Bahrain mandates health insurance scheme for all skilled foreign workers
Effective May 2026, Bahraini employers must provide mandatory health insurance coverage for all expatriates classified as skilled workers. The scheme is part of a broader effort to modernize the healthcare…
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UAE’s Ooredoo and du partner to land high-capacity FIG subsea cable
Ooredoo Group and du have signed an agreement to land the ‘Fibre in the Gulf’ (FIG) subsea cable system in the UAE. The project will significantly increase data capacity and…
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Saudi female labor force participation hits record 34 percent in 2026 review
The latest progress report on Saudi Vision 2030 reveals that female participation in the national workforce has reached 34%, nearing the long-term target of 40%. The growth is driven by…
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Qatar warns UN of global economic crisis if Strait of Hormuz remains volatile
During a briefing at the UN, Qatar’s permanent representative warned that continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz risks causing a global energy shock. Doha called for immediate international mediation…
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Kuwait intensifies crackdown on nationality fraud and illegal lineage claims
The Ministry of Interior has identified hundreds of cases involving fraudulent identities and forged lineage documents used to obtain Kuwaiti citizenship. Authorities have begun legal proceedings to revoke status for…
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Oman establishes AI Special Zone in Muscat to drive digital economy
A new specialized zone for Artificial Intelligence and advanced technology has been inaugurated in the capital. The initiative aims to attract global tech firms by offering tax incentives and streamlined…
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Bahrain LMRA updates work permit renewal fee structure for remainder of 2026
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority has issued revised fee guidelines for work permit renewals, aligning with the planned phased increases through 2029. Employers are advised to update their HR budgets…
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UAE Minister holds urgent calls with foreign officials over regional security
UAE Minister Abdullah bin Zayed conducted a series of high-level phone calls with international counterparts to discuss the repercussions of recent Iranian attacks on regional infrastructure. The discussions focused on…
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EmaarEC awards $146 million infrastructure contract for King Abdullah Economic City
Emaar the Economic City has signed a deal worth SAR 547.3 million with Nesma and Partners to develop infrastructure for the King Salman Automotive Cluster. The project aims to accelerate…
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FIATA RAME 2026 Conference opens in Doha to tackle supply chain challenges
The FIATA Region Africa and Middle East (RAME) Conference commenced in Doha, bringing together global logistics leaders and policymakers. The summit focuses on digital innovation and enhancing the resilience of…
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Kuwait Public Works Minister demands faster execution of infrastructure projects
Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan has directed departments to expedite major development plans to improve national infrastructure efficiency. The move is part of a broader government push to…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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