Author: Gulf News Week

 From Dh160,000 in hidden fees to bank valuation shocks, here’s what experts say you must know before you start your search. SHARJAH – With studies showing that seven out of ten UAE residents are planning to buy property this year, the market is seeing a surge of first-time buyers. However, real estate experts warn that entering the market without proper preparation can turn a dream home into a financial nightmare. While saving for a down payment is the first hurdle, many new buyers are blindsided by hidden transaction fees, unexpected bank valuations, and ongoing costs that can derail a purchase at…

24K trades at Dh600.75 per gram, up Dh6 from previous session, with spot gold eyeing $5,000 milestone DUBAI – 19 February 2026 – Gold prices in Dubai have surged past the Dh600 per gram threshold, extending gains amid heightened geopolitical tensions that have driven investors toward safe-haven assets, though a resurgent US dollar has capped further upside. Dubai Jewellery Group data showed 24K gold trading at Dh600.75 per gram on Thursday morning, climbing more than Dh6 from yesterday’s opening rate. The precious metal first crossed the psychological barrier on Wednesday evening as global uncertainties mounted. Other variants followed the upward trajectory,…

Secretary of State’s Feb. 28 visit comes as ‘full forces’ for potential action expected by mid-March, officials say WASHINGTON – 19 February 2026 – Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Israel next week to brief Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the latest developments in US-Iran nuclear negotiations, even as the Trump administration rushes military resources to the region and signals potential action against Tehran. Two administration officials confirmed Wednesday that Rubio is expected to meet with Netanyahu on February 28, discussions that will focus on two rounds of indirect talks recently held between American and Iranian officials. The officials…

Rybakina, Gauff and past champions grace Arabian-themed evening ahead of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships DUBAI – 19 February 2026 – Tennis royalty traded baseline battles for the red carpet this week as the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships hosted its annual WTA Players’ Party, a sparkling pre-tournament tradition that unites sport and glamour under the Gulf night sky. Fresh from her Australian Open triumph, Elena Rybakina headlined the star-studded gathering alongside World No.4 Coco Gauff, as the world’s leading women’s tennis players paused their preparations for a night of celebration and camaraderie. Set within an elegant garden backdrop, the Arabian-chic…

Authorities secure improved accommodation in Makkah and Madinah; second phase of training to start after Eid ISLAMABAD – 19 February 2026 – Pakistan has entered the final phase of preparations for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, with authorities confirming that over 179,000 aspiring pilgrims have received training across 107 cities ahead of their journey to Saudi Arabia. The religious affairs ministry announced Thursday that 183 training workshops have been completed nationwide, equipping pilgrims with essential knowledge of both spiritual rituals and administrative procedures. Officials emphasize that this instruction is particularly crucial given that many Pakistani devotees are travelling abroad for the first…

Golf icon, 50, offers hope of Augusta return despite ongoing back recovery; also weighs 2027 Ryder Cup captaincy SHARJAH – Tiger Woods has delivered a tantalising update for golf fans worldwide, refusing to eliminate the possibility of competing in the 2026 Masters as he continues his latest recovery from back surgery. Speaking at the Genesis Invitational in Pacific Palisades, California – the PGA Tour event he hosts – the 15-time major champion was characteristically coy when asked if April’s trip to Augusta National was off the table. “No,” Woods replied, the single word accompanied by a knowing smile that sent speculation…

Tributes pour in for former Palestinian envoy to France and EU, remembered as ‘voice for justice, freedom and peace’.Leila Shahid, the first female diplomat to represent Palestine abroad, has died at age 76, drawing an outpouring of condolences and tributes.Citing Shahid’s family, Le Monde newspaper said the former Palestinian ambassador to France died on Wednesday at her home in the south of the country.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3The Take: She took on Britain’s Palestine Action ban. Then she won.list 2 of 3How Jesse Jackson helped empower US Arabs and lift up the Palestinian causelist 3 of…

Democrats and rights advocates demand accountability after Florida’s Randy Fine posts inflammatory statement, with CAIR calling him a designated extremist. WASHINGTON – Republican Representative Randy Fine is under mounting pressure from Democratic leaders and civil rights groups after posting on social media that “the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one,” the latest in a long history of anti-Muslim rhetoric from the Florida lawmaker. The Sunday post on X, which amassed over 40 million views by Tuesday, drew swift condemnation from high-profile Democrats including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who called for Fine’s resignation. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries…

Drivers report a 30% surge in attacks since the Gaza war began, alleging police inaction as a fatal incident thrusts the crisis into the national spotlight. JERUSALEM – A tragic chain of events involving a Jerusalem bus driver has laid bare what advocates describe as a systemic failure to protect Arab drivers from racist attacks across Israel. Fakhri Khatib, a Palestinian driver from East Jerusalem, was surrounded by an ultra-Orthodox Jewish crowd in early January. As protesters shouted “Arab, Arab!” and spat on him, Khatib called police for help. When none arrived, he drove off in fear—unaware that 14-year-old Yosef Eisenthal…

Al Wafir fails to secure controlling stake as only 24.22% of shareholders tender shares, falling well short of the mandatory 50% threshold. A high-profile attempt by Kuwait’s Al Wafir for Marketing Services to acquire a controlling stake in UAE-based dairy firm Unikai Foods has officially failed, after the bidder was unable to muster the necessary shareholder support. Unikai Foods announced that Al Wafir’s voluntary conditional cash offer has lapsed, having secured valid acceptances for just 9.4 million shares—representing only 24.22 percent of the company’s total issued share capital. The offer, which closed on February 16, required a minimum acceptance of…