Author: Editorial Team
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch a national program to revitalize heritage towns, a step aimed at breathing new life into villages and historical sites and transforming them into cultural, tourist, and economic destinations. This initiative aligns with the goals of Vision 2030 and promotes the sustainability of architectural heritage, Al-Arabiya reported.Data indicates the existence of approximately 562 privately owned heritage towns and villages across Saudi Arabia. This reflects the diversity of the architectural heritage and the vast range of investment opportunities associated with it, as well as the challenges related to its protection and rehabilitation.The Heritage Commission…
Sharjah Police busted a criminal network involved in multiple frauds, using various methods to illegally obtain money from victims inside and outside the UAE. Four African suspects were arrested after investigations into repeated reports of scams with a similar pattern. On Sunday, April 26, authorities said the probe revealed the total amount stolen exceeded Dh3 million. According to Colonel Dr Khalifa Al Buhair, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, the first case involved suspects using a “fake shipment” scam. The group impersonated shipping and insurance companies, convincing victims that parcels were awaiting clearance and requesting payments under pretexts such as…
DUBAI, 26th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Dubai Free Zones Council, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, held its 34th meeting to review strategic priorities aimed at enhancing free zone readiness, supporting business sustainability, and keeping pace with evolving economic and regulatory developments. These efforts align with Dubai’s vision to further strengthen its flexible, competitive, and investment-attractive business environment. At the start of the meeting, the Council was briefed by the Dubai Government economic team on the latest developments of the economic initiatives and facilitation packages launched by The Executive Council of Dubai. The Council also discussed…
MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reiterated that strict adherence to official Hajj permits is a fundamental requirement for ensuring the security and safety of all pilgrims. The ministry urged all prospective pilgrims to verify the authenticity of their permits before making any travel arrangements. It reaffirmed that the “No Hajj without a permit” policy is the primary guarantee for a secure and spiritual experience for every visitor to the Two Holy Mosques. By following these regulations, pilgrims are empowered to perform their rituals in ease and comfort. “This contributes significantly to the smooth flow of movement and…
There won’t be ‘street vendors’ any more on Saudi streets. Instead, they will be replaced by ‘mobile merchants’! Source: Saudi Gazette
DAMASCUS — Atef Najib, a cousin of ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and former political security chief in Daraa, appeared Sunday before the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus, marking one of Syria’s first transitional justice trials. Al-Ikhbariya broadcast footage showing Najib inside the defendant’s cage after being brought to court in the Syrian capital. An unnamed judge said the opening transitional justice proceedings included Najib in custody and several defendants being tried in absentia. Those listed as fugitives included Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad, former Defense Minister Fahd Jassem al-Freij, former military intelligence chief in Daraa Laith al-Ali, and…
The UAE has retained its position as the world’s most supportive environment for entrepreneurship for the fifth year in a row, according to the latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2025/2026 report. The report placed the UAE ahead of several advanced economies, ranking it first globally for ease of starting and running new businesses. It also topped eight indicators among high-income economies, including infrastructure, government policy support, entrepreneurship programmes, research and development transfer, and ease of market entry. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Top 2 in entrepreneurial finance The report showed strong performance…
MANILA — Two Americans were among 19 suspected communist guerrillas killed in clashes with Philippine troops earlier this week in the central province of Negros Occidental, authorities said. The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict said Saturday that the two U.S. nationals were killed alongside 17 suspected members of the New People’s Army during a series of armed encounters on April 19 in the coastal town of Toboso. The task force identified the Americans as Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem. According to the statement, both arrived in the Philippines in March 2026. The agency said the…
DUBAI, 26th April, 2026 (WAM) — In a major boost to digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has further reduced the time required to refund security deposits, without human intervention, to just eight minutes, down from 30 minutes previously. This applies to amounts of up to AED4,000 and covers around 90% of refund requests. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said, “In line with the vision and directives of our wise leadership to digitalise all aspects of life in Dubai and transform the emirate into a global digital capital, positioning it…
As Indian curriculum students across the UAE await a key academic milestone, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is expected to announce the Class 12 results this week, according to school officials. The outcome will shape the future for thousands of students preparing for higher education. This year’s results come amid changes in how answer sheets are evaluated, with the CBSE introducing a digital marking system to improve efficiency. UAE principals have highlighted that the shift could influence how quickly results are processed, though the board has not officially confirmed a release date. At the same time, focus is…