A 2.0-magnitude earthquake was recorded in the UAE, according to the National Seismic Network of National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The tremor occurred in Al Halah at 9.15pm UAE time on April 19 with a depth of 3.9km, according to NCM. The latest event comes amid a series of minor seismic activities recorded in the region in recent months. On January 3, a 2.2-magnitude earthquake was reported south of Musandam at 10:43am UAE time. Musandam lies to the south of the Strait of Hormuz and is mainly governed by Oman as the Musandam Governorate, with certain parts governed by the UAE, including Ras Al Khaimah and parts of Dibba. Stay…
Author: Editorial Team
RIYADH — Ten countries, including Saudi Arabia, welcomed on Sunday the signing of a unified 2026 budget for Libya, the first Libyan national budget in over a decade and a critical step to increase economic coordination between western and eastern Libyan leaders. “We applaud their constructive approach to reach this agreement, which has the potential to foster increased unity, stability, and prosperity for Libya,” they said in a joint statement. The countries also include the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. Full implementation of the unified budget, signed…
RIYADH — Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif has approved the strategic plan for the Crime Research Center. The plan was prepared with the participation of experts in criminal research and analysis and supported by the ministry’s International Partnerships Program. The plan focuses on developing research and analytical work through building a comprehensive crime database, qualifying specialized personnel in criminology, using artificial intelligence to analyze data and predict crime, and strengthening partnerships with national and international universities and research centers. It provides a framework to support specialized studies and produce scientific knowledge, contributing to equipping security decision-makers…
FUJAIRAH, 19 April (WAM) — Fujairah’s hospitality sector achieved record occupancy levels at the start of 2026, with rates reaching between 95% and 100%. The emirate saw a substantial influx of visitors attracted by its distinct mountainous terrain and leisure attractions. According to the Fujairah Department of Tourism and Antiquities, these figures highlight the sustainable expansion of the local industry. Officials stated that the surge underscores the effectiveness of government initiatives to diversify tourism products and bolster the emirate’s international appeal. These strong performance indicators are expected to drive further investment in infrastructure and the enhancement of recreational facilities across…
ADNOC CEO Sultan Al Jaber said 50 days of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz have blocked nearly 600 million barrels of oil, putting increasing pressure on global supplies of LNG, jet fuel, fertiliser and other essential commodities. In a post on social media platform X, he warned that the impact is being felt worldwide, with rising costs ultimately passed on to ordinary people. Al Jaber stressed that the global economy cannot withstand prolonged uncertainty and said the Strait must not operate under threat. He also criticised any form of payment for safe passage, calling it a “protection racket”, and…
DUBAI — Cristiano Ronaldo led the charge as Al Nassr cruised into the AFC Champions League Two semi-finals with a commanding 4-0 victory over Al Wasl on Sunday. The Saudi side blitzed their hosts with three goals inside the opening 30 minutes at Zabeel Stadium, with Ronaldo scoring his first goal of this season’s competition. The result sends Al Nassr into the last four, where they will meet either Qatar’s Al Ahli SC or Al Hussein. Head coach Jorge Jesus started Ronaldo alongside Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozović, Kingsley Coman and João Félix for the first time in the tournament, and…
MAKKAH — Makkah police arrested a Sudanese resident for publishing fraudulent advertisements on social media, offering fake permits to enter Makkah. The security authorities stated that the suspect was referred to the Public Prosecution after completing the legal procedures. Public Security reiterated the importance of complying with Hajj regulations and instructions. It urged the public to report violations by calling over the number 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province and 999 in other regions of the Kingdom. Source: Saudi Gazette
As students gear up to get back to school in buses, the UAE has assured residents it is ready with a traffic to enhance road safety and ensure smooth traffic flow. The Federal Traffic Council has directed the intensification of traffic presence around schools and on major roads, including intersections and internal and external routes, particularly during morning hours and after school dismissal. This will regulate traffic movement, reduce accidents, and facilitate the movement of school buses, in addition to ensuring safety of pedestrian crossings, so that students can safely reach school gates from vehicles. Stay up to date with…
RIYADH — The General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged the public to exercise caution amid forecast of the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) about continued thunderstorms hitting across Saudi Arabia until Friday. The Civil Defense called on the people to remain in safe locations, stay away from areas prone to flash floods and valleys, refrain from swimming in them. It urged them to adhere to instructions disseminated through various media outlets and social media platforms. According to the NCM forecast, the Makkah region will be affected by moderate to heavy rain, leading to flash floods, hail, and dust storms.…
RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received on Sunday a phone call from Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Fuad Mohammed Hussein. During the call, they discussed current regional developments and issues of common interest. Source: Saudi Gazette