Author: Editorial team

[Editor’s Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog for the latest regional developments with the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire now in effect.] Schools across the UAE are welcoming students back to campus this morning, as in-person learning resumes after more than a month of disruption linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has now seen a ceasefire. From early morning, school gates saw a steady flow of parents arriving to drop off their children, while yellow school buses returned to familiar routes across the city, with noticeably heavier traffic as daily school movement resumed after a long break. Students, many in visibly cheerful moods, stepped out…

BEIJING,20th April, 2026 (WAM) — A humanoid robot competing against flesh-and-blood runners has broken the world record at a Beijing half-marathon, showcasing the rapid technological advancements achieved by Chinese makers. The winning humanoid, equipped with an autonomous navigation system and running for Chinese smartphone maker Honor, completed the roughly 21km (13-mile) course in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, at an average speed of about 25km/h (15.5mph), according to state broadcaster CCTV. That was far faster than the top human in Sunday’s race, while also surpassing the current men’s world record of 57:20, held by Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo. Source: Emirates…

BEIJING,20th April, 2026 (WAM) — China’s one-year loan prime rate (LPR), a market-based benchmark lending rate, came in at 3% Monday, unchanged from the previous month, Xinhua news agency reported. The over-five-year LPR, on which many lenders base their mortgage rates, also remained unchanged from the previous reading of 3.5%, according to the National Interbank Funding Centre. Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, 19th April, 2026 (WAM) — Participants in the Seventh Strategic Dialogue, organised by TRENDS Research & Advisory through its South Africa office, titled The War in the Middle East: How Sub-Saharan Africa Sees the Crisis, recommended strengthening regional cooperation within Africa as a central tool to enhance collective capacity to absorb external shocks and coordinate positions in international forums related to security and development. They emphasised the need to adopt a proactive approach to managing geopolitical risks by integrating major regional transformations into economic and security planning policies in Sub-Saharan African countries, rather than treating them as emergency…

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi reopened its doors to the public with the hoisting of the UAE flag, bringing together more than 1,000 residents in a show of unity, gratitude and solidarity. The place of worship resumed operations on April 14, while the flag-raising ceremony was held on Sunday in its courtyard. Attendees included members of diverse Indian and expat communities, as well as representatives from civic bodies, including the Community Development Authority and Abu Dhabi Police. Senior officials, including Brigadier General Hamed Mohammed Al-Harji, Head of the Joint Task Force, and Mubarak Al Ameri, from the Department…

MANCHESTER, 19th April, 2026 (WAM) — Erling Haaland’s second-half strike fired City to a priceless 2-1 Etihad win over leaders Arsenal and within three points of the Premier League summit. Amidst a raucous Etihad backdrop, Rayan Cherki had fired City into a 16th minute lead after bamboozling the Gunners defence with a sublime piece of skill before drilling home a sweetly struck shot. Within 30 seconds however Arsenal drew level through Kai Havertz after the Gunners striker harried an attempted Gianluigi Donnarumma clearance with the ball ricocheting into the net. In what was an intense, high quality affair, Arsenal twice…

DUBAI, 19 April (WAM) –Dubai Police have successfully rescued two tourists who suffered from exhaustion while hiking in the Hatta mountains. The hikers had become stranded on steep mountain trails and were unable to proceed. The operation was initiated following a distress call received by the Command and Control Centre, following which rescue units from Hatta Police Station were dispatched in coordination with the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services. Brigadier Mubarak Al Ketbi, Director of Hatta Police Station, confirmed that the rescue team, supported by reconnaissance units and paramedics, responded to the incident as drones were tutlised to pinpoint the…

Forget work from home or work from hotel, Dubai is set to introduce “work from park”, with outdoor workspaces opening across the emirate to blend productivity with outdoor leisure. Launched by Dubai Municipality, the initiative aims to transform parks into multi-functional urban spaces that support modern work patterns while enhancing quality of life. The first location is scheduled to open in May 2026 at Al Barsha Pond Park, featuring modular workspaces integrated into the natural surroundings. Additional locations will be introduced across parks throughout the year, further expanding the concept across the emirate. As part of the rollout, the civic…

DUBAI, 20th April, 2026 (WAM) — The UAE national sailing team has departed for Sanya, China, to compete in the 6th Asian Beach Games from 22nd to 30th April. The five-athlete squad features Marwa Al Hammadi, Elyazia Al Hammadi, and Abdulla Al Zubaidi in the ILCA 4 category, with Mohamed Al Mehairi and Khalifa Al Romaithi contesting the Optimist class. Mohammed Al Obaidli, Secretary General of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, confirmed the team’s readiness following a final training camp in Morocco. He emphasised that the goal is to secure podium finishes, supporting the federation’s strategy to enhance the…

A 2.0-magnitude earthquake was recorded in the UAE, according to the National Seismic Network of National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The tremor occurred in Al Halah at 9.15pm UAE time on April 19 with a depth of 3.9km, according to NCM. The latest event comes amid a series of minor seismic activities recorded in the region in recent months. On January 3, a 2.2-magnitude earthquake was reported south of Musandam at 10:43am UAE time. Musandam lies to the south of the Strait of Hormuz and is mainly governed by Oman as the Musandam Governorate, with certain parts governed by the UAE, including Ras Al Khaimah and parts of Dibba. Stay…