OECD warns: Middle East conflict derails global economic growth for 2026
Paris, March 26 (SANA) The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) issued a stark warning on Thursday, stating that the global economy is being knocked off its path of robust growth due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The organization highlighted that the near-to»»»
EU Court Advocate General Issues Opinion on Requirements for Bulgarian National Bank Leadership
EU law allows a deputy governor of a national central bank to hold shares in a commercial company, provided that national legislation includes mechanisms to assess whether such participation creates a conflict of interest that could affect the bank's independence or public trust, Advocate General N»»»
Turkish tanker carrying Russian crude reportedly damaged in drone attack near Bosphorus
A Turkish oil tanker has reportedly been struck by drones near the Bosphorus after taking on around 140,000 tons of oil at a Russian port, local media reported on Thursday. The ship is blacklisted by the Ukrainian government for transporting Russian goods. The vessel, identified as the Altura, is o»»»
UAE rains: 15-year-old boy rescued after being swept away in Khor Fakkan valley stream
Khor Fakkan: A 15-year-old Arab boy was rescued unharmed after being swept away by strong currents in a valley in the Al Zubarah area of Khor Fakkan, authorities said on Thursday. The incident occurred at around 4.20pm, when the teenager, who was playing near a valley stream, slipped and fell into »»»
Iran fortifies Kharg, lays traps as US weighs risky ground operation
Dubai: Almost exactly a month after indirect talks were followed within days by war, Washington is again speaking of negotiations with Iran — even as it weighs a risky ground operation against Kharg Island that could trigger a fresh escalation. Those earlier contacts, involving US envoys and Irania»»»
Pentagon Mulling Diverting Weapons From Ukraine to Mideast Amid Depleting Stocks - Reports
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US Department of War (DoW) is mulling diverting weapons destined for Ukraine to the Middle East as the ongoing conflict with Iran is rapidly depleting critical ammunition reserves, The Washington Post reported on Thursday citing three sources. The decision has yet to be m»»»
Britain's House of Lords votes for under-16s social media ban again - UPI.com
Britain's House of Lords voted Thursday to try to force through a social media ban for children only two weeks after lawmakers in the lower house overturned a previous attempt. Photo by Pixelkult/Pixabay March 26 (UPI) -- Britain's House of Lords revived an effort to ban children younger than 16 fr»»»
Suspects in arson attack on Jewish volunteer ambulances freed on bail - UPI.com
British police said Thursday they had released two men being held in custody on suspicion of carrying out an anti-Semitic arson attack on a Jewish volunteer community organization that destroyed four ambulances. Photo by Andy Rain/EPA March 26 (UPI) -- Two men suspected of arson with intent to enda»»»
Israel says it killed leader of Iran’s navy Alireza Tangsiri - UPI.com
The IRIS Dena, a Moudge Class Frigate of the Iranian Navy, is seen here in a screenshot from video as it was torpedoed by a U.S. Navy submarine in the Indian Ocean on March 4. The Israeli Defense Ministry said Thursday that it has killed Alireza Tangsiri, the Iranian naval commander responsible for»»»
UAE-based Indian expat social worker dies back home
Dubai: Rich tributes have been paid after an Indian expat social worker and businessman in Dubai died back home on Tuesday evening. Sayyed Shahul Hameed Maliga Thangal, a UAE resident for 30 years and a veteran community volunteer in Dubai, died after a battle with cancer, a family member told Gulf»»»
US vs Iran: Kharg Island Talk — Bluff or Escalation? Ex-Military Officer Weighs In
"An operation towards Kharg Island might happen, but it might as well be a smokescreen or a way for the US to put pressure on Iran," ex-Swedish army officer and defense politician Mikael Valtersson tells Sputnik, commenting on reports about a possible US ground operation against the Islamic Republi»»»
Islamic Resistance fighters fired barrages of rockets targeting the Israeli settlements of Avivim, Shtula and Al-Malkiyeh: Hezbollah Military Media statement no. 36, 37, 38 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Islamic Resistance fighters fired barrages of rockets targeting the Israeli settlements of Avivim, Shtula and Al-Malkiyeh: Hezbollah Milita»»»
Three scenarios for a post-Trump world
“The old world is dying,” Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci wrote in 1930, “and the new world struggles to be born.” His Marxist convictions notwithstanding, Gramsci would feel at home in the Trumpian age. The old world, in this case, is the international order that the United States built in the»»»
Gulf Air launches special India flights via Dammam for Bahrain travellers
Dubai: Gulf Air has introduced a series of limited repatriation flights to key cities in the Indian subcontinent, offering a route for passengers travelling to and from Bahrain while the country’s airspace remains closed. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The flights wil»»»
Flying soon? Next-gen border tech to cut shrink queues in airports worldwide
Dubai: Air travellers worldwide are set to benefit from faster airport processing and stronger document checks as the United Nations agency International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) launches a next-generation border verification system on March 27. The upgraded platform, known as the Public »»»
Iran attacks in UAE leave 11 dead and 169 wounded so far
Dubai: On March 26, 2026, UAE air defences intercepted 15 ballistic missiles and 11 drones launched from Iran. Since the start of what officials described as ongoing aggression, air defence systems have intercepted 372 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,826 drones. Also Read: Abu Dhabi de»»»
Scientists flag risks to Aegean as Black Sea inflow weakens
A gradual but significant shift in water flows from the Black Sea is already affecting the northern Aegean, with potential consequences for marine ecosystems and fisheries, according to new research. The study, led by scientists from the University of the Aegean and published by Environmental Resea»»»
Canada corporate bosses should speak 'both official languages': FM
Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, France: All Canadian leaders, including corporate bosses, should speak both official languages of English and French, the foreign minister said Thursday, after the Air Canada CEO failed to issue a condolence message in French for a fatal airport disaster. Two pilots were »»»
Video: Iran missile debris hits homes in Israel
Dubai: The Israeli military said air defences responded to missile attacks from Iran on Thursday that according to medics left two people lightly wounded and caused some damage. A spokesman for Israel's Magen David Adom emergency medical service told public radio there was damage to several houses »»»
Jazeera Airways to resume Islamabad flights via Saudi Arabia
Dubai: Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways will resume commercial flights to and from Islamabad from April 3, operating via Dammam in Saudi Arabia, the airline announced today. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The carrier said it will operate one weekly flight every Friday, reconn»»»
N.C. woman's family tradition inspires $1.2 million lottery win - UPI.com
North Carolina woman Kathy Lopez said her daily tradition of watching game show "Wheel of Fortune" with her mom led to her winning a $1.2 million lottery prize. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Education Lottery March 24 (UPI) -- A North Carolina woman said her daily tradition of watching game »»»
How EU spies and Hungarian journalists are conspiring against Viktor Orban
The shadow campaign to swing the Hungarian election against Viktor Orban has escalated with the wiretapping of Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. The case offers a rare look into how bureaucrats, journalists, and spies run a regime-change operation in real time. Read more Battle for Hungar»»»
Weather in UAE: Why is it raining in one neighbourhood but sunny in another? Explained
Dubai: Parts of the UAE woke up Thursday to a brief pause in precipitation. Roads were drying, skies lightening. It felt, briefly, like the deluge might be over. It isn't. Not yet. Thursday daytime is bringing some relief as the influence of the low-pressure system temporarily weakens, with rainfal»»»
Companies increase budgets for extra-salary benefits as employee expectations shift – Edenred study
Extra-salary benefits are becoming an increasingly important part of companies’ strategies to attract and retain employees, according to the 9th edition of the annual Benefit study conducted by Edenred. Budgets allocated to these benefits have grown steadily in recent years and are expected to rema»»»
Police say reptiles used as weapons after snakes found behind wall
Rome: Anacondas, boa constrictors and a caiman were found behind a false wall in southern Italy, police said Thursday, amid warnings dangerous reptiles are being used by local crooks to intimidate their victims. Police in Bari carrying out a raid in an apartment block found “exotic and dangerous an»»»
Cuba aid surge raises questions over motives, who is being helped - UPI.com
Members of the Nuestra America Convoy wave as they arrive at the port in Havana on Tuesday. The convoy, inspired by the Global Sumud Flotilla that delivered humanitarian aid to Gaza in 2025, aims to send a message of political support to Cuba, which has been subject to a U.S. oil embargo since Janu»»»
Airlines extend suspensions as regional disruptions continue
Dubai: Oman Air has extended the temporary suspension of flights to several key regional and international destinations, citing ongoing operational disruptions. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.In a travel advisory issued on Thursday, the airline said services to Dubai »»»
Pakistan relays US-Iran peace talks, says Ishaq Dar
Dubai: Pakistan is playing a central role in facilitating indirect talks between the United States and Iran, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday, highlighting Islamabad’s commitment to regional peace and stability. Dar wrote on X: “There has been unnecessary specul»»»
Korean Air to buy 103 Boeing planes for $36 bn
Seoul: Korean Air plans to buy 103 aircraft from Boeing in a deal worth about $36.2 billion based on 2025 list prices, according to a regulatory filing Thursday. The order, first announced in August, includes 20 Boeing 777-9, 25 Boeing 787-10, 50 Boeing 737-10 and eight Boeing 777-8 freighter aircr»»»
Report: Pentagon prepares for massive 'final blow' of Iran war
The Pentagon is developing military options for a "final blow" in Iran that could include the use of ground forces and a massive bombing campaign, two U.S. officials and two sources with knowledge told U.S. news portal Axios. A dramatic military escalation will grow more likely if no progress is ma»»»
1 million displaced in Lebanon but aid groups are crippled by foreign aid cuts
Humanitarian organizations under intense strain because of the United States' steep cuts to foreign aid say they are scrambling to find the funds needed to respond to the war in the Middle East, where millions of people have already been displaced by the widening conflict. U.S. President Donald Tru»»»
Ferrari resumes Middle East deliveries after war disrupts logistics
Dubai: Luxury carmaker Ferrari has resumed deliveries to the Middle East following a period of logistical disruption caused by the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, the Italian marque revealed exclusively to Gulf News on Thursday, March 27. Giorgio Turri, Managing Director of Ferrari Middle East, conf»»»
Who was Tangsiri? Iran’s naval chief behind Hormuz blockade
Dubai: Israel says it has killed Alireza Tangsiri, the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy and the man widely seen as running Tehran’s strategy in the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global energy chokepoint. If confirmed, his death could mark a turning point in Iran’s maritime posture — ra»»»
Sharjah deploys 20 recovery vehicles to manage low-pressure weather impact
Sharjah: Sharjah City Municipality (SCM) has activated a comprehensive operational plan to manage the impact of the ongoing low-pressure weather system, ensuring swift field response and uninterrupted public services. The municipality confirmed that specialised teams are working round the clock to »»»
Lebanese fear another occupation as Israel threatens Gaza tactics in south Lebanon
As Israel trades fire with Hezbollah, calls for mass evacuations and sends ground troops deeper into Lebanon, its leaders have hinted at a long-term occupation modeled on the devastating conquest of much of Gaza after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack. Israel says it needs to establish a zone of control »»»
Pentagon Reportedly Weighs Diverting Ukraine Military Aid to the Middle East
The Pentagon is weighing whether to redirect weapons originally meant for Ukraine to the Middle East, as the war in Iran strains supplies of some of the US military's most critical munitions, the Washington Post reported Thursday, citing three people familiar with the matter. The weapons that could»»»
Lebanese Fear Another Occupation as Israel Threatens to Use Gaza Tactics in the South
As Israel trades fire with Hezbollah, calls for mass evacuations and sends ground troops deeper into Lebanon, its leaders have hinted at a long-term occupation modeled on the devastating conquest of much of Gaza after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack. Israel says it needs to establish a zone of control »»»
1,000 flights in weeks: How Jazeera rebuilt its network fast
Dubai: Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways is planning more than 1,000 flights and over 200,000 seats through April 30 as it stabilises operations following recent disruptions, its CEO Barathan Pasupathi announced. “We are planning our operations on a rolling basis of four to six weeks… covering more than 20 »»»
Iran wants Lebanon included in any ceasefire, sources say – Ya Libnan
Share: FILE- Hezbollah and Iranian Revolutionary guard (IRGC) flags . Both bare a hand holding up a rifle and a globe. IRGC operatives fired the first rockets at Israel on March 2 , 2026 and Hezbollah is now being commanded by IRGC according to Lebanese PM . Lebanon decided the Iranian ambassador f»»»
One in Two Bulgarians Lives with Untreated or Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
One in two Bulgarians lives with untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure, Prof. Kiril Karamfilov, head of the Cardiology Clinic at Alexandrovska Hospital and chairman of the Society of Cardiologists in Bulgaria, said here Thursday. He was speaking at a press conference at the National Press C»»»
IRGC Launches 82nd Wave of Strikes on US-Israeli Assets with Drones, Missiles - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe IRGC Launches 82nd Wave of Strikes on US-Israeli Assets with Drones, Missiles 26-03-2026 12:23 PM The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC»»»
Airport Show 2026 now set for October in Dubai
Dubai: Dubai’s Airport Show will now take place in October instead of May, with organisers shifting the dates to give the aviation industry more certainty and flexibility in planning. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The event, which was scheduled for May 12 to 14, will»»»
UK Suffers OECD's Biggest Growth Downgrade as Iran War Pushes Up Energy Costs
Britain's economic growth prospects this year received the sharpest downgrade of any major economy in the OECD's interim forecast update on Thursday following the US-Israeli war on Iran, while inflation is set to rise faster too. The Paris-based international body cut its 2026 forecast for Britis»»»
UAE updates university evaluation framework to focus on outcomes, AI readiness
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has released an updated edition of its Outcome-Based Evaluation Framework (OBEF) University Guidebook, reinforcing a strategic shift toward performance measurement rooted in outcomes, skills acquisition, and real-world impact. The en»»»
Africa’s solar explosion: 10 countries smashing records
Amid energy lockdowns from Australia and Bangladesh to New Zealand and Slovenia — the war-induced oil crunch is imposing travel limits on an unprecedented scale. Result: Reduced workweeks, exposing the downside of a fossil-dependent planet. It's all "temporary", or at least until Hormuz Strait gets»»»
“Iran Has Upper Hand, Washington Lost the Initiative”: Ex-Head of UK’s M16 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe “Iran Has Upper Hand, Washington Lost the Initiative”: Ex-Head of UK’s M16 26-03-2026 11:42 AM Former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger in an inte»»»
Defence minister inspects Kuwait International Airport after drone strike on fuel tanks
Kuwait’s Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah conducted an inspection visit to Kuwait International Airport on Thursday morning following a drone attack that targeted aircraft refuelling tanks, causing a fire at one of the airport’s vital facilities. In a statement, th»»»
Oil Climbs and Equities Sink amid Mixed Messages on 'Talks'
Oil prices jumped and equities fell Thursday as investors tracked developments in the Middle East amid hopes that US and Iranian officials will bring an end to a conflict that has ramped up fears of an unprecedented global energy crisis. Markets have been buoyed since late Monday after Donald Trump»»»
Russian Forces Liberate Shevyakovka Settlement in Kharkov Region - MoD
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces have liberated the settlement of Shevyakovka in the Kharkov region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday. "As a result of active and decisive actions, Battlegroup Sever established control over the settlement of Shevyakovka in the Kharkov region,»»»
Dubai moves up in global financial rankings
Dubai: Dubai has reached its highest-ever position in the Global Financial Centres Index, climbing to seventh place worldwide and reinforcing its standing among the world’s leading financial hubs. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The latest ranking places Dubai alongsid»»»