Over the past decade, Middle East countries have sought to emerge as global innovation hubs, with governments across the region making unprecedented tech investments as part of wider economic diversification agendas. To cite just two examples: Saudi Arabia’s announcement of $14.9 billion in technology and AI investments at LEAP 2025 complemented a broader $100 billion AI initiative under Project Transcendence, and the UAE is home to the $15.2 billion Microsoft-backed AI and cloud build-out. The result is a large and expanding market. Digital transformation in the Middle East was valued at approximately $145 billion in 2024, with AI representing more than $40 billion of that total. It is projected to expand more than sixfold…
Author: Editorial Team
WORLD CAPITALS, 5th June, 2026 (WAM) — The US dollar was little changed on Friday but remained on track for a weekly gain, while the Japanese yen is testing the 160-per-dollar level. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies including the yen and the euro, was little changed at 99.434, on track for a 0.5 percent gain for the week. Meanwhile, the yen weakened to the critical 160-per-dollar mark briefly in early trades, hitting the level for the third straight. The euro stood at $1.1612, up 0.02 percent so far in Asia, and sterling was…
Two Emirati women have made aviation history at Emirates, becoming the airline’s first female captains and opening new doors for aspiring pilots. Dubai-based Emirates airline has promoted female pilots, Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri, to captains. Both female pilots rose through the Emirates Group’s National Cadet Pilot Programme, an initiative that has graduated numerous Emirati pilots. Hanan Mohammed Jawad joined Emirates in 2008 through the cadet pilot programme, driven by her ambitious lifelong dream of taking to the skies. With mentorship and support from the airline’s fleet management, she steadily progressed through the ranks, building her career from the ground up. Stay up to…
RIYADH — More than 1,700 artifacts have been uncovered at the archaeological site of Miqat al-Juhfah by the Heritage Commission. The abundance of artifacts was uncovered during the Commission’s completion — in collaboration with the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom— of the first season of survey and documentation work at the archaeological site of Al-Juhfah Miqat. The discoveries included pottery, glass, and stone fragments, as well as shells, crafted objects, and other archaeological remains, underscoring the site’s significance along the historic Egyptian Hajj route. The variety of artifacts was used in different aspects of daily life, including shells,…
SYDNEY — New Zealand said on Thursday it would express its concerns to Beijing after China unexpectedly barred four New Zealand lawmakers from entering Hong Kong, Macau and the Chinese mainland as punishment for visiting Taiwan last month. China has banned four New Zealand Members of Parliament for a year over their visit to Taiwan, New Zealand’s foreign ministry said. The visit in May comprised lawmakers from the ruling coalition — Maureen Pugh, David Wilson and Laura McClure — as well as Duncan Webb from the opposition Labour Party. The MPs learned of the ban, which the Chinese Embassy said…
JOHANNESBURG, 5th June, 2026 (WAM) — South African investment in Dubai exceeded AED1 billion (US$294 million) over the past five years, reflecting growing economic ties between the two markets, a senior Dubai Chambers official said. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the Dubai–South Africa Business Forum in Johannesburg, Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, said the investments spanned key sectors including information and communications technology, pharmaceuticals and food industries, among other promising economic sectors. Al Shamsi said Dubai Chambers is working to help companies expand into global markets, particularly…
A social media trend showing children selling homemade drinks and baked goods outside their family homes has captured hearts across the city. But Dubai Municipality (DM) is now reminding residents that every lemonade stand comes with legal responsibilities. Influencers across Dubai have been sharing videos of young entrepreneurs offering everything from freshly squeezed juices to home-baked cookies. Commentators have widely praised the children’s initiative and business spirit. However, DM has issued an exclusive clarification to Khaleej Times outlining the rules residents must follow when selling food — even from their own front gardens. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow…
KYIV — Ukraine’s key European allies are working on plans with Kyiv to engage Russia in negotiations to end the war as they see a shift in momentum strengthening President Volodymyr Zelensky’s position. Officials from Europe’s three biggest economies — Germany, France and the UK — have been discussing the possibility of holding talks involving both sides, according to people familiar with the matter. They have also talked about the matter with their Ukrainian counterparts, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. The mediation efforts come as Russia’s air attacks have grown in sheer…
SEOUL — North Korea has unveiled a new facility to produce weapons-grade nuclear material as the South Korean military said it was closely coordinating with the United States to monitor Pyongyang’s nuclear activities. Kim Jong Un inspected the new plant on Wednesday and announced plans to “beef up our state’s nuclear forces at an exponential rate,” according to a report from state-run media on Thursday. The North’s official Korean Central News Agency said the facility used “more sophisticated technology” but didn’t provide further details. It’s not clear where the plant is or when it began operations. State media photos showed…
Dubai’s planned smart medical visa could make it easier and faster for overseas patients to travel to the emirate for treatment, according to healthcare providers. Hospital leaders told Khaleej Times that the initiative could reduce paperwork, improve coordination between hospitals and government authorities, and create a smoother experience for patients seeking specialised care in Dubai. Dr Shanila Laiju, group CEO of Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centres, said the new visa could eventually serve as a single digital gateway for patients. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels “A truly smart medical visa platform should…