Khaleej Times - January 31, 2025

In this issue

January 31, 2025

Coming soon! KT LUXE to enliven your weekends

You wanted it, so we are delivering it! Khaleej Times readers asked for more and we heard you.

4 mins

Why UAE residents go to Kumbh despite risks

Dubai-based Ravindra Kale, a long-time resident since 1994, is undeterred by personal challenges and recent tragic events as he prepares to embark on a pilgrimage to the Mahakumbh.

3 mins

Rule mooted to ensure child support, alimony payment

To address the issue of unpaid alimony and child support, a new regulation that entitles third parties to issue the deserved payments will be sent to the UAE Cabinet for approval.

1 min

Dubai launches new award to inspire Arab sci-fi writers

Storytellers in the region are encouraged to unleash their imagination to infinity and beyond and venture into science fiction as Dubai launches the 'New Voices in Sci-Fi' short story award.

1 min

Expat plans to eat 8,000 calories daily to run 630km in 6 days

When long-time UAE resident Harry Amos begins his epic 630-km run across the country's seven emirates on Friday, he hopes to draw on his military training and prior adventurous feats to complete the trek.

3 mins

Dubai Fountain: Check out free show timings, best viewing spots

Whether you're a visitor or a resident, if you're in Dubai, you'll have to watch the emirate's world-famous dancing fountains at least twice.

3 mins

Faster online visa services as ICP revamps website, adds new features

A new and improved website for UAE visa and residency services went live on Thursday, promising a \"faster, more efficient, and secure\" experience for users.

1 min

Emirates airline closes first-class check-in area at DXB for upgrade

Emirates airline has closed its first-class check-in area at Dubai International Airport (DXB) for a few months. When it reopens, passengers will be able to \"step through private doors\" and check in from the luxurious private lounge, Dubai's flagship carrier said.

1 min

DXB is airport of the world, says Sheikh Mohammed

Dubai International (DXB) has set a new benchmark in global aviation, welcoming 92.3 million guests in 2024 - the highest annual traffic ever recorded in its history.

2 mins

UAE receives first batch of Rafale fighter jets

This deal, worth 16.6 billion euros, is one of the most prominent defence agreements in the history of UAE-French relations

2 mins

Shaaban crescent spotted in Abu Dhabi

Astronomers in the UAE on Thursday caught a glimpse of the Shaaban moon. This means the next Islamic month will officially begin on January 31. Shaaban precedes the holy month of Ramadan.

1 min

Now, a car-cleaning service with a chilling twist

Dubai's Al Khawaneej is buzzing with screams and excitement, thanks to a haunted car wash that combines terror with car cleaning services.

2 mins

Follow the trails of ancient travellers at Sharjah's Mleiha National Park

The park, developed by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), offers several adventures

2 mins

Abu Dhabi pizzeria started off with no menu, now has diners rushing for reservations

Raj Dagstani was never a chef, nor did he aspire to be one. Yet, he is the mastermind behind Abu Dhabi's Marmellata Bakery - a father-and-son pizzeria that has taken the city by storm.

2 mins

ADQ partners with Orion to invest $1.2b in metals, mining

Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund, ADQ, has announced a strategic partnership with Orion Resource Partners to establish a new joint venture aimed at enhancing supply chain security in the metals and mining sector. This 50-50 collaboration, named Orion Abu Dhabi, will initially invest $1.2 billion over the next four years.

1 min

Mideast airlines drive global air traffic to record high

Global air passenger traffic reached record high levels in 2024, with the Middle East experiencing significant growth that underscores its vital role in international air travel, the International Air Transport Association (Iata) said on Thursday.

2 mins

Record growth in global air cargo demand

Global air cargo market recorded unprecedented growth in 2023, with demand soaring by 11.3 per cent compared to the previous year, the International Air Transport Association (Iata) reported on Thursday.

1 min

Dubai office market to remain undersupplied until 2027-28

The emirate holds 2nd-highest global office occupancy at 92% and it is expected to exceed 94%by the end of 2025

2 mins

Budget 2025: Modi govt's last chance to fix A+ challenges

India stands at a crucial turning point. Budget 2025 is more than just a financial roadmap — it presents a key opportunity for the prime minister and finance minister to set the stage for longterm economic growth and stability.

4 mins

A new era of freehold ownership in Dubai

The city continues to draw in foreign capital because of its unique mix of luxury, innovation, and endless opportunities

2 mins

University of West London RAK branch campus team wins prestigious award

A team of four final-year BSc (Hons) Computer Science students from the University of West London (UWL) RAK campus has made history by winning the Most Inspirational Project Award at the 2024 Nasa International Space Apps Challenge.

1 min

Century Financial celebrates over 35 years of excellence

In the past 35 years, Century Financial has established itself as a beacon of excellence in the highly competitive global financial investments industry.

1 min

Omega hosts exclusive dinner to celebrate the Seamaster Collection

Omega, the prestigious Swiss watchmaker, hosted an exclusive dinner at The Twenty-Two in London, bringing together distinguished guests for an evening of elegance and innovation.

1 min

WHY GEN-Z IS DITCHING TEXTBOOKS FOR TIKTOK

From math hacks to mental health tips, social media is reshaping how we learn- but in the age of rampant misinformation, can it be a reliable source of education?

6 mins

Tears of joy for Thai hostage freed in Gaza

The family of a Thai farm worker held for over a year in Gaza wept with relief on Thursday as he was freed in a hostage-prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas.

1 min

At Syria cemetery, people search for their missing loved ones

Weeping, Fairuz Shalish grasps the red earth at an unmarked grave in Syria that she believes may hold her son, one of tens of thousands of people who vanished under ousted president Bashar Al Assad.

2 mins

Israel releases 110 Palestinian prisoners after hostages freed

Buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners left an Israeli prison on Thursday, after chaos during the release by Gaza militants of three Israeli hostages and five Thais led to a brief delay in the process.

3 mins

Qatari emir tells Syria leader ‘urgent need’ for inclusive government

Visiting Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani emphasised the \"urgent need\" to form an inclusive Syrian government during a meeting on Thursday with the country's new interim president Ahmed Al Sharaa, the Qatari royal court said.

2 mins

Building blocks of life found in samples from asteroid Bennu

Rock and dust samples retrieved by Nasa from the asteroid Bennu exhibit some of the chemical building blocks of life, according to research that provides some of the best evidence to date that such space rocks may have seeded early Earth with the raw ingredients that fostered the emergence of living organisms.

2 mins

Man who burnt holy book in Sweden shot dead; 5 held

A man who repeatedly burnt the holy Quran in 2023 in Sweden, sparking outrage in Muslim countries, has been shot dead south of Stockholm, investigators said on Thursday, adding that five people had been arrested.

3 mins

1.2m in Japan told to use less water to help sinkhole rescue

Hopes faded for a 74-year-old man in Japan whose truck was swallowed by a sinkhole as a difficult rescue operation entered its third night on Thursday, with the chasm widening and locals urged to limit water use to aid efforts.

1 min

Survivors of India's Kumbh stampede recount ordeal

They talk of safety lapses and a hapless official response to the stampede that killed at least 30 people

2 mins

Theft and violence in UK retail soar to record levels, shows survey

Theft and violence against retail workers in Britain have soared to record levels last year and are \"out of control\", driven partly by criminal gangs, according to a report published on Thursday.

1 min

Influential podcasts fuel 'harmful' health misinformation

Unfounded cancer cures, dubious anti-vaccine narratives, and false claims that neurological disorders can be \"reversed\" through diets: influential American and European podcasters are peddling harmful health misinformation while largely escaping scrutiny, researchers say.

2 mins

UK's Bishop of Liverpool quits after sexual assault claims

The Bishop of the English city of Liverpool said on Thursday he was stepping down from his post after a British broadcaster aired allegations of sexual assault and harassment against him.

1 min

More than 60 feared dead after jet hits copter, crashes into Washington river

64 people were aboard passenger plane; US army says three soldiers were on military helicopter; Officials say they do not think there are any survivors; passengers included US and Russian figure skaters

3 mins

Trump signs orders on hot-button social issues in schools, including gender, race

US President Donald Trump signed several executive orders on Wednesday regarding hot-button topics in education — including race, gender, and college campus protests — which were frequent talking points during his campaign.

1 min

First Conquest to uphold Godolphin honour

It's fitting that a race named after one of their all-time greats has become a happy hunting ground for Godolphin, and the Dubai-based operation aims for an eleventh win in Friday's G3 Dubai Millennium Stakes.

2 mins

Raducanu gets wildcard for Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open qualifiers

Grand Slam-winner Emma Raducanu will compete at this year's Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open having been awarded the final wildcard spot for the qualifiers, with fans able to watch the British star in action on the opening day of the tournament free of charge.

2 mins

Sharjah Warriorz keep ILT20 playoff hopes alive

Sharjah Warriorz kept their ILT20 playoff hopes alive with a thrilling four-wicket win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

1 min

85 athletes to represent UAE at Asian Jiu-Jitsu events

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has confirmed the participation of 85 athletes in the 2025 Asian Jiu-Jitsu Cup – U14 and the 2025 Asian Jiu-Jitsu Youth Championship, scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from 13-15 February.

1 min

Australia take control after Khawaja and Inglis pummel Sri Lanka

Australia's Usman Khawaja struck a maiden double hundred and Josh Inglis got a century on his Test debut against Sri Lanka to power the tourists to a mammoth 654 for six before they declared their first innings on day two of the opening Test on Thursday.

1 min

Kohli's return to Ranji Trophy draws huge crowd in Delhi

A huge crowd turned up at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday as Virat Kohli made his much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after 13 years. Fans gathered from the early hours of the morning, eager to witness the cricketing icon in action as Delhi faced Railways in the domestic tournament.

2 mins

Champions League produces drama, but giants survive

European football body Uefa hailed the \"more dynamic\" new format of the Champions League as a huge success after the first phase concluded on Wednesday while all of the continent's biggest clubs survived to reach the knockout stage.

3 mins

Arteta backs Arsenal to beat anyone in Champions League

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said his side could handle any opposition after progressing directly to the Champions League last 16 with a 2-1 win at Girona on Wednesday.

1 min

Harvey Weinstein seeks early retrial over 'hellhole' prison

Disgraced Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein asked a court on Wednesday to bring forward his retrial for sex offences arguing that his \"hellhole\" prison conditions were unbearable, US media reported.

1 min

'Sometimes, people just don't go gaga about things'

Singer Lady Gaga shared her perspective on Joker: Folie a Deux receiving bad reviews and disappointing box-office collection.

1 min

The secret is out: This is what made Katy and Orlando's relationship bloom

Singer-songwriter Katy Perry talked about her relationship with actor Orlando Bloom, saying it has only become stronger with time.

1 min

Maison Margiela names lead designer at Paris Haute Couture Week

Belgian designer Glenn Martens was on Wednesday named the successor to John Galliano as creative director of French fashion house Maison Margiela on a busy day of Haute Couture Week in Paris.

1 min

Shahid Kapoor promises an arresting watch

The Bollywood star talks about his intense new role and why he's so comfortable in shades of grey

3 mins

Pooja Hegde's brush with 'investigative journalism'

The actress on playing a bold truth-teller in Rosshan Andrrews' action-packed Bollywood debut, Deva

2 mins

Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa's cryptic post leaves fans guessing

Couple RajKummar Rao and Patralekhaa have sparked curiosity among fans with a cryptic post, hinting at an upcoming collaboration.

1 min

Sreerama defends Jasleen Royal amid Coldplay backlash

Following backlash over Jasleen Royal’s performance as the opening act for Coldplay’s Mumbai concert, Indian Idol 5 winner Sreerama Chandra on Wednesday defended the singer.

1 min

Hrithik's in a video with Morgan Freeman, Matthew McConaughey

Star Hrithik Roshan was recently honoured at the Joy Awards in Riyadh. On Wednesday, Roshan shared a video from the event, which was attended by dignitaries such as Morgan Freeman and Matthew McConaughey among others.

1 min

Settle in for a cosy afternoon tea at SocialBee

One must-try at this restaurant is the mini croissant with prawn salad and yuzu pearls

1 min

At Permit Room, go for the look of the thing

So here’s the thing about fusion fare – it makes my hackles rise because of how badly wrong it can go. Which is why when we decided to head to Permit Room in Al Mankhool, I was glad that I hadn’t seen the menu.

1 min

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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.