Author: Editorial team

For the past few weeks, conversations around dining tables and gatherings have taken a different shape. Where is the world heading? When was the last time someone heard an alert? For Dr Azra Khamissa, the conversation was more hopeful, and she chose to take it further through her art. In a moment shared with friends, the word ghafla came up, a state of unawareness, of overlooking what truly matters. It became a reminder that in times of uncertainty, there is still something to hold on to, the blessings around us. The idea stayed with her. UAE-based henna artist Dr Azra…

SHARJAH, 9th April, 2026 (WAM) — Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has begun operating a new project to enhance water supply in Kalba city. The project consists of a high-capacity strategic connection between TAQA’s resources and SEWA’s distribution network, ensuring that growing demand is met efficiently and effectively. The total cost of the project reached AED47,510,444. Engineer Yousef Al Hammadi, Director of Kalba Department at SEWA, stated that the project has achieved a significant transformation in Kalba by adding 3 million gallons of water per day to the network. This increased the city’s water distribution capacity from 6…

DUBAI, 9th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) today issued its Guidance on the Virtual Assets Issuance Rulebook. The publication makes Dubai the first jurisdiction globally to codify how digital assets must be created, disclosed, and distributed within a fully licensed environment – the world’s first dedicated regulatory Guidance on Virtual Asset Issuance. The Guidance complements VARA’s Virtual Assets Issuance Rulebook, offering market participants a practical reference for understanding how the issuance regime applies across different categories of virtual assets and different types of issuers. The Guidance provides issuers, VASPs, and market participants with a single…

ABU DHABI, 9th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), in collaboration with SEHA Clinics, a subsidiary of PureHealth, has extended the operating hours across several primary care centres to provide services on a 24-hour basis, with selected locations offering urgent care services. The initiative ensures timely, integrated and patient-centric care while enhancing the healthcare system’s capacity to meet the diverse needs of the community efficiently. This expansion enables the adequate management of urgent cases, reducing the burden on hospital emergency departments, advancing patient experience, health outcomes and service sustainability. Primary care centres in Mazyad…

[Editor’s Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.] The UAE has warned of global health, environmental and food system risks arising from ongoing regional attacks, as it addressed international leaders at the One Health Summit in Lyon, France. Speaking at the summit convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, the UAE said the developments are affecting critical global systems linked to health, food and the environment. On behalf of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention participated in the high-level gathering that brought together heads of state, more…

Just shortly after its debut at Dubai Mall drew massive crowds, Primark’s second UAE store has officially opened, and shoppers are already lining up. The new branch at City Centre Mirdif opened its doors on April 9 at 10 am, with long queues forming outside early in the morning, echoing scenes from the brand’s first launch. Videos shared online show crowds gathering ahead of opening, with live music and in-store performances setting the tone for the launch. The opening also featured a performance by percussionist Rodolphe Manoukian. Royal visit ahead of second opening The buzz around the brand comes just…

ABU DHABI, 9th April, 2026 (WAM) — Mubadala continued in 2025 its efforts to strengthen the national economy, supporting the creation of high-quality jobs in the UAE, facilitating inward capital flows, and accelerating the development of industries that underpin the nation’s long-term competitiveness. The UAE Investments platform reinforced its role in national value creation and economic diversification. Mubadala contributed AED45 billion in GDP impact, equivalent to 5.7 percent of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil GDP, while supporting around 98,000 jobs in Abu Dhabi, directly and indirectly, marking a 51 percent increase since 2021, reinforcing its role in empowering and developing national talent.…

Editor’s note: This is the second part of Khaleej Times’ interview with Issam Kazim. Read Part 1 here. Dubai has hosted “numerous successful events” in recent weeks, even as some organisers opt to reschedule programmes to maximise attendance and impact, the emirate’s tourism chief has said. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said the city’s events ecosystem remains active, supported by infrastructure, coordination and a flexible approach to evolving conditions. “The situation requires us to be both forward-looking and pragmatic,” Kazim said. The 30th edition of the Dubai World…

A mix of horsepower and heritage is set to take over Dubai this weekend, as Kandura Rally returns for its fifth edition at Dubai Festival City Mall. Taking place on April 11, the one-day event brings together car enthusiasts, modified builds, and cultural expression, turning the mall’s outdoor space into a full-day motor festival. What is Kandura Rally Positioned as one of the UAE’s more community-driven car events, Kandura Rally blends automotive culture with local identity. The event celebrates the kandura not just as traditional dress, but as a symbol of pride, style, and belonging within the UAE’s youth and…

AJMAN, 9th April, 2026 (WAM) — Ajman’s Transport Authority recorded 30,378 public transport trips in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting growing usage of public transit services in the emirate and rising customer confidence in service quality and efficiency. Sami Ali Al Jallaf, Executive Director of the Public Transport and Licensing Corporation at Ajman Transport Authority, said the figures underscore ongoing monitoring of operational performance indicators and the authority’s commitment to developing public transport services and improving efficiency in line with customer needs. He added that the authority continues to enhance the readiness of the public transport system and upgrade…