Author: Editorial Team

ABU DHABI, 3rd May, 2026 (WAM) — Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) is participating in ‘Make it in the Emirates’ 2026, held under the theme ‘Emerging Stronger’, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from May 4 to 7, 2026. This participation reflects KFED’s ongoing commitment to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem, empower startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and make meaningful inroads in advancing the industrial sector and boosting its competitiveness. Through a range of evolving programmes, initiatives, and strategic partnerships showcased during the event, KFED reaffirms its commitment to deliver effective programs that empower national ventures and connect them…

AMMAN — The Jordanian Armed Forces carried out airstrikes early Sunday targeting suspected drug and arms smuggling sites along the northern border in southern Syria, according to the Petra. The military said the operation hit facilities and warehouses used as launch points for smuggling operations into Jordan, adding that the targets were identified through intelligence and destroyed in precision strikes. The move comes amid an increase in smuggling attempts, with authorities saying the action aims to prevent the flow of narcotics and weapons into the Kingdom. Syrian state broadcaster Al-Ikhbariya TV, citing sources, reported that Jordanian warplanes struck a site…

KYIV — Russia and Ukraine accused each other on Sunday of killing civilians in overnight air and drone attacks, as the conflict continues to escalate on multiple fronts. In Ukraine, Odesa region Governor Oleh Kiper said two people were killed and five others injured in Russian strikes targeting civilian and port infrastructure. “The enemy continues to strike at the civil and port infrastructure of the Odesa region,” Kiper said on Telegram. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv had targeted two oil tankers in the Russian port of Novorossiysk, describing the strikes as part of efforts against Russia’s “shadow oil fleet.”…

The credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has ranked Abu Dhabi among the lowest government debt and highest sovereign net foreign assets. At the end of 2025, government debt was well below the peer median of 50.3 per cent, at 19.5 per cent of GDP. Fitch said it expects this to rise to 25.3 per cent in 2026 due to higher war-related borrowing, before stabilising post-war. The agency affirmed Abu Dhabi’s rating with a stable outlook, citing the emirate’s high GDP per capita and strong fiscal and external metrics. This includes its Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR), which it gave…

DUBAI, 3rd May, 2026 (WAM) — His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the primary tunnelling works for the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, which involves an investment of over AED20.5 billion. The 30-km route comprises a 15.5-km underground section and 14.5-km stretch above ground. It features 14 stations including three interchange stations, seven elevated stations and four underground stations. It will serve nine key districts with a projected population of around one million under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. His Highness also reviewed interior…

DUBAI, 3rd May, 2026 (WAM) — Leaders of technology companies operating in Dubai have reaffirmed the emirate’s position as a resilient and fast-growing hub for digital innovation, despite ongoing challenges in the global economic landscape. Dubai’s integrated digital ecosystem was highlighted as a central factor in strengthening business resilience and supporting sustainable growth. The emirate’s world-class digital infrastructure and efficient approach to implementation continue to provide a strong foundation for the growth of the technology sector. The business leaders also pointed to the close alignment between the public and private sectors as a key advantage that enables companies to innovate,…

Question: I recently renewed my two-bedroom apartment contract in Dubai with a 15 per cent rent increase last month. Two of my neighbours, who have similar units with the same amenities, had their contracts renewed with no rent increase. Can I challenge mine given that I signed it? Answer: Pursuant to your query, the provisions Law No. (33) of 2008 Amending Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai (the “Dubai Tenancy Law”), is applicable. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels In Dubai, the…

TOKYO, 3rd May, 2026 (WAM) — The first tanker carrying Russian crude oil since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East is seen arriving in Japan as early as Monday, according to Japanese industry ministry and other sources. The tanker will deliver crude oil imported by Taiyo Oil to the Japanese company’s refinery facility in Ehime Prefecture. The oil comes from the Sakhalin-2 oil and gas project in Russia’s far east, which is exempt from Western sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, the sources said as quoted by Japan News. The Oman-flagged tanker Voyager…

Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the tunnelling work on the Blue Line of the Dubai Metro. The project, scheduled to open on September 9, 2029, has a budget of Dh20.5 billion to complete what the leader termed “the world’s newest and most beautiful metro”. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Of the 30km line, 14.5km are above ground, which means 15.5km, a little over half of the Metro line, will be underground. 10,000 employees and engineers racing against time [to complete the Blue Line] Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al…

BEIJING, 3rd May, 2026 (WAM) — Official Chinese data showed that trade volume between China and Africa reached US$348 billion in 2025. Of the total, Chinese imports from African countries amounted to US$123 billion, marking an increase of 5.4 percent year on year. Starting from 1st May, China expanded its zero-tariff treatment to cover all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties. Xinhua News Agency reported that the policy builds on earlier measures introduced in December 2024 for the least developed countries (LDCs), including 33 African nations, before being extended to cover additional countries. Under the new arrangements,…