Author: Editorial team

BEIJING, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — China’s value-added industrial output increased by 5.6 percent year-on-year in the first four months of 2026, official data showed on Monday. In April alone, industrial output grew 4.1 percent year-on-year, and rose 0.05 percent compared to the previous month, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics. The industrial output is used to measure the activity of large enterprises each with an annual main business turnover of at least 20 million yuan ($2.92 million). In terms of sectors, the value added output of the mining sector increased by 5.5 percent year-on-year in…

DUBAI, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone has announced its full-year results for 2025, reflecting continued growth across its business ecosystem and reinforcing its position as one of the UAE’s leading Free Zones. Driven by strong growth in new licence issuance, high renewal rate, and an increasingly diverse business community, the Free Zone delivered robust performance across all key indicators during the year. The number of new licences issued reached 850 in 2025, representing a 41 percent year-on-year increase and reflecting continued confidence in DWTC Free Zone as a destination for business set-up and…

Mohamed Abbas – Principal Analyst, Opensignal. Low reliance on legacy networks gives the GCC a spectrum efficiency advantage. Opensignal data shows that in Q1 2026, GCC users spent less than 3% of their connected time on legacy 2G and 3G networks. In comparison, across non-GCC Middle East North African markets, the figure is 21.6%. This gap shows why GCC markets are well-positioned to turn existing spectral resources into stronger mobile experiences.  Spectrum efficiency is often discussed through the lens of 5G, but the real challenge is how every mobile generation fits into the network. 2G and 3G were designed for voice, SMS and basic…

The UAE has introduced a new rule under the Wage Protection System (WPS) that standardises the deadline for paying private-sector salaries to regulate wage payments across the country. Under the updated rule, salaries must be paid on the first day of each Gregorian month for the previous month. Payments made after this date will be considered delayed under the system starting June 1, 2026. The decision issued on May 12 follows a ministerial resolution issued earlier this month by the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre), aimed at strengthening compliance and ensuring timely wage payments across private sector establishments.…

Instead of speaking to therapists, counsellors, or even family members, many Arab teenagers are increasingly turning to TikTok and social media platforms for mental health advice, something UAE-based startup Elggo says reflects a deeper gap in how emotional wellbeing is being addressed across the region. “When nobody at home or at school opens that door, they go find answers on TikTok and social media instead, which is the worst possible place for it,” Mirna Mneimneh and Luma Makari, co-founders of Elggo told Khaleej Times The founders believe the issue is not that Arab youth are unwilling to discuss mental health,…

BHM Capital, the leading financial institution in the UAE capital markets sector, announced its financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2026, delivering strong double-digit growth across key financial and operational indicators, reinforcing its position as a leading institution in the UAE capital markets sector. The Company reported total revenue of AED 61.9 million, representing a 38% increase year-on-year, while net profit reached AED 13.8 million, marking a 22% increase year-on-year. Shareholders’ equity stood at AED 523 million, reflecting a 3% increase compared to year-end 2025, reinforcing the Company’s strong balance sheet, sustainable growth trajectory, and disciplined execution…

[Editor’s Note: Follow the Khaleej Times live blog for the latest regional developments with the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire now in effect.] The advisor to the UAE President, Anwar Gargash, called the attack on Abu Dhabi’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant on Sunday a “criminal disregard for the lives of civilians in the UAE”. His statements come after the Emirates was targeted by three drones on May 17, with two being intercepted and one falling in the vicinity of the nuclear plant located in Al Dhafrah. The strike caused a fire in an electric generator located outside the inner perimeter of the plant. No injuries…

SHARJAH, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — Sharjah Charity International (SCI) announced the launch of a package of humanitarian and charitable initiatives during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah to meet the needs of more than 18,000 families. Abdullah Sultan bin Khadim, Executive Director of SCI, said that AED2.6 million has been allocated to support several humanitarian projects during the blessed days. The initiatives include financial assistance for inmates facing debt-related cases, as well as facilitating Hajj for around 20 Emirati citizens from low-income backgrounds. The charity association will also organise an iftar initiative for around 15,000 fasting people on…

For many families in the UAE, Eid Al Adha has long been associated with rich lamb dishes, large family feasts, and tables filled with traditional comfort food. But this year, as Eid approaches, some residents are putting a lighter, more health-conscious spin on their celebrations, balancing cultural traditions with changing lifestyle habits. Across homes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, classic Eid spreads are increasingly being paired with grilled proteins, healthier sides, portion-conscious serving styles, and air-fried alternatives. “We still make lamb every Eid because it’s part of the tradition,” said Dubai resident Sarah Ahmed, who hosts family gatherings during the…

ABU DHABI, 17th May, 2026 (WAM) — The United Arab Emirates has condemned in the strongest terms the unprovoked terrorist attack targeting an electricity generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Al Dhafra region, carried out by a drone that entered the country’s territory from the western border direction, without causing any injuries or any impact on radiation safety levels. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that these attacks constitute a dangerous escalation, an unacceptable act of aggression, and a direct threat to the country’s security. The Ministry stressed that the…