Author: Editorial Team

RIYADH — The Saudi construction cost index recorded an increase of two percent during the last month of March compared to the same month in 2025. This was driven mainly by a 1.9 percent increase in residential costs and a 2.2 percent increase in non-residential costs. The annual construction cost index for the residential sector rose by 1.9 percent last month, driven by a 4.5 percent increase in equipment and machinery rental costs, which in turn was influenced by a 6.1 percent rise in operating costs. Labor costs also increased by 2.7 percent and energy prices by 3 percent along…

DUBAI, 22nd April, 2026 (WAM) — Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr qualified for the final of the AFC Champions League Two after a 5-1 victory over Qatar’s Al Ahli at Zabeel Stadium in Dubai today. Kingsley Coman secured a hat-trick with goals in the 12th, 63rd, and eighth minute of first-half stoppage time. Angelo Gabriel and Abdullah Al Hamdan added to the tally in the 23rd and 80th minutes, respectively, while Sekou Omar Yansane scored Al Ahli’s solitary goal in the 10th minute. Al Nassr will face Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the final, following the latter’s victory over Bangkok United. Source:…

SHARJAH, 22nd April, 2026 (WAM) — Sharjah’s Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has signed a strategic partnership with ION to establish a wide network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the emirate. Under the agreement, ION, a joint venture between BEEAH and Crescent Enterprises, will develop, operate and maintain more than 100 fast EV chargers. Yousif Khamis Al Othmani, Chairman of SRTA, said the project will cater to the growing number of EV users while reinforcing the authority’s commitment to advancing electric mobility in line with global sustainability goals and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. He added that the…

Rabih Itani. Middle East cybersecurity market is set to surpass $37 billion by 2034, driven by rapid digital transformation. Dubai — WatchGuard Technologies, a global leader in unified cybersecurity, has announced the appointment of Rabih Itani as Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The appointment comes at a time of significant growth across the region, with the Middle East cybersecurity market projected to more than double from USD 16.72 billion in 2025 to USD 37.22 billion by 2034 (Market Data Forecast), driven by digital transformation across finance, healthcare, energy, and government sectors.  In this newly created role,…

RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has reinforced the strict prohibition of manufacturing or storing food products without obtaining the necessary licenses to conduct food-related activities during the Hajj season, warning that violators may face a maximum jail term of 10 years and fines of SR10 million. In a press statement on Wednesday, the authority emphasized that all food factories and warehouses must adhere to the provisions of the Food Law and its Implementing Regulation, highlighting that the safety of food and medicine for pilgrims remains its top priority and stating it will maintain a zero-tolerance policy…

RIYADH — Ride-hailing applications recorded significant growth during the first quarter of 2026, exceeding 32 million trips, an increase of 15.77 percent compared to the same period last year. These figures reflect the sector’s continued development and its role in supporting and enhancing the mobility experience, according to statements issued by the Transport General Authority (TGA). These indicators highlight the growing reliance on ride-hailing services as a preferred mode of urban transportation, supported by their widespread availability across the Kingdom and the efficiency and quality of services provided. Source: Saudi Gazette

No winner was announced for the Dh30 million jackpot offered by the UAE Lottery on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, but the raffle revealed that several participants have won cash rewards. In the Lucky Day draw, the winning numbers in Draw number 260422 from the Days section are 18, 9, 7, 29, 13, 15 and the winning number in the Months section is 5. Under the Lucky Chance ID, the winning IDs are: CZ7679507 CV7238331 BL3669253 Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels Each winner can claim Dh50,000. As it is the case with the…

TIVAT, 22nd April, 2026 (WAM) — Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar), a global clean energy leader, and Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), Montenegro’s national power utility, have agreed to form a 50/50 joint venture (JV) to develop large-scale renewable energy projects in Montenegro. In the presence of Admir Šahmanović, Minister of Energy and Mining for Montenegro, Khamis Rashed Ahmed Lebsaili Alshemeili, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Montenegro, and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, the agreement was signed at the Adria Future Summit by Milutin Đukanović, President of the Board of Directors of EPCG, Zdravko Dragaš,…

Luxury dining brand GAIA has begun relocating its Dubai-based teams to international destinations as part of its summer 2026 expansion, aiming to preserve jobs while maintaining service standards across markets. The move, led by Fundamental Hospitality, will see staff deployed to seasonal pop-ups in destinations such as St Tropez and Bodrum, aligning operations with where its global clientele travels during the summer months. At a time when many hospitality businesses adjust headcount during quieter periods, the group said it has prioritised continuity for its workforce by offering international placements instead. “Our summer pop-ups are not just about being present in…

SHARJAH, 22nd April, 2026 (WAM) — The Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub (SSAH) at the University of Sharjah has released its astronomical calculations for the sighting conditions of the crescent moon marking the start of Dhu al-Hijja 1447 AH, concluding that Wednesday, May 27, 2026, is astronomically projected to be the first day of Eid Al Adha. According to the centre’s technical report, the Day of Arafat, the ninth of Dhu al-Hijja, would fall on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, based on projections that Monday, May 18, 2026, will mark the first day of the month. The centre’s sophisticated calculations indicate…