Arab News Page 4

Arab News - Alwast News offers the most recent and breaking news from every Arab nation on politics, business, entertainment, technology, sports, lifestyle, and more.

DEWA Launches Futuristic Services via Apple Vision Pro Glasses
asmaa - 1 month

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has taken a groundbreaking step by launching its innovative smart app on Apple Vision Pro glasses, thereby pioneering utility services through augmented and virtual reality technologies.

The UAE announces the dates of the Eid al-Fitr holiday for students and schools
zahraa ahmed - 1 month

The Emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates announced the dates of the Eid al-Fitr holiday in the Emirates for schools, private schools, and nurseries.

GCC Banks Set for Record Dollar Debt Issuance in Q1 2024
asmaa - 1 month

Fitch Ratings predicts that GCC banks would issue more dollar-denominated debt in the first quarter of 2024 than in any previous year, surpassing both the record-breaking $25.2 billion in 2020 and the entire year of 2023.

UAE: ADNOC Gas Shareholders Endorse $1.625B Cash Dividend Distribution
asmaa - 1 month

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s gas subsidiary, ADNOC Gas, has announced its intention to distribute a substantial cash dividend of AED 5.9 billion ($1.625 billion).

The Saudi government spotlights green initiatives and regional diplomacy
asmaa - 1 month

During a Cabinet session overseen by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, the Kingdom demonstrated its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, regional diplomacy, and humanitarian endeavors.

Saudi Arabia: More than 59000 seasonal visas expected to be issued this year
asmaa - 1 month

The Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, anticipates the issuance of over 59,000 seasonal visas for various professions from multiple countries in 2024.

Saudi Arabia Selected to Chair WTO's Dispute Settlement Body for 2024-2025
asmaa - 1 month

The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has ratified the appointment of Ambassador Saqer Al-Moqbel, the Saudi Permanent Representative to the WTO, as the chair of its Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) for the term spanning 2024–2025.

Saudi Arabia: UN Internet Governance Forum to be Hosted in Riyadh
asmaa - 1 month

The 19th edition of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), an annual event organized by the United Nations, is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia.

Visa Exemption for Saudi Citizens Traveling to Albania and Kosovo
asmaa - 1 month

On Wednesday, the Albanian government issued a decision granting entry to Saudi citizens holding valid passports into Albanian territory without requiring a visa.

Pakistan: Imran Khan Foresees Short Tenure for Shehbaz Sharif Government
asmaa - 1 month

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently imprisoned, expressed skepticism regarding the longevity of the current Shehbaz Sharif-led government, foreseeing his own release from incarceration within the next five to six months.

Saudi Arabian Government Announces Ban on "Lottery" Retail Prize Draws
asmaa - 1 month

The Ministry of Commerce in Saudi Arabia has announced the prohibition of "lottery" prizes, which entail purchasing goods or products to be eligible for cash rewards, entry into prize draws, or the distribution of money within products...

Saudi government launches initiative to evaluate online stores with AI
asmaa - 1 month

The Ministry of Commerce has unveiled an innovative initiative leveraging artificial intelligence technologies to assess online retail establishments. Launched in conjunction with World Consumer Rights Day, the initiative operates under the theme...

Saudi Arabia: Disbursement of over SR3 billion to social security beneficiaries
asmaa - 1 month

King Salman, the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has authorized the allocation of more than SR3 billion in aid for social security recipients during Ramadan. This financial support encompasses SR1,000 for household heads and SR500 for each...

Saudi Arabia Offers Clarification on Incident with US Delegation
asmaa - 1 month

Saudi Arabia has addressed a recent incident involving Rabbi Abraham Cooper, who was asked to remove his religious head covering, known as a kippah, before entering Diriyah Gate.

Saudi Arabia: Gates for Umrah Pilgrims Allocated at Grand Mosque for Ramadan
asmaa - 1 month

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has allocated specific entrances at the Grand Mosque in Makkah to accommodate pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia: RCRC Launches Construction of Al-Uruba Park in Riyadh
asmaa - 1 month

The Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has announced the commencement of construction for Al-Uruba Park, a significant component of the ‘Green Riyadh’ program, aimed at enhancing the city's environmental...

Saudi Arabia sets Regulation Suspending Government Services Amid Ramadan
asmaa - 1 month

Monday marked the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, and with it came the implementation of the Regulation for Suspending Government Services. In the event that essential government services are temporarily or permanently...

Saudi Ministry launches national plan to preserve cultural heritage assets
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The Ministry of Culture has initiated the national plan project, a significant endeavor aimed at collecting, documenting, archiving, and managing various facets of cultural heritage within Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia announces the start date of Ramadan 2024.
asmaa - 1 month

Saudi Arabia's Islamic authorities have officially declared March 11 as the commencement of Ramadan for the year 2024.

39 Fuel Stations Closed by Saudi Authorities for Violations
asmaa - 1 month

Saudi authorities have recently taken action against 39 fuel stations suspected of fraudulent practices aimed at altering the quantities of fuel dispensed at their pumps.

UAE Applauds UN Ceasefire Resolution for Sudanese Crisis Resolution
asmaa - 1 month

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses optimism regarding the ceasefire's potential to resolve the crisis among Sudanese factions.

Saudi Arabia announces the launch of HMS "Onaiza" to enhance maritime security
asmaa - 1 month

During Thursday's launch ceremony of His Majesty's Ship "Onaiza" in Jeddah, Lieutenant-General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili presided over the event, standing in for the Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia: 14,955 Illegal Residents Apprehended in Week
asmaa - 2 months

In Saudi Arabia, a series of joint field campaigns has resulted in the apprehension of 14,955 individuals who violated residency, work, and border security regulations, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to upholding its stringent laws.

UAE Initiates EcoMark Framework to Advance Green Trade for MSMEs
asmaa - 2 months

The UAE has announced the activation of a novel EcoMark Global Framework initiative in collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Presidency of COP28.

TGA Implements Suspension for E-hailing Drivers Cancelling Trips Frequently
asmaa - 2 months

Effective as of Wednesday, revised regulations governing the operations of taxis, taxi aggregators, and e-hailing vehicles have been implemented, as announced by the Transport General Authority (TGA).

Saudi minister announces the launch of first Saudi School of Public Policy
asmaa - 2 months

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman inaugurated the School of Public Policy, the first institution for advanced studies in public policy in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia: Two Companies Fined SR800000 for violation of Competition Law
asmaa - 2 months

The General Authority for Competition (GAC) in Saudi Arabia has imposed fines totaling SR800,000 ($213,000) on two companies for violating the Saudi Competition Law.

Saudi Arabia Ministry: execution of seven individuals for terrorism offences
asmaa - 2 months

Saudi Arabia executed seven individuals on Tuesday for terrorism-related offenses, as announced by the Ministry of Interior. These individuals were found guilty of creating and funding terrorist organizations and entities.

Saudi King Appoints 12 Judges to the Supreme Court in Royal Order
asmaa - 2 months

In a recent order, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, appointed twelve justices to the Supreme Court who are currently serving as Presidents of the Court of Appeal.

Saudi Arabia allocates $1.6bn for environmental compliance projects by 2030
asmaa - 2 months

Saudi Arabia's ambitious environmental compliance endeavors are poised to receive substantial investments, with government official Mansour Al Mushaiti announcing a budget exceeding $1.6 billion by 2030.

Saudi Arabia detained 19,400 in residency and labor operations last week
asmaa - 2 months

Saudi Arabia has intensified its efforts to tackle violations related to residency, labor, and security, with over 19,400 individuals arrested in the past week alone.

Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Season records 18 million visitors
asmaa - 2 months

According to General Entertainment Authority (GEA) chairman Turki Al-Sheikh, an astounding 18 million people from all over the world have visited the 4th Riyadh Season.

Pakistan: X Platform Faces Week-Long Disruption Amid Election Rigging Claims
asmaa - 2 months

Pakistan's telecommunications authority refrained from providing a statement, while the interior ministry remained unresponsive to inquiries.

UAE airline relaunches loyalty scheme with diamond membership
asmaa - 2 months

In an effort to better serve its customers, Etihad Airways plans to revive its highly regarded Etihad Guest loyalty program in June 2024.

Qatar unveils a list of the 20 best places to work in 
asmaa - 2 months

According to the most recent poll, the best places to work in Qatar are those that rank highest among the region's employers.

Qatar banks introduce innovative services, leading to high satisfaction in GCC
asmaa - 2 months

A recent social media analysis of sentiment in the GCC banking sector revealed that Qatar's banks garnered the most favorable feedback from consumers.

Saudi Arabia announces issuing VAT warning
asmaa - 2 months

The tax authorities of Saudi Arabia have cautioned businesses severely regarding the late submission of value-added tax (VAT) returns.

Alat plans $100bn investment in tech, announces 4 partners in Saudi Arabia
asmaa - 2 months

The newly established Saudi tech enterprise, Alat, is poised to invest $100bn with the goal of positioning the Kingdom as a prominent global technology center.

Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Air Commercial Operations to start by mid-2025 
asmaa - 2 months

Saudi Arabia's latest airline venture, Riyadh Air, is poised to commence commercial operations by the conclusion of the first half of 2025, as unveiled by the airline's Chief Operating Officer, Peter Bellew, during the Singapore Airshow on...

Saudi Arabia leads MENA in e-government services, ranking first in 2023
asmaa - 2 months

According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Saudi Arabia has clinched the top spot in the Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index for 2023.