Middle East

Kuwait City, Feb 26: In a shocking development, a well-known actor in Kuwait, who had contracting covid-19 during vaccination, died in a hospital yesterday. 48-year-old Mishary al-Balam was undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit of Kuwait's Jaber Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Hospital for past one week. Al-Balam contracted the coronavirus while receiving the first dose of a vaccine

Dubai, Feb 25: Indian expats in the UAE are seeking exemption from the self-paid Covid-19 tests for passengers on their arrival in India, saying it would be an added burden for those returning home after losing their jobs during the ongoing pandemic, according to a media report. In a plea, the expats have urged the Indian government to fund the RT-PCR test on arrival in India and exemption for

Riyadh, Feb 25: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, has had successful surgery for appendicitis, state media reported late Wednesday. The 35-year-old prince had "successful laparoscopic surgery (Wednesday) morning for appendicitis at King Faisal Specialist Hospital" in Riyadh, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. SPA tweeted footage of the prince walking out

Tehran, Feb 24: Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has called on the United States to “immediately” end its failed policy of economic terrorism against the Iranian nation, saying such a move is a prerequisite for negotiations within the framework of the 2015 multilateral nuclear deal. Speaking during a cabinet meeting in Tehran on Wednesday, Rouhani stressed that the Islamic Republic still wants the

Abu Dhabi, Feb 24: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Cabinet, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the establishment of the Executive Office of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Executive Office will oversee the implementation of

Vienna, Feb 22: The UN nuclear watchdog chief announced on Sunday a “temporary solution” to allow Iranian facility inspections to continue after days of talks with officials, giving some much needed breathing space for diplomatic negotiations. However, Rafael Grossi admitted that under the new three-month arrangement, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would not have the same level of

Abu Dhabi, Feb 21: UAE residents who have received the COVID-19 vaccine must still continue to abide by COVID-19 precautions in order to protect themselves as well as other vulnerable community members, top health officials have urged. Measures like mask wearing, handwashing and social distancing ensure that those who get vaccinated do not contract mild or asymptomatic COVID-19. They also ensure

Tehran, Feb 21: Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi has arrived in the Iranian capital, Tehran, to take part in Sunday talks with Vice President and Head of Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, Ali Akbar Salehi. "IAEA Chief @RafaelMGrossi is traveling to Tehran over the weekend to meet with senior Iranian officials. A press conference is planned for

Dubai, Feb 20: A gang of women robbed Dh280,000 from a non-resident Indian in Dubai after he was lured into a fake massage parlour, the Dubai Court of First Instance heard. According to records, the 33-year-old Indian victim saw an offer for a massage session for Dh200 with pictures of beautiful girls promoting it. He contacted the number provided and went as directed to an apartment in the Al

Dubai, Feb 20: Authorities in the UAE are leaving nothing to chance when it comes to Covid-19 safety. Despite opening up almost all sectors gradually over the past year, authorities continued their safety inspection checks to ensure that all precautionary measures are followed. However, daily inspection reports have shown an increase in the number of establishments breaking Covid safety rules