Author: Editorial Team

SEOUL, 13th April, 2026 (WAM) — South Korea’s exports jumped 36.7 percent from a year earlier in the first 10 days of April, driven by strong overseas demand for semiconductors, data showed Monday. Outbound shipments reached $25.2 billion in the April 1-10 period, compared with $18.4 billion tallied in the same period last year, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service. Imports went up 12.7 percent on-year to $22.1 billion over the cited period, resulting in a trade surplus of $3.1 billion, the data showed. Source: Emirates News Agency

Parents cannot directly apply for Centre-Led Home-Based Learning (CLHL) services, with nurseries retaining full control over rollout, staffing and approvals, Dubai’s education regulator KHDA has clarified in an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times. The Centre-Led Home-Based Learning (CLHL), announced by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), will operate under a tightly regulated framework, used only during government-mandated distance learning periods for children aged 0-6, and concluding within five working days after in-person learning resumes. Dr Amna Almaazmi, CEO of Growth and Human Development at KHDA, explained that the model is designed as a temporary emergency learning solution rather than…

RIYADH — The Ministry of Commerce has recalled 33,250 Toyota and Lexus vehicles due to a programming fault that increases the risk of accidents. The Ministry explained that a malfunction in the software of the vehicles’ electronic control unit — responsible for parking assistance — may cause the rearview camera display not to appear on the screen when shifting into reverse. This issue increases the risk of accidents while reversing. The fault affects multiple Toyota and Lexus models from 2022 to 2025 which include the Land Cruiser, Crown, LX600, Prado, LC500, Mirai, Highlander, Camry, LS500/LS500h, RX, UX, NX, and ES.…

RIYADH — The average hotel room occupancy rate in Saudi Arabia reached 57.3 percent during the fourth quarter of 2025. This rate posts an increase of 1.3 percentage points compared to the same period in 2024, when it reached 56 percent, according to the statistics for tourism establishments for the fourth quarter of 2025, released on Sunday by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The average occupancy rate for serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities reached 55.9 percent during the period, showing little change year-on-year. The GASTAT data showed an improvement in occupancy indicators and significant growth in the number…

LONDON, 12th April, 2026 (WAM) — Manchester City reignited their Premier League title charge with a commanding 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Following a cagey opening half, City intensified their attack after the interval, breaking the deadlock when Nico O’Reilly converted a precise header. The visitors doubled their advantage shortly after as Marc Guéhi clinicaly finished a well-placed throughball from Rayan Cherki. Jeremy Doku then capitalised on a defencive error, dispossessing Moises Caicedo before slotting home a third to seal the result and silence the home crowd. The victory moves City within six points of league leaders Arsenal,…

RIYADH — The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) announced that electronic payments accounted for 85 percent of total retail payments in 2025, up from 79 percent in 2024. This remarkable achievement reflects growth in national payment systems, with electronic transactions reaching 14.6 billion in 2025, compared with 12.6 billion in 2024. SAMA attributed this progress to increased transaction volumes through the Mada payment system, particularly across point-of-sale and e-commerce transactions, alongside growth in other national payment systems.The increase reflects the continued expansion of electronic payment adoption and its growing role in daily transactions. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has seen rapid…

RIYADH — Expatriates, without an official permit, are banned from entering Makkah, effective from Monday, April 13. This is part of a package of arrangements and regulations, announced by the Ministry of Interior, for this year’s Hajj season, with the objective of ensuring the safety of pilgrims and ensuring the performance of the Hajj rituals in ease and comfort under the slogan “No Hajj without a permit.” According to the new regulations, only those expatriates who carry a residency permit (iqama) issued in Makkah, or a Hajj permit, or a work permit for the holy sites will be allowed entry…

Dense cloud cover blanketed Abu Dhabi on Sunday morning as residents in some areas experienced moderate rainfall, with heavier showers expected later in the day. Dubai saw light rain earlier in the day and has since shifted to overcast, gloomy conditions. According to the UAE’s National Center of Meteorology, convective cloud formation is likely to bring intermittent rainfall, ranging from light to moderate, with occasional heavy downpours. A yellow weather warning has been issued, urging residents to remain cautious. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp channels. The unstable weather is being driven by an…

WASHINGTON, 13th April, 2026 (WAM) — Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, said she is concerned about a powerful new AI model from Anthropic that poses major cybersecurity risks. In a statement, she said that the world does not have the ability to protect the international monetary system against massive cyber risks. “The risks have been growing exponentially,” Georgieva said. “Yes, we are concerned. We are very keen to see more attention to the guardrails that are necessary to protect financial stability in the world of AI.” Source: Emirates News Agency

Landmarks across Dubai were illuminated in the colours of the UAE flag in a show of pride. A striking display on the Burj Khalifa stood out as a powerful symbol of unity, national achievement and shared identity. The world’s tallest tower became a vivid expression of belonging and cohesion, reinforcing the UAE flag as a symbol of collective strength. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp channels. As the UAE national anthem played, the tower stood illuminated in red, green, white, and black — steady, visible from almost anywhere in the city. It wasn’t just…