Tribute to mothers: Sheikh Hamdan renames ‘Housewife’ as ‘Generations Shaper’
Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has directed the Community Development Authority to replace the title “housewife” with “Generations Shaper”, in a symbolic m»»»
Russian drone attack kills two in Ukraine ahead of talks in US, officials say
Two people were killed in a Russian drone attack on a home in the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, local authorities say. Two children, 11 and 15, were also injured in the attack which took place on the eve of new talks between Ukrainian and American negotiators in the US. Negotiations on ending the»»»
Acting Prosecutor General Reaffirms Commitment to European Cooperation
Acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov reaffirmed the Bulgarian prosecution service's commitment to active cooperation with its European partners at a forum in The Hague, the prosecution said on Saturday. He did so during bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 20th Consultative Forum of pro»»»
UAE issues advisory as Oman braces for heavy rain and thunderstorms
The UAE Embassy in Muscat has advised citizens and travellers to exercise caution as a low-pressure system brings heavy rain, hail, and strong winds across much of Oman. Authorities emphasise the importance of following all official safety instructions. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downlo»»»
Middle East tensions strain fertilizer supplies, raising global food price risks
Capitals, March 21 (SANA) Disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East are expected to deepen a global fertilizer crisis, raising the risk of further increases in food prices, particularly in developing economies. Economists and international institutions have warned that disruptions to fe»»»
How this Filipino group in Dubai celebrates Eid by supporting mothers
Dubai: The Filipino Social Club (Filsoc) in Dubai is set to host a special gift-giving programme on March 22. Titled as “Filsoc Free Diaper Gifts,” the initiative aims to recognise the everyday sacrifices of mothers within the community. “It is a time to honour the incredible strength of mothers. W»»»
Elon Musk misled shareholders during Twitter purchase, US jury finds
Tech multi-billionaire Elon Musk could be forced to pay billions of dollars in damages after a federal jury found that the world's richest man had misled Twitter shareholders while purchasing the social media platform by posting false statements to drive down the company's share price. The tycoon's»»»
Early Signs of Confidence: Bulgaria’s Markets Respond Positively to Eurozone Membership
The first months following Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone suggest a stable start and rising investor confidence, even though it is too early to draw long-term conclusions. In the opening week of 2026, trading on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange surged by 50% year-on-year, while the SOFIX index incr»»»
Israel, Iran Trade Attacks as US Sends Marines to Middle East
Israel and Iran attacked each other on Saturday as the US was sending thousands more Marines to the Middle East and President Donald Trump accused NATO allies of cowardice over their reluctance to help open the Strait of Hormuz. Israel also attacked Beirut, saying it was targeting Hezbollah as it s»»»
Al Arabi extend coach Contra's contract until 2028
Doha, Qatar: Al Arabi SC have officially renewed the contract of head coach Cosmin Contra for two more seasons, keeping him at the club until 2028, the management announced yesterday. The decision confirms the club’s confidence in the Romanian coach, who took charge on 15 October 2025 as part of th»»»
A Wave of Executions Is Feared in Iran After 3 Young Men Were Hanged This Week
A 19-year-old star wrestler and two other young men were hanged in Iran this week, raising alarm among rights groups that a wave of executions may be underway as authorities facing relentless attacks from the US and Israel seek to squelch public dissent. The three men are the first to be executed f»»»
US Allows 30-Day Sale of Iran Oil at Sea in Bid to Tame Prices
The Trump administration waived sanctions on the purchase of Iranian oil at sea for 30 days on Friday in its latest attempt to ease oil prices that have been driven up by the US-Israeli war on Iran. The waiver will bring some 140 million barrels of oil to global markets and help relieve pressure on»»»
Report: UN Chief Says He Is Cooperating with Trump’s Board of Peace on Gaza
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the aim of Donald Trump's Board of Peace to fund and deliver the basics of a Gaza reconstruction plan to rebuild Palestinian homes and infrastructure, Politico reported on Saturday. “There is an objective there that was defined, approved by the Secur»»»
‘Mothers are the first school’: UAE leaders mark Mother’s Day with messages of gratitude pride
Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that mothers are a source of lasting strength for the nation and society. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app now - it's completely free. Click here for Apple or here for Android. You »»»
Eid retail surge highlights shifting consumer spending patterns
Doha, Qatar: Retailers across Doha have noted a strong pickup in consumer spending, driven by discounting, promotional campaigns, and a seasonal rise during Eid Al Fitr. Malls and high streets are witnessing increased footfall, with industry players pointing to a concentrated surge in demand for fa»»»
U.S. lends 45 million barrels from reserve to curb prices amid war with Iran
Washington, March 21 (SANA) The United States has lent 45.2 million barrels of crude oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to energy companies, aiming to ease price increases driven by the conflict with Iran. Reuters quoted the Energy Department as saying the initial batch represents about»»»
Sadyr Japarov: Nooruz has become a truly beloved holiday for our compatriots - | 24.KG
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov today took part in Nooruz celebration in Naryn’s central square. Congratulating the people of Kyrgyzstan on the spring equinox holiday, he noted that Nooruz is a symbol of renewal, creation, labor, and unity, a legacy inherited from our ancestors. «We are proud»»»
Models With Down Syndrome in Romania Strike a Pose for World Down Syndrome Day
Dozens of models with Down syndrome strutted down a catwalk at a fashion show in Romania’s capital for an evening celebrating style, “atypical beauty” and courage to mark World Down Syndrome Day. The SEEN Anonymous Seamstresses Gala in Bucharest brought together designers from across the country, w»»»
Israel Says Targeting Hezbollah in Beirut as South Lebanon Struck
The Israeli military said it launched a wave of strikes on Beirut claiming to target the Iran-backed group Hezbollah early Saturday, while Lebanese state media reported strikes in the country's south. Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel on Mar»»»
Report: Iran Ready to Let Japanese Vessels Transit Hormuz
Iran is ready to let Japanese-related vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies, Kyodo news reported, citing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Tehran has started talks with Tokyo, including with Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, about possibly opening»»»
‘Reliance on official, verified news crucial during regional tensions’
Doha, Qatar: During times of regional geopolitical tension, relying on official and verified news sources becomes essential not only for personal awareness but also for maintaining public order and responsible civic engagement, according to Lecturer at the College of Law at Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer»»»
After Pressure, Iraqi Factions Stop Attacks on US Embassy
Political parties in Iraq have carried out intense efforts over the past two days to contain the escalation in the country in wake of increased attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad by pro-Iran factions, sources told Asharq Al-Awsat. The efforts aim to also prevent Iraq from sliding into a broader c»»»
Trump’s Iran War Rattles US Swing Voters Ahead of Midterms
Donald Trump's war with Iran is weighing on independent US voters, a crucial bloc likely to determine if the president's Republican Party maintains control of Congress in the November midterm elections. At a breakfast diner in Pennsylvania, a swing state where voters often shift between parties, th»»»
How did a small Eid bike ride grow into one of the UAE’s annual brotherhood event
Dubai: What started as a modest gathering of motorcycling enthusiasts has evolved into one of the UAE’s much-anticipated multi-club biking events, drawing hundreds of riders united by both passion and purpose. Amid the current geopolitical situation, the fourth edition of the “Biker Buddies Eid Bro»»»
Orbán: “We have the right to block the €90 billion loan for Ukraine”
Following a tense and protracted EU summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that Hungary has both the legal and political grounds to block the €90 billion loan package intended for Ukraine. The prime minister described the negotiations as “combative” and underscored that Hungary succ»»»
US prosecutors investigate Colombia’s Petro over suspected ties to drug traffickers
Colombian President Gustavo Petro is being examined in criminal investigations by two US federal prosecutors' offices, according to a New York Times report published on Friday. Relations between Washington and Bogota entered a volatile phase after US President Donald Trump's return to office 14 mon»»»
Eid staycation demand lifts domestic tourism, hotel bookings
Doha, Qatar: Hotels across Doha are experiencing a notable surge in bookings for Eid Al Fitr holidays amidst ongoing tensions in the region, as citizens and residents increasingly opt for local staycations rather than travelling abroad. Industry experts say the combination of time off, competitive »»»
China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway planned to be launched in 2030 - | 24.KG
«If today we are a ‘dead-end’ country between Europe and China, then with the completion of China—Kyrgyzstan—Uzbekistan railway, we will become a transit state,» President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov said during Nooruz celebrations in Naryn region. According to him, the launch of the railway is exp»»»
Sadyr Japarov: Naryn's economy has more than doubled for five years - | 24.KG
In Naryn region, the gross domestic product (GDP) was 18 billion soms in 2020, and by 2025, it reached 40 billion. Thus, the growth rate is 224 percent, indicating that the figure has more than doubled. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov announced this during Nooruz celebrations. In the industri»»»
Agricultural clusters for 2 billion soms being created in Naryn - | 24.KG
Projects to create clusters in meat, dairy, honey, feed, and fruit production are currently being implemented in Naryn region with a total value of nearly 2 billion soms. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov said during Nooruz celebrations. The head of state noted that livestock numbers and produc»»»
Israel Strikes Hezbollah’s Civilian as Well as Military Wings in an Attempt to Crush the Group
An Israeli strike on a health center in southern Lebanon instantly killed 12 medical workers, seriously wounded one and left four missing under the rubble for hours. The March 13 strike in the village of Burj Qalaouiyah, one of the single deadliest strikes in Lebanon since the latest Israel-Hezboll»»»
Streamlining the kill chain: how AI is changing modern warfare
The US-Israeli war with Iran has put AI use in defence systems in the spotlight like never before. AI's exact role in the military, its accuracy and possible repercussions are slowly beginning to emerge – but the extent of its use and role in the war so far still largely remain a mystery. The»»»
The World This Week - Iran: The ‘Mosaic Doctrine’, Zelensky V Orban, Hungary-splaining
In a week where assassinations have continued within the top ranks of Iran’s regime, the minister of intelligence, the commander of the Bases paramilitary and the powerful security chief Ali Larijani included, but a weakened government seems to have had little bearing on Tehran’s retaliation across»»»
On This Day, March 21: Piccard, Jones are 1st to circle globe by balloon - UPI.com
On March 21, 1999, Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones landed near Cairo after becoming the first people to circle the globe by balloon. 1 of 3 | On March 21, 1999, Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones landed near Cairo after becoming the first people to circle the globe by balloon. UPI File Photo | Licen»»»
Deputy PM, German Minister review latest developments
Doha, Qatar: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, H E Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani held a phone call yesterday H E Federal Minister of Defense of Germany H E Boris Pistorius. The two sides reviewed the latest regional security developments and discusse»»»
Ready to help keep Hormuz open? Who said what
European powers and Japan have changed their posture on the ongoing Middle East war, by prioritising energy security and avoiding being dragged by the US into the on-going war with Iran. Recent developments show the allies are preparing to act even without full US leadership. Some countries, such a»»»
Central Election Commission: Women at 30.1% of April Election Candidates
Women make up 30.1% of candidates for parliament in the April 19 elections, Central Election Commission Deputy Chair Rositsa Mateva said on Saturday. Their share is up 1.7 percentage points from the October 2024 vote. There will be 62 more women candidates for parliament in the upcoming elections t»»»
World Forest Day marked with praise and barbs
Greece marked World Forest Day with a mix of praise and pointed criticism over the state of the country’s forestry service. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, addressing a ceremony at the Goulandris Foundation on Friday, highlighted recent hiring efforts – 278 new employees recruited, with 330 mor»»»
Citizens and residents mark Eid with resilience and unity amid regional crisis
Doha, Qatar: Eid celebrations across Qatar are unfolding in a spirit of resilience and unity, as citizens and residents come together to observe the festive occasion despite the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions. Eid prayers, held indoors yesterday at designated venues such as the Education Cit»»»
What you need to know about the Philippines’ 2-month toll relief amid fuel price surge
Dubai: The Philippines is introducing a temporary toll discount for public transport and freight services starting March 23 to offer a breathing space to the transportation sector, who is currently under pressure from rising fuel prices, amid the situation in the Middle East. In a statement, Philip»»»
Sharaa Says Working to Steer Syria Clear of Any Conflict
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stressed on Friday that he was working on steering the country clear of the war in the Middle East. “We are taking steps very carefully and working on keeping Syria out of any conflict,” he said after Eid al-Fitr prayers in Damascus. “We must remember that Syria had»»»
President Iotova to Visit Kyustendil for Spring Festival
President Iliana Iotova will visit Kyustendil for the city’s official holiday, the Kyustendil Spring Festival, the President’s press secretariat said on Saturday. She will be welcomed by Mayor Ognyan Atanasov outside the Kyustendil Municipality building and will greet residents and visitors during »»»
11 dead in South Korea car plant fire
Seoul: Rescuers combed the charred wreckage of a South Korean car parts factory for missing people after a fire killed at least 11 and injured dozens more, authorities told AFP on Saturday. Fire crews were initially unable to enter the factory in the central city of Daejeon due to the risk of the b»»»
11 dead in South Korea car plant fire
Rescuers combed the charred wreckage of a South Korean car parts factory for missing people after a fire killed at least 11 and injured dozens more, authorities told AFP on Saturday. Fire crews were initially unable to enter the factory in the central city of Daejeon due to the risk of the building»»»
Middle East crude surges toward $150 as global oil prices stage rebound
Dubai: Global oil prices rose again on Saturday, reflecting mounting geopolitical pressure on supply flows. Middle East crude led the move with a sharp spike. Murban crude, a key benchmark exported from the UAE, jumped 18% to $146.40 per barrel. That followed a 6% surge a day earlier, when prices h»»»
Philippine Airlines cancels Dubai, Doha flights until April 30: What affected passengers can do
Dubai: Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has temporarily suspended its flights between Manila and major Middle East destinations, such as Dubai and Doha, until April 30 amid the ongoing tensions in the region. In its latest advisory, PAL has noted that the suspension is a “precautionary measur»»»
Meteorological department warns of thunderstorms and strong winds
DOHA: The Meteorology Department has warned of expected thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds along the coast, and of thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and high waves offshore. It is forecast that the weather along the coast, until 6pm, will be partly cloudy to cloudy with suspended dus»»»
Jury finds Elon Musk misled investors during Twitter purchase
San Francisco: A jury has found Elon Musk liable for defrauding investors by deliberately driving down Twitter's stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company for $44 billion. But it absolved him of some fraud allegations, finding that he did no»»»
President Sadyr Japarov to celebrate Nooruz in Naryn region - | 24.KG
Head of State Sadyr Japarov will arrive in Naryn region today on a one-day working visit, his press service announced. As part of the visit, the president will take part in ceremonial events dedicated to Nooruz, an ancient holiday symbolizing the spring renewal, unity of the people, and the continu»»»
Trump Hints at Wind-Down of War as US Sends More Troops and Iran Threatens Tourism Sites
US President Donald Trump said he was considering “winding down” military operations in the Middle East even as the United States is sending three more amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 additional Marines to the region. Trump’s post Friday on social media followed an Iranian threat to atta»»»