Middle East News
View News by News Source
Qatar Education Ministry unveil new 2025-2026 exam calendar and flexible working hours
Qatar's education ministry is streamlining end-of-semester exams for 2025-2026. Students can depart post-exam to curb crowding, while staff gain two hours of flexible time. New academic calendar shifts exams away from Ramadan and National Day, introducing a Test Day, Rest Day for high schoolers. These changes prioritize student well-being and operational efficiency.
Saudi Arabia introduces new corporate dress code: What workers must wear now
Saudi Arabia is formalizing workplace attire with a new draft code. Saudi men must wear national dress, while non-Saudi men need a formal suit. Women are required to dress modestly, avoiding tight or transparent clothing. Employers must enforce these rules, facing penalties for non-compliance, aiming for a unified professional image nationwide.
Emirates offers a Thanksgiving menu at 35,000 feet with turkey trimmings and NBA action onboard
Emirates is enhancing the Thanksgiving experience for international travelers with special festive menus served from November 24 to 30 on all flights to and from its 12 US gateways. The airline is also offering holiday dining in select Emirates Lounges starting November 23, ensuring a comprehensive gourmet celebration for passengers.
Oman National Day 2025: A new book Oman Odyssey showcases the nations heritage on the world stage
In celebration of Oman National Day 2025, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, lunched the book Oman Odyssey by Assouline. The publication offers an immersive journey through Omans history, culture, and landscapes, combining vivid storytelling and photography. The launch at Maison Assouline in London highlights Omans heritage on a global stage.
Uber launches fully driverless robotaxis in Abu Dhabi, marking first in the Middle East
Uber and WeRide have launched the Middle Easts first fully driverless robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, initially operating on Yas Island. Passengers can book rides via UberX, Uber Comfort, or the new Autonomous category. The Level 4 autonomous vehicles operate without a human driver, offering on-board support, safety protocols, and plans to expand across Abu Dhabi by the end of 2025
Want to foster in the UAE? The new rules making parenthood possible for expats and women over 30
The UAE has significantly broadened its guardianship system, Kafala, allowing non-Emiratis and single women aged 30+ to foster. Married couples, aged 25+, can also apply, with rigorous checks ensuring child welfare. These progressive amendments, supported by Wadeema's Law and recent decrees, aim to provide stable homes for children.
How to watch Burj Khalifa New Year Eve fireworks: Your epic guide to front-row seats and prices
Dubai's New Year's Eve celebration, centered around the Burj Khalifa, is an eight-day extravaganza. Options range from free public viewing areas requiring an early arrival to ticketed events at Burj Park and ultra-luxury dining experiences with minimum spends reaching Dh12,000 per person.
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed has issued a new law placing Dubai Police in full charge of managing lost and abandoned property. The law sets strict reporting deadlines, defines finder and owner responsibilities, and introduces penalties reaching AED 200,000 for violations. It also outlines procedures for reclaiming property, rewards for finders, and replaces the previous 2015 legislation
Saudi Arabia to begin charging higher tax on sugary drinks under new 2026 policy
Saudi Arabia is revolutionizing its beverage tax from January 1, 2026, shifting from a flat rate to a tiered system based on sugar content. This move incentivizes manufacturers to reduce sugar, promoting public health while fostering industry innovation. The new structure rewards sugar-free and low-sugar options, with higher taxes on sweeter drinks.
UAE Lottery offers final chance to win Dh100 million as Lucky Day draw prepares for revamp
The UAE Lottery is offering its Dh100 million grand prize for the final time this Saturday, November 29, before revamping its flagship Lucky Day draw. Weeks after Anilkumar Bolla became the first winner, players have one last chance to win. Tickets cost Dh50, with prizes ranging from Dh100 to Dh100 million, and the game follows a calendar-style number format.
Qatari citizens can now travel to Canada visa free using eTA, valid for 5 years
Qatari citizens can now travel to Canada without a visa, using the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system. Effective from 25 November 2025, the eTA allows multiple entries for up to six months per visit and is valid for five years or until the passport expires. The move follows close coordination between Qatar and Canada, streamlining travel and strengthening bilateral ties
What the UAESaudi 400kV power link means and how a $205M upgrade could cut your power costs?
A significant $205 million investment is powering a massive electrical expansion between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, boosting power capacity by 1,100 megawatts. This project enhances regional energy security, enables cheaper cross-border power trading, and promises more reliable and affordable electricity for citizens. This is the first phase of a broader Gulf-wide network integration.
Kuwait announces visa fee hike; new fee structure explained
Kuwait has enacted significant changes to its residency and visa regulations, effective December 23. The overhaul introduces higher fees and stricter sponsorship criteria to combat visa misuse and regulate the labor market. New pathways for long-term residency are also established for investors and specific resident groups.
UAE sets clear rules for safe and respectful vehicle celebrations on Union Day
As the UAE prepares for its 54th Union Day, the Ministry of Interior has issued guidelines for safe vehicle celebrations. Only Union Day stickers and the UAE flag are allowed on vehicles, while unsafe or disruptive behaviors like stunts, loud music, or unauthorized modifications are prohibited. Authorities stress respectful flag display, public safety, and cooperation with traffic officers to ensure joyful, hazard-free festivities.
UAE unveils United theme for 54th Eid Al Etihad celebration with nationwide and online screenings
The UAE has unveiled the United theme for its 54th Eid Al Etihad celebration, inviting all residents to join nationwide and online screenings. Taking place across all seven emirates, the festivities aim to foster connection, pride, and belonging among the countrys 200 plus nationalities. Events include public broadcasts, community activities, and interactive guides for families, ensuring everyone can participate.
Kuwaiti authorities to revoke citizenship of prominent islamic Preacher
Kuwaiti authorities are set to revoke the citizenship of a prominent Islamic preacher, known for his media presence and cultural engagements, as part of efforts to safeguard the national identity system. The decision follows uniform legal standards applied to all similar cases. Formal procedures are underway, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, while the preachers identity and family details remain undisclosed.
Akasa Air cancels India-Gulf flights amid volcanic ash disruption
Akasa Air cancelled all flights to Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi on 2425 November 2025 due to a volcanic ash plume from Ethiopias Hauli Gubbi eruption, which reached 45,000 feet and affected key India-Gulf flight paths. IndiGo also suspended or diverted Gulf flights. Airlines closely monitor conditions, prioritising passenger safety, offering refunds or rebooking, and coordinating with aviation authorities to resume operations safely.
Meet Jeet Karmakar: the Indian engineer helping young players get discovered through data
StepOut, co-founded by engineer-turned-entrepreneur Jeet Karmakar, is using AI and machine learning to transform youth sports. By analyzing match videos, the platform delivers professional-grade performance insights to players, coaches, and clubs. Speaking to ANI at the UAE-India Startup Series, Jeet highlighted how StepOut helps grassroots talent improve, get noticed, and bridge the gap to elite-level scouting.
Kuwait rolls out its own Golden Visa: All you need to know about the new 15-year residency
Kuwait has revamped its residency rules, introducing tiered long-term permits of up to 15 years for investors, property owners, and children of Kuwaiti women. This strategic move aims to boost the economy by attracting and retaining global talent and wealth, offering unprecedented stability to eligible expatriates. Standard residency remains at five years.
Unsung architects of the UAE: The leaders who forged a nation
The UAEs formation and rapid transformation owe much to its founding rulers. Visionaries like Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Rashid, and their fellow leaders united seven emirates, laying foundations for governance, infrastructure, and social development. Beyond their leadership, countless workers and citizens turned ambition into reality. Their combined efforts created the modern UAE, a nation defined by foresight, unity, and enduring legacy.
Saudi Arabia: How to check your Ahlyah Social Security Number to access benefits
Saudi Arabia's Developed Social Security program, funded by Zakat, offers financial aid and empowerment for long-term independence. Introduced in 2022, it aims to lift recipients out of poverty and integrate them into the economy. Beneficiaries can check their monthly eligibility status on the HRSD platform, with payments disbursed on the first day of each Gregorian month.
Planning a UAE National Day trip? Heres why the 30 day Tourist Visa is ideal
Experience the UAEs National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, through vibrant celebrations, cultural events, and grand parades that showcase the nations unity, heritage, and progress. For tourists, the 30-day tourist visa offers an ideal way to explore multiple emirates, enjoy festivities, and immerse in Emirati culture, making the holiday an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Oman to test Laila, a pilotless hybrid electric VTOL aircraft
Oman will host the worlds first Operational Launch Programme for Laila, a hybrid-electric, fully autonomous VTOL aircraft developed by Odys Aviation. Capable of 725km range and 60kg payload, Laila will undergo comprehensive testing across Omans deserts, mountains, and coasts, supporting logistics, medical transport, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and advancing next-generation Advanced Air Mobility
Oman establishes association to protect expats and crack down on illegal recruitment agencies
Oman has launched a new industry body, the Association of Expatriate Worker Recruitment Offices, to modernize its labor market and regulate foreign worker hiring. This move aims to strengthen governance, ensure fair practices, and eliminate chaos from unlicensed operators, promoting transparency and ethical compliance across the recruitment sector.
Dubai launches My School Food with AI chatbot Ghalia to boost nutrition for 400,000 students
Dubai is revolutionizing student nutrition with its My School Food digital platform, targeting over 400,000 students. This initiative, featuring an AI chatbot and e-learning, enforces strict, color-coded food guidelines to combat childhood health issues. The program aims to foster healthy eating habits and ensure safer, more nutritious meals across all educational institutions by the 2025-2026 academic year.
Saudi Arabia quietly lets expats buy alcohol in Riyadh stores
Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded access to alcohol, allowing non-Muslim expats to purchase it in Riyadh stores that were previously limited to diplomats. The move aligns with Vision 2030s goal to boost tourism and diversify the economy. Historically restricted, alcohol sales remain tightly controlled, but this change signals cautious openness toward expatriates while maintaining the kingdoms conservative regulations.
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed approves Dh302.7 billion budget for 20262028, largest in history
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved the emirates largest-ever Dh302.7 billion (~$83 billion) budget for 20262028. The three-year plan, projecting revenues of Dh329.2 billion (~$90 billion), aims to boost infrastructure, social development, and security, supporting Dubais goal of doubling its GDP and positioning the emirate among the worlds top three urban economies by 2033.
Kuwait clarifies 5 cases for switching Visit Visa to Residency Permit: All you need to know
Kuwait allows visitors to convert visit visas to residency permits under five scenarios: government-related assignments, domestic worker employment, joining immediate family, resuming work visa processes after short departures, and exceptional cases approved by authorities. These measures, under Article 16, aim to facilitate legal long-term stays while maintaining strict immigration controls and supporting family, work, and government-related needs.
Oman makes history with launch of first national communications satellite, OmanSat-1
Oman is set to launch its first communications satellite, OmanSat-1, in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space, marking a major step in digital sovereignty and space capabilities. The satellite will expand secure communications across Oman and the region, support critical sectors, and develop local expertise, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 to drive technological independence and a knowledge-based economy.
UAE launches $1 billion AI for Development initiative to growth in African countries
The UAE has launched a $1 billion AI for Development initiative to support African nations in economic, social, and infrastructural growth. Led by ADEX and the UAE Foreign Aid Agency, the program integrates AI into education, agriculture, and infrastructure, promoting innovation, sustainable development, and global cooperation, reinforcing the UAEs position as a technological and humanitarian leader.
Oman to unveil RO1.4 billion in national projects marking 55th National Day
Oman is set to inaugurate a nationwide portfolio of development projects worth about RO1.4 billion as part of National Day celebrations. The programme spans major industrial ventures, upgraded water and road networks, and new referral hospitals and laboratories, advancing infrastructure, food security, and public services under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
