Author: Editorial team

Meta Platforms recently unveiled the first large language model (LLM) to come out of its superintelligence laboratory. The company then went on announce that they expect Muse Spark to improve AI features available across its social media apps. Muse Spark is being positioned as the company’s most powerful model to date. It is initially being used on the Meta AI app and website, with plans to introduce it for WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Messenger and on its glasses in the coming weeks. It is also offering preview access to the model to select partners through an API. Announcing the move, the…

[Editor’s Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog for the latest regional developments with the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire now in effect.] UAE’s Ministry of Education denied reports of extension of distance learning till May 1. The ministry clarified that this information is “inaccurate”. The authority stressed that decisions related to education will only be announced through the ministry’s official channels. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp channels. Currently, distance learning is in place till April 17 across all educational institutions in the UAE for students as well as teaching and administrative staff. When schools across UAE transitioned to…

ABU DHABI, 13th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has announced the appointment of VERMEG, a global provider of mission-critical technology solutions for Market Infrastructures, Collateral Management, and Asset Servicing, as the lead technology partner of a consortium supporting the establishment of a Central Securities Depository (CSD) for national debt and Sukuk. The move is part of the Central Bank’s strategy to strengthen the infrastructure of the UAE’s capital markets. This strategic initiative is designed to enhance the efficiency of post-trade operations while further strengthening the global competitiveness of the UAE’s financial markets. It aligns…

SHARJAH, 13th April, 2026 (WAM) — Al Hamriyah Cultural and Sports Club has set the timeline for the inaugural “Al Hamriyah Sports and Community Excellence Award” as part of the club’s 2023-2027 strategic plan. Applications will be accepted from 1 to 25 May, followed by evaluation from 1 to 15 June. Winners will be honoured at a ceremony to be held later. The award aims to recognise outstanding members of the club, including players, technical and administrative staff, and employees, as well as partner organisations, the local community, and sports and community organisations. The individual awards are grouped into four…

As the global automotive industry accelerates toward electrification and intelligent mobility, OMODA & JAECOO — fast-rising brands under the Chery Group — are reinforcing their position as one of the industry’s most dynamic new entrants. Following strong global expansion into 64 markets and cumulative sales surpassing 960,000 units in under three years, OMODA & JAECOO continue to gain traction and are fast approaching the one-million milestone, with the UAE emerging as one of the key regional growth markets in the Middle East. Within just one year of operations in the UAE, OMODA & JAECOO have recorded over 3,000 vehicle sales,…

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently outlined plans to explore a ban on China’s three major telecoms operators running data centres in the United States. These plans form part of an ongoing effort to address national security concerns. It stated it tentatively concluded national security concerns exist with companies on its so-called Covered List including China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile interconnecting with domestic operators, and is seeking comment on whether to issue a ban. The Covered List identifies telecoms and other equipment deemed an unacceptable risk to US national security, banning its authorisation, importation and sale. Specifically,…

ABU DHABI, 13th April, 2026 (WAM) — Etihad Airways has announced a significant expansion of its mainland China network, launching five new routes and adding 28 weekly flights, marking one of the airline’s largest single market increases in recent years. The expansion will see Etihad operate services from Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (TFU), Hangzhou (HGH) and Shenzhen (SZX), bringing its total operation in mainland China to 35 weekly flights across six destinations, including its existing daily service to Beijing Daxing (PKX). All services will be operated by Etihad’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner…

DUBAI, 13th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, represented by the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, has signed a partnership agreement with Sukoon Takaful, a leading provider of insurance and takaful services. The agreement aims to offer a comprehensive insurance protection umbrella for beneficiaries of housing loans, enhancing the sustainability of the housing support system and expanding insurance inclusion. This agreement builds on the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to develop the housing finance system, following the positive outcomes achieved by the initiative launched last year. That initiative marked the first phase of providing insurance coverage for housing loan…

A fire incident was reported in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) on Sunday afternoon, prompting a swift response from Dubai Civil Defence teams. According to authorities, the operations room received the alert at 2.28pm. Immediately after, Al Barsha Fire Station was dispatched as the first responder and arrived at the scene within six minutes. Upon arrival at 2.34pm, firefighters found that the blaze had broken out in a 27-story building under construction. The fire was classified as moderate. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp channels. Specialised teams quickly initiated evacuation and firefighting operations to contain…

“I can walk a total of 10 steps,” says Amal Othman, the UAE mother who woke from a coma last year to find she had given birth, as she now faces a deteriorating condition and a need for lung transplant. Months after her story drew widespread attention, Amal says her health has significantly worsened, leaving her unable to carry out even the most basic daily tasks. “Any effort makes me lose oxygen. Even talking feels exhausting,” she told Khaleej Times. Medical reports reviewed by Khaleej Times, including a recent update by Othman’s doctor, confirm severe and progressive lung damage following acute respiratory…