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Saudi announces SAR500 allowance hike, new salary rules: Here’s what to know

According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the revised thresholds under the Nitaqat Saudisation program will be introduced in two phases

Nida Sohail
Nida Sohail

26 October, 2026

Saudi announces SAR500 allowance hike, new salary rules: Here’s what to know

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Saudi Arabia will raise the minimum monthly wage threshold for Saudi employees to count fully toward private-sector Saudisation requirements to SAR5,000 in April 2027 and SAR6,000 in April 2028, while eligible citizens are set to receive an additional SAR500 in monthly allowances under directives issued by King Salman.

According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the revised thresholds under the Nitaqat Saudisation program will be introduced in two phases, starting six months after the announcement on October 25, 2026, a Saudi Gazette report said.

The first phase will take effect on April 25, 2027, when the minimum monthly wage required for a Saudi employee to count fully toward a company’s Saudization quota will increase to SAR5,000. The threshold will subsequently rise to SAR6,000 on April 25, 2028.

The ministry clarified that the decision does not oblige private-sector employers to directly raise the salaries of Saudi employees. Instead, it changes the wage threshold used to determine whether employees count fully toward their employers’ Saudization requirements. The phased rollout is intended to give businesses time to prepare for the changes.

King Salman orders SAR500 monthly allowance increase

Separately, King Salman has ordered a SAR500 increase in monthly allowances for eligible civilian and military employees covered by civil service pay scales and employment programs, retirees, and family members of deceased contributors or retirees covered by the Social Insurance Law.

Families receiving social security benefits will also qualify for additional monthly support of SAR500, subject to applicable regulations and procedures.

The measures, based on a proposal presented by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, coincide with adjustments to electricity and water consumption tariffs announced by the Saudi Energy Company and the National Water Company, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.

The financial support is intended to help ease the impact of the utility tariff adjustments on citizens.

The directives also seek to improve salary levels and promote sustainable employment opportunities for Saudi nationals in the private sector through the revised Nitaqat wage requirements.

Apple iPhone Duo users report screen cracks days after launch

Apple’s first foldable iPhone faces early durability concerns as users report cracked displays, dead pixels and possible hinge-related failures

Rajiv Pillai
Rajiv Pillai

26 October, 2026

Apple iPhone Duo users report screen cracks days after launch
Image: Reddit user identified as Midnight_Slump (verified claim by Reddit)

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Apple’s newly launched iPhone Duo is facing complaints over screen durability, with several early buyers reporting cracked displays and pixel failures just days after the company’s first foldable smartphone went on sale in Dubai and other global markets on October 23.

Images and accounts shared on Reddit, X and technology forums show damage concentrated around the device’s internal folding hinge, with some screens developing vertical cracks, bright white lines and dead pixels within hours of purchase.

The reports have raised questions about the durability of Apple’s premium foldable device, which is priced between Dhs8,499 and Dhs13,599 in the UAE, although the extent of the problem remains unclear.

iPhone Duo screen reportedly cracks within six hours

One of the earliest complaints emerged from Australia, where a Reddit user identified as Midnight_Slump reported that their iPhone Duo’s internal display cracked after approximately six hours of ownership and fewer than 20 openings.

According to the user’s account on the iPhone Duo subreddit, they noticed an unusual sensation beneath the display near the hinge while opening the device to show a friend. The screen subsequently cracked along the folding mechanism.

The user said there were no visible signs of external damage or anything trapped inside the device that could explain the failure.

Apple initially offered an express replacement, but the customer said the process would have required a hold for the phone’s full purchase price without a guaranteed delivery date.

The customer subsequently visited an Apple Store, where the device was replaced. Reddit moderators reportedly verified the incident after reviewing additional photographs and Apple service documentation, although they could not establish what caused the damage.

Similar complaints emerge on Reddit and X

The Australian incident does not appear to be the only reported case.

According to 9to5Mac, approximately 10 distinct cases of similar screen damage had been identified by October 25, with several users reporting cracks running down the centre of the folding display.

Some affected devices reportedly developed a horizontal band of white pixels, while others experienced display failures during initial setup.

Images of damaged iPhone Duo demonstration units have also circulated on Chinese social media platforms, although the circumstances surrounding those incidents have not been independently established.

On X, technology commentator Mike Rundle, who posts under the handle @flyosity, said he had seen seven photographs showing similar damage, alongside videos circulating on TikTok.

The recurring pattern has prompted speculation that a component within the hinge assembly may be exerting pressure on the flexible display. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to establish whether the incidents are linked to a common manufacturing or design defect.

View post on X

Could the iPhone Duo hinge be causing screen damage?

A teardown of the iPhone Duo has provided a possible explanation for the reported failures.

According to The Verge, YouTuber CuriousHagi reproduced a screen crack during durability testing before dismantling the device to investigate.

The examination identified a broken connecting component within the hinge assembly that was thinner than surrounding parts. Marks where the hinge contacted a supporting plate also suggested that the mechanism may have caught during operation.

However, these findings do not conclusively establish the cause of the failures reported by customers or indicate that every iPhone Duo is affected.

New parking fees in Dubai: What drivers need to know about charges in two areas

In Dubai Islands, paid public parking operates around the clock under zone code 101G, with subscription options available for motorists seeking longer-term parking

Nida Sohail
Nida Sohail

26 October, 2026

New parking fees in Dubai: What drivers need to know about charges in two areas

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Dubai has introduced paid public parking in Warsan Industrial and Dubai Islands, with new tariffs, designated zone codes and subscription packages for motorists. The arrangements cover hourly payments and longer-term parking options, according to posts on Parkin’s official Instagram page.

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A post shared by Parkin (@parkinuae)

The new parking zones operate under code 622T in Warsan Industrial and code 101G in Dubai Islands. Signboards have been installed at both locations to identify designated parking areas and provide information on applicable charges.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Parkin (@parkinuae)

Warsan Industrial parking tariffs

Paid parking in Warsan Industrial operates from 8:00am to 10:00pm, with motorists able to choose from subscription packages ranging from one month to one year.

The one-month subscription costs Dhs580, while the three-month package is priced at Dhs1,385. A six-month subscription is available for Dhs2,080, and the annual package costs Dhs3,460.

Read more: Parkin scores 10-year JLT deal, securing control of 2,800 parking spaces

Motorists who do not require a long-term subscription can pay by the hour. Residents and visitors can check the applicable rates on parking signboards or through the Parkin application.

Dubai Islands parking tariffs

In Dubai Islands, paid public parking operates around the clock under zone code 101G, with subscription options available for motorists seeking longer-term parking.

A three-month subscription costs Dhs900, while a six-month package is priced at Dhs1,800. The annual subscription is available for Dhs3,600.

Hourly parking payments are also available to residents and visitors. Motorists can refer to the signboards installed at the location or use the Parkin application to check the applicable charges and payment options.

Different parking options for motorists

The two locations have different operating hours and subscription structures, giving motorists a choice of payment options based on their parking needs.

Warsan Industrial offers subscriptions for one, three and six months, as well as an annual package. Dubai Islands, meanwhile, provides three-month, six-month and annual subscriptions, with parking available 24 hours a day.

Motorists using the designated parking areas should check the relevant zone codes, operating hours and tariffs before parking. The signboards and Parkin application provide further information on charges and available payment options.

Parkin renews JLT parking agreement

Parkin has also renewed its Parking Management Framework Agreement with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) for another 10 years.

Under the agreement, announced on October 21, 2026, Parkin will continue to manage and operate approximately 2,800 paid parking spaces across Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), including 250 designated motorcycle parking spaces. The renewal strengthens the companies’ long-standing partnership and maintains Parkin’s exclusive responsibility for parking operations across the area.

Parkin expands wallet top-up options

In a separate development, Parkin partnered with UAE-based payment solutions provider uPay to enable customers to top up their Parkin wallets through uPay’s kiosk network across the country.

Announced on September 17, 2026, the partnership allows customers to add funds using cash at uPay kiosks, with credit card payments also available. The initiative aims to give customers greater flexibility and improve access to wallet top-up services.

Dubai traffic alert: RTA to open final World Trade Centre bridge on October 30

The 1,000-metre, two-lane bridge will accommodate approximately 3,000 vehicles per hour, serving traffic travelling from Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street

Nida Sohail
Nida Sohail

25 October, 2026

Dubai traffic alert: RTA to open final World Trade Centre bridge on October 30

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will open the final bridge of the World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project on Friday, October 30, completing a major road infrastructure upgrade costing more than AED696 million.

The 1,000-metre, two-lane bridge will accommodate approximately 3,000 vehicles per hour, serving traffic travelling from Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street. The opening is expected to significantly improve traffic flow at one of Dubai’s key intersections.

Read more: New speed limits on these 5 Dubai roads from November 1

According to a WAM report, the bridge will cut journey times between Al Majlis Street and 2nd December Street from six minutes to just one minute.

Five bridges to improve traffic flow

With the final bridge opening, RTA will have completed all major works under the project, which comprises five bridges with a combined length of 5,000 metres.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said the project involved converting the former roundabout into an at-grade intersection. The development aims to improve traffic flow on Sheikh Zayed Road and strengthen connectivity between Dubai’s key economic and commercial centres.

Al Tayer added that the project will reduce average delays at the intersection from 12 minutes to 90 seconds, benefiting more than 500,000 residents and visitors.

The infrastructure upgrade is designed to ease congestion and improve movement across several important routes, supporting access to major commercial and residential districts.

Al Mustaqbal Street project to follow

Al Tayer said the World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project complements the Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project, which is scheduled for completion in 2027.

The upcoming project will include bridges and tunnels spanning a total of 1,500 metres. It will also expand Al Mustaqbal Street to four lanes in each direction, increasing the road’s capacity by 33 percent.

Key districts to benefit

The World Trade Centre project includes a second-level bridge towards Deira, two bridges linking Sheikh Rashid Street with 2nd December Street, and two bridges connecting Al Majlis Street with 2nd December Street. Together, the structures are intended to provide uninterrupted traffic movement in multiple directions.

The integrated road network serves several key areas, including Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai International Financial Centre, Zaa’beel, Al Satwa, Al Karama, Al Jafiliya and Al Mankhool.

The completion marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s ongoing efforts to improve road capacity, reduce travel delays and strengthen connectivity across the emirate.

Saudi’s Riyadh airport officially resumes operations at two terminals after Houthi attacks

King Khalid International Airport announces terminal arrangements for domestic and international flights, urging passengers to verify bookings

Rajiv Pillai
Rajiv Pillai

25 October, 2026

Saudi’s Riyadh airport officially resumes operations at two terminals after Houthi attacks
King Khalid International Airport/Image: Getty Images

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King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has announced that Terminals 1 and 2 will be designated for domestic and international flight operations, respectively, from Sunday, October 25, 2026, as the Saudi capital’s main aviation hub implements updated terminal arrangements.

In an official travel advisory posted on Instagram on October 24, the airport confirmed that Terminal 1 will be designated for domestic flights, while Terminal 2 will handle international flights operated by national carriers.

The announcement provides updated guidance for passengers travelling through Riyadh, with the airport urging travellers to confirm their flight details before departure.

Riyadh airport: New terminal arrangements from October 25

According to the airport’s official advisory, the following terminal arrangements will take effect from Sunday:
– Terminal 1: Domestic flights.
– Terminal 2: International flights operated by national carriers.

The airport advised passengers holding confirmed bookings to contact their respective airlines to verify the status of their reservations and flights before travelling to the airport.

The advisory stated: “We kindly advise passengers with confirmed bookings to contact their airlines to verify the status of their bookings and flights before heading to the airport.”

The announcement did not specify whether the arrangements apply to international flights operated by foreign airlines or provide details about operations at the airport’s other terminals.

Riyadh airport resumes operations after Houthi attacks

The reopening of the two terminals follows a suspension of airport operations after a deadly Houthi-claimed attack on October 10.

The attack killed over 12 people and injured more than 300, prompting authorities to halt airport operations.

Easy money or costly trap? Dubai Police warn of fraudulent part-time job offers

The Anti-Fraud Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation stressed that legitimate part-time opportunities come from legally licensed businesses with verifiable identities and addresses

Nida Sohail
Nida Sohail

24 October, 2026

Easy money or costly trap? Dubai Police warn of fraudulent part-time job offers

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Dubai Police have warned jobseekers against fraudulent part-time job offers designed to steal banking information or draw unsuspecting applicants into illegal financial transactions.

The Anti-Fraud Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation stressed that legitimate part-time opportunities come from legally licensed businesses with verifiable identities and addresses. Genuine offers should also outline clear employment terms, the rights and responsibilities of both parties, and proper recruitment procedures, according to a Dubai Police news report.

Read more- Dubai Police gives Ferrari Mansory a new mission: Making services more accessible

The warning forms part of Dubai Police’s participation in the Ministry of Interior’s “A Safe UAE Starts with Your Digital Awareness” campaign, launched in October alongside Cybersecurity Awareness Month to raise awareness of online fraud and cybercrime.

How fake job offers work

The Anti-Fraud Centre said scammers often target people seeking additional income by advertising attractive part-time opportunities that turn out to be fraudulent.

These schemes may involve attempts to obtain applicants’ banking details or persuade them to make or facilitate illegal financial transfers linked to criminal activities.

Dubai Police urged jobseekers to verify a prospective employer’s identity and legal status before sharing personal information, accepting an offer or transferring money.

Applicants should check company names and registration details through official channels and ensure they are communicating with a legitimate, identifiable employer.

The centre also stressed that jobseekers should never pay fees to secure employment.

Never share banking details or OTPs

Dubai Police warned jobseekers against sharing banking information or one-time passwords (OTPs) with individuals or companies claiming to offer employment.

Applicants were also advised to avoid clicking on unfamiliar links received through social media or messaging applications.

The Anti-Fraud Centre highlighted another major warning sign: an employer asking applicants to receive money into their personal bank accounts and transfer it to another party in exchange for a commission.

Jobseekers who receive such requests should immediately stop communicating with the organisation, as the arrangement could be linked to illegal financial activities.

Report suspicious job offers

Dubai Police urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid responding to suspicious employment advertisements, particularly those promising easy earnings without clear recruitment procedures.

The Anti-Fraud Centre encouraged anyone who encounters fraudulent job offers, suspicious accounts or potentially malicious links to report them through the Dubai Police eCrime platform or by calling 901.

Dubai Police reiterated that public awareness and careful verification are essential to preventing online fraud and protecting jobseekers from financial exploitation.

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Saudi announces SAR500 allowance hike, new salary rules: Here’s what to know