UAE universities reopen online, some with hybrid class, temporary relocation options
Dubai: While most UAE universities are resuming classes online after spring break today, some higher education institutions with residential campuses have introduced hybrid learning arrangements and temporary relocation provisions, ensuring that students, whether in their hostels or back home, coul»»»
UAE air defences responding to incoming missile, drone threats from Iran
Abu Dhabi: The UAE Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed that its air defence systems responded to incoming missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) launched from Iran, amid rising regional tensions. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app now - it's completely fre»»»
RAF downs Iranian drone as UK escalates support for US operations against Iran — Araghchi issues stark warning
The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that a UK counter-drone unit has downed an Iranian drone. The ministry also issued an update late on Sunday (March 22) confirming RAF Typhoons and F-35s are conducting "defensive patrols" over Cyprus, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain. Force protection r»»»
Saudi defences intercept, destroy seven drones in the Eastern Region on March 22
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence announced the interception and destruction of seven drones in the Eastern Region on Sunday (March 22). The statement was made by the Ministry’s official spokesperson, Major General Turki Al Maliki, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. A day earlier, on S»»»
Saudi Arabia has expelled Iranian diplomats following continued strikes on its territory
Saudi Arabia has expelled several Iranian diplomats, citing Tehran’s strikes on its territory. The move comes after 12 Arab and Muslim countries, including those hosting US bases, denounced the Islamic Republic’s retaliation for the US-Israeli bombardment that began on February 28. On Saturday, the»»»
Israel to expand ground and air attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon
The Israeli military says plans for the expansion of ground and air attacks against the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah have been approved, amid fears in Lebanon that Israel is preparing a large-scale ground invasion of the country. Israel has intensified its campaign against Hezbollah, an Iranian-b»»»
Saudi Arabia streamlines Umrah departures
Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced streamlined procedures to facilitate the departure of Umrah pilgrims, while warning against overstaying visas. The ministry urged pilgrims to coordinate with Umrah companies to confirm travel schedules and complete check-out arrangemen»»»
Why the world can’t bypass the Strait of Hormuz — even with pipelines and $200b plans
Dubai: As tensions escalate in the Gulf, a familiar question is back: if the Strait of Hormuz is so risky, why not just move oil another way? The scale makes that far harder than it sounds. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Roughly 20 million barrels of oil — about 20% o»»»
Operation Eaten Straw: Hezbollah Demonstrates Advanced Firepower, Tactical Precision
Hezbollah’s Islamic Resistance in Lebanon unleashed on Sunday a relentless and meticulously coordinated wave of strikes across the occupied territories under “Operation Eaten Straw,” demonstrating unprecedented precision and operational intensity. Using advanced missiles and squadrons of combat dro»»»
Ignore batteries at your own peril
Batteries are rapidly becoming one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century. They sit at the heart of the global shift toward electrified transport, and more resilient power systems. In a word: a game-changer. At the most basic level, batteries solve a fundamental problem: energy»»»
Iran Beats US & Israeli Missile Defenses by Exploiting Their Weaknesses
Iran carried out missile strikes on Israeli towns of Dimona and Arad on March 21. Air defense systems like THAAD and Iron Dome may be highly capable but they still struggle with combined missile and drone attacks from multiple directions, Imad Salamey, associate professor at the Lebanese American U»»»
Third academic term kicks off online across UAE schools
Dubai: The third academic term for the 2025–2026 school year will begin on Monday for students across all levels in public and private schools in UAE following the Ministry of Education curriculum, with classes to be held remotely for two weeks after the spring break. The Ministry of Education has »»»
Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank, attacking people and properties
Extremist Jewish settlers have carried out a spate of attacks on Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank, setting fire to homes, vehicles and agricultural fields. The violence began after a teenage settler - 18-year-old Yehuda Sherman - was killed on Saturday, after reportedly being hit by a»»»
No shortage fears as UAE strengthens food security system
Sharjah: Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, said that the UAE has a strong and advanced food security system that does not rely solely on local stockpiles, but is supported by an extensive network of economic rel»»»
Nikoloski: New flights from Ohrid to Bratislava, Milan to boost tourism, economy
Skopje, 17 March 2026 (MIA) — As of March 17, travelers can fly directly from Ohrid’s St. Paul the Apostle Airport to Bratislava, with a new flight to Milan launching March 29, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski. In a Facebook post, Nikoloski said the »»»
UAE reviews national preparedness to tackle current challenges
Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s Higher Committee for Internal Security held a meeting on Sunday to review national preparedness and strengthen readiness to address current challenges. The meeting, chaired by Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, focused on ensuring»»»
Iran Threatens to Retaliate against Gulf Energy and Water after Trump Ultimatum
Iran said on Sunday it would strike the energy and water systems of its Gulf neighbors in retaliation if US President Donald Trump follows through with a threat to hit Iran's electricity grid in 48 hours, escalating the three-week-old war. The prospect of tit-for-tat strikes on civilian infrastruct»»»
US Air Defenses Not Suited for Modern Combat — Ex-Air Force Officer
The US defenses are "bloated" in Israel, while also spread across the Gulf countries to protect American bases, so they can’t intercept all the Iranian drones and missiles, former colonel of Pakistan’s Air Force Sultan M. Hali tells Sputnik, commenting on recent Iran’s strikes against Dimona and Ar»»»
U.S. Supreme Court to consider mail-in ballot deadline case Monday - UPI.com
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett listen as President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber at the U.S»»»
Rustaq tragedy: Four children die in building collapse
Dubai: Four children were killed and three others seriously injured after an abandoned building collapsed while they were playing inside it in Oman’s Wilayat of Rustaq, security authorities said on Sunday. According to the Royal Oman Police (ROP), the incident occurred in the Al Haimli area, where »»»
Israel launches wave of strikes on south Lebanon, hits key bridge
Israel said it struck "Hezbollah" targets in south Lebanon on Sunday shortly after the military was ordered to destroy bridges allegedly used by the Iran-backed group across the Litani River. Lebanese official media reported Israeli raids in several areas of the south, while an AFP correspondent sa»»»
Iran vows to hit regional water infrastructure if attacked
Paris: Attacks on water systems are uncommon in wartime, but Iran has threatened to target desalination plants after it said its own water and energy infrastructure had sustained damage in the ongoing war with Israel and the US. What has Iran said?Iran's military renewed its threats on Sunday again»»»
Cyber-attacks linked to remote work rise by 40%
Dubai: UAE Cybersecurity authorities have warned of a sharp rise in cyber risks linked to remote working, with incidents increasing by more than 40 per cent in recent years. According to official data from the UAE Cyber Security Council, around 38 per cent of modern cyberattacks now target infrastr»»»
Gargash says Iran aggression drives stronger GCC security and partnerships
Dubai: Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, said Iran’s brutal aggression against GCC countries carries profound geopolitical implications and reinforces the centrality of the Iranian threat in Gulf strategic thinking. He added that the country’s handling of crises of»»»
Historical Town of Veliko Tarnovo Celebrates Its Holiday
The historical town of Veliko Tarnovo celebrated its holiday on Sunday. Among the official guests were National Assembly Chair Raya Nazaryan, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Daniel Panov, Municipal Council Chair Ventsislav Spirdonov, Regional Governor Valentin Mihaylov and »»»
Kuwait submits protest to ICAO over Iran airspace violations
Dubai: Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority has submitted a formal protest to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) over what it described as serious violations of the country’s airspace and attacks affecting Kuwait International Airport. In a statement, the authority said the move foll»»»
Saudi ports authority launch initiative to supply ships with fuel and essentials
Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Ports (Mawani) has launched a new initiative to provide integrated services for ships operating in ports across the Kingdom’s Eastern Region. In a statement, Mawani said the initiative is designed to deliver fast and direct services to vessels, making use»»»
Iran’s Dimona Strike Shatters Myth of ‘Impenetrable’ THAAD, Patriot & Arrow Air Defenses - Analyst
Iran’s huge leap in missile capability allowed it to punch through Israel’s vaunted multi-layered air defense shield, says political science and international relations expert Dr. Simon Tsipis. That explains why several warheads in Iran’s retaliatory strike on Dimona, home to Israel’s nuclear resea»»»
War costs rise as economic strain, political divisions grow in Washington
Washington, March 22 (SANA) Concerns are mounting over the rising cost of the U.S. war against Iran and its impact on the domestic economy and global stability, as Washington’s strategic objectives evolve. Rising costs strain the economy Estimates from research institutions, including the Center fo»»»
US‑Israel war with Iran Day 23: What UAE residents need to know today
Dubai: UAE air defences intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran, ensuring public safety across the country. Residents were advised to stay updated on travel and flight schedules, while authorities highlighted key measures to strengthen infrastructure, electricity, wate»»»
Defence ministry confirms all seven martyred in helicopter crash
DOHA: The Ministry of Defense has confirmed the martyrdom of the final missing victim from the helicopter that crashed in the country's territorial waters early Sunday. A ministry statement on X said, "upon conclusion of search and rescue operations for the crew and personnel of the helicopter assi»»»
Senegal's Idrissa Gueye ready to 'hand back' AFCON medals
Paris, France: Midfielder Idrissa Gueye said that his Senegal side deserved to be Africa Cup of Nations champions but he was ready to "hand back the medals" to Morocco if it eases tension between the two countries. Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in extra-time in the January final in Rabat but CAF punishe»»»
Iran missile strikes wound over 100 in two south Israel towns
Iranian missile strikes on two southern Israeli towns wounded more than 100 people on Saturday, medics said, after Israeli air defence systems failed to intercept the projectiles. The two direct hits tore open the fronts of residential buildings and carved craters into the ground. Magen David Adom »»»
Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum intensifies Hormuz battle: Why forcing the strait open is high risk
Dubai: As the war between the United States and Iran enters its fourth week, the Strait of Hormuz has become the conflict’s most critical — and volatile — battlefield. The narrow chokepoint, through which a significant share of the world’s oil passes, is now effectively paralysed. Iran has largely »»»
Rocket fire from Lebanon kills one in north Israel as Hezbollah claims attacks
Israel said rocket fire from Lebanon killed one person on Sunday as Hezbollah said it attacked soldiers in northern Israel, the first fatality there in fire from Lebanon since the latest war erupted. Israel's ZAKA 360 emergency response unit said a person was pronounced dead after a strike on their»»»
UAE air defences engage 4 ballistic missiles, 25 UAVs on March 22
Dubai: UAE air defence systems on March 22, 2026, intercepted four ballistic missiles and 25 UAVs launched from Iran. Since the start of what authorities described as blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have intercepted 345 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,773 UAVs. Also Read:»»»
UAE President conveys condolences to family of Iranian terror attack victim
Dr Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the President’s Office for Strategic Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, conveyed the condolences of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the family of Alaa Nader Awni Mushtaha, who passed away following the I»»»
No assessment Iran could strike London, UK minister says
There is "no assessment to substantiate" Israel's claim that Iran has long-range missiles capable of reaching London, a UK cabinet minister has said. Housing Secretary Steve Reed told the BBC there was "no specific assessment that the Iranians are targeting the UK - or even could if they wanted to"»»»
Iranian Military Intercepts Another F-15 Fighter Jet - Reports
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - The Iranian military has intercepted another F-15 fighter jet during the conflict with the United States and Israel, the Iranian state-run broadcaster IRIB reported on Sunday. A F-15 fighter jet was intercepted off the southern coast of the country near the island of Hormuz, afte»»»
'It's been bittersweet': The Iranian-Iraqi cafe drawing crowds to Hackney
A queue stretches down a street in east London. It is for Logma, a newly opened Iranian-Iraqi cafe in Hackney that has gone viral for its sandwiches - which sell out within an hour or two. Many are drawn in by pictures they have seen on Instagram and start queuing around noon at the weekend. Despit»»»
UAE gold at Dh541: Buy now, save up to Dh100 per gram - here's how
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai have fallen to around Dh541 per gram for 24K, placing current rates nearly Dh100 below levels seen just weeks ago. 22K gold currently costs Dh501.50 and 21K costs Dh480.75 per gram. Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain»»»
Ministry of Defense names martyred soldiers, passengers in helicopter crash
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Defense of State of Qatar has confirmed the names of the martyred crew members and passengers of the helicopter that crashed at dawn today, Sunday, in the State's regional waters. The Ministry stated that the following have been confirmed martyred - Captain (Pilot) Muba»»»
Modi makes history, becomes longest-serving head of government
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday became the longest-serving head of an elected government in India’s history, surpassing the record of Pawan Kumar Chamling, who served as Sikkim’s chief minister for over 24 years. With 8,931 days in office, combining his tenure as Gujarat Chief Min»»»
Veliko Tarnovo Commemorates Town Holiday
The town's feast day was commemorated in Veliko Tarnovo on Sunday with a solemn liturgy by Bishop Matey of Nikopol in the Holy Forty Martyrs Church. Matey recalled that the temple is dedicated to the victory of Ivan Asen II at the Battle of Klokotnitsa in 1230. The bishop called for love and Christ»»»
Rocket Fire from Lebanon Kills One in North Israel, Hezbollah Claims Attacks
Israel said rocket fire from Lebanon killed one person on Sunday as Hezbollah said it attacked soldiers in northern Israel, the first fatality there in fire from Lebanon since the latest war erupted. Israel's ZAKA 360 emergency response unit said a person was pronounced dead after a strike on their»»»
LIVE UPDATES: Trump threatens to ‘obliterate’ Iran power plants as Tehran warns of retaliation
Doha, Qatar: While US President Donald Trump threatened to "obliterate" Iran's power plants if it fails to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, Iran warned of retaliatory attacks on regional infrastructure if US President follows through on his ultimatum. Saudi Arabia declared several»»»
Flight status for March 22: Check these updates before you fly out or into UAE
Dubai: Airlines operating in and out of the UAE warned of continued disruption on Sunday, as unstable weather and regional airspace constraints forced delays, cancellations and rerouting across multiple networks. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Carriers including IndiG»»»
Three weeks on, weakened but defiant: Why Iran may prolong the war despite heavy losses
Dubai: The losses at the top of Iran’s power structure have been staggering. The Supreme Leader is dead. His successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen in public since the strike that killed his father — raising fresh questions over who is actually running the country. Ali Larijani, the regime’»»»
Blasts Heard, Sirens in Jerusalem after Iran Missile Alerts
Blasts were heard and air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem on Sunday, AFP journalists said, after the Israeli military warned of incoming missile fire from Iran. The army issued several alerts saying it had identified that "missiles were launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israe»»»
War Deepens Lebanon’s Economic Collapse
Lebanon’s economy barely catches its breath before another crisis hits, tightening the squeeze and deepening its fragility. The current war has wiped out efforts to revive it, as the country still reels from the 2019 financial collapse, the coronavirus pandemic, the Beirut port blast, and the 2023-»»»