Starting in 2026, the UAE will tax sugary drinks based on their sugar content to encourage healthier consumption and reduce sugar intake/ Image: File UAE to tax sugary drinks based on sugar content starting 2026. Flat 50% tax on sweetened drinks will be replaced by a sugar-based tiered system. More sugar = higher tax; less […]
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan officially designated Union Pledge Day to honour the historic 1971 signing of the UAE Union/ Image: WAM TL;DR Union Pledge Day marks the 1971 signing that set the UAE‘s unification in motion. It honours the vision and leadership of the founding fathers, especially Sheikh Zayed. It reflects the […]
US President Donald Trump‘s proposal to cut $9 billion in federal spending targeting public broadcasters was passed by Congress on Friday. The bill now awaits the president’s signature. It includes major broadcasters like Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR).The House approved the bill by a narrow margin of 216–213, with two Republicans, […]
Saudi Arabia’s labour reforms under Vision 2030 have lifted women’s workforce participation from 17% in 2017 to over 35% in 2024 and counting/Representative Image TL;DR: Female labour-force participation jumped from ~17% in 2015 to 36.2% in Q3 2024, well above Vision 2030’s initial 30% target . “Mada” digital payments saw e-commerce sales grow 25.8% to […]
Thailand’s Buddhist clergy is facing a major crisis after a sex and extortion scandal involving at least 11 monks came to light this week. The monks are accused of breaking their celibacy vows and using temple donations to pay hush money to a woman who blackmailed them.Police say the woman seduced the monks, secretly recorded […]
Natasha Archer has been by the Princess of Wales’s side since 2010. She selected outfits for overseas tours, was even on hand at the hospital for royal baby photo calls, ready with spare outfits and supplies and was promoted to Senior Private Executive Assistant in 2022. Last week Kensington Palace confirmed Archer, now 37, is […]
License exchange in the UAE requires a valid residence visa, passing a medical exam, and submitting legal translation of documents/ representative Image 52 nationalities can now drive in the UAE using their home licenses while visiting. Residents from those countries can exchange their license for a UAE one. No driving tests required; conditions apply based […]
From August 2025, engineers and accountants in Oman must secure official certification to obtain or renew work permits/Representative Image TL;DR: As of August 1, 2025, engineers in Oman must hold an Oman Society of Engineers (OSE) classification certificate approved by the Sector Skills Unit (SSU) before securing or renewing work permits. From September 1, 2025, […]
Applicants now weigh Bahrain, UAE, and Saudi residency schemes for affordability, flexibility, and family benefits/Representative Image TL;DR: Bahrain’s 10-year Golden Residency is one of the most cost-effective long-term Gulf residency available in 2025. The UAE’s Golden Visa requires AED 2 million (USD 545,000) investment or comes via talent with nomination, with complex renewal criteria. Saudi […]
A bizarre birthday letter gifted to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003 has started a row surrounding the MAGA chief himself.Donald Trump seems to be in deep trouble as The Wall Street Journal revealed and reported a note gifted to the pedophile Epstein bearing Trump’s name and included a crude drawing of a naked woman. The US […]
