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Austria Bans Burqa, All Veils Covering Facial Features

This woman is wearing what is often called a burka, but is actually a niqab; her body and face are covered except her eyes. (Phil Noble: Reuters)
This woman is wearing what is often called a burka, but is actually a niqab; her body and face are covered except her eyes. (Phil Noble: Reuters)
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Austria Bans Burqa, All Veils Covering Facial Features

This woman is wearing what is often called a burka, but is actually a niqab; her body and face are covered except her eyes. (Phil Noble: Reuters)
This woman is wearing what is often called a burka, but is actually a niqab; her body and face are covered except her eyes. (Phil Noble: Reuters)

Police in the Vorarlberg district, Austria, has launched its preparations to implement a law banning all veils that cover facial features. The new law will come into force within few days on the 1st of October.

The Vorarlberg district on the country’s western borders was the first to announce its readiness for the law’s implementation, other districts highlighted some practical obstacles they might face them, and pointed out the importance of benefiting from the experiences of the neighboring European countries that paced Austria in this matter.

The law’s most debatable article is the ban of the burqa and all kinds of a veil that cover all the face.

The other articles prohibit the distribution of Quran copies in public places and roads and oblige asylum seekers to attend one-year integration courses to learn the German language, the values of the Austrian society, and the importance of voluntary works.

The authorities said the financial aid provided by the government will be suspended in case individuals didn’t commit to the new law.

When introduced as a bill to the Parliament, the law raised objections and was considered a direct interference with individual freedom, while the majority saw it as a direct measure to enhance integration and ensure security in Austria. According to the law, violations will cost a fine of 150 euros, and even a prison sentence.

For its part, local media outlets have promoted pictures for the allowed and prohibited veils. The Saudi Embassy in Austria informed its citizens about the new law and the “niqab” ban and requested them to respect the new law during their presence on the Austrian territories.

Commenting on the new law, women wearing a burqa in Vienna told “Asharq Al-Awsat” that the new law is just a pressure tool to keep in line with "Islamophobia" campaigns and to help right-winged voices win, especially that Austria is preparing for a fierce parliamentary election battle in mid-October.

Tourists rejected the law and said they are ready to pay the fine in order to commit to their convictions, given that they are visitors staying in Austria for limited periods, which means they are not seeking integration into the country.

Austrian liberal groups have opposed the law, not because they support the burqa and veil, but because they are committed to defending the individual freedom in outfit selection.

The tourism sector and local and international stores also expressed concerns regarding the impacts of the new law on the visits of Gulf tourists and the huge sums they spend compared with other tourists from other nationalities, including the Chinese and Russian nouveau-riches, along with Americans, Japanese and Germans visitors.

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Varieties

Trying to Improve Your Health and Wellness in 2026? Keep it Simple

A man is silhouetted against the sky at sunset as he jogs in a park at the close of a hot summer day, Aug. 1, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
A man is silhouetted against the sky at sunset as he jogs in a park at the close of a hot summer day, Aug. 1, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
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Trying to Improve Your Health and Wellness in 2026? Keep it Simple

A man is silhouetted against the sky at sunset as he jogs in a park at the close of a hot summer day, Aug. 1, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
A man is silhouetted against the sky at sunset as he jogs in a park at the close of a hot summer day, Aug. 1, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

The new year is a time when many try to start new good habits and commit to improving health and wellness.

But resolutions, lofty as they may be, can turn daunting quickly with all the advice and sometimes contradicting information coming at you from news reports, advertisers, influencers, friends and even politicians.

But they don't have to be.

This year, The Associated Press got the downlow on all manner of health and wellness claims and fads. The good news is that the experts mostly say to keep it simple.

As 2026 arrives, here's what you can skip, what you should pay attention to and how to get credible information when you are inevitably faced with more confusing claims next year.

Protein and fiber are important, but you probably don't need to pay more When it comes to your diet, experts say most people can skip the upcharge. If you're eating enough, you're probably getting enough protein and don't need products that promise some big boost.

And it's true that most people could use more fiber in their diets. But, please, ditch the “fiber-maxxing” trend. Instead, eat whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.

A good skin care routine is not expensive or complicated That 20-step skin care routine and $200 serum some TikToker sold you on? Dermatologists say you really don't need it. Stay away from the beef tallow and slather on a good sunscreen instead (yes, even if you have darker skin ), they say.

And the same rule for simplicity applies to that hourlong “everything shower." The best showers are simple and short, dermatologists say, no "double cleansing" required.

There are many simple ways to get that workout in If the gym and all its equipment feel intimidating, you can drop the illusion that a good workout requires either. This year, the comeback of calisthenics put the focus back on no frills, bodyweight workouts you can do in the comfort of home. Research shows calisthenics helps with muscle strength and aerobic conditioning. You may eventually need weightlifting or other equipment, but it is a great place to start to build consistency and confidence.

Be wary of wellness fads and treatments — they are often too good to be true Even if you imbibe too much this New Year's Eve, doctors say you can do without “ IV therapy ” which have vitamins you can get more easily and cheaper in pill form — if you even need more, which is unlikely if you have a balanced diet. You're pretty much just paying for “expensive urine,” one doctor said.

Same for “wellness” focused products like microbiome testing kits that generate information that doctors can't actually act on. And if you don't have diabetes, there's scant evidence that you need a continuous glucose monitor.

To improve your health, go back to the basics The idea of a panacea pill, product or routine can be enticing. But science already knows a lot about how to improve mental and physical health, and they are tried and true:

1. Whether you're in the city or the country — walk more. Research shows walking is great for physical and mental health. It's so good for you, doctors are literally prescribing time in the outdoors to their patients.

2. Take steps to get certain health metrics under control, likehigh blood pressure, which often goes undiagnosed and is known to cause a range of health problems down the road. Prioritize getting enough sleep, and make sure your family does too. Don't just eat right — eat slower.

3. Give your mind some care too. Set better boundaries with your technology andregain and retrain your attention span. Build out your social networks and invest inall forms of love for the people around you.

These lifestyle changes don't just make you feel better in the moment. Research shows they impact your life for years to come, by lowering the risk of dementia and many other health issues.

Don't know who to trust? Start with your doctor It can be tough to know who to listen to about your health, faced with compelling personal stories on social media from people who swear something worked from them, or clever marketing and advertising from companies that scare you or promise an easy fix.

Doubts have been raised this year about established medicine, including the safety of food dyes, fluoride dental treatments,hepatitis B shot for newborns, and hormone therapies for menopause.

While the medical system is not perfect, your doctor remains the best person to talk to about prevention, health concerns and potential treatments.

If you can't get to a human doctor and turn to Dr. Google instead, be sure to follow these tips and never use it to diagnose yourself. When you do get that doctor's appointment, you can make the most of it by bringing a list of written questions — and don't hesitate to ask for any clarification you need.

Varieties

Citrus Harvest Season Kicks off in AlUla

The citrus harvest in AlUla is a significant agricultural and economic event - SPA
The citrus harvest in AlUla is a significant agricultural and economic event - SPA
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Citrus Harvest Season Kicks off in AlUla

The citrus harvest in AlUla is a significant agricultural and economic event - SPA
The citrus harvest in AlUla is a significant agricultural and economic event - SPA

The citrus harvest season has officially begun in AlUla Governorate, which is renowned for its agricultural production, according to SPA.

Citrus groves in AlUla cover approximately 654.57 hectares and contain around 261,826 trees, yielding about 6,545.65 tons of fruit annually.

The governorate produces a variety of delicious and nutritious citrus fruits, most notably navel oranges, citron, and sweet lemons. The citrus harvest season typically runs from December to March.

These fruits are distinguished by their high quality, attributed to the governorate's unique climate and fertile soil, resulting in exceptional flavor and high nutritional value.

The citrus harvest in AlUla is a significant agricultural and economic event that highlights the diversity of the governorate's agricultural production. It also plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activity and promoting local products in the marketplace.

Varieties

Saudi Arabia's Qassim National Park Records Third Consecutive Arabian Oryx Births

Saudi Arabia's Qassim National Park recorded the birth of an Arabian oryx for the third consecutive year. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia's Qassim National Park recorded the birth of an Arabian oryx for the third consecutive year. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia's Qassim National Park Records Third Consecutive Arabian Oryx Births

Saudi Arabia's Qassim National Park recorded the birth of an Arabian oryx for the third consecutive year. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia's Qassim National Park recorded the birth of an Arabian oryx for the third consecutive year. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's Qassim National Park in Buraidah recorded the birth of an Arabian oryx for the third consecutive year, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

The development is an important environmental milestone that reflect the ongoing success of release and reintroduction programs led by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), which aims to preserve endangered wild species and boost biodiversity in their natural habitats.

The achievement exemplifies a pioneering collaboration between the NCW and the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification through initiatives such as vegetation enhancement, natural habitat rehabilitation, and the creation of suitable conditions for the breeding and sustainability of wild species.

Qassim National Park is one of several national parks implementing afforestation and environmental rehabilitation projects under the Saudi Green Initiative, strengthening the region’s ecological diversity and showcasing the role of national parks as models of successful environmental sustainability programs in the Kingdom.