AEOwnership & classification
Founded: 1978
Ownership
Khaleej Times is published by Galadari Printing and Publishing Co. LLC, a unit of the family-owned Dubai conglomerate Galadari Brothers Group (founded in the early 1960s by brothers Abdulrahim, Abdulwahab and Abdullatif Ibrahim Galadari). The paper launched on 16 April 1978, originally as a partnership involving the Galadari Brothers, UAE government interests and Pakistan's Dawn Media Group, and is the UAE's longest-running English-language daily.
Funding
Funded commercially through advertising, print sales and digital/subscription revenue; part of a diversified private conglomerate, with no licence-fee or direct state subsidy.
Affiliation & stance
Privately owned by a UAE business family rather than the state, but like all UAE outlets it works within strict government media controls and avoids criticism of the ruling authorities, so political coverage hews to official lines. Given that government-aligned constraint over editorial independence, it is classified as DEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 225
75/100
Factual
74/100
Objective
299
Articles
299
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
AI, payments, future of banking take centre stage as BIT summit opens
The Banking Innovation & Technology Summit 2026 (BIT'26) has begun in Dubai, UAE, gathering leading figures from banking, fintech, and technology sectors. The event focuses on topics such as artificial intelligence, digital payments, remittances, and customer trust. Key discussions include the increasing role of AI in payment systems and the impact of AI-driven transactions. The summit highlights the ongoing digital transformation within the banking industry across the region, featuring insights from prominent executives like Deepak Mehra, Nandan Mer, and others.
‘Don’t sleep please, we need you’, dentist told flydubai pilot as he battled to save him
A dentist named Dr. Shota Musaev played a crucial role in saving the life of flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar during a tense incident aboard Flight FZ1073 on September 30. According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe, leading to severe injuries including deep cuts to the captain's head and hands. Passengers and reserve pilots reportedly intervened to regain control of the plane. Dr. Musaev, who was traveling on the same flight, provided first aid by applying pressure to the wounds using T-shirts and ice packs while keeping the captain conscious. He reassured the captain throughout the 45-minute ordeal, urging him not to lose consciousness and promising assistance until they could land safely in Saudi Arabia. The UAE's Attorney General confirmed ongoing investigations into the incident, described as an attempted terrorist attack. The captain survived the incident and expressed his desire to live, despite experiencing significant pain.
Yemen’s armed forces say they have seized Mocha: Reuters
US President Donald Trump claimed that Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, rather than the Iran conflict, were causing rising gasoline prices. He accused Democratic-controlled states of closing oil refineries, which could impact upcoming congressional elections. Meanwhile, Lebanon and the UK announced a joint military exercise involving troops from the US and France, aimed at supporting Lebanon's struggling military. In Yemen, the internationally recognized government, backed by Saudi Arabia, reported reclaiming the Red Sea port of Mocha from Iranian-backed Houthis. Additionally, members of the Makkah defense pact, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, planned meetings in Riyadh to discuss regional security issues, including Houthi activities. Yemen's government also launched a major military operation targeting Houthi positions, including in the capital Sanaa.
UAE weather tomorrow: Chance of rain, fog; temperature to reach 38°C in Dubai
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported that the United Arab Emirates will experience fair to partly cloudy weather on Tuesday, October 6, with clouds forming mainly in the eastern regions. Convective clouds could bring rainfall in those areas during the afternoon. High temperatures are expected to reach 38°C in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, while nighttime and early Wednesday will bring humidity and potential fog or mist in coastal and inland areas. Light to moderate winds are anticipated, and sea conditions will remain calm in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.
‘Thought I was dreaming’: Filipina reveals plans after Big Ticket Dh20 million win
Filipina expatriate Bernadetta Azucena, currently recovering from an injury in the Philippines, learned of her Dh20-million win in the UAE-based lottery 'Big Ticket' while she was asleep. The win was part of a group effort involving 22 relatives and friends who have participated in the lottery together since 2017. Azucena, who was unable to work due to her injury, expressed disbelief upon learning of the win and initially miscounted the number of group members. The prize will be shared among all participants, offering them financial relief and opportunities to address personal challenges such as housing loans, car loans, and improving their children's futures.
Minor legal offences can derail UAE students' US visa applications, experts warn
Education advisers in the UAE warn that minor legal or behavioral offenses could now negatively impact the U.S. visa applications of UAE students, adding uncertainty to the college admissions process. This shift is attributed to stricter enforcement of existing rules rather than new regulations. Michael Gamerl, a counselor at Score Plus Educational Consulting Institute, noted that while the visa rules haven’t formally changed, the approach has become more rigid, leading some families to reconsider the U.S. as a study destination. He emphasized that past leniency toward minor infractions has diminished, urging students to maintain impeccable behavior throughout high school, as even small mistakes could now jeopardize visa approval. Advisers also mentioned broader geopolitical factors contributing to the uncertainty, though recent trends suggest a return to more stable conditions.
Dubai teen turns birthday savings into clean water for 3,000 Indian villagers
An eighteen-year-old student from Dubai, Vehaan Subramanian, designed and funded a solar-powered water treatment plant in Parsiya village, Uttar Pradesh, India, to address severe arsenic contamination in local groundwater. The plant treats approximately 2,000 liters of water per hour and provides clean drinking water to over 3,000 people across more than 1,000 families. Laboratory tests confirmed that the treated water meets safety standards, reducing arsenic levels to below detectable limits. Vehaan’s initiative began with a LinkedIn post about arsenic contamination, which led him to research and develop a practical solution. He collaborated with researchers from Beni-Suef University on advanced adsorbent materials but opted not to use them in the initial plant due to the need for further testing.
UAE completes transfer of passengers to Tel Aviv after flydubai suspension
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in the UAE confirmed that it has completed the transfer of passengers to Tel Aviv following the temporary suspension of flydubai flights to the city. Between October 2nd and October 5th, 2026, 37 flights carried 7,479 passengers from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion Airport. In response to the disruption, Israeli carriers were permitted to operate flights to Dubai alongside Etihad Airways, providing alternative travel options. The GCAA stated that all stranded passengers have been successfully returned to their destinations, and Etihad Airways continues its regular flights to Tel Aviv. The authority emphasized ongoing coordination with relevant authorities and airlines to ensure the continuity of air transport services.
Dubai awards Golden Visas to outstanding educators in celebration of World Teachers’ Day
Dubai has awarded Golden Visas to outstanding educators as part of World Teachers' Day celebrations. The initiative, under the direction of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, recognizes educators in private early childhood centers, schools, and higher education institutions who have shown exceptional performance and contributed significantly to shaping young minds. This aligns with Dubai's Education 33 (E33) strategy, aimed at attracting and retaining high-quality educators to enhance the region's educational standards and global competitiveness. Since its launch on 5 October 2024, over 835 educators applied for the visas. Selection is based on a fair and transparent process evaluating academic qualifications, achievements, contributions to the education sector, and positive feedback from students and parents.
Jordan, UAE break ground on $2.5 billion Aqaba–Maan railway
Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have initiated the construction of a $2.5 billion railway connecting Aqaba to Maan, spanning 403 kilometers. This infrastructure project, developed by the Jordan-UAE Railway Company, aims to enhance transportation efficiency by linking Aqaba port with key mining areas and the Maan Logistics Zone. The railway will facilitate the annual transport of 16 million tonnes of phosphate and potash, reducing transportation costs and boosting Jordan's mining industry competitiveness. The initiative is part of a broader strategic partnership between the two nations, emphasizing economic collaboration and regional development. The project is expected to generate around 5,000 jobs in southern Jordan and stimulate growth in local industries such as engineering, construction, and logistics.
Fujairah: Child, helper rescued from indoor well
In Fujairah, UAE, a child and a domestic worker were successfully rescued from an indoor well at an Emirati family's home. Fujairah Civil Defence officials visited the family to assess their conditions and expressed concern over the incident. The deputy director of the Fujairah Civil Defence Department emphasized the need for homeowners, farmers, and landowners to secure their wells to prevent future accidents. Authorities issued specific guidelines, including covering wells securely, installing warning signs, and avoiding leaving wells open, especially in areas accessible to children. The incident highlights the dangers posed by unsecured wells and underscores the importance of community responsibility in ensuring safety.
Sharjah warns against dumping pets after abandonment cases at animal market
Sharjah Municipality has issued a warning to residents against abandoning pets, citing multiple cases of animal abandonment near the Birds and Pet market in the emirate. The authority emphasized that such actions violate local regulations and contradict principles of compassion and responsible pet ownership. Residents who wish to surrender their pets are encouraged to contact the municipality's call center to check if the Sharjah Cats and Dogs Shelter has space available. The municipality shared footage of a child leaving an animal in a cage outside a shop at the market. The authority explained that surrender requests are evaluated based on the shelter's capacity, and potential adopters are contacted when space becomes available to assess whether the animal can be accepted.
Dubai Police seize more than 400 e-scooters and e-bikes in road safety campaign
Dubai Police conducted a road safety campaign in the Gold Souq area, seizing over 400 e-scooters, e-bikes, and bicycles due to unsafe riding practices and violations of traffic rules. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 300 e-scooters, 50 e-bikes, and 58 bicycles, with riders facing legal action. Authorities emphasized education on traffic regulations, proper path usage, and wearing protective gear. Brigadier Omar Ashour highlighted the importance of traffic awareness to reduce accident risks. The campaign also included distributing safety equipment to local workers. According to data from the Ministry of Interior, there was a 97% increase in major e-scooter accidents in 2025 compared to the previous year. A survey by Al Wathba Insurance and RoadSafetyUAE found that 93% of UAE residents observed reckless behavior among e-scooter riders, and 90% felt unsafe due to their usage. Regulations require e-scooter riders to be at least 16 years old, wear helmets, avoid carrying passengers, and adhere to speed limits and designated riding zones.