logo
Pakistan PM in UAE: President Sheikh Mohamed, Sharif discuss bilateral cooperation

Pakistan PM in UAE: President Sheikh Mohamed, Sharif discuss bilateral cooperation

Khaleej Times12-06-2025

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, where the two leaders held talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing key regional and international developments.
The meeting, held at Qasr Al Shati, also included the exchange of Eid Al Adha greetings, with both leaders offering prayers for continued prosperity in their countries and peace across the Muslim world and beyond.
Discussions centered on enhancing collaboration in economic, investment, and development sectors, with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening strategic ties. They also exchanged views on current regional challenges and emphasised the importance of supporting global efforts to promote peace and stability.
Prime Minister Sharif praised the UAE's diplomatic leadership in advancing dialogue and conflict resolution and expressed appreciation for the UAE's continued support for Pakistan's development initiatives.
Senior officials from both nations attended the meeting, which underscored the growing partnership between the UAE and Pakistan. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Sharif was welcomed at Al Bateen Airport by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Iran, Israel launch new attacks after Tehran rules out nuclear talks
Iran, Israel launch new attacks after Tehran rules out nuclear talks

Khaleej Times

time35 minutes ago

  • Khaleej Times

Iran, Israel launch new attacks after Tehran rules out nuclear talks

[Editor's Note: Follow the KT live blog for live updates on the Israel-Iran conflict.] Iran and Israel exchanged fresh attacks early on Saturday, a day after Tehran said it would not negotiate over its nuclear programme while under threat and Europe tried to keep peace talks alive. Shortly after 2:30 am in Israel (2330 GMT on Friday), the Israeli military warned of an incoming missile barrage from Iran, triggering air raid sirens across parts of central Israel, including Tel Aviv, as well as in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Interceptions were visible in the sky over Tel Aviv, with explosions echoing across the metropolitan area as Israel's air defence systems responded. At the same time, Israel launched a new wave of attacks against missile storage and launch infrastructure sites in Iran, the Israeli military said. Sirens also sounded in southern Israel, said Magen David Adom, Israel's national emergency service. An Israeli military official said Iran had fired five ballistic missiles and that there were no immediate indications of any missile impacts. There were no initial reports of casualties. The emergency service released images showing a fire on the roof of a multi-storey residential building in central Israel. Local media reported that the fire was caused by debris from an intercepted missile. Israel began attacking Iran last Friday, saying its longtime enemy was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Iran, which says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel. Israel is widely assumed to possess nuclear weapons. It neither confirms nor denies this. Its air attacks have killed 639 people in Iran, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, a US-based human rights organisation that tracks Iran. The dead include the military's top echelon and nuclear scientists. In Israel, 24 civilians have been killed in Iranian missile attacks, according to authorities. Reuters could not independently verify casualty figures for either side. Iran has repeatedly targeted Tel Aviv, a metropolitan area of around 4 million people and the country's business and economic hub, where some critical military assets are also located. Israel said it had struck dozens of military targets on Friday, including missile production sites, a research body it said was involved in nuclear weapons development in Tehran and military facilities in western and central Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said there was no room for negotiations with the US "until Israeli aggression stops". But he arrived in Geneva on Friday for talks with European foreign ministers at which Europe hopes to establish a path back to diplomacy. US President Donald Trump on Friday reiterated that he would take as long as two weeks to decide whether the United States should enter the conflict on Israel's side, enough time "to see whether or not people come to their senses", he said. Trump said he was unlikely to press Israel to scale back its airstrikes to allow negotiations to continue. "I think it's very hard to make that request right now. If somebody is winning, it's a little bit harder to do than if somebody is losing, but we're ready, willing and able, and we've been speaking to Iran, and we'll see what happens," he said. The Geneva talks produced little signs of progress, and Trump said he doubted negotiators would be able to secure a ceasefire. "Iran doesn't want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this one," Trump said. Hundreds of U.S. citizens have fled Iran since the air war began, according to a U.S. State Department cable seen by Reuters. Israel's envoy to the United Nations, Danny Danon, told the Security Council on Friday his country would not stop its attacks "until Iran's nuclear threat is dismantled". Iran's U.N. envoy Amir Saeid Iravani called for Security Council action and said Tehran was alarmed by reports that the U.S. might join the war. Russia and China demanded immediate de-escalation.

UAE: Top 6 property hotspots to invest in this summer
UAE: Top 6 property hotspots to invest in this summer

Khaleej Times

time2 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

UAE: Top 6 property hotspots to invest in this summer

With the UAE temperature rising‭, ‬so is the appetite for investors looking for real estate hotspots‭. ‬The country's real estate market remains active all year‑round‭ ‬—‭ ‬with transactions reaching more than Dh239‭ ‬billion in the first three months of 2024‭ ‬alone‭, ‬and investors looking for projects‭ ‬that combine lifestyle‭, ‬location‭, ‬and financial upside‭. ‬Whitewill‭, ‬a luxury real estate agency‭, ‬shared with‭ ‬Khaleej Times‭ ‬a list of strategic locations that have long-term value‭, ‬vision‭, ‬and seasonal appeal‭ ‬—‭ ‬from branded beachfront escapes to smart city zones‭.‬ ‭ ‬ Al Marjan Island‭, ‬Ras Al Khaimah With more investors prioritising coastal living‭, ‬Al Marjan Island is experiencing a surge in demand‭, ‬especially with the upcoming Wynn Resort transforming the area into a hospitality hub‭. ‬It has direct beachfront access and the rare opportunity to own a branded residence beside a future integrated gaming and entertainment destination‭.‬ ‭ ‬Apartments begin at Dh585,000‭, ‬with ultra-luxury homes priced up to more than Dh30‭ ‬million‭. ‬Investors can expect between 8‭ ‬and‭ ‬9+‭ ‬per cent rental yields and more than 20‭ ‬per cent YoY‭ (‬year-on-year‭) ‬appreciation in some enclaves‭.‬ ‭ ‬It is good to note that Ras Al Khaimah International Airport recently announced significant expansion with a new 30,000‭ ‬sqm terminal to boost tourism as the emirate eyes three million travellers‭.‬ ‭ ‬The expansion of the RAK Airport is seen by industry leaders as big boost to the emirates'‭ ‬tourism‭, ‬especially those coming from India‭, ‬China and Western Europe‭.‬ ‭ ‬ Business Bay In a market where short-term rental returns drive demand‭, ‬Business Bay continues to attract buyers looking for income-generating‭ ‬assets in the city centre‭. ‬Its strongest draw is the fusion of location and luxury‭, ‬with proximity to DIFC‭ (‬Dubai International‭ ‬Financial Centre‭) ‬and Downtown Dubai‭, ‬with Dubai Canal weaving its way through‭.‬ ‭ ‬Studios and 1–2BR apartments average Dh1.4M‭, ‬delivering 6–7‭ ‬per cent yields and strong resale demand‭. ‬Among standout offerings is the Waldorf Astoria Residences‭ ‬—‭ ‬a branded address that blends high-end services with everyday practicality‭.‬ ‭ ‬The project‭ ‬'Gateway to Business Bay'‭ ‬was also recently announced‭, ‬adding another striking new landmark to Dubai when the project is completed in 2029‭. ‬The 48-storey‭ ‬Lumena Tower by Omniyat is a flagship commercial development strategically positioned on Sheikh Zayed Road‭, ‬at the intersection‭ ‬of Business Bay and Downtown Dubai‭. ‬It will have an open-air Sky Theatre‭, ‬a first-of-its-kind entertainment and event space located at the top of a commercial tower‭.‬ ‭ ‬ Dubai Creek Harbour Demand is consistently rising for communities that combine prestige‭, ‬proximity‭, ‬and waterfront serenity‭, ‬and Dubai Creek Harbour‭ ‬checks all those boxes‭. ‬The star feature here is its master-planned waterfront living‭, ‬enhanced by green spaces and direct views of the Dubai Creek Tower‭.‬ ‭ ‬Waterfront apartments start at Dh1.45‭ ‬million‭, ‬while luxury villas exceed Dh5‭ ‬million‭. ‬With rental yields of 6–6.8‭ ‬per cent and consistent appreciation‭, ‬the area balances luxury with long-term potential‭. ‬Dubai Creek Harbour is a favourite‭ ‬among buyers seeking a premium lifestyle with investment upside‭, ‬noted Whitewill‭.‬ ‭ ‬ Yas Island‭, ‬Abu Dhabi In the Capital‭, ‬investors are eyeing Yas Island for its unique blend of leisure‭, ‬family appeal‭, ‬and short-stay rental potential‭.‬‭ ‬The island's standout quality lies in its lifestyle proposition‭, ‬from theme parks and golf to marinas and cultural hotspots‭, ‬all within a well-planned residential setting‭.‬ ‭ ‬Villas average Dh4.5‭ ‬million‭, ‬with apartments priced between Dh1.2‭ ‬million and Dh3.8‭ ‬million‭. ‬There is also Waldorf Astoria Yas‭ ‬Island that offers waterfront premium hospitality brand‭, ‬making it an attractive asset for both use and investment‭.‬ ‭ ‬A big announcement early this year was made by Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi with the introduction of new attractions this summer‭, ‬including 12‭ ‬new rides and slides‭, ‬in addition to new dining offerings‭.‬ ‭ ‬ Dubai South Investors are increasingly drawn to Dubai South for its affordability and alignment with the UAE's infrastructure vision‭. ‬As a future-ready hub near the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport expansion‭, ‬logistics hubs‭, ‬and‭ ‬the Expo 2020‭ ‬legacy infrastructure‭, ‬its core appeal lies in early-mover advantage and the opportunity to ride the wave of long‭-‬term growth‭.‬ ‭ ‬Whitewill noted there is a strong uptake in off-plan units starting at Dh800,000‭, ‬with a projected 15–25‭ ‬per cent value growth by 2030‭ ‬and rental returns of 6–8‭ ‬per cent‭.‬ ‭ ‬Industry experts earlier said‭, ‬property prices in Dubai South are forecast to increase by a further 15-20‭ ‬per cent in the near‭ ‬term‭, ‬as the Dh128‭ ‬billion‭ ($‬35‭ ‬billion‭) ‬expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South is fuelling a major real estate boom in the area‭, ‬data shows‭. ‬According to data from Betterhomes‭, ‬property transactions in the area have already exceeded‭ ‬Dh15‭ ‬billion in the first five months of 2025‭.‬ The neighbouring Expo City‭, ‬meanwhile‭, ‬exemplifies the area's appeal with a wellness-first‭, ‬car-free community design in the city's innovation hub‭, ‬tailored for a new generation of buyers‭.‬ ‭ ‬ Jumeirah Village Circle‭ (‬JVC‭)‬ Known among residents as affordable‭, ‬accessible‭, ‬and increasingly design-driven‭, ‬JVC remains a go-to for buyers seeking strong yields without compromising on lifestyle‭. ‬The area's main pull is its ability to deliver rental income and resident satisfaction‭. ‬Road access has also recently significantly improved‭.‬ ‭ ‬Apartments start at Dh650,000‭ ‬and entry-level villas at Dh1.6‭ ‬million‭, ‬offering 7–8.6‭ ‬per cent yields‭. ‬The district's consistent rental demand makes it ideal for first-time investors‭.‬

Watch: Dubai expat to build mini Burj Khalifa using 2 million chopsticks
Watch: Dubai expat to build mini Burj Khalifa using 2 million chopsticks

Khaleej Times

time2 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

Watch: Dubai expat to build mini Burj Khalifa using 2 million chopsticks

Dubai-based businessman Charles Jabbour is on a mission to boost recycling and up-cycling one chopstick at a time. He plans to spare millions of disposable wooden utensils from going to landfills with projects that give them a second life as new, practical products. And to demonstrate just how many disposable chopsticks a big city like Dubai gets through, a replica of the Burj Khalifa is being constructed at The Arbor School, Al Furjan, led by students, with help from teachers, parents, and Jabbour's team. The Burj Bambusa Project, as it has been named by the school, will result in what is being touted as a potential record-breaker: the world's tallest structure made entirely from recycled bamboo chopsticks. 'We are using close to two million chopsticks, which I believe is about the equivalent number used at restaurants in a week in Dubai,' the 57-year-old Lebanese entrepreneur told Khaleej Times over the weekend. He views the project as a powerful symbol of circular economy principles, environmental innovation, and community engagement, and says the six-metre tower will raise awareness of the vast amount of reusable materials thrown away daily by hundreds of UAE restaurants. Jabbour and his team started collecting chopsticks from restaurants around Dubai 18 months ago and have since harvested at least two million to be repurposed to make attractive items such as 'climate-positive' furniture. He started a franchise, ChopValue, a global circular economy brand headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, and set up a micro-factory in Dubai under his company Art & Culture LLC. The Arbor School, meanwhile, prides itself on its focus on ecological literacy and sustainability, and on embedding compassion and curiosity into the fabric of the curriculum. So students have been directly involved in various stages of the project, including constructing chopstick bundles and conducting waste audits, evaluating the design of the structure, calculating environmental impact, and documenting the process. Since embarking on his campaign, Jabbour has partnered with popular restaurant chains The Noodle House and Wagamama, plus Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, whose staff gather chopsticks used by customers for collection by Jabbour's team. 'As it currently stands, the majority of chopsticks in restaurants are used once and then thrown out,' Jabbour noted. 'This represents a tragic waste of resources, including wood, energy, and water, but also represents a great opportunity.' Jabbour and ChopValue intend to prevent about 250 tonnes of chopsticks per year locally from going to landfill. They will turn them into attractive items through a carbon-neutral, community-based production model, and give these humble wooden implements a new lease of life. Once clean of food and liquids, the chopsticks and wooden utensils can be engineered to form fresh items such as tables, chopping boards and coasters, thereby saving on carbon emissions and resources used in creating products from raw materials. 'This way, the chopsticks get more than one use and are repurposed creatively for products that look stylish and also come with a story,' Jabbour explained. Three weeks to go Jabbour wants The Arbor School's Burj project to draw attention to the 'breathtaking volume' of chopsticks used by the F&B industry, not only in the UAE but worldwide. The Burj replica construction began in early May and should be completed within three weeks, when Jabbour will seek a new temporary home for the structure. These chopsticks will also later be repurposed as new products.'By getting the school involved, we can demonstrate to the next generation how an item with a very short lifespan is treated as waste by many, but can still have an enduring new purpose,' Jabbour says. 'The project also shows the power of up-cycling and how this imaginative and growing sector can develop not only attractive new products using items destined for landfill but also create jobs for those who wish to pursue a sustainable career direction.' Jabbour said: 'There is a little bit of irony that these chopsticks will actually be around for longer now than they would have been for the purpose for which they were first designed. That is reassuring to know - and even better for the forests, our ecosystem, and the planet.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store