Gulf news
Saudi Arabia unveils Milaf Cola: A date-based soft drink aiming to redefine global beverage trends
Riyadh, Dec 7: Saudi Arabia has introduced Milaf Cola, the world’s first soft drink crafted from dates, positioning it as a healthier and eco-friendly alternative to traditional sodas like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Launched during the Riyadh Date Festival, this innovative beverage is produced
Saudi court hands death penalty to Meerut man on drug charges; family pleads for mercy
A court in Saudi Arabia has sentenced a man from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh to death on charges of drug trafficking, triggering panic and despair among his family members who have pleaded for clemency. Meerut SSP Vipin Tada on Wednesday confirmed receiving a letter in this regard from the Indian con
Saudi Arabia launches world’s longest driverless metro in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia is set to unveil the first phase of its ambitious Riyadh Metro project on November 27. The $22.5 billion (SR84.4 billion) project, initially approved in 2012, has faced several setbacks, including logistical challenges and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacl
India Urges Early Gaza Ceasefire And Backs Two-State Solution In Key Saudi Talks
In a diplomatic dialogue centred on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed India's backing for an early ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue. His remarks followed discussions with Saudi Arabian
UAE expands visa on arrival eligibility for Indian citizens
New Delhi, Oct 19: More Indian travellers are now eligible for visa on arrival (VoA) in the UAE, which has long been the top international destination for Indian tourists. In a recent update, Indian citizens with valid visas from the United Kingdom and European Union countries will now qualify for V
Kundapur: Local youth dies of heart attack at 30 in Saudi Arabia
Kundapur, Sep 25: Mubashir Bashir, 30, son of Bashir Ahmad, residing opposite the Jamia Mohalla police check post, has reportedly died of a heart attack in Saudi Arabia. This information has been confirmed by local expatriate Indians in Saudi Arabia and his family members in Gangolli. Mubash
Going global: UAE merchants accept Rupee via UPI to attract Indian customers
New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS): The government of India has been promoting UPI as a global payment platform. Now merchants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are accepting payments via UPI in Rupees to attract Indian customers. One of the biggest retail companies in the UAE, Lulu has started giving
Dubai businessmen launch low-cost airline Air Kerala, plan to slash prices for expats
Indian expats could soon be flying home for very economical prices as a low-cost airline is one step closer to reality. Powered by two Dubai-based businessmen, Air Kerala received the initial no-objection certificate (NOC) from India’s civil aviation ministry over the weekend. This was announc
Custodian of Holy Kaaba, Dr Saleh bin Zain al-Abidin Al-Shaibi, passes away
Dr Saleh bin Zain al-Abidin Al-Shaibi, the long-time custodian and key holder of the Holy Kaaba, has passed away, according to Saudi media. He had been suffering from a prolonged illness. Dr Saleh was the 109th key holder of the Kaaba. Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin
More than 550 hajj pilgrims die in Mecca as temperatures exceed 50C
At least 550 pilgrims have died during the hajj, underscoring the gruelling nature of the pilgrimage which again unfolded in scorching temperatures this year. At least 323 of those who died were Egyptians, most of them succumbing to heat-related illnesses, the two Arab diplomats coordinating thei
Imam-e-Kaaba delivers Hajj sermon to millions gathered at Arafat
The Day of Arafat was marked by a profound sermon delivered by the Imam of the Grand Mosque of Makkah, Sheikh Maher Bin Hamad Al Muaiqly, as millions of pilgrims gathered on the plains of Arafat on Saturday, emphasising the fundamental principles of Islam. The sermon commenced with praises to A
Dozens, including several Indian workers, dead in Kuwait building fire
Kuwait City, Jun 12 (IANS/DPA): More than 35 people died when a fire broke out in a building housing workers in Kuwait early on Wednesday, officials said. At least 35 bodies were still inside the building after the fire was put out, head of the criminal evidence department at the Interior Ministr
Smart robot service launched in Madinah to assist pilgrims
A smart robot service has been launched in Madinah to assist pilgrims visiting the Prophet’s Mosque. The robot, a project from the Ministry of Health branch in Madinah province, is positioned at the courtyard next to the Prophet’s Mosque. A report by the Saudi Press Agency said the
Haj 2024: Saudi Arabia bans visit visa holders from entering Makkah with immediate effect
RIYADH: A fine of 10,000 riyals will be imposed on illegal entry into Makkah during the Hajj season. In a statement released by the Saudi Ministry of Interior, the punishments for illegal entry into Makkah during the Hajj season were announced. Penalties for illegal entry into Makkah will b
Saudi Arabia appoints first envoy to Syria in more than a decade
DUBAI, May 26 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia appointed a new ambassador to Syria on Sunday, state news agency SPA said, the kingdom's first envoy to Damascus since the closure of the Saudi embassy there in 2012 during the Syrian civil war. Riyadh's new ambassador to Syria will be Faisal Al-Mujfel
Bhatkal Jamats in Gulf to offer free tickets to members to cast their votes
The Bhatkal Muslim Association Riyadh recently made a announcement, offering free tickets to its members interested in traveling to Bhatkal to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This initiative was aimed at encouraging voter participation among its members residing in Riyadh. Following suit,
Dubai Airports to return to normal in less than 24 hours
Dubai Airports will return to regular operations in less than 24 hours from now, the Chief Operating Officer, Majid Al Joker has said. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, he said: “We have begun to return to normal gradually since the beginning of this morning in Terminal 1 and Termi
Heavy floods hit Dubai, airport as Oman toll rises to 18
Record rains that inundated the United Arab Emirates and surrounding countries, killing at least 18 people in Oman and bringing air travel to a standstill in Dubai, were expected to continue into Wednesday, the authorities said. Dubai typically records around five inches of rain in a year. The de