TEHRAN — Iran warned the United States on Monday it will attack US forces if they attempt to approach the Strait of Hormuz as the American military launches a new effort to “guide” stranded ships through the critical waterway. Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi, commander of Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters, said early Monday that Iran would strike any foreign force attempting to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump announced that starting Monday morning the US military would help free ships that have been “locked up” and unable to transit the key trade route amid the maritime standoff…
Author: Editorial Team
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is expected to see heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the south and Makkah region in May, alongside a broader rise in temperatures across most regions, according to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM). The seasonal outlook covering May, June, and July indicates above-average rainfall during the first two months before conditions stabilize in July. According to the NCM’s seasonal outlook, rainfall patterns will vary over the three-month period, with May and June expected to record above-average precipitation before conditions stabilize in July. Visual maps indicate that the highest rainfall anomalies will be concentrated…
Apple‘s outgoing CEO Tim Cook recently highlighted record Q2 revenue on an earnings call, emphasised by a 28% increase in China. The news comes despite supply chain issues for iPhones and, to a lesser extent, Mac Minis. Driven by demand for its iPhone 17 family of devices, Cook stated “customer enthusiasm for iPhone has been extraordinary, with revenue growing 22% year-over-year to achieve a March quarter record”. Revenue for the iPhone totalled $56.9 billion, slightly below analysts’ estimates of $57.2 billion. Greater China posted revenue of $20.4 billion to beat analysts’ forecast of $18.9 billion. “We are thrilled with the…
The Holy Quran Museum in the Hira Cultural District in Makkah offers a rich cultural and knowledge experience, enabling visitors to explore the history of the Holy Quran and its sciences, and view rare manuscripts and artifacts documenting the journey of its transcription through the ages, reflecting the care Muslims have given to the Holy Quran since the dawn of Islam to the present day. Among the museum’s distinctive exhibits is a copy of the Quran engraved on brass plates dating back to the 12th century AH (18th century CE), showcasing the precision and mastery achieved in Islamic arts and the…
RAFHA — The houbara bird is regaining its presence in its natural habitats after near extinction, with support from the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority, which has gradually improved houbara populations. The Authority’s efforts include the establishment of a specialized center, one of the most notable environmental projects dedicated to breeding the species within the reserve. The houbara is a precious treasure and prominent symbol of the desert, and was categorized as endangered before its recovery. During migration seasons, the houbara travels long distances across continents, guided by natural cues, eventually settling in the Arabian Peninsula as…
A defining leap toward an AI-native economy, positioning Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE at the forefront of global innovation and delivering a key prerequisite for the nation’s agentic AI government revolution. RAS AL KHAIMAH — Innovation City, the UAE’s premier AI-powered free zone in Ras Al Khaimah, announced today the launch of the world’s first blockchain-based digital business identity system. Every company registered here now receives a sovereign, living, cryptographically verifiable identity powered by IOPn’s native layer on blockchain, OPN chain. For the first time in history, a business license is no longer a static PDF or a line…
As the Met Gala takes over its iconic steps in New York tonight, all eyes are on this year’s dress code: ‘Costume Art’. The annual fundraiser for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute has long been a stage where designers push beyond trends, creating looks that live somewhere between storytelling and spectacle. This year’s theme, tied to the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, invites designers and attendees to treat the body as a canvas and the red carpet as a gallery. Sculptural silhouettes, archival references, handwork that borders on installation art — all of it is fair game. And while…
KHARTOUM — Five civilians were killed in a drone strike carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeting a civilian vehicle west of the Sudanese capital, according to a statement by Emergency Lawyers on Saturday. The group said the attack struck a car on Jumu’iyyah Road in southern rural Omdurman as it was traveling from the Sheikh al-Siddiq area in White Nile state, killing all five passengers on board. Emergency Lawyers said the incident reflects a continued pattern of attacks on civilians in public areas, worsening the humanitarian situation and increasing risks to civilian life. The group held the…
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced an increase in the operational capacity of the Haramain High-Speed Railway for Hajj 1447 AH to more than 2.21 million seats, reflecting efforts to meet growing demand for transport between Makkah and Madinah. This marks an increase of more than 210,000 seats compared to the previous season, with 5,308 trips planned — up approximately 11%. Pilgrim transport via the railway will commence on Tuesday, May 5, from King Abdulaziz International Airport station to Makkah station, marking the start of Hajj operations for 1447 AH. The railway fleet includes 35 trains operating at speeds of up to 300 km/h…
YEREVAN — World leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are arriving in Yerevan, Armenia, ahead of the 8th European Political Community (EPC) meeting. At a time of profound geopolitical transformation, leaders from nearly 50 countries, including all 27 members of the European Union, will meet on Monday to discuss important politics face-to-face, including the US-Iran tensions. Tuesday will then see the first ever bilateral EU-Armenia summit, attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. The summit will be co-chaired by European…