Middle East News Live: Pakistan Medical Centre in Dubai to expand free treatment services

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have detailed the list of items that are banned or restricted in travelers' hand baggage at Dubai and Sharjah airports, according to a report in Khaleej Times. The regulations serve as a guide for passengers to ensure compliance with airport security rules. These measures align with global aviation security standards designed to ensure passenger safety and are part of the UAE's efforts to maintain its status as a secure international travel and business hub.

The Pakistan Medical Centre in Dubai has announced plans for an expansion that will increase its capacity to offer free medical treatment to more residents, according to a report in Khaleej Times. This initiative will enhance the community-funded facility's ability to serve more people, particularly targeting low-income individuals within the Pakistani expatriate community and other residents in need of care.

Saudi Arabia is actively promoting investment opportunities to a global audience at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, through a dedicated Saudi Business Center, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The initiative is a key component of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the national economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenues. The effort at the international event seeks to attract foreign direct investment into non-oil sectors such as technology, tourism, and entertainment, while also strengthening economic ties with Japan.

Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif has been killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza City, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The incident reportedly occurred near al-Shifa hospital, where al-Sharif was in a tent used by journalists. The event adds to the significant number of media professionals killed during the ongoing conflict in the region.

Dubai Police have announced a Dhs400 fine for driving below the minimum speed limit allowed on roads, as per a report in Gulf Today. Brigadier Juma Salem Bin Suwaidan, Acting Director of the General Department of Traffic, stated the fine also applies to drivers who fail to yield to faster vehicles from behind. He emphasized that driving too slowly, especially in the left lane, is as dangerous as speeding because it disrupts traffic flow and often leads to hazardous overtaking from the right. Brigadier Bin Suwaidan urged motorists to adhere to designated speeds for each lane and to use signals when changing lanes to ensure road safety.

Israel is being hit by an extreme heatwave, with weather experts predicting that temperature records could be broken, The Times of Israel says in a report. An official from the Israeli Meteorological Service stated that while heatwaves are normal in the summer, the intensity and length of the current one suggest climate change is at work. The extreme weather is heightening concerns over the nation's water resources and putting a strain on the energy grid due to increased demand.

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake has hit western Turkey, the country's disaster agency confirmed, Khaleej Times says in a report. Following the tremor, there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage from any of the affected provinces.

Olga Weissberg, a 91-year-old Holocaust survivor, was found dead in her Rehovot home on Saturday, more than a year after she was injured during a past Iranian missile attack on Israel, according to a report in The Times of Israel. It remains unclear if her death is directly related to the injuries she sustained in the attack. Weissberg's family has requested public attendance at her funeral, which is scheduled for Sunday.

Jordan will host a meeting with officials from the United States and Syria to discuss the war-torn country's reconstruction, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The talks, which involve the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, come amid a broader regional trend of normalization with Damascus, which followed Syria's readmission to the Arab League in 2023. The meeting is significant as it includes the US, under President Donald Trump, despite Washington's ongoing Caesar Act sanctions that target entities doing business with the Assad regime. For Jordan, which hosts a large number of Syrian refugees, the talks represent an effort to mediate regional stability and address its own economic and security concerns.

Senator Bernie Sanders said on Sunday that decisions by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government have made Israel "almost a pariah state," according to a report in The Hill. During a television interview, Sanders clarified that while he recognizes Israel as a Jewish state, his criticism is directed at the actions taken by the current Israeli government.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has mandated that private schools cannot refuse to enroll students with special learning needs if they have available capacity, according to a report in Gulf Today. This new policy, which aligns with existing federal laws, requires full compliance by the start of the 2025–26 academic year and dictates that schools must prioritize these students in admissions. While schools can charge additional fees for specialized support—capped at 50% of tuition and requiring parental consent—they cannot use clinical assessments as a reason for refusal. If a school determines it cannot meet a student's needs, it must formally submit a notice to ADEK and the parents within seven days. Failure to comply with the policy will result in legal penalties.

Saudi Arabia's industrial production index is projected to increase by 7.9 percent year-on-year in June 2025, driven by forecast growth in both manufacturing and oil activities, according to a report in Arabian Business. This projected rise highlights expected progress in the kingdom's manufacturing sector, a key component of its economic diversification goals, and underscores the energy sector's continued importance to the nation's economy.

The United Arab Emirates has issued a public call urging an end to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, Gulf News says in a report. The statement addresses the hostilities between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that began in April 2023. The UAE's call emphasizes the need to cease fighting, which has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in the region.

A group of Israeli anti-war activists disrupted a live broadcast of the reality show 'Big Brother' in Israel by storming the television set, Al Jazeera said in a report. The protesters voiced their opposition to the Israeli government's ongoing war in Gaza during the live airing of the popular entertainment program.

Sigrid Kaag, who previously served as the UN's Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, has described the dire situation of blocked aid and the UN's struggle amid a famine, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Kaag highlighted the severe challenges in getting humanitarian assistance into the territory, characterizing the aid efforts as being 'under siege.' Her comments point to a breakdown of international humanitarian norms, with the UN system facing significant obstacles in its mission to prevent widespread starvation as a result of the ongoing conflict and blockade.

A Dubai court has ruled in favor of a claimant in a commercial dispute, ordering an insurance company to pay a settlement of Dh83,035, Gulf News said in a report. The ruling resolves a contested insurance claim, with the court's decision enforcing the terms of the commercial contract through the local legal system.

Over 600 Shiite pilgrims in Iraq required brief hospitalization for respiratory issues after a chlorine gas leak at a water treatment station, according to a report in Gulf Today. The incident occurred overnight on the pilgrimage route between the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala during the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage. Iraq's health ministry confirmed 621 cases of asphyxia and stated that all individuals received necessary care and have been discharged. Security forces attributed the event to a leak at the water station, with the report noting that much of Iraq's infrastructure is in disrepair due to past conflict and corruption.

The United Arab Emirates is implementing cloud-seeding operations to counteract the effects of a dry spell linked to the La Niña climate pattern, according to a report in Gulf News. This initiative is part of the country's broader strategy to enhance water security in one of the world's most water-stressed regions. The weather modification technique aims to increase precipitation from suitable clouds, directly addressing the reduced rainfall and drought conditions exacerbated by climate change and specific meteorological events like La Niña.

Pnina Pinhasi, a Holocaust survivor and the only woman to have fought in the precursor to Israel's elite Shayetet 13 naval commando unit, has died at the age of 97, according to a report in The Times of Israel. Pinhasi served during the 1948 War of Independence with the Palmach, the elite fighting force of the pre-state Haganah, before joining the naval unit. Her family's legacy of service continued, with her son and grandchildren also serving in the modern Shayetet 13.

Idan Roll, a member of Israel's Knesset and a former deputy foreign minister, has resigned from the legislature and is leaving politics, The Times of Israel said in a report. Roll, who had already left the opposition Yesh Atid party in January 2025, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have advanced LGBTQ rights. His seat will be filled by Adi Ezuz, a women's rights activist, who was the next eligible candidate on the Yesh Atid party's electoral list.

Demonstrators demanding the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza plan to march through central London to the prime minister's residence on Sunday, as per a report in AP. Police in London are preparing for the demonstration, which follows police action at a separate protest on Saturday in support of a banned pro-Palestinian organization, as the war in Gaza continues to fuel tensions across the UK.

Kuwait has simplified its visa application process for foreign nationals who hold valid residency in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, according to a report in Gulf News. The new policy is designed to make it easier for expatriates living in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to visit Kuwait for tourism or business. This move, which lowers bureaucratic hurdles but does not eliminate the need for a visa, is seen as a step toward greater regional economic integration and an effort to boost Kuwait's tourism and business sectors. The change specifically targets non-GCC citizens, as citizens of GCC countries already have visa-free travel within the bloc.

The peak summer period in the UAE, known as Al Mirzam, concludes on August 10, which may signal a gradual decrease in temperatures, according to a report in Khaleej Times. This period is distinctly known for its hot, dry winds that contribute to a significant rise in temperatures across the region.

Four women, ranging in age from 16 to 23, were injured in Ashdod, Israel, after a grenade was thrown at a residential building, the Times of Israel said in a report. One of the victims is in serious condition, while the others sustained lesser injuries. The women were reportedly outside the building when the explosive was thrown. Police are investigating the incident and have linked it to an ongoing feud between criminal organizations, believing the assailant may have attacked the wrong location.

Egypt and Türkiye have announced a 'qualitative development' in their bilateral relations, signaling a major step in normalizing ties that have been strained for over a decade, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This improvement follows a gradual, multi-year process of quiet diplomacy and is driven by mutual economic needs and a broader trend of regional de-escalation. The rapprochement is seen as a pragmatic shift, particularly involving Türkiye scaling back its support for the Muslim Brotherhood, a key point of contention since the 2013 overthrow of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi. The development is expected to reduce tensions over shared interests, including the situation in Libya and energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean.

One policeman has been killed in an attack by militants in the Sistan and Baluchestan province of southeast Iran, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The incident is the latest in a series of violent clashes in the region, which borders Afghanistan and Pakistan. The area frequently sees conflict between Iranian security forces and various armed groups, including Sunni militants and drug traffickers.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's management of the Gaza war, stating he has 'lost faith' in the prime minister's commitment to achieving a decisive victory, according to a report in the Times of Israel. Smotrich accused Netanyahu of choosing 'half-measures' instead of fully committing to the destruction of Hamas and reiterated his far-right party's demand for the annexation of Gaza. Despite the sharp critique, which highlights growing fissures within Israel's governing coalition, the finance minister did not threaten to resign from the government.

Saudi Arabia has praised the Lebanese government for its efforts to uphold the country's sovereignty, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The commendation is directed towards Lebanon's caretaker government, led by Prime Minister Najib Mikati, which has been operating amid a prolonged presidential vacuum and a severe economic crisis. This development is notable given the previously strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

A Knesset Member from the Religious Zionism party has threatened to push for new elections amid a deepening rift within Israel's governing coalition, according to a report in the Times of Israel. The move came after the party's leader, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy for the "day after" in the Gaza Strip. This internal conflict highlights significant tensions over the future governance and security control of Gaza, with the far-right party advocating for a hardline approach that opposes any significant role for the Palestinian Authority.

An exhibit has opened at the Israel Antiquities Authority campus in Jerusalem that details the work of archaeologists following the October 7 attacks, The Times of Israel says in a report. The new collection showcases the methods used for the identification of victims and the documentation of destruction sites. This work involved applying archaeological techniques to a recent event to provide crucial information to the families of the victims.

The World Bank's International Finance Corporation (IFC) has approved financing for a polysilicon production plant in Oman, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The project is a key part of Oman's 'Vision 2040' strategy, which aims to diversify the nation's economy and reduce its dependence on oil and gas revenues. Polysilicon is a critical raw material used in the manufacturing of solar panels, and the new facility aligns with a broader regional trend in the Middle East toward investing in renewable energy and green technologies.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi have implemented new rules for the real estate sector, requiring both listed properties and brokers to secure new permits, Gulf News said in a report. This regulatory update affects how properties are advertised and how real estate professionals operate within the emirate. The change mandates compliance with the new permit system for all relevant parties in the property market.

The United Arab Emirates is set to introduce a mandatory cybersecurity curriculum for all students from grade 1 through 12, Gulf News says in a report. This nationwide educational initiative aims to equip the country's youth with essential digital safety and security skills from an early age. The program aligns with the UAE's broader national strategy for digital transformation and economic diversification, seeking to enhance national resilience against cyber threats and develop a skilled workforce for the future.

A Dubai-based finance professional has won a prize of Dh100,000 in a UAE lottery, according to a report in Gulf News. The report identifies the winner as a man working at a finance desk in the city.

A court in the UAE has ruled in favor of a borrower involved in a loan default case valued at Dh600,000, as per a report in Gulf News. The judgment was made in a case concerning a borrower who had defaulted on their loan repayment obligations. The court's decision ultimately sided with the borrower's position in the legal dispute.

Authorities in Kuwait have arrested a man for the possession and sale of a large quantity of military insignia, Khaleej Times said in a report. The individual was found with more than 1,000 military ranks and 500 badges. Following the arrest by the General Department of Criminal Investigation, the man has been referred to the appropriate authorities to face legal action.

Saudi Arabian authorities arrested over 22,000 people in one week as part of a large-scale clampdown on individuals violating residency, labor, and border security regulations, according to a report in Arabian Business. The joint field campaigns were conducted across the kingdom to apprehend those in breach of the country's laws governing residency status and employment.

India's largest airline has partnered with Abu Dhabi to offer a city check-in service, enabling travelers to check in their luggage and receive boarding passes at a location within the city before arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport, according to a report in Gulf News. The initiative is designed to enhance convenience for passengers on the heavily trafficked India-UAE route. This development supports Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global tourism and aviation hub, reflecting the growing economic ties between India and the UAE, which were previously strengthened by the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The United Arab Emirates and Russia have signed a new Trade in Services and Investment Agreement aimed at enhancing their bilateral economic relationship, as per a report in Arabian Business. The deal is intended to build upon the existing $11.5 billion in trade between the two nations. This type of agreement typically covers sectors beyond goods, including financial services, tourism, transportation, and technology, while also providing protections for foreign investments.

Iran has threatened to block a planned transport corridor that is a central component of a potential US-backed peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia, according to a report in The Times of Israel. A senior adviser to Tehran signaled Iran's intent to obstruct the route, which is being referred to as the "Trump corridor" or TRIPP route. The development comes as Azerbaijan and Armenia are reportedly moving closer to finalizing an agreement that would significantly reshape trade and transit in the South Caucasus region.

The founder of an Iranian technology company has revealed that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) exerted pressure on his firm, highlighting the security force's extensive control over the nation's economy, as per a report in The Washington Post. The IRGC has systematically expanded its economic empire into key sectors such as construction, energy, and technology, often operating through front companies beyond the government's purview. This influence creates a challenging environment for private businesses and deters foreign investment. According to the report's context, international sanctions have paradoxically strengthened the IRGC's economic position by enabling it to control illicit trade networks and fill the void left by legitimate international commerce.

Iran has reportedly moved at least 15 of its top nuclear scientists to secure locations amid fears of additional Israeli attacks, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The move follows calls within Iran to improve protection for key personnel after a series of alleged Israeli assassinations of scientists that reportedly initiated a conflict in June.

Iran announced it has arrested 20 people alleged to be spies working for Israel, with a judiciary spokesperson stating the country will "show no leniency" and "make an example of them all," according to a report in The Times of Israel. The spokesperson emphasized that the judiciary would deal harshly with anyone accused of being an agent for what they termed the "Zionist regime." The action is described as part of an ongoing sweep of alleged collaborators by the Iranian government.

A leaked letter reveals that 13 House Democrats are urging President Donald Trump to recognize a Palestinian state, The Washington Post said in a report. This move from the progressive wing of the party adds to the pressure for a policy shift, following the formal recognition of Palestine by several U.S. allies in May 2024. The letter represents a departure from the long-standing U.S. policy that a Palestinian state should emerge from direct negotiations with Israel, highlighting growing divisions within the Democratic Party on the issue.