Author: Editorial team
ABU DHABI, 17th April, 2026 (WAM) — Etihad Airways today announced a significant expansion of its Africa network, adding new routes to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe from Abu Dhabi, as part of its continued global growth strategy. The new services reflect investment in high-growth markets, supporting increasing connectivity across trade, cargo and mobility. The expansion builds directly on Etihad’s recently announced China growth, including increased frequencies and a deepened partnership with China Eastern Airlines. Together, these developments position Abu Dhabi as a key gateway between Africa, India and Asia, enabling more efficient movement…
ABU DHABI, 17th April, 2026 (WAM) — President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory message to Romuald Wadagni on the occasion of his victory in the presidential elections in the Republic of Benin. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also sent similar congratulatory messages to Romuald Wadagni. Source: Emirates News Agency
[Editor’s Note: Follow the Khaleej Times live blog for the latest regional developments with the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire now in effect.] Dubai students returning to schools from April 20 should be prepared to take part in age-appropriate safety awareness drills and sessions organised by their schools in the first week. Many students across the UAE will resume in-person classes from April 20, marking a cautious but significant shift back to campuses after over one-and-and-a-half months of distance learning, due to the tensions in the region, linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict. The move to onsite classes comes as authorities stress a phased, tightly managed…
Long before its closure for restoration for 18 months, it was the place where tennis was played in the sky, planes touched down mid-air, and fireworks lit up one of the world’s most recognisable silhouettes. For 26 years, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab has been more than a hotel; it has been a stage for spectacle, a symbol of Dubai’s ambition, and a backdrop to moments that travelled far beyond the UAE. As the landmark shuts its doors temporarily, here’s a look back at the moments that defined its global status. 2004: Tiger Woods takes golf to the skies Before the…
ABU DHABI, 17th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, welcomed the announcement by US President Donald Trump of a ceasefire between Lebanon and the Israel, considering this step a significant and positive development toward de-escalating tensions, sparing the blood of innocent civilians, and creating conditions conducive to the restoration of stability in the country. In a statement today, the Council affirmed that the ceasefire is a genuine opportunity that must be built upon to establish lasting calm and to advance comprehensive peaceful…
Visitors looking to stay at the St Regis Dubai, The Palm, in the next 4.5 months will not be able to make bookings as the hotel has suspended most of its services till August 31. The luxury property is undergoing refurbishments, due to which they have closed off guest rooms, spas and other key services since April 12. Only their lobby lounge and and the St Regis Bar remain functional, an operator at the hotel told Khaleej Times. Their website displays the following message titled, ‘Property Enhancement Program’: “As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering an exceptional luxury experience…
Burj Al Arab is finally taking a day off — well, 18 months off — for a large scale restoration. The city’s best‑known icon, which has doubled as a status symbol, afternoon‑tea backdrop and Instagram trophy since 1999, will be wrapped up and worked on while designers refresh its interiors and public spaces. For travellers who built an itinerary (and a budget) around that ‘seven‑star’ stay, the obvious question is: now what? The good news is that in a city like Dubai, there’s always plenty of choice. The Emirate has spent the last few years building a new generation of…
DUBAI, 17th April, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai South has announced a new set of incentives for companies operating within its Free Zone, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the business community and sustaining economic momentum. Aligned with the wider efforts of the Dubai Free Zones Council to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Dubai’s free zone ecosystem, the initiative introduces a range of measures designed to facilitate business continuity and ease operational requirements for companies. The incentives include support for new company formation, facilitation of licence renewals, and exemption from late renewal fines. “Dubai South remains committed to supporting our business…
DUBAI, 17th April, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai Sports Council, in partnership with Ski Dubai, has announced that the seventh edition of the DXB Snow Run will take place on 17th May. Held under the theme of “Growing in Unity” in this year’s “Year of Family,” the unique -4⁰C running experience brings families, friends and communities together to strengthen inclusion and well-being through an active lifestyle. Following the success of last year’s edition, which saw a record number of 700 athletes from 70 nationalities, DXB Snow Run welcomes male and female runners aged 13 to 70 years and above. Runners can…
Several schools in the UAE will continue online schooling next week until they get the necessary permits from the educational authorities. According to communication sent out to parents on Thursday and Friday, all schools must pass an inspection process to be approved to open. In one such email seen by Khaleej Times, a Dubai school’s management wrote, “We await a time and date to be allocated to our school for our reopening inspection. This may take a few days as all private schools in Dubai have to undergo the same process before approval to re-open is granted.” Another one noted that…