US special operations gets new chief amid Iran war as Jeffers takes new Gaza role
The US Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) has a new commander, with Rear Adm. Thomas Donovan taking over from Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers as the Iran war continues to reshape the US military’s focus in the Middle East. Donovan assumed command during a change-of-command ceremony in Tampa, Flo»»»
UAE leaders congratulate India’s President and PM on Independence Day
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to President Droupadi Murmu of the Republic of India on the occasion of her country's Independence Day. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.His Highness Sh»»»
UAE expresses solidarity with Indonesia after deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake
The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with the Republic of Indonesia over an earthquake that struck the country, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries, in addition to substantial damage to property. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply»»»
Planning your weekend? Here’s when rain could fall across parts of the UAE
Dubai: Parts of the UAE could see light rain this weekend, with the best chance coming on Sunday across northern and eastern areas, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. Saturday itself is expected to remain largely dry. Conditions will be fair to partly cloudy, becoming cloudy at times »»»
UAE state oil company says vessel attacked in Hormuz strait
Dubai, UAE: United Arab Emirates' state-owned oil giant ADNOC said Saturday one of its vessels came under attack in the Hormuz strait, the latest incident in the waterway at the centre of the US-Iran conflict. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) "confirmed that one of its vessels was attacke»»»
Top 10 stories of the week: UAE holidays, visa-free travel and US-Iran conflict developments
From a personal message by Dubai's Ruler about the value of family time to a new visa offer for Indian tourists, several stories captured readers' attention this week. Other major developments included Dubai's announcement of a public holiday for the Prophet Mohammed's Birthday, new travel options »»»
The Expo effect — how Osaka 2025 is shaping Saudi Arabia’s business strategy for Expo 2030
RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia prepares to host Expo 2030, the experience of Osaka 2025 offers lessons on how the Kingdom can turn the six-month event into longer-term economic and business opportunities. Expo 2030 Riyadh is expected to attract more than 42 million visits from 197 countries across a site »»»
UAE state oil company says vessel attacked in Hormuz strait
United Arab Emirates' state-owned oil giant ADNOC said Saturday one of its vessels came under attack in the Hormuz strait, the latest incident in the waterway at the centre of the US-Iran conflict. Tehran has imposed an effective blockade of the strait, a vital shipping route for global energy supp»»»
Iran fires back at Trump's threat to declare Hormuz a US territory
Iran on Saturday fired back at U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz part of U.S. territory, saying the crucial energy waterway it has blockaded "will remain Iranian". Trump has repeatedly said the strait, which Tehran effectively closed at the start of»»»
Telecom Egypt’s consolidated profits leap 46.7% YoY in H1 2026 Arab Finance For Information Technology
Arab Finance: The consolidated net profits attributable to the shareholders of Telecom Egypt rose by 46.68% to EGP 15.266 billion in the first half (H1) of 2026 from EGP 10.407 billion in H1 2025, according to the financial results. The company generated operating revenues valued at EGP 59.215 bill»»»
Why global finance is moving closer to the Gulf
RIYADH: Global financial institutions are rapidly expanding across the Gulf as market reforms and economic transformation programs reshape the region into one of the world’s fastest-growing capital markets. The shift is particularly visible across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with wave of regional hea»»»
How Iran war brought Abraham Lincoln close to the breaking point
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been grappling with dismal conditions for months during the US-Israeli war on Iran, amid mounting reports of severe exhaustion, supply shortages, and mental-health problems among crew members. The problems have sparked an uproar among crew members’ families and prompted »»»
Startup Wrap: Fresh capital flows into MENA gaming, fintech and AI startups
RIYADH: The latest wave of startup activity across the Middle East and North Africa spanned new funding rounds, regulatory approvals and product launches in construction technology, gaming, financial services, insurance, education and digital healthcare. Companies are directing fresh capital toward»»»
UAE-India: A generational partnership for a shared future
On the auspicious occasion of the 80th Independence Day of India, I extend my heartiest greetings to Indians in the UAE. I also take this opportunity to express our gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-Presi»»»
UAE’s ADNOC vessel attacked again in Strait of Hormuz: All you need to know so far
A second vessel operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday evening, August 14, just a day after two ADNOC-affiliated ships were struck in the same waterway. The back-to-back incidents highlight the escalating risks facing commercial shippi»»»
UAE residents' update: US-Iran conflict, Hormuz tensions, ADNOC attack and flight cancellations
The US-Iran conflict remains centred on the Strait of Hormuz, with tensions rising after President Donald Trump said he could declare the strategic waterway US territory. Iran has rejected the claim and said the strait will remain under its authority. For UAE residents, the developments continue to»»»
Saudi leaders offer condolences on death of former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have sent separate cables of condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping over the death of former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, state news agency SPA reported on Friday. King Salman expressed his deepest condolences and sincere s»»»
Can Jared Kushner revive Trump’s stalled Gaza peace plan?
LONDON: It is almost 11 months since US President Donald Trump, standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Sept. 29, 2025, unveiled his 20-point peace plan for Gaza. It was, said the president, a “big day, a beautiful day, potentially one of the greatest days»»»
From classroom to career: Reinventing hospitality education for the real world
Walk the lobby of any five-star hotel in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and you will find a workforce under unprecedented pressure. Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, a pipeline of major sporting events, and the legacy of Expo are generating sustained demand for hospitality talent at a scale the region has nev»»»
Libya’s Haftar played key role in release of US hostage held by Daesh, sources say
DAKAR: Authorities in eastern Libya under military commander Khalifa Haftar helped secure the release of an American missionary held hostage held by a Daesh affiliate in West Africa’s Sahel region, escorting him to freedom through Libya, five sources told Reuters on Friday. Four of the sources said»»»
ADNOC confirms vessel attack in Strait of Hormuz, situation under control
ADNOC confirmed that one of its vessels came under attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Friday evening, August 14. No injuries were reported, and the situation was brought under control. The company said it remains committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of seafarers, while supp»»»
UAE state-owned oil company says vessel attacked in Hormuz strait
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates state-owned oil company said one of its vessels came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz, state media reported on Saturday. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Comnpany (ADNOC) “confirmed that one of its vessels was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on the eveni»»»
Israel forces Palestinians out of Qusra after siege by Jewish settlers
Palestinian residents of the West Bank village of Qusra have been ordered to leave their homes after a days-long siege and repeated attacks by Israeli settlers, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declaring the area a closed military zone in what it claims is a move to protect civilians. In an int»»»
‘We never leave’: Palestinians besieged in West Bank fear Israeli settlers will seize their homes
For nearly a week, Israeli settlers have been surrounding homes in the West bank village of Qusra in a coordinated offensive to force Palestinian residents from their homes in order to seize new land. Palestinian Amin Rahal and his three brothers haven't gone to work in weeks, instead taking turns »»»
Syria’s Arab League envoy, Egyptian official discuss boosting bilateral ties
Cairo, Aug. 15 (SANA) Syria’s Permanent Representative to the Arab League and head of the Syrian mission in Cairo, Yahya Diab, met Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for Arab Affairs Ehab Fahmy. During the meeting, the two sides stressed the importance of Syria’s unity and stability.They also disc»»»
Muslim World League chief delivers Friday sermon at Nigeria’s National Mosque
ABUJA: Muslim World League Secretary-General and Chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa delivered the Friday sermon at the National Mosque in Nigeria’s capital Abuja, where he also led a large congregation in prayer attended by senior Nigerian Musl»»»
Russian view, Tehran's Hormuz trap
The escalation of US armed action against Iran, coupled with the sharp weakening of pro-Iranian groups across the region under parallel Israeli operations, has pushed Tehran to abandon its policy of strategic patience. In its place, according to a former ambassador to Tehran, Aleksandr Maryasov, Ir»»»
Youth from 34 countries launch One Korea alliance in Seoul - UPI.com
1 of 3 | Judges for the Peace Innovation Challenge pose during the 2026 One Korea Youth Forum in Seoul on Aug. 12. From left are Hyo-geon Kim, manager at Gain Consulting Group; Namsik Yoo, co-representative of Alliance for Korea United USA; Joo-hyuk Kim, producer at New Korea Foundation; Geon-dong »»»
What has changed in Afghanistan five years after the Taliban’s return?
NEW YORK CITY: Olga Cherevko has spent the past several months crisscrossing Afghanistan, from Bamiyan and Herat to Paktika, Khost and, most recently, Nuristan, where flash flooding recently tore through villages, leaving families with nothing. Across different landscapes and provinces, the stories»»»
Afghan women face grim future as aid cuts compound Taliban repression, UN envoy warns
NEW YORK CITY: Five years after the Taliban seized control of Kabul for the second time, Afghan women and girls are trapped in what the UN’s top official responsible for the issue described as an unparalleled crisis of rights, which has been worsened by a collapse in international funding that is s»»»
Hezbollah chief calls to reverse 'mistake' of direct talks with Israel - UPI.com
Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem called Friday for “reversing the sinful, disgraceful and humiliating mistake” of Lebanon negotiating peace with Israel. File Photo by Wael Hamzeh/EPA BEIRUT, Lebanon, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem lashed out at the Lebanese offic»»»
‘It’s a performance’: Qusra mayor slams Israeli response to break settler siege
QUSRA, West Bank: Israeli military operations to remove extremist settlers encircling three homes on a hilltop in Qusra are “just a performance,” the village’s mayor told Arab News, as 15 Palestinians remain trapped in a siege in its sixth day. Abdul Azim Wadi said Thursday’s operation marked the n»»»
Saudi content creator turns passion for art into growing Arabic cultural platform
JEDDAH: After many years building and developing digital content teams at major media organizations, Saudi media content creator Farah Al-Ibrahim decided to start her own project to tell stories about art, artists and culture. The result was Fann Culture, an independent Arabic cultural media platfo»»»
Saudi content creator turns passion for art into growing Arabic cultural platform
JEDDAH: After many years building and developing digital content teams at major media organizations, Saudi media content creator Farah Al-Ibrahim decided to start her own project to tell stories about art, artists and culture. The result was Fann Culture, an independent Arabic cultural media platfo»»»
Want to know the cure for ‘brain rot’? Keep reading ...
RIYADH: “Sigma,” “chicken banana,” “Italian brain rot” — to an adult scrolling through a child’s phone, the phrases can sound like fragments of a fever dream. But behind the bizarre characters, repetitive sounds, and seemingly nonsensical memes is a digital language increasingly shaping how young p»»»
Premier League club Liverpool sell minority stake to Jeff Bezos consortium
LONDON: Liverpool’s owners have agreed to sell a minority stake in the Premier League club to a consortium including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. US-based Fenway Sports Group, owners of the 20-time English champions, said they had agreed the deal with 1892 Holdings, a consortium led by British-Indian»»»
‘Designed to inspire and empower’: PIF and Formula E boost learning platform
LONDON: PIF and Formula E are announcing the expansion of the Driving Force program through a new online platform, giving young people worldwide a backstage pass to the future of motorsport through STEM and sustainability education. The multi-dimensional learning program was first launched in April»»»
Eurovision floats end to text votes amid Israel concerns
LONDON: Eurovision organizers are floating major rule changes that aim to prevent influence campaigns affecting voting, the BBC reported on Friday. Voters can vote up to 10 times for their favorite act, according to existing rules. The European Broadcasting Union, in a letter to broadcasters, repor»»»
Sheikh Qassem: Framework Agreement Comprises Lebanon’s Surrender to Israeli Enemy, Hezbollah Will Keep Steadfast till Achieving Victory
Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered on Friday a televised speech on the anniversary of the Divine Victory over the Israeli enemy in 2006, affirming that the Israeli enemy has always resorted to pretexts in order to wage prepared wars on Lebanon. Sheikh Qassem pointed out that o»»»
Kazakh billionaire Turlov bids for presidency of World Chess Federation
Kazakh billionaire Timur Turlov did not set out to run world chess. In late June the founder of Freedom Holding Corp, the Nasdaq-listed financial services group, agreed to stand as deputy to Arkady Dvorkovich, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) president seeking a third term. Then on July 23»»»
Kazakh billionaire Turlov bids for presidency of World Chess Federation
Kazakh billionaire Timur Turlov did not set out to run world chess. In late June the founder of Freedom Holding Corp, the Nasdaq-listed financial services group, agreed to stand as deputy to Arkady Dvorkovich, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) president seeking a third term. Then on July 23»»»
NZ withdraws support for Infantino, Oceania backs review of scrapped stake sale plan
MELBOURNE: New Zealand became the latest nation to withdraw its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s reelection bid on Friday over the aborted commercial rights stake sale plan, while Oceania’s confederation cautiously backed the governing body’s leadership. Infantino has faced open revolt»»»
Netanyahu sparks anger after calling UK an ‘Islamic republic’
LONDON: Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked outcry both in Israel and the UK after he referred to Britain as the “first Islamic republic” with nuclear weapons. The Israeli prime minister’s comments appeared to mirror inaccurate far-right conspiracies claiming that Britain is being “taken over” by its Mu»»»
Jared Kushner to visit Israel to bridge gaps on Gaza plan
Jerusalem: US President Donald Trump's envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner will visit Israel next week in hopes of bridging gaps on a Gaza plan rejected by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, officials said Friday. Kushner and Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza of Trump's so-called B»»»
Trump Stops Short of Endorsing Netanyahu as His Campaign Falters: Axios - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Trump Stops Short of Endorsing Netanyahu as His Campaign Falters: Axios 14-08-2026 18:08 PM US President Donald Trump and Zionist Prime Min»»»
Qatar concludes its combined report discussion with UN disability committee
Geneva: The State of Qatar concluded its discussion of its combined report covering the second to fourth periodic reports on the implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, during the interactive dialogue with the United Nations Committee on the Ri»»»
Russia swings 93% of its rail trade to friendly states as it maps corridors to the Indian Ocean
Russia is stitching together a web of new railway corridors that reach from the South Caucasus to the Indian Ocean, redirecting freight away from Europe and towards Asia and the Global South as it makes a pivot to the east. More than 93% of Russian Railways' (RZD) international traffic already runs»»»
Hormuz crisis: What UAE residents need to know this evening (August 14)
Dubai: Friday saw a steady stream of updates across the region, from maritime developments in the Strait of Hormuz to further adjustments on regional flight schedules. Airlines continue to advise passengers to check their flight status before travelling, while energy markets remain in focus. Here's»»»
Tunisian Embassy in Abu Dhabi allocates 10 days for issuing, renewing, and replacing national ID cards for Tunisian nationals
Tunis, August 14 (TAP) — The Tunisian Embassy in Abu Dhabi announced on Friday that the Ministry of Interior has dispatched a technical team to the United Arab Emirates to provide Tunisian nationals residing in the country with services related to...»»»
AIPAC attacks NYT columnist over call for Michigan’s El-Sayed to challenge pro-Israel lobby
LONDON: The American Israel Public Affairs Committee condemned senior New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman on Wednesday following Friedman’s encouragement of Michigan Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed to “be true to your pro-Palestinian, Arab American roots and stick it to” the pro-Israel lob»»»