Oman has been named the most affordable GCC country to live in for 2025, according to Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index. With significantly lower living and rental costs compared to its neighbors, Oman offers an attractive, budget-friendly lifestyle. The UAE remains the most expensive, while Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia rank in between.
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Set on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah, this Dh70 million sea-facing mansion combines Bentley and Fendi interiors with breathtaking ocean views. Spread over 14,671 sq ft, the villa features five bedrooms, multiple lounges, and luxury details throughout. Owned by Rakesh Mirchandani, it offers the added glamour of having Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan as a neighbour.
The next public holiday in the UAE is expected to be the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), likely falling on September 4 or 5, 2025. Thanks to a new law allowing holiday shifts, residents could enjoy a relaxing three-day weekend. This long weekend offers a great chance for a getaway or staycation in early September.
Thousands of Afghans are returning from Iran due to an order. The UN reports an emergency at border crossings. Many Afghans are crossing into Herat province. A large number of returnees are children. The UN is providing aid like water and sanitation. The UN urges countries not to force Afghans to return. Afghanistan struggles with poverty and unemployment.
Czech mountaineer Klara Kolouchova, the first Czech woman to conquer Everest and K2, tragically died on Nanga Parbat in Pakistan. She fell between Camp I and Camp II on Thursday, prompting immediate rescue efforts. Kolouchova, accompanied by her husband and team, aimed to summit the 'Killer Mountain,' known for its high fatality rate among climbers.
Emirates has expedited the launch of its Airbus A350 on the Dubai-Muscat route to meet surging summer travel demands, commencing a week ahead of schedule. This upgrade offers passengers enhanced comfort and connectivity between the UAE and Oman. The A350 features optimized overnight departures, facilitating seamless connections to global destinations.
Amazon has launched Amazon Bazaar in the UAE, a mobile-only shopping experience featuring affordable products, many priced under Dh25. It offers fast delivery options, including 15-minute delivery on select items, and volume discounts. Currently in beta, Amazon Bazaar promises a user-friendly interface and reliable delivery and return policies, with a full rollout expected soon.
Bryan Kohberger has reportedly agreed to plead guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students to avoid the death penalty. The victims, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, were fatally stabbed in November 2022. The Goncalves family expressed anger towards the State of Idaho following the news of the plea deal.
Prince Harald von Hohenzollern, 63, tragically passed away from sudden cardiac arrest in Namibia while on a business trip. His wife, Princess Josefa von Hohenzollern, announced the news, expressing her profound grief and decision to suspend her mayoral re-election campaign in Leonberg. Expecting their first child soon, she will take time to mourn and care for their unborn child.
Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran pose a significant destabilization risk for volatile African regions, particularly the Horn of Africa, already facing its deepest crisis in decades. Interconnected alliances between groups like the Houthis and Al-Shabab, coupled with diminishing Western support, could exacerbate conflicts and create security gaps across the continent.
Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is booming, with international revenues soaring to SR49.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025, a 9.7% increase year-on-year. A travel surplus of SR26.8 billion highlights the Kingdom's growing appeal. Strategic reforms, improved infrastructure, and enhanced services are driving this growth, aligning with Vision 2030's goals for economic diversification and global tourism leadership.