UAE citizens can now renew passports up to one year before expiry, ICP announces
Starting August 18, 2025, UAE citizens can renew their passports up to one year before expiry, doubling the previous six-month limit. Announced by the ICP, the move aims to enhance travel flexibility and streamline official processes. It also reinforces the UAE passports global strength, now ranked 8th worldwide with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 countries.
Discover Wakan village: Omans mountain paradise with seasonal fruit delights
Wakan Village in Oman is experiencing a tourism boom, with visitor numbers climbing over 13% in the first seven months of 2025. The village's appeal lies in its mild mountain climate, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty. Tourists are drawn to the area's hiking trails, ancient agricultural terraces, and seasonal fruit harvests, making Wakan a sought-after eco-tourism destination.
UAE becomes 100th member of World Phygital Community
The Emirates Esports Federation has joined the World Phygital Community (WPC) as its 100th member, marking a major milestone in the growth of phygital sports. This comes ahead of Abu Dhabi hosting the Games of the Future 2025, where global athletes will compete across 11 hybrid physical-digital disciplines for a $5 million prize pool, showcasing the UAEs leadership in innovative sports.
Air Arabia reports AED 415 million net profit in Q2 2025 despite regional disruptions
Air Arabia posted a Q2 2025 net profit of AED 415 million, supported by strong passenger growth and high seat load factors, despite regional disruptions. The airline continues expanding its fleet and network while maintaining solid ESG performance. In July, it led a winning bid to launch a new Saudi-based low-cost airline, marking a major regional milestone.Air Arabia Reports AED 415 Million Net Profit in Q2 2025 Despite Regional Disruption
UAE heatwave alert: Temperatures to soar to 46C in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
The UAE is bracing for a scorching weekend, with temperatures in Dubai and Abu Dhabi expected to soar to 46C. The National Center of Meteorology warns of elevated humidity and blowing dust, urging residents to take precautions. Authorities advise limiting outdoor exposure, staying hydrated, and protecting vulnerable groups during the intense heat, which is part of a prolonged heatwave.
UAE: Etihad hits record 20.3 million passengers in 12 months for the first time
Etihad Airways has carried a record 20.3 million passengers in the past 12 months, marking a historic milestone. In July 2025 alone, the airline flew 2 million passengers, a 19% increase year-on-year. Fleet growth to 111 aircraft and an expanded network of 81 destinations have fueled this strong passenger and capacity growth.
Saudi Arabia's 2025-2026 academic year introduces staggered start dates, with most regions commencing on August 24th and major cities on August 31st. The Ministry of Education has optimized weekly class schedules across grade levels and launched a nationwide AI curriculum. This initiative aims to modernize learning, enhance student well-being, and cultivate digital skills in line with Vision 2030.
Lost your passport overseas? UAE Foreign Affairs Ministry can get you home in 30 minutes
The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a swift online service for citizens abroad who've lost, damaged, or have expired passports. Through MOFAs website or app, Emiratis can secure an electronic Return Document in just 30 minutes, enabling a quick return home. Applicants need to submit copies of their passport, a police report if lost, and a photo.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed sends firefighting team to aid Albanias wildfire battle
In August 2025, Albania faced severe wildfires. The United Arab Emirates sent a specialized firefighting team. They provided personnel, helicopters, and equipment. The team assisted in areas like Petrela and Gramsh. UAE's President directed urgent climate assistance. Other nations like Czechia and Greece also helped. International cooperation was critical. Efforts focused on protecting communities and the environment.
Road safety improves sharply in Kuwait: Accidents down 45%, deaths down 34% in first half of 2025
Kuwait experienced a significant improvement in road safety during the first half of 2025. Traffic accidents plummeted by 45%, and fatalities decreased by 34% following the implementation of a stringent new traffic law in late April. Traffic offenses also declined by 16%, indicating a positive shift towards safer driving behaviour.
Oman Air and Turkish Airlines have launched a strategic Frequent Flyer partnership starting August 1, 2025. Members of Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles and Oman Airs Sindbad programs can now earn and redeem miles across both airlines extensive networks. This collaboration expands travel benefits, offering seamless mileage accrual on flights between Oman, Trkiye, Europe, and beyond, enhancing loyalty rewards for frequent travelers.
Bahrain stands tall: Ranks 3rd in Arab region in new UN Human Development report
Bahrain secures third rank among Arab nations in the 2025 UN Human Development Report. Globally, Bahrain holds 38th position with an HDI score of 0.899. The report highlights Bahrain's progress in health, education, and income. UAE and Saudi Arabia rank higher in the region. The HDI measures life expectancy, education levels, and income.
Abu Dhabi has completed 1,090 organ transplants since launching the Hayat programme in 2017, with a record 290 in 2024 alone. Major hospitals have led medical breakthroughs, including the UAEs first combined heart-lung transplant. The Hayat programme encourages residents aged 21 and above to register as organ donors, aiming to save lives and advance ethical transplantation practices.
Ronaldo is engaged, but how is he living together with Georgina in Saudi Arabia unmarried?
Cristiano Ronaldos engagement to Georgina Rodrguez highlights shifting norms in Saudi Arabia, where cohabitation outside marriage remains technically illegal. Despite this, the couple has openly lived together in Riyadh since 2022, reflecting growing leniency for foreign residents. While laws remain unchanged, exceptions, especially for public figures, suggest evolving attitudes toward cohabitation amid the Kingdoms broader push for modernization.
UAE 2025 travel alert: Banned items in hand luggage at Dubai and Sharjah airports
Dubai and Sharjah airports have strict rules for what you can carry in your hand luggage. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable items are not allowed. Liquids must be in small containers. Power banks have restrictions too. Medicines and baby food are exceptions with documents. Check the rules before you pack. Breaking these rules can lead to confiscation or fines.
Saudi Arabia: More than 70% of citizens are under 35, says new government report
A 2024 GASTAT report reveals that 71% of Saudi citizens are under 35, with a median age of 23.5, highlighting a youthful population. Saudi households average five members, with nuclear families most common. Men head 83.1% of households, and apartments are the most popular housing type. The data supports planning aligned with the Kingdoms development goals.
UAE: Why electric vehicle insurance costs are now 72% higher than petrol cars
Electric vehicle insurance premiums in the UAE are 72% higher than for petrol cars, driven by costly repairs and limited service centers. Despite this, EV adoption is rising rapidly due to improved affordability, expanding infrastructure, and stronger resale values. The market is expected to stabilise as insurers adopt data-driven models and partnerships streamline repair and claims processes.
Motorcycle fines in Dubai 2025: Full list of violations, penalties, and payment methods
Dubai has strict rules for motorcycle riders. These rules are to keep everyone safe on the road. There are fines for things like not wearing a helmet. There are also penalties for dangerous driving. Riders can check and pay fines online. They can use the Dubai Police website or app. Knowing the rules helps riders stay safe and avoid trouble.
Think before you comment in UAE: Posting negative comments online can cost you AED 500,000
The UAE is intensifying its enforcement of cybercrime and defamation laws, closely monitoring online activity. Social media users are warned that even comments, replies, and live interactions can lead to criminal charges, hefty fines ranging from AED 250,000 to AED 500,000, and potential imprisonment. Authorities emphasize that all digital communication is traceable and must comply with national values and laws.
The UAE will launch a unified digital health licensing platform by mid-2026 to streamline registration for over 200,000 healthcare professionals annually. Integrating all health authorities, the AI-powered system will simplify licensing, cut bureaucracy, and support workforce mobility. Part of the ero Government Bureaucracy drive, it aims to boost efficiency, reduce duplication, and attract global healthcare talent.
Umrah 2025: Madinah's Prophets Mosque rolls out toll-free multilingual guidance service
The Prophets Mosque in Madinah has launched a 24/7 toll-free cloud contact centre, accessible at 8001111935, to assist Umrah pilgrims with religious guidance. This initiative, inaugurated by Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, leverages cloud technology to provide faster and more reliable service. It aligns with Saudi Arabias Vision 2030, enhancing the spiritual experience for visitors.
Muharram 2025 update: Over 60 million visit Makkah and Madinahs holy mosques
During Muharram 1447 AH (June-July 2025), the Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia received over 60 million worshippers. The Grand Mosque in Mecca hosted approximately 27.5 million, including nearly 7.9 million Umrah pilgrims, while the Prophets Mosque in Medina welcomed around 21.6 million, with over a million praying in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah.
Saudi Arabias Ministry of Tourism enforces a strict 20-hour hotel stay rule: check-out times remain fixed regardless of late arrivals. Hotels must guarantee at least 20 hours of room use and clearly state check-in and check-out times in reservations. This policy balances guest rights with hotel needs for thorough room preparation, ensuring quality service and transparency for all travelers.
Kuwait: GCC expats, including Indians, now eligible for instant tourist visa on arrival in Kuwait
Kuwait now offers tourist visas on arrival to foreign residents of GCC countries with valid six-month residency, easing travel for over 30 million expatriates. This move streamlines entry, supports Kuwaits Vision 2035 economic diversification, and boosts tourism projected to exceed $1.13 billion by 2025. It aligns Kuwait with regional efforts to enhance mobility, cultural exchange, and sustainable growth.
Oman hosts largest-ever Omani-Bahraini exhibition as 5th edition returns with record SME turnout
The fifth Omani-Bahraini Products Exhibition opened in Salalah, showcasing 53 entrepreneurs from both nations. Held during the Khareef season at Salalah Gardens Mall, it highlights cultural heritage and supports SMEs by providing a platform for their products. Building on previous editions, the event strengthens economic ties and celebrates the deep friendship between Oman and Bahrain.
GCC-Stats latest report shows 100% of households in GCC countries have access to safe drinking water and electricity, exceeding global averages. It also highlights full accessibility in primary education for people with disabilities and strong healthcare coverage, reflecting the regions commitment to social development and family support through coordinated policies backed by comprehensive data monitoring.
Dubai PodFest returns for its 5th edition on September 30, 2025, coinciding with International Podcast Day. Hosted by Dubai Press Club under H.H. Sheikh Ahmeds patronage, the event strengthens Dubais role as a hub for Arab podcasting. It features workshops, panels, and training, empowering Arab creators and fostering innovation in digital audio content across the region.
