Latest news with #ArabianPeninsula
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Kuwait's cost of living up 2.25% compared to last year
KUWAIT CITY - The Central Statistical Administration (CSA) announced on Thursday that Kuwait's consumer price index (CPI) increased by 2.25 percent compared to May of last year. The inflation rate showed a monthly rise of 0.15 percent in May compared to April, according to the CSA. The data revealed that in April, the CPI had risen by 4.72 percent year-on-year. Breaking down the figures by category, the CPI for the cigarettes and tobacco group remained stable, while the clothing group saw a rise of 4.09 percent. Housing services prices increased by 0.74 percent, and home furnishings rose by 3.38 percent. The health sector recorded a 3.79 percent increase in prices. Conversely, transportation costs decreased by 1.05 percent compared to May 2024. The communications category experienced a modest price rise of 0.64 percent annually, while entertainment and culture prices increased by 1.92 percent. Education costs also rose by 0.87 percent. In April, prices for restaurants and hotels increased by 1.50 percent year-on-year, and miscellaneous goods and services rose by 4.9 percent. Excluding the food and beverages group, the overall inflation rate in Kuwait rose by 1.69 percent annually in May and by 0.08 percent compared to the previous month. Arab Times | © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
a day ago
- Climate
- Zawya
Oman: Early rains signal start of Dhofar's khareef season
Salalah - As much of the Arabian Peninsula sizzles amidst soaring summer temperatures, the southern Omani governorate of Dhofar is witnessing an entirely different phenomenon: light rains, mist-covered mountains and temperatures in the low 20s — all ahead of the official launch of the Khareef Dhofar Season on Saturday. Since Tuesday evening, several highland areas including the outskirts of Salalah, Qairoon Hiriti and Dhalkout have experienced light drizzle and cooler weather, with thick clouds rolling in across the mountains. Temperatures dropped to 23 °C in Qairoon Hiriti, while coastal areas such as Salalah, Taqah, and Sadah ranged between 28–32 °C, according to the Civil Aviation Authority's latest weather bulletin. The forecast indicates continued chances of scattered rainfall and low clouds across the Dhofar coast and mountains, driven by moderate to active winds and high humidity levels reaching up to 100 per cent in coastal zones. Sea conditions are expected to be rough, especially along southern shores. Unlike the rest of Oman and the GCC region, Dhofar experiences a unique microclimate each summer known as Khareef, caused by monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean. Between late June and early September, the governorate transforms into a lush green landscape with mist, cool temperatures and flowing springs — attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from Oman and abroad. Dhofar Municipality has announced that the 2025 season will officially kick off next week, with a 10–15 per cent expected rise in visitor numbers compared to last year. This year's edition includes upgraded tourism zones, expanded cultural programming and stronger support for Omani small businesses and artisans — aligning with Oman Vision 2040's goals for sustainable tourism and local economic development. With early rains already gracing the mountains, tourism operators, local authorities and service providers are working in full coordination to ensure a safe and seamless experience for all visitors. Key destinations such as Ateen Plain, Al Haffa, Mirbat and Taqah are being prepared with improved infrastructure, public amenities and a rich calendar of events throughout the season.
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Politics
- Arabian Business
Kuwait announces Islamic New Year holiday
The Kuwaiti Cabinet has declared Thursday, June 26 as a public holiday on the occasion of the Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year). All ministries and state bodies in the country will suspend work on that day and resume work on Sunday, June 29. The decision was made by the Cabinet during its weekly meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. Islamic New Year in Kuwait The Cabinet congratulated Amir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al Sabah and the national citizens on the Islamic New Year.
Argaam
4 days ago
- Business
- Argaam
Prices of 100 Saudi commodities, services rise in May
The average prices of 100 out of 169 goods and services in 10 categories in Saudi Arabia turned higher year-on-year (YoY) in May, data issued by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) showed. On the other hand, the prices of 64 commodities declined for the same month, while five others remained unchanged. African medium lemon was the highest gainer in May, up 34.35% YoY, followed by white American cardamom with a 28.62% YoY hike. Meanwhile, local medium potatoes was the biggest decliner, dropping by 14.8% YoY, followed by local spreadable cheese (Almarai), which tumbled by 14.6% YoY. Elsewhere, prices of 29 construction materials rose on an annual basis last month, while eight others decreased YoY. Annual prices of five feed and livestock types surged in May, while eight others contracted YoY. In the clothing category, prices of six items increased YoY, while four others retreated YoY for the same month. Prices of three miscellaneous personal services and commodities went up YoY, while one fell YoY in May. Prices of three detergent products advanced last month, compared to May 2024. Meanwhile, one item remained flat. Prices of the three health services witnessed a YoY rise in the same month. Similarly, prices of one service under the maintenance & repair of personal means of transportation grew on an annual basis. The other service under the same category, on the other hand, retreated YoY in May. Meanwhile, prices of both hotel rooms and furnished apartments soared YoY in May.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Oman: Dhahirah produces over 41t of honey in 2024 worth $1.5mln
Muscat – Dhahirah governorate produced more than 41 tonnes of honey in 2024, with the market value of this output exceeding RO615,000, according to data released by the Directorate General of Agricultural Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhahirah. Official statistics show that the number of registered beekeepers in the governorate reached 992 by the end of last year, collectively managing 23,680 beehives across various wilayats. Dhahirah is widely regarded to have a favourable environment for beekeeping and honey production, thanks to its diverse vegetation and abundant sidr and samar trees, which support the production of high-quality honey varieties. Local products include sidr honey, samar honey, honey in comb, bee pollen, and a range of medicinal bee-derived products. The directorate continues to invest in the development of the sector by offering training and awareness programmes for beekeepers. These initiatives provide guidance on modern hive management, bee health, and the adoption of sustainable, technology-driven practices, aiming to improve both the quality and quantity of honey produced while supporting the livelihoods of local farmers and beekeepers. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
