Staff Writer (Aw)
- OMAN
- May 6, 2026
- 14 views
S&P Global affirms Oman’s BBB- rating with stable outlook for 2026
S&P Global Ratings has maintained its investment-grade rating for Oman, citing the Sultanate’s robust fiscal buffers and liquid government assets. The report highlights Oman’s reduced vulnerability to regional maritime disruptions…
- BAHRAIN
- May 6, 2026
- 18 views
Bahrain mandates immediate deportation for expatriates failing medical exams
New regulations from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) require the immediate deportation of expatriate employees who fail mandatory medical screenings. The rule applies to both new arrivals and those…
- UAE
- May 6, 2026
- 16 views
UAE-led initiative secures FAO condemnation of Iranian supply chain disruptions
The UAE, in collaboration with GCC partners, successfully led a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) council decision to condemn actions jeopardizing global food security. The move follows recent interference with…
- SAUDI
- May 6, 2026
- 17 views
Saudi Arabia fully implements skill-based work permit classification system
The Ministry of Human Resources has completed the rollout of a new work permit framework that categorizes expatriate employees based on educational background and wage levels. The system is designed…
- QATAR
- May 6, 2026
- 21 views
QIB recognized as Best Islamic Bank in Qatar in 2026 IFN poll
Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has secured the top position in the annual IFN Best Banks Poll, highlighting its leadership in digital sharia-compliant banking. The award comes amid a period of…
- KUWAIT
- May 6, 2026
- 15 views
Kuwait ramps up anti-money laundering crackdown with hundreds of violations recorded
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported intensified efforts to combat financial crimes, recording a significant rise in enforcement actions. Authorities are focusing on enhancing transparency within the private sector…
- OMAN
- May 6, 2026
- 16 views
Omani crude trades at record premiums as it bypasses Strait of Hormuz
Omani oil has reached a significant price premium over Brent due to its direct access to the Arabian Sea via Duqm and Salalah. The Sultanate’s ability to export without relying…
- BAHRAIN
- May 6, 2026
- 26 views
Bahrain introduces phased hike in work permit and healthcare fees for 2026
The Bahraini government has initiated a four-year plan to gradually increase visa issuance and health insurance contributions for expatriate work permits. The revised rates are intended to support the long-term…
- UAE
- May 6, 2026
- 19 views
UAE participates in 5th Istanbul International Water Forum
A UAE delegation is attending the Istanbul International Water Forum to share best practices in desalination and water conservation. The participation underscores the country’s commitment to addressing regional water scarcity…
- SAUDI
- May 6, 2026
- 16 views
Saudi Arabia activates digital self-deportation platform for irregular residents
The Ministry of Interior has launched a new service on the Absher platform allowing individuals with expired visas to exit the country voluntarily. The digital pathway replaces traditional detention procedures…
- QATAR
- May 6, 2026
- 18 views
Qatar prioritizes rebuilding LNG infrastructure following regional naval blockades
Energy authorities in Qatar have initiated plans to repair and upgrade liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure impacted by recent maritime tensions. Experts predict the rebuilding phase will be critical for…
- KUWAIT
- May 6, 2026
- 14 views
Kuwaiti oil price surges to $123.38 per barrel amid supply concerns
Kuwaiti crude prices rose sharply in Tuesday’s trading, reflecting heightened global demand and regional geopolitical uncertainty. The price increase is expected to significantly boost the nation’s oil revenue for the…
- OMAN
- May 6, 2026
- 11 views
Oman enforces mandatory 2 to 5 percent salary increments for private sector citizens
The Ministry of Labour has reminded private sector firms that performance-based annual salary increments for Omani employees are now legally required. Eligible citizens must have completed at least six months…
- BAHRAIN
- May 6, 2026
- 18 views
Bahrain LMRA clarifies updated bilingual contract requirements for work permits
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority has issued new guidelines for employment contracts, specifying that they must be bilingual (Arabic and English) on company letterheads. The criteria aim to standardize labor…
- QATAR
- May 5, 2026
- 18 views
Qatar mandates digital e-contracts to streamline job transfers
Qatar’s Ministry of Labour has officially enforced the mandatory use of its digital e-services for all private sector employment contracts. The fully digital process is designed to simplify employer changes…
- QATAR
- May 5, 2026
- 22 views
Qatar announces automatic one-month extension for expired entry visas
The Ministry of Interior has announced a one-month automatic extension for all entry visa categories that have expired or are nearing expiry. These extensions are being processed online without additional…
- QATAR
- May 5, 2026
- 19 views
Qatar private sector targets 20% nationalization for 2026
As part of the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), Qatar has set a new target to increase Qatari participation in the private sector workforce to 20% by the end of…
- KUWAIT
- May 5, 2026
- 22 views
Kuwait overhauls expat residency fees and Article 22 conditions
Kuwait has officially implemented a new fee structure and salary threshold for expatriate families as part of its 2026 immigration reforms. Sponsors must now earn a minimum of KD 800…
- KUWAIT
- May 5, 2026
- 19 views
Kuwait issues major amendments to sovereign citizenship laws
A new decree-law has significantly reshaped the Kuwaiti nationality framework, tightening the rules on granting and withdrawing citizenship. The amendments grant the Ministry of Interior expanded powers to revoke nationality…
- KUWAIT
- May 5, 2026
- 23 views
Kuwait grants three-month absence permit for stranded residents
Residents currently outside Kuwait who have exceeded the permitted six-month absence limit due to regional airspace closures have been granted a three-month grace period. The Ministry of Interior stated that…
- OMAN
- May 5, 2026
- 17 views
Oman implements labour ban on expats for over 200 professions
Oman’s Ministry of Labour has enforced a sweeping policy prohibiting expatriates from holding work visas in more than 200 specific professions. The directive, which covers roles in HR, public relations,…
- OMAN
- May 5, 2026
- 24 views
Oman eases job transfers for expats lacking registered contracts
A new labor regulation in Oman allows expatriates to transfer to a new employer if their current sponsor fails to register their work contract within 30 days of permit renewal.…
- OMAN
- May 5, 2026
- 24 views
Oman unveils ‘Muscat urban vision’ for future capital growth
The Sultanate has officially launched its long-term urban development roadmap for the capital, charting Muscat’s expansion through 2040. The plan prioritizes the integration of smart-city technologies and a massive expansion…
- BAHRAIN
- May 5, 2026
- 23 views
Bahrain waives overstay fines for visitors impacted by conflict
Bahrain’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs has announced that all fines and fees for visit visa overstays will be waived for individuals whose permits expired on or after February 28,…
- BAHRAIN
- May 5, 2026
- 21 views
Bahrain extends unused visit visas for three months
In a move to support the tourism sector, Bahrain has automatically extended the validity of all unused visit entry visas as of February 28, 2026, for an additional three months.…
