Author: Editorial Team

Richard Bechalany. The GCC is witnessing a fundamental shift in how identity is managed across its business landscape. From smart government services to cashless payments and seamless travel, the region is building interconnected ecosystems where identity is the foundation of trust. Within this landscape, biometric identity systems are emerging as the technology of choice. With the regional market expected to reach a projected value of $1.4 billion by 2033, it is clear that organizations are viewing biometrics as a foundational necessity for security, efficiency, and user experience. Why fingerprints lead the way Commonly described as “something you are”, biometrics rely…

DUBAI — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said it coordinated the transit of 26 vessels through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, as talks between Washington and Tehran over the resumption of traffic through the narrow waterway remain stalled.“Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is being carried out with permission and in coordination with the IRGC Navy,” the statement carried by Iran’s state-affiliated ISNA news agency said on Wednesday.Later on Wednesday, Iran published a new map of Hormuz on X, marking a controlled maritime zone that vessels will not be able transit without its authorisation.…

WASHINGTON — The United States has issued a criminal indictment against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro in a significant escalation of the Trump administration’s campaign to oust the country’s six-decades-old communist regime.Castro, now 94, was charged in Miami, Florida, with conspiracy to kill US nationals, four counts of murder and two counts of destruction of aircraft.The case unveiled on Wednesday accuses Castro and five others in the shooting down of the aircraft belonging to Cuban-American group Brothers to the Rescue during a humanitarian mission in the Florida Straits.Other defendants are a fighter pilot who was initially charged in connection with…

ABU DHABI, 21st May, 2026 (WAM) — The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has issued gold and silver commemorative coins to mark the Golden Jubilee of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). The issuance recognises the university’s five decades of academic and scientific journey, its prominent role in preparing qualified national talent, and its contribution in supporting higher education and research, while reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading hub for knowledge. The obverse of the coins features a design depicting UAEU’s historic campus, reflecting its prestigious academic legacy as the nation’s first university, surrounded by distinctive artistic motifs,…

Following the launches of its Dubai Mall and Mirdif stores earlier this year, Primark is opening another Dubai branch today, May 21. The new branch will officially open at 3 pm inside Mall of the Emirates, with the brand announcing the launch on its social media pages earlier this week. Where is the new store? Shoppers will be able to find the new Primark branch on: Ground floor, Entrance A Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Opening time: 3pm on May 21 The opening follows strong demand at the retailer’s first two UAE locations. Crowds continue across Dubai Khaleej Times staff…

ROME, 21st May, 2026 (WAM) — For the third time in this year’s Giro d’Italia, Jhonatan Narváez came up trumps to land a brilliant stage win for UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Picking up another victory on stage 11, the Ecuadorian national champion made it four stage wins from 11 days for the Emirati squad. Over the tough hills that linked Tuscany and Liguria, Narváez was in scintillating form and would not be denied on Wednesday afternoon, despite stiff competition from Enric Mas of Movistar. The three-time Vuelta a España runner-up crossed the line in second place, with Narváez getting the better…

The milestone reflects Ellington’s continued focus on timely delivery, with multiple projects progressing steadily across its portfolio Published: Thu 21 May 2026, 9:28 AM Ellington Properties, Dubai’s leading design-led boutique developer, has commenced the handover of Ellington House II in Dubai Hills Estate, alongside Arbor View in Arjan, marking continued delivery across key residential communities and reinforcing its commitment to consistent execution. These milestones come at a time when delivery performance plays an increasingly important role in shaping market confidence. Recent market data has highlighted sustained year-on-year growth in both transaction volumes and values, driven largely by strong off-plan activity…

The highly anticipated unveiling of Audemars Piguet X Swatch’s new collection of watches has been cancelled at two malls in Dubai. Swatch UAE cited “public safety considerations” as the reason for the cancellation in a brief statement on social media. “… we have decided not to proceed with the sale of the product at Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, and the event has been cancelled. We appreciate your understanding and continued support,” the watch brand said on Instagram. According to comments posted on social media, customers had lined up for hours at the two malls for the May…

Have you missed our special guest? The May 15 edition of TahawulTech Friday Brief featured Muhammad Affan, Director of IT at Sharjah Maritime Academy, in conversation with Sandhya D’Mello, Technology Editor, CPI Media Group, and Daniel Shepherd, Deputy Editor, Technology Division. The discussion explored how AI-enabled smart campuses, cybersecurity, secure digital infrastructure and digital leadership are shaping the future of education and enterprise resilience. If you missed the live session, you can still catch the key insights and join the conversation. Watch the LinkedIn Live replayTahawulTech Friday Brief | May 15 Edition Stay connected. Stay informed. Source: Tahawul Tech

BEIJING — Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed their high-level strategic ties and growing energy trade as they met in Beijing on Wednesday just days after Xi hosted President Donald Trump for a landmark summit.Xi alluded to an increasingly fractious international situation as he sat down with Putin in the Great Hall of the People for meetings kicking off the Russian leader’s roughly 24-hour state visit in the Chinese capital.“The international situation is marked by intertwined turbulence and transformation, while unilateral hegemonic currents are running rampant,” Xi said, using Beijing’s typical language to criticize what it…