Author: Editorial Team

RIYADH — Foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and seven other Islamic countries condemned the repeated violations of the historical and legal status quo governing Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem by the Israeli occupation authorities. They expressed particular concern over the continued incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Israeli settlers and extremist ministers under the protection of Israeli police, as well as the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey reaffirmed that these provocative actions at…

As part of ongoing efforts to boost the tourism sector in Ajman, the emirate’s Department of Tourism Development announced on Thursday, April 23, a comprehensive package of incentives and relief measures, including granting visitors free entry to all museums. The facilitations include a wide range of exemptions for tourism establishments and cover operations, licensing, and marketing, contributing to supporting tourism facilities in the emirate. According to the new package, the payment of tourism fees for touristic establishments will be deferred for six months, starting March 1, 2026. A “flexible payment” mechanism will also be activated to allow for clearing outstanding…

NAIROBI, 23rd April, 2026 (WAM) — The United Arab Emirates participated in the first 2026 Executive Board meetings of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), held in Nairobi, Kenya, with the attendance of member states. The UAE delegation was led by Engineer Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. The meetings addressed several strategic priority areas, including the implementation of the 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, enhancing financial sustainability and resource allocation efficiency, and reviewing progress in urban planning, housing, and infrastructure. Discussions also covered the development of international partnerships with…

Dubai’s luxury hospitality scene is entering a new phase, with some of its most recognisable hotels temporarily closing or scaling back operations as they prepare to reopen with upgraded concepts and refreshed interiors. While Atlantis Dubai recently announced it’d paused operations at seven of its dining venues as it reviews guest demands, these hotels are taking a break to refurbish. Here’s a roundup of what some of the top players will be up to: Jumeirah Burj Al Arab The iconic Burj Al Arab has temporarily shut its doors for a major refurbishment, marking it first such comprehensive upgrade since the…

AL AIN, 24th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, witness the signing of five strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Agriculture Center. The signing took place on day two of the event which is organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment under the theme “A…

Executives with Vodafone Group and Orange Business recently addressed the realities of AI deployments in their businesses at a FutureNet World panel. The panellists went on to explain that the technology is not necessarily an additional cost and could ultimately end up paying for itself by opening fresh business opportunities. Vodafone CTO Scott Petty used his spot on a panel to explain it did not hike capex to cover what he admitted is an aggressive level of AI investment, instead reallocating funds previously expended elsewhere. “In our case that’s by decommissioning legacy platforms, turning off process tools, getting rid of…

UAE skies will be fair to partly cloudy at sometimes on Friday, April 24, the final day of this working week before residents prepare for their two-day weekend. As per the weather forecast shared by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), there will be light to moderate northeasterly to northwesterly winds, with a speed ranging from 10 to 20kmph, reaching 30kmph. Temperatures nationwide are expected to range between 23ºC and 41ºC, with a high of 36ºC and 38ºC in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, respectively. The NCM mentioned in its five-day weather bulletin that temperatures are expected to increase further in the…

ABU DHABI, 23rd April, 2026 (WAM) — Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) reported a net profit after tax of AED3.361 billion for the first quarter of 2026, delivering a return on average equity of 16.3 percent. The bank recorded a pre-tax profit of AED3.781 billion, marking a 30 percent increase compared to the same period last year and extending its growth streak to 19 consecutive quarters. Operating income rose 18 percent year-on-year to AED5.934 billion, supported by strong growth in non-interest income, which increased 36 percent to AED2.196 billion. Efficiency improved further, with the cost-to-income ratio declining by 360 basis…

After 51 days of precautionary closure due to the US-Iran war, Global Village is reopening its gates on Monday, April 20, at 5pm. Many UAE residents shared their excitement on social media when the news was announced. Here is everything you need to know about the entertainment destination: Tickets Visitors can buy tickets online or on the app before arriving at Global Village. Weekday tickets valid Monday to Thursday, excluding public holidays, start at Dh25 per person. Any day tickets cost Dh30. Children under 3, seniors over 65, and people of determination have free entry. Tuesdays are reserved exclusively for…

RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone call on Thursday with Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri. During the call, they discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a complete cessation of Israeli attacks against it. Prince Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for the stability of Lebanon and to strengthening its state institutions. Speaker Nabih Berri praised the Kingdom’s role and its continuous efforts in supporting Lebanon’s security and the broader stability of the region. He further emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to the Taif Agreement and its…