Author: Editorial team

The move towards provisional liquidation of Dubai-based food conglomerate IFFCO is emerging as one of the Gulf’s most significant corporate distress stories in recent years, exposing how debt, geopolitical shocks and supply-chain disruptions can destabilise even long-established regional business groups. Founded in 1975, IFFCO grew into one of the Middle East’s largest privately held FMCG and agri-business companies, with operations spanning edible oils, packaged foods, logistics, manufacturing and distribution across more than 50 countries. The group owns several well-known regional brands, including London Dairy, Tiffany and Noor. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.…

From red carpets to fragrance campaigns, Syrian actor Bassel Khaiat is deepening his ties with luxury house Dior. The actor has officially been named the new fragrance ambassador for Dior Beauty in the Middle East, expanding a relationship that has already seen him front the brand’s menswear division in the region since 2024. “Becoming a beauty ambassador for Dior feels like stepping into a legacy of timeless confidence,” the actor told GQ Middle East. “It’s about how you carry yourself, and Dior understands that on a deeper level. Being a Dior ambassador is about owning your presence, quietly, confidently, and…

DUBAI, 5th May, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai Police have announced the fourth edition of the “Positive Spirit Cycling Race,” set to take place on Saturday, 9 May, at Dubai Autodrome, with prizes totalling AED90,000. Open to men, women, and children aged five and above, the race offers a unique opportunity for participants of all fitness levels to come together, stay active, and enjoy a lively community atmosphere. Organised under the Positive Spirit Council initiative, the event aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and strengthen community engagement through sport. Cyclists will compete in a fast-paced 10 km race following the “criterium”…

ABU DHABI, 7th May, 2026 (WAM) — The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has launched the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) Use Case Guide 2.0, aimed at enhancing the resilience of industrial companies. The guide serves as a practical reference to support manufacturers in accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies, improving operational performance, meeting sustainability requirements, and responding effectively to the rapidly evolving global industrial landscape. Developed under the umbrella of the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) and building on the success of its first edition, the guide was created in partnership with EDGE Group, one of the…

Applications for sharing permits in Dubai homes have not been opened yet. Eligible properties will be able to apply once the relevant procedures and requirements are announced, according to a statement to Khaleej Times by Dubai Municipality (DM). “Applications will be submitted through the DM digital channels in accordance with the procedures that will be announced,” the municipality confirmed, adding that detailed guidelines are being prepared to ensure clarity for all property owners and operators. In March, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai issued a new law regulating the…

Abu Dhabi Biobank has partnered with Japan’s Human Life CORD Japan Inc. to localise the development of umbilical cord–derived stem cell therapies in the UAE, accelerating cutting-edge healthcare solutions. The strategic collaboration, announced on Tuesday, marks a significant step in expanding access to regenerative treatments across the UAE and the wider Mena region. It also strengthens Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to become a global hub for advanced healthcare and life sciences. Backed by the Abu Dhabi health department and global health company M42, the initiative will combine large-scale biobanking infrastructure with advanced clinical research and proprietary stem cell technologies. Stay up…

ABU DHABI, 7th May, 2026 (WAM) — Emirates Development Bank (EDB), in partnership with Zelo, an ADGM-regulated private financing platform and IHC subsidiary, has launched an AED350 million financing programme to accelerate payments on approved Government and Government Related Entity (GRE) invoices. Announced as part of EDB’s participation in Make it in the Emirates, the initiative supports the UAE’s industrial growth ambitions by enabling SMEs to strengthen cash flow, scale operations, and play a greater role in national supply chains. The programme provides SMEs with up to 95 percent of the approved invoice value within 24 hours, helping address working…

Almost five years after the UAE made child car seats mandatory for children aged four and under, a new survey has revealed that 28 per cent of parents still do not own one. This is despite the fact that child restraint systems can reduce the risk of death by up to 71 per cent and injuries by up to 82 per cent. The study, commissioned by RoadSafetyUAE and Al Wathba Insurance, surveyed 1,010 residents in January 2026. While 95 per cent of parents acknowledged that child seats offer better protection during accidents, ownership and consistent usage lag significantly behind knowledge.…

ABU DHABI, 7th May, 2026 (WAM) — The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) honoured 20 companies and individuals at Make it in the Emirates 2026 on Tuesday for their contributions to the UAE’s In-Country Value (ICV) Programme — an initiative that has redirected AED473 billion into the national economy to date. The ceremony, held as part of National ICV Day on the second day of Make it in the Emirates, was attended by Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Undersecretary of MoIAT, alongside senior officials from government and industry. Al Nowais said the awards reflect the growing impact of public-private…

DUBAI, 7th May, 2026 (WAM) — The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) affirmed that 30th June 2026 is the deadline for private sector establishments with 50 or more employees to achieve their Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2026. This means achieving a 1 percent growth in the Emiratisation rate of their skilled jobs for the first six months of the year, in line with Emiratisation decisions and policies, which call for an additional 1 percent growth in the Emiratisation of skilled jobs for the second half of 2026 for these companies, bringing their overall Emiratisation growth…