Saudi Arabia managed unprecedented air traffic during Hajj 2025, facilitating over 140,000 flights, an 8% increase from last year. A record 2,338 flights occurred on a single day. The Saudi Air Navigation Services coordinated with 213 airlines, showcasing the Kingdom's pivotal role in global connectivity and its commitment to ensuring a smooth and efficient pilgrimage for millions.
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Kuwait is bracing for an intense heatwave this weekend, with temperatures predicted to soar to 50°C in many areas. Coastal regions will experience humidity and winds up to 45 km/h, potentially causing dust storms and reduced visibility. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activities during midday, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions to mitigate health risks.
Stephen Miller asserted Washington, DC's violence surpasses Baghdad and parts of Ethiopia, prompting Trump's consideration to federalize the city. This followed an assault on Edward "Big Balls" Coristine, igniting GOP concern. Trump vowed action against juvenile crime, threatening federal intervention if DC's laws don't change to prosecute young offenders as adults, supported by Elon Musk.
Sweden has urged the European Union to suspend its trade agreement with Israel, citing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and Israel's failure to meet its obligations regarding aid. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the need for unrestricted humanitarian access and called for increased pressure on Hamas, including the release of hostages and disarmament.
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.
A fire erupted beneath a PATH train at Newport Station in New Jersey during Monday's morning commute, causing panic and a swift evacuation. Flames and thick smoke filled a carriage, prompting passengers to rush off. Thirteen individuals were treated for smoke inhalation, with nine hospitalized.
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.
Surrey Police are investigating a shooting at Kapil Sharma's cafe, the second such incident in recent weeks. Responding officers found a possible Molotov cocktail outside the cafe, pending forensic analysis. Residents reported hearing multiple gunshots, and the cafe sustained damage, though no one was injured.
Jumilla, a town in Spain, has banned Muslims from using public spaces for Eid celebrations. The conservative People’s Party approved the ban, opposed by left-wing groups. Vox party supported the ban. Islamic organisations express fear and call the ban discriminatory. Opposition leaders raise constitutional concerns. Jumilla was under Arab rule for centuries before Christian forces seized it.
The European Union has decided to suspend its planned retaliatory tariffs on US goods, valued at 93 billion euros, following a trade agreement between US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This six-month pause, a significant concession from the EU, aims to restore stability and predictability for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
Martha Stewart has launched her first retail store in the MENA region, located in Dubai's City Centre Mirdif, offering an immersive experience of her iconic lifestyle brand. Apparel Group holds the GCC retail license. Following the Mirdif debut, two more stores have opened: At Dubai Hills Mall At Mall of the Emirates.