Author: Editorial Team

RIYADH — Saudi security authorities arrested a total of 9,576 illegal residents in a week. The arrests were made in the joint inspections, carried out by the security forces in collaboration with the relevant government agencies, during the period between May 7 and 13, the Ministry of Interior revealed on Saturday. Those who were arrested include 4,865 violators of the Residency Law, 3,319 violators of the Border Security Law, and 1,392 violators of the Labor Law. A total of 11,272 illegal residents were deported while 2,311 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents and 11,226 violators…

MAKKAH — Customs at Saudi land, sea, and air ports recorded 915 seizures of contraband last week. The seized items include 62 types of narcotics, such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, and Captagon pills, in addition to 395 other prohibited substances. Customs ports also foiled attempts to smuggle 1,942 units of tobacco and its derivatives, along with 12 types of cash, and two types of weapons and related equipment. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) affirmed its commitment to strengthening customs control over the Kingdom’s imports and exports to ensure the security and protection of society, through continuous cooperation and…

After hundreds of enthusiasts headed to malls ahead of the highly-anticipated Audemars Piguet x Swatch collaboration launch on May 16, Swatch has now issued a statement. The watch company urged customers not to rush to stores, warning them that in some locations, queues of more than 50 people will not be accepted. It said that in cases where too many people may gather, sales may need to be paused to ensure customer and staff safety. Swatch said, “To ensure the safety of both our customers and our staff in Swatch stores, we kindly ask you not to rush to our…

TEHRAN — Iran has developed a mechanism to regulate maritime traffic through a designated route in the Strait of Hormuz and plans to impose fees for “specialized services” provided under the system, a senior Iranian lawmaker said on Saturday. Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said only commercial vessels and parties cooperating with Iran would benefit from the planned arrangement. “In this process, only commercial vessels and parties cooperating with Iran will benefit from it,” Azizi wrote on X. He added that Tehran would soon unveil the details of the plan, warning that…

LONDON — The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the United Kingdom has urged all Saudi citizens to exercise caution and stay away from gatherings in London. In a statement issued on Friday, the Embassy said: “Demonstrations are expected to take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in several areas. We urge everyone to exercise caution, adhere to the instructions of local authorities, and avoid gatherings and demonstrations for your safety.” The embassy pointed out that in case of any emergency, the citizens should contact directly on the unified number for Saudi affairs (00447799519495). The Saudi Embassy’s advisory came amid reports…

India’s Central Board of Secondary Education on Saturday, May 16, wrote a message to students taking cognisance of social media posts made by pupils after the Class 12 board results were announced. According to the Board, many Class 12 students have been attributing their results to the change of assessment scheme — the On-Screen Marking mechanism — that was introduced earlier this year. The Board is extremely sensitive to their concerns and is alive to addressing it accordingly. Cbse Board In A Message To Students It reiterated that “student well-being is of paramount importance” and “has attempted to address all…

VIENNA, 16th May, 2026 (WAM) — Austria’s latest banking data showed economic confidence indicators continued to decline amid the impact of tensions in the Middle East on European markets and ongoing pressure from slowing growth, inflation and high energy costs. Austria’s UniCredit Bank said its economic indicator fell by 0.5 points in April from the previous month to -1.8 points, marking its lowest level in six months. Bank economists attributed the decline mainly to weaker sentiment in the services and construction sectors and a sharp drop in consumer confidence. Stefan Bruckbauer, Chief Economist at UniCredit Bank, said the impact of…

BANGKOK — Thailand has urged Iran to ensure the safe passage of eight Thai-flagged vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing restrictions in the strategic waterway, Thai media reported. The request was made by Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, according to the Thai Enquirer news website. During the discussions, Sihasak expressed concern over the escalating Middle East conflict and its global economic impact, particularly navigation restrictions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, where vessels from several…

NEW YORK — Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasel emphasized the critical importance of protecting maritime routes and freedom of navigation, specifically in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, as pillars for international supply chains. He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to global market stability, sustainable development, and ensuring reliable energy flows to support the global economy. Al-Wasel made the remarks while addressing the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Special Meeting on “Safeguarding energy and supply flows: Supporting global development through international cooperation” in New York. Al-Wasel condemned attacks on energy infrastructure andcivilian…

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call from Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, during which they discussed various aspects of cooperation and joint efforts aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. During the call, Putin thanked Sheikh Mohamed for the UAE’s continued and successful mediation efforts regarding prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, underscoring the importance of these efforts and their humanitarian impact. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The two sides also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues…