Khaleej Times - May 02, 2025

In this issue

May 02, 2025

14-day package to tour all emirates on the anvil

The UAE is mulling the roll out of up to 14-day tourism itineraries as part of the 'UAE Grand Tours' project, allowing tourists to explore all the seven emirates.

1 min

UAE-India trade hits $100в goal 5 years ahead

The UAE has reached a $100 billion trade milestone with India five years ahead of its target, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade said on Thursday.

2 mins

This English great grandma is oldest person at age 115

A British woman, Ethel Caterham, became the world’s oldest person aged 115 on Thursday after the death of a Brazilian nun who had held the record, according to research groups.

1 min

Residents hail lifting of Lebanon travel ban

Lebanese residents here are happy and hopeful after hearing that the UAE and Lebanon have agreed to make travel between the two countries easier.

1 min

First Jewellery Experience Inside a Metro Station

In the heart of Dubai, a name has quietly risen with purpose—shaping not just jewellery, but the way it is felt, cherished, and passed down through generations

2 mins

Some UAE residents cancel travel plans to India, Pakistan amid tension

Some UAE residents are delaying or cancelling travel plans and postponing summer vacations to their home countries India and Pakistan due to concerns around airspace restrictions.

2 mins

Car 'fully submerged' under water pulled out in 3.5-hour mission

On Sunday morning an Indian family that decided to camp by the shore in Ghantoot woke up to a surprise.

1 min

RAK man, wife jailed for framing business partner in drugs case

In a calculated attempt to seize control of a thriving joint business, a man identified as “S.R.” and his wife were sentenced to 10 years in prison each and fined Dh50,000 after conspiring to frame his Asian business partner for drug possession.

1 min

Dynamic tolls reduce traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road by 9%

Dynamic road tolls in Dubai have reduced traffic volumes on Sheikh Zayed Road by 9 per cent, authorities revealed on Wednesday.

2 mins

UAE condemns Sudanese Armed Forces' misinformation campaign

Amid the ongoing exchange of accusations between the UAE and Sudan, the UAE has condemned the representative of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for spreading misinformation by exploiting the UN Security Council and its platforms, the UAE Mission to United Nations said in a strongly worded statement.

1 min

UAE to get first cross-emirate hiking trail as RAK, Fujairah join hands

UAE will soon get its first cross-emirate hiking trail as Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah join forces to create a seamless, connected adventure corridor.

1 min

More Chinese cars to hit UAE streets as tariff storm grips industry: Report

China's exports soared 23% to 6.4M passenger vehicles in 2024-more than 50% above second-ranked Japan, says report

3 mins

Rotana launches new hotels, set to hire more than 1,000 employees

UAE-based hospitality group Rotana will add over 1,000 employees as it plans to open several new properties in the Emirates and other countries, its chief executive said.

1 min

TEKA BEGINS A NEW CENTURY AS PART OF MIDEA GROUP

Strategic move strengthens Teka Group's global competitiveness and positions it for rapid expansion in new product categories and markets

2 mins

MAGNIFYING TALENT TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

The 240m² structure features one- and two- bedroom apartment layouts, complete with a lobby and main entrance

3 mins

A ray of hope for survivors of domestic violence

There are few honours greater than being entrusted with the role of supporting those who have faced hardship with courage and resilience.

5 mins

For Abu Dhabi Police, critical ops never stop even during crisis

When a Covid-19 outbreak hit Al Falah Police Station in Abu Dhabi, the police didn't halt operations they moved them.

3 mins

Dubai Police to include more 'smart' buggies for Hatta

For those looking to enjoy the craggy Hatta terrain, Dubai Police's newest off-road buggy fleet will offer them protection with smart 360 cameras to keep close watch.

1 min

Tracks simplified to help students choose career path from Grade 8

Starting from the 2025-2026 school year, Grade 8 students must choose between the General and Advanced academic tracks under the Ministry of Education’s (MoE) updated system.

2 mins

UAE-India trade hits $100B goal 5 years ahead

The changes, designed in coordination with business leaders, aim to accommodate the needs of high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and their families.

1 min

Middle East carriers' demand dips in March

Middle East airlines encountered a rare decline in passenger demand in March 2025 as international demand fell by 1.0 per cent year-on-year, according to the International Air Transport Association (Iata).

2 mins

Gold slips to two-week low as hopes rise on trade talks

Gold dropped to a two-week low on Thursday, pressured by signals of softening trade tensions and a holiday in top consumer China, while focus was also on Friday's US payrolls report to gauge the economic outlook.

1 min

GCC to lead growth in Mena region, says IMF

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will outpace the wider Middle East and North Africa (Mena) regional growth this year and next, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday.

2 mins

UAE in a stronger position to weather external shocks

The 2008 global financial crisis (GFC) left deep scars on the world economy.

4 mins

RAK residential stock to double by 2030

The residential property stock in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is projected to double by the end of 2030 with over 11,000 units scheduled for completion, based on the supply from launches up to the end of 2024, according to a real estate consultancy.

1 min

Stablecoin USD1 selected for $2B MGX investment

The stablecoin USD1 was selected for Abu Dhabi-based AI and advanced technology investor MGX’s investment in the crypto exchange Binance.

1 min

Vara seeks ways to boost UAE crypto firms' global activities

Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) is reaching out to other global regulators in a bid to create a system where cryptocurrency firms operating in the UAE can start operating globally.

2 mins

Trump Tower permit took just one month, reveals Eric Trump

Eric Trump hailed the UAE leadership for its speed and innovation, saying it took his company just one month to get permits for the Trump International tower that was announced in Dubai earlier this week.

1 min

Dubai Summit spotlights IMEC as a global model for innovation

The SCM Middle East Conclave & Awards 2025 recently concluded in Dubai, establishing itself as a powerful platform for redefining the future of global logistics, trade, and supply chain resilience.

1 min

Babyshop advocates for child safety during GCC Traffic Week 2025

Babyshop, the region's leading destination for children's products, proudly participated in the 40th edition of GCC Traffic Week, held from April 14 to 18, 2025, under the theme \"Driving Without a Phone.\"

1 min

Nandu Babur honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

In a proud and deeply emotional moment for the InsuranceMarket.ae team, Nandu Babur, founder of AFIA Insurance Brokerage Services LLC, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the prestigious GAIPInsureTek Awards 2025.

1 min

Are childhood vaccines overloading the immune system? No

Vaccines today are more efficient and contain far fewer stimulants to the immune system than some used decades ago

4 mins

Next round of talks with US postponed, says Iran

Iran said on Thursday that the next round of nuclear talks with the United States has been postponed, after mediator Oman cited “logistical reasons” for the delay.

1 min

Jordan jails 4 for 20 years in case linked to Muslim Brotherhood

A Jordanian court sentenced four people to 20 years in prison on Wednesday over plans to “target national security”, in a case linked to the recently outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.

1 min

Gazans cry 'enough, we're tired, enough' as Israel continues with its deadly strikes

Gaza's civil defence agency said on Thursday that Israeli bombardment killed at least 29 people since midnight in the war-ravaged territory, which has been under an Israeli aid blockade for nearly two months.

2 mins

Syria Druze leader condemns 'genocidal campaign' against his community

Syrian Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat Al Hijri on Thursday condemned what he described as a “genocidal campaign” against his community, following two days of deadly sectarian clashes that left 73 people dead.

2 mins

Millions of children around world to suffer from Trump aid cuts

When he grows up, five-year-old Ahmad wants to be “stronger than Spider-Man”.

2 mins

Children learn emergency drills

School playing fields in Pakistan's Kashmir are being transformed into first aid camps for children to learn how to respond if war breaks out with India.

1 min

Air India sees airspace ban costing it $600M over 12 months

Air India expects to face around $600 million in additional costs if a ban from Pakistan's airspace lasts for a year, and has asked the federal government to compensate it for the hit, a company letter seen by Reuters shows.

1 min

Kashmir attackers must face justice: Indian FM

India's foreign minister said Thursday that those who planned and carried out an attack in Kashmir last week that left 26 men dead “must be brought to justice”.

1 min

Ten killed as bus ploughs into vehicles at Philippine toll gate

Ten people were killed and another 37 injured when a bus ploughed into vehicles waiting at a toll gate in the northern Philippines on Thursday, police said.

1 min

India probes snake in school lunch after 100 kids fall sick

India's human rights body said on Thursday it was investigating reports more than 100 children fell sick after eating a school lunch served after a dead snake was found in the food.

1 min

Pakistan closes over 1,000 religious schools in Kashmir as tensions soar

Authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir shut more than 1,000 religious schools Thursday over fears of possible military action from India in retaliation for last week’s deadly attack.

1 min

Local elections test UK's main parties as hard-right rises

UK voters went to the polls in local elections Thursday tipped to inflict losses on the country's two main parties and confirm the rise of hard-right populists, portending the splintering of a century-long political duopoly.

2 mins

Pizzaballa: Humble priest in warring Middle East

Italian Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, a skilled diplomat from humble origins, is the Catholic Church's highest-ranking official in Jerusalem, where he walks a fine line between opposing factions in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

2 mins

Every cancer diagnosis 'daunting, frightening'

More than 1,000 new cancer cases diagnosed every day in the UK, says King Charles

2 mins

Scientists explore where consciousness arises in the brain

Consciousness is at the centre of human existence, the ability to see, hear, dream, imagine, feel pain or pleasure, dread, love and more.

3 mins

Top Trump official ousted after chat group scandal

Donald Trump’s national security adviser is to leave his post — the first major departure of the president’s new term —after being embroiled in a scandal over a chat group leak, US media reported ‘Thursday.

2 mins

Australian mushroom meal victim 'hunched' in pain, court hears

The estranged husband of an Australian woman accused of triple murder with a toxic mushroom-laced beef Wellington told a court on Thursday his father was \"hunched\" in pain before he died.

2 mins

Zelensky urges pressure on Russia after strike kills two

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday called for pressure on Russia to come to the negotiating table, after an overnight drone strike on the city of Odesa killed two and wounded 15.

2 mins

Ex-VP Kamala Harris says Trump's America is 'narrow, self-serving'

Former US vice-president Kamala Harris hit out at Donald Trump and his backers on Wednesday, in her first major speech since losing November's election.

1 min

Hat trick of domestic cricket titles for Team Abu Dhabi

Team Abu Dhabi have etched their name into UAE cricket history by securing the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Triple Crown, adding the D50 trophy to their already impressive D10 and D20 titles.

1 min

Why Chennai failed miserably this season

Indian Premier League powerhouse Chennai Super Kings have become the first team to be eliminated from the playoff race this season, paying the price for an outdated style of batting in the 10-team competition.

1 min

Lord's Cricket Ground to host Women's T20 World Cup final in 2026

The Women's T20 World Cup final will be played at Lord's on July 5, 2026, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Thursday.

1 min

Players like Yamal born every 50 years, says Inter Milan boss Inzaghi after Barca star's magical performance

Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi lavished praise on Barcelona's teenage winger Lamine Yamal after a thrilling 3-3 Champions League semifinal first leg draw on Wednesday.

1 min

Gauff delivers masterclass to thrash Swiatek in Madrid

Coco Gauff dismantled defending champion Iga Swiatek 6-1 6-1 to storm into the Madrid Open final with a ruthless display on Thursday.

1 min

Sprint format makes Miami Grand Prix a hotter ticket

Miami Grand Prix President Tyler Epp speaks with the enthusiasm of a convert as the circuit around the Hard Rock Stadium prepares to host a Formula One sprint race for the second year in a row this weekend.

2 mins

LeBron James will mull NBA future after Lakers playoff exit

NBA superstar LeBron James says he'll take time to decide whether to return for a 23rd season after his Los Angeles Lakers were dumped out of the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.

2 mins

Sheikh Mohammed's Kentucky Derby destiny awaits at Churchill Downs

For more than a quarter of a century, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has chased a singular dream under the iconic Twin Spires of Churchill Downs — a dream ignited in 1999 when he first sent horses to contest the time-honoured Group 1 Kentucky Derby.

3 mins

Shogun Season 2: A new chapter

The second season of the Emmy-winning drama series Shogun will begin filming in January, its producer FX has revealed.

1 min

PM Narendra Modi hails Indian cinema's global legacy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on May 1, calling it a historic moment for India’s cultural and creative sectors.

1 min

Marvel's new movie to test Chinese appetite for Hollywood

The new Disney movie Thunderbolts* is poised to test Chinese appetite for Hollywood blockbusters as it opens in cinemas around China, making it the first American film to hit movie theatres in the country since a new trade war began.

2 mins

Fans in raptures as Suriya-starrer Retro releases, movie halls go full

Fans of Indian actor Suriya were in for a treat as their favourite star’s new movie titled ‘Retro’ released in theatres on Thursday.

1 min

Deepika, Ranveer dine with Instagram head Adam Mosseri

Bollywood power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh enjoyed a special evening in Mumbai with Instagram head Adam Mosseri.

1 min

From food to film, here's your guide to a weekend well spent

The weekend vibe is in full swing, and Dubai is buzzing with all the right energy, as always.

1 min

Virtual band PLAVE mixes K-pop and technology to charm fans

The five members of one of K-pop's trendiest groups PLAVE have appeared on TV, held concerts, and one of their songs has even secured a place in the prestigious Billboard Global 200, an international music chart.

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.