MAKKAH — Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia warned that fines of up to SR100,000 will be imposed on anyone transporting holders of any type of visit visa into Makkah during the Hajj season.The ministry said the penalties apply from the first of Dhu al-Qa’dah, corresponding to April 19, until the fourteenth of Dhu al-Hijjah, corresponding to May 31. The ministry explained that the fine applies to those transporting individuals to the Holy capital Makkah and the Holy Sites. In addition to the financial penalty, the ministry said authorities will seek judicial confiscation of the land transport vehicle used in…
Author: Editorial Team
Deutsche Telekom is reportedly exploring a merger with its subsidiary T-Mobile U.S., a move which could create the world’s largest wireless operator by market capitalisation. Bloomberg reported Deutsche Telekom, which holds a roughly 53 per cent stake in T-Mobile, is rumoured to be weighing the creation of a new holding company which will make a stock bid for shares in both companies. The news agency’s sources stated the proposed new entity would be jointly owned by both companies’ current investors. If it reaches fruition, the merged group could then seek listings on a major US and European exchanges, although details…
From April 20, students across the UAE are back in classrooms after weeks of distance learning, as the Ministry of Education confirms a return to in-person schooling. While safety protocols and logistics have been carefully planned, the questions for many families also lean towards the emotional impact of being back to school: how will children reconnect with friends, rebuild social confidence and feel like they belong again in changed school environments? Experts say the academic catch-up will come in time, but what needs closer attention now are the social and emotional adjustments children require in classrooms and, just as importantly,…
ABU DHABI, 23rd April, 2026 (WAM) — First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) recorded a net profit of AED5.01 billion for the first quarter of 2026 (Q1’26), while Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) remained firmly above the Group’s medium-term guidance at 17.8 percent. Operating income increased by 6 percent yoy to AED9.34 billion, while operating profit rose by 5 percent yoy to AED7.22 billion. Net interest income rose 12 percent yoy to AED5.61 billion, driven by solid business volumes and resilient margins, while non-interest income stood at AED3.72 billion and contributed 40 percent of Group revenue in Q1’26. Balance sheet growth…
DUBAI, 21st April, 2026 (WAM) — The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) today announced that it will become the world’s first AI-Native financial centre, embedding artificial intelligence at the foundational level of its legal frameworks, business environment, talent development, ecosystem infrastructure and physical urban fabric. While many global financial centres are experimenting with artificial intelligence, DIFC is positioning itself to take a fundamentally different approach. As part of this ambition, DIFC will evolve into an AI-Native jurisdiction and destination where artificial intelligence is embedded across legal and regulatory frameworks, business operations, talent development systems, ecosystem infrastructure and the district’s physical…
South Korea and India recently agreed to deepen collaboration on AI, semiconductors and IT. This news marks just one in a number of pacts announced by the two as they pursue an aim to boost bilateral trade to $50 billion. The pair agreed the framework for a so-called Digital Bridge between the countries which will see them have closer links on the latest technology. It was signed alongside a raft of measures targeting other economic and cultural areas. In a statement released during the state visit of President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung to India, Prime Minister…
Every spring, says Denise Smith, a physical therapist in Chicago, she sees an increase in patients with pain in the bottoms of their feet. They’ve spent the winter in heavily cushioned shoes or boots that don’t engage their foot’s muscles, and suddenly they’re wearing sandals and flip-flops, which do. The sudden change can overload the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects your heel to the base of your toes. That stress can cause plantar fasciitis, which generally presents as a sharp pain in the sole or heel, often most noticeable with those first steps out of bed in…
SEOUL, 23rd April, 2026 (WAM) — The Republic of Korea’s economy posted its fastest quarterly growth in 5 1/2 years in the first quarter, supported by solid exports amid a semiconductor upcycle and resilient domestic demand, central bank data showed Thursday. The country’s real gross domestic product (GDP) — a key measure of economic growth — rose 1.7 percent in the January-March period from three months earlier, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing preliminary data from the Bank of Korea (BOK). It marked the strongest quarterly growth since the third quarter of 2020, when the economy expanded 2.2 percent. The figure…
As the UAE approaches Eid al Adha holidays in May, school leaders have clarified that the academic calendar remains largely fixed, though limited flexibility exists within set guidelines. The update comes as questions from parents and students grow over whether this year’s Eid break could see any adjustments. Education authorities and principals across curricula are now clarifying how the holidays will be managed, as schools balance cultural observance with academic recovery and continuity. This follows recent disruptions linked to the US–Israel–Iran war, which has now reached an extended ceasefire, with schools focused on helping students transition smoothly back to face-to-face…
HONOR, a global AI device ecosystem company, unveiled the HONOR 600 Series including HONOR 600 and HONOR 600 Pro, at an exclusive launch event held at Crowne Plaza RDC Riyadh Hotel & Convention Center, Riyadh, bringing together media, partners, influencers, and technology enthusiasts for an immersive first look at its latest innovation. The event highlighted the brand’s continued focus on AI-driven experiences and advanced imaging, with attendees introduced to the series’ standout features through live demonstrations and experience zones. The event experience was designed as an interactive journey, featuring dedicated zones that allowed attendees to explore the HONOR 600 Series…