Author: Editorial Team
MAKKAH — The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced the completion of routine maintenance of the Holy Kaaba and Hijr Ismail, in line with the highest engineering and technical standards. It said the project was carried out under a precise operational plan that ensured smooth pilgrim flow without affecting rituals. The works took about 4,700 man-hours and included 31 main packages and 305 activities, covering maintenance of the Kaaba’s interior, roof, and surroundings, as well as detailed inspections and tests. The scope of work also included the replacement of more than 30…
BEIRUT — A French soldier serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was killed and three others were wounded in an attack in southern Lebanon, French President Emmanuel Macron said Saturday. In a post on X, Macron said Sergeant Major Florian Montorio of the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment in Montauban was killed during an attack against UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. He said three other French personnel were wounded and evacuated. “The nation bows in respect and expresses its support to the families of our soldiers and to all our military personnel committed to peace in Lebanon,” Macron said.…
[Editor’s Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog for the latest regional developments with the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire now in effect.] The UAE has strongly condemned an attack on the French battalion within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) in southern Lebanon, which resulted in the death of one soldier and the injury of three others. Earlier on Saturday, April 18, a French soldier was killed and others were wounded while clearing a road in southern Lebanon, in an attack that Unifil peacekeepers and French officials said was likely carried out by Iran-backed Hezbollah. French President Emmanuel Macron identified the slain soldier…
Just shortly after its debut at Dubai Mall drew massive crowds, Primark’s second UAE store has officially opened, and shoppers are already lining up. The new branch at City Centre Mirdif opened its doors on April 9 at 10 am, with long queues forming outside early in the morning, echoing scenes from the brand’s first launch. Videos shared online show crowds gathering ahead of opening, with live music and in-store performances setting the tone for the launch. The opening also featured a performance by percussionist Rodolphe Manoukian. Royal visit ahead of second opening The buzz around the brand comes just…
MAKKAH — Jeddah and several other governorates of the Makkah region witnessed a dust storm on Saturday. This follows the forecast of the National Center for Meteorology (NCM), which stated earlier that active winds stirring up dust would hit the governorates of Jeddah, Rabigh, Bahra, Al-Kamil, Khulais, and Allith, including open areas and highways, leading to reduced horizontal visibility. The center indicated that the conditions persisted until 7:00 in the evening. Earlier on the day, NCM predicted thunderstorms accompanied by active winds and dust in Makkah. The report stated that the maximum temperature would reach 39 degrees Celsius, while the…
For the past few weeks, conversations around dining tables and gatherings have taken a different shape. Where is the world heading? When was the last time someone heard an alert? For Dr Azra Khamissa, the conversation was more hopeful, and she chose to take it further through her art. In a moment shared with friends, the word ghafla came up, a state of unawareness, of overlooking what truly matters. It became a reminder that in times of uncertainty, there is still something to hold on to, the blessings around us. The idea stayed with her. UAE-based henna artist Dr Azra…
RIYADH — Saudi security authorities arrested a total of 14,487 illegal residents during the last week. The arrests were made in the joint inspections, carried out by the security forces in collaboration with the relevant government agencies, during the period between April 9 and April 15, the Ministry of Interior revealed on Saturday. Those who were arrested include 7,911 of the Residency Law, 3,588 violators of the Border Security Law, and 2,988 violators of the Labor Law. A total of 21,127 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents while 11,240 violators were referred to complete their…
MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stressed the importance of all pilgrims’ affairs offices and Hajj service providers to inform pilgrims of the need to obtain an official permit to perform Hajj rituals for this year and to adhere to the approved procedures for entering Makkah and the holy sites. This is part of the ministry’s commitment to pilgrims’ safety, the quality of services provided, and enabling them to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment. The ministry stressed that performing Hajj is restricted to those who have obtained an official permit from the competent authorities.…
A 13-year-old Emirati boy drowned in Ras Al Khaimah while attempting to save his younger sister and two cousins from strong sea currents. His father told Khaleej Times that the incident occurred around 5pm on Tuesday, April 14, when the boy, identified as Mohammed Ahmed bin Amer Al Shehhi, visited the beach with his extended family, including several young children. According to the father, the children had been playing near the shore when sudden waves and strong currents pulled some of them further into the sea. Mohammed, the eldest among the kids, had earlier moved away from the water after…
Like any other weekend afternoon, diners at a Dubai restaurant on Saturday, April 18, were browsing menus, enjoying the view and placing orders—until the emirate’s ruler himself, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, casually walked in. As Sheikh Mohammed, who also serves as UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, entered the place, guests soon noticed his presence and quickly raised their mobile phones to take selfies to mark the occasion. Guests and the eatery’s staff clapped to welcome the Dubai Ruler and thank him for this special visit. They stood up while Sheikh Mohammed, who was accompanied by a few…