UAE non-oil sector hits a one-year high in February amid strong demand
Dubai: Business activity across the UAE’s non-oil private sector strengthened in February, reaching its fastest pace in a year as companies reported rising demand, strong new orders and improving supply chain conditions. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The S&P Global U»»»
Seoul stocks suffer record fall as Iran war escalates
South Korea’s equity market has recorded the steepest decline in its history as the widening fallout from the US-Israeli war on Iran rippled across global financial markets. According to multiple local sources, the benchma»»»
Russia’s service sector PMI loses momentum in February, dropping to 51.3
Russia’s service sector PMI lost momentum in February as growth in services eased and manufacturing remained in contraction, according to S&P Global, with inflationary pressures still elevated despite cooling from January’s VAT-driven spike. (chart) »»»
Iranians escape Tehran, arrive in Turkey amid war fears
Dubai: Hundreds of Iranians have begun crossing into neighbouring Turkey as fears grow in Tehran amid the escalating Middle East conflict. Families and individuals were seen arriving at the Kapikoy land border crossing in eastern Turkey, describing a tense and uncertain situation back home. Some tr»»»
Over 200 Kyrgyzstanis being transported from Jeddah to Bishkek and Osh - | 24.KG
Today, March 4, two repatriation flights from Jeddah to Bishkek and Jeddah to Osh are transporting more than 200 citizens to Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic reported. According to the ministry, the Jeddah—Bishkek flight is carrying 90 citizens, while the Jeddah—Os»»»
'Bard Al Agoz' causes sudden drop in Qatar temperatures
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) has stated that 'Bard Al Agoz' brings the last cold waves of the winter season to the country, causing a sudden drop in temperatures. A local term used to describe the last cold spell at the end of winter, Bard Al Agoz refers to a sharp decline in»»»
Strikes against Iran Pose Real Risk to Bulgaria's Security, Caretaker Cabinet's Passive Behaviour Is Concerning, Says Former President Radev
Strikes against Iran pose a real risk to Bulgaria's security, and the passive behaviour of the caretaker government, which downplays the risks and fails to take the necessary measures in such situations, is a cause for concern, former President (2017–2026) Rumen Radev wrote on Facebook on Wednesday»»»
Vazrazhdane Urges President to Convene Consultative Council on National Security
The Vazrazhdane party has called on President Iliana Iotova to convene the National Security Consultative Council (NSCC), leader Kostadin Kostadinov told the media in Parliament on Wednesday. Kostadinov claimed that Iotova's refusal to convene the Council indicates that something is being concealed»»»
UAE Bourses Slide as Markets Reopen after 2-day Halt
Dubai and Abu Dhabi stocks tumbled on Wednesday as they reopened after a two-day halt following Iran's unprecedented wave of missile and drone attacks on the Gulf nation on Sunday. The closure froze trading in billions of dollars' worth of listed assets as investors awaited clarity on the scale of »»»
Spain's Pedro Sánchez hits back at Trump threat to sever trade saying 'no to war'
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has delivered a strong rebuttal to US President Donald Trump's threat to end trade with Spain by declaring his opposition to war and what he called the "breakdown of international law". In a 10-minute televised address Sánchez reflected on the wars in Ukraine an»»»
US Embassy and Consulate in UAE closed until further notice
Abu Dhabi: The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate in Dubai have been closed, and services cannot be provided in those facilities until further notice, the US Embassy announced in a social media post on Wednesday. The announcement comes amid the blatant Iranian aggression on the country. F»»»
Yash’s Toxic postponed to June: Hyper-masculine Yash's action film vs Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2 clash averted
Dubai: Kannada actor Yash has postponed the release of his upcoming film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. The movie, which was earlier scheduled to hit theatres on March 19 clashing with Bollywood blockbuster Dhurandhar 2, will now be released worldwide on June 4, 2026. The makers said the decisi»»»
Cultural figures ask Sadyr Japarov to support film about Frunze and USSR - | 24.KG
A group of prominent cultural figures from Kyrgyzstan and the CIS countries sent a letter to the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, asking him to support the production of a historical documentary film about the city of Frunze and the Soviet era. The letter was signed by People’s and »»»
Interior ministry warns against gathering, filming at accident sites
DOHA: The Ministry of Interior has warned against gathering or being present at accident sites, filming them, or sharing videos related to ongoing developments, in compliance with regulations and laws and to avoid legal repercussions. The Ministry also stressed that all pieces of information must b»»»
Israel Expands Lebanon Strikes, Killing 11
Israel expanded its air strikes in Lebanon on Wednesday, targeting the area around the presidential palace near Beirut and other areas south of the capital as well as strongholds of the Iran-backed Hezbollah party, killing at least 11 people. Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on Monday whe»»»
DP World confirms Jebel Ali Port terminals operating without disruption
Dubai: Operations at Jebel Ali Port, the Middle East’s largest maritime hub, continue without disruption despite heightened geopolitical tensions across the region, according to DP World. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The global ports and logistics operator said all »»»
UAE markets reopen after suspension. Traders brace for volatile session
Dubai: Trading across the UAE’s main stock exchanges resumes today after regulators imposed a two day suspension designed to shield markets from sharp volatility during a period of escalating geopolitical tensions across the Middle East. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances»»»
Israeli attacks proceed in southern Lebanon, latest strikes reported in Houla, Tarflsay and Wadi Bergoz - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Israeli attacks proceed in southern Lebanon, latest strikes reported in Houla, Tarflsay and Wadi Bergoz 04-03-2026 10:28 AM Latest News Urg»»»
Israeli media: Sirens sounded in the North and Eilat due to Iranian missile fire - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Israeli media: Sirens sounded in the North and Eilat due to Iranian missile fire 04-03-2026 00:35 AM Latest News Urgent News Israeli media:»»»
First Group of Bulgarian Citizens to Return From Middle East on Wednesday, PM Says
The first group of Bulgarian citizens evacuated from the Middle East is expected to land at Varna Airport later on Wednesday, Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said before a regular meeting of the Cabinet. Gurov thanked the ministers of foreign affairs, transport, and tourism, along with their teams and »»»
Malayalam actress Swasika back in Kerala after being stuck in Abu Dhabi : ‘UAE authorities are doing an excellent job'
Dubai: Malayalam actress Swasika, who had travelled to Abu Dhabi for a dance workshop, has landed in Kerala after taking the repatriation flight. She told local reporters that there was no 'heavy panic situation', as reported by several Malayalam news channels. Everyone was alert and understandably»»»
PSG, strikers Dembele and Doue among Laureus World Sports Awards nominees
Doha: Paris Saint-Germain and two of its strikers, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, have been nominated across three categories of the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, an event that honours the previous year’s greatest and most inspirational sporting triumphs. Following the Ballon d’Or, the Golden»»»
12 Parties, 10 Coalitions Have Submitted Documents to Register for Upcoming Elections, Says Central Election Commission Deputy Chair
So far, 12 parties and 10 coalitions have submitted registration documents, said Rositsa Mateva, spokesperson and deputy chair of the Central Election Commission (CEC), speaking on Bulgarian National Television (BNT) on Wednesday. A total of eight parties and five coalitions have so far been regist»»»
Qatar Airways continues to temporarily suspend its flights
DOHA: Qatar Airways announced the continued temporary suspension of its flights due to the ongoing closure of Qatari airspace. The airline explained in a post on its official X platform that operations will resume as soon as the Civil Aviation Authority announces the airspace is safe to reopen. Qat»»»
Hormuz Strait Puts Global Economy in ‘Intensive Care’
The Strait of Hormuz is no longer merely an international waterway. In a decisive moment, it has turned into a tightly sealed bottleneck choking the global economy. As plumes of smoke rise from critical energy facilities following military confrontations between Iran on one side and Israel and the »»»
On This Day, March 4: Martha Stewart released from prison - UPI.com
On March 4, 2005, homemaking guru Martha Stewart returned home after serving five months in a federal prison for conspiracy, obstruction of an agency proceeding and making false statements to federal investigators. 1 of 7 | Martha Stewart shows on March 7, 2005, a poncho that was crocheted and give»»»
Unemployment rate in Bucharest fell to 0.46% in January
A number of 6,025 unemployed people, of which 3,709 were women, were registered at the end of January in the records of the Bucharest Municipal Employment Agency (AMOFM), and the unemployment rate dropped to 0.46%, the institution informs.Compared to the previous month, when the unemployment rate w»»»
Unemployment rate in Romania rose to 3.35% in January 2026
The unemployment rate registered at the national level at the end of January 2026 was 3.35%, 0.06 percentage points higher than in the previous month and 0.01 percentage points lower than in January 2025, the National Employment Agency (ANOFM) reported on Tuesday.The total number of registered unem»»»
Presidential adviser Burnete: Romania must build a rainy-day fund
Romania must build a rainy-day fund, as the state needs resources it can mobilise very quickly, presidential adviser Radu Burnete said on Tuesday.Burnete participated, at the Victoria Governmental Palace, in the debate ?Romania: economic growth based on competitiveness,' organised by the Government»»»
WB's Bassani: World Bank Group prepared to support Romania's next phase of growth
Romania has what it takes to succeed and the World Bank Group is ready to support the country's next phase of growth so as to secure its place among the world's most advanced economies, World Bank Vice President for the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Antonella Bassani said on Tuesday.Speaking at the»»»
Mihai Dimian sworn in as incoming education minister
Mihai Dimian on Tuesday took the oath of office as education minister at a ceremony held at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace, in the presence of President Nicusor Dan.Also attending the ceremony was Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.Rector of the Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava since 2024, Dimian »»»
NEW U.S. AMBASSADOR TO ROMANIA DARRYL NIRENBERG MEETS WITH FOREIGN MINISTER OANA TOIU
Darryl Nirenberg, the new U.S. Ambassador to Romania, met Monday with Foreign Minister Oana Toiu to discuss strengthening the U.S.–Romania Strategic Partnership, advancing regional security in the Black Sea region, expanding defense and energy cooperation, promoting increased trade and investment, »»»
New U.S. Ambassador Nirenberg: Together, the U.S. and Romania will continue advancing security
President Nicusor Dan on Tuesday received at Cotroceni Presidential Palace the designated ambassador of the United States of America, Darryl Nirenberg, According to a press release from the Presidential Administration, talks between President Nicusor Dan and Ambassador Darryl Nirenberg focused on t»»»
Fuel prices could reach RON 10 psychological threshold if oil barrel prices exceed USD 120
Fuel prices in Romania could reach RON 10 per litre if the barrel of oil exceeds USD 120 and if the price per tonne of diesel increases further, Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan said on Tuesday.He was asked about what can be expected now in terms of fuel prices, given that some days ago it was claimed t»»»
Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Toiu, on official visit to Poland
Romania wishes to pursue cooperation within the Romania-Poland-Türkiye, as well as within the Bucharest Nine (B9) formats, Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Toiu said on Tuesday while on an official visit to Poland at the invitation of her counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski, on the occasion of Romanian-Poli»»»
Romania in talks over France's proposed nuclear umbrella
Romania is taking part in talks regarding France's nuclear umbrella, but it is too early to draw any conclusions at this stage, official sources said on Tuesday.According to the cited sources, talks on the issue have been underway for some time and have also taken place at NATO level.On Monday, Pre»»»
New WCM-Q course addresses evolving healthcare landscape
Doha, Qatar: The Institute for Population Health (IPH) at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) recently launched a certificate course to support healthcare professionals in adapting to the evolving health and wellbeing landscape. Titled “Smart Health for a Changing World: Trends and Tools,” the thr»»»
Thani Humanitarian launches initiative to support loan defaulters
Doha, Qatar: Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services has reaffirmed that its “Al-Gharimeen” (debtors) Project aims to relieve financially distressed individuals burdened by debt due to circumstances beyond their control, such as job loss, sudden health or social crises, or financial»»»
AD Ports says UAE terminals operating normally amid tensions
Abu Dhabi: AD Ports Group said its operations across all business sectors continue as normal despite ongoing regional developments, stressing that precautionary measures have been activated to ensure the continuity of services and the safety of its workforce and partners. In a statement, the group »»»
Global Village closed for fourth consecutive day
Dubai: Global Village will remain closed on Wednesday, March 4, as regional tensions continue. In a statement, Global Village said the closure is a precautionary safety measure taken in line with official guidance. Visitors have been advised to check the attraction’s official website and social med»»»
Ramadan inside a Filipino-Pakistani household: A time for reflection, family, and the comfort of home in the UAE
Dubai: As Muslims around the world observe Ramadan, homes are once again filled with the warmth of prayer, the aroma of traditional dishes, and the quiet joy of togetherness. For UAE-based Bhatti family, the holy month is not just about fasting, but rather a season of reflection, gratitude, and nur»»»
Awqaf Ministry sets Zakat Al-Fitr at QR15 per person
Doha, Qatar: The Zakat Fund Department at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has officially announced the value of Zakat Al-Fitr for the year 2026, setting it at QR15 per person. This decision aligns with the Department’s ongoing efforts to organise the collection and distribution of Zakat a»»»
Awqaf receives QR400,000 endowment for mosque construction
Doha, Qatar: The General Directorate of Endowments at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has announced the receipt of a new cash endowment valued at 400,000 Qatari Riyals. The donation was made by a benefactor under the management of the General Directorate, with the proceeds explicitly dedi»»»
Aspetar’s scientific roadmap to keep athletes at peak performance
Doha, Qatar: Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, continues its support for athletes by launching a series of comprehensive scientific guidelines designed to assist them throughout the holy month of Ramadan, a period that coincides this year with the postponement or cancellation of se»»»
Gold Climbs Over 1% as Expanding War Fuels Safe haven Demand
Gold prices rose over 1% on Wednesday, rebounding from a more than one-week low hit in the previous session, as a widening Middle East conflict sent global markets tumbling and supported safe-haven demand. Spot gold gained 1.5% to $5,164.42 per ounce by 0701 GMT. US gold futures for April delivery »»»
Irish government to charter flight for citizens stranded in Middle East
The Irish government has said it will charter a flight from Oman in the coming days for Irish citizens to return from the Middle East. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee, said her department will be contacting Irish citizens in the Middle East on Wednesday to travel home on a charter f»»»
Israel Targets Iran’s Security Forces and Leadership as Iran Presses Attacks Across the Region
Explosions sounded in Iran's capital on Wednesday as the war with the United States and Israel entered its fifth day, with Israel targeting the Iranian leadership and security forces and the country responding with missile barrages and drone attacks on Israel and across the Gulf region. The blasts »»»
Student Solves Mystery of Icy ‘Snowmen’ in Solar System’s Outer Reaches
A student has unraveled a long-standing cosmic enigma concerning some of our solar system’s most peculiar objects: icy “snowmen” that populate its outer reaches, according to The Independent. Astronomers have long debated the origins of these 'contact binaries' – objects comprising two connected sp»»»
Gulf Navigation confirms tankers and Fujairah storage running normally
Dubai: Shipping and maritime logistics firm Gulf Navigation Holding said its operations continue without disruption despite heightened tensions across the Middle East, confirming that petroleum storage facilities and tanker fleets remain fully operational. Sign up for our daily business newsletter,»»»
QRCS enhances livelihoods for refugee families in Bangladesh
Doha, Qatar: As part of its efforts to support livelihoods and enhance self-dependence for refugee families in Bangladesh, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has distributed agricultural kits to 400 vulnerable and female-headed households. Implemented in cooperation with Bangladesh Red Crescent Soci»»»