Khaleej Times - May 12, 2025

In this issue

May 12, 2025

Hailing South Asia truce, Pope prays for Gaza, Ukraine peace

Repeating a frequent call of the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV said on Sunday he was profoundly saddened by the war in Gaza, carried in his heart the suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine, was glad to hear about the India-Pakistan ceasefire and hoped negotiations would lead to a lasting accord between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

1 min

UAE's waiver of overstay fines a great gesture, say Sudanese

A mother of three, whose family faced over Dh18,000 in visa overstay fines, is among the many who have found a new lease of life after the UAE announced a full waiver of residency and tourist visa violations for Sudanese.

2 mins

Dubai property prices to see 'up to 7%' growth until 2033

Dubai property prices market will continue to see steady growth over the next eight years with an increase of up to seven per cent year on year and the market is unlikely to see any “downturn” in the near future, said a top Dubai developer.

1 min

Trump dangles trade carrot as India-Pak truce holds

US President Donald Trump has said he would increase trade “substantially” with India and Pakistan.

1 min

A wedding planner that fits your budget

The Zawaj Foundation's aim is to provide a comprehensive range of wedding services at one location, making it easier for young people to plan their wedding while alleviating financial stress.

2 mins

Residents plan Europe trips for Eid Al Adha holidays

Most travellers choosing eight to 10-day trips to explore more than one city: Experts

2 mins

RAK is more than just a holiday spot, say UAE expats & tourists

The emirate, long considered the country's hidden gem, is fast emerging as one of the world's most welcoming destination

3 mins

Meet former rugby star who leads one of Dubai's most expensive schools

A former rugby player who last competed at the prestigious Dubai 7s in 2016, is now leading one of Dubai’s most eagerly awaited educational institutions — GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI).

3 mins

Hotel rates and property prices likely to rise with Disneyland Abu Dhabi

Hotel rates in Abu Dhabi and other emirates are expected to rise by as much as 25% following the opening of Disneyland in the UAE capital, with rents and property prices also anticipated to experience significant growth.

2 mins

24-yr-old UAE national archer and 14-yr-old brother die in accident

A 24-year-old Emirati national team archer and his 14-year-old brother lost their lives in a motorcycle accident on Tuesday night in Al Madam, Sharjah, prompting fresh warnings from authorities about the dangers of speeding and riding without proper safety gear.

1 min

'When a new pope takes a name, it's a signal, a hint and a quiet declaration'

In a world battered by inequality, Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name suggests where he will stand - beside the forgotten, the displaced, says Dr Rex Bacarra

3 mins

How to check for a travel ban when cases are pending due to credit card debt?

Question: I have multiple bank cases due to failure to repay my credit card payments after Tlost my job.

3 mins

Up to 10 years in jail, immediate termination for employees submitting fake documents

Question: I am heading an HR team in a small company in Dubai. Recently, a couple of new employees have submitted fake degrees. Could you please explain how to deal with this situation and what the penalties and fines are for employees submitting forged certificates?

3 mins

Aramco profit declines 4.6% amid oil uncertainty

Saudi oil giant Aramco on Sunday reported a 4.6 per cent drop in first-quarter profit on Sunday due to lower sales and higher operating costs as economic uncertainty hit crude markets.

1 min

Dubai launches In-Country Value Programme

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Finance (DOF), on Sunday launched the 'Dubai In-Country Value (ICV) Programme', aimed at strengthening the local manufacturing sector by directing more government spending toward domestic suppliers.

2 mins

Dubai office rents soar on sustained demand

Dubai's office market is thriving, driven by strong demand, limited supply, and a surge in rental prices, positioning the emirate as a global hub for business and innovation.

2 mins

Gold's bull run unlikely to end soon, analysts say

Gold's bull run is likely to continue as a softer dollar, a spike in market volatility and geopolitical concerns continue to spur investors to seek refuge in the safe haven asset, analysts say.

2 mins

Barclays initiates coverage of five Adnoc stocks

Barclays Bank, one of the world’s leading financial institutions, announced it has initiated coverage of five of Adnoc’s listed companies, placing a positive “overweight” rating on each and calling investment in Adnoc’s ecosystem a strategic imperative for global portfolios.

1 min

UAE and Saudi Arabia spur surge in Middle East IPO activity

The Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region's capital markets kicked off 2025 with a strong performance, recording 14 initial public offerings (IPOs) that raised $2.4 billion in Q1, a 106 per cent increase in proceeds compared to Q1 2024.

2 mins

UAE's Islamic finance and halal strategy likely to boost industry

The UAE Cabinet's recent approval of the strategy for Islamic finance and halal industry is likely boost the industry, a top agency said.

2 mins

Dubai rents: Tenants prefer professionally managed units

Dubai's rental market is shifting towards higher expectations for professional property management, a survey showed.

1 min

Sharjah records Dh4B real estate transactions in April

Emirate's proximity to Dubai and its competitive pricing make it an attractive alternative

2 mins

New study raises alarms about plastics and heart disease. Here's what to know

The news made for an alarming headline: Research showed that common chemicals in plastics were associated with 350,000 heart disease deaths across the world in 2018.

3 mins

Hamas releases video of 2 hostages alive in Gaza

Hamas's armed wing released a video on Saturday showing two Israeli hostages alive in the Gaza Strip, with one of the two men calling to end the 19-month-long war.

2 mins

Jordan hospital treats war casualties from across Middle East

Shahd Tahrawi was wounded in an Israeli strike on Gaza, Hossam Abd Al Rahman suffered burns in an explosion in Iraq and bombardment in Yemen has left Mohammed Zakaria in need of multiple surgeries.

2 mins

Israeli strike on tents in Khan Younis kills 8

Gaza’s civil defence on Sunday reported eight deaths, including four young children, in an Israeli air strike on tents housing displaced people in the southern city of Khan Younis.

1 min

Body of soldier missing for 43 years found in 'heart of Syria': Israel

The Israeli army said on Sunday that the body of a soldier missing for 43 years had been found in the \"heart of Syria\" and repatriated in a special operation with the Mossad intelligence agency.

1 min

Iran says nuclear talks 'difficult but useful'; US ‘encouraged'

Iran and the United States wrapped up nuclear talks in Oman on Sunday with no apparent breakthrough in a public standoff over enrichment, but with both sides confirming plans for future negotiations.

3 mins

India's worst-hit border town sees people return after truce

Residents of the town in Indian-administered Kashmir worst hit by the deadliest fighting in decades with Pakistan trickled back on Sunday, a day after a surprise truce.

2 mins

Bus carrying pilgrims crashes killing 21 in Sri Lanka

An overcrowded bus carrying dozens of Buddhist pilgrims plummeted into a precipice in Sri Lanka on Sunday, killing at least 21 and injuring 24, a senior transport official said.

1 min

'Treasure hunt': Tourists boost Japan's Don Quijote store sales

Business is booming at Japanese discount chain Don Quijote, which sells everything from nostril-hair wax to compact gadgets and colourful party costumes, thanks to its cult status among tourists but also inflation at home.

3 mins

Fragile truce holds between India, Pakistan as Trump offers more help

Relief in border towns as ceasefire holds; US president pledges increased trade with both countries and Kashmir solution; ceasefire reached after US diplomacy and pressure; India and Pakistan blame each other for violations

2 mins

London's airport hit by IT problems, delaying flights

London's Stansted Airport was hit by IT problems on Sunday that left hundreds of passengers stuck in long queues outside and inside the terminal building and caused delays to flights.

1 min

Foreign criminal, visa crackdowns part of UK plan to cut immigration

The UK government on Sunday said it would give itself stronger powers to deport foreign criminals and lift the threshold for skilled worker visas in a bid to bring down immigration levels.

2 mins

Thousands in Spain confined indoors for hours by toxic fumes

Spanish authorities told more than 160,000 people near Barcelona to stay indoors for nearly seven hours on Saturday, after a fire at an industrial warehouse released a toxic cloud of chlorine over a wide area.

1 min

Pope calls on world leaders: 'No more war!' and Gaza ceasefire

Leo XIV, in his first Sunday message, appeals for 'authentic' peace in Ukraine, release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and praises India-Pakistan ceasefire, calls for lasting accord

3 mins

US judge blocks Trump plans for mass layoffs temporarily

A US judge has temporarily blocked several federal agencies from proceeding with the mass layoffs of government workers ordered by President Donald Trump in February.

1 min

As Trump family's Gulf empire grows, leaders seek arms, tech

Ahead of US President Donald Trump's Gulf visit next week, his son Eric was promoting his crypto firm in Dubai, while Don Jr prepared to talk about \"Monetising MAGA\" in Doha.

2 mins

Columbia University ends semester in turmoil under Trump pressure

Biliana, an international student at New York’s Columbia University, is studying for exams but fears being arrested by immigration police.

3 mins

Ukraine says will meet Russia for talks if it agrees to ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that Kyiv would meet with Moscow for talks in Istanbul on May 15, but that Russia must first commit to a 30-day ceasefire starting from Monday.

3 mins

Dortmund storm past Leverkusen to keep alive Champions League chance

Borussia Dortmund powered back from a goal down to crush hosts Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 in the Bundesliga on Sunday, keeping alive their chance of a top-four finish going into the final matchday next week.

1 min

Newcastle blank Chelsea 2-0, Arsenal rally to hold Liverpool

Newcastle took a huge step towards qualifying for the Champions League with a vital 2-0 victory over top-five rivals Chelsea, while Arsenal fought back from two goals down to rescue a valuable 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday.

3 mins

Marseille, Monaco clinch Champions League qualification from Ligue 1

Mason Greenwood’s brilliant late strike helped Marseille beat Le Havre 3-1 in Ligue 1 on Saturday and clinch qualification for next season’s Champions League, while Monaco defeated Lyon to secure their own spot at Europe's top table.

2 mins

Barca edge Real Madrid in thriller to move to brink of La Liga title

Barcelona mounted a spectacular comeback to beat Real Madrid 4-3 on Sunday and move to the brink of the La Liga title.

2 mins

Sabalenka battles past Kenin and into Rome last 16

Aryna Sabalenka reached the last 16 of the Italian Open on Sunday after battling back from a set down to beat Sofia Kenin 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 to continue her bid for a first Rome title.

1 min

PCB suspends domestic tournaments amid tensions with India

This development comes just a day after the Pakistan Super League 2025 was suspended indefinitely, with only eight matches remaining in the season

1 min

Eduan and Simbine shine at world relays

Success Eduan lived up to her name by anchoring Britain to a thrilling victory in the 4x100m at the world relays in Guangzhou on Sunday as Akani Simbine led South Africa to victory in the men’s event.

1 min

UAE-Bangladesh T20I series tickets offered at affordable rates

Bangladesh men’s cricket team will play two T20Is against the UAE at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on May 17 and May 19.

1 min

Jack Della Maddalena ends Belal Muhammad's title reign at UFC 315

Jack Della Maddalena took away Belal Muhammad’s potent wrestling ability, only allowing one takedown en route to becoming the new welterweight champion in the main event of UFC 315 on Saturday night in Montreal.

1 min

Sinner grateful for amazing support on Italian Open return from doping ban

Jannik Sinner hailed the passionate backing he has received from his colourful support in Rome after returning to tennis on Saturday with a confident win at the Italian Open.

1 min

Binghatti Aquarise flat in Dubai for Terry Crews

Hollywood actor and television personality Terry Crews has a new apartment in Dubai to call his own.

1 min

Miley Cyrus releases new single with heartfelt music video

Miley Cyrus has released her latest single, More to Lose, alongside a poignant music video with an emotional depth.

1 min

The White Lotus actor in Thai crime drama

The White Lotus breakout star Dom Hetrakul has signed on to star in Debt Sentence, a Thai crime-horror film headed to the Cannes Film Market.

1 min

No online release of Bhool Chuk Maaf till June 16, rules Indian court

The Bombay High Court granted an ad-interim injunction halting Maddock Films from releasing the Bollywood romantic comedy Bhool Chuk Maaf on streaming platforms before completing the agreed eight-week theatrical run with Indian multiplex operator PVR Inox.

1 min

Dhanush sports an intense look in poster of Kuberaa

The makers of the upcoming film Kuberaa, which stars Dhanush and Nagarjuna, have unveiled a new poster featuring Dhanush in an intense look as Deva.

1 min

Shah Rukh, Kajol's DDLJ statue unveiling in London postponed

Fans of the Bollywood classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, will have to wait to see their favourite characters Raj and Simran immortalised in bronze at Leicester Square in London.

1 min

Nonnas: This one's oversauced

Corny and cloying, this dramedy struggles to gin up energy in a plot whose every roadblock is comfortably predictable

2 mins

A great mid-range phone that's loaded with features

Solid performance, great display, helpful AI, but nothing revolutionary — the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a safe bet in a competitive mid-range market

3 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.