It’s not often a smartwatch launch feels like a moment in tech history. But HUAWEI’s new WATCH 5 Series lands like a precision-timed statement: smartwatches don’t need to be iterative — they need to be transformative. At the heart of this evolution is EXtap, a pioneering tap-to-access feature embedded into its new X-TAP health sensor, which debuts for the first time on a consumer wearable. This marks a turning point not just for the brand, but for how users engage with health data on the go.

The HUAWEI WATCH Series is not updated every year. The WATCH 4 came out almost two years ago and the WATCH 3 is about four years old now. This is a rarity among smartwatch brands. But for consumers, this is a win. There is no constant pressure to upgrade every year and each new iteration of the WATCH Series comes out with more than some superficial glow-up. Naturally, when the HUAWEI WATCH 5 launched there was much excitement and pep.

Now, Huawei also has a WATCH GT Series that’s entirely separate from the HUAWEI WATCH Series. The WATCH GT 5 debuted last year. Compared to the WATCH GT Series, though, the WATCH Series is more upscale with premium materials and even more advanced features. So, does the WATCH 5 Series justify the long wait? In more ways than one. It brings a brand-new sensor, a futuristic design, a revamped app ecosystem, and more.

HUAWEI’s X-TAP is a health revolution

The WATCH 5 Series makes big strides towards becoming a serious health management device. It draws inspiration from real medical devices and introduces a fingertip sensor called X-TAP.

The HUAWEI X-TAP is a 12mm long glass sensor on the side of the watch body that redesigns smartwatch health management with the industry’s first all-in-one sensor. In cardiovascular health monitoring, the quality of physiological signals collected through fingertips is much more reliable, which can unlock more accurate, faster, and comprehensive health monitoring. The fingertips contain an abundance of blood vessels and a thinner skin surface, greatly reducing signal interference from skin pigmentation, hair, etc. You can check your SpO2 levels in under 10 seconds by placing your finger on the X-TAP sensor.

The watch also has the Health Glance feature, which is a smarter, more accurate and more attentive way to asses your health by analysing 11 body indicators and long-term health trends. Despite the comprehensive nature, it only takes Health Glance 60 seconds to generate a report.

For most users, raw health metrics don’t mean much. Much more important is the correlation between different monitoring results and, above all, what they mean. That’s why the WATCH 5 introduces Health Insights. It analyses the correlation between health indicators in sleep and heart health scenarios through visual cues and textual analyses, offering personalised health advice and smarter health management.

Futuristic design, tough build

The front of the watch has a prominent spherical design that incorporates a spherical sapphire glass screen, second only to diamond in hardness. The use of premium materials goes beyond sapphire. The HUAWEI WATCH 5 42mm, available in Beige and Sand Gold, features a 904L stainless steel casing—the same alloy used in luxury watches known for its exceptional corrosion and wear resistance.

Meanwhile, the HUAWEI WATCH 5 46mm, available in Silver and Purple, uses Aerospace-grade titanium material, which is 45 per cent lighter than 904L stainless steel, 1.8 times stronger, and 1.5 times harder.

A finely crafted classic trapezoidal crown tops of the design. The new X-TAP button that sits on the side next to the crow blends into the overall visual language without drawing too much attention. Everything from the spherical watch face to the new retrofuturistic hues and high-end materials lends the watch a unique appeal that exudes precision and craftsmanship.

Apps and ecosystem

The HUAWEI WATCH 5 Series supports e-sim cellular calling, standalone navigation, onboard music streaming, and access to Huawei’s ecosystem of fitness and general apps. It can handle key tasks without needing your phone constantly in your pocket.

The watch also introduces new gesture controls designed for one-handed use. Users will now be able to tap and double slide with their fingers to instantly interact with their smartwatch. You can easily answer or hang up calls, switch music, and take photos by double tapping or swiping your fingers with one hand, greatly improving the efficiency of smartwatch usage.

Battery life that keeps giving

The battery life of Huawei watches has always been an appealing feature. Despite all the added features and even an extra sensor, Huawei has managed to keep it impressively long. In Standard Mode, HUAWEI WATCH 5 46mm can last for up to 4.5 under normal usage and 42mm edition can last up to three days on Standard Mode. The battery life can be extended with the Battery Saver Mode, allowing the watch to last up to seven days on the 42mm edition and 11 days on the 46mm edition.

HUAWEI WATCH 5 works equally well with iOS and Android devices, making it a universal choice for everyone looking for a smartwatch in 2025.

Etihad Airways reported record-breaking financial results and customer satisfaction in the first quarter of 2025, building on strong momentum from the previous year.

The airline posted a profit after tax of Dhs685m ($187m), up 30 per cent year-on-year, supported by strong passenger demand and continued operational efficiencies.

Total revenue rose 15 per cent compared to Q1 2024, reaching Dhs6.6bn($1.8bn), with growth driven by both passenger and cargo segments. Passenger revenue grew 16 per cent to Dhs5.5bn($1.5bn), supported by increased flight frequencies, network expansion, and higher capacity.

Cargo revenue rose 8 per cent year-on-year, despite a 4 per cent decline in volume, on the back of improved yields.

Five million passengers carried in Q1

The carrier transported five million passengers in the first quarter, a 16 per cent increase year-on-year, with passenger load factor rising one percentage point to 87 per cent. Over the past 12 months, Etihad has carried nearly 20 million passengers, positioning it as the fastest-growing airline in the region.

Customer satisfaction hit a record high in Q1, improving by 20 per cent year-on-year across key service areas, including check-in, inflight service, food and beverage, and digital platforms.

The airline launched new lounge and inflight menus during the period, alongside upgraded service standards.

Etihad’s fleet continued to expand, with 98 aircraft in service by the end of the quarter, including the return of a sixth Airbus A380. The airline also took delivery of a new Airbus A350-1000 in April, with another Boeing 787 Dreamliner set to follow. These aircraft feature high-speed Wi-Fi and enhanced inflight entertainment systems.

The airline also introduced its new A321LR cabin in April, becoming the first in the region to offer First Class on a single-aisle aircraft. The cabin includes private First suites and lie-flat Business seats for medium-haul routes.

A new concierge service, private chauffeur transfers, and baggage-free travel options are expected to launch in Abu Dhabi from August.

EBITDA for the quarter reached Dhs1.4bn ($379m), up 32 per cent year-on-year, with EBITDA margin rising to 21 per cent.

Cash flow from operations increased by 11 per cent to Dhs1.8bn ($500m), while net leverage improved to 1.1x from 1.9x a year earlier, supported by scheduled debt repayments and strong cash generation.

Etihad operated flights to 80 destinations as of March 2025 and has announced 16 new routes to launch this year.

“We are proud to deliver a record-breaking quarter – both in profitability and in guest satisfaction,” said Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves. “We’re executing a clear strategy: grow sustainably, operate efficiently, and never lose focus on delivering remarkable experiences to our guests.”

Etihad Airways: Key Q1 2025 metrics

• Profit after tax: Dhs685m ($187m), +30 per cent YoY
• Total revenue: Dhs6.6bn ($1.8bn), +15 per cent YoY
• Passenger revenue: Dhs5.5 bn ($1.5 bn), +16 per cent YoY
• Passengers carried: Five million, +16 per cent YoY
• Load factor: 87 per cent, +1 pp YoY
• EBITDA: Dhs 1.4bn ($379m), +32 per cent YoY
• Cash flow from operations: Dhs 1.8 billion ($500m), +11 per cent YoY
• Net leverage: 1.1x (down from 1.9x in March 2024)
• Fleet size: 98 aircraft
• Destinations: 80 (16 new routes launching in 2025)

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Qatar has officially announced the Eid Al Adha holidays.

According to a report in The Peninsula, the holidays will run from the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah to the end of the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah.

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The Emir of Qatar has approved the cabinet’s decision regarding the official holiday schedule. This decision was published in the Official Gazette.

As outlined, the holidays for ministries, government agencies, and public institutions will span from the 9th to the 13th day of Dhu Al Hijjah.

Kuwait-based Al Ojairi Scientific Center has also announced that the first crescent of Dhul Hijjah will be sighted astronomically on May 28, with the Day of Arafah falling on June 5 this year, according to a report by Arab Times Online.

In a press release, the center explained that the crescent of Dhul Hijjah will be born after the conjunction at dawn on May 27, the 29th of Dhul Qidah, and will be visible that evening. The new crescent will remain visible in Kuwait’s skies for 43 minutes and can be clearly seen after sunset. It will also be visible in Arab and Islamic capitals for 40 to 58 minutes. Based on scientific calculations, Eid Al Adha will be observed on June 6, 2025.

The Kuwaiti government has announced the suspension of work and the declaration of a public holiday across all state bodies and public institutions from June 5 to 9 in observance of Eid Al Adha, the cabinet announced on April 29.

Saudi Arabia is revolutionising the pilgrimage experience through a suite of smart technologies and AI-driven platforms that streamline travel, enhance religious services, and ensure the comfort and safety of millions of Hajj pilgrims. From digital guidance apps in Madinah to smart transportation systems in Makkah and AI-powered support at international airports, these innovations reflect the country’s commitment to Vision 2030 and its goal of delivering world-class services to pilgrims from around the globe.

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The country is leveraging the latest in digital innovation to improve the pilgrimage experience for millions of visitors each year. With a focus on smart technologies and AI-driven applications, the country is enhancing services across various aspects of the pilgrimage, from crowd management and health services to transportation and religious guidance. These advancements are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation agenda aligned with the nation’s Vision 2030.

Smart platforms transform pilgrims’ experience in Madinah

In Madinah, a series of digital platforms are providing pilgrims with real-time guidance and support. The Nusuk platform stands out as a key tool, allowing users to book appointments to visit the Holy Rawdah at the Prophet’s Mosque. Health applications, including Tawakkalna, give pilgrims immediate access to medical services, ensuring their health and well-being throughout their stay, a Saudi Press Agency report stated.

Additionally, digital maps and interactive guides are available to help pilgrims navigate Madinah’s landmarks and public facilities, easing their journey and enhancing their experience in the holy city. AI-powered features are also making it easier for pilgrims to obtain real-time responses to their queries in multiple languages, further simplifying their pilgrimage.

Smart transportation solutions in Makkah

In Makkah, the Makkah Bus Guidance Center is leading the way in optimising pilgrim transportation. Equipped with smart technology, the center ensures buses carrying pilgrims from abroad are efficiently routed to their accommodations in Makkah City. The Arshidni (“guide me”) smart platform integrates with the Nusuk Masar platform, providing accurate trip information to bus guides and ensuring timely arrivals.

Guides use modern tablets to receive real-time updates, allowing the control room to monitor bus routes live and manage guide assignments. This system enhances operational efficiency, ensuring pilgrims reach their accommodations smoothly and on time.

AI-Powered ‘Smart Enrichment Assistant’ at the Prophet’s Mosque

The Agency for Religious Affairs at the Prophet’s Mosque has launched the Smart Enrichment Assistant, an innovative application designed to assist pilgrims during the Hajj season. The app uses artificial intelligence to provide valuable services in multiple languages, including prayer times, imam schedules, and the locations of religious lessons.

Launched in the presence of prominent religious leaders, the app aligns with the Presidency’s strategy to integrate technology into the service of the Two Holy Mosques, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to modernising its religious services while maintaining a message of moderation.

Streamlined luggage handling with Makkah Route Initiative

To further ease the pilgrimage experience, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has introduced a luggage coding and sorting system under the Makkah Route Initiative. Pilgrims’ luggage is tagged with coded stickers at departure airports, such as Ankara Esenboğa Airport in Turkiye, containing key travel and accommodation details.

Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, luggage is efficiently transported to pilgrims’ accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, reducing the stress of luggage handling and allowing pilgrims to focus on their spiritual journey. This initiative is part of the country’s efforts to streamline travel procedures and enhance pilgrim convenience.

SDAIA expands services at International Hajj Gateway

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is playing a crucial role in optimizing the pilgrim experience at international airports. At Esenboğa International Airport in Ankara, SDAIA’s technologies are facilitating smooth travel for Turkish pilgrims, expediting processing and minimizing wait times.

Using advanced AI systems, SDAIA’s team ensures that pilgrims are processed efficiently, with no delays, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to offering high-quality services to Hajj pilgrims from around the world.

These technological advancements reflect Saudi Arabia’s ongoing dedication to modernizing the pilgrimage process, improving services for millions of pilgrims each year, and fulfilling the objectives of Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia is always ready for multiple oil price scenarios, and budgets are driven by priorities, the country’s economy minister said on Tuesday.

“We’re always ready for scenarios – multiple scenarios, and we have buffers,” Faisal Alibrahim told an audience at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha.

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“We have the long-term fiscal planning and medium-term frameworks that help us adjust depending on what scenario actually plays out,” he said.

The International Monetary Fund and economists estimate Riyadh needs oil prices of over $90 a barrel to balance its budget. Benchmark Brent prices have been trading in the mid-$60s this month.

While Saudi Arabia funds its Vision 2030 reform program off budget, the government needs to spend on mammoth infrastructure projects linked to the programme, which aims to wean the economy off its self-declared “oil addiction”.

It is also hosting the Expo in 2030 and the World Cup in 2034.

Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, was among the largest emerging market debt issuers last year and the government has already raised $14.4bn in bonds this year.