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15/09/2026

Kuwait’s intense summer heat is easing, with meteorologist Issa Ramadan expecting gradually milder weather after mid-October and colder conditions beginning in December. Rain chances may increase from late October into November, though the long-range outlook could still change.

Emergency w@rning sirens were activated across several key areas of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, following notifications fro...
15/09/2026

Emergency w@rning sirens were activated across several key areas of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, following notifications from the Kingdom’s National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies. The General Directorate of Civil Defense confirmed activation of the early warning system to alert residents to potential dangers.

The alerts covered Jeddah, Taif, Yanbu, AlUla, Abha and Jazan. The latest activation reportedly came less than three hours after earlier warning sirens were triggered in Abha and Khamis Mushait, marking the second activation within a short period.

Disclaimer: The siren activations and affected locations are based on Civil Defense alerts; activation of an early-warning system does not by itself confirm that an emergency occurred in every listed area. AI-generated image is for illustration only.

Kuwait banks are becoming increasingly cautious when approving loans for expatriates, amid ongoing Kuwaitization efforts...
15/09/2026

Kuwait banks are becoming increasingly cautious when approving loans for expatriates, amid ongoing Kuwaitization efforts and concerns over job cuts. Banks are reportedly placing greater emphasis on job security, salary levels, length of service, end-of-service benefits and the possibility of a position being affected by Kuwaitization.

Loans have not been completely stopped for expatriates, but approvals are becoming more selective. Applicants with stable employment, specialized professions, strong credit histories and reliable financial guarantees are generally considered more favorable.

Disclaimer: This reflects reported lending trends in Kuwait’s banking sector and does not mean all expatriate loans have been suspended. Eligibility and lending criteria vary between banks. AI-generated image is for illustration only.

An Air Arabia-led consortium has received approval to establish a new low-cost airline based in Dammam, strengthening Sa...
14/09/2026

An Air Arabia-led consortium has received approval to establish a new low-cost airline based in Dammam, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s growing aviation sector and expanding connectivity from the Eastern Province.

The new carrier is expected to serve 81 domestic and international destinations and aims to transport around 10 million passengers annually by 2030, supporting the Kingdom’s wider aviation and tourism ambitions.

Disclaimer: Destination and passenger targets reflect announced plans for the new airline and may change as operations and network development progress. AI-generated image is for illustration only.

Travellers at Dubai International Airport (DXB) can now obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in around five minu...
14/09/2026

Travellers at Dubai International Airport (DXB) can now obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in around five minutes through a new 24/7 service at the Customer Happiness Centre in Terminal 3 Arrivals. The facility is available to UAE citizens and residents holding a valid UAE driving licence.

Applicants need their Emirates ID, UAE driving licence, passport copy and personal photo. Integrated digital systems connecting GDRFA Dubai, RTA, the Emirates Automobile and Touring Club and Amer allow applications to be verified and approved quickly, enabling eligible travellers to receive the permit shortly before departure.

Disclaimer: The five-minute issuance time applies to eligible applicants with complete and valid documents and may vary depending on verification or system requirements. AI-generated image is for illustration only.

Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) has permitted licensed Saudi taxis to transport passengers directly fro...
14/09/2026

Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) has permitted licensed Saudi taxis to transport passengers directly from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway, with the new regulation taking effect on September 6. Operators must comply with applicable taxi regulations and relevant international agreements.

Under the current arrangement, Saudi taxis may drop passengers off in Bahrain but cannot operate as local taxis there or pick up passengers in Bahrain for the return journey to Saudi Arabia until further notice.

Disclaimer: The cross-border operating conditions are based on the reported TGA regulations and may be updated by Saudi or Bahraini authorities. AI-generated image is for illustration only.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Works, in cooperation with the General Traffic Department, has announced partial road closur...
14/09/2026

Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Works, in cooperation with the General Traffic Department, has announced partial road closures for five days to carry out asphalt maintenance. The restrictions will begin at 10:00 PM on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, and continue until 6:00 AM on Sunday, September 20. Sections affected include the road shoulder, slow lane and part of the middle lane around King Fahd Expressway (Road 40) and the Fifth Ring Road, along with selected entrances and exits.

The bridge from King Fahd Road toward the Fifth Ring Road in the Salmiya direction will also be closed. In addition, the slow lane on the Fifth Ring Road and the service road connecting to and from King Fahd Road will be affected. Motorists should expect possible delays and follow temporary traffic signs and instructions.

Disclaimer: Closure locations and timings are based on the announced maintenance schedule. AI-generated image is for illustration only.

Astronomer Badr Al-Umairah said dusty conditions are expected to increase from September 20, while continued humidity co...
14/09/2026

Astronomer Badr Al-Umairah said dusty conditions are expected to increase from September 20, while continued humidity could contribute to thicker cloud formation and create opportunities for earlier-than-usual rainfall, potentially exceeding typical seasonal levels.

He added that if humid and rainy conditions persist, the transition toward cooler winter weather could be delayed, extending warmer and more humid conditions before temperatures begin to fall more noticeably.

Disclaimer: This outlook reflects Badr Al-Umairah’s meteorological assessment and may change as weather conditions develop. AI-generated image is for illustration only.

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said around 110 million tonnes of raw materials containing concentrati...
14/09/2026

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said around 110 million tonnes of raw materials containing concentrations of uranium have been discovered in Madinah. The announcement highlights the Kingdom’s growing focus on developing and assessing its domestic energy resources.

The minister also stressed that rapid economic, technological and industrial transformation is making it increasingly important for Saudi Arabia to diversify its energy mix while ensuring reliable and sustainable energy supplies for the future.

Disclaimer: The 110-million-tonne figure refers to uranium-bearing raw materials, not 110 million tonnes of pure uranium, and reflects the Saudi energy minister’s stated figures. AI-generated image is for illustration only.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Afghanistan’s Kam Air have signed an interline agreement aimed at making trave...
14/09/2026

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Afghanistan’s Kam Air have signed an interline agreement aimed at making travel from Afghanistan to the Middle East easier through Islamabad. Passengers will be able to travel on a single reservation, with baggage transferred to the connecting flight without needing to collect and recheck it in Islamabad.

The arrangement is also expected to allow eligible transit passengers to remain airside without passing through Pakistani immigration during their connection. The first phase will introduce the Kabul–Islamabad–Dammam route, creating a streamlined connection between Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia through Islamabad.

Disclaimer: Route availability, baggage handling and airside-transit procedures are subject to airline, airport and immigration requirements. AI-generated image is for illustration only.

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