Author: Editorial team

[Editor’s note: Follow the Khaleej Times Eid Al Adha 2026 live blog as UAE, Saudi Arabia, other countries announce the beginning of Dhul Hijjah.] Residents across the Gulf are looking forward to Eid Al Adha, a time for prayers, celebrating with family and friends, and elaborate, scrumptious feasts. The month of Dhul Hijjah also belongs with it Hajj season, when millions of Muslims flock to Makkah. As livestock markets fill up ahead of Eid Al Adha, and Saudi Arabia prepares in full swing to receive Hajj pilgrims all over the world, here is a rundown of when Dhul Hijjah starts…

BUDAPEST, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — The Zayed Charity Run concluded its first edition in Budapest, bringing together more than 1,000 participants and marking its debut in Europe as part of its global humanitarian expansion. The event reflected the UAE’s humanitarian vision of using sport to promote solidarity, generosity and social impact across borders. Held against the backdrop of the Hungarian capital, the run featured 3km, 5km and 10km categories for participants of different ages and backgrounds. Al Habtoor Group supported the initiative through the participation of 12 employees, demonstrating corporate engagement and community solidarity. The event also featured an…

[Editor’s Note: Follow the Khaleej Times live blog for the latest regional developments with the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire now in effect.] After UAE reported that a drone strike caused a fire in an electricity generator in the vicinity of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra, authorities said they were investigating the source of the attacks. On May 17, the country confirmed that UAE air defences engaged three drones; two were intercepted, while the third struck the electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah plant. Top officials and bodies have condemned the attack; several countries also confirmed that they…

ABU DHABI, 17th May, 2026 (WAM) — The curtain came down today on the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which was held over three days at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, amid record participation of 2,388 male and female athletes from 75 countries, in one of the strongest and largest jiu-jitsu championships in the world, sponsored by EDGE Group. The final day featured the professional division matches, which were characterised by high technical levels and strong encounters between elite world champions, in an enthusiastic atmosphere that reflected the established position Abu Dhabi has reached as the global capital…

ABU DHABI, 17th May, 2026 (WAM) — The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) stated that it is continuing to closely monitor the incident involving a fire in an electrical generator located outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region, caused by a drone strike. FANR confirmed that the incident did not affect the safety of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant or the readiness of its essential systems. There has been no release of radioactive material, radiological safety levels remain within normal ranges, and there is no risk to the public or the…

MANAMA, 17th May, 2026 (WAM) — The Kingdom of Bahrain strongly condemned and denounced the terrorist drone attack against the United Arab Emirates, which caused a fire on the perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Al Dhafra region. In a statement carried by Bahrain News Agency (BNA), The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the attack constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, the UN Charter, the principles of good neighbourliness, and UN Security Council Resolution 2817. The Ministry commended Abu Dhabi’s air defence forces for the highly professional response and swift precautionary measures that maintained the highest…

UAE residents can expect fair weather in general and dusty conditions at times on Monday, May 18, according to a forecast by the country’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The weather department noted a slight decrease in temperatures expected on Monday. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Chann Temperatures will range between 27°C and 40°C in Abu Dhabi and 26°C and 39°C in Dubai and Sharjah. Light to moderate northwesterly winds will prevail, freshening at times, with speeds ranging between 10 and 25 kmph, reaching up to 40 kmph. The sea will be rough…

DUBAI, 17th May, 2026 (WAM) — Exemplifying Dubai’s remarkable readiness and agility in responding to developments impacting regional and global trade flows, Dubai Customs announced exceptional results and highlighted notable successes achieved by its ‘Green Corridor’ initiative since its activation last March in cooperation with Oman Customs. Since its launch, the initiative has helped ensure uninterrupted trade flows, bolstering supply chain resilience, and supporting business continuity, while also supporting market stability and safeguarding local food security. Developed in close collaboration with customers and strategic partners, the initiative introduced a package of proactive customs solutions and trade facilitation measures designed to…

RIYADH, 17th May, 2026 (WAM) — Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), condemned in the strongest possible terms the brutal attack on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) involving three drones, one of which targeted the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra region. Albudaiwi pointed out that these treacherous attacks on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant represent a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the security and stability of the region. He underlined that it constitutes a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms regarding the protection of vital and nuclear facilities, given…

India’s Central Board of Secondary Education announced that a “full refund will be granted to Grade 12 students whose marks increase after re-evaluation. The board termed it a “student-friendly” measure, stating that the new On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for Class 12 Board Examinations. Students who had concerns regarding their marks posted on social media, with many saying the grades were lower than anticipated, and attributing it to the new OSM system. CBSE has since then defended its policies, stating that it is “sensitive” to student concerns, and assuring that they will be addressed accordingly. Stay up to date with the…