World – Page 40

Elon Musk’s ‘Five Things’ email program shut down by Trump administration: What was the controversial project that sparked panic among federal employees? | World News

In a move signaling shifting priorities within the White House, the Trump administration has officially ended Elon Musk’s controversial “Five Things” email program, which required federal employees to report five weekly accomplishments to their supervisors. The initiative, launched in February 2025 by Musk during his stint as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, aimed […]

‘We’re going to see what happens’: US envoy Steve Witkoff heads to Moscow ahead of sanction deadline due Friday; tariff and ceasefire talks on agenda | World News

US special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to arrive in Moscow (AP) US special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to arrive in Moscow on Wednesday for high-level meetings with Russian leadership, ahead of US President Donald Trump’s deadline to impose new sanctions on Russia over its continued military offensive in Ukraine, which is due on […]

Meet the Roblox creator behind Free Republic of Verdis, the ‘world’s smallest country’ with 400 citizens and its own passports | World News

In one of Europe’s most unusual geopolitical developments, a young digital designer has turned an unclaimed border region into a self-proclaimed nation. Daniel Jackson, a 20-year-old originally from Australia, declared himself president of the Free Republic of Verdis, located on a 125-acre patch of land wedged between Croatia and Serbia along the Danube River. This […]

How to claim your 15% VAT refund in Saudi Arabia: Everything visitors need to know | World News

Tourists can find ZATCA-approved VAT refund stores by spotting “Tax Free” signs or using the Global Blue store locator tool, which also helps locate refund counters at departure points/ Image: X Tourists in Saudi Arabia can get a full refund on the 15% VAT for eligible purchases over SAR 500 (~USD 133). Refunds apply only […]

Saudi Arabia to host major academic forum on Hajj and Two Holy Mosques history in November | World News

The forum will bring together experts from multiple disciplines to examine Hajj history and the Two Holy Mosques through research and technology/ Image: X In November 2025, a major academic forum focused on the history, culture, and architecture of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques will take place in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment […]

Saudi Arabia unveils identity and theme for 95th National Day: ‘Pride in Our Nature’ | World News

The official branding includes a detailed guide with approved colors, fonts, slogans, patterns, and templates to ensure consistent use/ Image: GEA Saudi Arabia TL;DR Saudi Arabia’s 95th National Day will be celebrated on September 23, 2025. The theme is “Our Pride is in Our Nature”, highlighting national values. A new visual identity includes six cultural […]

‘Here am I. Send me’: How Trump administration is using the Bible to justify deportations | World News

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem walks to board her plane as she departs the New Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Quito, Ecuador. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool) The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is facing intense criticism for a series of promotional videos that quote Bible verses to frame immigration […]

Dubai Crown Prince reviews family support initiative led by Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum, wife of UAE Vice President | World News

The initiative has boosted Emirati marriage rates significantly, with over 700 weddings held and a 218% increase in participation/Image: WAM Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has reviewed the progress of the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, a wide-ranging initiative designed to empower Emirati families through financial, social, […]

Expats barred from more jobs in Oman: Systems analysts, engineers, and managers now restricted | World News

Oman has expanded its list of professions prohibited for non-Omani workers/Representative Image TL;DR: Oman has expanded its list of professions prohibited for non-Omani workers, now including engineers, IT roles, quality control, and several technical and supervisory positions. The restrictions take effect immediately for many jobs and will be phased in for others between January 2025 […]

Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia’s airspace sets new record with over 140,000 flights | World News

Saudi Arabia set historic records for air traffic during the Hajj 1446 AH (2025) season/Image: File TL;DR: Saudi Arabia’s airspace recorded over 140,000 domestic and international air movements during Hajj 1446 AH (2025), an 8% increase from last year. Key operational milestones included a single-day record of 2,338 air traffic movements and 74,902 arrivals in […]