MAKKAH — Six and a half million male and female students in public schools across Saudi Arabia have returned on Tuesday to their classrooms to complete the second semester of the current academic year following the Eid Al-Adha holiday. Schools have commenced preparations for the start of the second semester final examinations, marking the end of the academic year, across all educational departments in the Kingdom except the regions of Makkah and Madinah, from Sunday, Dhul Hijjah 28, corresponding to June 14. The final exams in the schools of Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif are scheduled to begin on Muharram…
Author: Editorial Team
The UAE approved oral treatment Wegovy (semaglutide), becoming the second country in the world to authorise the once-daily treatment for long-term weight management and reduction of cardiovascular risks. The approval offers residents a new non-injectable option for weight management and related health issues. However, doctors said that the medication is not intended for everyone seeking to lose weight and should only be taken after proper medical assessment. Doctors said the pill can support weight loss, but delivers best results when combined with healthy eating habits and regular exercise. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp…
DUBAI, 2nd June, 2026 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, affirmed that enhancing the resilience of Dubai’s economy is a strategic priority to ensure sustainable growth and keep pace with global economic trends. This objective is well integrated into the framework of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to build a diversified economy based on innovation and effective partnerships. H.H. said: “We continue to work on developing a resilient economic system capable…
SHARJAH, 2nd June, 2026 (WAM) — In line with directives of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), to accelerate the transition towards a government powered by Agentic AI, the Sharjah Digital Department has affirmed its readiness to lead the development of the Sharjah Agentic AI Programme in collaboration with government entities across the emirate. Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department, stated that the directives of H.H. mark a significant milestone in Sharjah’s digital transformation journey and…
Telstra recently collaborated with Google to bolster the digital infrastructure across Australia and Asia-Pacific. The duo aim to accomplish this by using a combination of fibre and subsea network integration to tap into growing demands for AI technology. The partnership will see Google work with Telstra on its fibre backbone Aura network, securing inter-city dark fibre capacity, and target new opportunities “along some of Australia’s key connectivity corridors”. The increase in capacity is intended to give more Australian businesses and households the opportunity to connect faster and more securely to the rest of the world. The Aura network is described…
Dubai will develop a ‘smart medical visa’ and more seamless services for patients travelling to the emirate for treatment under a new agreement signed by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai and the Dubai Health Authority. The strategic Memorandum of Understanding aims to create an integrated healthcare journey for medical tourists, linking visa, residency and healthcare services from before patients arrive in Dubai through to treatment and follow-up. The agreement was signed by Lt-Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, and Dr Alawi Sheikh Ali, Director General of DHA. Stay up to date…
BEIRUT — Clashes have continued in southern Lebanon despite Israel and Hezbollah accepting a US plan for a partial ceasefire. At least five people have been killed in Israeli attacks hours after US President Donald Trump announced an agreement to de-escalate fighting that neither Israel nor the Lebanese group Hezbollah has publicly accepted. Israel launched fresh strikes in southern Lebanon on Tuesday even though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to pull back from a threat to strike Hezbollah in Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, under pressure from President Trump and the United Nations. The official National News Agency (NNA) said on Tuesday…
RIYADH — Throughout May, Saudi Arabia was diligently preparing for the arrival of pilgrims, the safe performance of Hajj, and adherence to regulations. Yet the extensive efforts required for the annual pilgrimage did not prevent the Kingdom from achieving a series of notable accomplishments across innovation, science, education, sports, and international recognition. The Kingdom’s Center for International Communication (CIC) highlighted Saudi Arabia’s global feats, awards, certifications, memberships, and recognitions achieved during the month. Among its global achievements, Saudi Arabia ranked first among G20 nations in Startup Ecosystem Growth, while also securing first place regionally for Startup Environment and AI Technologies.…
European luxury brands have sharpened their focus on the United States, with a surge of store openings and fashion shows to lure a new crop of wealthy shoppers enriched by the AI and tech boom and offset weak consumer confidence in the rest of the world. After two years of contraction, the luxury goods sector was showing signs of stabilisation until the Iran war that began at the end of February, disrupting travel and denting luxury spending far beyond the Middle East. And China, the biggest source of luxury sales growth for two decades, is still struggling to tackle deflation…
DUBAI, 2nd June, 2026 (WAM) — DMCC, the leading international business district that drives the flow of global trade through Dubai, has unveiled a targeted acceleration initiative designed to reduce operating costs, improve cash flow and sustain growth across its community of more than 26,000 companies. The initiative comes as businesses navigate shifting global market conditions, with DMCC introducing a suite of financial incentives, fee waivers and regulatory flexibilities aimed at strengthening resilience while maintaining long-term competitiveness. For existing companies, the package centres on licence renewal incentives of up to 25% for multi-year commitments, structured as 15% for two years,…