Khaleej Times - April 29, 2025

In this issue

April 29, 2025

America's loss, UAE's gain

More tourists flock to the Gulf as Europeans avoid the US due to immigrations hurdles after President Trump’s tough stance

2 mins

Death toll in Iran blast reaches 65

Saturday's huge explosion at Iran's largest commercial port has killed 65 people, the provincial governor told media on Monday, revising earlier tolls for the blast.

1 min

Putin orders surprise 3-day truce

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a surprise three-day ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8-10, coinciding with Moscow’s World War II Victory Day commemorations, the Kremlin said on Monday.

1 min

Operators monitor lottery players for responsible gaming

UAE Lottery operators take great care to monitor player behaviour and ensure responsible gaming practices, according to a spokesperson. Mental health counselling is also provided to those who need it.

2 mins

Dubai's biggest gaming celebration to begin on May 9

Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) 2025 kicked off on Friday, unleashing 17 days of action-packed fun, creativity, and pop culture across the city.

1 min

Thai Fruits and Food Festival 2025 launches at Choithrams UAE outlets

This festive promotion will run until May 11, 2025, across 12 participating Choithrams outlets

2 mins

Biker dies in crash while test riding new motorcycle

UAE's biking community is mourning the loss of one of its beloved members, Sayed Omar Rizvi, who tragically passed away in a motorcycle crash on Thursday.

1 min

NCM carries out over 100 cloud seeding flights to increase rainfall

The NCM noted that this winter has been characterised by a general lack of significant rainfall. Most regions have reported minimal amounts, with the highest recorded rainfall of 20.1mm occurring on January 14 at the Jebel Jais station in Ras Al Khaimah.

1 min

Food dyes can cause mood swings among kids: Docs

Doctors in the UAE are warning that food dyes can cause hyperactivity, mood swings and irritability in some children and teenagers.

2 mins

GIG Gulf — Making Insurance Simple, Easy and Relevant

GIG Gulf is on a mission to become the region's go-to digital insurer putting members at the centre of everything it does

2 mins

Harrow to launch 'super premium' schools with Dh100K tuition fees

Two Harrow-branded schools are scheduled to open in the UAE next year, with tuition fees ranging from Dh80,000 to Dh100,000 for students in primary years.

1 min

UAE launches Downtown Umm Al Quwain coastal project, aims to house 150K residents

A major new coastal development, \"Downtown Umm Al Quwain\", was launched on Friday.

1 min

Dubai's global appeal soars, receives 5.31M visitors in first quarter of 2025

Marketing strategies such as the 'Find Your Story' campaign, played a big part in attracting tourists

2 mins

YouTube turns 20: UAE, Egypt, Saudi see channels earning 7-figure revenue

About $70 billion have been paid out to creators, artists, and media companies over the last three years, according to YouTube, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary with more than 20 billion videos being uploaded to the platform since the first clip debuted in April 2005.

1 min

Bitcoin tops $95,000-level again as institutions pile in

The cryptocurrency markets are witnessing a turnaround, with a total market capitalisation surge of $300 billion, as Bitcoin broke through key resistance levels and continued its upward trajectory.

2 mins

Gold may surge past $5,000

Gold prices fell sharply on Monday, dropping 1.6 per cent to $3,268 per ounce, extending a decline that has seen the precious metal lose over five per cent since hitting a record high above $3,500 on April 22.

2 mins

Borouge to lift output to surpass 6.6M tonnes

Borouge on Monday announced a series of strategic asset expansion projects to accelerate its growth, contributing annually between $165 million and $200 million (Dh600 million-Dh730 million) in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda).

1 min

America's loss, UAE's gain

He added: \"When we look at the media today, several stories there are about people being turned away at (US) borders, visas being ignored, etc.

1 min

No-phone policies in hotels, darkness retreats on the rise

In a world increasingly dominated by screens and constant digital stimulation, more people are seeking spaces that offer a 'complete escape' — not just from work and responsibilities, but from technology itself.

2 mins

Dubai Safari Park ticket to help wildlife conservation

A portion of ticket sales for Dubai Safari Park will contribute to wildlife rescue, care, and research initiatives, a spokesperson said.

1 min

Dubai hotel occupancy tops 80% even in summer months

Dubai's tourism sector is breaking seasonal stereotypes, maintaining an impressive hotel occupancy rate of over 80 per cent across both summer and winter months.

2 mins

Etihad maintains 34м target despite tariff row

None

2 mins

Emirates, flydubai carried more than 5m passengers in '24

Robust demand for Dubai airlines' services resulted in 36% growth in joint passengers carried

2 mins

From sleepcations to personalisation, travellers value experiences: Experts

As people are now used to a personalised viewing list on Netflix and coffee customised to their preferences, they have come to expect the same out of their hotel stays, according to experts.

2 mins

Emirates set to launch long-range Airbus A350 on flights to Australia

Emirates will introduce its first long-range Airbus A350, with Australia’s Adelaide becoming the first destination to receive the new aircraft.

1 min

Etihad maintains 34m target despite tariff row

Etihad Airways is committed to its target of 33 to 34 million passengers by 2030 despite challenges in terms of deliveries and tariff rows, its chief executive said on Monday.

2 mins

'Negligence' blamed for Iran port blast that killed 65

Iran's minister of interior on Monday blamed “negligence” for a massive explosion that killed 65 people at the country's largest commercial port, with firefighters still battling a blaze at the facility two days later.

2 mins

US says it struck 800 targets in Yemen, killed 100s of Houthis since March 15

The United States has hit more than 800 targets in Yemen since mid-March, killing hundreds of Houthi rebel fighters, including members of the group's leadership, the US military said Sunday.

2 mins

French mosque murder suspect surrenders to police in Italy

A man suspected of stabbing a young Malian to death in a mosque in southern France and then filming his victim writhing in agony has surrendered to police in Italy, French and Italian authorities said on Monday.

2 mins

Trump calls to probe 'fake' low approval polls

US President Donald Trump hit out on Monday at “fake polls” showing dismal approval ratings for the Republican less than 100 days after returning to the White House.

1 min

Massive blackout hits all of Spain and Portugal

Power went out across Spain and Portugal on Monday, halting train traffic, clogging roads and trapping people in elevators before electricity started to return to some areas after hours of disruption.

1 min

Putin announces surprise Ukraine truce for May 8-10

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a surprise three-day ceasefire from May 8-10, coinciding with Moscow's World War II Victory Day commemorations, the Kremlin said Monday.

2 mins

As Canada votes, Trump pushes US takeover plan

Canada was voting on Monday for a new government to confront a trade war and annexation threats by President Donald Trump, who pushed for the United States to absorb its neighbour as polling stations opened.

3 mins

Villagers on India's border with Pakistan fear war

India’s Daoke village is fenced from Pakistan on three sides and 65-year-old resident Hardev Singh, who has lived through multiple wars between the arch-rivals, knows the drill if another erupts.

2 mins

India hunts suspects days after deadly Kashmir attack

Anger in Indian-run Kashmir escalated on Monday over sweeping detentions in the hunt for the gunmen who carried out a deadly attack last week that New Delhi blames on arch-rival Pakistan.

1 min

India signs deal with France for 26 Rafale jets

India has signed a contract to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets from France, New Delhi’s defence ministry said Monday, with the multi-billion-dollar deal to include both single and twin-seat planes.

1 min

Pakistan defence minister: Military incursion by India imminent

Pakistan’s defence minister said on Monday that a military incursion by neighbouring India was imminent in the aftermath of a deadly militant attack on tourists in Kashmir last week, as tensions rise between the two nuclear-armed nations.

1 min

Bomb threat sent to Kerala CM Office, Cliff House

A bomb threat was sent to the Kerala Chief Minister Office on Monday, as per a statement by the CMO to ANI.

1 min

China and Philippines trade barbs over disputed reef

China and the Philippines on Monday defended their claims to a disputed reef in the South China Sea, after Manila accused Beijing of seeking to “intimidate and harass” with a state media report that suggested the area had been seized.

1 min

Study links diabetes in pregnancy to developmental risks in children

Researchers reviewed data from more than 56 million pregnancies to examine the connection between diabetes and ADHD, autism and intellectual disability

3 mins

Kohli highlights importance of partnerships after RCB win

Twenty20 cricket is fast becoming a stage for explosive batsmen but Virat Kohli reminded fans of the value of building solid partnerships and rotating strike after taking Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the Indian Premier League summit.

1 min

Dubai Basketball eye playoffs after big win

Dubai Basketball head coach Jurica Golemac was delighted after the team continued their relentless push for the top of the ABA League standings with a commanding 97-88 victory over Igokea m:tel.

1 min

Lucknow back Pant as leader despite poor batting form

Lucknow Super Giants have given their backing to skipper Rishabh Pant to lead them to glory in the Indian Premier League despite the swashbuckling left-hander’s struggles with the bat.

1 min

Royals' teen sensation on cloud nine after record-breaking ton

Indian batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi on Monday became the youngest to hit a senior T20 century at 14 years and 32 days as he powered Rajasthan Royals' successful chase against Gujarat Titans in the IPL.

1 min

We deserve to be champions, says Van Dijk

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said winning the Premier League title was an achievement the club would never take for granted after the Merseysiders thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 to secure a 20th top-flight crown in front of a roaring Anfield on Sunday.

1 min

How Liverpool dominated Premier League title race

As we enter the final games of another English Premier League season you have many suggesting this has not exactly been a vintage year.

2 mins

Guardiola says Manchester City have 'four finals' in Champions League race

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was in little mood to dwell on reaching a third successive FA Cup final after beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Sunday, with his thoughts quickly turning to the race to secure Champions League football next term.

1 min

Slot plots more Liverpool glory after Premier League triumph

Arne Slot says sky-high expectations at Liverpool will not allow for any let-up next season after they won the Premier League title in style.

3 mins

Matthew met Millie when she was just Eleven

Matthew Modine, known for his role as Dr Martin Brenner in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, recently shared his fond memories of meeting co-star Millie Bobby Brown when she was just 11.

1 min

Beyonce, Solange's mum insisted on therapy after this

Music sensation Beyonce's mother, Tina Knowles, has opened up about her decision to put the singer and her sister, Solange, in therapy when they were children.

1 min

'Uncle Jesse was like an older brother'

Popular sitcom Full House viewers may have had crushes on John Stamos, who played Uncle Jesse in the show, but his young co-stars didn’t see him that way.

1 min

Fatima Sana Shaikh, Vijay Varma, and Manish Malhotra are ‘trapped in the matrix'

Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh took to her Instagram account to post a selfie with her Gustaakh Ishq co-star Vijay Verma and ace designer Manish Malhotra on Sunday.

1 min

Pooja wears grandma's 70-year-old saree

Actor Pooja Hegde took a trip down memory lane as she picked up a very special saree from her vintage closet.

1 min

It's a wrap for Jennifer Winget, Parineeti Chopra's mystery shoot

Actor Jennifer Winget, who recently wrapped up shooting for her upcoming mystery thriller series, has treated fans to pictures with the team.

1 min

10 cool things to try this summer

Mulling over your list of things to do with the kids as mercury levels steadily rise? Here are your options in Dubai

2 mins

How women nurtured Mountain Boy

Mountain Boy, an Emirati movie based on a young boy with autism, is making waves in theatres across the UAE for blending cultural richness, emotional depth, and social relevance.

4 mins

24-year-old Indian influencer dies

Misha Agrawal, a popular social media content creator, died on April 24, just days shy of her 25th birthday, according to a post shared on her official Instagram account.

1 min

Global Village announces free entry for kids below 12

Kids aged 12 and below can now enjoy free entry at Global Village, the outdoor attraction announced on Monday.

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.