Uber to invest $1.25 billion in Rivian for 50,000 robotaxis - UPI.com
Uber will invest $1.25 billion in automaker Rivian for 50,000 robotaxis around the world. File Photo by James Atoa/UPI | License Photo March 19 (UPI) -- Uber Technologies said it plans to invest $1.25 billion into Rivian Automotive to launch 50,000 autonomous robotaxis around the world, the company»»»
Lebanese electrical station knocked out by Israeli strike
Lebanon's state electricity company said on Thursday that an Israeli attack knocked out power to a region of southern Lebanon. There were no casualties in the attack, Electricite du Liban said, but it knocked out a "main transfer station" servicing the southern town of Bint Jbeil, its nearby villag»»»
Deira Clock Roundabout lights up for Eid celebrations
Dubai: Dubai Municipality has illuminated the historic Deira Clock Roundabout with festive designs and Eid Al Fitr greetings as part of the wider “Eid in Dubai” campaign, aimed at enhancing the city’s celebratory atmosphere. The initiative forms part of a broader programme of activities led by the »»»
Iraklio faces water shortage as reserves near depletion
Crete’s largest city Iraklio faces a water shortage as reserves have dropped to critical levels, with supplies enough for about three months, officials said. The Aposelemis dam, the city’s main water source with a capacity of 25 million cubic meters, is nearly dry, as usable reserves sit at just 80»»»
Reckless driving crackdown: Sharjah Police impound 12 vehicles, 30 bikes
Sharjah Police have confiscated 12 vehicles and 30 motorbikes and recorded 52 traffic violations during a wide-ranging campaign targeting reckless driving and noise disturbances across the emirate. The General Command of Sharjah Police said the crackdown focused on motorists and riders whose behavi»»»
Arab and Islamic foreign ministers condemn Iranian attacks, call for de-escalation
Riyadh, March 19 (SANA) – Foreign ministers from a group of Arab and Islamic countries strongly condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting several countries in the region, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and respect for international law. In a joint statement issued after a »»»
Bessent: U.S. may lift sanctions on Iranian oil to ease gas prices - UPI.com
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States may lift sanctions on Iranian oil that's already in transit to ease gas prices. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo March 19 (UPI) -- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that the United States may lift sanctions on Iranian»»»
UAE steps up emergency readiness as varied rainfall forecast
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has intensified its emergency preparedness measures as forecasts indicate varied rainfall across the country in the coming days. The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, the National Centre of Meteoro»»»
Weekly quiz: How did this man turn himself blue?
This week, a deadly outbreak of meningitis hit schools and universities in the south-east of England, fuel prices soared as the Iran war continued, and War of the Worlds cleaned up at the Razzies. But how much attention did you pay to what else happened in the world over the past seven days? Quiz c»»»
Sources to Asharq Al-Awsat: Meshaal Contacts Gaza Factions on Fate of Weapons
Hamas is holding internal talks and consulting Palestinian factions on the fate of weapons in Gaza, an issue central to US President Donald Trump’s plan, which calls for full disarmament and links it to reconstruction. Talks have slowed in recent weeks amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. Still, Hamas »»»
Iranian Attack Hits Israeli Oil Refinery in Haifa, Some Damage Reported
An Iranian missile attack hit Israel's Oil Refineries in the northern port city of Haifa but did not cause "significant damage", Israel's Energy Ministry said on Thursday. Energy Minister Eli Cohen said power was briefly disrupted, with electricity restored to most of those who were affected. "The »»»
Lebanon says over 1,000 killed, Israel says 500 of them Hezbollah fighters
Israeli military spokesman Nadav Shoshani said Thursday that Israel has killed 500 Hezbollah fighters in its current war against the group, among them 200 from the elite Radwan unit. He gave no further evidence. The claim came as the death toll in Lebanon topped 1,000. The Lebanese health ministry »»»
Gargash warns Iran rhetoric breaches international law
Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, said statements by some Iranian officials justifying attacks on Gulf states represent a serious breach of international law and pose a direct threat to regional stability. “The justification by some Iranian officials of their country’s aggr»»»
UN highlights Syria’s counterterrorism efforts, calls for respect of sovereignty
New York, March 18 (SANA) – Several UN Security Council members commended steps taken by the Syrian government to combat terrorism and promote stability, while stressing the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and halt repeated Israeli violations. During a session on the h»»»
Russia accuses Israel of 'deliberate and targeted' strike on TV crew in Lebanon
Russia on Thursday blamed Israel for what it called a "targeted" airstrike that wounded a TV crew from state-run RT in Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli strikes and ground operations in the country's south. The Ruptly video agency, a subsidiary of RT, posted footage showing an explosion and plumes of sm»»»
Nuclear's cleanup cost threatens the expansion dream
Nature and EnvironmentGermanyNuclear's cleanup cost threatens the expansion dreamKiyo DörrerCountries are racing to build new reactors. But we've barely figured out how to clean up the old ones — and the bill is potentially staggering. https://p.dw.com/p/5AhHtA 156-ton steam generator is lifted fro»»»
Russia Accuses Israel of ‘Deliberate and Targeted’ Strike on TV Crew in Lebanon
Russia on Thursday blamed Israel for what it called a "targeted" airstrike that wounded a TV crew from state-run RT in Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli strikes and ground operations in the country's south. The Ruptly video agency, a subsidiary of RT, posted footage showing an explosion and plumes of sm»»»
Prosecutors want 7+ years for Høiby, son of Norwegian princess - UPI.com
Marius Borg Hoiby and his mother Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit attend a government party event in Oslo, Norway, in 2022. Hoiby is facing 39 charges, including four counts of rape. File Photo by Lise Aserud/EPA March 19 (UPI) -- Prosecutors said that if Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway's crow»»»
'Ready' to help keep Hormuz open: UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Japan
In a significant display of international unity amid escalating Middle East tensions, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan have issued a joint statement pledging “readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts” to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. This vital chokepoi»»»
US states sue Trump over his move to scrap greenhouse gases ruling
Three dozen states and local governments have challenged the Trump administration's reversal of a landmark Obama-era scientific ruling which held that greenhouse gases were a threat to public health. The lawsuit seeks to overturn the administration's repeal last month of the 2009 "endangerment find»»»
Progressive Bulgaria Leader Rumen Radev: Next Parliament's Top Priority Is to Form Majority to Replace Judicial Council, Clearing Way for Election of New Prosecutor General
Former President (2017-2026) Rumen Radev, leader of Progressive Bulgaria, presented the priorities of the coalition in Sofia on Thursday. He said the number one task is to have a two thirds majority in the next parliament after the April 19 elections, to replace the Supreme Judicial Council and to »»»
Qatar Meteorology announces end of winter, start of spring on Friday
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Meteorology Department of the Civil Aviation Authority has announced that the winter season will end astronomically on Thursday, March 19, 2026, with the arrival of the spring (vernal) equinox on Friday, March 20, marking the first day of spring. In a post on X, the departmen»»»
US F-35 hit over Iran during mission, makes emergency landing
DUBAI: A US F-35 stealth fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing at an American air base in the Middle East after it was struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire, in what could mark a significant escalation in the ongoing war. Two sources familiar with the matter told CNN that the »»»
Cloudy skies expected Thursday night
Tunis, March 19 (TAP) – The sky will be partly cloudy across most regions, with occasionally dense clouds over western areas of the north and centre, accompanied by light and localised rainfall.Winds will blow from the east, relatively strong in the...»»»
Rumen Radev: Next Parliament's Top Priority Is to Form Majority to Replace SJC, Clearing Way for Election of New Prosecutor General
Former President (2017-2026) Rumen Radev, leader of Progressive Bulgaria, presented the priorities of the coalition in Sofia on Thursday. He said the number one task is to have a two thirds majority in the next parliament after the April 19 elections, to replace the Supreme Judicial Council and to »»»
UAE strengthens security and traffic readiness for Eid Al Fitr
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Interior has stepped up security and traffic preparedness nationwide ahead of Eid Al Fitr, in coordination with relevant authorities and police general commands, as part of a comprehensive plan to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow. The ministry said measures ar»»»
Israel escalates attacks on civilian infrastructure in Lebanon – Ya Libnan
Share: The Zrarieh Bridge over the Litani river was damaged in an Israeli strike on Friday, followed by other strikes on other bridges on Wednesday Israeli forces are intensifying airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, as well as hitting targets in Beirut neighborhoods. Israeli offic»»»
Iran's Strait of Hormuz blockade: Why the US finds it difficult to free this chokepoint — IRGC's strategy explained
Also In This Package 5,000-lb bombs hit Hormuz missile sites: What's next Iran war: Will your internet slow soon? About 90 ships cross the Strait of Hormuz despite war Trump fumes at Nato over lack of support on Hormuz In the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's strategy is simple: choke off this incredibly na»»»
'Miracle': Europe reconnects with lost spacecraft
Paris, France: The European Space Agency announced Thursday it has re-established communication with a spacecraft that is part of its Proba-3 mission, after losing contact with the satellite a month ago. Proba-3, which launched on a two-year mission in 2024, uses two spacecraft flying in precise fo»»»
UAE Cyber Security Council warns against wiper malware threat
The UAE Cyber Security Council has urged individuals and organisations to remain vigilant against Wiper Malware, one of the most destructive forms of malicious software designed to erase data and deliberately disrupt systems. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app - it»»»
Alabama student missing in Barcelona during spring break trip - UPI.com
A 2-year-old student is missing in Barcelona, Spain, after an evening at a nightclub. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo March 19 (UPI) -- A 20-year-old student from University of Alabama is missing in Barcelona, Spain, after an evening at a nightclub. James "Jimmy" Gracey of Elmhurst, I»»»
Kuwait air defense intercepts hostile drones over their airspace
Doha, Qatar: The Kuwaiti Armed Forces reported that its air defense systems detected a total of 18 hostile drones over the country’s airspace in the past 24 hours. Of these, 13 drones were successfully destroyed, while two targeted operational units belonging to the National Petroleum Company, caus»»»
24 days to election: Three Ukrainians banned from Hungary as ‘threat to Orbán’s life’
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 crunch 12 April 2026 election — a poll without precedent in the region over the past 15 years. This week, we cover:»»»
Russian Anthem and Flag Return to Global Sport Thanks to Paralympians – Putin
The Russian national anthem and flag triumphantly returned to the international sports arena thanks to Paralympians, Russian President Vladimir Putin said. “For the first time in 12 years, we were able to see our native Russian flag rise again over the Paralympic podium," Putin told a state award c»»»
Are US and Israel aligned on Iran war? Deciphering Trump's post after gas field attacks
US President Donald Trump has issued a typically strongly worded statement in the wake of attacks on a major gas field shared by Iran and Qatar on Wednesday. Israel hit Iran's South Pars - part of the world's largest natural gas field – and Tehran retaliated by striking an energy complex in Qatar. »»»
Facebook offering TikTok and YouTube creators $3,000 to post content
Facebook is offering larger influencers $3,000 (£2,260) a month to post on the platform, as part of its Content Fast Track programme. The social media giant, which has over 3bn users, says the scheme is for creators with over a million followers on other video-sharing sites, citing Instagram, TikTo»»»
Air Pollution to Rise over Europe in Coming Days
Air quality is expected to deteriorate across parts of Europe in the coming days, driven by an increase in microscopic polluting particles, the EU's earth observation program said on Thursday. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) forecast a spike in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in»»»
America’s next Indo-Pacific strategy cannot ignore the playing field - UPI.com
Yao Ming's career with the Houston Rockets transformed basketball into a shared cultural space linking American and Chinese audiences through “hoop diplomacy.” File Photo by Lori Shepler/UPI | License Photo March 19 (UPI) -- As millions of Americans fill out brackets for March Madness, the annual N»»»
Visa launches Agentic Ready program to accelerate AI-powered commerce in Europe
As a starting point for the phased rollout of the new program, Europe offers a robust environment for testing and collaboration. There is a high level of adoption here of tokenization, passkey technology, and advanced authentication methods—capabilities that are already well-developed across the gl»»»
Plasmaserv Metal Connection targets over 15% growth in 2026
In 2025, the market was shaped primarily by the postponement of major modernization projects and longer investment decision cycles, against a backdrop of reduced visibility and still-elevated financing costs. In this environment, the company maintained stable cash flow and recorded a moderate contr»»»
TISA Hotel Group invests over EUR 6 million in Băile Olănești
TISA Hotel Group has invested more than EUR 6 million in expanding its presence in Băile Olănești, strengthening its position within Romania’s growing wellness and balneary tourism sector. The investment supports the development of Grand Hotel TISA, a four-star property scheduled for completion in »»»
Iran war, China loom at summit between Donald Trump, Sanae Takaichi - UPI.com
U.S President Donald Trump (C) was set to welcome Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) to the White House for a return visit on Thursday after the pair forged a strong relationship at a Japan-US summit meeting in Tokyo during a three day visit in October. File photo by Franck Robichon/EPA Mar»»»
Attacks on Gulf energy facilities raise global supply concerns
Capitals, March 19 (SANA) Military escalation between Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other has extended to energy infrastructure in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, raising concerns over global oil and gas supplies relied upon by international markets. As attacks expand»»»
Glas Expert targets American market and exhibits at New York Build 2026
”This is the first time we are exhibiting in America. We have carefully analyzed the U.S. market, which we have been targeting for several years and where we have already completed a specific project at Detroit Airport. However, we strongly believe that our standards, expertise, and attention to de»»»
Pentagon seeking $200 billion to fund Iran war, the Washington Post reports
The Pentagon is seeking more than $200 billion from Congress to fund the Iran war, the Washington Post reports, citing a senior administration official and sources familiar with the matter. If approved, the figure would far exceed the cost of US President Donald Trump’s military operation against I»»»
UAE: Varying rainfall forecast until March 27
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast that the country will be affected by a state of atmospheric instability, with cloud formations moving in from the west toward the country. In a statement today, NCM said that this leads to the development of convective cloud cells over scattered»»»
Trump’s South Pars remarks: Are US and Israel in sync on Iran war strategy?
DUBAI: US President Donald Trump’s response to the latest escalation in the Iran war has raised fresh questions about coordination and messaging between Washington and Israel, even as both allies insist they remain aligned in their broader objectives. In a strongly worded post on his Truth Social p»»»
COMMENT: US ground invasion to take control of Hormuz is extremely risky
With some 5000 US military personnel on their way to the gulf analysts have been speculating that the White House is intending to try and take control of Strait of Hormuz with the ground invasion. Ministry analysts say tha»»»
Iran Kharg Island oil exports continue at 1.4mn bpd, as US set to unfreeze sanctions on oil tankers
Iran's oil exports from the Kharg Island terminal have continued at between 1.1mn and 1.5mn barrels per day despite US strikes on the facility, with tanker tracking data showing no significant disruption to loadings, Iranian media reported on March 19, citing data from Kpler and other energy intell»»»
Iran Kharg Island oil exports continue at 1.4mn bpd, as US set to unfreeze sanctions on oil tankers
Iran's oil exports from the Kharg Island terminal have continued at between 1.1mn and 1.5mn barrels per day despite US strikes on the facility, with tanker tracking data showing no significant disruption to loadings, Iranian media reported on March 19, citing data from Kpler and other energy intell»»»