Saudi Arabia will host a scholarly forum in November 2025 on the history, culture, and architecture of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques. Led by the King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah), the event will gather experts across disciplines to promote research and digital documentation, supporting the Kingdom’s efforts to preserve Islamic heritage through academic collaboration and emerging technologies.
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A Coldplay concert's kiss-cam incident involving two company executives has sparked debate in the UAE regarding infidelity and its legal ramifications. UAE law strictly defines adultery as physical intimacy, requiring concrete evidence and a private complaint for prosecution. Emotional or digital infidelity, while socially unacceptable, doesn't meet the legal threshold for adultery.
Donald Trump has reinstated the Presidential Fitness Test, aiming to boost youth fitness nationwide. This initiative reverses Obama-era policies that prioritized overall wellness over performance metrics. The revived program includes push-ups, sit-ups, and mile runs, with the goal of fostering a stronger, healthier generation. Critics, however, worry about potential pressure on struggling students and funding challenges for schools.
Tragedy struck off the coast of Yemen as a migrant vessel sank, resulting in the confirmed deaths of at least 27 people. Security sources in Abyan province reported that approximately 150 individuals were aboard the ship. Search operations are currently underway to locate the over 100 migrants who remain missing following the devastating incident.
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 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.
Lucid Motors has named Timothée Chalamet its first-ever Global Brand Ambassador in a multi-year partnership. The Saudi-backed EV maker, renowned for its cutting-edge performance and design, is tapping into Chalamet’s star power to enhance its cultural presence. The actor, seen driving a Lucid Air since 2023, will front an upcoming campaign for the Lucid Gravity SUV, signaling Lucid's growing intersection of innovation, luxury, and pop culture.
Country singer Alexis Wilkins, girlfriend of FBI director Kash Patel, faced online attacks accusing her of being an Israeli 'honeypot' after the Epstein case closure. Wilkins refuted these claims on Megyn Kelly's show, highlighting the frustration it caused Patel. She defended their relationship, emphasizing Patel's integrity and shared patriotism, dismissing the age gap as irrelevant compared to his character.
NetApp has appointed Saeed Al-Zahrani as General Manager for Saudi Arabia. Al-Zahrani will lead NetApp's strategy in Saudi Arabia. He will focus on strengthening partnerships. The goal is to accelerate digital transformation. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030. NetApp aims to empower Saudi Arabia's public and private sectors. They will use data, cloud, and AI solutions.
Legal scholars also raised red flags. The Establishment Clause of the US Constitution prohibits government endorsement of religion. While DHS has not officially responded to requests for clarification, civil liberties groups are reportedly preparing to challenge the campaign in court.
Oman's Ministry of Labour is set to implement mandatory licensing for numerous oil and gas job roles starting September 1, 2025, requiring workers to obtain licenses from the Energy and Minerals Sector Skills Unit. This initiative aims to regulate the labor market, enhance workforce skills, and align with Omanisation goals. A similar licensing requirement will also affect several logistics positions.