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Bridge Summit 2025 kicks off in Abu Dhabi with Idris Elba and global media leaders: Key highlights
Abu Dhabi's BRIDGE Summit, a global gathering of over 60,000 creatives and industry leaders, commenced today to shape the future of media through AI and global storytelling. Hollywood star Idris Elba highlighted his mission to empower African creators and address financial barriers, while discussions emphasized AI's potential and ethical challenges in the $2.8 trillion media sector.
Big for Saudi: UNESCO recognises 3 more Saudi cities for Global Learning Network in 2025
Saudi Arabia has expanded its presence in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities with the addition of Riyadh, AlUla, and Riyadh Al-Khabra. This recognition highlights their dedication to lifelong learning and community initiatives, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals for a knowledge-based economy and human capital development.
Saudi Arabia: Taibah University suspends in-person classes across Madinah region
Taibah University in Madinah has suspended all in-person classes, shifting to online learning via Blackboard due to a severe weather warning. This mandatory move prioritizes student and staff safety amidst forecasts of heavy rainfall. The university urges everyone to stay updated through official channels and continue with coursework remotely.
Saudi weather alert: Red warnings issued as heavy rain sweeps across 8 regions today
Saudi Arabia faces severe weather alerts across eight regions. Red, Orange, and Yellow warnings are active due to heavy rain, flash floods, strong winds, and thunderstorms. Residents in Madinah and Northern Borders are under Red Alert, facing extreme danger. Other regions like Ha'il, Qassim, Tabuk, Makkah, Asir, and Al Baha are also affected. Authorities urge immediate preparation and caution.
Biblical covenant broken? Ghanaian man builds modern-day Noah's ark, warns of 2025 Christmas flood
A Ghanaian preacher calling himself Noah has gone viral after claiming God warned him of a three-year global flood beginning on 25 December. His videos show wooden boats under construction and promises of salvation for those who join him, but nothing has been independently verified. The trend raises sharper questions about faith, fabrication and how apocalyptic stories spread online.
Meet Hamad Ali Al-Khater, the newly appointed CEO of Qatar Airways
Hamad Ali Al-Khater has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, effective December 7, 2025, succeeding Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. Al-Khater brings extensive experience from QatarEnergy and his tenure as Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, positioning him to enhance airport-airline synergy and passenger experience.
Dubai police arrest Marko Dordevic, leader of notorious Vracarci gang, in international operation
Dubai Police have arrested Marko Dordevic, leader of the notorious Vracarci gang, also called the Witchcrafters, in a coordinated international operation named Haris. The arrest, carried out with Europol, Serbian, and Spanish authorities, follows a Red Notice by Interpol. Dordevics capture marks a major step in dismantling cross-border organized crime and highlights the UAEs role in global security efforts.
UAE imposes penalties of up to Dh5,000 on businesses violating e-invoicing guidelines
The UAE is introducing penalties of up to Dh5,000 for businesses violating e-invoicing requirements. Starting July 2026, all invoices must be created, exchanged, and reported electronically to the Federal Tax Authority. Fines apply for delays in implementation, failure to transmit invoices or credit notes, system failure notifications, and updating registered business data, emphasizing strict compliance and operational readiness.
UAE: Dubai unveils 595 new smart bus shelters for 192 million riders
Dubai's RTA has installed 595 new public bus shelters, nearing 89% completion of its 762-unit goal by 2025. This initiative modernizes public transport infrastructure, enhancing comfort and reliability for over 192 million annual riders. The project prioritizes accessibility and integrates advanced features like digital screens and air-conditioned waiting areas.
UAE aims to produce 60 trillion AI tokens: What are AI tokens and why they matter
The UAE plans to produce 60 trillion AI tokens through its Stargate AI campus in Abu Dhabi, aiming to become the worlds factory of intelligence. AI tokens, the basic units of AI computation, turn data into actionable insights. The initiative positions the UAE as a global AI leader, drives economic and energy efficiency, and transforms intelligence into a strategic national resource.
Saudi Arabia: Ministry of Hajj rolls out new Nusk Card rules for domestic and international pilgrims
Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step to simplify the Umrah pilgrimage for domestic and international visitors with the Nusk Al-Umrah card. It centralizes key services, including transportation, crowd management, accommodation, and bus refueling. Domestic pilgrims can use digital versions, while international visitors receive printed cards, enhancing safety, convenience, and efficiency for millions of worshippers each year.
Saudi citizens warned as deadly Marburg Virus outbreak hits Southern Ethiopia
The Saudi Embassy in Addis Ababa has warned its citizens about a deadly Marburg virus outbreak in southern Ethiopia, particularly in the South Omo Zone and Sidama regions. As of December 3, 13 cases have been confirmed, with eight fatalities. Citizens are urged to follow local health guidance, avoid crowded areas, and contact the embassys 24/7 emergency hotline for assistance.
Saudi Arabia Military recruitment 2025: Ministry opens roles for men and women apply by dec 7
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense has opened a new military recruitment cycle for men and women, accepting applications from December 7th. The program seeks to fill positions from Private to Sergeant, catering to high-school, diploma, and degree holders across over 100 specializations. This initiative aims to bolster national forces with diverse and qualified talent.
UAE influencer Khalid Al Ameri has quietly confirmed his relationship with Indian actress Sunaina Yella through a heartfelt birthday post on Instagram. The carousel included intimate photos, including a mirror selfie showing them holding hands. Their relationship had been hinted at since mid-2024, with matching posts and subtle interactions, now finally confirmed to fans worldwide.
Dubai distributes 500 child car seats to newborns as part of National Day safety initiative
Dubais Roads and Transport Authority distributed 500 child car seats to newborns across 26 hospitals from December 1 to 5, as part of its sixth annual Safety from the First Journey initiative during the UAEs 54th Eid Al Etihad. The program promotes road safety from day one, offers practical guidance for parents, and aligns with WHO recommendations to reduce child fatalities and injuries in traffic accidents.
Who is Huda Kattan, the beauty mogul of Dubai , and what is her net worth?
Huda Kattan, an American makeup artist and entrepreneur based in Dubai, founded Huda Beauty, a global cosmetics and skincare empire. Starting with a beauty blog in 2010, she expanded into makeup, skincare, fragrances, and reality TV. With a net worth of $560 million and over 50 million Instagram followers, she also champions philanthropy, supporting causes from COVID-19 relief to social justice initiatives.
First time in Dubai? Here are 5 essential apps every visitor needs on their phone
Traveling to Dubai for the first time can be overwhelming, but the right apps make it easy. From navigating the city with 2GIS to staying connected via Botim, booking rides with Careem, using public transport through NolPay, and accessing government services with DubaiNow, these five essential apps ensure a smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable first-time experience in Dubai.
UAE launches new one-step service to renew passport and emirates ID together All you need to know
The UAE has launched a new one-step service allowing Emiratis to renew their passports and Emirates ID cards together through the UAEICP app. This unified process eliminates separate applications, reduces processing times by 50%, and cuts customer inquiries by 40%. Part of the Zero Bureaucracy initiative, it simplifies document management and improves efficiency for citizens and families.
Saudi Arabia weather alert: Thunderstorms expected across most regions in kingdom this week
Saudi Arabia is set to experience several days of unstable weather, with thunderstorms expected across most regions from December 6 to 11. Heavy rain, dust storms, hail, and flash floods may affect areas including Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, and others. The National Center for Meteorology urges the public to stay updated and take precautions while traveling during this period.
Expert warns 60% of humanity could die in 72 hours if North Korea, the US, and Russia trigger WWIII
Annie Jacobsens Nuclear War: A Scenario maps a chilling, minute-by-minute nuclear conflict, blending declassified sources, expert interviews, and climate models. She explores not just the immediate destruction, but the cascading famine, societal collapse, and global fallout that would follow. Through vivid scenarios, Jacobsen asks readers to confront the fragile assumptions of deterrence and the stark realities of modern nuclear strategy.
Dubai Police adds Ferrari Purosangue, a 755hp beast, to its luxury patrol lineup
Dubai Police has unveiled a rare, customized Ferrari Purosangue Mansory. This powerful vehicle joins their luxury patrol fleet, enhancing visibility in tourist spots like Burj Khalifa. The addition marks 12 years of using supercars for security and community engagement. The fleet aims to boost safety and showcase Dubai's innovation.
UAE fines 1,300 firms with AED 34 million for fake job scam
UAE authorities have levied massive fines exceeding 34 million Dirhams on over 1,300 companies. These firms were caught creating fake jobs and manipulating the Emiratisation drive. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation is treating these as criminal fraud cases. Over 2.3 million Dirhams in benefits were also recovered. The crackdown aims to protect national employment initiatives.
