European countries condemn Damascus bombing, express solidarity with Syria
Capitals, July 3 (SANA) The European Union, Germany, Spain and Belgium have strongly condemned on Friday the bomb attack in Damascus that killed at least 10 people and wounded 21 others, expressing solidarity with the Syrian people and reaffirming their support for the country’s sovereignty and cou»»»
Pilot who hit Beijing's tallest tower wrote about 'ending his life', officials say
The pilot who flew a small plane into Beijing's tallest building wrote in his diary about “ending his life”, Chinese authorities said Thursday, aiming to end speculation swirling around an incident that raised concerns about aviation security in China's capital. The pilot who died after crashi»»»
Tomodachi festival brings spirit of Japan to Saudi Arabia
JEDDAH: Citizens and residents of Jeddah are experiencing the rich culture, fine arts, and umami flavors of Japan at the Tomodachi Japanese Festival. The name of the festival, which translates to ‘friends,’ began on Thursday and will run until Saturday at the Jeddah Center for Forums and Events. It»»»
Pakistan's Unprecedented Tehran Move: What's the Real Agenda?
Pakistan is investing significant political capital in the Iranian track. In return, it expects Tehran to respect its mediatory role and cooperate on security matters. Pakistan has sent a high-level delegation to Iran for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's farewell ceremony, led by PM Shehbaz Sharif and»»»
Israel military says struck Hezbollah positions in south Lebanon
JERUSALEM: Israel’s military said Friday it had struck several Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon a day earlier in response to attacks on its troops in the area. Israel and Lebanon signed a US-sponsored framework agreement last week to pave the way for peace between the two countries and disarm Ir»»»
Red fox plays vital ecological role in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: The red fox, one of the most common carnivorous mammals in the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, plays an important ecological role in Saudi Arabia. Regarded in Arab folklore as a symbol of intelligence and quick wit, the canine helps to regulate populations of rodents and other smal»»»
Iran warns US and Israel against attacks on Khamenei funeral
Iran has warned the US and Israel against any attacks during the upcoming funeral processions for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening strikes of the war, as Tehran prepares for days of heavily secured mourning ceremonies. Funeral processions for Khamenei are se»»»
La. Supreme Court grants stay of AG Liz Murrill's indictment - UPI.com
The Louisiana Supreme Court granted a stay on state Attorney General Liz Murrill's indictment, less than 24 hours after a grand jury approved malfeasance and intimidation charges. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo July 3 (UPI) -- The Louisiana Supreme Court granted a stay on state At»»»
International condemnation of terrorist bombing of Damascus café
Capitals, July 3 (SANA) Bahrain, South Korea, Japan and the International Commission for the Protection of Civilians (I.C.P.C.) condemned on Friday the terrorist bombing that targeted a café near the Palace of Justice in the al-Hijaz district of the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Thursday.Bahrain’s F»»»
Sick leave: Germany rising but not the worst in Europe
BusinessGermanySick leave: Germany rising but not the worst in EuropeNik MartinSick leave in Germany has hit a new record, with workers taking an average of nearly 20 days off per year. As Chancellor Merz cracks down, how does the country's absenteeism compare to other countries? https://p.dw.com/p»»»
Sick leave: Germany not top in Europe
BusinessGermanySick leave: Germany not top in EuropeNik MartinSick leave in Germany has hit a new record, with workers taking an average of nearly 20 days off per year. As Chancellor Merz cracks down, how does the country's absenteeism compare to other countries? https://p.dw.com/p/5GVMWWorkers in »»»
Air India’s budget airline restores all flights to Gulf region
NEW DELHI: Air India’s low-cost carrier will restore all its flights to the Gulf region by the end of this week, the company has announced, months after the US-Israeli war on Iran triggered major disruptions to the global aviation industry. Tens of thousands of flights in and out of the Middle East»»»
Right-wing AfD threatens eastern Germany's energy transition
BusinessGermanyRight-wing AfD threatens eastern Germany's energy transitionAstrid Prange de OliveiraGermany's right-wing AfD wants to revive coal and nuclear power and curb non-EU immigration. Businesses in eastern Germany warn that its policies could harm the economy. https://p.dw.com/p/5GT7YSaxon»»»
Why is France betting on Oman amid the Hormuz crisis? – Ya Libnan
Share: Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq before a meeting at the Élysée Palace in Paris on June 29 with French President Emmanuel Macron © Michel Euler, AP After months of crisis in the Middle East, France is looking to build its influence in the region by strengthening relations with Oman – a small»»»
Lazarevic: Serbian companies to become involved in large-scale projects in Libya
BELGRADE - Speaking to Tanjug after a recent successful visit to Libya, Serbian Minister of Internal and External Trade Jagoda Lazarevic said on Friday Serbia would boost its cooperation with the country in various areas and that the goal was to get Serbian companies involved in numerous large-scal»»»
'Tragic for Fidesz': Top Hungarian political analyst warns party is wasting its chance to recover
Hungarian political analyst Gábor Török has delivered a strict assessment of Fidesz, arguing that the party’s failure to renew itself following its election defeat could prove “almost as tragic” as the result itself. Writing on Facebook, Török said the absence of both new leadership and fresh polit»»»
Sick leave: Why German workers can't get enough
BusinessGermanySick leave: Why German workers can't get enoughNik MartinSick leave in Germany has hit a new record, with workers taking an average of nearly 20 days off per year. As Chancellor Merz cracks down, how does the country's absenteeism compare to other countries? https://p.dw.com/p/5GVMWW»»»
Trump says 'ridiculous' for US to maintain current support for NATO
Washington, United States: President Donald Trump said Thursday it is "ridiculous" for the United States to continue its "one sided" relationship with NATO, less than a week before a NATO summit in Ankara. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "They were not there for us!!!" and Washington's re»»»
IACE recommends enacting at least three priority economic reform laws by the end of 2026
Tunis, July 3 (TAP) – The Arab Institute of Business Leaders (IACE) has urged the government to adopt at least three priority economic reform laws by the end of 2026, warning that continued legislative delays are undermining growth and investment....»»»
Gulf airlines move to secure prized Boeing, Airbus slots
Dubai: Airlines in the Gulf are looking to snap up earlier delivery slots for Boeing Co. and Airbus SE aircraft that may be freed up as Air India Ltd. discusses potentially deferring some orders, according to people familiar with the matter. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Bala»»»
Syria rules out military intervention in Lebanon, to focus on rebuilding ties – Ya Libnan
Share: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, right, welcomes Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, to the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, 2 July 2026. © Lebanese Presidency press office via AP Syria has ruled out military intervention in Lebanon despite US pressure to act agai»»»
S. Korea unification ministry gauges public opinion on using N. Korea's official name - UPI.com
Chang Yoon-jeong, deputy spokesperson at South Korea's Unification Ministry, speaks at a regular briefing in Seoul in this June 26 file photo. File Photo by Yonhap The unification ministry said Friday it views growing calls to refer to North Korea by its official name as part of a broader effort to»»»
"I Will Defend the National Interest" - Bulgaria's PM Vows to Resist EU-Russia Sanctions Package
Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated during parliamentary control that Bulgaria will place reservations on the EU’s 21st sanctions package against Russia, saying the move is driven by what he described as the country’s national interest. “I will do this because I defend and uphold the Bulgarian nation»»»
Iran prepares for dayslong funeral for late Supreme Leader Khamenei
Iran prepared Friday for the dayslong funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with banners across Tehran urging the public to rise up in support of the Islamic Republic after the devastating war that killed the 86-year-old cleric. The country's theocracy plans to see millions flo»»»
Electro-Alfa International marks 35 years of growth and announces a new phase of development
Over the past 35 years, Electro-Alfa International has continuously evolved through sustained investments in expanding its industrial capabilities, developing proprietary products, advancing research and development, digitalization, integrated services, and strategic partnerships with international»»»
North Korea behind two-thirds of crypto theft in H1 2026, report says - UPI.com
North Korean hackers stole $643 million in cryptocurrency in the first half of 2026, a report by TRM Labs said, accounting for roughly two-thirds of all crypto funds stolen worldwide. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo SEOUL, July 3 (UPI) -- North Korean-linked hackers stole roughly $»»»
IRGC Warns of Crushing Response to Enemies
The IRGC warned that any miscalculation by Iran’s adversaries would be met with a “decisive and crushing response,” as it called for massive public participation in the farewell and funeral ceremonies of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei. In a statement released»»»
Tears Mark Solemn Tribute as Hezbollah Officials Honor Martyred Leader: Video
An official Hezbollah delegation paid an emotional tribute to martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Friday. The footage shows the delegation lined in silence, heads bowed, before emotion overtook some officials who tried to contain their grief during the mo»»»
Is Revolut getting a new rival in Hungary? Payments face big shake-up as global fintech launches from Budapest
An Indian-founded global payments company has chosen Hungary as the base for its European expansion after receiving a key financial licence from the Hungarian National Bank (MNB). PAY TEN EU Kft., the Hungarian subsidiary of Pay10, has been granted an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence, all»»»
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers take over Palestinian’s dream home
JALUD: Palestinian Mohammad Salameh was building a home for his family in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where his recently engaged son was meant to start married life. Instead, before construction was complete, a group of Israeli settlers seized the property. Video filmed earlier in the week and»»»
Celebrating 250 years of American history
Doha, Qatar: As Americans prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of US independence on July 4, 2026, audiences in Qatar and around the world have been invited to explore the history, values, and landmarks that define the United States. Among the most recognisable are the presidential monuments »»»
Qatar participates in meeting of GCC Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar participated in the Extraordinary Meeting of Their Excellencies the Members of the Ministerial Committee for Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held yesterday via videoconference. The State of Qatar was represented by a »»»
Pentagon's European Troop Reduction Plan Shot Down by Trump Officials - US Media
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's proposals for additional reductions to the American military presence in Europe were rejected by the administration of President Donald Trump, US media reported, citing sources. Hegseth had intended to announce the additional reductions in June at a meeting with N»»»
Qatar participates in extraordinary meeting of GCC Petroleum Cooperation Committee
Doha, Qatar: Minister of State for Energy Affairs, H E Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, participated in the extraordinary Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Petroleum Cooperation Committee meeting, which was held virtually yesterday with the participation of Their Excellencies the GCC energy ministers and His Ex»»»
Saudi mangrove park leads coastal conservation efforts
RAS TANURA: The Arabian Gulf coastline is chockfull of treasures, and the Grey Mangrove, known as Avicennia marina, will greet you readily at the surface. Situated in the aptly-named Ras Tanura, its city moniker was derived from the Arabic for “Cape Oven,” due to it’s oven-like heat and humidity; t»»»
250 years of US independence: Why France chose to support the American Revolutionaries
French support for the American Revolution began well before the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. King Louis XVI saw the rebellion in North America as an opportunity to weaken his British rival and avenge past defeats. FRANCE 24 looks back at how European colonial rivalry and Enlightenm»»»
What to know about the funeral and burial of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei
Months after the killing of Iran's supreme leader at the start of its war with the United States and Israel, mourners will hold a dayslong funeral and burial for the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The mourning period will see Khamenei's body carried through cities in both Iran and neighboring Iraq. I»»»
Culture Minister attends opening of Heritage Museum in Syria
Damascus: In the presence of Minister of Culture H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani, Minister of Culture of the Syrian Arab Republic Mohammad Yassin Saleh opened private folk heritage museum in the city of Jayroud in the Damascus countryside, a step that reflects a shared commitment to prese»»»
‘A melody that refused to leave my soul’ — Abeer Balubaid on her song for AlUla
ALULA: Saudi pianist and composer Abeer Balubaid recently won the AlUla Music Competition — meaning her entry “The Passage of Light” will now welcome visitors as they enter the site. Launched by Arts AlUla, the competition was designed to celebrate and support musical talent within the Kingdom. Sau»»»
Powerful general in Iran emerges from hiding as Tehran prepares for Khamenei’s dayslong funeral
DUBAI: A powerful general who leads Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard emerged from hiding as Tehran prepared Friday for the dayslong funeral for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Photos published online by Iranian state media showed Gen. Ahmad Vahidi attending a meeting about th»»»
South Korea’s president to attend NATO summit in Ankara and visit Mongolia
SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will attend a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkiye, from July 7 to 8, Seoul’s national security adviser said on Friday. Lee aims to build defense industry cooperation between South Korea and NATO member countries, Wi Sung-lac told a press briefing. In Ankara, »»»
Arab teams at World Cup 2026: Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 to move into World Cup last 16
VANCOUVER: Switzerland moved into the last 16 of the World Cup with a controlled 2-0 win against Algeria on Thursday. The Swiss will face the winners of Friday’s tie between Colombia and Ghana. The effervescent Johan Manzambi created the first goal in Vancouver, surging down the left wing before cr»»»
Putin shrugs off fuel shortages in Russia as he ramps up attacks on Ukraine
Despite severe fuel shortages across Russia, President Vladimir Putin appears unbothered by Ukraine’s increasing attacks on his country’s oil refineries. He has shrugged off the setback for one of the world’s leading oil producing nations as “not critical,” dismissed ceasefire proposals and insiste»»»
Saudi Water Week ends with roadmap for World Water Forum 2027 in Riyadh
JEDDAH: The first edition of Saudi Water Week concluded in Jeddah on Thursday after five days of discussions that brought together more than 2,500 participants from over 80 countries and laid out a roadmap toward the 11th World Water Forum, which Saudi Arabia will host in Riyadh in 2027. The June 2»»»
Indian passport slips in July amid citizenship row and new fees: Where’s visa-free travel still allowed
India’s passport has slipped to 80th place in the latest Henley Passport Index for July, despite offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 56 destinations. The ranking is down from 78th in May, although India had climbed to 75th globally in the Henley Passport Index 2026 released in February »»»
China challenges dollar dominance with Africa-wide yuan clearing hub
China has taken another step towards expanding the international use of the yuan in Africa by appointing Standard Bank Group (JSE: SBK) and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (SSE: 601398; HKEX: 1398) to operate the continent's first continent-wide renminbi clearing arrangement, reducing Afric»»»
Sudanese paramilitary massing for El Obeid assault targeting key civilian infrastructure, Yale study warns
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan have intensified their bombardment of the strategic city of El Obeid, targeting fuel stations, electricity infrastructure, markets and residential neighbourhoods in a campaign that is accelerating the humanitarian crisis and raising the risk of a»»»
Israelis join protests and memorials to mark 1,000 days since October 7 Hamas attack
Israelis on Thursday held memorials and joined protests to mark 1,000 days since the deadly October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered the war in Gaza. Many Israelis are calling for an official enquiry into why the government failed to prevent the attack and how it handled the aftermath duri»»»
Syria rules out military intervention in Lebanon despite US pressure
Syria has ruled out military intervention in Lebanon despite US pressure to act against Hezbollah, saying it seeks to avoid escalation and focus on rebuilding ties with Beirut. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani told Lebanon's president on Thursday that Damascus had no intention of interveni»»»
Friday sermon, July 3, 2026: Welcome, O Summer
First Sermon (Khutbah One) All praise is due to Allah, who has made the succession of days a blessing and the changing of the seasons a mercy. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, and I bear witness that our Master and Prophet Muḥammad is the Messenger of Allah. May Allah's peace, b»»»