Oman's OPAZ joined the World Free Zones Organization. This move aims to enhance Oman's global standing. It also seeks to improve operational expertise. The goal is to attract more investment. This aligns with Oman's Vision 2040. The membership provides access to global best practices. It also strengthens institutional links. Oman manages 23 free zones. These zones have attracted significant investment.
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A thrill ride at Green Mountain Park in Taif, Saudi Arabia, snapped mid-air, injuring 23 people, three critically. The 360 Degrees ride's central pole broke in two, sending riders crashing to the ground. Emergency services responded swiftly, and authorities have launched an investigation. The park has been shut down by order of Taif’s governor pending further inquiry.
Two Thai women, owners of a date palm farm with over 5,000 trees, became the first foreigners to receive the UAE Golden Visa for cultivating dates abroad. Nominated during the 2025 Dubai Dates Festival, their proactive cultural engagement and entrepreneurial efforts in promoting date farming earned them this unique recognition, highlighting a rare blend of agriculture, business, and heritage promotion.
In a groundbreaking discovery, a new blood group antigen, CRIB, has been identified in a woman from Karnataka, India. This rare finding emerged when she needed cardiac surgery and her blood proved incompatible with standard O-positive units. International collaboration led to the identification of CRIB, enhancing transfusion safety and organ transplant compatibility.
Such quakes happen along subduction zones—where one tectonic plate dives beneath another—causing the ocean floor to jolt violently. That displacement sends out shockwaves in the form of tsunami waves. These waves travel at speeds of up to 800 km/h and fan out in all directions, much like ripples from a stone dropped in a pond.
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry experienced a 4.9% membership surge in the first half of 2025, exceeding 158,000 companies, signaling strong business confidence. Growth was particularly notable in agriculture, arts, and technology sectors, reflecting Abu Dhabi's economic diversification efforts. The Chamber actively supports this growth through partnerships, services, and alignment with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.
Minneapolis faced hazardous air quality, ranking second-worst globally due to Canadian wildfire smoke. Air quality alerts spanned across the Midwest, impacting states like Iowa and Michigan. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and use air purifiers. The crisis highlights the cross-border impact of wildfires and the need for environmental preparedness, especially after pollution regulation rollbacks.
Dubai is gearing up for its 80th online auction of special vehicle number plates. The Roads and Transport Authority, RTA, will offer 350 exclusive plates from August 11 to 15. These plates feature two to five-digit combinations with codes H to Z. Registration begins on August 4. A Dh5,000 security cheque and Dh120 fee are needed to participate.
Vice President JD Vance embraced his portrayal on South Park as Donald Trump's subservient aide, even after being depicted in a demeaning manner. The episode, which satirizes the Trump administration, features Vance as a baby-faced figure who eagerly seeks Trump's approval, even in bizarre scenarios involving Satan.
A small plane crashed into the ocean near Oak Island Pier on Saturday evening. The pilot, the sole occupant, was rescued and treated for minor injuries. A witness captured the incident on video, expressing alarm as the aircraft submerged. The FAA has taken over the investigation after the Coast Guard's initial response.
At least seven people were killed and 13 wounded in an armed attack at a funeral in Guatemala on Tuesday, in an incident linked to gang-related disputes, government officials said. Armed men stormed a funeral home during the wake of a Barrio 18 member killed on Monday in the capital Guatemala City, Jimenez said in a statement.