Khaleej Times - April 30, 2025

In this issue

April 30, 2025

People before tech: KT list celebrates GCC's Most Influential HR Leaders

Khaleej Times — the UAE's first English-language newspaper — is proud to unveil its inaugural list of the GCC's Most Influential HR Leaders. This marks the launch of a new series of curated editorial lists designed to spotlight the individuals and ideas shaping the future of key industries across the region.

1 min

This special cafe serves up more than a cupful

Café 21, run by individuals with Down syndrome, draws attention and admiration from the community not just for its warm service but also for the powerful message it sends about inclusion and ability.

2 mins

Work starts on world's largest airport

Sheikh Ahmed says Dubai has started to award contracts for Al Maktoum International

2 mins

Abu Dhabi to roll out face recognition for check-in at all hotels

Abu Dhabi will deploy face recognition technology across all hotels for the safety of the visitors, residents and employees.

1 min

CHART YOUR COURSE AT GETEX 2025

From MBAs to cutting-edge MScs, explore 900+ programmes, connect with global universities, and unlock scholarships-right here in Dubai

3 mins

This special cafe in Dubai serves up more than a cupful

She added that finding jobs is difficult, and she hopes more doors will open for others with determination. She also encouraged people to come and support, even if they don’t have children with special needs.

2 mins

UAE's former resident recalls chaos post power outage in Spain, Portugal

'Many families are now stocking up on battery-operated appliances and food items to avoid being caught in a similar situation in future'

3 mins

KT's former photojournalist Shakil Qaiser passes away

Mohammad Shakil Qaiser, former senior staff photographer at Khaleej Times, passed away on the morning of April 29 in Lahore at the age of 73. A dedicated photojournalist, a loving family man, and a cherished colleague, Shakil left behind not just striking images, but deep bonds that spanned decades.

2 mins

Meet woman reshaping UAE’s maritime world

The Gulf region, particularly the UAE, is rapidly establishing itself as a prime cruising ground for yachts.

2 mins

Banking, But Smarter: How Neobanks are Redefining Finance

The growing appeal of neobanks stems from their ability to prioritise customer needs through intuitive digital platforms and streamlined operations

3 mins

Revolutionising Savings: How GenAI Is Transforming Customer Behaviour

As GenAI continues to evolve, it holds the promise of not just transforming individual savings and financial habits but also creating a future where financial stability within everyone's reach

3 mins

Dubai student named ‘recycling hero 2025’ for sustainable efforts

A Dubai student and an environmental advocate has been recognised as the ‘Recycling Hero 2025’ by the Global Recycling Foundation, becoming the only recipient of the prestigious title from the Middle East this year.

2 mins

Dubai Garden Glow closes after 10 yrs, to reopen at new location

Dubai Garden Glow, one of UAE’s most beloved family attractions, has officially closed its doors after celebrating its 10th season.

1 min

Rare book on Middle Eastern history on display at Abu Dhabi book fair

A rare 14th-century manuscript of Ibn Sina’s Canon of Medicine, valued at Dh464,550, was among the star attractions at the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), which opened on April 26 at Adnec Centre Abu Dhabi.

2 mins

RAK emerging a favourite destination this summer

With hotels offering staycation packages, many are already fully booked during weekends

2 mins

Wellness to boom in region, drive travel, experts say

Wellness has become one of the most important factors that has been driving travel across the region and the world, according to commentators at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) that began in Dubai on Monday. Some noted that it was a segment that would boom in the region.

1 min

From Coldplay to Swifties: UAE becoming music tourism hub

A new wave of travel is sweeping across the UAE, driven not by beaches or luxury shopping, but by booming concert tourism.

3 mins

Check-in with face recognition in Abu Dhabi

DCT Abu Dhabi, through its Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Department, is launching the system in cooperation with ICP. DCT Abu Dhabi said it is working closely with hotels to ensure a smooth rollout of the system. This includes direct communication, detailed system briefings, and the provision of technical and training support.

1 min

Etihad Airways inks pact to boost Thai tourism

Etihad Airways on Tuesday signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to strengthen the relationship between the Southeast Asian nation and the national airline of the UAE at Arabian Travel Market 2025.

1 min

Emirates and Philippine Airlines to expand ties

Emirates and Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Tuesday agreed to consider the possibility of a reciprocal codesharing agreement on flights between the Philippines and Dubai, and on select routes beyond the gateways of each partner airline.

1 min

Saudi travel firm eyes IPO by year-end or early 2026

Saudi Arabia's travel company Almosafer part of Seera Group aims to go public by the end of this year or early next year, its chief executive said.

1 min

Robust demand boosts Aldar profit

Aldar, Abu Dhabi’s premier developer, on Tuesday reported a 33 per cent rise in first quarter net profit before tax to Dh2.2 billion, driven by strong demand for existing inventory and new launches.

1 min

FAB first quarter profit jumps 23% to Dh5.13 billion

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest bank, announced a 23 per cent increase in its first-quarter net profit, reaching Dh5.13 billion compared to the same period last year.

2 mins

UAE stands tall as cheaper oil strains GCC budgets

Lower oil prices are set to challenge fiscal balances across the GCC, with most economies facing wider budget deficits in 2025, according to Emirates NBD, a leading GCC bank.

2 mins

ICJ to rule in UAE-Sudan case on May 5

The International Court of Justice said on Tuesday it would issue its ruling in Sudan’s case against the UAE on May 5.

1 min

Iran says fire contained after deadly blast at port

Firefighters have brought under control a blaze at Iran’s main port, following a deadly explosion blamed on negligence, authorities in the Islamic republic said.

1 min

US lost seven multi-million-dollar drones in Yemen area since March

The United States has lost seven multi-million-dollar MQ-9 Reaper drones in the Yemen area since March 15, a US official said on Monday, as the Navy announced a costly warplane fell off an aircraft carrier into the Red Sea.

1 min

Israel carried out 'live-streamed genocide' against Gazans: Amnesty

Amnesty International on Tuesday accused Israel of committing a “live-streamed genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza by forcibly displacing most of the population and deliberately creating a humanitarian catastrophe.

1 min

Syria monitor says 9 killed in sectarian clashes as govt vows accountability

A Syria war monitor on Tuesday said nine people including six Druze fighters were killed in sectarian clashes near Damascus, as authorities blamed \"gunmen\" and vowed to pursue those involved.

2 mins

Over 50 Gaza aid workers faced abuse in Israeli detention: UN

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, on Tuesday said more than 50 of its staff in Gaza were abused and used as human shields while in Israeli military detention.

1 min

Pakistan says it shot down Indian drone

Pakistan’s military shot down an Indian drone along the de facto Kashmir border, state radio in Islamabad reported on Tuesday, a week after the deadliest attack on civilians in the contested region in years.

1 min

Carney's Liberals win Canada election defined by Trump

Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged on Tuesday to beat the United States in Donald Trump’s trade war after winning Canada’s election and leading his Liberal Party to another term in power.

1 min

India shuts half of Kashmir tourist spots

More than half of the tourist destinations in India’s insurgency-torn Kashmir region have been closed to the public from Tuesday, according to a government order reviewed by Reuters, in a bid to tighten security after last week’s attack on holiday-makers.

1 min

Kashmiris fortify bunkers anticipating crossfire

Pulling logs and dusty building materials from a storage bunker outside his home in Kashmir, Riaz Awan readied the underground space to house his family as they braced for clashes between Pakistan and India to reach their border village.

2 mins

Indian PM gives military ‘operational freedom' to respond to Kashmir attack

Modi expresses 'complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces'

1 min

Esha to lead UAE in ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier

Star all-rounder Esha Oza will lead the UAE Women's team in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025 which will be played in Bangkok, Thailand, next month.

1 min

Madrid coach Ancelotti agrees Brazil deal

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has agreed to take over the Brazilian national team, several Spanish media outlets reported on Monday.

1 min

UAE can also produce players like Suryavanshi, says Dubai coach

In the blink of an eye, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Rajasthan Royals' 14-year-old opening batter, became a global cricket sensation.

2 mins

Barcelona pin hopes on Yamal for Champions League glory

Barcelona last reached the Champions League final a decade ago, with Lionel Messi as their torch-bearer.

1 min

Shah Rukh Khan to make Met Gala debut

Arguably Bollywood's biggest superstar, Shah Rukh Khan is set to make his Met Gala debut this year.

1 min

Filmmaker Shaji N Karun passes away

Indian filmmaker Shaji N Karun passed away at his residence in Trivandrum on April 28, according to Indian media. He was 73.

1 min

Stephen Knapp awarded Padma Shri for Literature

Indian President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Shri award in the field of Literature on Monday to American author and researcher Stephen Knapp.

1 min

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.