Khaleej Times - March 18, 2025

In this issue

March 18, 2025

Gold could rise further after record high of $3,000 an ounce

Gold prices are expected to scale new record highs due to the US tariffs row and geopolitical developments around the world, pushing investors to safe-haven metal, say analysts.

2 mins

Private sector told to focus on workplace well-being

The human rights chief of the UAE has urged the private sector to prioritise workplace well-being, a call that has strongly resonated with HR professionals across the country.

2 mins

UAE education group cracks down on vaping

Vaping among students is becoming an increasing concern in the UAE, with schools, medical professionals, and communities calling for immediate action from institutions, parents, and the government to address this growing issue, particularly among adolescents.

2 mins

compensation Court orders in fake bracelet scam

A Dubai commercial court recently ruled against an Asian man who deceived a luxury retailer by selling fake fancy bracelets claiming to be high-end originals. The court ordered him to pay Dh90,000 in damages.

1 min

Posting high-resolution photos on social media risky

Enjoy sharing high-quality photographs on social media platforms? Here’s why you should take a step back.

2 mins

Two fined Dh600k for employing 12 workers illegally

A UAE court has fined two individuals Dh600,000 for employing 12 workers illegally. The duo was arrested during inspections conducted in February. The 12 workers were fined Dh1,000 and deported from the country.

1 min

UAE announces Eid holiday dates for public sector employees

The UAE has announced Eid Al Fitr holiday dates for government sector employees across the country.

1 min

Smoking during Ramadan poses higher health risks: Experts

Smoking during Ramadan can be more harmful than at other times of the year. This is because of the sudden exposure of a person’s body to smoke after several hours of fasting, some experts have warned.

2 mins

Fasting, wearing abaya, non-Muslims embrace the spirit of the holy month

A growing number of non-Muslim expats in the UAE are finding meaningful ways to embrace the holy month of Ramadan. From fasting alongside their Muslim friends to ending fast with them and refraining from eating in public, they do their best to foster an atmosphere of unity and understanding.

2 mins

Non-Muslims join fasting Muslims to distribute Iftar among workers

The volunteers are part of GDRFA’s initiative, the ‘Goodness Bus’, which aims to provide 150,000 Iftar meals by the end of Ramadan

3 mins

How to check your labour card details online, get physical copy?

This card serves as an official proof of employment and is also an important form of identification

2 mins

17-year-olds eagerly await their chance to go driving

As per new law, they can officially register for permits starting March 29

2 mins

Spend wisely on buy-now-pay-later apps, say experts

In recent years, the rise of buy-now-pay-later apps has transformed how consumers approach shopping, enabling them to make purchases and pay in instalments. However, this convenience has sparked a debate among experts about whether these services encourage higher spending and the potential implications for consum-ers’ financial habits.

2 mins

‘Employee turnover in the UAE lower than global average’

Employee turnover in the UAE is among the lowest and also lower than the global average, reflecting a solid retention rate of the UAE market.

2 mins

UAE’s young residents embrace Korean culture amid Hallyu wave

Korean culture has become popular among the younger generation in the UAE, shaping everything from entertainment and fashion to food and values.

2 mins

Emaar Properties upgraded to 'BBB+' on strong performance; outlook stable

S&P Global on Monday raised the ratings of Emaar Properties, Dubai’s largest listed developer, to ‘BBB+’, with a stable outlook.

2 mins

OECD cuts global growth outlook

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on Monday lowered its projections for global growth in 2025 due to “trade barriers” and “uncertainty”.

1 min

Dubai to add 11,300 hotel rooms by 2027

More than 11,300 new hotel rooms are to open across Dubai by 2027, with almost 4,620 coming to the market this year, according to a new study by Cavendish Maxwell.

2 mins

Investors gain Dh715M from 3 Downtown deals

Three plots of land in Downtown Dubai have been sold for a combined profit of Dh715 million, highlighting the incredible growth and investment potential of the city’s real estate market.

1 min

'AI to augment, not replace humans at work'

The integration of AI in the workplace is not about machines taking over jobs but about augmenting human potential, automating repetitive tasks, and unlocking new opportunities for innovation, an expert said.

1 min

National Bonds' portfolio surges to Dh15.8B in 2024

Investments by sukuk holders at National Bonds reached a record level of Dh15.8 billion ($4.2 billion) by the end of 2024, reflecting a growth of more than 22 per cent compared to Dh12.9 billion at the end of 2023.

2 mins

Rising to the occasion: India in the 21st century

In an era where globalisation appears to be on the wane, the landscape for investing in emerging markets (EM) is shifting.

3 mins

Borouge proposes 2.5% share buyback

Borouge Plc, a leading UAE petrochemicals company, on Monday proposed to seek shareholder approval for a share buyback and final 2024 dividend at its in-person and virtual annual general meeting (AGM) on April 7, the company announced on Monday.

1 min

How to exercise for better sleep

A fitness routine can be key to a good night’s rest. But too much exercise at the wrong time could can aggravate Insomnia

4 mins

EU hosts aid drive for post-Assad Syria

Germany on Monday kicked off a new pledging round of aid for Syria, as the European Union hosted a donor drive for the wartorn country after the ouster of Bashar Al Assad.

1 min

Help Syria or risk new migration wave, Red Cross tells Europe

Failure to help Syria \"get back on its feet\" will result in a fresh wave of outward migration, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross warned Monday, as the EU hosted a donor drive for the war-torn country.

2 mins

Israel army says two Hezbollah militants hit in south Lebanon airstrike

The Israeli military said it carried out an airstrike in southern Lebanon on Monday targeting two Hezbollah militants, with Lebanese health authorities reporting one person killed and three wounded.

1 min

Israeli airstrike kills three in Gaza Strip, medics say

An Israeli airstrike killed three Palestinian men in the Gaza Strip, medics said on Monday, and there was no sign of progress at renewed ceasefire talks.

1 min

US piles pressure on Yemen’s Houthis with new airstrikes

The United States carried out new airstrikes on Yemen on Monday, the Houthis’ Al Masirah TV said, expanding the biggest US military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in January.

2 mins

Sri Lanka court refuses to stop fugitive police chief's arrest

A Sri Lankan court refused on Monday to quash an arrest warrant for the island nation’s fugitive police chief who is wanted over an officer’s death in a botched raid.

1 min

Modi says Trump has 'clear roadmap' in second term

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said US President Donald Trump was ‘far more prepared’ for his second term, furnished with a clear roadmap.

2 mins

Delhi operator sues government over flights from defence airbase

The operator of the Indian capital’s international airport, majority owned by GMR Airports, is suing the government for allowing commercial flights from a nearby defence aerodrome, legal papers showed in a case to be heard on Monday.

1 min

WHO says 80% of Afghanistan operations risk shutdown by June

The World Health Organisation said on Monday 80 per cent of services that it supports in Afghanistan could shut down by June due to a funding shortage.

1 min

Nine-year-old Thai tattooist makes his mark

Wielding a cumbersome tattoo gun with his small hands swamped in surgical gloves, nine-year-old Napat Mitmakorn expertly inks the pattern of a fanged serpent on a man’s upper thigh.

2 mins

South Korea opposition urges swift ruling on president’s fate

South Korea's opposition party on Monday urged the country’s Constitutional Court to rule swiftly on suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, saying delays were “irresponsible” and causing social unrest.

1 min

Stranded US astronauts to return to Earth today: Nasa

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been on the ISS since June after the spacecraft suffered propulsion issues

1 min

Philippine Senate to probe Duterte's arrest, handover

Ex-president was arrested at Manila airport on March 11 after a brief trip to Hong Kong

2 mins

Court upholds £3B lifeline for UK's top water supplier

A UK court on Monday upheld an emergency loan granted to Thames Water, allowing Britain’s largest such supplier to keep a financial lifeline as it drowns under massive debt.

1 min

Japan: Mount Fuji hikers to be charged $27 on all trails

Hikers attempting any of Mount Fuji’s four main trails will be charged an entry fee of 4,000 yen ($27) from this summer, after local authorities passed a bill on Monday.

1 min

Malaysian rice porridge a 'trademark' Ramadan tradition

As dusk fell, hundreds of Muslims at a mosque in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur feast on bowls of fragrant rice porridge known locally as “bubur lambuk”, part of a Ramadan tradition dating back decades.

1 min

Judge to hear arguments to pause inquiry into British killer nurse

A judge looking into the murder of newborn babies by British nurse Lucy Letby said on Monday she would hear arguments why the inquiry should be paused, after requests from hospital managers and a politician campaigning to overturn Letby’s conviction.

1 min

Georgia's ex-leader Saakashvili to spend 12.5 yrs behind bars

A Georgian court on Monday sentenced ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili to four and a half years behind bars for illegally crossing the border, bringing the pro-Western politician’s total sentence to 12.5 years.

1 min

N. Macedonia mourns dozens killed in deadly nightclub fire

North Macedonia lowered flags to half mast and planned memorials Monday as the nation mourned a horrific nightclub blaze that killed 59 people at the weekend.

1 min

Francis seen celebrating mass in first photo since hospitalisation

Although the Vatican says that pope continues to work from his hospital suite when able, his absence is particularly felt as Easter approaches

3 mins

Trump speaks with Putin today about ending war in Ukraine

US president says good chance’ to end conflict; Ukraine supports 30-day ceasefire proposal; Russia demands Ukraine’s exclusion from Nato; Europe, Britain ready to send peacekeepers if truce agreed

4 mins

Russians speak of nerves and hope for peace as they shelter in Kursk

Andrey Klimenko hiccups and shifts his weight from one leg to the other. “It’s nerves,” he says at a temporary refuge for people displaced by the fighting in Russia’s Kursk region.

2 mins

US flies alleged gang members to El Salvador despite court block order

The United States flew more than 200 alleged members of a Venezuelan gang to be imprisoned in El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele said on Sunday, after US counterpart Donald Trump controversially invoked wartime legislation to expel them.

1 min

Death toll from US weekend tornadoes rises to at least 40

At least 40 people were killed and dozens more injured by tornadoes and violent storms that ravaged the central and southern United States at the weekend, local authorities said.

1 min

Atletico boss Simeone remains optimistic despite Barca defeat

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone remains optimistic about the club’s title chances after Sunday’s 4-2 LaLiga defeat to Barcelona, saying the loss was not down to bad luck but lack of consistency.

1 min

How Magpies turned their fortunes around after Saudi investment

Eddie Howe hailed Newcastle’s “incredible” League Cup final victory against Liverpool as proof his side are ready for a period of sustained success after finally ending their 56-year trophy drought.

3 mins

Manchester United boss Amorim starting to see improvements

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said he was starting to see improvements in his team after they cruised to a 3-0 victory at Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

2 mins

Where have all the 'Number 9s' gone?

Watching the weekend’s football action, it struck me just how unusual it is to see a topclass out-and-out striker playing in England.

2 mins

Kohli hits the ground running ahead of 2025 IPL season

Star India batter Virat Kohli started practicing in the nets ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign opener against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday.

1 min

A laser-engraved tribute to India's Champions Trophy heroes at Bhatia's cricket museum

Barely five days after fireworks illuminated Dubai Sports City following India’s memorable win over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final, cricket-loving UAE residents from the South Asian country arrived at the Shyam Bhatia Cricket Museum to celebrate the glorious triumph of Rohit Sharma’s team.

2 mins

Draper turns Indian Wells tennis dream into reality

Briton Jack Draper turned his childhood dreams into reality at Indian Wells on Sunday, claiming his maiden Masters 1000 title and catapulting himself into the top 10 for the first time after a rapid ascent through his sport.

1 min

Rai, Patel crowned champions at thrilling IGS Masters finale

The Indian Golfers Society (IGS) wrapped up another exciting season with the IGS Masters at the stunning Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club on Thursday, March 13.

2 mins

'I like it': Andreeva relishes Indian Wells win after Dubai triumph

Mirra Andreeva rallied from a set down to beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka for the Indian Wells WTA 1000 title on Sunday, continuing a meteoric rise backed by the coaching counsel of Conchita Martinez.

2 mins

Whose body is it anyway?

Disney has officially released the first trailer for Freakier Friday, the sequel to the 2003 hit Freaky Friday, bringing back Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis for another round of body-swapping chaos.

1 min

'F1 was one of the craziest things Ithink I've ever been part of

Bridgerton star Simone Ashley, who is set to star in Brad Pitt’s high-octane racing drama F1 described her experience of working in the movie as “amazing” and “adrenaline- filled” as they shot the scenes alongside real Grand Prix races during the shoot.

1 min

North West, Diddy on Kanve's new track?

Rapper Kanye West dropped a new song apparently featuring Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, his daughter North West, Diddy’s son King Combs, and artist Jasmine William.

2 mins

Mammootty's PR team addresses cancer rumours

South Indian superstar Mammootty’s PR has refuted rumours surrounding the actor’s illness in a statement released to Indian daily Mid-day.

1 min

A supper club with a difference

A Normal Day and Al Naqa come together for a supper club that sees familiar dishes taking on an innovative twist

3 mins

Can you get fitter while fasting? Tips from experts on the journey

From pre-iftar training to smart hydration- here's your guide to staying fit while fasting

4 mins

A culture of flavours: This iftar is Middle Eastern hospitality at it's best

Experiencing iftar at Al Sultan Majlis, set within the opulent Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, is a journey into the heart of Middle Eastern hospitality and culinary excellence. This venue seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern luxury, offering guests an unforgettable dining experience during the holy month of Ramadan.

2 mins

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Khaleej Times Newspaper Description:

Khaleej Times is the first English newspaper to be launched in the UAE in 1978.

The broadsheet comprises of the general news section, the business pages and a lively sports section. Khaleej Times is the highest circulated of the English language newspapers throughout the Gulf.

It reaches out to all parts of the UAE. Additionally, it covers Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia through a dedicated distribution network.