Construction-grade sand imported from Australia and other nations meets Saudi Arabia’s demand for coarse, angular aggregates that local desert sands cannot provide/Image: NatGeo TL;DR: Saudi Arabia imports sand from nations such as China and Australia to meet construction standards for mega projects. Desert sand is unsuitable for concrete due to its fine, rounded texture. The […]
The UAE Ministry of Finance’s new rule enables depreciation of fair-valued investment properties, offering firms fresh tax planning flexibility/Representative Image TL;DR: Finance Ministry’s Ministerial Decision No. 173/2025 allows firms to deduct depreciation on investment properties measured at fair value, if they choose the realisation basis, effective from tax periods starting January 1, 2025. Companies can […]
In Oman, the concept of Qahwa or Kahwa encompasses tradition, togetherness, and respect/Image: Instagram TL;DR: Omani Qahwa, a lightly spiced coffee, is a central symbol of hospitality and social bonding in Oman. Its preparation is an intricate ritual involving cardamom, saffron, and rosewater, reflecting deep cultural heritage. Serving Qahwa with dates and in traditional dallahs […]
GCC governments poised for growth rebound as the World Bank projects 3.2% regional GDP growth in 2025/Representative Image TL;DR: GCC real GDP growth projected at 3.2% in 2025, rising to 4.5% in 2026, up from 1.7% in 2024. Growth fueled by easing OPEC+ supply cuts and robust expansion in non-oil sectors particularly private consumption, investment, […]
Indian expat families in Qatar are building stable lives through work, education, and community/ Representative Image TL;DR Qatar is attracting Indian professionals with career growth, safety, and family-friendly living. Indian-run businesses are growing, with fewer barriers to ownership than before. Legal reforms have improved job flexibility and worker protections for Indian expats. For many Indians […]
PARIS: The world’s top court is poised to tell governments what their legal obligations are to tackle global warming, and possibly outline consequences for polluters that cause climate harm to vulnerable countries.Wednesday’s highly anticipated advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice comes in the wake of landmark international decisions that experts say together have […]
Abu Dhabi’s integrated security and community-focused policing keep it at the top of Numbeo’s global safety rankings for the ninth consecutive year/Image: Wikipedia TL;DR: Abu Dhabi tops Numbeo’s 2025 Crime Index as the world’s safest city. The UAE capital maintains this position for the ninth consecutive year since 2017. Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and […]
Healthier meals, fusion menus, and premium food imports are defining how Gulf residents eat in 2025/Representative Image TL;DR: GCC consumers are shifting toward healthier, experience-led dining, favouring plant-based, functional, and fusion cuisine. Technology is reshaping dining from digital menus and loyalty apps to cloud kitchens and delivery-first models. The region’s appeal for culinary tourism is […]
(AI generated image for representation) As domestic abuse cases in the UK continue to rise, former Conservative MP Kate Kniveton has spoken out about the years of abuse she suffered from her ex-husband, former Tory MP Andrew Griffiths.In a new ITV documentary, Breaking The Silence: Kate’s Story, Kniveton shared how the abuse lasted for more […]
GCC nationals can drive in the UAE with their home licences as visitors but must exchange them upon gaining residency/ Representative Image TL;DR GCC nationals can drive in the UAE using their home country licence while visiting. Once a GCC national becomes a UAE resident, they must exchange their licence. License exchange is done via […]
