The Times of India

Saudi Arabia and Russia are implementing a visa-free travel agreement starting May 11, allowing citizens short-term visits of up to 90 days annually for tourism, business, and family. This initiative, stemming from a December 2025 deal, aims to foster closer people-to-people connections and enhance bilateral cooperation, though work, study, residency, and religious travel still require visas.

The UAE's Nafis programme is now extended until 2040, a significant move to boost Emirati employment in the private sector. New initiatives offer support for children and wives of Emiratis working in private companies, alongside expanded children's allowances. This long-term strategy aims to build a sustainable national workforce and reduce reliance on public sector jobs.

A UAE-based pastry chain owner, Maria Paz Banaag-Marquez, is distributing 300 free grocery packets to expatriate families facing financial hardship due to reduced wages and unpaid leave. Each Dh75 packet contains essential staples. Maria, who moved to the UAE in 2008, is personally funding additional aid, demonstrating her gratitude to the nation.

Saudi Arabia's security forces have arrested over 14,000 individuals in a nationwide crackdown on illegal residents. The operation targeted violations of residency, labour, and border laws. Thousands are being deported, while others face legal procedures. Authorities are also penalizing those who aid undocumented individuals. The public is urged to report violations.

Saudi Arabia has made a historic entry into NASA's Artemis program with the successful launch of its Shams satellite. This marks the first Arab nation's participation in the lunar mission, contributing vital space weather research. The initiative underscores the Kingdom's growing technological prowess and commitment to global space collaboration.

Former congressman Matt Gaetz claims he was told of a secret programme involving alien-human hybrids, allegedly described to him by a US Army official. He offers no evidence and admits he did not verify the account. The claim, emerging in a politically charged context, has drawn widespread scepticism and underscores the persistent gap between extraordinary assertions and substantiated fact.

Rep. Tim Burchett says classified UFO briefings contain information so disturbing it could set the country unglued and keep people up at night. Though he claims to have been briefed by multiple agencies, he refuses to share details, citing potential risks. He continues to push for full disclosure while warning the public may not be prepared.

A federal decision, approved upon the request of the Trump administration, to expand Gulf oil drilling has heightened fears of extinction for the critically endangered Rices whale, with fewer than 50 individuals remaining. Scientists note the species already lost over 20% of its population after the Deepwater Horizon spill, warning that renewed industrial activity could push it beyond recovery and erase one of the oceans rarest whales.

Saudi Arabia is accelerating Hajj 2026 preparations with earlier visa processing and a fully digital Nusuk platform for millions of pilgrims. Strict timelines and new regulations aim to enhance safety and efficiency, while regional tensions may cause minor flight disruptions. Pilgrims must adhere to digital registration and compliance rules for a smoother experience.

Saudi Arabia has implemented new travel regulations, imposing significant fines and travel bans on citizens visiting restricted countries without official approval. These updated rules, under the Kingdoms Travel Documents Law, aim to protect citizens from high-risk regions and ensure compliance with security, political, and health considerations.

An Indian expatriate in Oman, Shanthanu Shettigar, has won the Dh20 million grand prize in Abu Dhabi's Big Ticket draw. He purchased the winning ticket with a friend, and the duo will share the life-changing jackpot. The draw also awarded five other winners with Dh1 million each.

A young boy in Ohio claimed memories of a past life as a woman who died in a Chicago fire, later identifying details that appeared to match a real victim. The case, featured on television, drew attention for its specificity. While unexplained, it reflects a broader pattern of similar childhood accounts studied by researchers into reported past-life memories.

Analysis of samples from the asteroid Ryugu has revealed all five nucleobases essential to DNA and RNA, strengthening evidence that lifes chemical building blocks are widespread in space. While not proof of extraterrestrial life, the finding suggests asteroids could have delivered key ingredients to early Earth, offering new insight into how lifes fundamental chemistry may emerge across the universe.

Get ready for a weather change! The UAE anticipates light rain, strong winds, and rough seas next week, shifting from current fair conditions. Authorities urge caution for outdoor and marine activities due to reduced visibility from dust and sand. Stay updated with NCM advisories as unsettled weather approaches.

Dubai's Catholic churches suspended all masses and parish activities starting April 3, 2026, due to heightened regional tensions and official safety directives. This unprecedented Holy Week closure urges worshippers to pray from home, with some services moving online while others are cancelled entirely, impacting major parishes like St. Mary's and St. Francis of Assisi.