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Carrefour, once a leading hypermarket chain, is rapidly retreating from several Middle Eastern markets, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Oman, with its franchise partner Majid Al Futtaim replacing it with the local brand HyperMax. The closures follow regional political pressures and strategic shifts, while Carrefour continues to operate in some markets like the UAE and Egypt.
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Following a US government funding lapse, US embassies across the Gulf and Asia have reduced operations. Consular services like passports and visas continue, but social media updates are limited. The shutdown affects multiple agencies, with essential functions maintained, creating uncertainty for travelers and US citizens abroad.
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GCC nations from Saudi Arabia to Oman now offer various long-term visas, allowing foreigners to live, work, and invest without local sponsors. The UAE's Golden Visa led the trend, with other countries adopting their own versions, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, each with specific investment and residency criteria.
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Loganair becomes the UK's most punctual airline, achieving 86% on-time departures and arrivals. Prestwick Airport launches a new freight route to Zhengzhou, boosting UK-China trade. Edinburgh and Glasgow airports announce new routes, while Gulf Air resumes flights to New York, reflecting growing international connectivity.
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Leaders from over 20 countries, including Egypt, the US, and European nations, are convening in Sharm el-Sheikh to discuss Gaza's future amid a recent ceasefire. The summit aims to promote regional stability, support reconstruction, and address the ongoing conflict, with key players like Hamas and Israel absent.
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Daylight saving time ends this weekend in many regions, with clocks set back an hour. New Stanford research supports adopting permanent standard time, citing health benefits linked to circadian rhythm alignment. The change impacts sleep, health, and international coordination, especially between Europe, North America, and Israel.
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Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, a Bahraini human rights activist and Danish citizen, has started an open-ended hunger strike at Bahrain's Jaw Rehabilitation Center. His health is deteriorating, with warnings from a doctor about the risk of death. The strike aims to pressure Denmark and the EU for his release amid ongoing political tensions.
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Fighting in Sudan's el-Fasher has led to mass killings, sexual violence, and a humanitarian crisis. Leaders call for an immediate ceasefire as thousands are displaced and civilians face famine-like conditions. Reports indicate widespread atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces, with the situation deteriorating rapidly.