UAE air defenses successfully intercept hostile drone attack over Sharjah
The UAE Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the successful interception of two ballistic missiles and three drones on Friday morning. The Ministry reported three moderate injuries following the engagement and…
Read more
Mecca schools transition to online learning ahead of peak Hajj season
Education authorities in Mecca have shifted all primary and secondary schools to distance learning starting this week. The move is designed to ease traffic congestion and support the arrival of…
Read more
Doha Forum initiative in Milan explores EU-GCC cooperation amid regional tensions
A high-level Doha Forum delegation met with European policymakers in Milan to discuss strengthening trade and security ties. The talks focused on ensuring energy security and stabilizing maritime supply chains…
Read more
Kuwait Interior Ministry issues warning over shrapnel sightings after interceptions
Residents have been cautioned not to touch or approach any metallic objects or shrapnel found in open areas following recent air defense activities. The Ministry urged citizens to use the…
Read more
Oman announces three-month midday work ban for outdoor laborers starting June
The Ministry of Labour has confirmed that the mandatory midday work ban will commence on June 1, prohibiting outdoor labor between 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM. The annual measure is…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
