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…

[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…

BAKU — Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail and Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Samir Sharifov discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation between the two countries in economic and urban development. Their meeting was held on the sidelines of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku on Sunday.The ministers reviewed opportunities to develop joint projects in urban planning, housing, and smart city management. They exchanged views on sustainable development pathways that enhance city efficiency and quality of life. Al-Hogail and Sharifov highlighted the Kingdom’s achievements in reshaping cities and building sustainable urban environments based on innovation and infrastructure…

MAKKAH — The Civil Defense forces participating in Hajj operations confirmed the prohibition on the entry and use of liquefied gas cylinders of all types and sizes in pilgrim hospitality centers and government facilities within the holy sites, effective from the morning of Monday, the first day of Dhul Hijjah, corresponding to May 18. This measure comes as part of comprehensive preventive efforts implemented by the Civil Defense to reduce fire risks during the 2026 Hajj season. The forces stated that any gas cylinders or cooking stoves found in use will be confiscated, and legal procedures will be taken against…

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…

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…

RIYADH — Saudi Grand Mufti, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and Head of the General Presidency for Scientific Research and Ifta Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan commenced in Makkah on Sunday his duties related with the upcoming annual pilgrimage of Hajj. Sheikh Al-Fawzan chaired a session of the Permanent Committee for Fatwas, attended by its secretary general and its members, as part of the committee’s work during the Hajj season. The meeting discussed several Sharia-related topics and issues presented to the committee so as to come out with clear-cut clarifications based on Islamic rulings. The Grand Mufti’s commencement of his…

RIYADH — The Saudi Administrative Court rejected an appeal filed by a company specializing in serving Hajj pilgrims from abroad and upheld the decision to revoke its license. The Board of Grievances stated that the company sought to challenge the license revocation, arguing that the decision lacked justification. However, the Administrative Court verified the company’s claims and examined the actual services provided to the pilgrims. It further noted that violations had been identified affecting the very essence of the service, including deficiencies in catering and infringements on pilgrims’ rights, despite the expectation that they receive the highest standards of care.…

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…

Amer Khreino. Amer Khreino, Founder and Director of Conceptlogic Ltd., explains how his “7 Elements” framework and MAAP platform are helping distributors escape margin pressure, harness AI and IoT with discipline, and evolve from transactional middlemen into capability-driven, value-led partners. Distribution has long been the quiet engine of global commerce, moving products, financing inventory, and connecting vendors to markets. The model that powered decades of growth is now under strain. Margin compression, commoditisation, accelerating technology cycles, and rising customer expectations have exposed the limits of traditional distribution thinking. The question is no longer whether distributors need to evolve, but how…