The European Parliament and member states have recently agreed to amend certain elements of the bloc’s landmark AI Act and delay its implementation, following pressure from various entities across the technology ecosystem. A statement released by the council of the European Union explained the rules had been simplified and streamlined, part of a wider drive from the European Commission to loosen digital rules. Amendments include pushing the timeline for applying rules on so-called high-risk AI systems by up to 16 months, which covers those using biometrics or related to critical infrastructure. Previously, it had a timeline to implement the rules…
Author: Editorial Team
When Iskandarbek Narzibekov moved his family from London to Abu Dhabi in 2023, colleagues questioned the logic. The restaurateur had built a portfolio of acclaimed dining concepts across the British capital through his Pachamama Group, and conventional wisdom suggested the Gulf imported restaurant brands rather than creating them. Three years later, his Abu Dhabi-founded brand Soraya is preparing to reverse that flow, launching in London as a one-of-a-kind restaurant concept born in the UAE capital designed specifically for international export. “For years everyone thought the region only imports names,” Narzibekov told Khaleej Times. “I want to prove something else. You…
A fire visible in the Al Jaddaf area in Dubai was caused by a boat catching fire while docked in Dubai Creek, authorities have said. No injuries have been reported. A picture of the incident shows bright flames and dense waves of black smoke rising from the vessel. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels Authorities have clarified that the nature of this smoke is due to the burning of fiberglass materials used in the boat’s construction. Dubai Civil Defence teams successfully extinguished the fire on within 54 minutes. Cooling operations are currently underway.…
RIYADH — Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef held on Sunday a virtual meeting with Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply of Jordan Yarub Alqudah. During the meeting, they discussed opportunities to strengthen industrial partnerships between the two kingdoms and expand joint investments in priority industries. The meeting underscored the depth of the fraternal ties and strong economic relations between the two countries, which serve as an important foundation for enhancing industrial cooperation and advancing industrial integration toward broader horizons that fulfill the aspirations of the leaderships and shared interests of both countries. The two sides reviewed ways…
MAKKAH — Hajj security forces arrested a Saudi citizen for transporting three Egyptian residents in violation of Hajj regulations and instructions. The four were apprehended while the citizen was attempting to transport the Egyptians into Makkah by bypassing security checkpoints through valleys without obtaining Hajj permits. Legal measures were taken against the arrested people. Public Security urged everyone to comply with Hajj regulations and instructions, and to report violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province or 999 in the rest of the Kingdom. Source: Saudi Gazette
Dushyanth Gummalam. Early in my tenure at Beyond ONE I witnessed small digital moments that revealed the profound impact of connectivity. I remember a user effortlessly sending money home while checking messages on their phone. On another occasion at a café, a group of friends compared exchange rates and completed an international transfer in under a minute. These moments may seem simple, yet they reflect something fundamental: technology works best when it dissolves friction, respects human intent and connects people to what matters most. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, mobile wallets are becoming part of daily life for millions. They allow…
Before the heat fully settles in, a quiet transformation begins across Dubai, as Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum directs a wider planting of flame trees across the city, marking the start of the summer bloom. On Saturday, the Crown Prince of Dubai shared a reflective video capturing the essence of the season, describing it as a presence that “doesn’t knock on doors” but arrives gently, becoming part of daily life before people even realise it. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels In summer, when the Flame Tree blooms in Dubai,…
SHARJAH, 10th May, 2026 (WAM) — Al Hamriyah modern rowing team claimed a gold medal at the Tunisian Classic Rowing Championship, held on Lake Tunis from 5th to 10th May 2026, with the participation of nine clubs. Al Hamriyah secured the gold medal through rowers Hamad Abdullah Al Hosani and Salem Al Mansouri in the under-19 double sculls category. Salem Al Khayyal, Board Member of Al Hamriyah Club and Head of the Individual Games and Talent Development Committee, congratulated the athletes and coach Captain Sayed Ali Wadhah on the achievement, highlighting the advanced level reached by the team. The two…
ABU DHABI, 10th May, 2026 (WAM) — Under the patronage of H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR) 2026 will return for its ninth edition. The biennial event, dedicated to advancing national security and showcasing cutting-edge security systems and civil defence solutions, will take place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, from 19th to 21st May 2026. This edition, themed ‘Securing Tomorrow Today’, marks one of the largest iterations since the event’s inception, bringing together key international security organisations, government entities, industry…
[Editor’s Note: Follow the Khaleej Times live blog for the latest regional developments with the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire now in effect.] UAE strongly condemned a “terrorist drone attack” that targeted a commercial cargo ship in Qatar’s territorial waters. The attack caused a small fire on board; no injuries were reported. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the attack “constitutes a violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar and a threat to its security and stability.” Earlier, Qatar ministry reported the attacked ship was en route from Abu Dhabi, and was sailing northeast of Mesaieed Port. Qatar said the targeting of…