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  HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has officially landed in India for the very first time on an official visit—and all eyes are on the outcome. Traveling with a high-level delegation of ministers, senior officials, and top business minds, Sheikh Hamdan's trip is packed with potential. His arrival in New Delhi has set the stage for a series of high-profile engagements, including a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is also scheduled to sit down for key meetings with Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It’s more than just diplomacy—it’s about shaping the future. This visit could spark the next wave of UAE-India collaboration, especially in sectors like innovation, defense, and sustainable development. Later on Tuesday, Sheikh Hamdan will head to Mumbai, where he’s expected to take part in a business roundtable featuring influential leaders from both nations. With the UAE-India C...

 The stage is set at Doha’s Aspire Dome — the world’s largest indoor sports arena — for the 7th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Taishan , running from April 16 to 19, 2025 . This landmark event is not just a competition; it’s the gateway to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles , drawing elite gymnasts from around the globe. Held under the banner of the FIG (International Gymnastics Federation) , the event will host male and female athletes in a wide array of disciplines: floor, vault, balance beam, uneven bars, rings, and parallel bars, all executed with stunning precision and intensity. Why It Matters: This year’s World Cup is more than just a medal hunt — it’s the official kickoff to Olympic qualification. The pressure is high, the performances will be world-class, and Doha’s sports-loving atmosphere only elevates the stakes. Event Schedule: 🗓️ April 16–19, 2025 🕓 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Daily 📍 Aspire Dome, Doha Tickets: ✅ Qualifications: Free ✅ Finals (General A...

  The world’s energy community has gathered in Dubai for Middle East Energy (MEE) 2025, marking a milestone as the event celebrates its most expansive edition to date. Held with the support of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, MEE 2025 is positioning itself as a catalyst for industry change and innovation. With more than 500 key buyers and 40,000 professionals in attendance, the event showcases a sweeping range of solutions that cover the entire spectrum of the energy ecosystem — from traditional generation to emerging technologies in energy storage and e-mobility. At the heart of MEE 2025 are its influential conferences, which bring together over 150 global experts. Topics being explored include energy leadership, technical advancements, solar innovation, and battery technologies — all critical to building a sustainable energy future. As the industry continues to navigate rapid transformation, MEE 2025 provides a vital forum to exchange ideas, form strategic partnersh...

  Doha is once again set to shine as a global cinema hotspot with the 11th edition of Qumra, the Doha Film Institute’s vibrant incubator for Arab and international filmmaking talent. From April 4 to 9, 2025, creative minds will gather in person, while global participants can tune in virtually from April 12 to 14. This year’s program is more dynamic than ever, offering mentorship to 49 diverse film projects from 23 countries, including 18 proudly homegrown in Qatar. It's a celebration of local storytelling on an international stage. Qumra’s beating heart is its Master Classes, led by a stellar lineup of global cinema legends: Lav Diaz, the poetic craftsman of slow cinema Darius Khondji, the visionary eye behind some of the most visually stunning films Walter Salles, whose road movies have moved hearts across continents Anna Terrazas, a costume design genius blending authenticity with artistry Johnnie To, a Hong Kong powerhouse with a legacy of captivating narratives In addition to l...

 Technology has emerged as a cornerstone of the UAE-US economic relationship, fostering significant advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure. Leading American technology firms are forging strategic alliances with UAE companies to drive innovation and global digital transformation. One of the most significant developments in this sector is Microsoft’s $1.5 billion investment in G42, a leading UAE-based AI and cloud computing firm. This collaboration aims to enhance artificial intelligence capabilities and expand cloud solutions worldwide. Additionally, Microsoft is set to establish its Global Engineering Development Centre in the UAE, further strengthening the technological bridge between the two nations. Beyond AI, the UAE-US joint investments are meeting the growing demand for tech infrastructure and data centers. In a landmark deal, US private equity firm KKR and Gulf Data Hub in Dubai have announced a substantial investment to expand d...

Dubai is taking a major leap into the future of transportation by introducing driverless taxis, with a full-scale launch expected in 2026. In collaboration with Uber, Baidu, and the RTA, the city aims to bring cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology to its streets. This initiative is part of Dubai’s broader strategy to make 25% of public transport driverless by 2030. The self-driving cabs will offer a safer and more convenient travel option, catering to a wide range of passengers, including residents, senior citizens, and individuals with special needs. A trial phase will take place in 2025 to assess the efficiency and reliability of these autonomous vehicles before their official deployment. The introduction of driverless taxis is expected to significantly reduce road accidents by 12%, improving overall traffic safety and efficiency. With its commitment to innovation, Dubai is setting a new benchmark for smart cities worldwide, leading the way in autonomous mobility solutions.

 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again topped the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report 2024/2025 , securing its position as the best country for entrepreneurship among 56 global economies . This remarkable achievement marks the fourth consecutive year that the UAE has ranked first, reinforcing its commitment to fostering a thriving business ecosystem. Why the UAE is a Global Leader in Business The UAE has positioned itself as a prime destination for startups, entrepreneurs, and SMEs . With a streamlined business setup process , entrepreneurs can obtain a business license in just 15 minutes through the Bashar platform. The country’s free zones provide additional incentives, offering 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and simplified registration processes , without requiring a local sponsor. Furthermore, the UAE is known for its pro-business policies, skilled workforce, and advanced infrastructure , making it a highly attractive market for investors. Key Fac...

  The Cultural Village Foundation Katara is pleased to announce a Photography Competition as part of the Katara Al-Nahma Art Festival and Award Naham Al Khaleej 2025. From April 13 to 15, 2025, this festival will take place at Katara Beach (southern area), honoring the deep-rooted maritime traditions of the Gulf and the evocative Al Nahma melodies sung by seafarers of the past. To visually capture this important cultural legacy, Katara invites photographers of all levels to participate in the competition, highlighting the vibrancy of the festival, the emotional performances of Al Nahma, and the seafaring traditions of the Gulf. Who Can Participate? The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers eager to document the festival’s energy and heritage. Participants are encouraged to focus on themes such as: The passionate expressions of Al Nahma performers The intricate details of Gulf dhow craftsmanship The stunning natural beauty of the sea and surroundings Sub...

  The US President announced on Monday that he intends to visit Saudi Arabia as early as next month to finalize a significant investment deal. This will mark his first foreign trip of his second term, with additional stops planned in the UAE and Qatar. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated, "It could be next month, maybe a little later." Sources familiar with the matter suggest that mid-May is being considered for the high-profile visit to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. During his first term, Trump prioritized Saudi Arabia and Israel as the initial destinations of his inaugural international tour. The upcoming visit aims to secure a massive investment agreement, potentially exceeding $1 trillion, which is expected to boost the US economy. The deal may also include significant military purchases. Beyond economic discussions, the President’s visit is likely to cover pressing global issues, including the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Since Hamas launched an attack on...

  The entertainment world is paying tribute to Val Kilmer, an actor whose versatility and dedication made him a beloved Hollywood figure. Kilmer, best known for his roles in Top Gun , Batman Forever , and The Doors , has passed away at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the news, with reports stating pneumonia as the cause of death. The actor had previously battled throat cancer since 2014, undergoing procedures that profoundly altered his voice. Born with an innate talent for performance, Kilmer was the youngest student admitted to Juilliard, where he honed his craft. His cinematic journey began with Top Secret! in 1984, followed by Real Genius , but it was his role as Iceman in Top Gun that cemented his status as a Hollywood heavyweight. His cool, confident portrayal of the skilled fighter pilot alongside Tom Cruise made him an instant favorite among moviegoers. Kilmer’s career spanned a variety of roles, showcasing his incredible range. His transformation ...

  The UAE has a new chess sensation—Rouda Al Serkal, who has become the country’s first female grandmaster. At just 15 years old, she has set a new benchmark for aspiring players by winning the Arab Women’s Championship at the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club. Her historic achievement has made the nation proud and marked a new era for Emirati women in chess. Upon receiving her grandmaster title from the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Rouda shared her emotions, saying, “Winning the grandmaster title feels amazing. It was a mix of happiness and relief because all the hard work and training finally paid off.” She hopes her success will inspire young girls in the UAE to take up chess and strive for excellence in the game. Rouda’s journey in chess began when she was just a toddler. At the age of five, she claimed her first major title at the Asian Championship for Under-6 players. Over the years, her impressive skills led her to victories at the World Cadets Championship (U-8), World...

  Ashwani Kumar announced his arrival in the IPL with a record-breaking debut performance, playing a pivotal role in Mumbai Indians’ emphatic eight-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium. The 23-year-old left-arm pacer etched his name in the record books by becoming the first Indian debutant to claim four wickets in his first IPL match. Kumar’s bowling spell was nothing short of spectacular, dismantling KKR’s batting lineup with precision. His first victim, Sunil Narine, fell in the opening over, followed swiftly by Quinton de Kock, caught brilliantly off Kumar’s delivery. He then continued his dominance by dismissing Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane. The explosive Andre Russell was restricted to just five runs before Kumar wrapped up the innings, leaving KKR struggling. KKR collapsed in 16.2 overs, managing a meager total of 116 runs. Mumbai’s bowling attack was bolstered by strong performances from Trent Boult (1/23), Hardik Pandya (1/...