RIYADH — More than 448 million electronic transactions were made on the Ministry of Interior’s digital platform and app, Absher, during 2025. According to the ministry, its technical services during 2025 carried out through the Absher platform has reached 448,243,708. Of those transactions, 417,370,816 were from individuals (Absher Individuals) while 30,872,892 were from businesses (Absher Business). The total number of beneficiaries from the platform and app has reached over 32 million individuals and more than 1.8 million businesses. Absher’s key impacts include: faster service completion, maximizing resource utilization, improving spending efficiency, and reducing the number of in-person visits/reviews to the…
Author: Editorial Team
LONDON — Britain’s Health Secretary Wes Streeting has resigned from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government and is poised to challenge him for the Labour leadership. In his resignation letter to the prime minister published online, the former health secretary said he has “lost confidence” in Starmer’s leadership. Streeting accused Starmer of creating a “vacuum” where the country needed a “vision” and urged him to “listen to your colleagues”. “Where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift,” Streeting said. It is widely expected Streeting will now mount a leadership challenge against the prime minister.…
ABU DHABI, 15th May, 2026 (WAM) — National Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed) on Friday announced its results for the three-month period ended 31st March 2026, reporting revenue of AED486 million and net profit of AED78 million. The company delivered resilient operational performance and strong cash generation during the quarter, underpinned by its long-term contracted business model, with capacity charges as the key profitability driver. Tabreed maintained a robust liquidity position, with cash balances increasing 15 percent year-to-date to AED756 million, reflecting the continued stability of its underlying cash flow model. It also has access to an undrawn Green Revolving…
India announced that the re-examination for the Neet (UG) exams will now be held on June 21, 2026. The National Testing Agency urged candidates and parents are requested to rely only on the official channels. This comes after the Neet exam which took place on May 3 was cancelled over integrity concerns. Students were left disappointed after NTA indicated “the present examination process could not be allowed to stand”. The agency acknowledged the incovenience caused to students and families, but claimed that allowing the exam results to stand as is would cause harm to public trust. Stay up to date…
BEIRUT— Lebanon’s President Gen. Joseph Aoun received Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Bukhari at Baabda Palace to mark the conclusion of his diplomatic tenure in the country. President Aoun decorated Bukhari with the National Order of the Cedar, commending his role in strengthening and developing relations between the two countries across various fields. Aoun wished Bukhari success in his new endeavors. Bukhari expressed his gratitude and his hope that Lebanon would reclaim its prominence in the region and that its people would enjoy security, stability, and prosperity. Source: Saudi Gazette
RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha met with UK Prime Minister’s Chief Business, Investment and Trade Advisor Varun Chandra at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Wednesday. They discussed prospects for expanding the Saudi-UK partnership in the fields of the digital economy, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and future technologies. The two sides explored opportunities to attract UK technology companies to the Kingdom, in addition to strengthening joint ventures and strategic investments in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy,. This is in a way that supports the growth of the digital economy and reinforces…
WORLD CAPITALS, 15th May, 2026 (WAM) — Gold fell to a more than one-week low on Friday and was set for a weekly decline as higher energy prices fuelled inflation fears and prolonged higher interest rates. Spot gold extended losses for the fourth straight session and was down 0.8 percent at $4,613.19 per ounce by 0205 GMT, its lowest level since 6th May. Bullion was down 2.1 percent so far this week. US gold futures for June delivery lost 1.4 percent to $4,619. Spot silver fell 3.1 percent to $80.93 per ounce, platinum lost 1.7 percent to $2,021.75, and palladium…
With Schengen visa appointments becoming harder to secure before the long Eid Al Adha break, UAE residents are now looking at destinations offering quicker online applications, e-visas and easier travel approvals. Travel industry executives said that the residents are preferring countries where visa procedures can largely be completed digitally, reducing embassy visits, lengthy appointment waits and passport submission stress. Eligibility, processing timelines and visa requirements may vary depending on nationality and UAE residency status. “As Eid approaches, travellers are now looking at destinations where the process is faster and smoother,” said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wise Fox Tourism. Stay…
L’Oréal is deepening its long-term investment in Saudi Arabia, positioning the Kingdom at the center of its regional growth strategy as demand for beauty, sustainability and women-led workforce initiatives accelerates under Vision 2030. Speaking in an interview during the L’Oréal For the Future Summit in Jeddah, Managing Director Laurent Duffier said Saudi Arabia had become one of the group’s fastest-growing markets globally, driven by a young digital population, rising consumer sophistication and expanding opportunities in the beauty economy. 1. Why is L’Oréal to hosting this year’s L’Oréal For the Future Summit in Jeddah? What does the city represent for the…
RIYADH — The Transport General Authority (TGA) announced the readiness of more than 33,000 buses and 5,000 taxis to serve pilgrims during the Hajj season 2026. This is part of the authority’s operational and regulatory plans to support smooth mobility and raise transport service efficiency for pilgrims across all stages of their movement. The TGA has been exerting integrated operational and organizational efforts to enhance transport service readiness and operational efficiency. In this respect, it provides diverse transport services at approved prices in accordance with regulatory and oversight requirements that ensure service quality and beneficiary safety, supporting a safe and…