DUBAI, 4th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Dubai International Aquatics Championship (DIAC) 2026 officially commenced on Friday at the iconic Hamdan Sports Complex, marking a record-breaking edition with the participation of 1,670 male and female swimmers representing more than 100 nationalities. The championship brings together over 80 clubs and academies from across the UAE and around the world, with an expected spectator turnout exceeding 4,000 fans. Widely regarded as one of the largest and most prominent aquatics events in the region, the competition will run until Sunday evening. Organised by the UAE Aquatics Federation, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports…
Author: Editorial Team
The Sharjah Observatory at the Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub (SSAH) observed the Artemis II spacecraft early Saturday morning, between 4am and 5am. NASA sent four astronauts to the Moon for the first time in over 53 years with its Artemis II mission, currently en route as part of the second phase of the Artemis programme. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels The mission marked a major step in humanity’s renewed push for lunar exploration, as the US works to strengthen its position in space amid growing competition from China. Watch as SSAH records this…
ABU DHABI, April 5 (WAM) – Al Hudayriyat Island has emerged as a prominent landmark in the heart of Abu Dhabi, representing a living model of modern urban development. Within just a few years, the island has transformed from a once-isolated location into a fully integrated destination that combines luxury living, sports, and beachfront leisure. The island reflects a comprehensive development vision aimed at enhancing quality of life and diversifying the tourism offering, positioning it as a key destination for investors and visitors alike. It also embodies Abu Dhabi’s approach of balancing modern urban development with environmental sustainability and the…
[Editor’s Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.] Authorities in Abu Dhabi are responding to several fires that broke out at the Borouge Petrochemicals Factory caused by debris from a successful interception by air defence systems. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels The Abu Dhabi Media office announced that the operations at the factory have been suspended immediately pending an assessment of the damage. It was confirmed that no injuries have been reported so far and that updates will be shared as new information becomes available. Abu Dhabi…
Question: If I lose my job, what options do I have to negotiate the repayment terms of my outstanding loans with UAE banks? Can payments be deferred? Answer: Pursuant to the queries raised, the provisions of the consumer protection regulation issued by the Central Bank of the UAE are applicable. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels In the UAE, lenders are required to support borrowers facing financial difficulties by offering qualified credit counselling, encouraging open discussions about debt concerns, and giving fair consideration to alternative repayment options such as rescheduling or restructuring. This…
The UAE’s food supply remains stable with no signs of shortages or unjustified price increases, Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri said following an inspection tour of Al Ain’s fruit and vegetable market. The visit comes as authorities continue to monitor markets across the country during a period of heightened regional uncertainty, as well as sustained demand following the Ramadan and Eid season, when consumption typically rises. During the tour, the minister reviewed supply chains, stock levels, and pricing practices, confirming that daily deliveries are continuing at normal rates and that markets are operating without disruption.…
RIYADH — Yemeni Ambassador Jamila Ali Raja was sworn in on Saturday as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the United States, becoming the first Yemeni woman to hold the post. The oath was administered before Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi at the Yemeni Embassy in Riyadh. Al-Alimi expressed confidence in Raja’s ability to leverage her political and intellectual experience to counter misleading narratives and present Yemen as a state aligned with its regional and international environment. He directed the ambassador to fully assume her diplomatic responsibilities in Washington, reflecting the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.…
RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received on Friday a phone call from Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar. During the call, the ministers reviewed the fraternal relations between the two countries. They discussed the latest developments in the region, and affirmed continued coordination and consultation in this regard. Source: Saudi Gazette
WASHINGTON — The United States proposed a 48-hour ceasefire with Iran on April 2 through a third country, the semi-official Fars News Agency reported Friday, citing an informed source. “The US, on April 2, proposed a 48-hour ceasefire through one of the friendly countries,” the source said. The proposal came amid escalating tensions and challenges faced by US forces in the region, according to the report. Fars said Iran did not respond in writing but instead replied “on the ground” by continuing heavy attacks. The report added that US diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting have intensified, particularly following a…
A single missed vaccine can have life-threatening consequences, doctors in the UAE have warned — citing cases of children admitted to intensive care with preventable diseases — as new draft legislation proposes fines of up to Dh20,000 for parents who fail to vaccinate their children. They stressed that the risks are not hypothetical. In clinical settings, vaccine-preventable diseases are still being seen, sometimes with severe outcomes. “In clinical practice, several vaccine-preventable illnesses are still encountered,” said Dr Sawsan Qabel, specialist paediatrics at Burjeel Day Surgery Centre in Al Shahama. She recalled the case of a child who had not received…