RIYADH — The Ministry of Interior has warned against fraudulent Hajj campaigns and offices that are not licensed to serve domestic pilgrims. The ministry urged Saudis and expatriates not to be misled by deceptive advertisements being circulated on various websites and platforms. It also called for verifying the legitimacy of licensed campaigns serving domestic pilgrims through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website. The ministry called on the people to report any violations of Hajj regulations by calling over the number 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province and the number 999 in the rest…
Author: Editorial Team
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports set a historic record in 2025, reaching SR624 billion, up from SR543 billion in 2024, marking an annual growth rate of 15%. Their contribution to the Kingdom’s total exports rose to 44%, up from 39% in the previous year — the highest level on record. According to the latest global data, Saudi Arabia ranked highest among G20 countries in terms of growth rate. Over recent years, non-oil exports have shown steady growth, from SR325 billion in 2021 to SR468 billion in 2022, SR477 billion in 2023, SR543 billion in 2024, and SR624 billion in…
New milestones include removing plastic from packaging, using 100 percent recycled cobalt in Apple-designed batteries, and replenishing more than half of Apple’s corporate water use. Apple has announced that a record 30 percent of material across all of its products shipped in 2025 came from recycled content. The achievement, along with other key progress milestones Apple shared recently, is the result of innovation by teams across Apple and deep collaboration with its global supply chain. As part of this work, Apple now uses 100 percent recycled cobalt in all the batteries it designs and 100 percent recycled rare earth elements…
Dubai’s luxury hospitality scene is entering a new phase, with some of its most recognisable hotels temporarily closing or scaling back operations as they prepare to reopen with upgraded concepts and refreshed interiors. While Atlantis Dubai recently announced it’d paused operations at seven of its dining venues as it reviews guest demands, these hotels are taking a break to refurbish. Here’s a roundup of what some of the top players will be up to: Jumeirah Burj Al Arab The iconic Burj Al Arab has temporarily shut its doors for a major refurbishment, marking it first such comprehensive upgrade since the…
KUALA LUMPUR, 20th April, 2026 (WAM) — The United Arab Emirates National Pavilion has made a strong impact on the opening day of the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA) 2026, drawing significant attendance from international delegations, industry leaders, and representatives of leading international defence and security companies. The United Arab Emirates National Pavilion’s participation in DSA 2026, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, is supported by the UAE Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, and is organised by ADNEC Group, a Modon company. On the inaugural…
UAE announced the launch the first phase of training for Entrepreneurs from Emirati Families programme, an initiative designed to equip 1,000 Emirati family members with the skills to turn creative and productive abilities into sustainable businesses. Over the course of five years, the programme will train around 200 participants annually, offering structured guidance to help turn productive and creative skills into sustainable business ventures, Ministry of Community Empowerment and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism announced. Participants will be trained by a team of leading instructors, experts, and consultants specialising in entrepreneurship, finance, economics, personal development and technology. Stay up…
LONDON — Scottish First Minister John Swinney said he believes supporters of Scottish independence can win a future referendum, suggesting a new vote could take place as early as 2028. Swinney made the remarks as Scottish National Party campaigns ahead of next month’s Scottish Parliament election, where the party is seeking a majority it says would strengthen demands for another referendum. “I think we are very close to winning Scottish independence. I just have to make it happen,” Swinney said. The last independence referendum in 2014 saw 55% vote to remain in the United Kingdom, while 45% backed separation. Swinney…
DUBAI — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday that every rational and diplomatic path should be used to reduce tensions with the US, but added that vigilance and distrust in interactions with Washington were an “undeniable necessity”, according to the state news agency IRNA quoted by Reuters. A two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US is set to expire on Wednesday, with US representatives set to reach Islamabad for Iran negotiations on Monday while Tehran has yet to announce whether it will send a delegation to Pakistan. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Pezeshkian and…
Donghyuk Park, ES RAC Team Leader – LG Electronics Gulf. The relentless impending summer sun that beats down on the Arabian Gulf isn’t just a daily reality; it’s a profound influence on every aspect of life, especially inside our homes. For generations, air conditioning has been less of a luxury and more of an absolute necessity; an indispensable guardian of comfort, even, against the region’s extreme heat. Yet, far removed from the old, traditional barjeel wind towers, this reliance comes with a significant energy cost – one that nations across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are increasingly eager to address as they pursue ambitious sustainability agendas…
Atlantis Dubai has temporarily paused operations at seven restaurants across Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, as it reviews guest demand and refines its dining strategy. In a statement, the resort said the move is part of an ongoing effort to align operations with visitor trends while maintaining high standards across its key venues, many of which continue to attract residents and tourists alike. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp channels. The venues currently not in operation include La Mar by Gastón Acurio, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Cloud 22, and Ling Ling at…