Author: Editorial team
[Editor’s Note: Follow the Khaleej Times live blog for the latest regional developments with the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire now in effect.] After a week of remote learning prompted by the missile threat due to the regional tensions, classrooms across the UAE came alive again on Monday as students returned to in-person learning, reconnecting with friends, teachers and routines many educators say children deeply missed. School leaders across Dubai and Abu Dhabi reported strong attendance rates and a smooth transition back to campus, with many parents reassured by the safety measures, wellbeing support and clear communication maintained throughout the disruption. For many students, the…
Artificial intelligence is no longer confined to offices, coding labs or tech conferences in Dubai. Increasingly, it is showing up in residents’ everyday routines, from ordering coffee and planning workouts to beauty consultations and emotional companionship. At SOIL Café at Kite Beach this week, visitors were greeted by a café experience powered almost entirely by AI. As part of a temporary activation by Yango Group, Yango robots served coffee while customers placed their orders at the counter through Yasmina, the company’s AI assistant. The concept, which ran from May 8 to 10, turned an ordinary beachside coffee stop into a…
BRUSSELS, 11th May, 2026 (WAM) — The EU Council today adopted a decision terminating the partial suspension of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Syrian Arab Republic. The decision repeals Council Decision 2011/523/EU that introduced the suspension. By ending the partial suspension, the Council reinstates the full application of the Cooperation Agreement, marking an important step towards strengthening the bilateral relations between the EU and Syria. The Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Syria, concluded in 1977, provides the framework for economic and trade relations between the parties. Source: Emirates News Agency
ABU DHABI, 11th May, 2026 (WAM) — Space42 on Monday announced a strategic partnership with Skylo Technologies, a leading global non-terrestrial network (NTN) service provider, to deliver standards-based direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity through its geostationary satellite, Thuraya-4. The companies have already demonstrated what this means in practice: a bi-directional, real-time voice call completed over Thuraya-4, no modified SIM and no changes to existing operator core infrastructure. Technology integration between Skylo’s 3GPP-compliant NTN platform and Thuraya-4 is complete, confirming the service is ready for commercial deployment. For carriers, the partnership delivers an integrated extension of their existing network architecture rather than an…
DUBAI, 11th May, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai Chambers on Monday held a meeting with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Zhejiang Provincial Committee (CCPIT Zhejiang) to discuss opportunities to develop economic cooperation and strengthen trade and investment relations between Dubai and China. The meeting was attended by Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, and Chen Jianzhong, Chairman of CCPIT Zhejiang & CCOIC Zhejiang. Discussions focused on ways to advance the economic partnership between the two markets, with a focus on key sectors presenting opportunities to deepen trade and investment cooperation, including the digital…
Sony’s semiconductor arm recently agreed a preliminary strategic partnership with TSMC to develop and manufacture the next-generation of image sensors. Additional elements of this agreement include jointly exploring physical AI applications in areas including automotive and robotics. Sony Semiconductor Solutions stated it had signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Taiwan-based company, which could lead to the establishing of a joint venture (JV), of which Sony will be the majority and controlling shareholder. Both companies are currently discussing their respective potential investments in the JV, which are “being considered on the premise that they would be implemented in…
A newly launched digital platform for tracking grocery prices in the UAE is about to get significantly smarter, with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism preparing to integrate artificial intelligence to help residents hunt down the cheapest deals. The Essential Goods Prices Platform, which recently went live to help consumers navigate rising living costs, will soon feature an AI-powered chatbot. According to details shared by the ministry, shoppers will be able to interact directly with the AI assistant, which will analyse their individual purchasing habits and shopping patterns to recommend the most cost-effective outlets for their specific needs. Stay up…
DUBAI, 11th May, 2026 (WAM) — Binghatti Holding Limited announced record-breaking financial results for the first quarter ended 31st March 2026. The company reported a net profit of AED1.43 billion, representing a 73 percent year-on-year increase, while revenue rose 52 percent to AED4.39 billion. EBITDA surged 83 percent year-on-year to AED1.83 billion, reflecting continued operational efficiency and margin expansion. Total assets reached AED32.87 billion, and the Group’s cash position rose to AED9.9 billion. During the quarter, the company achieved AED5.88 billion in sales through the sale of more than 4,000 units and launched five new projects valued at AED8.58 billion…
For months, Ali Ismail and his family feared that their daughter, Salama, might grow up in silence. The baby never startled at loud noises, never turned when her siblings called her name, never reacted when her father leaned close and raised his voice beside her ears. “We kept hoping maybe she just needed more time,” he said. But at six months old, the family knew something was wrong, setting them on a nine-month search that would lead to one of Abu Dhabi’s most complex paediatric hearing surgeries. “We noticed she didn’t cry when there were loud sounds. She didn’t turn…
ABU DHABI, 11th May, 2026 (WAM) — The UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) and Palo Alto Networks have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the development of AI-driven, data-centric cybersecurity capabilities aimed at strengthening the UAE’s digital resilience. The MoU will facilitate the development of immediate and long-term capabilities in close cooperation with relevant authorities in the country, guided by a forward-looking and strategic approach. This collaboration will enhance the UAE’s cyber resilience by embedding cybersecurity across every layer of the digital infrastructure. “This collaboration reflects the UAE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national cybersecurity capabilities and build…