Indonesia begins enforcing social media ban for children under-16s
Indonesia began enforcing a social media ban for children under the age of 16 on Saturday, after a minister warned digital platforms there was "no room for compromise." he Southeast Asian nation announced the ban this month citing threats from online pornography, cyberbullying and internet addictio»»»
Pakistan to Host Saudi, Türkiye, Egypt FMs for Talks on Middle East War
Pakistan's prime minister said he had a "detailed" call with Iran's president on Saturday, as foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Türkiye gathered in Islamabad for talks on the war in the Middle East. The diplomats were due to attend talks Sunday and Monday "on a range of issues, includi»»»
Israeli Strikes Hit Two Gaza Police Checkpoints, Killing Six, Medics Say
Two Israeli air strikes on two checkpoints of the Hamas-led police force killed at least six Palestinians including a child, local health officials said, in the latest round of violence despite a US-brokered ceasefire that is now more than five months old. Medics said Israeli planes attacked two »»»
Questions Over Israel’s Interceptor Stockpiles as Middle East War Drags on
The ability of Israel's highly sophisticated air defenses to keep intercepting Iranian attacks is coming under scrutiny as the Middle East war drags on into a second month. The military has dismissed reports that it is running low on the interceptors used to shoot down the steady stream of Iranian »»»
US‑Israel war with Iran, Day 30: What you need to know today
Dubai: As tensions escalate in the Middle East, UAE residents have been closely monitoring developments in the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. While regional instability continues, authorities in the UAE have reassured the public that the country remains safe, issuing alerts, updates, and gui»»»
Qatar succeeded in managing crisis with highest levels of efficiency, competence and transparency: Justice Minister
Doha, Qatar: Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi has affirmed that Qatar has successfully managed an exceptional period marked by rapid developments, evolving challenges, and regional uncertainties, demonstrating high lev»»»
WTO reform talks coming to the crunch
YAOUNDÉ — The ambassador facilitating talks on reforming the World Trade Organisation (WTO) voiced cautious optimism recently on prospects for progress at a high-level meeting in the Cameroonian capital.Reforming the beleaguered global trade body is at the heart of the WTO's four-day ministerial co»»»
China announces two reciprocal trade investigations against US
BEIJING — China announced two separate investigations on Friday into US trade practices in response to Washington's probes this month of Beijing, including over alleged forced labour.The probes into alleged disruptions to the global supply chain and trade of "green products" were "in response to th»»»
Massive anti-Trump protests mark third 'No Kings' day across US
Massive nationwide demonstrations took place on Saturday as Americans mobilised against US President Donald Trump’s perceived authoritarianism, executive overreach, and the war in Iran. Massive nationwide protests against US President Donald Trump kicked off Saturday as millions of people vent fury»»»
Ukraine, UAE seal defence deal: Kyiv’s 'know-how and equipment” gain recognition
Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to cooperate on defence amid Iran’s drone strikes across the region, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The news comes as the war in the Middle East escalates, prompting countries in the region – particularly those facing Iranian at»»»
Iranian footballers honor children killed in suspected US strike on Minab school (VIDEO)
The Iranian National Football Team paid tribute to the victims of a suspected US strike on a girls’ school in the city of Minab during a match in Türkiye. The February 28 strike on the Shajarah Tayyebeh school came on the first day of the US-Israeli attack on Iran, killing more than 175 students an»»»
France foils Paris bomb plot outside US bank, opens anti-terror probe
French police on Saturday stopped an apparent bomb attack outside a Bank of America branch in Paris. The French counter-terrorism prosecutor's office said it was investigating a "terrorist criminal conspiracy". French police stopped an apparent bomb attack outside a US bank in Paris early Saturday »»»
What Taiwan's imprisonment of opposition figure Ko Wen-je means for its political landscape
Taiwanese opposition figure Ko Wen-je was sentenced this week to 17 years in prison, ending his bid for the 2028 presidential election and removing a prominent centrist from the political stage. Analysts say the ruling could reshape the island’s political dynamics, with implications »»»
Emirati actress Mahira Abdul Aziz describes falcon gold hat as ‘Love letter to UAE’ at Dubai World Cup 2026
Dubai: “We see you. We appreciate you. This is for you.” Those words set the tone for Emirati actress and Dubai Bling star Mahira Abdul Aziz’s appearance at the Dubai World Cup, a moment where style, culture, and patriotism seamlessly mingled. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News»»»
Ukraine signs 10-year defence pact with Qatar, eyes broader Gulf cooperation
Ukraine signed a 10-year defence agreement with Qatar on Saturday, part of a series of deals with Gulf countries to counter missile and drone threats, as Kyiv seeks to leverage its battlefield expertise and secure new partnerships amid rising regional tensions. Qatar and Ukraine signed a defence ag»»»
Tens of thousands march against far right in London ahead of local elections
Tens of thousands of protesters marched through central London on Saturday in a major show of opposition to the far right, weeks before key elections and amid growing support for hard-right movements in the UK. Tens of thousands of people marched through central London Saturday to protest against t»»»
Philippines faces economic strain from Iran conflict
The state of emergency imposed in the Philippines grants the government broad powers to manage acute pressures on access to essential inputs, but it will not shield the economy from a downturn in the long-run, a note from Capital Economics says. The Philippines’ central bank chose to look through t»»»
Philippines faces economic strain from Iran conflict
The state of emergency imposed in the Philippines grants the government broad powers to manage acute pressures on access to essential inputs, but it will not shield the economy from a downturn in the long-run, a note from Capital Economics says. The Philippines’ central bank chose to look through t»»»
Iran attack hits Bahrain’s Alba plant, two employees injured
Dubai: Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) confirmed on Sunday that two employees were wounded when its facilities were targeted in an Iranian attack over the weekend, state media reported. The company said two employees sustained minor injuries, while the safety and security of staff remain its top priority.»»»
Unstable weather across UAE — Could rain return soon?
Dubai: Fair to partly cloudy skies are expected across the UAE on Sunday, with fresh to strong winds at times stirring dust and sand. The country remains under the influence of a surface low-pressure extension from the east and high pressure from the west, according to the National Centre of Meteor»»»
Bank of America agrees to $72.5M settlement with Epstein survivors - UPI.com
Bank of America this week settled a class-action lawsuit brought by a victim of the deceased sex predator Jeffrey Epstein, pictured in a photo issued by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice while he was awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking. Epstein was found dead in his cell in A»»»
Dubai landlords hold firm, no rush to sell despite tensions
Dubai: Dubai’s property market is holding steady despite recent geopolitical tensions, with landlords staying put while buyers and tenants adjust their decisions. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Data from Smart Bricks shows that around 85% of landlords are not consider»»»
Experts highlight energy security and supply chainrisks in post-war scenario
Tribune News Network Doha Energy, economic and geopolitical experts have underscored mounting risks to global supply chains and energy security amid escalating regional tensions during a high-level panel discussion organised by Gulf Times in collaboration with the Qatar Press Center. Held under the»»»
Nepal's former prime minister arrested over protest crackdowns - UPI.com
The former prime minister of Nepal was arrested early Saturday for his role in protesters being killed by police during youth-led rallies in September 2025 that spread nationwide over social media bans, government corruption and a weak economy. File Photo by Narendra Shrestha/EPA March 28 (UPI) -- »»»
Ministry hosts training on evacuation to enhance student, staff safety
Held over four days at the Officers Club, the sessions targeted school principals, their deputies, and safety officials in public and private educational institutions, benefiting around 1,200 participants. The workshops focused on unifying response procedures when receiving alerts through the natio»»»
JhungTech: Qatar’s ‘Hagis King’ connecting Filipinos with fun, food, and deals
Darlene Regis Everywhere he goes, Jhung Cañero — popularly known online as JhungTech or simply Jhung — draws attention and warm greetings from the Filipino community. Known affectionately as the “Hagis (Throwing) King of Qatar,” Jhung’s hilarious signature item-throwing antics and infectious humor »»»
Top of the slop? The Sora slide could trigger an AI avalanche
OpenAI has unexpectedly shut down Sora, its generative AI video model. Despite a surge of initial popularity, the tech was dogged by controversy and copyright issues and proved prohibitively expensive. In a significant blow to OpenAI, a $1 billion December 2025 deal to allow Sora users to generate »»»
Israeli jets break sound barrier over Beirut, Metn, Keserwan, Bekaa
Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier over Beirut and several areas on Saturday night, state media reported, as residents heard loud booms reverberate across the city and in the mountains. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported Israeli planes breaking the sound barrier several times,»»»
Iran’s $2b oil passage via Hormuz a ‘gift’ for Trump, but markets to see little relief
Dubai: Donald Trump described Iran’s decision to allow 10 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as a “gift” and a potential opening for negotiations. Oil markets, however, are measuring the move in scale rather than symbolism. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - sim»»»
Russian Air Defenses Shoot Down 26 Ukrainian Drones: MoD
MOSCOW, March 28 (Sputnik) - 26 enemy drones were downed over Russian regions over the past 10 hours, Russia's Defense Ministry said Saturday. "On March 28, from 11:00 [08:00 GMT] to 20:00 [17:00 GMT], air defense systems destroyed 26 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles over the Belgorod,»»»
Global markets turbulent, investors left without safe havens
New York, Mar.28 (SANA) Nearly one month after the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli–Iranian conflict, global financial markets are undergoing one of their most volatile phases since the global financial crisis, amid sharp fluctuations that have pushed portfolio managers to scale back their positions an»»»
WHO: Attacks in Southern Lebanon Killed 9 Paramedics
The World Health Organization said on Saturday that nine paramedics were killed and seven others wounded in five separate attacks on health care in southern Lebanon. The latest incidents struck medical teams in five separate villages, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a soc»»»
Experts highlight energy security and supply chain risks in post-war scenario
DOHA: Energy, economic, and geopolitical experts have underscored mounting risks to global supply chains and energy security amid escalating regional tensions, during a high-level panel discussion organized by Gulf Times in collaboration with the Qatar Press Center. Held under the theme “The Day Af»»»
War enters fifth week amid escalating fighting and growing economic pressure
Capitals, March 28 (SANA) – The U.S.–Israeli–Iranian conflict entered its fifth week on Saturday, with intensified regional tensions, expanding military operations, and mounting economic repercussions affecting global trade and energy markets. Reports indicate ongoing diplomatic efforts to contain »»»
COMESA launches digital investment map showcasing 180 opportunities across seven sectors
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa has unveiled its COMESA Investment Map, an interactive digital platform presenting 180 nationally endorsed investment opportunities across seven priority sectors: agriculture, food industries, infrastructure, energy, supply chains, the digital econo»»»
War disrupts Qatari helium exports, raising concerns for tech and medical industries
Capitals, March 28 (SANA) – The ongoing U.S.–Israeli–Iranian conflict is starting to disrupt global helium supplies, with interruptions to Qatari exports sparking concerns for technology and medical sectors that rely heavily on the rare gas. According to Euronews, tensions around the Strait of Horm»»»
ARF Candidates for Parliament Honour Victims of Process of Rebirth in Barutin
Candidates for the National Assembly from the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF) paid tribute in the village of Barutin, Southern Bulgaria, to the memory of the victims of the Process of Rebirth, when Bulgaria's Turks were be assimilated by changing their Turkish and Arabic names to Bulgarian a»»»
Saudi East-West Pipeline is Pumping Oil at its Full Capacity
Saudi Arabia’s crucial East-West pipeline that circumvents the Strait of Hormuz is pumping oil at its full capacity of 7 million barrels a day, a person familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. The technical milestone is the culmination of the Kingdom’s longstanding contingency plan for keeping its»»»
Oil to get more expensive this week as Middle East tensions escalate
Dubai: Oil prices are expected to rise further in the coming week, supported by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and growing signs that supply risks are broadening beyond key transit routes. Brent crude traded above $112 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate hovered near»»»
Mexican navy: Missing humanitarian aid boats found near Cuba - UPI.com
The two missing sailboats were delayed on their trip to Cuba by adverse weather conditions. Photo courtesy the Mexican navy March 28 (UPI) -- Two missing aid boats en route to Cuba that were reported missing have been found, the Mexican navy announced Saturday. The navy said aerial search crews spo»»»
Dh30m UAE Lottery: Results announced – see if you’ve won
Dubai: In the Dh30 million UAE Lottery's Lucky Day draw, several participants have claimed cash rewards, while the grand prize has remained unclaimed. During Draw No. 260328 on Saturday, the winning numbers from the Days section were 8, 31, 19, 24, 16, and 26, while the winning number from the Mont»»»
Cloudy skies, scattered rain forecast Saturday evening
TUNIS, March 28 (TAP) - The sky will remain occasionally very cloudy on Saturday evening with scattered showers and rainstorms over the far north and cloudy intervals over the rest of the regions, according to the National Institute of Meteorology...»»»
EU Parliament endorses initiative to create ‘return hubs’ for illegal migrants
European lawmakers have endorsed the opening of talks with the EU Council on a controversial legal framework to establish block-wide mechanisms to expel illegal migrants, including the creation of ‘return hubs’ in third countries. The idea to create de facto detention facilities outside of the EU’s»»»
EXCLUSIVE: IDF Vet-Turned War Critic Explains Why Israel’s Military is on the Brink of Collapse
Israel has been fighting a multi-front war since 2023, with the backbone of its forces “based on its reserve battalions, on people that are civilians and that are called by the army to serve,” former IDF officer Guy Poran told Sputnik, commenting on a top general’s warning that the IDF risks “colla»»»
OIC condemns Israeli seizure of 15 homes in occupied Jerusalem
Jeddah: The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the Israeli occupation authorities' illegal decision to seize 15 homes in Silwan town in occupied Jerusalem and forcibly displace Palestinian families, in preparation for handing the properties over »»»
Emirates Global Aluminium Al Taweelah site damaged in Iranian missile, drone attacks
Dubai: Emirates Global Aluminium said on Saturday its Al Taweelah site sustained significant damage during Iranian missile and drone attacks at Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi, with assessments ongoing. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.The company »»»
Iran Attacks US Navy Support Ship in Port of Salalah in Oman - Military Command
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - The Iranian armed forces attacked a US Navy support ship in the port of Salalah in Oman at a distance of more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the coast of the Islamic Republic, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for the Khatam Al-Anbiya central headquarters of the Iranian milit»»»
French anti-terror prosecutors probing foiled Paris bomb plot
Paris, France: France's counter-terrorism prosecutor's office told AFP on Saturday it has taken over the investigation into a foiled bomb attack outside a Bank of America branch in central Paris. The office confirmed that a suspect caught in the act was in police custody and said it was investigati»»»
Houthis launch first Yemeni strike in Iran war, target Israel - UPI.com
An Israeli air defense system intercepts projectiles over the West Bank city of Nablus, on Saturday. Israel said it detected missiles launched from both Iran and Yemen. Photo by Alaa Badarneh/EPA March 28 (UPI) -- The Iranian-backed Houthis launched missile strikes toward Israel on Saturday, markin»»»
Education Ministry confirms schools ready for safe return to in-person classes tomorrow
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education announced that all preparations have been completed across public and private schools to resume in-person classes starting Sunday, following completion of comprehensive arrangements aimed at preparing a suitable school environment to recei»»»