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Saudi Arabia’s Q2 2025 budget report shows a 7% rise in non-oil revenues, reaching SR149.861 billion ($39.9 billion), now nearly half of total income. While oil revenues fell 29%, fiscal reforms under Vision 2030 drove stronger tax and non-oil performance. Despite a quarterly deficit of SR34.534 billion ($9.2 billion), spending and debt remain tightly managed.
Jeanine Pirro, a Fox News personality and staunch Trump loyalist, has been confirmed as the US Attorney for the District of Columbia by the Senate. The 50-45 vote cemented Trump's provisional appointment from May. Pirro, a former Westchester County district attorney, transitioned to television and is known for her outspoken commentary.
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.
Oman's OPAZ joined the World Free Zones Organization. This move aims to enhance Oman's global standing. It also seeks to improve operational expertise. The goal is to attract more investment. This aligns with Oman's Vision 2040. The membership provides access to global best practices. It also strengthens institutional links. Oman manages 23 free zones. These zones have attracted significant investment.
Amidst budget cuts, interim NASA administrator Sean Duffy accelerates plans for a lunar nuclear reactor, aiming for a 2030 launch to support astronaut missions. This initiative, driven by concerns over China's space ambitions, includes expediting the replacement of the International Space Station with commercial alternatives. The directive emphasizes human spaceflight and seeks to maintain American leadership in space exploration.
Oman Air, in collaboration with TUI, has launched 'Oman Air Holidays,' a digital platform streamlining travel bookings. This initiative offers bundled flights, hotels, tours, and transfers across 20+ destinations, targeting both inbound tourists and Omani residents. It supports Oman Vision 2040 by boosting tourism and enhancing the nation's competitiveness as a premium travel destination.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has eliminated its age limit for deportation agent applicants, aiming to significantly expand its workforce. Fueled by congressional funding, ICE seeks to hire 10,000 agents, offering substantial bonuses and benefits. This recruitment drive, intended to bolster deportation efforts, raises concerns among local law enforcement agencies about potential staffing impacts.
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.
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.
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.