Author: Gulf Times

  iGA Istanbul Airport is celebrating successfully hosting thousands of senior executives, tourism delegates, airline suppliers and presidents of the world’s leading airlines at the 28th edition of Routes World 2023. The annual conference was held in Istanbul from 15th – 17th October, in partnership with the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). Known as the most prestigious event in the civil aviation industry designed to provide a platform to discuss the future of global air connectivity, Routes World offers an opportunity for airlines and airports to establish new routes that will enhance relationships in trade, tourism and diplomatic fields. This year’s…

    Mumbai: Former India captain and legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi passed away on Monday at the age of 77. The Amritsar-born spinner, who played domestic cricket for Delhi, finished his career with 1,560 wickets in first-class cricket — more than any other Indian. Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur confirmed the unfortunate news and said, “Former India captain and spinner Bishan Singh Bedi has passed away. It is a very sad news. It’s a huge loss for India. He started so many camps in Himachal. I and the whole cricketing family stand with his family.” He featured in 67…

  Karachi:Renowned Pakistani singer Atif Aslam reacting to Israel’s deadly onslaught on the Gaza Strip expressed solidarity with the Palestinians and mourned the loss of innocent lives in the ongoing conflict. Over 2,300 Palestinians, including more than 700 children, have been martyred while 9,042 others have been wounded due to the ongoing Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip. “Mourning the loss of innocent lives in Palestine. Let’s stand together and pray for healing, peace and home,” the singer wrote on this social media account. Aslam is not the first Pakistani celebrity to raise voice against the brutalisation of the Palestinians…

    Beijing: China is willing to do “whatever is conducive” to promote dialogue, secure a ceasefire and restore peace amid the deepening conflict in Gaza, China’s state media has reported, citing the country’s special envoy on the Middle East. Veteran diplomat Zhai Jun is currently on a tour of the region and described the situation in Gaza as “very serious”, state-run China Central Television said on Monday. He also said a potential large-scale ground conflict and armed conflicts spreading to neighbouring countries were “worrisome”. China will continue close communication with all parties in the international community, said Zhai,…

Dubai: Dr anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the President, has called for “human solidarity” as the death toll continues to rise in the Gaza Strip. He also said responsibility should focus on protecting the homelands and their achievements. In a tweet shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Dr Gargash highlighted the UAE’s humanitarian approach and diplomatic efforts, as well as various messages of solidarity. “The diplomatic endeavours of the UAE, along with the bridges of goodwill and messages of solidarity, offer solace and relief,” he said. “These efforts arise from the heart of our national and humanitarian approach. “Given…

Abu Dhabi: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has said that extension of UAE visit visas will be only one-time, for a period of 30 days only, in exchange for a fee of Dh750. An official source confirmed to Gulf News that holders of a visa to visit a relative or friend in the UAE, whether for 30, 60, or 90 days, for one or several trips, are now entitled to extend it for a period of 30 days only, against a fee of Dh750. The source said the decision to extend a one-time visit visa…

  Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is introducing a facial recognition payment system for public transport. This technology, utilizing AI and metaverse tech, will be showcased at GITEX 2023. It allows users to pay fares on Dubai Metro, Tram, buses, taxis, and marine transport using facial recognition, eliminating the need for tickets or cards. Users’ facial images will be converted to bio data for direct account deductions, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce cash handling. Other innovations include a digital vehicle plate transfer system, a 3D-printed eco-friendly Abra, and predictive parking using AI and big data. …

BEIJING, (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, who is in Beijing for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Noting that China and Pakistan are ironclad brothers, Li said China is willing to work with Pakistan to further implement the important consensus reached by the two countries’ leaders, enhance high-level exchanges and strategic communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and step up building a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. Li added that China is ready to work with Pakistan to build an upgraded…

JINAN, (Xinhua) — Muhammed Shahbaz is a native of Sargodha, Pakistan. Ever since he was a child, Shahbaz dreamed of bringing better medical service to those who live in remote areas and are unable to afford medical expenses. In 2006, Shahbaz enrolled in Shandong University. He earned the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in surgery successively before finishing his postdoctoral research in October this year. Shahbaz is now committed to the construction of China-Pakistan health corridor. The China-Pakistan health corridor is a multidisciplinary group composed of hospitals, nursing and auxiliary medical institutions, research and training centers, IT, and pharmaceutical…

Abu Dhabi, The New York Strikers, have successfully built a formidable squad for the seventh edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 through the Player Draft. With 11 out of the 17 player slots to fill, they’ve made strategic moves to bolster their team. Interestingly, the New York Strikers played their maiden season of Abu Dhabi T10 last year and finished as runners-up. The team will target to go all the way this year. Before the Player Draft even commenced, the New York Strikers had already made significant additions to their roster. They retained former Windies captain Keiron Pollard as their…