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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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Bahrain enforces new restrictions on converting visit visas to work permits
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has introduced new regulations barring the direct conversion of visitor visas into employment-based residencies. Applicants must now adhere to updated cross-border recruitment protocols to…
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Oman launches $1.4 billion ‘Rawasi’ tourism complex in Muscat Hills
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed a deal for the ‘Rawasi’ integrated tourism project in Jabal Bousher. The RO 558 million development will feature residential, hospitality, and leisure…
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Kuwait reaffirms commitment to migrant worker rights at UN forum in New York
Speaking at the International Migration Review Forum at the United Nations, Kuwaiti diplomats highlighted new legislative measures protecting foreign laborers. Reforms include the strict prohibition of passport withholding and the…
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Qatar Shura Council joins 20th PAM Assembly in Montenegro to discuss regional stability
A delegation from Qatar’s Shura Council is participating in the 20th General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) in Budva. The session focuses on legislative responses to…
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Saudi Arabia and Türkiye sign strategic visa accord to boost bilateral travel
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan have finalized a landmark visa agreement. The accord streamlines entry procedures for citizens of both nations, aiming…
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Abu Dhabi bans delivery bikes from high-speed roads for rider safety
Effective immediately, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) in Abu Dhabi has prohibited delivery motorcycles from using high-speed roads and major highways. The measure aims to reduce traffic accidents and enhance…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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