Columbia University has agreed to pay over $200 million to settle allegations made by the Trump administration that it failed to adequately protect Jewish students from antisemitic harassment on campus. The settlement ends a federal investigation triggered by incidents of verbal abuse, ostracism, and hostile behavior directed at Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests linked to […]
An aerial view of Love Lake Dubai, two heart-shaped lagoons surrounded by desert beauty/ Image: File TL;DR Love Lake is a heart-shaped man-made lake in Al Qudra desert, built as a tribute to love and harmony. It was revealed by Sheikh Hamdan in 2018 through a surprise Instagram post. In 2021, KhalifaSat, a UAE satellite, […]
Over 32,000 visa violators were caught in early 2025, 70% deported, as UAE enforces penalties post-2024 amnesty deadline/ Representative Image The UAE’s 2024 visa amnesty ran from September 1 to December 31, offering legalisation or penalty-free exit. Despite a 2-month extension, many overstayers did not act and now face deportation and bans. Over 32,000 people […]
Streamlined eVisa process aims to attract GCC-based travellers and boost regional tourism/Representative Image TL;DR: Kuwait reopened its improved e‑Visa portal in January 2025, allowing certain GCC‑based residents to apply online or obtain visa‑on‑arrival. Eligible applicants must hold a GCC residency of 6+ months, a valid passport, and work in specified professional categories such as doctors, […]
Oman’s investor visa offers self-sponsored 5- and 10-year residency to global investors/Representative Image TL;DR: Oman grants 5- and 10-year renewable residencies to eligible foreign investors. Investment thresholds: OMR 250,000 (USD 650k) for 5 years; OMR 500,000 (USD 1.3 million) for 10 years. Investment options include real estate, business equity, government bonds, or bank deposits. Residency […]
Mobile authentication is set to replace SMS OTPs as UAE banks tighten digital security/ Representative Image TL;DR UAE banks will stop using SMS and email OTPs for online and money transfer verifications In-app authentication will be the new standard for confirming transactions The shift begins July 25, 2025, with full rollout required by March 31, […]
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard There are stories that refuse to stay buried. This one comes wrapped in a manila folder, half-burnt, half-declassified, and now very much a political grenade.This week, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard blew the dust off a long-suppressed House Intelligence Committee report that takes aim at one of the […]
Wall Street Journal reported that Trump was told in May that his name appeared several times on Epstein files. In a bombshell claim, the Wall Street Journal reported that Attorney General Pam Bondi told President Donald Trump in May that his name appeared multiple times in Epstein documents. The president was also told at the […]
Saudi Arabia is reshaping its future with Vision 2030, a plan built on people, progress, and purpose/ Image: File TL;DR Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s national plan to reduce its dependence on oil and reshape its economy and society. It focuses on three core goals: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious government. […]
Transferring money to strangers, no matter the intent, may carry criminal penalties under UAE law/Representative Image TL;DR: Transferring or depositing funds into unknown or unverified accounts especially at ATMs for strangers is a criminal offence under UAE law. Convictions for money laundering under Federal Law No. 20/2018 can lead to 1–10 years in prison and […]
