Palestinians face uncertain future as Gaza marks 1,000 days of war
It's the 1,000th day of war since a Hamas-led attack on Israel that sparked the war in Gaza. Other conflicts have emerged in the region, and fragile ceasefires show scars of persistent attacks. Both Israelis and Palestinians are weary of the strain. The fate of over 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, »»»
Energy Minister participates in the extraordinary GCC Petroleum Cooperation Committee meeting
Doha, Qatar: The Minister of State for Energy Affairs, His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, participated in the extraordinary Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Petroleum Cooperation Committee meeting, which was held virtually today with the participation of Their Excellencies the GCC energy ministers»»»
Can Lebanon still prosecute Israel for war crimes under framework agreement?
BEIRUT: Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reassured critics that the US-brokered framework agreement with Israel does not prevent Lebanon from pursuing legal action over alleged Israeli war crimes, insisting the accord merely suspends such action while negotiations proceed in good faith. The clar»»»
How the Eurobarometer poll manufactures consent for Brussels
The European Union’s in-house pollsters have concluded that their citizens overwhelmingly support the decisions made in Brussels, and want more of what the EU is giving them. It doesn’t take much digging to discover that someone is cooking the books. The topline results from the latest Eurobaromete»»»
As World Cup fever swirls, war-torn Yemen gets its own football miracle
SANAA/ADEN: Thousands of miles from North America, where the World Cup is bringing together soccer fans from countries that are otherwise at odds, one of football’s least heralded nations is experiencing its own moment of unity. In a stadium in the ancient city of Sanaa, hundreds have turned out to»»»
Bulgaria's Interior Minister Reveals Private Flight Links Between Peevski, Judge Atanasova and Business Figures
During a parliamentary hearing, Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev outlined ongoing checks related to the air travel of Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) leader Delyan Peevski, who is under U.S. sanctions. The focus of the investigation, he said, is to establish who accompanied the politician »»»
Syrian top diplomat reassures Lebanese leaders on Beirut visit
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani told Lebanon's president on Thursday that Damascus had no intention of intervening militarily in his country, despite U.S. pressure to do so, according to the Lebanese presidency. Shaibani, who also invited President Joseph Aoun to Syria, is visiting Beirut»»»
Philippines reaches upper-middle income country rank
MANILA: The Philippines has been reclassified by the World Bank as an upper-middle income country — a target it has been trying to achieve since the 1980s — after posting a record gross national income per capita of $4,850. The upper-middle income, or UMIC, rank is the World Bank’s category for eco»»»
OIC condemns Israel’s ‘muezzin bill’ to restrict mosques’ call to prayer
LONDON: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation denounced on Thursday the Israeli Knesset’s preliminary approval of a bill that seeks to restrict the Muslim call to prayer through mosques across the country. The OIC described the proposed law as a “discriminatory and racist legislative measure that»»»
Libya’s intransigent factions test US push for unity
Donald Trump lauds himself on his dealmaking. “Deals are my art form,” he writes in his appropriately named 1987 book, The Art of the Deal. “Other people paint beautifully on canvas or write wonderful poetry. I like making deals, preferably big deals. That’s how I get my kicks.” Since taking up off»»»
Controversy-hit Frontex may get powers to deport people from one non-EU state to another
The EU’s border force agency Frontex is set to have its power expanded so that it can deport people between non-EU countries, based on international agreements – raising the possibility of a future role for it in EU-backed return hubs. The idea was confirmed on Thursday (2 July) by the deputy-direc»»»
Trump's Libya deal: a 'forced marriage' between East and West?
In Libya, there is little enthusiasm for a roadmap unveiled in August 2025 by Hanna Tetteh, the United Nations envoy tasked with steering the country out of a prolonged crisis, in which the country is divided between two rival camps, in the east and west. She is the latest in a long line of envoys—»»»
UAE urges citizens in Vietnam to take precautions ahead of tropical storm
The UAE Embassy in Hanoi has urged Emirati citizens in Vietnam to exercise caution as a tropical storm, triggered by a tropical depression over the South China Sea, is expected to affect several parts of the country. The embassy advised UAE nationals to follow all safety instructions issued by the »»»
Regions, cities warn EU budget overhaul could derail affordable housing investment
This story was produced by the European Newsroom (enr), which Tanjug is a part of, in cooperation with the European Committee of the Regions (CoR). The editorial responsibility lies with the enr. BRUSSELS – Local and regional leaders raised concerns that the next multiannual EU budget risks undermi»»»
India, Japan sign AI, energy cooperation pacts on PM Takaichi’s first visit
NEW DELHI: India and Japan signed on Thursday cooperation agreements covering economic security, artificial intelligence and energy resilience, during Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s first official visit to New Delhi. Takaichi arrived in the Indian capital on Wednesday for the 16th Ind»»»
Maxime Prévot on Europe's push to reassert its relevance in the Gulf
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot speaks to Al Majalla at a delicate diplomatic moment for his country. In November, he will take part in one of the largest Belgian economic missions to Saudi Arabia in over a decade, led personally by Queen Mathilde, at a t»»»
Bibi’s Bid to Cut Loose From US Aid Could Be ‘Leap in the Dark’
The Israeli military-industrial complex will surely have significant problems in sustaining the never-ending wars that the country has launched, Ambassador Marco Carnelos, former Italian Diplomat and Middle East Adviser to Prime Ministers Prodi and Berlusconi, tells Sputnik. Carnelos warned that Is»»»
Cricket’s force for good needs repair
The third and final stage of the 2026 women’s T20 World Cup generated some compelling cricket, not all of it flawless. One of the most noteworthy outcomes was Ireland’s first ever T20 World Cup victory. The team had almost achieved that historic landmark against New Zealand on June 19, failing to s»»»
Dubai unveils Digital Twin Platform with 3D models of 195,000 buildings and key assets, boosting smart city planning
Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, on Thursday witnessed the launch of the Dubai Digital Twin Platform during a workshop organised by Dubai Municipality. Writing »»»
Rwanda steps up nuclear ambitions with Russia-backed SMR cooperation agreement
Russia and Rwanda have agreed a roadmap to advance cooperation on small modular reactors (SMRs) and civilian nuclear energy, marking the latest step in Kigali's ambition to introduce nuclear power into its energy mix in the early 2030s. The roadmap was signed during the inaugural meeting of the Joi»»»
Jeddah residents flock to Friday’s bird auction
JEDDAH: The Haraj Bird Market in the south of Jeddah hosts a lively, weekly public auction every Friday afternoon for amateurs, hobbyists and bird enthusiasts who make their way to buy, sell and admire a variety of bird species. The auction features a wide variety of birds, from colorful ornamental»»»
AI and virtual reality take centre stage in Abu Dhabi's anti-drug campaign
Abu Dhabi: As part of the activities marking World Drug Day 2026 and the National Anti-Drug Campaign under the slogan “United Against Drugs: Eradicating the Threat,” the Anti-Narcotics Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters organised an innovative interactive awareness exhibition at B»»»
Education Minister approves secondary school exam results for 2025-2026
Doha, Qatar: Minister of Education and Higher Education HE Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, has approved the first-round General Secondary School Certificate examination results for the 2025–2026 academic year during an official session held at the Ministry's headquarters in the presence »»»
El Shams Pyramids swings to profitability in Q1 2026 Arab Finance For Information Technology
Arab Finance: El Shams Pyramids for Hotels and Touristic Projects returned to profitability in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, reporting a net profit of $1.26 million, versus a net loss of $9.41 million in the corresponding period of 2025, according to the company's financial indicators released on»»»
Leaving for a holiday this summer? Here's how to keep your home safe
Abu Dhabi: With the arrival of holiday seasons and increased travel both within and outside the country, families and individuals are placing greater emphasis on taking the necessary precautions to safeguard their homes and possessions during periods of absence. While travel offers relaxation and e»»»
Lithuania moves to end nuclear weapon ban as ‘situation getting worse’
VILNIUS: Lithuania’s parliamentary parties have agreed on a plan to lift a constitutional ban on nuclear weapons and foreign military bases in the Baltic nation, the president said, in a sign of how Russia is resetting security calculations in the region. The move — a major legal overhaul which wi»»»
Beijing says China-EU trade talks set in the fall, to be held regularly each year
China and the European Union will hold ministerial-level trade talks once or twice a year, China's Commerce Ministry said Thursday, as the two sides work to increase and rebalance trade. The EU faces growing pressure to reduce its trade deficit with China, which widened to about 360 billion euros (»»»
Thailand denies viral claim Macron knelt before king
BANGKOK: Thailand’s foreign ministry denied Thursday that French President Emmanuel Macron knelt before the country’s king during his state visit to Paris this week, after an AI-generated picture circulated online. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida’s trip was the first official visit by a »»»
Iran warns oil tankers to use approved routes in Hormuz or face 'forceful response'
Iran's joint military command warned Thursday that all oil tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz must use its approved routes or face a "forceful response," again ratcheting up tensions over a waterway crucial for international energy supplies. The strait, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf»»»
Bank of Baroda pays $600m to settle NMC Health litigation
Dubai: Bank of Baroda has agreed to pay $600 million (approximately Dh2.2 billion) to settle litigation linked to the collapse of UAE healthcare giant NMC Health, bringing an end to years of legal proceedings against the Indian lender in Abu Dhabi and London. Sign up for our daily business newslett»»»
Jumblat says won't be part of coalition against framework agreement
Druze leader Walid Jumblat declared in an interview with L'Orient-Le Jour that he "will not be part of a coalition to bring down the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel." "We will not support it (the agreement), and I do not want a repeat of the 1983 scenario," Jumblat added. He consider»»»
EU pledges €200mn South Caucasus package
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged up to €200mn ($228mn) in grants for connectivity projects in the South Caucasus during a visit to Baku on July 1, as Azerbaijan and Armenia move towards a peace agreement that both leaders described as having already changed conditions on t»»»
Facing barbs and pressure from Trump, Europe’s leaders close ranks
ROME: US President Donald Trump’s attacks on Italy’s premier have had an unintended consequence. After Trump questioned Italy’s reliability as a wartime ally and claimed Giorgia Meloni had groveled for his attention, European leaders rallied to Meloni’s side, thawing what had been a frosty relation»»»
Amir receives the credentials of UAE and Nigerian Ambassadors
Doha, Qatar: The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received the credentials of two new ambassadors to the State at his office in the Amiri Diwan on Thursday, July 2, 2026.. The Amir received the credentials of HE Saeed bin Abdullah Al Qamzi, Ambassador of the sisterly United Arab Em»»»
Oman says no oil spill after vessel runs aground near Hallaniyat Islands reserve
Dubai: Omani authorities have confirmed that no oil spill occurred after a vessel ran aground near the Hallaniyat Islands Marine Buffer Zone, following inspections of the environmentally protected area. The Environment Authority said it was monitoring the incident after the vessel grounded near Al »»»
Arab companies showcase investments, expand presence at Damascus trade fairs
Damascus, July 2 (SANA) Arab companies are expanding their presence in Syria and exploring new investment opportunities at a series of specialized trade fairs in Damascus, reflecting growing regional interest in the country’s industrial and commercial sectors. The exhibitions have brought together »»»
Beijing tower crash: Pilot had mental health issues, diary revealed suicide thoughts
Beijing: For nearly a week, the question lingered: how did a light aircraft end up crashing into the tallest skyscraper in one of the world's most tightly controlled capitals? On Thursday, Chinese authorities offered an answer. They said the 66-year-old pilot had struggled with insomnia and anxiety»»»
Planning a summer trip? UAE banks urge caution over fake travel deals, scam websites and apps.
Dubai: The UAE Banks Federation (UBF) has urged customers to exercise caution when booking holidays and making travel-related payments, warning that fraudsters are increasingly targeting travellers with fake offers and fraudulent websites during the busy summer travel season. The UBF said scammers »»»
Why a Dh3,000 holiday often ends up costing Dh8,000: Here's where UAE travellers are really spending
Dubai: You find return tickets to Europe for Dh3,000 and think you've landed a bargain. But by the time you've paid for visas, hotel rooms, travel insurance, airport transfers, meals, attraction tickets and baggage fees, that "cheap" summer holiday could easily cost more than Dh8,000—and that's bef»»»
Israeli forces detain Palestinian women in West Bank raids
RAMALLAH: It was shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday when Abdelrahman Badr said he heard footsteps outside his home in Hebron in the occupied West Bank. Soon Israeli forces were at his door, he said. They were looking for his wife.The forces took Itaf Badr, who serves on the board of a prominent health »»»
YouTube rolls out supervised children’s accounts to MENA and Turkiye amid mounting regulatory pressure
LONDON: YouTube has rolled out supervised children’s accounts across the Middle East and Turkiye as regulators and governments increase scrutiny of social media platforms’ impact on young people’s wellbeing. The Alphabet‑owned platform on Wednesday unveiled a package of parental controls designed t»»»
Saudi Arabia and France deepen economic ties through private sector cooperation
PARIS: During his first participation in Vision Golfe, Sultan Al-Musallam, secretary-general of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with France in an interview with Arab News en Francais. According to him, France’s strengt»»»
Iran warns oil tankers to use approved routes in Strait of Hormuz or face a ‘forceful response’
DUBAI: Iran’s joint military command warned Thursday that all oil tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz must use its approved routes or face a “forceful response,” again ratcheting up tensions over a waterway crucial for international energy supplies. The strait, the narrow mouth of the Arabi»»»
RAGOZIN: Ukraine’s history row with Poland threatens its EU path
As it repels Russian aggression, Ukraine suddenly found itself at loggerheads with its western neighbour and strategic ally Poland. A quarrel morphing into systemic confrontation was caused by a significant shift in Ukraine’s memory policy, underway since former military intelligence (HUR) chief Ky»»»
Saudi banks maintain resilience as Q1 deposits rise 3.9%: Alvarez & Marsal
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s largest listed banks posted 3.9 percent deposit growth in the first quarter of 2026, boosting liquidity and reinforcing the sector’s resilience, a new analysis showed. Customer deposits outpaced loan growth during the three months ended March, with aggregate net loans and adv»»»
Sidra Medicine honours Class of 2026 and expands next generation of healthcare leaders
Doha, Qatar: Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 during a graduation ceremony on 30 June 2026 to mark its fourth Medical Education Day. The event highlights Sidra Medicine’s continued investment in developing highly skilled healthcare profe»»»
Syrian foreign minister visits Beirut after Trump comments about taking on Hezbollah
BEIRUT: Syria’s foreign minister traveled to Beirut on Thursday to meet Lebanese government leaders, in his first visit there since US President Donald Trump raised the possibility of Syrian forces combating Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, however, has previous»»»
Commercial Bank organises Career Day in collaboration with Ministry of Labour
Doha, Qatar: As part of its commitment to supporting national talent and contributing to a sustainable future, Commercial Bank organised a Career Day in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, yesterday. The event aimed to showcase career opportunities and strengthen engagement with Qatari talen»»»
‘A Matter of Life & Death’ tackles generational trauma, obsession, and grief
DUBAI: “Dark comedy is my favorite genre,” says Saudi actress and writer Sarah Taibah. “So many comedy films are just silly jokes and nothing is serious, and so many Arabic dramas we watch are so much cheating, and weeping on the floor, and so much sadness. But what I like about dark comedy is that»»»
Saudi cinema pioneer Haifaa Al-Mansour accepts special award at Saudi Film Festival
DHAHRAN: Acclaimed Saudi cinema pioneer Haifaa Al-Mansour took to the stage at the Saudi Film Festival on Wednesday night to accept a special award, praising the “Herculean efforts” of the Kingdom’s Cinema Association. “This honor means a lot to me — not only because it is a Saudi festival that cel»»»