For many people, shisha is a familiar part of an evening out. It comes with conversation, coffee and long hours at a table. But doctors have warned that the habit should not be seen as a safer or lighter version of smoking. An hour-long shisha session can be like smoking 40 cigarettes, Dr Mohammed Fawzi Katranji, a pulmonologist at Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group said, warning that many users do not consider themselves smokers at all. Speaking at ‘Quit Like Sweden: The Swedish Experience’ conference, Dr Katranji said this is one of the biggest challenges doctors face when discussing…
Author: Editorial Team
BEIJING — A magnitude 7 earthquake hit China’s Tibet region on Thursday evening, killing at least 16 people, injuring dozens and collapsing hundreds of houses, according to state media. The quake hit Baqên County in the northern Nagqu region, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the local emergency management bureau. The county, located in what China calls the Tibet Autonomous Region after annexing it in the 1950s, is 400 km northeast of the region’s capital, Lhasa. Authorities have declared an emergency and deployed rescue teams to the affected area, where 56 others have also been injured. Search and rescue efforts continued…
ATHENS, 22nd October, 2026 (WAM) — Investopia Mediterranean – Athens kicked off in the Greek capital. The event brought together approximately 500 senior government officials, business leaders, investors and representatives of financial institutions from the UAE and Greece, including five Greek government ministers. The event aims to advance the economic partnership between the two countries by exploring new investment opportunities, strengthening cooperation between UAE and Greek companies across new economy sectors, and opening new avenues for growth and investment across the Mediterranean and its wider markets. The event focused on transforming the growing momentum in UAE–Greece relations into practical areas…
SHARJAH, 22nd October, 2026 (WAM) — Bank of Sharjah on Thursday announced its financial results for the nine-month period ended 30 September 2026, reporting exceptional performance and reinforcing the strong momentum achieved over the last three years. The Bank recorded net profit of AED 558 million, up 28.5% from AED 435 million in 2025, reflecting strong revenue growth and disciplined execution across core businesses. Net operating income increased by 22.7% to AED 851 million, while net interest income grew by 39.5% to AED 717 million. Similarly, total capital ratio increased by 190 bps to 18.9%, while the cost-to-income ratio remained…
ABU DHABI, 22nd October, 2026 (WAM) — UAE Team L’IMAD has topped the 2026 UCI Women’s World Team Ranking for the first time in their history, finishing ahead of FDJ United–SUEZ and Team SD Worx–Protime. The achievement marked a historic milestone following five years of sustained investment, strategic development and commitment to excellence in international women’s cycling. The team secured 30 UCI road victories through nine different riders during the season, with Elisa Longo Borghini winning the overall title at the UAE Tour Women, Paula Blasi claiming victories at the Amstel Gold Race and La Vuelta a España, Karlijn Swinkels…
ATHENS, 22nd October, 2026 (WAM) — The UAE plans to invest an additional $15 billion in Greece over the next five to eight years, targeting energy, hospitality, artificial intelligence, technology, industry and infrastructure, according to Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Zeyoudi said the investment plans were announced during the visit of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and his meeting with the Greek Prime Minister. He highlighted the significance of the visit in strengthening bilateral economic ties, noting that…
RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received on Thursday separate phone calls from German Minister of Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus Constantinos Kombos. They discussed the latest regional developments and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. They also reviewed ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab Strait, contributing to regional security and stability. Source: Saudi Gazette
ADDIS ABABA, 22nd October, 2026 (WAM) –Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), represented by Sharjah Export Development Centre (SEDC), organised the Sharjah–Ethiopia Business Forum in Addis Ababa, as part of its trade mission to Ethiopia, bringing together Emirati delegates and Ethiopian business representatives to explore trade and investment opportunities. Held under the theme “Fostering New Partnerships and Driving the Future Together”, the forum aimed to strengthen economic ties between Sharjah and Ethiopia, identify new avenues for bilateral cooperation, and strengthen partnerships that support trade and investment growth in both markets. The forum was attended by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais,…
In a proud achievement for Saudi Arabia’s industrial training sector, Standard Arabia Training Institute, part of Standard Arabia Inspection Co. Ltd., has won the prestigious IPAF Training Centre of the Year award at the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPA) ceremony held in Istanbul, Türkiye.This international recognition places Standard Arabia among the industry’s leading training providers, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing capabilities in technical education, workforce competency and occupational safety.With more than 130 entries from over 84 countries participating in the IAPA Awards 2026, Standard Arabia emerged as the winner of the IPAF Training Centre of the Year category, marking a…
RIYADH — The Ministry of Health has affirmed that reviewing prescriptions and verifying medication safety are among the pharmacist’s core responsibilities. It emphasized the need to adhere to professional standards and use appropriate channels when raising concerns about treatment to ensure patient safety and foster trust among healthcare team members. The ministry said, through its “937” account on the “X” platform, that Article 23 of the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions prohibits dispensing medication if there is any suspicion of an error in the prescription. In such cases, clarification must be sought from the prescribing physician before any action is…