(Credit - KUNA)
Kuwait Overhauls Citizenship Rules and Voting Rights
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has signed off on a major decree-law overhauling the nation’s citizenship framework, stripping naturalised citizens of voting rights and introducing digital nationality certificates. Reported via the state news agency KUNA, the sweeping legislative changes reshape political participation, administrative documentation, and family file compliance across the country.
Political Rights Rolled Back for Naturalised Citizens
The amendment permanently bars individuals who acquired Kuwaiti citizenship through naturalisation from voting, running for election, or securing appointments to any parliamentary body. Previously, naturalised citizens could cast ballots after holding citizenship for 30 years, although running for office or holding parliamentary appointments was already prohibited, according to AFP. That 30-year threshold has now been removed in favour of an outright restriction on voting and political office.
Digital Certificates Replace Paper Documentation
Administrative procedures are also shifting online with the introduction of official electronic nationality certificates. These digital documents carry the exact same legal validity and operational effect as traditional paper certificates, allowing residents to use them as direct replacements for official purposes.
The interior minister will establish the specific technical and technological rules governing how these certificates are issued, stored, and utilized. This framework will also cover official procedures for verifying certificate validity, as well as guidelines for suspending or cancelling their use.
Stricter Penalties for Citizenship File Fraud
The decree tightens oversight on family files by targeting historical or intentional discrepancies. Authorities can now revoke citizenship from the children or descendants of anyone who deliberately added an individual who is not a true child or descendant to their nationality file.
This penalty applies if the violation is confirmed through an official investigation or a final court ruling, and investigators establish that the children or descendants were aware of the falsification.
Enzo Maresca Secures Late 2-1 Win for Man City Over Bournemouth
Late Goals Salvage 2-1 Win for Enzo Maresca in Man City Debut
Late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Manchester City against Bournemouth on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, marking a winning Premier League debut for manager Enzo Maresca. The result provides immediate relief for the club as supporters navigate a period of major squad upheaval following Pep Guardiola's departure.
Bournemouth seized control in the 26th minute when Marcus Tavernier capitalized on static defending by Ruben Dias and Abdukodir Khusanov to stroke a composed finish past Gianluigi Donnarumma from six yards out, following an incisive cross from Evanilson. City struggled for attacking cohesion throughout much of the fixture, drawing early complaints from the stands. Erling Haaland squandered a close-range chance after receiving a cross from Nico O'Reilly, who was shifted closer to the attack in a curious starting line-up featuring six players classifiable as defenders.
The match turned when Maresca introduced French playmaker Rayan Cherki from the bench. The tactical adjustment paid off in the 84th minute when Guehi headed in City's equalizer from a Phil Foden corner, making up for his earlier missed header from close range. Gvardiol then sealed the comeback by stroking in the winner during stoppage time.
Maresca takes charge following a decade under Guardiola, who claimed 20 trophies before stepping down. City enter the new campaign amid significant roster changes, with Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Tijjani Reijnders departing, while Savinho is set to join Tottenham. Midfielder Elliot Anderson remains the club's only major arrival so far, though reports indicate City are poised to sign Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi in a deal valued at £86 million ($117 million). The narrow victory follows City's 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Community Shield.
Liverpool Snatches 2-2 Draw at Newcastle via Late Penalty
Szoboszlai Stoppage-Time Penalty Rescues 2-2 Draw for Liverpool
Liverpool salvaged a 2-2 Premier League draw against Newcastle United on Sunday after midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai converted a ninth-minute stoppage-time penalty at Newcastle. The late equaliser denied Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle a debut victory while earning new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola his first top-flight point in charge.
Late Penalty Denies Jaissle Debut Win as Iraola Era Starts With Stoppage-Time Drama
Dominik Szoboszlai's spot kick arrived in the ninth minute of stoppage time after Newcastle defender Lewis Hall brought down Liverpool's Victor Munoz inside the penalty box. Anthony Elanga had opened the scoring for Newcastle before Cody Gakpo equalised early in the second half, though Newcastle managed to retake a 2-1 lead prior to the late defensive mistake. Iraola credited his squad's refusal to give up, noting that while the overall display was underwhelming, recovering a point in the final minute provided a positive outcome.
Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa noted that conceding thirty seconds before the final whistle felt rough, though he emphasized that the performance showed the team's readiness under Jaissle, who assumed management three weeks ago. The match marked the start of a competitive transition for Newcastle following the departure of former manager Eddie Howe and the offseason sales of midfielders Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur.
The opening-weekend result leaves both clubs tied on one point in the Premier League table as both head coaches begin their respective campaigns.
Fake News Flagged Faster: AI System Tracks UAE Feeds
Real-Time Tracking Targets Online Misinformation Across Media Feeds
The International Centre for Combating Media Disinformation (ICCMD) has unveiled an advanced artificial intelligence platform designed to scan, track, and verify digital media across the web. The announcement came during the inaugural meeting of the centre's Board of Directors, which was held remotely under the chairmanship of Issa Al Shaiji.
Smarter Monitoring for Digital Feeds and Online Trends
The newly launched technology provides real-time surveillance of digital content to flag deceptive claims and viral rumors before they spread across community channels. Secretary-General Sultan Al Hosani outlined the operational vision, explaining that the integrated digital framework examines keywords, media narratives, content dissemination patterns, and emerging indicators. By combining automated AI analysis with professional verification, the platform tracks how specific narratives move across online networks.
Alongside the technological rollout, the ICCMD introduced the International Charter for Media Integrity and Combating Misinformation. The initiative builds a cross-border network linking media outlets, professional associations, academic bodies, and research organizations under unified verification standards. Board Chairman Issa Al Shaiji noted that curbing digital falsehoods requires direct investment in modern monitoring tools alongside multi-institutional partnerships.
Highlighting the joint effort needed to keep public information reliable, UAE Journalists Association Chairperson Fadila Al Muaini stated that credible media remains the primary defense against deceptive content. She emphasized that regional expertise across GCC media institutions is well positioned to strengthen integrity standards as digital content shifts rapidly.
The newly launched system and media charter establish a coordinated operational framework to ensure online information stays verified and accurate before reaching the public.
6.0-Magnitude Japan Earthquake 2026 Recorded at 46km Depth
6.0-Magnitude Tremor Hits Japan at Depth of 46 Kilometers
A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Japan on August 23, 2026, with seismic activity recorded at 5:44 PM UAE time. International monitoring bodies and regional tracking networks logged the disturbance as automated instruments picked up the shockwaves.
Seismic Networks Register Tremor at Depth of 46 Kilometers
Data from the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre confirmed the focal depth of the quake reached 46 kilometers beneath the earth's surface. The National Center of Meteorology in the UAE simultaneously registered the event through its National Seismic Network. Ground movement shook structures in Tokyo, but officials issued no tsunami warnings following the tremor.
Arab Media Summit 2026 Enlists Nine Major UAE State Partners
Arab Media Summit 2026 Adds Nine National Partners Ahead of September Launch
The Dubai Press Club has announced nine leading national institutions as partners for the Arab Media Summit 2026, scheduled to run from September 15 to 17. Regional media organizations, state enterprises, and government authorities are aligning to support the largest media gathering in the region ahead of its autumn launch.
State-Backed Collaboration Shapes the Region's Largest Media Gathering
The upcoming summit will operate under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.
The newly appointed partners span key economic, logistical, and municipal sectors across the emirate. The Roads and Transport Authority joins as the Mobility Partner, while Dubai Chambers steps in as the Global Commerce Partner. ENOC Group takes on the role of Energy Partner, and Dubai Customs is named Trade and Economic Partner.
Additional backing comes from Emirates as the Airline Partner, Emirates NBD as the Banking Partner, Dubai Courts as a Leading Partner, Dubai Municipality as the Future City Partner, and du as the Telecommunication Partner.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, President of the Dubai Press Club, and Chairperson of the Arab Media Summit Organising Committee, stated that the partnerships reflect a growing recognition of the media sector's capacity to support national development and shape future trajectories. She noted that local institutions have historically helped build a globally recognized model that strengthens the emirate's soft power and international presence.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the Roads and Transport Authority, stated that the media remains an essential partner in raising public awareness, facilitating knowledge transfer, and highlighting civic achievements. He added that the summit serves as a vital platform for cross-sector discussions on the future of media, including the integration of artificial intelligence.
