MADINAH — The Transport General Authority (TGA), in cooperation with the Madinah Region Development Authority, launched a pilot program for the self-driving “RoboBus” shuttle bus service within the inner courtyard of Quba Mosque in Madinah. This initiative is part of a project aimed at developing innovative and safe transportation solutions for visitors and worshipers, supporting the Kingdom’s drive towards sustainable transport and digital transformation. The self-driving bus, with a capacity up to 20 passengers, utilizes an advanced artificial intelligence system, supported by modern sensors and high-resolution cameras, ensuring high levels of safety for passengers and pedestrians during operation within the…
Author: Editorial Team
MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will begin implementing the new system for payment of fees for domestic Hajj bookings in the second phase on Friday, May 15. This applies to citizens and expatriates who have completed the registration process and booked their seats through the Nusk electronic application. The ministry clarified that the deadline for paying the reservation invoice has been extended to 72 hours, until Dhul Qada 27, Thursday, while the deadline will be six hours only on Dhul Qada 28, Friday. This is to provide the opportunity to the largest possible number of beneficiaries. The…
Looking to stay active without spending money? This week, Dubai residents have several free fitness classes and wellness events to choose from, with a focus on movement, mindfulness and community. From a waterfront Pilates session to yoga, bootcamps and guided meditation, here are seven free activities worth adding to your calendar. 1. Sunset Pilates at Dubai Marina To celebrate World Pilates Day, VEO Fitness is joining forces with LC for a one-time sunset mat Pilates session at Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club. Set against the waterfront backdrop of Dubai Marina, the class is designed for all fitness levels and…
Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call today from Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Araghchi, during which they discussed the latest developments related to the Pakistani mediation and ongoing diplomatic talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, exchanging views on the matter. Source: Riyadh Daily
RIYADH — Saudi Aramco President and CEO Amin Nasser revealed that Saudi Arabia is pursuing plans to expand its oil export capacity through Yanbu on the Red Sea to more than five million barrels per day, as shipping disruptions choke traffic through the Strait of Hormuz as a result of the Iranian war. During a call with investors to discuss the energy giant’s first-quarter results, Nasser stated: “Regarding the two Yanbu terminals (North Yanbu and South Yanbu), they currently have the capacity to export approximately five million barrels per day, and we are working to expand that capacity further. Our…
Avir Shah. Armela Farms is leveraging automation, AI-driven climate control, robotics, and hydroponic technologies to strengthen food security, optimise water usage, and build a more resilient agricultural ecosystem aligned with the UAE’s industrial and sustainability ambitions. Food production across the UAE is undergoing a technological transformation as advanced agricultural systems begin redefining how farms operate, scale, and respond to growing sustainability and food-security demands. From AI-powered climate control and robotics to precision irrigation and hydroponic cultivation, technology-led farming models are enabling higher productivity, improved crop consistency, and greater resilience against supply-chain disruptions. The UAE’s broader industrial and self-sufficiency ambitions under…
When a woman in her 30s and 40s starts to feel irritable, withdrawn, or emotionally distant, her partner rarely attributes this to the hormonal imbalance related to menopause. But experts say that failure of understanding one of the most common issues women face is quietly straining marriages across the region. The phenomenon, increasingly referred to as “meno-divorce,” describes the growing number of relationships that break down during perimenopause and menopause, largely because neither partner understands what is happening. “Many of these relationships could have been saved with earlier education, open conversation and appropriate support,” says Donna Howarth, founder of the…
MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Monday launched a service for qualifying external agents and finalizing contracts for the 1448 AH Umrah season through the Masar Nusuk platform. This is part of a digital ecosystem aimed at automating contracting procedures, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening the readiness of the Umrah system for the upcoming season. The ministry explained that the new service enables full automation of all contracting stages and adopts a standardized electronic contract model, with digital verification via a quick response (QR) code on the Nusuk platform. The ministry said that a service allowing Saudi…
The Ministry of Interior, in partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), enhanced the use of artificial intelligence technologies and advanced digital solutions to serve pilgrims by developing a mobile device that facilitates travel procedures under the Makkah Route Initiative. Now in its eighth year, the initiative is being implemented through 17 ports in 10 countries, extending the leadership’s established approach to caring for pilgrims and providing them with the best services. Supported by data and AI technologies, the mobile device enables relevant authorities to complete procedures for pilgrims, especially older adults and persons with disabilities, through an automated…
DTEK.ai, a UAE provider of AI and machine learning solutions for enterprises, and ADNOC Distribution, the UAE’s largest mobility and convenience retailer, recently announced the signing of a strategic agreement with to roll out SWIFT, a pioneering AI-powered self-checkout solution, at Oasis by ADNOC convenience stores across the UAE. Announced on the sidelines of Make it in the Emirates, the strategic partnership will introduce a seamless, grab-and-go retail experience, aiming to reduce average checkout times by over 60% and enabling faster, more convenient transactions. Powered by advanced computer vision and machine learning, SWIFT enhances the in-store journey by reducing friction…