Author: Editorial Team

RIYADH — Traffic authorities across Saudi Arabia have recorded 2,135 vehicles illegally parked in spaces designated for people with disabilities. Traffic departments urged motorists to respect designated parking spaces and comply with traffic regulations, stressing that these spaces are specifically provided to meet the daily needs of people with disabilities. Authorities emphasized that the unauthorized use of designated spaces prevents eligible individuals from accessing facilities and services and constitutes a traffic violation subject to penalties. If the driver of an offending vehicle cannot be located, the vehicle may be impounded. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has previously established requirements…

A day after Dubai refuted a report that claimed sounds of explosions were heard in Downtown Dubai, Reuters issued a statement saying it ‘regrets’ the report and that the story had been retracted the same evening. The global media wire agency said that it “regrets” the July 16 story headlined “‘Booms heard in UAE’s downtown Dubai, witnesses say,’ which did not meet its standards”. In a concise clarification, the news agency said it “could not immediately determine where the sounds were coming from or their significance — and did not offer that context.” Stay up to date with the latest…

ABU DHABI, 17th July, 2026 (WAM) — The latest market data issued by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), the entity responsible for regulating the real estate sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, revealed that real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi reached a total value of AED117 billion during the first half of 2026. This growth amounted to 112 percent compared with the same period in 2025, while the number of transactions increased by 61.7 percent, reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for real estate investment. Sales transactions led real estate activity during the first half…

AL AIN, 17th July, 2026 (WAM) — The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) at the United Arab Emirates University has announced the development of the SEO satellite mission, which has reached an advanced stage, as part of its efforts to strengthen national space capabilities in collaboration with the UAE Space Agency. Developed in cooperation with international partners from the People’s Republic of China, the mission aims to enhance national expertise in space science and engineering while supporting sustainable development through the application of advanced space technologies. The project forms part of NSSTC’s efforts to build national capabilities by…

MAKKAH — The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched a digital service allowing visitors to monitor crowd levels in the Mataf and Masa’a areas in real time. The service provides live crowd density indicators and instant updates, helping worshippers and pilgrims identify less crowded routes and perform Tawaf and Sa’i more smoothly. It also provides smart indicators designed to improve crowd management efficiency and enhance the quality of services offered to visitors at the Grand Mosque. The authority said the service can be accessed through a QR code,…

Chris Drumgoole, President, Global Infrastructure Services, DXC. DXC Technology, a leading enterprise technology and innovation partner, has announced that its DXC Private Cloud+ is now generally available. The solution delivers public cloud–like flexibility and pricing while maintaining full control over sensitive data and workloads. Powered by Dell Technologies infrastructure like servers, storage, and cyber resilience solutions and operated by DXC OASIS, DXC’s intelligent orchestration platform, Private Cloud+ helps organisations innovate more easily while still meeting strict requirements for data security, compliance, and sovereignty, at a time when enterprise cloud strategies are rapidly evolving.  As governance, security, data sovereignty, and industry-specific requirements become…

RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman sent a cable of condolences to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin over the deaths caused by floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains across parts of the country. King Salman expressed his deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the Bangladeshi president, the families of the victims and the people of Bangladesh, praying for mercy for those who died and patience and solace for their families. Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman also sent a cable of condolences to President Shahabuddin, expressing his profound sympathy to the families of the…

UAE residents have rapidly shifted toward bicycles and e-scooters as everyday modes of transport, especially as a last-mile option. This has come with authorities in multiple emirates introducing rules covering minimum riding ages, helmet requirements and speed limits, among other such guidelines and restrictions.  Despite their convenience, bicycles and e-scooters carry real safety risks in the country’s urban environment. Poor lane discipline, riding at night without lights, and using highways or main roads, are among major violations that riders may commit, unknowingly risking their lives. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Non-compliance fines…

ABU DHABI, 17th July, 2026 (WAM) — Further to Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC (e&) announcement on 10th July 2026 related to signing a binding agreement with Vega, an acquisition vehicle wholly owned by the Niel family group, for the sale of e&’s entire holding in Vodafone Group PLC (Vodafone); e& today announced the successful completion of the transfer of its 3,944,743,685 ordinary shares in Vodafone to BNPP Financial Markets, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, and Société Générale. The successful completion of the transfer has generated gross cash proceeds to e& of AED21.5 billion (US$5.84 billion), representing c. 110.5…

NEW YORK — Saudi Arabia’s homeownership rate rose from 47% in 2016 to 66.24% by the end of 2025, moving closer to the Vision 2030 target of 70%, Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail said. Speaking during Saudi Arabia’s address at the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on the Urban Agenda in New York, Al-Hogail said the Kingdom has established an advanced model for sustainable urban development, moving from planning and policymaking to implementation and measurable impact. He said Saudi Arabia had submitted its updated 2026 national report to UN-Habitat, documenting the urban transformation achieved in recent years and…