Khaleej Times - February 14, 2025

In this issue

February 14, 2025

Air corridors for flying taxis, cargo drones in under 2 yrs

The UAE has started mapping its air corridor and is also working on the regulatory framework for the deployment of piloted and autonomous flying taxis and cargo drones, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced on Thursday.

1 min

Winner of gold Cybertruck to sell car, to live simply’

Would you sell a gold-plated Tesla Cybertruck if you won it in a raffle, or would you drive it like a king on the UAE's roads? Well, the winner of a Tesla gold-plated car at the new Dubai Gold Souk Extension is planning to sell his car.

2 mins

Musk partners with Dubai for rapid underground transport

An ambitious project to connect Dubai's most densely populated areas will see the emirate partnering with Elon Musk. Spanning over 17km, the project will have 11 stations and will have the capacity to transport 20,000 passengers per hour.

2 mins

Winner of Best Minister Award’ made Zimbabwe self-sufficient in wheat

In recognition of his efforts in the field of agriculture, Zimbabwean minister of lands, agriculture, water and rural resettlement Anxious Jongwe Masuka was announced winner of this year's 'Best Minister Award' during the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai on Thursday.

1 min

Saudi educator honoured with $1M teacher prize

An educator from Saudi Arabia who began his career teaching students from a humble school kitchen has been honoured with this year's GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize.

2 mins

Al has dual impact on mental health, says Kruse

As artificial intelligence continues to permeate various aspects of our lives, its direct impact on mental health is becoming increasingly prominent.

1 min

Dubai’s skills academies’ to empower Africa’s youth

Dubai has officially launched an initiative aimed at empowering young people across Africa.

1 min

US should mind its own business, says Elon Musk

Musk calls for the US to delete entire agencies’ from federal government

3 mins

Did AI play arole in Gaza war? Top official says tech must be regulated

As the world grapples with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the question remains: Should we fear the very technology that promises to revolutionise our societies? This pivotal topic was at the forefront of discussions during a session at the World Governments Summit on Thursday.

1 min

UAE's support helped restore Iraqi city of Mosul: Unesco

A project to restore the ancient Iraqi city of Mosul would not have been possible without the UAE's support, director-general of Unesco Audrey Azoulay said on Thursday at World Governments Summit in Dubai.

1 min

‘UAE shoppers second highest spenders on V-Day’

UAE residents spent on average $95 (nearly Dh350) on Valentine's Day gifts in 2025, mostly on fashion, electronics and home and garden products.

1 min

17 delivery rider deaths recorded in 2024: Police

Seventeen delivery riders were killed in accidents in Dubai last year, a top police officer told Khaleej Times. Dubai recorded 616 accidents involving motorcycle riders in 2024 with 26 fatalities.

1 min

RailBus to connect internal areas of Karama, AI Barsha, Deira to Metro, says RTA official

As a first and last mile solution, RailBus that was unveiled at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2025 on Monday-will have multiple stations/ hubs in densely populated communities across Dubai, a senior Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) official told Khaleej Times.

1 min

Digital pact sealed to protect children online

A first-of-its-kind children's digital wellbeing pact was signed by various authorities, companies and social media platforms in a bid to keep youngsters in the UAE safe online. From ensuring they know how to browse safely to protecting them from harmful content, the pact is designed to ensure children are protected.

2 mins

Stay connected in the UAE with free WiFi: Here's how you can get access, find hotspots

Staying connected in the UAE is easier than you think. Whether you're a resident or a tourist, you can easily stay in touch with friends and family - even if you run out of mobile data.

2 mins

AI tool to scan health metrics of insurance applicants via video

UAE residents planning to purchase life insurance will no longer have to undergo medical tests, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) technology which is transforming our daily lives.

1 min

Sharjah scientists find aromatic plant that may cure colon cancer

Researchers from a university in the UAE have discovered that a naturally growing aromatic plant may have the potential to treat colorectal cancer.

2 mins

A work of art inspired by Khor Fakkan mountains

\"They may seem harsh, but they are not,\" said Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, reflecting on his lifelong connection to the rugged mountains of Khor Fakkan.

3 mins

"The Golden Visa gave me the security to focus on my brand'

As the Creators HQ helps influencers expand their global reach, the competition will intensify, leading to a shift toward higher-quality content for audiences

7 mins

Some employees get more than six-month salary as bonus in '24

UAE employees operating in high-growth sectors such as technology, banking, healthcare, and consultancy were offered some of the highest bonuses in 2024, with payouts reaching up to six months’ salary in specific roles, according to a new study released by Cooper Fitch.

2 mins

Drop in currencies, free digital channels boost remittances

Surging UAE dirham, persistent decline in Asian currencies create favourable opportunity for expats, leading to a notable increase in cross-border payments

3 mins

Alpha Data announces IPQ; first firm to go public in 2025

The offer price will be determined through a book-building process

2 mins

Japan's auto giants Honda and Nissan scrap merger talks

Japanese auto giants Honda and Nissan confirmed on Thursday they had scrapped merger talks that would have created the world's third-largest automaker by unit sales.

2 mins

India’s Adani quits 442m Sri Lanka power project

Indian conglomerate Adani Group has withdrawn from a troubled $442 million wind power project in Sri Lanka after the island nation's government sought to renegotiate the deal.

1 min

Global stocks rally on Ukraine peace hopes and bonds sell-o

* European stock futures rally one per cent, Wall St futures rise * Oil falls a second day and euro extends gains *Nikkei gains 1.4% thanks to weaker yen

2 mins

RAK’s real estate market soars amid luxury appeal

Ras Al Khaimah is experiencing a remarkable surge in its real estate market, marked by record-breaking transaction volumes that underscore the emirate's growing allure for luxury living at a fraction of the cost compared to established markets worldwide, property experts said.

2 mins

TAF The Art Fest International: A global celebration

TAF The Art Fest International is set to take Dubai by storm from February 14 to 16, 2025.

1 min

Vishen Lakhiani unveils growth mindset blueprint at LEAP 2025

Vishen Lakhiani, visionary entrepreneur and founder of Mindvalley, delivered a keynote at LEAP 2025, redefining how entrepreneurs and business leaders approach success in a high-pressure world.

1 min

The Deep Seafood Company celebrates 39 years, unveils expansion plans and new premium brands

Founded in 1986 by Yoosuf Pangat and Hamza Koya Kallan, the Deep Seafood Company began as a modest seafood business in Abu Dhabi. Today, it has grown into a global leader with over 1,000 employees, operating in seven countries. As it marks its 39th anniversary, the company has unveiled a new corporate HQ in the UAE to support its expansion across the Middle East, Europe, and the Maldives.

1 min

Unicef decries soaring violence against children in West Bank

Violence against children has surged in recent months in the occupied West Bank, where Israel is conducting a sweeping military operation, Unicef warned on Wednesday as it called for an end to hostilities.

1 min

Construction equipment awaiting Gaza entry from Egypt: Report

Dozens of bulldozers, construction vehicles and trucks carrying mobile homes lined up on Egypt's side of the Rafah border crossing on Thursday, awaiting to enter Gaza, state-linked Egyptian media reported.

1 min

Tens of thousands of Jordanians welcome King Abdullah home after Trump meeting

Tens of thousands of Jordanians gathered at Amman's Marka airport on Thursday to express support for King Abdullah's position on Gaza on his return from Washington where he met US President Donald Trump.

1 min

Hamas says committed to truce deal, plans to proceed with next swap

Hamas said on Thursday it was committed to honouring a truce with Israel that has come under severe strain in recent days, adding that it planned to proceed with the next hostage-prisoner swap this weekend as planned.

1 min

Britain plans to ease Syria sanctions, says minister

The United Kingdom plans to ease sanctions on Syria following the fall of Bashar AI Assad, under a new plan announced by the government on Thursday.

1 min

Syrian groups must disarm to take part in national dialogue, official says

Groups that refuse to lay down their arms and submit to the defence ministry's authority will play no part in a national dialogue on Syria's future, a committee set up to prepare for a national conference said on Thursday.

1 min

India expects 200 million missile deal with Philippines this year

India expects to sell shortrange missiles to the Philippines this year in a deal worth more than $200 million, Indian sources told Reuters, for New Delhi's second major defence export contract with Manila as tension grows with China.

1 min

S Korea to limit power banks on flights following plane fire

South Korea's transport ministry on Thursday announced measures to strengthen aviation safety rules, following a fire on an Air Busan plane last month, which will include limiting the number and type of portable batteries allowed on flights.

1 min

28 injured after car rams into crowd in Munich; Afghan held

The suspect was 24-year-old asylum seeker who was named by German media as Farhad N.

3 mins

Pakistani couple kill 13-year-old maid over missing chocolate

One in every four households in Pakistan employs a child in domestic work, predominantly girls aged 10-14

1 min

Biden blamed for last month’s unexpected uptick in inflation

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday blamed his predecessor Joe Biden for last month's unexpected acceleration in consumer inflation, as he looked to deflect a moment of potential political peril early in his second term.

2 mins

US president fires Kennedy Centre board, becomes head of the top cultural venue

Donald Trump was appointed chairman of the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, as a new board of trustees loyal to the US president brought his aggressive rightwing, anti-\"woke\" stamp to Washington's premier arts venue.

1 min

Musk's X settles Trump's lawsuit over ban after Capitol attack

Elon Musk's social media platform X has agreed to settle a lawsuit over what was then Twitter banning Donald Trump after the mob attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, a newspaper said on Wednesday.

1 min

Trump, Putin set to meet in Saudi to end Ukrainian war

US President Donald Trump revealed on Wednesday he expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine peace talks, in an extraordinary thaw in relations after a surprise phone call between the two leaders.

2 mins

'We're not being treated like humans': USAID staff left in despair

Beyond putting its work in some of the world's poorest countries in doubt, US President Donald Trump's sudden move to shut down USAID has left many of its thousands of employees in shock and despair.

2 mins

Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge gears up for empty quarter rematch

It's less than ten days to go until the most challenging motorsport series, the FIA/FIM World RallyRaid Championship, (W2RC), returns to the UAE for the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.

2 mins

White credits fantastic pitches for good cricket in ILT20

Following the success of ILT20 Season 3 which concluded on February 9 with Dubai Capitals crowned the new champions, league CEO David White expressed delight over the quality of matches, edge-of-the-seat thrillers to the showdown.

1 min

Romance to take Centre Court at DDF Tennis

Love will be both in the air and on the scoreboard at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this month as the sport's power couple, Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas, confirmed their participation in the emirate's annual tennis tournament - for which qualifying gets underway on Valentine's Day.

2 mins

Patidar named RCB captain for IPL 2025

Rajat Patidar was named as the new Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain for this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday, succeeding South African Faf du Plessis in the role.

1 min

Pakistan hopeful Champions Trophy will bring more big events

Pakistan will host a first major multi-country cricket tournament in nearly three decades next week and its cricket chief is hopeful that a successful Champions Trophy will bring a flood of other such events.

1 min

Three more gold medals as hosts UAE continue their dream run

It was an emotional moment for the UAE's Siham Alrasheedy as she clinched the women's discus F52-57 gold medal at the ongoing 16th Fazza Para Athletics Grand Prix - Dubai 2025.

1 min

Top stars to compete at Dubai Open Swimming Championship

The Dubai Open Swimming Championship 2025, one of the most prominent events in the world of swimming this year, will kick off on Friday at the prestigious Hamdan Sports Complex.

1 min

frustrated with Van Dijk draw at Goodison Park

Ꮮiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said Everton's 98th minute equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw was hard to take as the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park ended in a flurry of red cards on Wednesday.

2 mins

Kompany hails Bayern's Champions League win at Celtic

Vincent Kompany saluted Bayern Munich's composure and ignored the \"crazy\" atmosphere at Celtic to seize control of the Champions League playoff round with a 2-1 win in the first leg on Wednesday.

1 min

Runners from seven countries to vie for glory on Valentine’s Day

Meydan Racecourse is feeling the love this Valentine's Day with eight highly competitive races scheduled for the 12th Dubai Racing Carnival card of the season on Friday.

2 mins

I've got your back'

Actor Farhan Akhtar celebrated his daughter Akira's 18th birthday on Thursday with a heartfelt post on Instagram.

1 min

Deepika's simple mantra for success

Actor Deepika Padukone, who featured on the eighth edition of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Pariksha Pe Charcha programme on Wednesday shared her tips to tackle exam stress and her mantra in life.

1 min

Samay Raina scraps all India's Got Latent content

Comedian Samay Raina has broken his silence on the ongoing controversy surrounding his YouTube show, India's Got Latent.

1 min

Kanye West sued by former Yeezy employee for alleged sexist remarks

Rapper Kanye West is facing a lawsuit filed by a former Yeezy employee, who alleges that the rapper made disturbing and abusive comments during her time at the company, including comparing himself to Adolf Hitler and making threats against her due to her Jewish heritage.

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.