Kuwaiti carrier launches first foreign direct flights to Deir Ezzor airport after 14-year closure
DEIR EZZOR: Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways launched regular direct flights to Syria’s Deir Ezzor on Saturday, marking the first service by a foreign commercial carrier to the eastern city since its airport reopened following a 14-year closure. The inaugural flight from Kuwait City landed at Deir Ezzor In»»»
MENA leadership council brings regional decision-makers to Amman over discussions on Jordan-Gulf partnerships
AMMAN — Senior government officials, business leaders, investors and technology executives from Jordan and across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have convened in Amman recently to discuss strengthening the Kingdom’s regional competitiveness, expanding Gulf partnerships and developing strat»»»
Egypt condemns attack on UAE oil tanker as Hormuz negotiations continue
Egypt on Saturday strongly condemned the missile attack on an oil tanker operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), describing the incident in the Strait of Hormuz as a serious threat to maritime security, regional stability, and global trade, as Iran and Oman continued negotiations over n»»»
Tamil Nadu to pass resolution against delimitation: What it means and why it matters
Tamil Nadu is preparing to formally oppose any fresh delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, amid concerns that a population-based exercise could reduce the state’s share of Lok Sabha seats. Leaders at an all-party meeting agreed to oppose any delimitation exercise and called for the current »»»
Lebanon-Israel talks: a cumulative process or ‘open-ended negotiations’?
BEIRUT: The seventh round of Lebanese-Israeli talks in Rome concluded after three days without agreement on a new pilot zone, while discussions continued over a verification mechanism and other issues. Further rounds are expected as tensions persist on the ground in South Lebanon. Lebanese lawmaker»»»
Colombia shifts right as de la Espriella assumes presidency with hardline security and economic pledges
New right-wing Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn into office on Friday, vowing in his inaugural address to launch a fierce crackdown on drug trafficking, end peace talks with armed groups, and implement strict austerity measures to restore economic confidence. De la Espriella, »»»
Declining US support for Israel intensifies pressure on Netanyahu ahead of elections
Declining political consensus in the United States regarding support for Israel is creating mounting pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and raising deep concerns among Israeli officials about the long-term sustainability of the alliance. Critics argue that Netanyahu’s intense foc»»»
No barriers, no ceremony, just the UAE President walking among people at a busy shopping mall
Abu Dhabi: Shoppers at The Galleria Al Maryah Island, one of Abu Dhabi's busiest shopping destinations, were met with an unexpected sight on Saturday as UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was seen walking through the mall alongside a group of senior officials. Videos shar»»»
Zelensky visits Moscow-friendly Serbia as Russian attacks on Kyiv region kill 4
BELGRADE: President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced Russia’s latest deadly attacks on Kyiv on Saturday as he visited Serbia, one of the few European countries that has maintained friendly relations with Moscow throughout its invasion of Ukraine. Four people, including a child, were killed in the overn»»»
German Chancellor Merz faces internal party rebellion and replacement speculation ahead of regional elections
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is confronting mounting internal party pressure and speculation of an early replacement ahead of critical September regional elections, reflecting an unprecedented state of political turmoil in a country long considered a pillar of European stability, according to P»»»
India’s tourism industry eyes Saudi arrivals with Riyadh Air’s new Mumbai route
NEW DELHI: India’s tourism players are expecting a boost in premium and business travel from Saudi Arabia, following the launch of Riyadh Air’s daily flights to Mumbai. Riyadh Air started operating flights between the Saudi capital and Mumbai on Tuesday, marking the airline’s first Indian route and»»»
Spain imposes border checks on Italian travelers in tit-for-tat move over Ceuta migrants row
MADRID: A diplomatic spat between Spain and Italy over the rush of tens of thousands of migrants to the Spanish territory of Ceuta escalated on Saturday after the government in Madrid announced border controls on Italian travelers in response to Rome’s decision to impose sanctions on visitors from »»»
How vegetarianism is evolving in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Not too long ago, avoiding animal products was considered unusual in Saudi Arabia. Telling people you were vegetarian often came with an inevitable question: But what do you eat? Today, while vegetarianism remains a niche lifestyle, that experience is gradually changing. Nada Al-Dagher, a n»»»
Pakistani passport August update: Full list of visa-free, VOA and e-visa destinations
Planning a summer getaway or a winter holiday? Pakistani passport holders have several destinations to choose from, with entry available through visa-free access, visa on arrival (VOA), electronic travel authorisation (ETA) and e-visa schemes. The latest Henley Passport Index gives Pakistani passpo»»»
Hamas says still ready to go ahead with Gaza plan
Gaza City: Hamas said on Saturday it remained ready to proceed with a US-backed Gaza peace plan and urged pressure on Israel, which insists it did not agree to the latest part of the deal. Hamas informed US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace that it stood by the latest stage of the plan, under»»»
Qatar condemns Iranian attack targeting Emirati tanker in Strait of Hormuz
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar strongly condemned the Iranian attack that targeted an Emirati tanker belonging to ADNOC as it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, considering it a flagrant violation of international law and freedom of navigation, as well as a clear breach of UN Security Council Re»»»
Jeddah Olympiad inspires Saudi students to shape Kingdom’s nuclear future
JEDDAH: As the third International Nuclear Science Olympiad draws to a close in Jeddah, Saudi team members say the competition marks the beginning of a longer journey toward contributing to Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in nuclear science, energy and medicine. For the young Saudis who earned the right t»»»
Where Do Egypt's Students Go After Thanawya Amma? Arab Finance For Information Technology
With the conclusion of the Thanawya Amma examinations, students begin the next stage of their academic journey by choosing their higher education path. Whether they enroll in public, Al-Azhar, private, national, or international universities, academies, or other higher education institutions, these»»»
Hamas says still ready to go ahead with Gaza plan
GAZA CITY: Hamas said on Saturday it remained ready to proceed with a US-backed Gaza peace plan and urged pressure on Israel, which insists it did not agree to the latest part of the deal. Hamas informed US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace that it stood by the latest stage of the plan, under»»»
Philippines, GCC to open more clinics for Gulf-bound workers
MANILA: The Philippines and the Gulf Cooperation Council are in talks to open more accredited medical centers and clinics in the Southeast Asian country, as they seek to improve health screening for Filipino workers headed for the Gulf. More than a million Filipino nationals are living and working »»»
Qatar strongly condemns targeting of Emirati tanker while passing through Strait of Hormuz
DOHA: The State of Qatar has strongly condemned the Iranian attack that targeted an Emirati tanker affiliated with ADNOC company with a missile while it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz, considering it a flagrant violation of the rules of international law and freedom of maritime navigation»»»
From Tehran’s walls to the world: Iran’s visual propaganda as an art of war (2/2)
Tehran at War (Part 2/2). In Iran, the war with the United States is also fought through enormous, state-sponsored posters. Murals transform walls into billboards advertising the official narrative, designed to carry the government's voice far beyond its borders. FRANCE 24 examines this visual stra»»»
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan sign key defense agreement
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed a defense agreement on Friday that would treat an attack on one as an attack on all three, Turkish and Pakistani officials said, solidifying cooperation between the three regional powers at a time of growing security concerns. The agreement was signed in the»»»
Exodus: West Bank hardships drive out Palestinian Christians
Palestinian Christians call themselves "living stones" and say they have lived continuously in the Holy Land for the last 2,000 years. Maybe not for much longer, believes Reverend Mitri Raheb. "If the current conditions continue, there will not be a single Palestinian Christian left by 2050," said »»»
Pentagon revokes former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s access to classified information
The Pentagon revoked former US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's “eligibility” to access classified information and barred him from holding “any sensitive position," alleging Friday that he disclosed sensitive information about Air Force One's capabilities to the media. It follows reporting last »»»
UAE's peak summer is almost over. Here's why August 24 matters
Abu Dhabi: The UAE and the wider Arabian Peninsula will enter the final phase of the peak summer season on August 11, with the rising of the Al Kulaybin stars marking the beginning of Marakhiyat Al Qalaid, the last period of the traditional qayz (peak summer), according to Emirati astronomer Ibrahi»»»
Egypt, Russia seek deeper economic partnership, enhanced trade within BRICS
Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Mohamed Farid Saleh stressed ongoing development in Egyptian-Russian ties, aiming to deepen economic partnership, boost Egyptian exports to Russia, and enhance joint investments. This came during his meeting with Russian Deputy Minister of Economic Development »»»
CNN: Top US Military Leaders Seek Face-Saving Exit from Iran War
Senior US military leaders are actively seeking a face-saving way out of the six-month-long war with Iran, according to a CNN report citing informed sources. The network stated that in recent weeks, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Keane has made it clear in private conversations with othe»»»
Why Houthis’ targeting of civilians, infrastructure is raising stakes across region
LONDON: For much of the past decade Yemen’s Houthi militia built its reputation as an insurgent force fighting a domestic war against the internationally recognized government and Saudi-led coalition. Today, however, its military campaign extends far beyond Yemen’s borders. From missiles and drones»»»
Exodus: Palestinian Christians flee as life in West Bank worsens
Ramallah: Palestinian Christians call themselves "living stones" and say they have lived continuously in the Holy Land for the last 2,000 years. Maybe not for much longer, believes Reverend Mitri Raheb. "If the current conditions continue, there will not be a single Palestinian Christian left by 20»»»
UAE expresses solidarity with Angola, conveys condolences over victims of road accident
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with the Republic of Angola over the victims of a road collision in Cuanza Sul Province, which resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sin»»»
How MENA’s homegrown platforms are democratizing access to finance
RIYADH: Across the Middle East and North Africa, homegrown fintechs are addressing financial exclusion from two entirely different starting points, and two platforms illustrate that divide well: Valu in Egypt, and Arib in Saudi Arabia. Valu is an Egyptian buy now, pay later and consumer finance pla»»»
AI factories will power Saudi Arabia’s next phase of digital transformation, NVIDIA says
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is entering one of the biggest technology infrastructure shifts since the rise of cloud computing, with data centers set to evolve into artificial intelligence factories, a senior NVIDIA executive told Arab News. Marc Domenech, vice president enterprise for Middle East, Turkey,»»»
Iran bets Strait of Hormuz leverage will force US to yield
Washington: The Strait of Hormuz is, by some accounts, named for a Zoroastrian deity destined to emerge victorious after a 9,000-year standoff with an adversary. Iran's leaders feel their own victory is at hand and won't require the same epic patience. They are betting that military pressure will u»»»
Spain imposes border checks on Italy amid Ceuta migration row
Spain announced Friday that it would introduce border controls for travellers arriving from Italy in retaliation for Rome imposing similar measures. The rare spat between the EU nations came after tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco to Spain's North African territory Ceuta&nb»»»
Russian strikes kill three near Kyiv, Zelensky makes landmark visit to Serbia
Russian missile strikes killed three people, including a child, in the Kyiv region on Saturday, said local authorities, as an air raid alert was declared in and around the Ukrainian capital. The attack came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Belgrade on a landmark visit»»»
On This Day, Aug. 8: Nixon announces resignation on TV - UPI.com
On Aug. 8, 1974, facing expected impeachment over the Watergate scandal, Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president to resign. 1 of 4 | President Richard Nixon resigns from the office of the president August 8, 1974, following his role in the Watergate scandal. Photo courtesy CBS | License Photo»»»
Why the United States keeps losing wars
If you are American, then you might be getting damn tired of losing wars. I know I am. And you may be asking yourself, “Why does this keep happening?” It’s an intriguing and disheartening puzzle: Although the United States has been far-and-away the world’s most powerful country for many decades, wi»»»
Priorities for a new Hungarian foreign policy are set out
What is underway at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs may prove to be more than a simple change of leadership: it could amount to a restructuring that reaches to the institution’s foundations. The institute has been transferred from the Prime Minister’s Office back to the Ministry of»»»
Construction underway at 68 sites in Talas region - | 24.KG
The socioeconomic development results for the first six months of 2026 have been summed up in Talas region. The meeting was chaired by Ermat Dzhumaev, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the region. The results of the first half of the year show growth in economic indicators, as well as positive »»»
Ivorians set eyes on talking drum for first time
Abidjan: The Djidji Ayokwe, a sacred "talking drum" which was taken by French colonial troops in 1916 and then to France, arrived back in its home village in Ivory Coast on Friday. The ceremony, on Ivory Coast's national independence day holiday, was the first time today's Ivorians were able to see»»»
Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact, Iran blockade, UAE flights: What UAE residents need to know today (August 8, 2026)
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed a mutual defence pact, the US Navy is enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports, and Iran and Oman are nearing a shipping deal for the Strait of Hormuz, all as the Houthis are blamed for an attack on Najran. Meanwhile, most UAE flights are operating as sche»»»
'Water batteries' for the Philippines? 5 things to know
Manila: The Philippines is entering an unusual phase of its energy transition. It is adding solar and wind power at a pace that could eventually transform the electricity system, while at the same time confronting one of the oldest problems in power generation: What happens when the sun stops shini»»»
Exodus: West Bank hardships drive out Palestinian Christians
RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories: Palestinian Christians call themselves “living stones” and say they have lived continuously in the Holy Land for the last 2,000 years. Maybe not for much longer, believes Reverend Mitri Raheb. “If the current conditions continue, there will not be a single Palesti»»»
Exodus: West Bank hardships drive out Palestinian Christians
RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories: Palestinian Christians call themselves “living stones” and say they have lived continuously in the Holy Land for the last 2,000 years. Maybe not for much longer, believes Reverend Mitri Raheb. “If the current conditions continue, there will not be a single Palesti»»»
US Senate passes Russia sanctions championed by Graham; US House next
WASHINGTON: The U.S. Senate easily passed sweeping Russia sanctions legislation on Friday, advancing a long-delayed measure backed by late Senator Lindsey Graham and setting the stage for consideration by the House of Representatives within weeks. Graham, a South Carolina Republican who died last »»»
How Chef Nabhan Al Ali is preserving Emirati flavours and memories in Dubai
Dubai: The warmth of your mother's hands as she kneads the dough. The aroma of bread baking before sunrise. The crackle of spices blooming in hot Emirati ghee. Long before recipes are written down or traditions are spoken about, this is where a cuisine truly begins. For Chef Nabhan Al Ali, Executiv»»»
After centuries in India, the last Cochin Jews try to keep their history alive
KOCHI, India: As the sun set over Kochi’s historic Jew Town neighborhood, Keith Hallegua donned a gray kippah and began a solitary walk to the synagogue at the end of his cobbled street. It was Shavuot, the Jewish holiday commemorating God giving the Torah to Moses. Hallegua reached the 458-year-ol»»»
Political struggle of far-right ally Smotrich shows faultline in Netanyahu coalition
BEIT EL, West Bank: Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich faces a fight for political survival in elections in October after angering his fellow West Bank settlers by voting not to punish ultra-Orthodox Jews who refuse to serve in the military. The political travails of Smotrich are»»»
World Bank approves $100 million grant to modernize Syria’s financial sector
LONDON: The World Bank on Friday approved a $100 million grant to help the Syrian Arab Republic build a modern, secure and digitally enabled financial sector. The grant from the International Development Association will finance the Syria Financial Sector Modernization Project, which aims to make t»»»