The weather on Monday, April 20, is expected to be fair to partly cloudy, with it becoming cloudy over the coasts and islands by night, as per a forecast by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). As the week begins for many office-going residents, there may be relief from the heat with light rainfall expected by Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, light to moderate Southeasterly becoming Northwesterly and Northeasterly winds are set to blow, freshening at times, causing blowing dust and sand westward, with a speed of 15-25 km/hr, reaching 40 km/hr. The sea will be slight to moderate becoming rough at…
Author: Editorial Team
TEHRAN — Iran on Sunday forced two oil tankers to turn back while attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, saying the move was in response to the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said the vessels, sailing under the flags of Botswana and Angola, were ordered to change course after what it described as an unauthorized transit attempt through the strategic waterway. On Saturday, Iran announced tighter control over the Strait of Hormuz and warned shipping operators that the key energy corridor had effectively been closed again. The conflict has remained on hold…
ISLAMABAD — Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Sunday that continued dialogue is essential as a US delegation prepares to arrive in Islamabad. During a phone call, Dar stressed the need for continued dialogue and engagement to resolve current issues as soon as possible and promote peace and stability in the region and beyond, according to a statement from his office. The two ministers agreed to remain in contact, the statement said. It added that a phone call between the Iranian president and the Pakistani prime minister is likely later Sunday. Earlier, multiple Pakistani…
The UAE residents and faithfuls worldwide are preparing for the upcoming Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, which will decide the dates for Eid Al Adha 2026. As always, the exact timing will depend on the sighting of the crescent moon. According to the UAE Fatwa Council, Sunday, April 19, 2026, marks the start of the month of Dhul Qa’dah 1447 AH. This sets the stage for the next key moon sighting, which will determine when Dhul Hijjah begins. Saudi Arabia’s Crescent Sighting Department of the Supreme Court has also officially announced that Sunday, April 19 as the beginning of the…
KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday called for reducing Russia oil exports, saying any easing of sanctions against Moscow helps finance the war. In a post on X, Zelenskyy said continued sanctions relief fuels what he described as the Russian leadership’s illusion that it can continue the conflict. He said more than 110 tankers from Russia’s so-called shadow fleet are currently at sea. According to Zelenskyy, the vessels are carrying more than 12 million tons of Russian oil that can again be sold because of weaker sanctions enforcement. He said the cargo is worth around $10 billion and…
RIYADH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the implementation of two decisions to raise Saudization rates in marketing and sales professions, effective from Sunday, April 19 following the expiry of the grace period granted to private sector establishments. This is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to provide more motivating job opportunities for Saudi men and women across various regions of Saudi Arabia. The decisions stipulate raising the Saudization rate in at least 20 marketing and sales professions in the private sector to 60 percent. This will be applicable to establishments with three or more employees…
DUBAI, 19th April, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai’s rental market indicators in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026 demonstrate sustained stability, supported by strong regulatory and economic fundamentals. The market continues to show steady activity within a dynamic environment that adapts efficiently and reinforces confidence. This performance reflects the UAE leadership’s proactive vision and renewed directives to enhance the readiness and resilience of economic sectors, reinforcing sustainable growth, strengthening investor confidence, and underscoring Dubai’s ability to maintain balanced economic growth. According to data from the Dubai Land Department, the total value of rental contracts during Q1 2026 reached AED32.2 billion, reflecting…
Dubai’s hospitality scene has entered its “workation” era and we’re so here for it. Who doesn’t want an “office” that comes with pool access, spa discounts and a skyline or sea view? Recently, hotels across the UAE have started actively promoting irresistible offers for remote workers and hybrid employees with packages that blur the lines between work and holiday. So, here are some of the best work-from-hotel offers to check out right now: Fairmont The Palm For those who can’t quite switch off but are done with working from the dining table, the Fairmont Workation offers a considered middle ground.…
The UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism has referred a group accused of monopolistic practices in the poultry market to the Federal Public Prosecution for investigation and legal action. In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry said the move came after confirming the group’s involvement in exploiting current exceptional circumstances and colluding to fix prices. It said the case involved manipulation of poultry prices and unjustified increases, in violation of the Competition Law and Consumer Protection Law. The ministry said such practices harm consumer rights, distort fair competition and undermine market stability. It added that the action forms part…
KUALA LUMPUR — Authorities launched a rescue and relief operation after a major fire swept through a floating village in Malaysia early Sunday, destroying hundreds of homes, local media reported. At least 200 houses were burned in Kampung Bahagia, a floating village in the coastal city of Sandakan, according to the Malay Mail. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was shocked after learning of the fire. He said the federal government and the Sabah state government are coordinating emergency aid and temporary accommodation for those affected. Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station Chief Jimmy Lagung said dozens of firefighters were dispatched…