Dubai's crackdown on illegal room partitions has left landlords with hefty repair costs and structural damages. Authorities are enforcing strict compliance with tenancy laws, prompting owners to prioritize families and corporate tenants. With tighter vetting processes and legal penalties in place, both landlords and tenants are now adapting to a more regulated, safety-focused rental environment across the emirate.
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Kuwait implements new rules for vehicle colour changes. Motorists need permission before repainting their cars. Approved workshops must handle the job. A final inspection updates the registration. Violators face fines up to 500 Kuwaiti Dinars. The rules align with international standards. They also prevent illegal modifications. These measures enhance road safety governance in Kuwait.
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.
Oman secures recognition for its cultural heritage. Four historic sites, including Al Hamoudah Mosque and Suhar Fort, join the Arab Heritage List. The Arab League acknowledges their architectural and historical importance. Nizwa Fort and Al Shawadhna Mosque also gain recognition. This boosts Oman's profile and supports cultural tourism. The sites represent Oman's commitment to preserving its Arab-Islamic heritage.
Oman experienced a 5.5% surge in vehicle registrations, reaching 1.79 million by June 2025, driven primarily by private cars and light vehicles. White remains the favored color, and mid-sized engines dominate, reflecting consumer preferences for practicality and efficiency. This growth underscores Oman's expanding mobility and economic progress towards its Vision 2040 goals.
Oman has broadened its Omanisation policy, adding engineering, IT, quality control, and technical roles to the list of professions restricted to non-Omani workers. The changes, effective immediately for some positions and phased in until 2027 for others, aim to prioritize employment for Omani nationals. This initiative impacts over 30 professions across various sectors, requiring employers to adjust their workforce strategies.
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.
A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula triggered widespread tsunami warnings across the Pacific in July 2025. Coastal regions from Japan and Hawaii to Chile and Southeast Asia faced evacuations and alerts as waves reached shores. The event underscores the critical importance of tsunami preparedness, monitoring systems, and immediate response protocols to save lives.
Saudi Arabia has introduced new regulations for private food laboratories, focusing on spatial, technical, and visual standards. These rules aim to improve food safety, urban compliance, and investment conditions by setting requirements for lab size, parking, appearance, and location. The initiative seeks to align with broader goals of enhancing urban environments and attracting investment.
Qatar has enacted a new cybercrime law amendment, effective August 4, 2025, imposing strict penalties for unauthorized sharing of images or videos online. Violators face imprisonment up to one year and fines up to QR100,000 for infringing on individual privacy. This measure complements existing data protection laws, strengthening personal data safeguards in the digital sphere.
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.