Suhail to rise on August 24, signalling easing UAE heat
Dubai: The UAE and central Arabian Peninsula will witness the first seasonal appearance of the Suhail star on August 24, traditionally marking the gradual easing of the intense summer heat and the transition towards milder weather. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society and a»»»
Price of AI 92 gasoline in Bishkek rises by 1 som in a week - | 24.KG
As of August 17, 2026, the average price of AI 92 gasoline in Bishkek has increased by 1 som compared with the previous week. Data from the Antimonopoly Regulation Service under Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce say. Prices for other major fuel types in the capital remained unchanged ov»»»
Britain's Reform U.K. vows to cut annual welfare bill by $68B - UPI.com
Reform U.K.'s Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Robert Jenrick, unveils his party's plans for drastic cuts to welfare at a news conference in London on Monday. Photo by Andy Rain/EPA Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Britain's Reform U.K. party said Monday that it would slash almost $68B from welfare, were it to »»»
Iran 60-day deadline has passed. What does Trump do now?
Dubai: The 60-day clock has run out on Donald Trump’s Iran deal. Now the US president faces a harder question: What does he do next? The memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Iran in June was supposed to provide a pathway out of the war. It envisioned an end to hostilities, th»»»
Qatar Airways Holidays launches stopover packages for Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2026
DOHA, Qatar: Qatar Airways Holidays is set to elevate the Qatar stopover experience with the launch of exclusive FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2026 packages. For the first time, three-day Formula 1 race tickets have been integrated into Qatar Stopover packages along with flights and hote»»»
Inside Thaikkudam Bridge's Dubai concert: The Kerala rockers open up on fame, egos and the song that changed everything
Dubai: Before Thaikkudam Bridge took the stage in Dubai, rhythm guitarist Ashok Betty Nelson made me a promise: “If you want to dance, if you want to listen to good melodies, come to our show. You will not be disappointed.” Having now watched them in action at Coca-Cola Arena this weekend as a part»»»
Somali troops push militiamen out of Baidoa after fierce fighting
MOGADISHU: Somali federal troops drove opposition forces out of one of the country’s biggest cities, Baidoa, on Monday, following heavy clashes that left many people dead, residents told Reuters. Baidoa, which is home to hundreds of thousands of people displaced by conflict and hunger in other area»»»
CRA refers tower management to Public Prosecution over telecom access
Doha, Qatar: The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has referred a tower to the Public Prosecution after access to the building was denied to a telecommunications service provider. The CRA said the situation was rectified in accordance with the law, with the telecommunications service provid»»»
West Bank : UN delivers aid to besieged Palestinian families in Qusra
The UN delivered aid to Qusra in the West Bank after Israeli settlers cut off several Palestinian families from food, water and electricity. Residents say they have faced months of harassment and attacks, while rights groups accuse settlers of trying to force Palestinians from the area. Critics war»»»
Ceuta migrant crisis puts Spain under pressure as 15 rape cases reported
At least 15 cases of rape have been recorded in the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta since it was swarmed by the massive influx of migrants in late July, El Mundo reported on Sunday, citing Spain’s national gendarmerie. The crisis erupted on July 30-31 when an estimated 72,000 migrants entere»»»
Trump scales back Korea drills over ties with Kim
US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to substantially scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump said he was “not happy” that Washington had agreed to take part»»»
Ebola outbreak in DR Congo now deadliest ever
The Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo is now the deadliest in the country's history, according to the latest government data, with 2,235 reported killed from the virus. Confirmed cases have risen to 4,945, including 101 new cases detected in the last 24 hours, Congo's public health ins»»»
French PM Lecornu booed by residents on visit to fire-ravaged southwest
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu was on Monday booed by dozens of residents of the town of Le Porge in southwestern France, a region ravaged by wildfires, in a show of anger at the government's handling of the worst such crisis to hit the country in decades. Dozens of residents on Mond»»»
More than 12,000 await aid after deadly Indonesian quake
More than 12,000 people displaced by a deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake in eastern Indonesia were awaiting urgent aid on Monday as they sheltered at schools, police stations and government offices, while many remained stranded outside. Thousands of people displaced by a powerful earthquake in »»»
AI drives expansion of Saudi Central Bank’s US equity portfolio
RIYADH: The Saudi Central Bank increased the market value of its disclosed portfolio of stocks and exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, in the US market by 61.4 percent in the second quarter of 2026, bringing it to $7.63 billion. The expansion included increases in the number of shares held across hundr»»»
Drone and missile strikes kill 19 in Russia and Ukraine
At least 19 people were killed Sunday in drone and missile strikes in Russia and Ukraine which destroyed a book market in Kyiv while Moscow faced one of the most massive attacks since the start of the war. Ukraine and Russia have been escalating their long-range strikes for months, resulting in a g»»»
Vingegaard brings curtain down on season
Paris, France: Two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard will not race again this season as he is still recovering from the broken collarbone he suffered in this year's race, his team Visma-Lease a bike announced on Monday. The 29-year-old Dane had had a successful campaign up to his crash »»»
With 60-day deadline for an Iran peace deal expiring, things remain deadlocked
The deal that US President Donald Trump signed at Versailles in June set an ambitious 60-day deadline for ending the war with Iran and reaching an accord on its nuclear program.The deadline was Monday, and the two sides are further apart than they were then.Talks, such as they are, have focused on »»»
Media Review: August 17
POLITICS On bTV's morning show, former foreign affairs minister Nadezhda Neynsky said Bulgaria was losing its foreign policy influence due to inconsistent actions. According to her, Prime Minister Rumen Radev's governance programme fails to provide a clear development plan for Bulgaria up to 2030. »»»
SALAMA H1 2026 profit more than triples to Dh28.3 million, solvency ratio reaches 154%
Dubai: Islamic Arab Insurance Company, SALAMA, reported profit after tax of Dh28.3 million for the first half of 2026, more than three times the Dh8.2 million recorded in the same period last year. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.The insurer also »»»
Man sentenced to jail, Dh100,000 fine for drunk driving
A driver has been sentenced to six months in jail and fined Dh100,000 for driving recklessly against the flow of traffic in Abu Dhabi, putting the lives of people and other road users at serious risk. The Abu Dhabi Misdemeanour Court also ordered the confiscation of the vehicle used in the inciden»»»
New maternity hospital to open in Novopokrovka after major renovation - | 24.KG
Renovation of a former hospital building in the village of Novopokrovka, Issyk-Ata district, Chui region, which is planned to house a 100-bed Regional Maternity Hospital, continues. According to the Health Ministry, the facility is now in the final stage of a major renovation. A significant part of»»»
Interview, video and latest developments in Polish bus crash
“I, too, am a victim: my shoulder is broken, my ribs are broken and my spine has been seriously injured,” one survivor of Sunday’s early-morning tragedy on Hungary’s M3 motorway told this outlet in an exclusive interview. She said she had literally dug herself out from beneath the overturned coach »»»
Iran working to finalize Hormuz agreement with Oman
Iran said Monday it is working to finalize a joint statement with Oman on a plan to manage the transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Fully reopening the waterway to commercial shipping has been a key demand of the United States, but it remains unclear whether the deal will meet Washington'»»»
Iran says two French embassy employees barred from returning
DUBAI: Iran said on Monday that two French embassy employees involved in a diplomatic dispute last month would not be allowed to return to Iran. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the two had violated the Vienna Convention — which defines the rules and privileges of diplomatic missio»»»
World shares mixed, Brent crude higher after stagflation worries
Shares were mixed in Europe and Asia on Monday after U.S. stocks edged back from their all-time high following a weaker than expected report on the U.S. economy. Oil prices also were mixed. In early European trading, Germany's DAX was nearly unchanged at 26,438.04, while the CAC 40 in Paris lost 0.»»»
Lebanon’s Aoun backs continued international presence in south
BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has welcomed a parliamentary initiative calling for the extension of the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, saying an international presence remains vital to stability and to supporting the Lebanese Army. Aoun said Lebanon’s first preference was to r»»»
Iran’s central bank governor, Iraqi trade minister discuss ways to boost economic ties - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Iran’s central bank governor, Iraqi trade minister discuss ways to boost economic ties 17-08-2026 11:05 AM Latest News Urgent News Iran’s c»»»
21-carat gold price rises by SYP 100 in Syrian market
Damascus, Aug. 17 (SANA)– The price of 21-carat gold rose by SYP 100 per gram in the Syrian market Monday compared with Sunday’s rate. According to a bulletin issued by the General Authority for Precious Metals Management, one gram of 21-carat gold was priced at SYP 16,200 ($132.79) for selling and»»»
At least 10 killed, 7 injured as Ukraine, Russia trade attacks overnight - UPI.com
At least 10 killed, 7 injured as Ukraine, Russia trade attacks overnight. File photo by Strnger/EPA Aug. 17 (UPI) -- At least six people were killed and four, including a child, were injured overnnight in a Ukrainian missile strike on a small community in Russia's southwestern Belgorod province. Be»»»
ANAF steps up checks on personal wealth as undeclared income comes under scrutiny – EY analysis
Checks on individuals’ wealth have become increasingly prominent in the activity of Romania’s tax authority, ANAF, in recent years. Tax authorities have access to a growing volume of information and analytical tools, including through exchanges of information with other countries, making it easier »»»
Middle East live: US envoy Kushner to meet Netanyahu after talks with Hamas
US envoy Jared Kushner on Monday meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following talks with Hamas leaders in Egypt aimed at reviving a US-backed Gaza peace plan that Israel has so far rejected. Follow our live blog for the latest updates. Yesterday's developments: &nb»»»
Middle East : Kushner to meet Netanyahu after talks with Hamas on Gaza plan
US envoy Jared Kushner is due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday after holding talks with Hamas leaders in Egypt aimed at reviving a US-backed Gaza peace plan that Israel has so far rejected. Noga Tarnopolsky, FRANCE 24's correspondent in Israel, has more on the stakes rela»»»
New Varna Water Utility Management Will Find Technical Solution to Cut Off Water to Illegal Buildings in Baba Alino - Regional Minister
With the new management of the Varna water utility, a technical solution will be found to cut off the water supply to buildings constructed illegally in the Baba Alino locality, Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Shishkov said in Varna, on the Black Sea, on Monday. Shishkov inspect»»»
South Korean oil tanker takes Suez route amid Strait of Hormuz closure
Seoul, Aug. 17 (SANA) A South Korean oil tanker is heading home with crude loaded at Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port after transiting the Suez Canal, marking the first such shipment since the Strait of Hormuz was closed in late February, South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Monday.The mini»»»
Energy Ministry of Kyrgyzstan explains August 14 failure - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy explained the causes of the technical failure that occurred in the country’s power system on August 14. According to the ministry, at 3:37 p.m., following a disruption, Kyrgyzstan’s power system became disconnected from the Unified Power System of Central Asia and sw»»»
Iran blames US presence for Gulf waters pollution after oil spills
TEHRAN: Iran’s foreign ministry on Monday blamed pollution in Gulf waters on US military operations in the region, after several oil spills were reported. “This environmental damage stems from the US military presence and the wars it has waged in the region over the past five decades,” foreign mini»»»
CBD becomes first UAE bank to enable payments from other banks through its mobile app
Dubai: Commercial Bank of Dubai customers can now initiate payments from eligible accounts held with other banks directly through the CBD mobile app, bringing multiple banking relationships into a single app experience. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click »»»
MedLife launches Romania’s first locally processed gut microbiome test
MedLife, Romania’s largest private healthcare network and one of the country’s leading investors in medical genetics, has launched the first gut microbiome test in Romania to be processed entirely in its own laboratories, using shotgun metagenomics technology. The new test provides a detailed pictu»»»
Why is Orbán slowly visiting all our southern neighbours?
Many believe Viktor Orbán breathed a sigh of relief after his election defeat, first travelling to the United States for the final matches of the football World Cup, then to Serbia for a festival, and more recently being spotted in Croatia in decidedly illustrious company. Is he truly merely on hol»»»
Kushner to meet Netanyahu after talks with Hamas on Gaza plan
U.S. negotiator and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner held a rare meeting with the Hamas chief on Sunday in a new diplomatic effort to make progress in the stalled Gaza ceasefire. Kushner will meet on Monday with Israel's prime minister, who is under pressure after rejecting the new»»»
Rain brings respite as Belgium wrestles massive wildfire
Robertville, Belgium: Much-needed rain brought some respite Monday to firefighters on their fourth day battling Belgium's worst wildfire in a century, which has scorched vast expanses of nature reserve on the German border. Europe has been swept by weeks of devastating wildfires fuelled by dry cond»»»
Iran considers missing pilots to be prisoners in Qatar
TEHRAN: Iran’s foreign ministry said on Monday it will consider three missing pilots to be prisoners in Qatar, despite Doha’s denials, until it clarifies their fate.Tehran has said the Iranians went missing while carrying out an operation against the United States’ Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Mar»»»
Number of small and medium-sized enterprises in Kyrgyzstan rises by 6.8 percent - | 24.KG
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev presented key socioeconomic indicators for January—July 2026 during a regular government meeting. According to Kasymaliev, preliminary estimates show that Kyrgyzstan’s GDP reached 1.172»»»
Singapore cafe serves up coffee with a side of 'rain'
What if your hot coffee came with a bit of cloud? In a (now) viral move, one café in Singapore crafted an interactive drink that makes for great photos and sweet sips. Called Sweet Little Rain, this drink by Mellower Coffee, comes with a puff of candy floss suspended over a cup of black coffee. As »»»
Seoul, Washington to resolve outstanding issues over investment plan
Seoul: Republic of Korea's industry minister Kim Jung-kwan has said that Seoul and Washington need to resolve outstanding issues over a US$200 billion investment plan agreed upon as part of their bilateral tariff negotiations. Industry Minister made the remarks after arriving in Dallas, Texas, as R»»»
Trump orders Pentagon to scale back military drills with South Korea hours before start
US President Donald Trump on Sunday ordered the Pentagon to scale back "inappropriate and hostile" military drills with South Korea, claiming that the ally had failed to help with the war against Iran and citing his "good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. US »»»
Look: India’s marble wasteland looks like a snowy mountain valley
Dubai: A vast expanse of white marble waste in Kishangarh, Rajasthan, is drawing tourists, photographers and filmmakers to a landscape that resembles a snow-covered valley. Kishangarh, one of India’s major marble-processing centres, generates huge quantities of slurry and discarded stone as marble »»»
IRGC General Says; ‘Israel’ Too Weak for War with Iran - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe IRGC General Says; ‘Israel’ Too Weak for War with Iran 17-08-2026 10:56 AM A senior IRGC official said that Israel is not capable of waging»»»
UAE banking sector assets hit Dh5.3 trillion, profits rise 11.7% to Dh90.8 billion
Dubai: UAE banks recorded net profits of Dh90.8 billion in 2025, up 11.7% from the previous year, while the banking system’s total assets increased 17.1% to Dh5.3 trillion, according to the Central Bank of the UAE’s Financial Stability Report 2025. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf»»»