UAE and Syria to Resume Flights 

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa shakes hands with UAE's President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, April 13, 2025. (Syrian Presidency/Handout via Reuters)
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa shakes hands with UAE's President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, April 13, 2025. (Syrian Presidency/Handout via Reuters)
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UAE and Syria to Resume Flights 

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa shakes hands with UAE's President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, April 13, 2025. (Syrian Presidency/Handout via Reuters)
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa shakes hands with UAE's President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, April 13, 2025. (Syrian Presidency/Handout via Reuters)

The United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced on Monday the resumption of flights between the UAE and Syria.

In a statement, the GCAA said that joint coordination is currently underway to complete the necessary procedures for restarting flights in a manner that boosts air traffic and supports passenger and cargo movement between them.

The announcement was made shortly after a visit by Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to the UAE last week where he met with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for talk on a number of issues of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.



Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Increases Life Expectancy to 78.8 Years

A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)
A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Increases Life Expectancy to 78.8 Years

A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)
A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)

The Health Sector Transformation Program has contributed to an increase in the average lifespan in Saudi Arabia, which rose to 78.8 years in 2024, up from 74 years in 2016.

According to the program, this progress is directly attributed to the implementation of comprehensive health policies, such as reducing harmful ingredients in food products—including hydrogenated oils and excessive salt—as well as enhancing early screening for chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

These initiatives are part of a broader focus on prevention and improving treatment options.

In addition, health authorities in Saudi Arabia have worked to boost the efficiency and quality of services for citizens, residents, and visitors by training healthcare professionals and upgrading diagnostic and treatment services—significantly improving public health indicators and overall quality of life.

This progress aligns with the strategic goal of the health transformation initiative, which aims to raise life expectancy in the Kingdom to 80 years by 2030.