Author: Editorial Team

KYIV — Russia handed over the bodies of 528 fallen soldiers to Ukraine as part of ongoing repatriation efforts between the two countries, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War announced on Saturday. According to Ukrainian authorities, the bodies — which Russia said may belong to Ukrainian servicemen — were returned under humanitarian repatriation measures. In a statement posted on Facebook, the coordination headquarters said law enforcement investigators and forensic experts would work to identify the deceased. Earlier on Friday, Russian state news agency Tass reported, citing sources, that Moscow and Kyiv had exchanged the bodies of…

GAZA CITY — Izz al-Din al-Haddad, commander of the military wing of the Palestinian group Hamas, was killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza City on Friday evening, according to local sources. The strike also killed his wife and daughter, the sources said, adding that funeral prayers for the family were later held in Gaza City. Al-Haddad’s sister also confirmed his death while speaking to reporters. Earlier, the Israeli army said it had killed Izz al-Din al-Haddad in a strike targeting Gaza City. The development comes as Israeli forces continue operations and reported violations of the ceasefire agreement in the…

[Editor’s Note: Follow the Khaleej Times live blog for the latest regional developments with the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire now in effect.] Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s minister of state, met with Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), to discuss Iran’s attacks and threats targeting vessels and seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf. The talks also focused on steps needed to restore safe and uninterrupted maritime navigation while ensuring the security of seafarers. Nusseibeh expressed her appreciation to the secretary-general and his team at the IMO for their important role in securing humanitarian access and safe passage for stranded…

MAKKAH — The comprehensive national application Tawakkalna enabled pilgrims and personnel working during the Hajj season of 2026 to access government services related to Hajj in 19 international languages. This initiative formed part of an integrated digital ecosystem led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), with the objective of facilitating the pilgrims’ journey and enhancing their digital experience from the moment of their arrival in the Kingdom until their departure. The Tawakkalna app offers over 1,300 digital services in collaboration with more than 350 government entities, across various categories including health, education, justice, tourism, professional, and entertainment…

RIYADH — Cristiano Ronaldo’s wait for major continental glory in Saudi Arabia ended in heartbreak on Saturday night after Al Nassr fell to a shock 1-0 defeat against Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final. Under the lights at King Saud University Stadium, Ronaldo and Al Nassr dominated possession, created chances and threw everything at the Japanese side but one moment from Deniz Hümmet proved enough to hand Gamba Osaka their first Asian crown since 2008. For Ronaldo, it was another crushing near-miss in a Saudi Arabia chapter that has delivered goals, records and global attention, but still…

The UAE Lottery announced the results of its Lucky Day draw number 260516 as players took part in the game’s twice-weekly schedule. Here are today’s Lucky Day numbers and the Lucky Month number: Days:12, 14, 17, 18, 20 and 24 Lucky Month: 7 No winner was recorded for the Dh30 million jackpot or the Dh5 million second prize. Two people took home Dh100,000 after they managed to match five Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels Three players also won Dh50,000 each under the Lucky Chance feature. Their winning IDs were: AX2216481 BZ5027000 AP1481503…

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is observed every year on 17 May, the day highlights how resilient networks, cloud platforms, data centres, and digital ecosystems are shaping inclusive, secure, and AI-ready economies. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day has become more relevant than ever in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital-first economies. What began as a commemoration of global telecommunications history is now a timely reminder that connectivity is no longer a background utility. Modern economies, public services, and enterprises increasingly depend on it. From fibre networks and 5G infrastructure to satellites, data…

RIYADH — Saudi security authorities arrested a total of 9,576 illegal residents in a week. The arrests were made in the joint inspections, carried out by the security forces in collaboration with the relevant government agencies, during the period between May 7 and 13, the Ministry of Interior revealed on Saturday. Those who were arrested include 4,865 violators of the Residency Law, 3,319 violators of the Border Security Law, and 1,392 violators of the Labor Law. A total of 11,272 illegal residents were deported while 2,311 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents and 11,226 violators…

MAKKAH — Customs at Saudi land, sea, and air ports recorded 915 seizures of contraband last week. The seized items include 62 types of narcotics, such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, and Captagon pills, in addition to 395 other prohibited substances. Customs ports also foiled attempts to smuggle 1,942 units of tobacco and its derivatives, along with 12 types of cash, and two types of weapons and related equipment. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) affirmed its commitment to strengthening customs control over the Kingdom’s imports and exports to ensure the security and protection of society, through continuous cooperation and…

After hundreds of enthusiasts headed to malls ahead of the highly-anticipated Audemars Piguet x Swatch collaboration launch on May 16, Swatch has now issued a statement. The watch company urged customers not to rush to stores, warning them that in some locations, queues of more than 50 people will not be accepted. It said that in cases where too many people may gather, sales may need to be paused to ensure customer and staff safety. Swatch said, “To ensure the safety of both our customers and our staff in Swatch stores, we kindly ask you not to rush to our…