Khaleej Times - January 30, 2025

In this issue

January 30, 2025

Sharjah's new pygmy zoo houses a rare menagerie

A recently-opened Pygmy Zoo in Sharjah, where rare dwarf animals like majestic Albino kangaroos and adorable miniature horses live, offers an affordable family adventure. Located in Al Saja'a livestock market, this charming zoo connects with nature lovers too.

1 min

Google's Pichai, Alibaba's Tsai to speak at govt summit

Alphabet CEO Sunder Pichai, Chairman of Alibaba Group Joseph Tsai and co-founder and CEO of Roblox David Baszucki will be some of the names that will headline this year's World Government Summit (WGS). The founder of Oracle Larry Ellison will also speak at the event.

1 min

Twins with liver failure get a new lease of life, thanks to Hayat project

The lives of Ajman-based teenage twins, Moza and Maryam Tarek Al Nuaimi, changed dramatically after life-saving liver transplants. Since birth, the two had suffered from liver failure due to a genetic condition.

2 mins

Jury is still out on DeepSeek, AI price wars

For investors, the key is to stay calm as long-term outlook for AI remains robust, say analysts

5 mins

Revealed: Top UAE universities for business, engineering, science courses

Two universities in the UAE ranked among the best in the world when it comes to business, engineering, and science courses.

1 min

Salik's variable toll rates set to begin tomorrow

Salik's variable road toll pricing in Dubai will begin on January 31 this year, the company announced.

1 min

No more parking barriers at Dubai's Mall of the Emirates

Parking barriers have been removed and replaced with sensors at Mall of the Emirates for the eventual implementation of 'barrierless parking'.

2 mins

Save up to 22% if you book flights on Sundays

Did you know that Sunday is the most budget-friendly day to book a flight but it is also the most expensive day of the week to fly?

2 mins

GP Lubricants announces landmark partnership with cricket icon Rashid Khan

This significant partnership aligns with GP's corporate vision of 'Growth and Prosperity'

1 min

UAE petrol prices for February 2025: Will rates increase?

Petrol prices in the UAE are expected to increase in February 2025 to align them with global oil prices which rose above $81 a barrel in January.

1 min

Women fall for fake designer bags, lose thousands

Several women in the UAE fell victim to a social media scam after purchasing counterfeit designer bags from a European woman. The seller faces accusations of falsely claiming the bags as authentic, discounted items, only for buyers to discover later they were fakes.

2 mins

AI can help find best spots for cloud seeding

AI can contribute to tackling water scarcity in the region by enhancing weather modification through optimising techniques, improving predictions, and reducing unintended consequences.

2 mins

Expat cuts short honeymoon to walk in 24-hour relay, raise cancer awareness

Nihad Naseerudheen, who lost a childhood friend to cancer, is hoping to walk 100km in 24 hours to raise awareness about the disease.

2 mins

Doctors identify cancer gene before woman gets disease, remove thyroid

Preventive medicine and precision care will re-define the future of healthcare in the UAE, says an official at Arab Health

2 mins

Unified doctor licence to lower healthcare costs, attract top talent, say experts

The UAE's decision to introduce a national platform for unified medical licensing for the healthcare sector will simplify licensing, lower healthcare costs, and attract top medical talent.

1 min

New gratuity scheme aims to boost savings

A new saving and investment scheme has been introduced in Dubai to boost employees' end-of-service benefits.

1 min

How Abu Dhabi used waste water samples from planes to prevent spread of monkeypox

A senior healthcare official has explained how Abu Dhabi used waste water samples from aeroplanes to prevent the spread of monkeypox in the country.

1 min

How UAE uses sports to unite the world and build a legacy

The country's vision isn't just about hosting large- scale events; it's about fostering an enduring culture of participation and inclusivity

3 mins

UAE banking sector assets surge to Dh4.46T

The UAE banking sector, the largest in the Middle East, recorded a big surge in assets in 2024, reaching Dh4.457 trillion at the end of November 2024, compared to Dh4.075 trillion in 2023, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) said on Wednesday.

2 mins

GCC trade set to grow 5.5% annually through 2033

Trade in the GCC countries likely to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5 per cent to reach $2.3 trillion by 2033, research showed on Wednesday.

2 mins

Damac selling 1BHK flats under Dh1m in new project

A new 'riverside' community project is being built in Dubai and it will come with some unique amenities such as hydroponic farms and a floating opera.

1 min

Filing tax returns in India: Issues to keep in mind

Question: I have earned some income in India that will require me to file a tax return. I am worried that once I do so, I will be called by the tax department for completing the assessment. Should I avoid filing the return?

3 mins

NBF profit rises 28.9% for 2024

National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) on Wednesday reported a growth of 28.9 per cent in net profit before tax to close the year at a of Dh934.8 million compared to Dh725.1 million in 2023.

1 min

Emirates NBD's profit soars 15% to record Dh27.1b

Emirates NBD's profit before tax climbed 15 per cent to a record Dh27.1 billion in 2024 as it expanded its regional presence and enhanced its wealth management franchise.

2 mins

Elevating Healthcare Standards

In addition to providing best practices in patient safety and quality, JCI also offers innovative solutions to improve performance and outcomes in all forms of healthcare organisations

3 mins

Thumbay Healthcare has Largest Network of Academic Hospitals, Clinics, Labs and Pharmacies Transforming Patient Care

Thumbay Healthcare Division Becomes 5th Healthcare Group in the World to Receive JCI 'Enterprise' Accreditation

2 mins

Sisi says Egypt cannot take part in ‘act of injustice' displacing Palestinians

Egypt will not participate in the displacement of Palestinians, an \"act of injustice\" that would threaten Egyptian security, President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi said on Wednesday in his first public response to US President Donald Trump's call for Cairo to take in residents of the Gaza Strip.

2 mins

Hospital in Jordan offers injured Gazans hope for recovery

Karam Nawjaa, 17, was so badly injured when an Israeli strike hit his home in Gaza nearly a year ago that his own cousin, pulling him from the rubble, did not recognise him.

1 min

Syria's new rulers urge Russia to fix past mistakes

Syria's new leadership on Wednesday urged Moscow to \"address past mistakes\" during talks with visiting Russian officials - the first since former president

1 min

UN refugee chief urges rapid reconstruction for Syria

The UN's high commissioner for refugees on Tuesday urged the international community to back Syria's reconstruction efforts to facilitate the return of millions of refugees.

1 min

Joy turns to despair as Gaza returnees struggle to settle in enclave's north

The joy of thousands of Palestinian families who made it back home in north Gaza after a ceasefire with Israel is turning to despair as the cold reality of uninhabitable, bombed-out homes and dire shortages of basic supplies sets in.

3 mins

India: Major stampedes over the years

Several people were feared dead after a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival, in northern India's Uttar Pradesh State on Wednesday, on one of the holiest days of the event as tens of millions of people gathered at the site.

1 min

Bodies, clothes, bags lie on ground after stampede

Bodies, clothes and bags lay scattered on the ground after a deadly stampede at the world's largest gathering of humanity, the Maha Kumbh Mela in northern India, on one of the most auspicious days in Hinduism.

2 mins

Crowd chaos and confusion at site of tragedy

Reserved pathways and cordoned-off areas for eminent attendees have been a source of vehement complaint for reducing the amount of space for common pilgrims

2 mins

Dozens killed in India's mega Kumbh festival stampede

Three police sources say nearly 40 bodies brought to morgue; state police put death toll at 30

2 mins

US-born girl shot dead by father in Pakistan over TikTok videos

A man who had recently brought his family back to Pakistan from the United States on Wednesday confessed to shooting dead his teenage daughter, motivated by his disapproval of her TikTok content, Pakistani police said.

1 min

Priests in Philippines accused of sex abuse remain in active ministry: US-based group

Philippine priests accused of sex abuse remain in active ministry in the Catholic-majority country, a US-based abuse tracking group said on Wednesday, urging the country's bishops to take action and hold the alleged perpetrators accountable.

2 mins

Lion cub gifted to Pakistani YouTube star causes wedding chaos

A Pakistani YouTube star who was gifted a lion cub on his wedding day has avoided jail after promising a judge to upload animal rights videos for a year.

2 mins

Hundreds of millions in Asia celebrate Year of the Snake

From incense offerings and vibrant lion dances in Beijing to prayer rituals at temples in Bangkok and Taipei, hundreds of millions of people across Asia celebrated the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, ushering in the Year of the Snake.

2 mins

UK's Princess Beatrice gives birth to baby girl

Britain's Princess Beatrice, King Charles' niece, has given birth to a baby girl, her second daughter and child with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Buckingham Palace said on Wednesday.

1 min

EU warns Russia of sanctions over any attack in space

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Wednesday the bloc could hit back with sanctions against any attacks in space, pointing to hostile actions by Russia.

1 min

Dreams of UK warm migrants against harsh French winter

At least 76 migrants died trying to cross to Britain last year: French authorities

3 mins

Frenchman on trial for allegedly killing ex-partner after years of abuse

A Frenchman went on trial Wednesday accused of stabbing to death his former partner, who had filed repeated complaints with authorities over years of abuse, and warned that she could end up being killed.

1 min

Immigration row piles pressure on French PM after 'flooding' remark

Prime Minister Francois Bayrou was at risk on Wednesday of losing the little tacit opposition support he relies on in parliament after suggesting that immigrants were \"flooding\" France.

1 min

Age of deepfakes means Internet users must be more alert than ever

Breakneck evolution of AI tools able to generate convincing text, images and even live video is enabling ever smarter and more targeted scams, cybersecurity experts told AFP, urging Internet users to raise their guard.

2 mins

Trump orders curbs on gender transitions for minors

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday to restrict gender transition procedures for people under the age of 19, in his latest move targeting transgender people since returning to office.

1 min

Trump offers federal workers 8-month pay package to quit

White House expects 5-10% of federal staff to quit and around $100 billion in savings, says official

3 mins

Pentagon strips Trump foe Milley of security detail

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is removing the security detail for former top US military officer Mark Milley — a foe of President Donald Trump — and suspending his security clearance, the Pentagon said.

1 min

Trump's 'Gen Z press secretary makes podium debut

President Donald Trump named her as the youngest White House press secretary in history. And Karoline Leavitt unveiled a Gen Z-style shake up as she made her debut at the famed podium on Tuesday.

2 mins

Dubai golf fever hits new heights as UGC Season 2 tees off

The long wait is over, and the stage is set for Season 2 of the highly-anticipated Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC), Dubai's premier franchise-based social golf tournament.

1 min

Smith joins 10,000-run club in Test cricket with hundred against Lanka

Australia's Steve Smith joined a select group of batsmen to reach 10,000 Test runs on Wednesday during the first morning of the opening Test against Sri Lanka.

1 min

Romantic Warrior leads Dubai World Cup field

The world's biggest equine stars including Romantic Warrior, Rebel's Romance, Sierra Leone and Forever Young are among the nominations for the 29th Dubai World Cup meeting at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, April 5.

2 mins

Hasaranga, Holden help Desert Vipers beat Gulf Giants in ILT20

Wanindu Hasaranga (4-0-10-3) delivered a magical spell of spin bowling and Max Holden scored a fantastic half-century to help Desert Vipers beat Gulf Giants by five wickets in the ILT20 at Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday.

1 min

Kohli to play domestic cricket after 13 years

Ahead of the clash between Delhi and Railways in the ongoing 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, India's superstar Virat Kohli was seen doing the fielding drills and batting sessions at the Arun Jaitely Stadium on Wednesday.

2 mins

Yes, you can! One-handed MMA star Peacock wants to 'shock the world'

Jake \"The One\" Peacock is far from your average Muay Thai fighter. Incredibly, the Englishman has reached the ONE Championship, the world's largest martial arts organisation, despite missing his right forearm - a challenge he has never allowed to deter him.

3 mins

Iconic stars who dazzled at historic Dubai Tennis event

Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the WTA tournament at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, we look at 25 female stars who have taken to the Emirates' famous hard courts. Whether it is one of the 17 previous winners or a high-profile name who came, saw, but failed to conquer, the tournament's rollcall reads like a who's who of professional women's tennis from the past three decades.

4 mins

Paralympic stars to vie for glory at Fazza Para Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai

Top para-athletes including Paralympic and world champions will gather in Dubai to showcase an extraordinary show of grit and excellence when the 16th Fazza Para Athletics Grand Prix - Dubai 2025 runs from 10-13 February.

1 min

Why is Aamir Khan in Raipur?

Actor Aamir Khan was spotted on Tuesday at the Raipur airport. He was in the Indian city for a work-related trip.

1 min

The Superboys of Malegaon is coming to the city

Reema Kagti's directorial Superboys of Malegaon is all set to hit theatres on February 28.

1 min

Society has too many great expectations from women'

Actress Sanya Malhotra, who will be playing the role of a housewife in her upcoming film Mrs, reflected on the disparity between men and women in society.

1 min

Karan Johar announces Ibrahim Ali Khan's Bollywood debut

Filmmaker Karan Johar is all set to introduce Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of actors Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, to Bollywood.

1 min

Jonas Brothers to star in Christmas comedy movie

The Jonas Brothers are set to make Christmas exciting for their fans as the trio — Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas, and Nick Jonas — reunite with Disney to produce and star in a comedy, slated for release during the 2025 holiday season, reported Variety.

1 min

Lady Gaga gets ready to bring the Mayhem in March

On Monday, singer Lady Gaga shared details about her upcoming album, Mayhem.

1 min

Can Cowboy Carter finally win Beyonce record of the year?

Beyonce is the most decorated artist in Grammys history, and her album releases have both triggered cultural earthquakes and reshaped music industry norms.

2 mins

Connor Swindells joins cast of The Entertainment System Is Down

Barbie and Sex Education actor Connor Swindells has joined the cast of The Entertainment System Is Down.

1 min

Rebecca Hall joins cast of Adam Wingard's Onslaught

Actor Rebecca Hall has reunited with her Godzilla x Kong director Adam Wingard for the action thriller Onslaught.

1 min

Police arrest two after protest at Sigourney Weaver London play

UK police said on Tuesday they had arrested two people a day after climate activists disrupted a London play starring Hollywood actress Sigourney Weaver.

1 min

'People love us, we love them'

Syrian brothers' Bistro tops MENA's 50 Best Restaurants for the third consecutive year - the siblings explain their secret recipe to success

5 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.