Author: Editorial Team
Heritage artifacts and antiques in Makkah represent an important aspect of the city’s collective memory, reflecting the features of daily life lived by its people over long decades, and highlighting the traditional tools and handicrafts associated with homes, markets, and gathering halls that formed part of the city’s local culture. Among the most notable pieces linked to Makkah’s past social life are traditional Makkah lanterns, which later became an aesthetic and heritage element that evokes the atmosphere of ancient Makkah. Heritage artifacts also include brass coffee pots used to prepare Arabic coffee, wooden and metal incense burners used to perfume…
Andrew Harrison-Chinn, Chief Marketing Officer, Dragonpass. Dubai — Dragonpass, a global leader in travel and lifestyle loyalty solutions, has unveiled new findings from its Loyalty Index, a global benchmarking study comparing consumer loyalty behaviours across key markets. The data reveals a clear divergence in how loyalty is experienced globally, with the GCC emerging as one of the most dynamic markets, where consumers prioritise tangible value, everyday relevance, and seamless experiences – creating new opportunities for banks, fintechs and loyalty partners to differentiate through more customer-centric, value-led propositions. Value Takes Centre Stage in the GCCIn the GCC, loyalty is firmly driven by clear and immediate…
WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire starting at 2100 GMT on Thursday following talks in Washington. “I just had excellent conversations with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” Trump said, adding that both sides agreed to formally launch the truce in a bid to move toward peace. The announcement follows US-mediated talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations held Tuesday at the State Department in Washington. Hezbollah was not represented in the meeting and has rejected the move. Trump said he had directed Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of…
RIYADH — The surgical separation of Saudi female conjoined twins that lasted six and a half hours was successful on Thursday. The operation was conducted in six stages at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital under King Abdulaziz Medical City, affiliated with the Ministry of National Guard in Riyadh. Advisor at the Royal Court, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, and Head of the medical and surgical Team of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah led the medical and surgical team consisting of 23 consultants, specialists, and technical and nursing staff. Dr. Al-Rabeeah thanked…
In the UAE’s luxury gold market, bigger is a lot more than just better. From layered bridal sets to heritage-inspired statement pieces, high-value purchases are increasingly defined by weight, craftsmanship, and a deeper sense of purpose. Across leading retailers, the most expensive gold pieces are no longer just about ornamentation. They are tied to milestones, shaped by culture, and increasingly positioned as long-term assets. In many cases, they are bought with the intention of being passed down. “The pieces that command the highest value right now are from our diamond and heritage gold collections,” said John Paul Alukkas, CEO of…
Lauren Estess, a third-year student at Tufts University School of Medicine, believes knowing how to make chickpea stew will make her a better doctor. She and 14 other students spent a recent evening making dinner as part of a two-month culinary medicine class to train doctors, dentists and dietitians that the university began offering last spring. Using case studies and cooking, the course aims to convince future medical professionals that good, affordable food targeting specific diseases can be as important as medication. “It’s unfortunately a big misconception that medicine doesn’t have anything to do with food,” she said, chopping dill…
Reflecting the strong ties and ongoing cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and in line with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Saudi Arabia has continued its support to enhance Pakistan’s economic stability by extending the term of an existing $5 billion deposit at the State Bank of Pakistan and announcing an additional deposit of $3 billion. This assistance aims at supporting Pakistan’s economy and strengthening its…
The European Commission (EC) recently announced that its digital age verification app is technically ready and will soon be rolled out to citizens. This news marks a major step in the European regulator’s efforts to limit children’s access to social media platforms. EC president Ursula von der Leyen announced the initiative in Brussels, positioning it as a “harmonised” and “Europe-wide technical solution” for age verification as member states weigh stricter online safety laws, including minimum age limits for social media access. The open-source app, compatible with smartphones, tablets and computers, will allow users to verify their age using a passport…
RIYADH — The Ministry of Commerce announced the recall of 18,708 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX600 vehicles of 2025-2026 model, due to a defect in the automatic transmission shift valves. This defect could lead to excessive engine revving, increasing the risk of an accident or fire. The ministry urged owners of the affected vehicles to contact their local dealer, Abdul Latif Jameel Company, for Toyota vehicles at the toll-free number (8004400055) and for Lexus vehicles at the toll-free number (8001220022), to have the necessary repairs performed free of charge. The ministry also advised vehicle owners to check if their…
MAKKAH — The Makkah Region Police arrested an Egyptian resident for committing fraud by posting on social media fake and misleading advertisements for entry permits for holy sites as well as for Hajj services. The suspect was referred to the Public Prosecution after completing the necessary legal procedures.The General Directorate of Public Security called on citizens and expatriates to adhere to Hajj regulations and guidelines. It urged them to report about violators by calling over the number 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom. Source: Saudi Gazette