world

Saudi Arabia: No threat from Ethiopian volcano ash drifting toward Red Sea

The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has confirmed that the recent eruption of Ethiopia’s Haile Gobi volcano poses no direct threat to Saudi Arabia’s atmosphere, according to the Saudi Gazette.

The centre emphasised that ongoing monitoring shows no ash drift toward the Kingdom, ensuring that air quality and weather conditions across Saudi Arabia remain unaffected by the volcanic activity.

Continuous monitoring of ash movement

The Saudi Gazette reported that Hussein Al Qahtani, spokesman for the National Center for Meteorology (NCM), said the centre is tracking cloud movement and weather patterns around the clock using advanced national systems.

“Current indicators show no path of volcanic ash toward the Kingdom’s atmosphere. Weather conditions are continuously monitored and updated,” he added.

Preparedness and alerts

Al Qahtani confirmed that necessary measures will be taken if any impactful weather occurs, and the centre will continue to issue alerts or updates as required.

Ash drifts toward Yemen and Oman

A long-dormant Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted on Sunday morning, sending ash plumes across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman. The neighbouring village of Afdera was blanketed in dust. Local administrator Mohammed Seid said there were no casualties but warned the eruption could have economic impacts on livestock herders, as animals struggle to find food.

Tourism affected

The village near the Danakil Desert, a popular tourist site, remained ash-covered on Monday, leaving tourists and guides stranded.

Authorities shared photos and videos of a towering ash plume rising from the volcano, highlighting the eruption’s scale.

Gulf News

Culture

Oulu, Trenčín Named 2026 European Culture Capitals

The cities of Oulu in Finland and Trenčín in Slovakia have been selected as European Capitals of Culture for 2026.

The European Union annually names several cities as European Capitals of Culture to underline Europe’s cultural diversity and honour the cultural and artistic identity of each region.

The two cities replace Chemnitz in Germany’s Saxony and the Slovenian-Italian border twin cities of Nova Gorica/Gorizia.

WAM

world

Oman announces January 2026 public holidays in advance

Oman has confirmed two public holidays in January 2026 to mark Accession Day and the Islamic occasion of Al Isra’a Wal Miraj, as part of a newly approved policy to announce national and religious holidays in advance each year.

Under the calendar endorsed by the Council of Ministers, Thursday, January 15, 2026, will be observed as a public holiday to commemorate Accession Day, marking the anniversary of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s accession to the throne.

A second public holiday will follow on Sunday, January 18, 2026, to mark Al Isra’a Wal Miraj, the Islamic observance commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey and ascension.

The announcements is part of a shift in how holidays are scheduled, with the government opting to publish dates at the start of each Gregorian year to improve institutional planning and coordination across both the public and private sectors.

However, the policy excludes Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, which will continue to be announced separately based on official moon sighting.

In a statement, the Ministry of Labour said the advance scheduling is intended to help government entities and businesses organise daily, seasonal and annual operations more efficiently, while also reducing clashes between public holidays and major local or international events.

The ministry added that employees required to work during official holidays will continue to be compensated in line with existing labour regulations.

Beyond January, the government also confirmed public holidays later in the year, including National Day on November 25 and 26, Islamic New Year on June 18, and Mawlid Al Nabawi on August 27, reinforcing the country’s move towards greater predictability in its annual calendar.

Story by Gulf News

world

Syria to launch new currency on January 1

Syria is set to introduce a new national currency starting 1st January 2026, the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Abdulkader Husarieh, announced on Thursday.

In a statement carried by Syria Arab News Agency (SANA), Husarieh described the move, outlined in Decree No. 293 of 2025, as a “pivotal national milestone” and the beginning of a new economic and monetary phase for the country.

Under the decree, the Central Bank has been granted authority to set the timelines and locations for the currency exchange, Husarieh said, pledging that the process will be smooth and well-organised.

He added that the procedures will be explained clearly and transparently during a dedicated press conference, aimed at enhancing public confidence and reinforcing the partnership between the bank and citizens.

Speaking on the significance of the new currency, Husarieh said it symbolises Syria’s financial sovereignty following liberation and represents a step toward economic stability and development.

Story by WAM