Author: Editorial team

DUBAI, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — Gulf Mercantile Exchange (GME) on Monday announced the highest weekly trading volume in the history of the exchange, with more than 69,052 contracts traded during the week of 11 May 2026, equivalent to 69 million barrels of Oman crude oil. The milestone marks the strongest trading week recorded on the exchange in two decades. It underscores the growing importance of GME Oman Crude Oil Futures as a leading benchmark for Middle East crude pricing and risk management. “This reflects the market’s growing confidence in GME Oman as a trusted benchmark and risk management tool…

Private sector employees in the UAE will receive a four-day paid holiday for Eid Al Adha 2026. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) said the holiday will be observed from Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, May 29, 2026. For employees who already have Saturday and Sunday as their regular weekend, this will result in a six-day-long break. However, federal government employees will get a 5-day break during the festival. Combined with the weekends (Sat and Sun), this could give employees a 9-day extended holiday. Work will resume for public sector employees on Monday, June 1. Sharjah government employees…

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was recently spotted visiting Cherry House, a café concept that combines a roastery, bakery, espresso bar, and dining experience. The venue shared photos from the visit on May 17, describing it as “an unforgettable milestone.” In a post shared online, the brand wrote in Arabic: “We were honoured by the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the first supporter, as we continue following his vision and path.” The café also shared an English message thanking the Dubai Ruler, saying: “We had the privilege of welcoming His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin…

DUBAI, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai Holding has announced a collaboration with Microsoft to embed artificial intelligence (AI) at the core of its operations, positioning the Group at the forefront of enterprise AI adoption in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. The collaboration establishes the first deployment of its kind at enterprise scale in the region and reflects Dubai Holding’s strategic direction to integrate advanced technologies as core operational capabilities, to drive a more consistent, performance-led operating model across its portfolio, aligned with the UAE’s broader ambition to lead in the adoption of artificial intelligence. Through this collaboration,…

The UAE has introduced a new rule under the Wage Protection System (WPS) that standardises the deadline for paying private-sector salaries to regulate wage payments across the country. Under the updated rule, salaries must be paid on the first day of each Gregorian month for the previous month. Payments made after this date will be considered delayed under the system starting June 1, 2026. The decision issued on May 12 follows a ministerial resolution issued earlier this month by the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre), aimed at strengthening compliance and ensuring timely wage payments across private sector establishments.…

Instead of speaking to therapists, counsellors, or even family members, many Arab teenagers are increasingly turning to TikTok and social media platforms for mental health advice, something UAE-based startup Elggo says reflects a deeper gap in how emotional wellbeing is being addressed across the region. “When nobody at home or at school opens that door, they go find answers on TikTok and social media instead, which is the worst possible place for it,” Mirna Mneimneh and Luma Makari, co-founders of Elggo told Khaleej Times The founders believe the issue is not that Arab youth are unwilling to discuss mental health,…

BEIJING, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — China’s value-added industrial output increased by 5.6 percent year-on-year in the first four months of 2026, official data showed on Monday. In April alone, industrial output grew 4.1 percent year-on-year, and rose 0.05 percent compared to the previous month, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics. The industrial output is used to measure the activity of large enterprises each with an annual main business turnover of at least 20 million yuan ($2.92 million). In terms of sectors, the value added output of the mining sector increased by 5.5 percent year-on-year in…

DUBAI, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone has announced its full-year results for 2025, reflecting continued growth across its business ecosystem and reinforcing its position as one of the UAE’s leading Free Zones. Driven by strong growth in new licence issuance, high renewal rate, and an increasingly diverse business community, the Free Zone delivered robust performance across all key indicators during the year. The number of new licences issued reached 850 in 2025, representing a 41 percent year-on-year increase and reflecting continued confidence in DWTC Free Zone as a destination for business set-up and…

BHM Capital, the leading financial institution in the UAE capital markets sector, announced its financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2026, delivering strong double-digit growth across key financial and operational indicators, reinforcing its position as a leading institution in the UAE capital markets sector. The Company reported total revenue of AED 61.9 million, representing a 38% increase year-on-year, while net profit reached AED 13.8 million, marking a 22% increase year-on-year. Shareholders’ equity stood at AED 523 million, reflecting a 3% increase compared to year-end 2025, reinforcing the Company’s strong balance sheet, sustainable growth trajectory, and disciplined execution…

SHARJAH, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — Sharjah Charity International (SCI) announced the launch of a package of humanitarian and charitable initiatives during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah to meet the needs of more than 18,000 families. Abdullah Sultan bin Khadim, Executive Director of SCI, said that AED2.6 million has been allocated to support several humanitarian projects during the blessed days. The initiatives include financial assistance for inmates facing debt-related cases, as well as facilitating Hajj for around 20 Emirati citizens from low-income backgrounds. The charity association will also organise an iftar initiative for around 15,000 fasting people on…