Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency program sees great interest. Over 40,000 applications came in since early 2023. The program offers long-term visas and aims to attract global talent. It aligns with Vision 2030's goals for economic diversification. The 'Exceptional Competence' category leads in approvals. The program allows expats to live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor.
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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.
A Saudi citizen has drowned in Lake Geneva, with the Kingdom’s consulate in Switzerland confirming the incident and coordinating the body’s repatriation. No details about the victim or the circumstances were disclosed. This follows a separate 2024 tragedy where a Saudi doctor drowned in Brienz Lake, highlighting growing concerns around water safety for tourists in Switzerland.
Dubai introduced the first AI-generated “Emirati Family” to deliver government messages and promote digital services in an accessible way. This reflects Dubai’s position as a top-five global AI city. The project aims to engage all communities by combining Emirati culture with advanced AI, supporting the city’s goal of improving public interaction with smart government services.
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 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.
Overnight Russian attacks on Kyiv, utilizing missiles and drones, resulted in at least eight fatalities, including a young boy, and 82 injuries, among them ten children. A residential building suffered significant damage, trapping residents. Simultaneously, Russia claims control of Chasiv Yar, a strategic city in Donetsk, a claim Ukraine disputes.
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.
Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has announced the academic calendar for private schools, excluding foreign curricula, for the 2025-2026 year. Classes will commence on August 25, 2025, and conclude on July 2, 2026. Winter break is scheduled from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026, while spring break will be from March 16 to March 22, 2026.
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, suggests Russia anticipated a Hillary Clinton victory in 2016, aiming to undermine faith in the U.S. political system. Documents released by Gabbard's office challenge the narrative of Russian support for Donald Trump. These documents indicate Russia believed Clinton's win was inevitable, potentially influencing their actions during the election.