Author: Editorial Team

RIYADH — Minister of Justice Walid Al-Samaani said that the new Enforcement Law, approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, provides a more structured and transparent enforcement process. “The new law establishes a balanced approach to the obligations of creditors and debtors, providing clear judicial safeguards while facilitating the effective enforcement of rights. By enhancing mechanisms for asset disclosure and tracing, the law provides a more structured and transparent enforcement process,” he said. Al-Samaani expressed his appreciation to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman following the approval of…

ABU DHABI, 15th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has announced the entry into force of Cabinet Decision No. (129) of 2025 amending certain provisions of Cabinet Decision No. (40) of 2017 on administrative penalties imposed for violations of tax laws in the UAE, following its effective date on Tuesday, 14th April 2026. The FTA said the amendments aim to support taxpayers, reduce their financial burden and help them comply with tax obligations while regularising their positions. The move is also intended to enhance the UAE’s competitiveness and ease of doing business. The authority added that the…

JEDDAH — A meeting of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah discussed the readiness of relevant authorities for the Hajj of 2026. The topics of discussions included operational plans, security arrangements at entry points, and progress of development projects in Makkah and the holy sites. Under the directives of Advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Emir of Makkah and Chairman of Central Hajj Committee Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishaal chaired the meeting. Addressing the meeting, the deputy emir stressed the importance of adhering to the leadership’s directives on early preparation for…

ABU DHABI, 16th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE) has affirmed that investing in human capital is the fundamental pillar for constructing a future-ready, AI-driven government. Dr Abdullah Al Shammari, Executive Director of the National Workforce Enablement Sector, stated that the department is enhancing the national talent ecosystem through the Mawaheb Talent Hub. This integrated model moves beyond traditional recruitment by upskilling national cadres for future requirements and providing high-quality career opportunities through strategic partnerships with major institutions. The hub has implemented several specialised programmes to address labour market gaps, provide career guidance,…

(L-R) Sanjaya Satharasinghe, Architecture Team Lead, Comstor Middle East & Mahmoud Hashem, Architecture Presales Manager, MHD Infotech, Oman. Sanjaya Satharasinghe, Architecture Team Lead, Comstor Middle East and Mahmoud Hashem, Architecture Presales Manager, MHD Infotech, Oman, discuss the digital transformation goals specific to Oman and Cisco support for managing cloud complexity in this exclusive joint interview. The datacenter landscape in the Middle East is evolving rapidly. From your perspective, what is driving this transformation? Sanjaya Satharasinghe: Across the Middle East, we are witnessing an accelerated shift toward digital-first business models. Governments and enterprises are investing heavily in cloud adoption, AI-driven services,…

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched a stinging criticism of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of his main European allies, saying they “do not have the same relationship.” The comments came after Meloni called out the president for his attacks on the Pope and declined to get involved in the US war on Iran. “I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” he said in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera. The interview was published the day after Meloni condemned as “unacceptable” Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV, after the…

RIYADH — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) warned of continued thunderstorms of varying intensity across most regions of Saudi Arabia until next Sunday. The thunderstorms will be accompanied by active downdrafts stirring up dust and sand, with speeds that may exceed 60 kilometers per hour, along with hail, flash floods, and high waves along the coasts. The NCM said in its weather report that the rainy weather condition will affect the Riyadh region and its governorates with moderate to heavy rainfall. This includes Diriyah, Al-Muzahamiyah, Al-Kharj, Al-Dilam, Al-Hariq, Al-Rayn, Al-Qiddiyah, Rumah, Al-Aflaj, and Hawtat Bani Tamim, in addition to…

[Editor’s Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog for the latest regional developments with the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire now in effect.] The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa) summoned Omar Abdulmajid Hamid Al Obaidi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Iraq in the country and handed him a strongly worded protest note over attacks launched from Iraqi territory. In the note, the UAE has conveyed its condemnation in the strongest terms and its absolute rejection of the continued heinous terrorist attacks launched from Iraqi territory, carried out by factions, militias, and armed terrorist groups affiliated with Iran. These attacks were launched despite the announcement…

MADRID, 15th April, 2026 (WAM) — In stage 1 of O Gran Camiño, Julius Johansen rocketed to the first professional victory of his career. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG powerhouse produced an epic ride against the clock to win the individual time trial and move into the race lead. Completing the 15km-long course in 17 minutes and 43 seconds, the 26-year-old was ultimately 15 seconds faster than the second-placed-rider on the day, Rafael Reis (Anicolor/Campicarn). With this victory, Johansen takes the overall lead of the race, ahead of Rafael Reis and Nelson Oliveira. As Johansen was storming to a memorable first…

SHARJAH, 15th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) held an expanded meeting with the Hotels Sector Business Group’s representative committee to explore the launch of a joint promotional campaign for domestic tourism amid rising market activity. The Hotels Sector Business Group, which operates under the Sharjah Chamber, serves as a key interface between hospitality establishments and relevant government entities. The Initiative aligns with SCCI’s strategy to foster a competitive and growth-oriented business environment, while advancing Sharjah’s broader objectives of economic diversification and positioning the emirate as a leading regional and global tourism and cultural…