Author: Editorial Team
RIYADH — The Middle East experienced strong travel and tourism growth, with Saudi Arabia remaining at the heart of this growth, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Saudi Arabia, the largest travel and tourism economy in the region, accounted for $178 billion in GDP and 46 percent of the Middle East’s total travel and tourism economy during the year 2025, it was revealed in the WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR). The EIR, a leading global study of travel and tourism performance, highlighted the region’s strong performance across key indicators, including international visitor spending, domestic travel, and…
AR RASS — Al Hilal kept their Roshn Saudi League title hopes alive with a convincing 3-0 victory over Al Hazem on Saturday. Trailing leaders Al Nassr by eight points before kickoff, the reigning champions responded with a composed performance to reduce the gap and maintain pressure in the title race. Karim Benzema opened the scoring early, striking in the ninth minute to give Al Hilal control of the contest. The visitors managed the game effectively before Marcos Leonardo doubled the lead in the closing stages, finishing clinically after coming off the bench. Ruben Neves then wrapped up the win…
DAMMAM — Al Qadsiah stunned league leaders Al Nassr with a 3-1 victory on Sunday, ending their 16-match winning run in the Roshn Saudi League. Al Nassr remain top with 79 points from 31 matches, holding a five-point lead over Al Hilal, who have a game in hand. Al Qadsiah, unbeaten at home this season, moved to 68 points in fourth place, just one point behind Al Ahli. Mohammed Abu Al Shamat gave the hosts the lead in the 24th minute with a close-range finish, before João Félix equalized for Al Nassr just before halftime. However, Musab Al Juwayr restored…
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that American naval forces will begin escorting neutral foreign vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday morning Middle East time. Trump described the initiative, dubbed “Project Freedom,” as a humanitarian effort aimed at assisting ships stranded in the waterway amid ongoing tensions. He said vessels from multiple countries had requested assistance after becoming trapped, adding that the U.S. Navy would use its “best efforts” to guide ships and their crews safely out of the restricted passage. Trump noted that some of the ships were running low on food and essential…
Question: I want to understand leave balance laws in the UAE. I have several weeks of pending leave accumulated over the past few years. As per the law, can I encash it? How does the process work? Answer: Pursuant to your queries, the provisions of the UAE employment law and its subsequent cabinet resolutions are applicable. In the UAE, an employee is entitled for 30 days of annual leave for each completing year of service with the employer. This is in accordance with Article 29(1)(a) of the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations…
LONDON, 3rd May, 2026 (WAM) — Manchester United secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Liverpool today at Old Trafford in a pivotal Week 35 Premier League clash. The result sees United climb to 64 points to occupy third place, while Liverpool remain in fourth on 58 points. Matheus Cunha fired the hosts ahead after just six minutes, with Benjamin Sesko doubling the advantage in the 14th minute. Liverpool fought back as Dominik Szoboszlai pulled one back in the 47th minute before Cody Gakpo levelled the scoring in the 56th. However, Kobbie Mainoo proved to be the hero for United, restoring…
RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, represented by the Holy Makkah Mayoralty, has announced the completion of its operational and service readiness for the 2026 Hajj season. This is through an integrated municipal ecosystem designed to enhance safety, safeguard public health, and improve field response efficiency across vital locations. Preparations include deploying over 22,000 field personnel, more than 3,000 vehicles and equipment units, round-the-clock emergency teams, shelters, and fixed and mobile laboratories to support on-ground operations. Extensive work has upgraded roads and infrastructure, covering over 73 million square meters, supported by 123 bridges and 44 tunnels. Readiness across…
RIYADH — Hajj Security Forces arrested one Saudi citizen, and two Egyptians and Yemeni residents each for violating Hajj regulations. They were caught while attempting to enter Makkah on foot through a desert area without a Hajj permit. They were detained, and legal procedures were initiated against them. The Public Security urged all Saudi citizens and residents to adhere to Hajj regulations and instructions and to report any violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom. Source: Saudi Gazette
Dubai has revealed design concepts for upcoming stations on the Metro Blue Line, a 30-km route that will feature 14 stations, including three interchange stations, seven elevated stations and four underground stations. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the architectural and interior designs as he launched the main tunnelling works for the Dh20.5-billion project. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Key stops on the Blue Line The Blue Line will serve residential and academic zones, as well as key development projects,…
ABU DHABI, 3rd May, 2026 (WAM) — Hassan Al Nowais, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), affirmed that the Make it in the Emirates 2026 platform, to be hosted by the Ministry in Abu Dhabi from 4th May till 7th May serves as a national platform to transform industrial opportunities into investments, projects and tangible outcomes, supporting supply chain resilience and advancing sustainable industrial growth in the UAE. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Nowais said the platform comes as global economies reshape supply chains, while the UAE continues to strengthen an integrated…