Author: Editorial Team
RIYADH — The General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged the public to exercise caution amid forecast of the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) about continued thunderstorms hitting across Saudi Arabia until Friday. The Civil Defense called on the people to remain in safe locations, stay away from areas prone to flash floods and valleys, refrain from swimming in them. It urged them to adhere to instructions disseminated through various media outlets and social media platforms. According to the NCM forecast, the Makkah region will be affected by moderate to heavy rain, leading to flash floods, hail, and dust storms.…
As students gear up to get back to school in buses, the UAE has assured residents it is ready with a traffic to enhance road safety and ensure smooth traffic flow. The Federal Traffic Council has directed the intensification of traffic presence around schools and on major roads, including intersections and internal and external routes, particularly during morning hours and after school dismissal. This will regulate traffic movement, reduce accidents, and facilitate the movement of school buses, in addition to ensuring safety of pedestrian crossings, so that students can safely reach school gates from vehicles. Stay up to date with…
RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received on Sunday a phone call from Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Fuad Mohammed Hussein. During the call, they discussed current regional developments and issues of common interest. Source: Saudi Gazette
The weather on Monday, April 20, is expected to be fair to partly cloudy, with it becoming cloudy over the coasts and islands by night, as per a forecast by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). As the week begins for many office-going residents, there may be relief from the heat with light rainfall expected by Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, light to moderate Southeasterly becoming Northwesterly and Northeasterly winds are set to blow, freshening at times, causing blowing dust and sand westward, with a speed of 15-25 km/hr, reaching 40 km/hr. The sea will be slight to moderate becoming rough at…
ISLAMABAD — Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Sunday that continued dialogue is essential as a US delegation prepares to arrive in Islamabad. During a phone call, Dar stressed the need for continued dialogue and engagement to resolve current issues as soon as possible and promote peace and stability in the region and beyond, according to a statement from his office. The two ministers agreed to remain in contact, the statement said. It added that a phone call between the Iranian president and the Pakistani prime minister is likely later Sunday. Earlier, multiple Pakistani…
TEHRAN — Iran on Sunday forced two oil tankers to turn back while attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, saying the move was in response to the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said the vessels, sailing under the flags of Botswana and Angola, were ordered to change course after what it described as an unauthorized transit attempt through the strategic waterway. On Saturday, Iran announced tighter control over the Strait of Hormuz and warned shipping operators that the key energy corridor had effectively been closed again. The conflict has remained on hold…
RIYADH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the implementation of two decisions to raise Saudization rates in marketing and sales professions, effective from Sunday, April 19 following the expiry of the grace period granted to private sector establishments. This is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to provide more motivating job opportunities for Saudi men and women across various regions of Saudi Arabia. The decisions stipulate raising the Saudization rate in at least 20 marketing and sales professions in the private sector to 60 percent. This will be applicable to establishments with three or more employees…
KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday called for reducing Russia oil exports, saying any easing of sanctions against Moscow helps finance the war. In a post on X, Zelenskyy said continued sanctions relief fuels what he described as the Russian leadership’s illusion that it can continue the conflict. He said more than 110 tankers from Russia’s so-called shadow fleet are currently at sea. According to Zelenskyy, the vessels are carrying more than 12 million tons of Russian oil that can again be sold because of weaker sanctions enforcement. He said the cargo is worth around $10 billion and…
The UAE residents and faithfuls worldwide are preparing for the upcoming Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, which will decide the dates for Eid Al Adha 2026. As always, the exact timing will depend on the sighting of the crescent moon. According to the UAE Fatwa Council, Sunday, April 19, 2026, marks the start of the month of Dhul Qa’dah 1447 AH. This sets the stage for the next key moon sighting, which will determine when Dhul Hijjah begins. Saudi Arabia’s Crescent Sighting Department of the Supreme Court has also officially announced that Sunday, April 19 as the beginning of the…
DUBAI, 19th April, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai’s rental market indicators in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026 demonstrate sustained stability, supported by strong regulatory and economic fundamentals. The market continues to show steady activity within a dynamic environment that adapts efficiently and reinforces confidence. This performance reflects the UAE leadership’s proactive vision and renewed directives to enhance the readiness and resilience of economic sectors, reinforcing sustainable growth, strengthening investor confidence, and underscoring Dubai’s ability to maintain balanced economic growth. According to data from the Dubai Land Department, the total value of rental contracts during Q1 2026 reached AED32.2 billion, reflecting…