Oman's 2024 road accidents saw a 9% decrease in incidents, totaling 1,854, yet fatalities remained high at 586. Muscat, South and North Sharqiyah were the most affected regions. Speeding and negligence were primary causes, with insurance payouts dropping to OMR 21.1 million. The data highlights the need for targeted safety measures.

Saudi Arabia has revised its unemployment target to 5% following significant labor market improvements, including a drop in national unemployment to 7% and a record-low overall rate of 2.8%. Female workforce participation has doubled to 36%, driven by reforms and increased private sector employment. The shift reflects a focus on sustainable, high-quality job creation aligned with Vision 2030.

Bahrain is embarking on a significant clean energy initiative with its first major solar power project. The 150MW plant, located in South Bahrain, is slated for operation by Q3 2027. This public-private partnership aims to boost Bahrain's renewable energy share to 20% by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

Martha Stewart has launched her first retail store in the MENA region, located in Dubai's City Centre Mirdif, offering an immersive experience of her iconic lifestyle brand. Apparel Group holds the GCC retail license. Following the Mirdif debut, two more stores have opened: At Dubai Hills Mall At Mall of the Emirates.

UAE citizens with babies born abroad must register the birth at a UAE embassy within 30 days for a return document and family record updates. Expatriate residents need a birth certificate, passport, and UAE entry visa for the child. The birth certificate requires MOHAP issuance and MOFA attestation for use in education, healthcare, and legal services.

Oman Air, in collaboration with TUI, has launched 'Oman Air Holidays,' a digital platform streamlining travel bookings. This initiative offers bundled flights, hotels, tours, and transfers across 20+ destinations, targeting both inbound tourists and Omani residents. It supports Oman Vision 2040 by boosting tourism and enhancing the nation's competitiveness as a premium travel destination.

Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency program sees great interest. Over 40,000 applications came in since early 2023. The program offers long-term visas and aims to attract global talent. It aligns with Vision 2030's goals for economic diversification. The 'Exceptional Competence' category leads in approvals. The program allows expats to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Russia on 7 August 2025, where he met President Vladimir Putin to strengthen their 50-year strategic partnership. Discussions covered economic, trade, investment, space, and energy cooperation, regional peace efforts, and humanitarian mediation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Several bilateral agreements were signed, advancing ties between the two nations.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, held two key meetings in Dubai. He first met with local dignitaries, investors, and officials to discuss the UAE's economic growth. Later, he convened with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, to address national development priorities.

Oman experienced a 5.5% surge in vehicle registrations, reaching 1.79 million by June 2025, driven primarily by private cars and light vehicles. White remains the favored color, and mid-sized engines dominate, reflecting consumer preferences for practicality and efficiency. This growth underscores Oman's expanding mobility and economic progress towards its Vision 2040 goals.

Kuwait implements new rules for vehicle colour changes. Motorists need permission before repainting their cars. Approved workshops must handle the job. A final inspection updates the registration. Violators face fines up to 500 Kuwaiti Dinars. The rules align with international standards. They also prevent illegal modifications. These measures enhance road safety governance in Kuwait.

Bahrain enforces a summer midday work ban from June 15 to September 15, prohibiting outdoor work between 12 noon and 4 pm. This initiative, designed to protect workers from heat-related illnesses, achieved a 99.96% compliance rate in 2025. Violators face fines and potential imprisonment, reflecting Bahrain's commitment to worker safety and international labor standards.

Skims, Kim Kardashians shapewear and lifestyle brand, is opening its first Middle East store at Dubais Mall of the Emirates, marking its entry into the Gulfs luxury market. Known for inclusive, body-positive fashion, Skims is expanding globally with plans for flagship stores in London and Mexico, aiming to build a premium brick-and-mortar presence alongside its strong direct-to-consumer roots.

Kuwait's Justice Ministry is set to digitize all legal services soon. This will impact citizens, residents, lawyers, and court staff. Filing cases, receiving notifications, and paying fees will be online. Court procedures will become faster, and judgments will be enforced quickly. The ministry is partnering with Google and Microsoft for this digital shift.

NetApp has appointed Saeed Al-Zahrani as General Manager for Saudi Arabia. Al-Zahrani will lead NetApp's strategy in Saudi Arabia. He will focus on strengthening partnerships. The goal is to accelerate digital transformation. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030. NetApp aims to empower Saudi Arabia's public and private sectors. They will use data, cloud, and AI solutions.

Bahrain is preparing for a total lunar eclipse on September 7, 2025, a rare event turning the moon a deep red. Visible from 7:28 pm to 10:56 pm, the peak lood moon phase will last about 1 hour and 22 minutes. The eclipse, safe to view without special equipment, aligns with Salat Al-Khusuf, holding both scientific and cultural significance.

Despite a nearly 20% drop from last year, Saudi Arabia led the GCC debt market in H1 2025, raising $47.93 billion and accounting for 52.1% of total issuances. The region collectively issued $92.04 billion, with the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman trailing. Conventional bonds gained preference as corporate activity surged across the Gulf's maturing debt landscape.

Azam Khaled Al-Omari from Saudi Arabia won a bronze medal at the 2025 International Nuclear Science Olympiad in Malaysia, marking the Kingdoms fifth overall win. Oman earned one silver and two bronze medals at the event, which featured 56 students from 14 countries and was endorsed by the IAEA. Saudi participation was led by Mawhiba, with support from the Ministry of Education, KACST, and K.A.CARE, promoting peaceful nuclear innovation.

The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) opened on 5 August 2025 in Awaza, Turkmenistan, uniting leaders to address the unique challenges of 32 landlocked nations. With the launch of the Awaza Programme of Action (20242034), the conference aims to boost sustainable development through regional partnerships, infrastructure investment, trade facilitation, and climate resilience strategies.

Bahrain's agricultural sector has witnessed a remarkable 55% surge in output over the past decade, reaching 58,597.5 tonnes in 2024. Vegetable production nearly doubled, driven by greenhouse farming and hydroponics, enhancing food self-reliance. Fruit production experienced explosive growth, complementing steady date harvests, as Bahrain embraces sustainable agriculture amidst environmental challenges.

Kuwait's College of Applied Sciences (CAS) will begin accepting non-Kuwaiti students from the second semester of the 2025/2026 academic year. Eligibility requires completion of schooling in Kuwait with a local high school certificate, meeting specific academic standards. Tuition fees are unit-based, with a 50% discount for high-achieving students maintaining a GPA of 3.80 or higher after two semesters.

If a parent loses their job in the UAE, their childrens visas, tied to the parents, also risk cancellation. However, options like spouse sponsorship, visa hold (with 3-month validity), switching to visit visas, or investor visas can help maintain legal stay. Student visas may apply in rare cases. Timely action prevents fines and ensures children can continue schooling uninterrupted.

Qatar has enacted a new cybercrime law amendment, effective August 4, 2025, imposing strict penalties for unauthorized sharing of images or videos online. Violators face imprisonment up to one year and fines up to QR100,000 for infringing on individual privacy. This measure complements existing data protection laws, strengthening personal data safeguards in the digital sphere.

Kuwait launched the Visit Kuwait platform in August 2025, a unified digital portal central to its Vision 2035 strategy. This initiative aims to boost tourism by integrating services like e-Visas, event listings, and cultural projects. The platform supports Kuwait's global presence, showcasing its heritage and innovation at international events, enhancing visitor experiences and driving economic diversification.

Oman's cities showcase unique white buildings. This reflects Omani culture and climate. Government rules mandate light colors for buildings. This preserves heritage and ensures harmony. Muscat Municipality enforces these rules. Exceptions require approval. The policy maintains a unified urban identity. It promotes sustainability. Oman's cityscapes are admired globally. They represent order and architectural beauty.

The UAE's 2-year employment visa, streamlined for 2025, enables foreign workers to live and work under employer sponsorship. The process involves online application, expanded eligibility, and faster processing. Key steps include a job offer, work permit, medical check, and Emirates ID, costing AED 3,000-7,000 with a 10-15 day processing time.

Tourists visiting Saudi Arabia can now reclaim the 15% VAT on eligible retail purchases made from ZATCA-approved stores. To qualify, purchases must exceed SAR 500 (approx.$133), be for personal use, and be exported within 90 days. Refunds are processed at airport counters/kiosks with proper documentation. Use Global Blue tools to locate participating retailers and ensure compliance

Saudi Arabia will host a scholarly forum in November 2025 on the history, culture, and architecture of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques. Led by the King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah), the event will gather experts across disciplines to promote research and digital documentation, supporting the Kingdoms efforts to preserve Islamic heritage through academic collaboration and emerging technologies.

Saudi Arabia will celebrate its 95th National Day on September 23, 2025, under the theme Our Pride is in Our Nature. Unveiled by the General Entertainment Authority, the identity highlights six cultural values through symbolic visuals. The campaign honors the Kingdoms unification and national character, blending tradition with ambition in a unified, forward-looking celebration of pride and heritage.

The Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, reviewed by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan, aims to empower Emirati families through financial, social, and educational support. Aligned with Dubai Social Agenda 33, it has boosted marriage rates, offered housing and wedding aid, and fostered youth stability. Leaders praised its impact in building strong, value-driven, and future-ready households.

Oman has broadened its Omanisation policy, adding engineering, IT, quality control, and technical roles to the list of professions restricted to non-Omani workers. The changes, effective immediately for some positions and phased in until 2027 for others, aim to prioritize employment for Omani nationals. This initiative impacts over 30 professions across various sectors, requiring employers to adjust their workforce strategies.

Saudi Arabia managed unprecedented air traffic during Hajj 2025, facilitating over 140,000 flights, an 8% increase from last year. A record 2,338 flights occurred on a single day. The Saudi Air Navigation Services coordinated with 213 airlines, showcasing the Kingdom's pivotal role in global connectivity and its commitment to ensuring a smooth and efficient pilgrimage for millions.

In early 2025, TikTok intensified content moderation in the UAE, removing over a million videos for violating guidelines. With a 98.2% proactive removal rate, 94% videos were taken down within 24 hours. Nearly 87,000 live hosts were banned, and 140,000 livestreams shut down. Across MENA, 16.5 million videos were removed.

Outgoing US Ambassador Martina Strong received the UAE's First-Class Order of Zayed II, a high civilian honour, for her significant contributions to strengthening UAE-US relations. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the award, recognizing Strong's role in advancing security, economic, and cultural ties during her tenure. Strong expressed gratitude, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two nations.

Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has announced the academic calendar for private schools, excluding foreign curricula, for the 2025-2026 year. Classes will commence on August 25, 2025, and conclude on July 2, 2026. Winter break is scheduled from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026, while spring break will be from March 16 to March 22, 2026.

Oman's electricity generation surged by 12.6% to 18,948.9 GWh by the end of May 2025, driven by rising national energy demand and infrastructure development. While most regions experienced growth, Dhofar and Al Wusta saw declines. Water production decreased slightly, highlighting the need for efficient resource management alongside electricity sector expansion.

Oman's Ministry of Labour is set to implement mandatory licensing for numerous oil and gas job roles starting September 1, 2025, requiring workers to obtain licenses from the Energy and Minerals Sector Skills Unit. This initiative aims to regulate the labor market, enhance workforce skills, and align with Omanisation goals. A similar licensing requirement will also affect several logistics positions.

In 2024, the GCC's economy grew steadily, with real GDP rising 3.3% in Q4 and 2.4% over the year, driven by non-oil sectors like manufacturing and trade. Nominal GDP rose 1.5%, reflecting lower oil prices. Non-oil activities now dominate both real and nominal GDP, signaling a clear shift away from oil dependence through structural reforms and investment.

Dubai's crackdown on illegal room partitions has left landlords with hefty repair costs and structural damages. Authorities are enforcing strict compliance with tenancy laws, prompting owners to prioritize families and corporate tenants. With tighter vetting processes and legal penalties in place, both landlords and tenants are now adapting to a more regulated, safety-focused rental environment across the emirate.

A Saudi citizen has drowned in Lake Geneva, with the Kingdoms consulate in Switzerland confirming the incident and coordinating the bodys repatriation. No details about the victim or the circumstances were disclosed. This follows a separate 2024 tragedy where a Saudi doctor drowned in Brienz Lake, highlighting growing concerns around water safety for tourists in Switzerland.

Aalborg Zoo in Denmark is now accepting unwanted small pets as donations to feed its predators. The zoo assures that donated animals like rabbits and guinea pigs will be humanely euthanized before being used as food. This initiative aims to mimic the natural food chain, promoting animal welfare and natural behaviour among captive carnivores.

The UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued a nationwide alert, urging residents to avoid downloading unverified mobile applications due to rising cyberattacks. With daily incidents nearing 200,000, the Council advises using official platforms like Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Citizens are cautioned to review app permissions, update devices, and avoid suspicious links.

Saudi Arabia has established a national Medical Referral Centre to streamline patient transfers and treatment coordination, both domestically and internationally. Overseen by the Health Minister, the center aims to optimize resource use, reduce wait times, and ensure equitable access to high-quality medical services. This initiative aligns with Vision 2030's goals for healthcare transformation and digital advancement.

Saudi Arabia has introduced new regulations for private food laboratories, focusing on spatial, technical, and visual standards. These rules aim to improve food safety, urban compliance, and investment conditions by setting requirements for lab size, parking, appearance, and location. The initiative seeks to align with broader goals of enhancing urban environments and attracting investment.

Abu Dhabis non-oil foreign trade surged 34.7% in H1 2025 to AED195.4 billion (USD53.2 billion), driven by strong export, import, and re-export growth. The rise reflects successful diversification efforts, advanced infrastructure, and streamlined trade systems. Strategic investments and global trade partnerships continue to position the emirate as a key international trade and logistics hub.

In Q1 2025, domestic workers constitute 25.2% of Kuwait's expatriate labor, totaling 745,000, a 5.6% decrease from last year. Indians lead both domestic (42.2%) and overall expatriate employment (35.3%). Workers from India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Bangladesh comprise nearly 90% of the domestic labor force, reflecting shifts in Kuwait's labor market.

Dubai Land Department introduced First-Time Home Buyer Programme on July 2, 2025. This initiative offers priority access and flexible payment options. Buyers can get discounts on properties up to AED 5 million. Residents over 18 without prior Dubai property ownership are eligible. Developers report high interest, especially for homes below AED 1.5 million.

The UAE has established the National Anti-Narcotics Authority under a federal decree issued by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan has been appointed as its Chairman. The Authority is tasked with unifying drug control efforts nationwide through coordinated legislation, enforcement, prevention, and monitoring of narcotics-related threats.

Dubai saw a remarkable 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. This surge is fueled by excellent air connectivity, thriving hotels, and a diverse range of global events. Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled a record 46 million passengers, solidifying its position as a leading global hub.

Dubai's parking authority, Parkin PJSC, introduces nine subscription plans, starting from Dh100 monthly, covering various zones, including Dubai Hills and Silicon Oasis. From August 2025, 2,100 parking spaces near 59 mosques will offer one-hour free parking during prayer times. The Parkin app streamlines parking with real-time space locators and digital payment options.