PARIS — Portugal has set a new hottest day in May with 40.3C recorded in the central town of Mora, as countries in western Europe grapple with sweltering-hot weather. The temperature recorded on Wednesday bests Portugal’s previous record of 40C set in May 2001. The extreme temperatures come as a UN-backed report warns Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent, heating more than twice as fast as the global average. Large parts of western and central Europe are in the grip of an extraordinary heatwave phase, with many places registering temperatures 10 to 15 degrees Celsius higher than normal. Several European…
Author: Editorial Team
Oftentimes one may find themselves too shy to even admit they want to give something like acting a go, because of all the preconceived notions that cling to the art form. But say you fight those inner voices and arrive at a place of simple wanting: to try acting the way you might try dancing, or singing, or any other art that lets your body and voice hold what your everyday life can’t always express. You make it to that workshop. You stand in front of strangers, you let your vulnerability show, you feel something shift inside you. Then, the…
An act of honesty was met with honour by Dubai Police, when an Indian national was acknowledged for his integrity after he handed over Dh100,000 that he found in a parking lot to the authority. The money was then returned to its owner who was not aware of his loss. The incident took place when Dubai expat, Mohammed Ali Sherakal Mohi, arrived at the parking lot and was surprised to find this big amount of money in front of him. He took a photo of the bundle that contained Dh100,000 and the location where he found it, then headed to…
BEIRUT — Israel has issued evacuation orders for large parts of southern Lebanon, declaring the areas “combat zones” ahead of fresh strikes against Hezbollah. Israel’s military has told residents across a swathe of southern Lebanon to leave and head north of the Zahrani River, as Benjamin Netanyahu said his forces were escalating their offensive against Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a post on social media that all areas south of the Zahrani River, which runs about 40km north of the de facto Israel-Lebanon border, were considered combat zones. It is the largest evacuation order since the ceasefire…
SYDNEY — An woman with alleged links to the Islamic State group has been charged in Australia, as authorities intensify investigations into nationals repatriated from detention camps in Syria. Authorities made the announcement after two groups of women and children arrived in Australia this month after spending years in the al-Roj camp in north-east Syria where families of IS fighters have been held since 2019 without legal process. Three of the women who returned this month also face various charges including crimes against humanity. The 34-year-old arrived in the country in September along with another woman and was due to…
As residents across the UAE gathered early on Wednesday for Eid Al Adha prayers, the UAE President extended greetings marking the holy occasion and sending a message of unity and blessings. In a message shared on the occasion, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered congratulations to the Rulers of the Emirates, citizens, residents, and Muslims around the world. He performed the Eid Al Adha prayer at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday morning. He extended his greetings to “all those who call the UAE home,” underscoring a message of shared belonging that resonates strongly during…
WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has threatened to use military force against Oman if it collaborates with Iran to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz. “Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we’ll have to blow them up,” Trump said during a cabinet meeting, responding to a reporter’s question about the strait. Quickly after making the threat, Trump said he didn’t believe the United States would have to take such an action. “They understand that. They’ll be fine,” he said. Iran has discussed partnering with Oman in a system charging fees for vessels passing through the Strait…
A train gliding out of Fujairah Station towards the Hajar mountains offered one of the clearest glimpses yet of what inter-emirate travel could look like once Etihad Rail’s highly anticipated passenger services begin this year. During a media preview, a Khaleej Times team rode from Fujairah Station towards Al Bithnah Bridge as Etihad Rail prepares to launch passenger services in phases in 2026. From the country’s first fully completed Etihad Rail passenger station, with its cream-and-grey interiors, wide glass panels, clear signage and automated barriers, the preview moved into cabins designed around practical comfort, from generous legroom and Wi-Fi. Stay…
DUBAI — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said early Thursday that it targeted a US airbase in Kuwait in response to an American aerial strike near the Bandar Abbas airport in southern Iran. According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC’s retaliatory strike came at 4.50 am (0120GMT), hours after what it described as a US assault on a point near the port city’s airport using aerial projectiles. “This response is a serious warning so that the enemy knows that aggression will not go unanswered, and if repeated, our response will be more decisive,” it said. Kuwait said…
MINA — Hajj pilgrims continued performing the ritual of stoning at Jamarat on the first day of the Tashreeq (Ayyam Al-Tashreeq) on Thursday. They hurled pebbles at all three Jamarat or pillars symbolizing Satan on the fourth day of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj. Pilgrims moved in batches in their allotted time for performing the ritual on Thursday afternoon. Upon their arrival at the Jamarat, chanting “Allahu Akbar” (God is the greatest), pilgrims stoned first at Jamarat Al-Sugra (small pillar), then at Jamarat Al-Wusta (medium pillar) and lastly at Jamarat Al-Aqaba (largest pillar), seven pebbles each. They prayed after stoning…