Khaleej Times - April 17, 2025

In this issue

April 17, 2025

UAE has systems in place to face pandemics: Official

Although pandemics may be inevitable, the UAE has systems in place to prepare for imminent threats to public health, according to a senior health official.

1 min

WHO members reach pandemic deal

Members of the World Health Organisation reached a landmark agreement on Wednesday on how to learn from Covid-19, which killed millions of people in 2020-22, and prepare the world for future pandemics.

1 min

Mall of the Emirates to get Dh5B upgrade

Mall of the Emirates is investing Dh5 billion in a massive expansion, adding 100 new stores, a new theatre, a new indoor and outdoor dining precinct, more entertainment spaces and wellness.

1 min

UAE to roll out digital IDs for key services

The UAE is set to roll out an alternative digital identification system that will eliminate the need to present physical Emirates ID cards to access key services.

1 min

From empty pockets to a multimillion-dirham empire: The 51-Year journey of Al Furat's visionary founder

It was in the summer of 1974, when the 22-year-old Varughese Kallurumpil Chacko stood on the deck of a ship bound for the UAE. His pockets were empty, but his dreams were vast. That journey, which took five days from Mumbai in India to the newly opened Port Rashid in Dubai, UAE, was the first step in a remarkable career that would shape an industry and build a business empire. Today, as the founder and Group Chairman of Al Furat, one of the leading cold chain solution providers in the UAE, Varughese reflects on his half-century-long journey with a characteristic blend of nostalgia, humour, and humility.

5 mins

UAE denies ground offensive plans in Yemen

The UAE categorically denied on Wednesday media reports that it is involved in talks with the US over a ground offensive by military factions in Yemen against the Houthi group.

1 min

Flood resilience now a top priority for property buyers

In April 2024, Indian expat Sumayya Khan and her husband were shopping for their forever home in Sharjah. Having lived in the UAE all their lives, they wanted to make a real estate investment in which they hoped to live with their daughters. It was between their hunt that the torrid April 16 floods took place.

2 mins

A tragic hero who gave his friends a chance to live

The Kenyan expat woke his sleeping friends and guided them through the smoke-filled corridor, urging them to stay low and cover their faces, recall flatmates

2 mins

Abu Dhabi opens Alzheimer’s early detection centre

Abu Dhabi will now see a new Alzheimer's disease centre dedicated to its early detection.

1 min

Abu Dhabi opens Alzheimer's early detection centre

Abu Dhabi will now see a new Alzheimer's disease centre dedicated to its early detection.

1 min

Abu Dhabi's M42 ties up with UK firm to develop AI-driven therapeutics

Abu Dhabi’s M42 has announced a partnership and investment in UK-based longevity biotech leader Juvenescence. The new alliance is aimed at discovering and developing Al-enabled therapeutics to advance the treatment of life-threatening and age-related diseases and improve healthy lifespan.

1 min

Varsities offer scholarships, study-abroad options

With artificial intelligence and machine learning changing workplaces at breakneck speed, many universities present at KT UniExpo are offering scholarships, study-abroad options and flexible methods of learning to attract students and ensure they are well prepared for future jobs.

1 min

Psychology, Artificial Intelligence popular courses, say educators

Courses in artificial intelligence, robotics and psychology are some of the most popular ones among students in the last few years, say experts. Many stated that since the pandemic, there has been a huge focus on mental health, bringing psychology back into the spotlight.

2 mins

KT UniExpo Day 1: Thousands throng venue to explore courses

Thousands of students and parents turned up for the first day of the KT UniExpo that brought together over 35 educational institutes from the UAE and abroad.

3 mins

Abu Dhabi private schools to sign annual contract with parents

Private schools in Abu Dhabi require all parents to sign a parent-school agreement before their child’s enrollment and annually upon re-enrollment.

3 mins

New training initiative for citizens to build sustainable homes

Anewtraining initiative called ‘How to Build Your Home?’ was launched on Tuesday by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Es-tablishment (MBRHE) in collab-oration with the New Economy ‘Academy.

2 mins

Dubai residents hail stricter checks on e-scooters

A new special unit that will monitor bicycle and e-scooter violations in Dubai will “send a message to the public” and increase awareness on bike-riding and e-scooters, a road safety and driving expert said.

2 mins

UAE flight ticket prices fall 35% as demand for affordable travel grows

Average real airfares in the UAE have fallen by 35 per cent in 12 years due to the launch of new low-cost airlines and growing competition amid rising demand for air travel, according to the International Air Transport Association (lata).

3 mins

Dubai Investments aims to sell stake in four firms via IPOs

Dubai Investments, a well-diversified company listed on the Dubai Financial Market, aims to sell stakes in four companies through initial public offerings (IPOs), said Khalid bin Kalban, vice chairman and CEO of Dubai Investments.

2 mins

Gold hits all-time high, reaches Dh399 per gram

Gold prices rallied to a new record high on Wednesday evening, crossing $3,300 per ounce globally just shy of Dh400 per gram in Dubai.

2 mins

Nokia and Morocco ink MoU to advance digital strategy

Nokia and the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform of Morocco have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during GITEX Africa 2025 in Morocco.

1 min

Dubai's luxury realty soars as Condor delivers Concept 7

Dubai’s luxury real estate market continues to boom, with Condor Developers reinforcing its prominence by completing the handover of Condor Concept 7, a premium residential project in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), on schedule.

1 min

Why quality has become the new currency in real estate

Over the past decade, luxury real estate market has undergone a profound shift, and this evolution continues today.

3 mins

Pre-tariffs buying fuels US retail sales

US retail sales increased the most in more than two years in March as households stepped up purchases of motor vehicles and a range of other goods to avoid higher prices from tariffs, likely barely keeping the economy afloat in the first quarter.

1 min

Sustainable supply chains are key to managing disruptions: Minister

In the face of increasing global trade disruptions, the need for sustainable, data-driven supply chains has never been more critical, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, said on Wednesday.

2 mins

Strong China growth belies storm clouds ahead, analysts say

Forecast-beating growth in China’s first quarter may have offered Beijing’s economic planners some much needed good news — but analysts warn they should strap in for tariff-induced woes further down the line.

2 mins

Mideast growth defies global recession fears

The global economy teeters on the edge of a recession, with UN Trade and Development (Unctad) forecasting a mere 2.3 per cent growth in world gross product for 2025, below the 2.5 per cent threshold signalling a recessionary phase.

3 mins

Do healthy breakfast cereals exist?

Yes, experts say. But you have to know where to look

3 mins

Anxiety clouds Easter for West Bank Christians

In the mainly Christian Palestinian town of Zababdeh, the runup to Easter has been overshadowed by nearby Israeli military operations, which have proliferated in the occupied West Bank alongside the Gaza war.

2 mins

No humanitarian aid to enter Gaza: Israel

Israel said on Wednesday it would keep blocking humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, where a relentless military offensive has turned the Palestinian territory into a \"mass grave\", a medical charity reported.

2 mins

Iran says its right to uranium enrichment is non-negotiable

Iran's right to enrich uranium is not negotiable, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Wednesday ahead of a second round of talks set to take place in Rome this weekend with the United States about Tehran's disputed nuclear programme.

1 min

UAE-led resolution on Yemen adopted by Rights Council

A resolution submitted by UAE on humanitarian needs of Yemeni people, on behalf of the Arab Group, was adopted by consensus by the Human Rights Council at the conclusion of its 57th session.

1 min

Myanmar: Downpours drench homeless quake survivors

Heavy rains have lashed the Myanmar region stricken by last month's earthquake, aid officials said on Wednesday, drenching homeless survivors and bogging down relief efforts.

1 min

India oppn slams graft charges against Gandhis

India’s. main opposition Congress party accused the government of a “vendetta” on Wednesday after a federal agency filed charges against its top leaders in a years-long corruption case.

1 min

Pakistan party ends protest in support of activists

A Baloch nationalist party called off its protest blockade in support of detained activists in southwest Pakistan on Wednesday, fearing its impact on traders in the impoverished province.

1 min

Malnourished Afghan children at 'high risk of dying' without US aid

At a malnutrition treatment centre in Afghanistan's capital, the cries of children have given way to a heavy silence, as patients are turned away and medical staff laid off due to US aid cuts.

3 mins

Malnourished Afghan children at ‘high risk of dying’ without US aid

At a malnutrition treatment centre in Afghanistan’s capital, the cries of children have given way to a heavy silence, as patients are turned away and medical staff laid off due to US aid cuts.

2 mins

Berlin palliative doctor accused of killing 15 patients

The suspect is accused of having killed 12 women and 3 men between Sept 2021 and July 2024 using a deadly cocktail of sedatives

2 mins

EU lists seven ‘safe’ nations of origin, tightening asylum rules

The European Union on Wednesday published a list of seven countries it considers \"safe\", in a bid to speed up migrant returns by making it harder for citizens of those nations to claim asylum in the bloc.

1 min

Pocket watch found on Titanic victim to go on sale

A pocket watch, tickets and money found among the belongings of passengers on the Titanic are among items on sale ata UK auction later this month.

1 min

Tragic promise inspired world’s first Michelin-starred woman sushi chef

Chizuko Kimura has become the first female sushi chef in the world to win a Michelin star, fulfilling a promise she made to her dying husband to continue his legacy.

1 min

UK top court rules definition of 'a woman' based on sex at birth

Britain's Supreme Court ruled Wednesday the legal definition of a “woman” is based on a person’s sex at birth, a landmark decision with far-reaching implications for the bitter debate over trans rights.

2 mins

Harvard a JOKE, teaches Hate, Stupidity and should no longer receive federal funds: Trump

President Donald Trump called Harvard a \"joke\" on Wednesday and said it should lose its government research contracts after the top US university refused to accept demands to come under outside political supervision.

2 mins

Zaman: My job is to play aggressive knocks

Fakhar Zaman of Lahore Qalandars was delighted with his match-winning kncock against Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League on Tuesday.

1 min

Exiled Afghan women welcome funding pledge with hope and tears

A funding pledge from the International Cricket Council (ICC) has given Afghanistan’s exiled women cricketers hope of recognition and the chance to play on the international stage in defiance of the Taliban.

2 mins

Pomona to host cricket at LA28 but US team's participation in doubt

A temporary stadium at the Fairgrounds in Pomona, Southern California, will stage men’s and women’s cricket at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 but the host United States team cannot take their place in the competition for granted.

1 min

Boisson serves up humour in response to Dart's odour complaint

French tennis player Lois Boisson fired back with humour after Britain’s Harriet Dart complained on court about her body odour, posting a photoshopped snap of herself mid-serve clutching a deodorant can and tagging Dove for a “much-needed collab.”

1 min

'Magician' Chahal casts spell with IPL heroics

Veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has been out of the Indian national team for two years but is toast of the cricketing world after a stellar IPL show for Punjab Kings.

1 min

Skaik isn't just playing to win — he's playing to build a legacy

Ahmed Skaik doesn’t sound like someone who has been waiting for success. He talks like someone who is ready for it.

2 mins

Butler hails Curry after Warriors reach NBA playoffs

Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler combined for 75 points as the Golden State Warriors squeezed into the NBA playoffs on Tuesday with a pulsating 121-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

2 mins

Barcelona suffer morale blow in Dortmund amid quadruple hunt

Barcelona reached the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2019 but Wednesday’s defeat by Borussia Dortmund gave the Catalans cause for concern.

2 mins

Emery targets ‘next step’ for Villa after CL heroics

Unai Emery believes there is more to come from Aston Villa as they exited the Champions League with pride after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

2 mins

What are 'looksmaxxing' influencers and why are there so many of them?

Looksmaxxing influencers have surged in popularity across social media, capitalising on the insecurities of young men eager to boost their physical attractiveness

3 mins

Lil Nas X hospitalised after he lost control' of the right side of his face

Rapper Lil Nas X has revealed that he's suffering from a mysterious case of partial facial paralysis.

1 min

Emraan Hashmi on playing real-life hero

Ahead of the release of Ground Zero, actor Emraan Hashmi opened up about the significance of the film, his role, and the emotional weight of portraying a real-life Border Security Force (BSF) officer.

2 mins

Emirati artist explores space, structure, and systems at Art Dubai 2025

From Abu Dhabi's quiet landscapes to global conversations in abstraction, how Sarah Almehairi continues to expand her visual language

3 mins

Read all stories from Khaleej Times

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.