Dubai will introduce one-hour free parking near 59 mosques during prayer times starting August 2025, managed by Parkin Company. This initiative, in partnership with IACAD, aims to ease congestion and support worshippers by designating specific zones. Outside prayer times, standard parking fees will apply, ensuring a balance between religious needs and traffic management.
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Saudi Arabia detained 22,147 individuals between July 24-30, 2025, for violating residency, labor, and border regulations. A significant number, 11,000, have already been deported. Authorities intercepted illegal entrants, primarily Ethiopians and Yemenis, and those attempting unauthorized exits. Stiff penalties, including imprisonment, hefty fines, and asset seizure, await anyone aiding these violators, as the Kingdom intensifies its zero-tolerance approach.
Mahendra Patel, an Indian-origin man from Georgia, was cleared of attempted kidnapping charges after spending 45 days in jail earlier this year. The charges stemmed from an accusation by a woman who claimed Patel tried to kidnap her child at a Walmart. Surveillance footage contradicted the claims, leading to the charges being dropped after a meeting between Patel and the accuser.
In early 2025, TikTok intensified content moderation in the UAE, removing over a million videos for violating guidelines. With a 98.2% proactive removal rate, 94% videos were taken down within 24 hours. Nearly 87,000 live hosts were banned, and 140,000 livestreams shut down. Across MENA, 16.5 million videos were removed.
Kuwaiti authorities dismantled a major drug distribution network, seizing over 800,000 Lyrica capsules. The operation was directed by an inmate from Central Prison, utilizing air freight from Asia and a rented livestock enclosure for storage and repackaging. This bust highlights Kuwait's commitment to combating international narcotics syndicates and safeguarding public health by intercepting illicit drug flows.
South Korea faces a critical issue as elderly suicide rates surge, driven by isolation, financial struggles, and societal neglect. Over 18,000 seniors died by suicide between 2019 and 2023, highlighting a crisis often overlooked. Experts urge immediate intervention through mental health programs, community support, and pension reforms to address this growing demographic challenge.
Tourists visiting Saudi Arabia can now reclaim the 15% VAT on eligible retail purchases made from ZATCA-approved stores. To qualify, purchases must exceed SAR 500 (approx.$133), be for personal use, and be exported within 90 days. Refunds are processed at airport counters/kiosks with proper documentation. Use Global Blue tools to locate participating retailers and ensure compliance
A Myanmar junta air strike on the rebel-held ruby mining center of Mogok resulted in 13 fatalities, including a monk and civilians. The Ta'ang National Liberation Army reported 14 injuries following the morning strike on a public area. This incident occurs amidst ongoing civil war and resistance since the 2021 coup, with both sides vying for control of resource-rich areas.
Saudi Arabia's Qiwa platform now mandates a 60-day grace period before an employee is marked "absent from work." This allows disconnected workers to re-contract, transfer sponsorships, or exit the country. Failure to act within this window results in automatic removal from employer records and notification to relevant ministries, enhancing transparency and worker rights.
Lorenzo Tangira has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 13 years and nine months for the fatal beating of Ramandeep Singh, an Indian-origin security guard, in Auckland in 2023. The unprovoked and brutal attack, during which Singh was kicked and stomped, resulted in severe injuries and his tragic death.