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Dubai freezes private school fee increases for 2026-27 academic year | Photography: WAM DUBAI, May 22 — Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority said private schools in the emirate will not be allowed to increase fees during the 2026-27 academic year under directives issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The measure forms part of Dubai’s second economic incentives package valued at AED1.5 billion, which includes support measures for private educ

THAT Concept Store at Mall of the Emirates will close five years after its launch. Courtesy image DUBAI, May 22 — Majid Al Futtaim will close THAT Concept Store at Mall of the Emirates as part of a $1.3 billion redevelopment of the Dubai shopping centre, WWD reported. The final closing date has not been set. THAT Concept Store opened in 2021 as Majid Al Futtaim’s first homegrown concept destination, occupying more than 48,000 square feet across two floors in the mall’s Via Ro

AlUla highlights conservation work on World Biodiversity Day | Photography" SPA ALULA, May 22 — The Royal Commission for AlUla highlighted its conservation efforts on World Biodiversity Day, focusing on environmental programmes aimed at protecting natural habitats and restoring native vegetation. The commission said its conservation model links local development with long-term ecological balance in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Its programmes include expanding nature reserves, r

Known as the “key of return,” the symbol is tied to the displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Nakba. GC Images CANNES, France, May 22 — Model Bella Hadid wore a gold key-shaped necklace symbolising Palestinian identity during an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival this week. The pendant, designed in the shape of historic Palestine, referenced the keys carried by many Palestinians displaced during the 1948 Nakba, which became a symbol associated with the Palestinian

Olorra high jewelry necklace Courtesy of Cartier ZURICH, May 22 — Cartier owner Richemont reported stronger-than-expected quarterly revenue on Friday, as demand in the United States and Asia offset weaker sales in the Middle East. Sales rose 13% at constant exchange rates to 5.40 billion euros ($6.27 billion) in the first quarter, above analyst forecasts of 5.30 billion euros, according to a Visible Alpha consensus. Jewellery sales rose 14%, supported by demand for Cartier, B

flydubai, Cyprus Airways sign interline agreement DUBAI, May 22 — flydubai and Cyprus Airways have signed a new interline agreement to expand international connectivity through Dubai International Airport. The agreement allows passengers to travel on a single itinerary with coordinated baggage handling and streamlined transfers via Dubai. Under the partnership, Cyprus Airways passengers travelling from Larnaca will be able to connect through Dubai to flydubai destinations inc

Grand Mosque imam urges pilgrims to follow Hajj permit rules | Photography: SPA MAKKAH, May 22 — Grand Mosque Imam Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly urged pilgrims to comply with official Hajj regulations and warned against performing Hajj without a permit during Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque. Sheikh Al-Muaiqly said violating Hajj regulations causes harm to others and disrupts the organisation and safety of the pilgrimage. He also highlighted the spiritual significance of the firs

Saudi king congratulates Yemen’s leadership on Unity Day | Photography: SPA RIYADH, May 21 — Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a message of congratulations to Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi on the occasion of Yemen’s Unity Day. King Salman wished Al-Alimi continued good health and expressed hopes for further security and stability for Yemen and its people.

Saudi interior minister reviews Hajj security forces readiness in Makkah | Photography: SPA MAKKAH, May 22 — Saudi Interior Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif reviewed the readiness of Hajj Security Forces to implement operational and organisational plans for the 1447 AH Hajj season. The review took place during the annual ceremony of participating Hajj security forces in Makkah. Director of Public Security and Chairman of t

Elie Saab signs eyewear licensing deal with Ophy Eyewear | Photography: Elie Saab MILAN, May 21 — Elie Saab has signed a three-year licensing agreement with Italy-based Ophy Eyewear for the design, production and distribution of its eyewear collections. The agreement, which can be renewed, covers optical frames and sunglasses and marks the fashion house’s latest move to expand its accessories business. The first collection under the partnership will debut on the runway during

Saudi Arabia condemns explosion near Syrian defense ministry building RIYADH, May 21 — Saudi Arabia condemned an explosion near a building belonging to the Syrian Ministry of Defense in Damascus that killed a soldier and injured civilians. In a statement, the foreign ministry reiterated the kingdom’s rejection of all forms of violence and expressed solidarity with Syria. Saudi Arabia also extended condolences over the incident and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Warner Bros. World Yas Island wins Best Theme Park in the World at 2026 Liseberg Applause Award — first Middle East park to receive accolade in 46-year history | Photography: WAM ABU DHABI, May 21 — Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, has been named Best Theme Park in the World at the 2026 Liseberg Applause Award, Miral said. The recognition makes Warner Bros. World the first theme park in the Middle East to receive the award. The Applause Award recognises theme parks f

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrives ahead of a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street in central London, Britain, March 31, 2026. JUSTIN TALLIS/Pool via REUTERS PARIS, May 21 — Syria will attend the G7 summit in France next month as a guest nation and will be represented by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, three sources familiar with the matter said. The June 15-17 summit will be held in Evian-les-Bains in southeastern France. One Syrian offic

Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha greets her royalists as she leaves a religious ceremony to commemorate the death of King Chulalongkorn, known as King Rama V, at The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, October 23, 2020. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha BANGKOK, May 21 — Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s medical condition has worsened after multiple infections affected several organs, the Royal Palace said on Thursday. The 47-year-old princess, the eldest daughter of King Vajiralongk

Saudi Arabia condemns attack on military base in Chad RIYADH, May 21 — Saudi Arabia condemned an attack on a military base in Chad that killed and injured several security personnel, the foreign ministry said on Thursday. In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed the kingdom’s rejection of terrorism and extremist acts targeting the security and stability of Chad. Saudi Arabia also expressed solidarity with the government and people of Chad and extended condolences to the famili

Diriyah's UNESCO-listed At-Turaif District hosts International Museum Day with palace storytelling, architectural sketching and museum conservation workshops | Photography: SPA RIYADH, May 21 — The Diriyah Gate Development Authority concluded its International Museum Day celebrations at At-Turaif Historical District, with cultural programmes and activities focused on heritage, architecture and museum practices. The events included “Tours and Stories from Diriyah’s Palaces,” a

Saudi tax authority urges businesses to file April VAT returns by May 31 RIYADH, May 21 — Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority urged businesses subject to value-added tax with annual supplies exceeding SAR40 million ($10.7 million) to file April VAT returns by May 31. The authority said businesses should submit returns through its website or smartphone application to avoid late-filing penalties ranging from 5% to 25% of the unpaid tax amount. Value-added tax is app