UAE sets new registration rules set for students of determination
Abu Dhabi: The UAE Ministry of Education has approved registration procedures for Students of Determination in public schools for the 2026–2027 academic year. The Ministry said evaluation and diagnosis at Inclusive Education Support Centres will be completed within 15 working days. The process will»»»
How UK eVisa rules will make travel different for UAE residents, VFS Global clarifies
Dubai: From 25 February 2026, most people applying for a UK visa will move to a fully digital system, as the British government completes a major shift away from physical visa stickers. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The new eVisa programme, introduced by UK Visas and»»»
Sharjah Police warn: Dh500 fine for not yielding to pedestrians
Pedestrian safety is more than a traffic rule as it is a shared humanitarian responsibility. As the most vulnerable road users, pedestrians are at heightened risk in traffic accidents, particularly when crossing areas are ignored or traffic laws are violated. Major Saud Al Shaiba (left) and Captain»»»
Netflix drops bid for Warner Bros, clearing way for Paramount takeover
Netflix has declined to raise its proposal to buy Warner Bros Discovery after the Hollywood studio giant deemed Paramount Skydance's rival offer "superior", clearing the path for Paramount to win the takeover battle. Warner Bros, which put itself up for sale last year, on Thursday said Paramount's »»»
Columbia student free after Mamdani-Trump meeting as ICE agents accused of 'misrepresentations' to access dorm
A university student in New York was released from custody after federal immigration agents allegedly posing as local police arrested her. According to a local official, agents wore "fake badges" to disguise themselves as New York Police Department (NYPD) officers to access a student residence at C»»»
Danish PM Frederiksen calls for snap parliamentary elections - UPI.com
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark speaks to the media after meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House in Washington, D.C., June 5, 2023. Frederiksen called for snap elections to be held in March. File Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Danish Prime Mini»»»
Al Sadd wrestle past Al Duhail 3-1 to tighten grip; Al Gharafa rally to beat Al Rayyan 3-2
Tribune News Network Doha Al Sadd continued with their winning ways as they made a strong comeback to beat Al Duhail 3-1 while Al Gharafa scored a thrilling 3-2 win over Al Rayyan to move into second in the Doha Bank Stars League on Thursday night. At the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, defending cha»»»
Remittances in Ramadan increase by 20 to 30% annually
Deputy CEO of an exchange company, Dr Mohammad Amjad Mousa affirmed that Ramadan is an exceptional season for remittances, with transaction volumes increasing annually by 20 to 30 percent compared to other months, peaking in the last 10 days. He indicated that this increase is linked to several soc»»»
Pearl-inspired Ramadan experience unveiled at Mandarin Oriental, Doha
Ashraf Siddiqui On the sidelines of the Second Alumni Award Night, Thomas Kinsperger, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Doha, shared insights into how the luxury property has thoughtfully reimagined its Ramadan experience this year at Baraha Square. Kinsperger explained that this season’s conce»»»
Qatar reiterates support for unity and territorial integrity of Sudan
QNA Geneva Qatar has reiterated its firm and supportive stance on the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan, and the right of its people to live in dignity, security and stability, and rejected any form of interference in its internal affairs. Qatar also expressed deep concern over the continuat»»»
World Economic Forum boss quits after review of Epstein links
The president and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Borge Brende, has resigned after a review into his links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The forum ordered an independent review into Brende over his ties to the disgraced financier following the release of Epstein files by the US D»»»
Ex-West Ham striker Antonio set to join Al Sailiya: Reports
Doha: Former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio is set to resume his club career after agreeing to join Qatar Stars League side Al Sailiya on a short-term deal, according to a report by BBC. The 35-year-old is expected to sign until the end of the current season, with Al Sailiya, who are ninth»»»
What’s at stake in the third round of US-Iran talks?
American and Iranian delegations met in Geneva on Thursday for a new round of negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program and the possible easing of sanctions, as Washington simultaneously amasses military assets in the Middle East to increase pressure on Iran. The talks are widely seen as a last op»»»
BREAKING: PM Edi Rama Completely Renews the Cabinet with New Names
At today’s meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Prime Minister Edi Rama decided to introduce changes to the government cabinet.Albana Koçiu has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister, replacing Belinda Balluku in that position.Ferit Hoxha, Albania’s former ambassador to the UN, has bee»»»
Watch: N.Y. governor steps in to save resident's 'PB4WEGO' license plate - UPI.com
Feb. 26 (UPI) -- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul stepped in to help a Long Island grandfather win his battle over a customized license plate reading "PB4WEGO." Seth Bykofsky shared a photo of a letter he received from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles in January telling him his "PB4WEGO" p»»»
Mandelson referred to EU anti-fraud agency over Epstein emails
The European Commission has asked the EU's anti-fraud agency to investigate Lord Mandelson following the release of documents in the US relating to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The request to the European Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf) was made last week, a Commission spokeswoman said, after co»»»
Ministers Reject Speculation over US Aircraft at Sofia Airport; Parliament Calls on PM to Attend Hearing
Government officials rejected speculation linking the presence of US military aircraft at Vasil Levski Sofia Airport to non-NATO operations, while Parliament on Thursday obliged caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov to participate in a hearing on the matter. Earlier in the day, Transport Minister K»»»
Caretaker Foreign Minister Neynsky Explains US Aircraft Deployment at Sofia Airport During Parliamentary Hearing
Caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky said during her parliamentary hearing on Thursday, that the deployment of US military aircraft at Sofia airport is not related to current or planned military operations. The hearing is at the request of the Vazrazhdane parliamentary group. On February 19,»»»
Iran-Backed Gaza Factions Face Financial Strain, Fear Collapse
Field commanders and activists from Iranian-backed Palestinian factions in Gaza warn of a potential “complete collapse” as a worsening financial crisis comes amid signs of a possible US strike on Tehran. Nearly two years of Israeli war in Gaza, along with strikes extending to Lebanon, Iran and part»»»
Qatar face India in 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifier
Doha: Qatar will host India on Friday at Lusail Hall in their opener of the second window of Group D in the Asian qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar. The Qataris have three points from their opening two matches, having beaten Lebanon 86-83 away before losing narrowly 75-74 t»»»
France names new culture minister in mini-reshuffle
The French presidency on Thursday named four new ministers including Catherine Pegard as the new culture minister in a mini-reshuffle. Pegard, a former magazine editor and head of Versailles palace, takes over from Rachida Dati, a conservative who left the post to campaign to become mayor of Paris »»»
Qatar reiterates firm stance, unwavering support for Sudan’s unity, territorial integrity
Geneva: The State of Qatar reiterated its firm and supportive stance on the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan, and the right of its fraternal people to live in dignity, security and stability, and rejected any form of interference in its internal affairs, voicing deep concern over the contin»»»
Trump vs the Supreme Court: How the tariff ruling could turn his presidency lame-duck
The constant change of scenery in President Donald Trump’s America has trained observers not to overreact to each new sensation from across the Atlantic. Yesterday’s battles fade quickly, replaced by fresh headlines. Against that backdrop, it is tempting to dismiss Trump’s latest clash with the US »»»
World Economic Forum Head Steps Down Over Epstein Links
World Economic Forum head Børge Brende said Thursday that he is stepping down after facing pressure over his contacts with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister, said in a statement that he had decided “after careful consideration” to step down as pre»»»
World Economic Forum CEO Børge Brende resigns; Jeffrey Epstein probe concludes - UPI.com
World Economic Forum CEO and President Børge Brende, pictured here in 2014, has resigned upon completion of an independent investigation of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. File Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Børge Brende resigned his position as president and CEO of the Worl»»»
U.S. authorizes resale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba for private sector - UPI.com
A loaded oil tanker tanker enters Matanzas Bay off Havana, Cuba, on February 16 and docks near the city’s energy logistics port amid ongoing U.S. energy sanctions on the island. Russia has been sending fuel considered to be aid. Photo By EPA Feb. 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Contro»»»
US Moves to Cut Off Swiss Bank from Financial System over Alleged Iran, Russia Links
The US Treasury Department proposed a rule on Thursday that, if finalized, would sever MBaer Merchant Bank AG's access to the US financial system on the grounds the Swiss bank had supported illicit actors linked to Iran and Russia. The Treasury alleged MBaer and its employees had facilitated corrup»»»
Havana says four gunmen killed on US speedboat were trying to 'infiltrate' Cuba
Cuba said on Thursday that 10 gunmen on a Florida-registered speed boat who opened fire on the Caribbean nation's coastguard had "intended to carry out an infiltration for the purposes of terrorism". The Cuban coastguard on Thursday said it killed four people and wounded six more on the vessel, whi»»»
45 days to election: Poll shows a significant Tisza lead, Orbán puts soldiers on the streets
In our ongoing weekly digest, award-winning journalist Veronika Munk summarises and explains the most important political developments in Hungary. We guide readers on the route to the key April 2026 election — a poll without precedent in the region over the past 15 years. This week, we cover: The p»»»
UN Expert on Palestinian Territories Denounces 'Toxic' Attacks against Her
The UN expert on the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, denounced on Thursday what she described as "toxic" attacks impacting her personal life and work, after a number of European states called for her resignation. In recent weeks Germany, France, Italy and others have called for Albanes»»»
Diplomacy or Conflict? US and Iran hold fresh talks as military pressure builds.
Dubai: Iran and the United States held another round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday, as rising military tensions and a significant American force buildup in the Middle East cast a long shadow over diplomatic efforts. The Oman-mediated discussions, hosted at the Omani ambassador’s r»»»
Aramco’s Gas Strategy Builds Momentum with Major Progress Towards Growth Target
Aramco announced Thursday major progress in its ambitious gas expansion strategy, with the start of production at Jafurah, the Middle East’s largest unconventional gas field, and the commencement of operations at Tanajib Gas Plant, one of the largest gas plants in the world. This will contribute to»»»
ISSF Calls for 'smarter' sovereign capital to catalyse venture investment at MEVCA summit
AMMAN — The Innovative Start ups and SMEs Fund (ISSF) on Thursday, participated in the Investors Summit organised by the Middle East Venture Capital Association (MEVCA) at the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), according to an ISSF statement.ISSF CEO Mohammed Muhtaseb highlighted the pivotal role of s»»»
Crimes Against Humanity Complaint Filed in Switzerland against Iran Deputy Minister
A complaint has been filed in Switzerland accusing Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi of crimes against humanity linked to anti-government protests in his country in recent years, lawyers said Thursday. The complaint, filed by an Iranian-Swiss citizen, said Gharibabadi "may have comm»»»
Hillary Clinton to testify before closed House committee on Epstein - UPI.com
1 of 5 | Secret service personnel and local law enforcement prepare to do a security sweep of the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center where Bill and Hillary Clinton are to be deposed by the House Oversight Committee regarding the Epstein probe in Chappaqua, N.Y., Thursday. Former Secretary of State Hi»»»
Soaring cost of food and other staples squeezes Iranians as threat of US attack looms
Every day, Iranians go to stores and find prices rising. Some post photos on social media of the shrinking contents of their shopping carts as they struggle to buy enough basic staples for their families. The mounting cost of living is an extra weight bearing down as Iranians prepare for a possible»»»
Tunisia Court Blocks Closure of Factory Blamed for Pollution
A Tunisian court on Thursday rejected demands to suspend operations at a fertilizer factory, a lawyer told AFP, after thousands of protesters blamed the plant for a rise in health problems. The facility in the city of Gabes emits sulphur gases, nitrogen and fluorine, according to an audit last July»»»
Berlin Film Festival Director's Future in Spotlight after Gaza Furore
Germany's government convened an emergency meeting of the organizers of the Berlin Film Festival on Thursday, saying it wanted to discuss the event's "direction" after debate and protests over Gaza dominated the programme. The Bild newspaper reported on Wednesday that the government's Commissioner »»»
National Museum of Qatar achieves Platinum rating in GSAS operations
Doha, Qatar: The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) has received the Platinum rating under the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) Operations' sustainable green building certification system, further underscoring Qatar Museums' position as a global pioneer in sustainable cultural institutio»»»
Davos forum CEO Borge Brende resigns after Epstein links revealed
Borge Brende, the president and CEO of the World Economic Forum, which organises the annual Davos summit, announced his resignation on Thursday, weeks after the forum launched an independent investigation into his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The president and CEO o»»»
Russia accuses Washington of 'irresponsible escalation'
Russia has accused the United States of irresponsibly stoking regional tensions over Iran, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova saying Moscow continues to see "unceasing threats" against Tehran on February 26. »»»
Russia accuses Washington of 'irresponsible escalation'
Russia has accused the United States of irresponsibly stoking regional tensions over Iran, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova saying Moscow continues to see "unceasing threats" against Tehran on February 26. »»»
Danish PM calls snap election with Greenland issue centre-stage
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has announced early elections - hailing the next four years as "decisive" for her country. "We as Danes and as Europeans will really have to stand on our own feet," Frederiksen told parliament. "We need to define our relationship with the United States," she »»»
Supreme court seeks names in NCERT textbook row
Dubai: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to disclose the “specific names” of all individuals involved in drafting and approving a controversial Class 8 Social Science textbook chapter that refers to corruption in the judiciary, »»»
Al-Khanbashi to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Warn Against Incitement, Hadramout Has Room for All
Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) member and Governor of Yemen's eastern Hadramout province Salem al-Khanbashi says he believes that “Hadramout triumphed for itself,” and that what took place there in December 2025 and early January 2026 marked a decisive moment in which Hadhramis reclaimed the»»»
Iceland to hold EU referendum 'over the coming months', Prime Minister says
Iceland will in the coming months hold a referendum on joining the European Union, Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir told a press conference in Poland. Iceland in 2013 abandoned EU membership talks after four years of negotiations, but a rise in the cost of living and the ongoing war in »»»
Sharp port cargo decline signals industrial slowdown in Turkey
Turkish industry has begun 2026 under significant strain. Port cargo volumes have suffered one of the steepest January declines seen in recent years, business daily Ekonomi has reported. According to data from th»»»
Russia’s finance ministry to tighten budget rule as oil revenues sink
Oil and gas revenues will account for less than 20% of Russia's budget this year, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told the Duma on February 26, as oil prices tumble and sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet become more effective. »»»
MOSCOW BLOG: Russia as a supermarket dressed up as a country
Russian Finance Minister Anton Sulianov was speaking to the Duma yesterday and announced a pretty radical new direction. What he's proposing to do is to move the budget away from its traditional addiction to oil and gas export revenue and make Russia a consumption-based economy, (with a useful, but»»»
Sofia Mayor Terziev Expects Public Transport Strike During “Election Window”, Trade Unions Do Not
Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev said he expects a strike in the capital’s public transport system during the “election window,” speaking at a briefing at the Sofia Municipal Council here on Thursday. However, Socialist Municipal Councillor and trade unionist Ivan Kirilov denied such claims, explaining th»»»