DUBAI, 5th May, 2026 (WAM) — The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, represented by the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, announced the issuance of 759 housing approvals during the first quarter of 2026, with a total value exceeding AED616 million. These included: 129 housing grants and benefits worth AED102.9 million, 583 housing loans and financing solutions, delivered in partnership with national banks, valued at AED460.5 million, and 47 government housing loans within residential complexes worth AED53.2 million. This milestone reflects the accelerating pace of delivery and the growing efficiency and sustainability of the UAE’s housing support system. This strong performance builds…
Author: Editorial Team
UAE family enterprises contribute roughly 60 per cent of national GDP and account for more than 80 per cent of the private sector workforce, senior business leaders said on Monday (May 4). They also stressed the need for stronger governance and long-term planning to sustain family-owned companies across generations. The remarks were made during a panel discussion at the Make in the Emirates Forum 2026 in Abu Dhabi, moderated by Anas Bukhash, CEO and Founder of AB Talk. Mohamed Al Abbar, CEO of Emaar Properties, opened the session by drawing on lessons from the 2008 financial crisis, Covid-19, and recent…
MOSCOW — A Ukrainian drone hit a high-rise residential complex near central Moscow in the early hours of Monday, resulting in no casualties but causing visible damage to the façade of the building, city officials said. It was a rare breach of the Russian capital’s defenses despite increased security and tightened internet restrictions intended to thwart such attacks, days before the Kremlin holds a scaled-backparade to mark the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. An unverified video circulating on social media showed firemen entering a heavily damaged flat covered in dust and rubble and with blown-out windows, while another showed…
LOBAMBA — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said his government will never give up on engaging with the world as he visited Eswatini, amid Chinese efforts to block the trip. Lai arrived in Eswatini, Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa, on Saturday, days after his government said a planned trip earlier had been canceled due to China pressuring African countries to stop him flying over their territories. His visit to Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, followed days of “meticulous arrangements made by our diplomatic and national security teams”, Lai said in a Facebook post, without giving further details on how he…
ABU DHABI, 4th May, 2026 (WAM) — The UAE continues to set a new global benchmark for the secure and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), as the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC), Open Innovation AI, and Cisco, working in strategic collaboration with Emircom, today announced the establishment of the National AI Test and Validation Lab. This marks a first-of-its-kind facility to help UAE government entities and private sector organizations test, validate and certify AI models, agents and applications for security, safety and trustworthiness. Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, said, “Following the directions of…
At a time of heightened global and regional uncertainty, companies in the UAE are not pulling back. Instead, business leaders are doubling down on investment and long-term growth, underpinned by confidence in the country’s economic direction and institutional strength. In conversations with Khaleej Times, top CEOs and business leaders spoke of expansion plans and confidence in the country’s ability to stay resilient through uncertainty. Their perspectives form the first instalment of Voices of the UAE, a new six-part Khaleej Times editorial series that launches today. Stay u The first instalment, Leadership, features senior business leaders, CEOs and entrepreneurs from across…
ABU DHABI, 4th May, 2026 (WAM) — Generation 5 Holding, a UAE-based defence and technology company, and Brazilian Embraer, one of the world’s aerospace industry leaders, have signed an exclusive strategic partnership agreement to cover a comprehensive scope of the C 390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft in the UAE. The agreement was signed today at the Make It in the Emirates 2026 platform held in Abu Dhabi, by Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, Managing Director of Generation 5 Holding, and Mr. Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, in the presence of Dr. Nasser Humaid…
As the UAE gears up for the upcoming Eid Al Adha holidays, private schools across the country are recalibrating academic schedules, intensifying revision plans, and communicating clearly with families — while also making space for rest and togetherness. In 2026, Arafah Day is anticipated to fall on Tuesday, May 26, followed by Eid Al Adha. As per the holidays approved by the UAE Cabinet, that should give residents three additional public holidays (from Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29, subject to official UAE confirmation). When combined with the weekend (Saturday and Sunday), residents could enjoy an extended six-day break.…
RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received on Monday a phone call from Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Dr. Badr Abdelatty. During the call, the ministers discussed the latest developments in the region. They stressed the importance of continuing bilateral coordination and consultation in dealing with the regional situation. Source: Saudi Gazette
NEWARK — A United Airlines passenger jet carrying 221 passengers from Venice, Italy, struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer on the nearby highway on Sunday afternoon as it was coming in for a landing at Newark Liberty International Airport, authorities said. The airline said none of the passengers or 10 crew members aboard United Airlines Flight 169 were injured. The New Jersey State Police said a landing tire and the underside of the plane hit the truck, and the light pole then struck a Jeep that was on the highway. The driver of the truck was taken to hospital…