Author: Editorial Team

SANYA, China, 30th April, 2026 (WAM) — The UAE maintained its impressive continental form as it concluded its participation in the 6th Asian Beach Games, held in Sanya, China, from 22nd to 30th April 2026, with a major achievement after topping the standings among participating Arab nations and finishing seventh in the overall medal table. The Games brought together 1,790 athletes representing 45 Asian National Olympic Committees, competing across 14 sports, 15 disciplines and 61 events. The UAE fielded a 31-athlete delegation across four sports: jiu-jitsu, sailing, beach soccer and open water swimming. The delegation secured six medals, all in…

NEW YORK, 30th April, 2026 (WAM) — UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on all concerned parties to work immediately to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, including the immediate reopening of the strait and allowing all vessels to pass to enable the global economy to recover. Speaking today at the UN Security Council chamber in New York, Guterres said that disruption to shipping in this vital waterway hampers the transport of oil, gas, fertilisers and essential goods, leading to widespread disruption in energy, transport, manufacturing and food markets. He…

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…

NextEra, a Saudi-based company specializing in IT solutions, has announced the opening of its new headquarters in KAFD in Riyadh. The inauguration took place under the patronage of Chairman Eng. Nabil Al Nuaim, and in the presence of CEO and Board Member Dina Abo Onoq, alongside a group of partners and leaders from the Kingdom’s technology sector.The opening marks a strategic step that reflects NextEra’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Saudi market and strengthening its role as an active strategic partner supporting the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey. Through its advanced technology solutions, the company contributes to the goals…

NEW YORK — Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the United Nations’ efforts to combat terrorism, describing terrorism as a direct threat to international peace and security.Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasel made the remarks while addressing an ambassador-level meeting held under the UN80 initiative to review the capacities of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre. He noted the Kingdom’s continued support for the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre since its establishment in 2011 as a founding donor and chair of the advisory board.Within the framework of the UN80…

Running a marathon is hard enough and doing it in a kandura feels learning to move all over again. “You can’t open your legs naturally,” said UAE resident Sedique Ahamed, who has set a Guinness World Record at the London Marathon. “After 25km, every step needed attention.” For the 35-year-old runner, the 42.2km race was less about speed and more about control. While the kandura felt manageable in the opening kilometres, the challenge quickly shifted. “The kandura actually felt okay in the first 5–10 km. I even thought, ‘this might be manageable.’ But after 15 km, I started to feel the difference,”…

SEOUL, 1st May, 2026 (WAM) — South Korea’s exports exceeded US$80 billion for the second consecutive month in April, jumping nearly 50% from a year earlier on the back of robust shipments of semiconductors, government data showed Friday. Outbound shipments totaled $85.89 billion last month, up 48% on-year, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, according to Yonhap. The April tally marks the second-highest monthly export figure for the country, following an all-time high of $86.6 billion recorded in March. Imports rose 16.7% on-year to $62.11 billion last month, resulting in a trade surplus…

  Dining is not an impersonal experience. Behind every memorable meal that one has had, there is a person — a chef, a waiter, a helper — who’s warmth has etched the experience in your minds and hearts. Today, as the hospitality industry navigates uncertainty, a unique initiative has been designed to help the workers — from bartenders, waiters, chefs and baristas to hostesses, supervisors and back-of-house teams — affected by current circumstances. The Art of Hosting, a local catering and events agency, has launched a programme, Family Meal, to support them by offering gourmet meals prepared by top chefs.…

JEDDAH — For many Saudi travelers last Eid, it was a rediscovery of destinations closer to home, as Red Sea resorts entered a more active phase and became increasingly accustomed to receiving guests at scale. That shift was reflected in the numbers. Red Sea resorts emerged as one of the strongest-performing segments of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector in the first quarter of 2026, driven by a surge in domestic travel during Ramadan and Eid. According to the Ministry of Tourism’s Q1 2026 performance report, occupancy at ultra-luxury Red Sea resorts reached 82% during the final 10 days of Ramadan, reflecting…

MAKKAH — In three separate incidents, three Saudi citizens and 19 residents were arrested for violating Hajj regulations. Hajj Security Forces arrested two citizens for violating Hajj regulations and instructions by transporting 17 Pakistani residents through unpaved roads and valleys in an attempt to enter Makkah and remain there without obtaining a Hajj permit. Authorities apprehended them and took legal action against them. In a related incident, Makkah region police arrested a citizen for posting fraudulent and misleading advertisements on social media offering fake entry permits to Makkah. He was referred to the Public Prosecution after taking the necessary legal…