MUST-READS

• In divided Iran, president’s death met by muted mourning and furtive celebration
  Iran proclaimed five days of mourning for President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday, though the muted atmosphere revealed little of the spectacular public grief that has accompanied the deaths of other senior figures in the Islamic Republic's 45-year history.
  While government loyalists packed into mosques and squares to pray for Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, both killed in a helicopter crash, most shops remained open and the authorities made little effort to interrupt ordinary life.

• Is Kuwait’s National Assembly history?

  Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah’s decision to dissolve Kuwait’s National Assembly this month is a significant development. In an announcement on state television, the Emir declared that for “a period of no more than four years,” the parliament and parts of the constitution would be suspended and under review. “I will not allow democracy to be exploited to destroy the country,” said Sheikh Meshaal, who claimed he was required to make “difficult decisions to save the country.”

• Cloud Seeding Program plans to cover Makkah and Holy Sites using ground-based generators

  The Saudi Regional Cloud Seeding Program confirmed that it is working to improve the weather condition in the Kingdom by making optimal use of all available opportunities and technologies. Its focusses include using ground-based generators to stimulate clouds from high altitudes rather than using aircraft. The program also noted that Makkah and the Holy Sites will be given priority while implementing this new technology of cloud seeding program.

• Saudi Crown Prince Postpones Japan Trip Over King’s Health

  The trip set to start Monday was to have been the crown prince’s first visit to Japan since 2019. Hayashi said at a regular news briefing in Tokyo the two nations would reschedule the visit, without indicating when.

• Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight results, highlights: Ukrainian wins to become undisputed heavyweight champ

  The narratives went out the window when Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury met to crown an undisputed heavyweight champion on Saturday. Fury, the bigger and supposedly more powerful man, outboxed the boxer in the first half of the fight before Usyk turned the fight on a dime with a brutal ninth-round assault  that appeared to have the "Gypsy King" out on his feet for a moment as he stumbled around the ring before crashing to the canvas.

• Saudi Arabia stages ‘historic’ first swimwear fashion show

  The poolside show featuring the work of Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal included mostly one-piece suits in shades of red, beige and blue. Most models had exposed shoulders and some had their midriffs partially visible.

  "It's true that this country is very conservative but we tried to show elegant swimsuits which represent the Arab world," Qanzal said.

• Saudi Arabia studies new strategies to mitigate extreme heat experienced by pilgrims during Hajj
  The National Centre of Meteorology in Saudi Arabia is exploring a new strategy to mitigate the extreme heat experienced by pilgrims during the annual Hajj pilgrimage by potentially employing advanced weather modification techniques.
  Dr. Ayman Ghulam, CEO of the centre, unveiled this innovative approach during a workshop on climate impact for the upcoming Hajj season.

• Hezbollah introduces new weapons and tactics against Israel as war in Gaza drags on

  Hezbollah has regularly fired missiles across the border with Israel over the past seven months, but the one on Thursday appears to have been the first successful missile airstrike it has launched from within Israeli airspace. The group has stepped up its attacks on Israel in recent weeks, particularly since the Israeli incursion into the southern city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. It has struck deeper inside Israel and introduced new and more advanced weaponry.

• Young Population of Early Adopters Have Facilitated the Rapid Uptake of Smart Appliances

  We have witnessed intelligent homes grow in tandem with rapid urbanization across the Middle East and increased accessibility of smart appliances. Middle East customers rank among the most engaged users worldwide, with 14 daily interactions per customer. In 2023, Alexa’s monthly active customers in the region increased by 40%, with 11 smart appliances connected to Alexa per customer on average.

• Umrah not allowed for those without a Hajj permit between May 24 and June 26

  The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that Umrah permits will not be issued for those who do not have a confirmed Hajj permit during the period from Dhul Qada 16, corresponding to May 24, until Dhul-Hijjah 20, corresponding to June 26. The ministry issued the directive to facilitate the Hajj pilgrims, who started flocking to Saudi Arabia from all over the world, to perform their rituals at the Grand Mosque in Makkah in ease and comfort.

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