Latest from Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Trump says US ending trade discussions with Canada over digital tax
President Donald Trump said on Friday the US is immediately ending trade talks with Canada in response to the country's digital services tax on technology companies, calling it a "direct and blatant attack on our country." "Based on this egregious Tax, we are hereby terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada, effective immediately," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. "We will let Canada know the Tariff that they will be paying to do business with the United States of America within the next seven-day period."
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Air India crash: Indian investigators download black box data
Investigators have downloaded flight recorder data from an Air India crash this month that killed 260 people, India's civil aviation ministry said on Thursday, a long-awaited step towards understanding the world's worst aviation disaster in a decade. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed moments after takeoff from India's Ahmedabad city on June 12, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and the rest on the ground. The black boxes of the plane — the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) — were recovered in the days that followed, one from the rooftop of a building at the crash site on June 13, and the other from the debris on June 16. The ministry said data from the front recorder was accessed on Wednesday by a team led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with the US National Transportation Safety Board. "These efforts aim to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the accident and identify contributing factors to enhance aviation safety and prevent future occurrences," the ministry said in a statement. US National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy told Reuters on Thursday she hopes the Indian government will be able to share details from the investigation into the crash in short order. "For aviation safety and for public safety and public awareness we hope that they will make their findings public swiftly," Homendy said on the sidelines of an aviation event. She said the NTSB team has been working diligently to provide assistance to India and "we have had excellent cooperation from the Indian government and the AAIB." The probe into the crash of the Air India plane, which started losing height after reaching an altitude of 650 feet, includes a focus on engine thrust, according to a source with knowledge of the matter. The Wall Street Journal has reported that investigators believe the Dreamliner had its emergency-power generator operating when it crashed. Most air crashes are caused by multiple factors, with a preliminary report expected about 30 days after the accident. Two GE recorders, one in the jet's front and another at the rear, are installed on Boeing's 787 jets and record the same set of flight data. GE, which sent experts to India, manufactured the engines on the Air India 787 and also produced the combined flight data and cockpit voice recorder, called an "enhanced airborne flight recorder". The forward recorder is equipped with an independent power supply that provides backup power to the device for about 10 minutes if the plane's power source is lost, the NTSB said in a 2014 report. The decision to begin downloading recorder data around two weeks after the crash was unusually late, three experts told Reuters, and followed speculation that the so-called black boxes could be sent to the United States for analysis. US aviation safety expert Anthony Brickhouse said accident investigators would typically have already given some update on the recorders' status, and have begun downloading data in such a high profile crash. "Normally countries know that the world is watching," he said. India said last week that it was yet to decide where the black boxes would be analyzed. The data retrieved from them could provide critical clues into the aircraft's performance and any conversations between the pilots preceding the crash. India has said its actions have been taken in full compliance with domestic laws and international obligations in a time bound manner.
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince meets Putin in Minsk, Belarus
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting today in Minsk, Belarus. At the outset of the meeting, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi conveyed the greetings of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to President Vladimir Putin, extending best wishes for his health and wellbeing, as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of Russia and its people. In turn, President Vladimir Putin asked the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to convey his sincere greetings to the President of the UAE, along with his best wishes for the enduring success and development of the UAE and its people. The meeting between the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and President Putin explored the deep-rooted friendship and strong strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the Russian Federation. The two sides exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual interest and discussed several key items on the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting agenda, particularly the importance of advancing sustainable development goals to foster prosperity for nations and communities worldwide.
Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
'Sheikh Hamdan paid everyone's bill': UAE royals surprise Dubai Mall diners
When Emirati Noura Mohammed AlMarzooqi sat down to lunch at La Maison Ani on Wednesday, she had no idea that her bill would be paid by none other than the Crown Prince himself! Noura was one of the several diners at the restaurant who caught a glimpse of two UAE leaders casually strolling in for lunch and then were surprised by having their meals fully paid for. On Wednesday, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as well as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had lunch at the restaurant, accompanied by a group of aides and friends. 'They were super friendly and said hello to everyone and made the experience really great for us,' said Noura. 'When I asked for the cheque after my meal, the restaurant informed me that Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed had paid everyone's bill. Only in UAE will you see the royal families spending lovely time with their people and spreading kindness and making the experience priceless.' Videos shared on social media show the leaders walking into the restaurant and greeting other diners with an Islamic salutation wishing them peace. The group had lunch at the eatery, run by Chef Izu Ani, one of the most influential chefs in the region. He is also behind concepts such as Alaya, Gaia, and Kai Enzo. Here's a video of their visit: 'Honour and privilege' The restaurant has called it an "honour and privilege" to have the Sheikhs visit them. In a statement shared with Khaleej Times, the restaurant said they were 'grateful' for the opportunity. 'It was an absolute honor and privilege for our team to welcome Their Highnesses to La Maison Ani,' it read. 'The experience was seamless, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve them. Moments like these are a proud reminder of the trust placed in us to deliver excellence at every level.' They also explained how the visit was. 'The Crown Princes maintained a warm and respectful presence throughout their visit,' it continued. 'While the occasion was private, their gracious demeanour and generosity left a lasting impression. Both our team and surrounding guests deeply appreciated the atmosphere their presence brought. The visit took place during lunch in a calm and elegant setting. Out of respect for Their Highnesses' privacy, we will not be disclosing further details.'
Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Over 35 varieties of locally grown mangoes from Dh15 at Khorfakkan festival
Khorfakkan's Expo Centre was filled with the sweet aroma of ripe mangoes as farmers from across the UAE gathered under one roof to showcase their harvest. The Mango Festival saw more than 50 varieties of mangoes on display, with over 35 grown locally. Dozens of farmers from areas like Badiya, Dibba, Kalba Fujairah, Khorfakkan and Masafi brought crates filled with mangoes of all shapes, sizes, and colours, from small yellow varieties to large green ones. Prices ranged from Dh15 to Dh70 per kilogramme, depending on size and type. Some mangoes weighed up to a kilogramme, while other ones are smaller with 10 weighing a kilogramme. Syed Abdul Azeem, a farmer from Badiya who grows mangoes on his farm, said the UAE's climate and proper care allow mango trees to thrive. 'We have been growing mangoes for many years,' said Azeem. 'Our trees bear fruit throughout the year, not just in summer. I have nearly 100 mango trees, and we don't use any chemicals. Everything is organic, and that's why people keep coming back.' Ripon Choudhary, who manages a farm in Dibba with more than 250 mango trees, said the festival was a chance for farmers like him to connect with people who value fresh, homegrown produce. 'People think mangoes only grow in India or Pakistan,' Ripon said. 'But here in the UAE, we have got great mangoes too. We work hard all year to take care of the trees, and it feels good when people come here and buy directly from us.' Visitors from Fujairah, Sharjah, and Dubai flocked to the festival, many filling bags with fresh mangoes to take home. Families with children, elderly residents, and young fruit lovers gathered around the stalls, tasting slices and asking farmers about the different types. 'We came early to get the best ones,' said Asma, a Khorfakkan resident. 'I didn't know so many varieties were grown here. The mangoes are sweet and smell so good.' The festival not only helped farmers sell their harvest directly but also gave them a platform to educate people about local produce. Farmers shared how they cared for the trees, the types they grow, and how organic farming is part of their tradition.
