border Guard urged the public to report any information related to drug smuggling or trafficking by calling 911 in Makkah,…
MIAMI, 19th July, 2026 (WAM) — England secured third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating France 6-4 today in the third-place play-off. England took a 4-0 lead in the first half through goals from Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa, along with a brace from Bukayo Saka, who later completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute. Kylian Mbappé scored twice for France, while Bradley Barcola added another goal in the second half. Ousmane Dembélé netted France’s fourth in the sixth minute of stoppage time, before Jude Bellingham completed the scoring with England’s sixth goal.…
Refad Real Estate Investment and Development Company continues to develop the mixed-use Miraf District project in Khobar, with construction phases proceeding according to schedule, in preparation for delivering the project in 2029, reflecting the company’s commitment to the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Miraf District is a leading mixed-use development in the Eastern Province, combining residential, commercial, leisure, and hospitality amenities within a comprehensive destination designed to enhance quality of life. Strategically located in the Corniche district of Khobar, near Downtown Khobar and just minutes from the Corniche, the project is at the heart of one of the city’s…
As Spain and Argentina prepare to battle for football’s biggest glory, thousands of workers across the UAE are making plans of their own, not for stadiums or fan zones, but for wherever they can find a screen. For some, that means checking the score between taxi rides. For delivery riders, it could mean following the match while waiting for orders. Others will catch only a few minutes at a time during their shifts. In Jebel Ali, workers living in labour accommodation are turning the occasion into a community event, arranging a projector screening so residents can watch the final together.…
If you left booking your Fifa World Cup final plans until the last minute, chances are you’re already too late. As Spain and Argentina prepare to battle for football’s biggest prize on Sunday night, July 19, fans across the UAE have been scrambling to secure tables at sports bars, restaurants and fan zones, only to discover that many venues have been fully booked days before kick-off. For many supporters, finding somewhere to watch the final became almost as competitive as the match itself. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. “I started looking on…