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Oman to host annual Thailand Festival with free entry

The Thai Embassy in Muscat, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Thai Trade Office, Thai businesses, and the Thai community in Oman, has announced the Thailand Festival in Oman 2025.

The Thailand Festival in Oman 2025 is scheduled from 28 to 30 August at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Ground Floor, Atrium.

The annual event promises a vibrant showcase of Thai culture, food, films, and performances. Visitors will enjoy popular Thai films including The Gift, Under the Wings of Dreams, and Letter from the Sun.

Cultural highlights include nine live performances by Burnett Thailand, featuring acts such as Sound of Lanna, Bangkok Joy, Southern Breeze, Amazing Thailand, Candlelight in Chiang Mai, Flavors of Isaan, Pink Lotus, Loy Kra Thong Sukhothai, and the famous Songkran Water Festival.

The festival will open on Thursday, 28 August, from 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm, and continue on Friday and Saturday, 29–30 August, from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Food lovers can savour authentic Thai cuisine, including Pad Thai, Tom Yum Kung, Som Tam, Thai ice cream, dried fruits, and desserts. There will also be interactive activities such as a DIY Bo Sang Umbrella Painting Workshop and children’s entertainment.

The event is free to attend and organised by Almustaqaf Business, offering an immersive experience of Thailand’s rich traditions right in the heart of Oman.

Also Read: Oman to launch golden visa program with digital trade reforms

In other news, the Sultanate of Oman is scheduled to announce its highly anticipated Golden Visa program on August 31, 2025, offering permanent residence to global investors.

The initiative has been announced by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP), and it aims to generate foreign funds and boost economic growth through regulatory modernisation and digital transformation.

The Oman Golden Visa will provide renewable 5 or 10-year residency permits to qualified investors and their families, including spouses, children under 25, and dependent parents, without the need for local sponsorship.

Applicants may apply and qualify in different domains, including real estate purchases, business ownership, or capital spending in priority sectors such as renewable energy, IT, tourism, and construction.

August 27, 2025
Kartarpur Gurdwara Sahib submerged in floodwater

Gurdwara Sahib Kartarpur – the Sikh religious site, has been submerged in floodwaters after India released millions of cusecs of water into Pakistan’s River Ravi.

The Kartarpur Corridor, which links Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, the final resting place of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev, to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district.

Images and videos circulating on social media show the revered Kartarpur shrine surrounded by floodwaters, raising concerns among the Sikh community worldwide.

According to reports, floodwaters have reached up to six feet inside the building.

The rising water level in the Ravi has also overflowed onto the Narowal–Shakargarh road, disrupting traffic and cutting off local access routes.

Sialkot recorded 364mm rainfall in last 24 hours, surpassing the previous 299.2mm record of maximum rain set on July 31, 1961.

Rainfall at Sialkot airport recorded 198mm according to the weather department.

Read more: Punjab rivers in extreme flooding, Sialkot rainfall surpasses record

Chenab River has been flowing in extremely high flood at Marala Headworks, the flood control room shared. The water’s inflow at Marala has been recorded as high as 6,71,148 cusecs and outflow of the river has been 6,64,618 cusecs, barrage sources said.

The maximum barrage capacity has been 11,00,000 cusecs, a spokesman of Sialkot district administration has said.

Yesterday Gujrat received 115mm rainfall, Narowal 102mm, Mangla 48mm, Jhelum 47mm, Gujranwala 34mm and Lahore city 27mm rainfall.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has decided to open Tarbela Dam’s spillways at 12:30pm today expecting release of 2,50,000 cusecs water flow.

August 27, 2025
Schools closed indefinitely in several Punjab districts due to floods

LAHORE: The civil administration on Wednesday announced the closure of schools in several flood-hit districts of Punjab to ensure the safety of students and staff.

According to officials, all public and private schools in Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Pasrur will remain closed from August 27 until further review.

Deputy Commissioner Sialkot Saba Asghar Ali issued a notification stating: “In order to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff amid torrential rains and the resulting flood situation, all public and private schools (Primary, Middle, High, and Higher Secondary) in District Sialkot shall remain closed on August 27, 2025. The closure will remain in effect until further review.”

The notification directed heads of educational institutions to suspend all on-campus academic and co-curricular activities during this period.

The order, issued in the public interest, stressed strict implementation by all concerned authorities. Residents were also advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and refrain from going near rivers and streams due to the heightened flood risk.

The districts authorities have also declared public holiday on Wednesday as flooding intensifies in Gujrat and Sialkot districts of Punjab.

Heavy inflows from India into the Sutlej and Chenab rivers have triggered a flood alert across Punjab. The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) issued an urgent warning of extraordinary flooding in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers, urging immediate evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas.

Read More: Public holiday announced in flood-hit Gujrat, Sialkot

According to NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider, more than 190,000 people have been evacuated from flood-affected areas of Punjab as rising water levels continue to threaten lives and property.

Gujrat Deputy Commissioner Noor-ul-Ain Qureshi and Sialkot Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar Ali visited Head Marala to oversee the situation. Meanwhile, 20 people trapped under Shahbazpur Bridge were successfully rescued, DC Qureshi confirmed.

Mobile phone service has been disrupted across Gujrat, with internet services also reported to be extremely slow and unavailable in several areas.

August 27, 2025
Donald Trump reacts to Taylor Swift’s engagement with Travis Kelce

U.S. President Donald Trump has sent his well-wishes to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on their engagement, despite his public hatred for the pop megastar.

After being together for two years, power couple Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement via an Instagram post on Tuesday. “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” the Grammy-winning pop star wrote in the caption of the five-slide carousel post, featuring the pictures of her engagement with Kansas City Chiefs tight end.

Taylor Swift – News and Updates

As the news broke around Donald Trump’s Cabinet meeting yesterday, a reporter later asked him for a reaction, given the President’s public confession of hatred towards Swift.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift)

“Well, I wish them a lot of luck,” he replied.

“I think it’s — I think he’s a great player, I think he’s a great guy, and I think that she’s a terrific person,” Trump added. “So I wish them a lot of luck.”

Lifestyle News – Latest Entertainment News, Celebrity Gossip

His comments come less than a month after he dissed the ‘Lover’ hitmaker, saying she is ‘no longer hot’.

“Just look at Woke singer Taylor Swift. Ever since I alerted the world as to what she was by saying on TRUTH that I can’t stand her (HATE!). She was booed out of the Super Bowl and became NO LONGER HOT,” the U.S. president wrote in his post on Truth Social, while lauding Hollywood bombshell and a Republican, Sydney Sweeney.

August 27, 2025
Knight Rider returns! Big-screen adaptation confirmed by Universal

Universal Pictures is officially developing a Knight Rider movie, reviving the iconic 1980s TV series for the big screen with the creators of Cobra Kai at the helm.

According to THR, the project will be led by Cobra Kai creators Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Josh Heald, who are in negotiations to write the screenplay.

The creative team behind Cobra Kai is also being considered to direct the new Knight Rider movie, while producing under their Counterbalance Entertainment banner.

Joining them are Kelly McCormick and David Leitch of 87North, along with Gary Barber and Chris Stone for Spyglass.

This marks the second major film project for the Cobra Kai trio, following their work on the 2021 film Plan B. Previously, James Wan was linked to a potential remake in 2020, but that version never progressed.

The original Knight Rider series, created by Glenn A. Larson, aired from 1982 to 1986 on NBC, starring David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight and featuring the iconic AI-powered car KITT, voiced by William Daniels.

Over time, Knight Rider became a global pop culture phenomenon, inspiring spin-offs, merchandise, and video games.

The new Knight Rider movie aims to revive the spirit of the original while introducing a fresh take for modern audiences.

Fans can expect a nostalgic yet action-packed return of Michael Knight and KITT in what promises to be one of the most anticipated reboots in years.

Also Read: Alice in Borderland Season 3 trailer reveals new storyline and death games

Earlier, the Alice in Borderland Season 3 trailer was released by streaming giant Netflix, confirming its return this September with fresh twists and more deadly challenges.

The popular Japanese series, based on Haro Aso’s manga, had seemingly concluded after the second season, but the story continues with a completely original plot that expands beyond the source material.

Alice in Borderland Season 3 trailer reveals that the series will follow Arisu and Usagi as they are once again drawn into the dangerous world of Borderland.

This time, the mysterious Joker card introduces a new set of death games unlike anything seen before.

August 27, 2025
Katy Perry testifies in $15 million mansion trial

American singer Katy Perry has appeared virtually in court to testify in her ongoing legal battle over the purchase of $15 million California mansion.

As per the reports, pop star Katy Perry took the virtual stand on Tuesday, August 26, as she appeared in the court via a Zoom call, to testify in the trial over the 2020 purchase of the 1930s mansion in Montecito, California.

Katy Perry – News and Updates

For the unversed, the ‘Dark Horse’ singer and her then-partner, actor Orlando Bloom, made the $15 million purchase of the mansion from entrepreneur Carl Westcott, who later sought to rescind the contract, claiming he ‘lacked capacity’ to sign the transaction, after being diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease (a genetic brain disorder) in 2015.

In August 2020, Westcott sued Perry’s manager Bernie Gudvi. However, after a years-long battle, Perry gained ownership of the Santa Barbara County property last May, under the LLC DDoveB, when the judge ruled that Westcott ‘presented no persuasive evidence’ to prove that he lacked capacity to enter into a real estate contract.

As the case has since been bifurcated, Perry is now seeking more than $5 million in damages, claiming that $3 million of the sum will cover her loss of rental income.

In the virtual appearance yesterday, Westcott’s attorney, Andrew J. Thomas, questioned the singer about what she has to gain from the trial, when, in a one-word response, she replied, “Justice.”

Upon being asked further, “How about money?” Perry maintained, “I stand to lose money if it doesn’t work in my favour.”

She also explained that her financial stake in the litigation ‘could be lost money, lawyers’ fees, lost income for rental’.

Lifestyle News – Latest Entertainment News, Celebrity Gossip

Meanwhile, Perry and Bloom, who share a daughter, Daisy Dove, 5, ended their six-year engagement last month.

August 27, 2025
Michael Jackson’s son shares heartwarming engagement news and photos

Prince Jackson, the son of music legend Michael Jackson, has announced his engagement to longtime partner Molly Schirmang after eight years together.

The couple, who first met during their university days, announced their engagement after eight years together, sharing heartfelt photos on social media.

Prince Jackson, the eldest child of music icon Michael Jackson, posted a series of pictures celebrating the milestone with Molly.

The couple has kept their relationship private over the years, but they have often been seen together at family events, on holidays and during travels around the world.

Michael Jackson’s son expressed his happiness about taking the next step in their journey together.

He wrote: “8 years down ♾️ to go. Molly and I have spent a lot of time together and made incredible memories. We’ve traveled the world, graduated and grown so much together. I’m excited for this next chapter in our lives as we continue to grow and make great memories. I love you babs 😘”

After meeting at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Prince Jackson and Molly have shared countless moments, from graduating together to exploring different destinations.

The engagement marks an important chapter for the King of Pop’s family, as Michael Jackson’s legacy continues through his children’s personal milestones.

Fans of Michael Jackson have often shown interest in Prince Jackson’s life, and this announcement gives them a rare glimpse into his private world.

With this engagement, Michael Jackson’s son Prince Jackson and Molly Schirmang are ready to start a new chapter together, and the family of the legendary Michael Jackson couldn’t be happier.

Also Read: When and where did Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce get engaged?

Earlier, after Taylor Swift and her beau, Travis Kelce, announced their engagement on Tuesday, his father, Ed, revealed when and where the NFL star actually popped the question to the pop megastar.

After being together for two years, power couple Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement via an Instagram post yesterday. “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” the pop star wrote in the caption of the five-slide carousel post, featuring their engagement pictures.

August 27, 2025
Liverpool to make one last attempt to sign Isak: report

As the transfer window deadline day is fast approaching, it looks like Liverpool are reportedly making a one last attempt to sign Alexander Isak this summer for Newcastle United. (more…)

August 27, 2025
Public holiday announced in flood-hit Gujrat, Sialkot

GUJRAT: The districts authorities have declared a public holiday on Wednesday as flooding intensifies in Gujrat and Sialkot districts of Punjab.

Heavy inflows from India into the Sutlej and Chenab rivers have triggered a flood alert across Punjab. The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) issued an urgent warning of extraordinary flooding in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers, urging immediate evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas.

According to NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider, more than 190,000 people have been evacuated from flood-affected areas of Punjab as rising water levels continue to threaten lives and property.

Gujrat Deputy Commissioner Noor-ul-Ain Qureshi and Sialkot Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar Ali visited Head Marala to oversee the situation. Meanwhile, 20 people trapped under Shahbazpur Bridge were successfully rescued, DC Qureshi confirmed.

Mobile phone service has been disrupted across Gujrat, with internet services also reported to be extremely slow and unavailable in several areas.

Read More: Pakistan Army troops requisitioned in Punjab for flood relief activities as India releases water

Meanwhile, in view of the potential flood threat following the release of water by India, the Pakistan Army has been called in to assist the civil administration in Punjab, ARY News reported on Wednesday.

As per details, the water level is rising in Pakistan rivers as India opened all gates of the dam on the River Ravi.

The move has created a flood-like situation in Punjab’s rivers, prompting the provincial government to deploy army units in seven districts.

August 27, 2025
Punjab rivers in extreme flooding, Sialkot rainfall surpasses record

LAHORE: Sialkot recorded 364mm rainfall in last 24 hours, surpassing the previous 299.2mm record of maximum rain set on July 31, 1961.

Rainfall at Sialkot airport recorded 198mm according to the weather department.

Chenab River has been flowing in extremely high flood at Marala Headworks, the flood control room shared. The water’s inflow at Marala has been recorded as high as 6,71,148 cusecs and outflow of the river has been 6,64,618 cusecs, barrage sources said.

The maximum barrage capacity has been 11,00,000 cusecs, a spokesman of Sialkot district administration has said.

Yesterday Gujrat received 115mm rainfall, Narowal 102mm, Mangla 48mm, Jhelum 47mm, Gujranwala 34mm and Lahore city 27mm rainfall.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has decided to open Tarbela Dam’s spillways at 12:30pm today expecting release of 2,50,000 cusecs water flow.

The NDMA in an advisory said that heavy rainfall forecast across Indian states upstream, could further increase flows in rivers and streams heading towards Pakistan.

The NDMA has also issued a heavy rain alert for Punjab, warning rainfall in more rainfall in next 12 to 24 hours in Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Nankana Sahib, Chunian, and Pakpattan.

The rains may cause flooding in urban low-lying areas and in rivers and canals across the region.

Lahore being stated at the risk of flooding, with entry of 23,000 cusecs of water in the Ravi River near the city, raising water levels. The district administration has cautioned against a possible very high flood level in the next 48 hours.

The Sutlej River continued to rise after another release of water by India, inundating multiple villages in Tehsil Burewala.

Provincial irrigation officials have reported an inflow of 48,564 cusecs at Islam Headworks, and outflow of 46,564 cusecs. The upsurge has destroyed crops over thousands of acres.

August 27, 2025