Author: Gulf News Week

The US is pausing a $14bn (£10.4bn) arms sale to Taiwan to ensure it has enough weapons for the Iran war, acting Navy secretary Hung Cao has said.Cao confirmed this at a Senate hearing, days after President Donald Trump appeared non-committal about the sale following his meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.A spokesperson for Taiwan’s presidential office told reporters on Friday that they had not received any information about “US adjustments to the arms sale”.The sale of US arms to Taiwan has long irked Beijing, which claims the self-governed island as its territory and has not ruled out taking it…

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The fifth edition of the regional film showcase will run from June 5–11 at Alserkal AvenueArab Cinema Week returns to Cinema Akil for its fifth edition this June, cementing its place as one of UAE’s foremost cinematic showcases. Running from June 5 to 11 at Alserkal Avenue, the week-long programme brings together a compelling mix of films, voices and conversations that spotlight the evolving language of Arab storytelling.Now in its milestone fifth year, Arab Cinema Week Volume 5 is presented by Fujifilm Middle East and features a curated selection of nine films representing 10 Arab countries. Spanning fiction, documentary and…

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Parkin Company said on Friday that cash payments at parking meters will be phased out from next month in line with Dubai’s Cashless Strategy for 2026Parkin Company, the largest provider of paid public parking facilities and services in Dubai, on Friday announced the implementation of 5 per cent value-added tax (VAT) from June 1, 2026.Ahead of implementation, and to support a smooth transition, motorists in the UAE are advised to refer to official communication channels for the latest updates regarding VAT application.Here is what motorists need to know about the new tax and how it will affect parking costs.When will…

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In India, where thousands of young women are murdered every year for bringing in insufficient dowries, a dowry death rarely makes news.But the death of Twisha Sharma in the central city of Bhopal on 12 May has sparked a huge media frenzy, with the case making headlines every day.Warning: This article contains details some readers may find distressing.The 33-year-old model and actor had been married for just five months to lawyer Samarth Singh when she was found dead in her matrimonial home.Giribala Singh has called the accusations “baseless” and alleged that Twisha had mental health issues and that she killed…

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UAE motorists will pay an additional 30 fils or 20 fils per crossing through toll gates from next month, following the introduction of VAT on toll chargesFrom June 1, Dubai motorists will pay 5 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on every Salik toll gate crossing, after the operator announced its decision on Friday, May 22. As a result, UAE motorists using the emirate’s 10 toll gates will be required to pay VAT on top of the existing Dh6 and Dh4 toll charges. Here is what motorists need to know:When will VAT come into effect?VAT will be applied from June 1,…

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The new month brings with it a host of changes that will have a significant impact on residents daily lives, from transport to job sectorFrom laws to services, residents in UAE can expect a couple of significant moves that will go into effect from June 1. The new month brings with it a host of changes that will have a significant impact on residents daily lives, from transport to job sector.Take a look at six things that will start from June, so you can plan accordingly where possible:1. Legal age loweredThe UAE’s age of majority will be reduced from 21…

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Stephen Colbert signed off the final episode of The Late Show with special guest Sir Paul McCartney, bringing the programme’s historic 33-year run to an end.On Thursday night’s show, Sir Paul and Colbert reminisced about past appearances at New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater by The Beatles, and memories of the band touring the US.The pair closed with a performance of Hello, Goodbye, as The Late Show’s crew and staff gathered on stage to take their final bows.CBS announced the surprise cancellation of The Late Show in July last year, with Colbert hosting 11 seasons after taking over from David Letterman,…

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Detectives investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office have repeated their call for people to come forward with information.It is understood police are concerned that witnesses might think they are focusing only on the allegation that Mountbatten-Windsor shared a confidential trade report with late financier Jeffrey Epstein.Misconduct in public office is a very complex offence which potentially can include a wide range of behaviour including abuse of position, sexual misconduct and corruption, amongst other things.The investigation into the former Prince Andrew was sparked by the release of US Department of Justice files related to its investigation into…

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Dubai’s carrier has asked passengers to arrive at least three hours before their flight departure and to use public transport to reach Dubai International Airport on timeEmirates has asked passengers travelling during the Eid Al Adha holidays to arrive at least three hours before flight departure, as Dubai’s flagship carrier is expecting a significant increase in the number of travellers.“Emirates is expecting a high volume of passengers travelling from Dubai during the Eid break. Please arrive at least three hours before your departure from Dubai and be at your boarding gate at least 60 minutes before departure. During peak travel…

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Alberta will hold a referendum on whether the province should remain in Canada or move ahead with a second binding vote on separation, marking the first significant test of the country’s unity in decades. Thursday’s announcement by Premier Danielle Smith comes after a citizen-led petition calling for separation gathered more than 300,000 signatures early this year and a separate petition advocating for Alberta to stay gathered more than 400,000.A restive independence movement has been growing in the oil-rich province, built on a long-held sense that Alberta is overlooked by decision-makers in Ottawa.Still, opinion polls suggest that the majority of Albertans…

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