The UAE’s academic community is mourning the loss of Prof KK Abdul Gaffar, a respected techno-educationalist, consultant engineer, author, and mentor who played a pivotal role in establishing and developing Gulf Medical University in Ajman. His son, Dr Shajir Gaffar, confirmed in an Instagram post that Prof Abdul Gaffar passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5. He left behind a legacy that spans decades of contributions to engineering and medical education across India and the UAE. Known for his quiet leadership and commitment to academic excellence, the 82-year-old inspired thousands of students, educators and professionals throughout a career dedicated to…
Author: Editorial Team
DUBAI, 5th July, 2026 (WAM) — The UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) has reported growing global interest in the fifth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. The award continues to strengthen its position as a leading platform for innovation in the water sector. It supports sustainable, scalable and practical solutions powered by clean and renewable energy, as well as advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, to address water scarcity in underserved communities around the world. Suqia UAE has…
RIYADH — Saudia has denied any operational or commercial relationship with Boeing 777-200 aircraft formerly owned by the airline, saying the aircraft were sold on June 7, 2023, to a company registered outside Saudi Arabia in accordance with applicable commercial and legal procedures. The clarification came in response to media and social media reports alleging that the aircraft had been transferred to an entity subject to international sanctions. Saudia said that since the completion of the sale, it has had no operational or commercial relationship with the aircraft. Source: Saudi Gazette
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Tehran was eager to reach a settlement with Washington, adding that the United States had temporarily paused negotiations to allow for the funeral ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which officially began in Iran. Speaking at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, known as America 250, Trump praised the country’s military achievements. “We created the strongest and most powerful military. We won two world wars,” he said, adding that the Cold War had consigned America’s enemies “to the depths of…
Dubai’s public transport payment system is set for a major upgrade, beginning with the launch of QR code ticketing through digital channels. The rollout by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will introduce faster, more flexible ways for commuters to access services across the network. The upgrade will also include a new generation of Nol cards powered by advanced technology, along with full integration of bank cards and digital wallets for fare payments. The system will be digitally linked to customer accounts, aligning with global standards and moving Dubai closer to a fully cashless transport network. Stay up to date…
RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has exempted several business activities from paying the fee required to obtain a 24-hour operating permit, Okaz newspaper reported. The exemptions include fuel stations — specifically fuel dispensing services — and service centers located outside urban areas, as well as hotels, hotel apartments, resorts and similar accommodation facilities. Pharmacies, healthcare services, educational institutions, wedding halls and recreational rest houses are also exempt from the fee. The ministry recently approved regulations governing 24-hour operating permits under the Municipal Licensing Procedures System and its executive regulations. Obtaining the permit requires approval from the relevant…
Question: I want to take a four-week leave during the summer break, but my boss wants me to postpone it because of a staff shortage during the summer months. Can my boss reject my leave application based on this reasoning? Aren’t my annual leaves mine to take at my discretion, whenever I want? Answer: Pursuant to your queries, it is assumed that you are employed by a mainland company in the United Arab Emirates. Therefore, the provisions of the UAE employment law and its ministerial and cabinet resolution are applicable. In the UAE, it is at the discretion of an…
JEDDAH — A Saudi labor court has ordered an Arab barber to pay SR40,866 in compensation to his employer after ruling that he breached his employment contract by leaving his job without following the legal procedures for terminating the agreement, Okaz newspaper reported. According to the ruling, the compensation was calculated based on the remaining 621 days of the worker’s fixed-term employment contract. Court documents showed that the barber arrived in Saudi Arabia to work in Jeddah under a three-year employment contract, officially documented with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. He began work on Sept. 19, 2024.…
HOUSTON — Morocco became the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on more than one occasion after a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday. Azzedine Ounahi scored twice before Soufiane Rahimi sealed the victory in stoppage time as the Atlas Lions continued their impressive run following their historic semifinal appearance at the 2022 World Cup. Morocco will face France in the quarterfinals after Les Bleus edged Paraguay 1-0 later on Saturday. “We are no longer a surprise,” Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said. “Now when people talk about Morocco, we’re a…
RIYADH — Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif reaffirmed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of the recent terrorist bombing in Damascus and its full solidarity with Syria in confronting all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism during a phone call on Saturday with his Syrian counterpart, Anas Khattab. During the call, Prince Abdulaziz reiterated Saudi Arabia’s firm support for Syria’s security and stability. The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the latest security developments in Syria, with particular focus on the recent terrorist attack in the Syrian capital. They also explored ways to strengthen security cooperation and…