Oman opens Al Rawdah border crossing to boost trade with UAE
Dubai: Oman has opened the Al Rawdah border crossing for commercial goods in a move aimed at strengthening trade links with the United Arab Emirates, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) said. The Directorate General of Customs, under the ROP, said the crossing in Al Buraimi Governorate will facilitate the »»»
FinMin:Interest rates on Romania's RON, euro loans are falling, freeing up more resources for investments
Interest rates on Romania's RON- and euro-denominated loans have dropped significantly, meaning lower interest costs for the state and more resources that can be directed toward investments or other economic needs, Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare said last week."Romania's interest rates are falli»»»
EY Survey:Romanian CFOs expect tax increases and weaker fiscal predictability in 2026
Fiscal uncertainty, administrative pressure, and high expectations regarding the modernisation of the tax authority are the main challenges flagged by CFOs in Romania this year, according to the EY Romania Tax Policy Survey conducted in January 2026. These concerns follow a 2025 marked by significa»»»
Intesa Sanpaolo Bank signs two guarantee agreements with Romania’s Investment and Development Bank
Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Romania has announced the signing of two guarantee agreements with the Investment and Development Bank (IDB), aimed at strengthening its role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as public-interest projects with economic and social impact. The first a»»»
Siguu.ro, the first digital insurance broker for SMEs, developed in Romania
Three minutes. That is all it takes to secure an insurance policy through Siguu.ro to protect a business and the owners family’s finances from disaster. The launch of this innovative digital solution, fast and easy to use, marks a significant step in the digitalization of the insurance market and r»»»
BNR's Badea: OECD integration could add 0.8%-1% to growth through structural measures
The integration in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) offers Romania a reference framework for structural measures which can bring an additional increase of approximately 0.8% - 1% of the GDP, First Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Romania (BNR) Leonardo Badea »»»
CFA: In such an environment of stagflation, bankruptcies may occur in certain sectors
In such an environment of stagflation, bankruptcies may occur in certain sectors, and additional caution could be adopted by the banking system and private equity investors, the president of the CFA Romania Association, Adrian Codirlasu, told a Wednesday's specialized event."Last year we had modest»»»
BVB CEO: Fondul Proprietatea is a benchmark issuer for the Bucharest Stock Exchange
Fondul Proprietatea has played a major role in developing and increasing the visibility of Romania's capital market, and dividends paid to investors during Franklin Templeton's mandate exceed RON 29.2 billion, Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) CEO Remus Vulpescu said on Thursday at the event marking 1»»»
EBRD takes over 5pct in Electro-Alfa International on EUR 16.4 million in IPO
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has participated in the initial public offering (IPO) of ElectroAlfa International SA (EAI), a leading Romanian provider of advanced electrical engineering solutions for critical infrastructure. The bank subscribed EUR 16.4 million in newl»»»
Investment bank signs 18 guarantee agreements with financial intermediaries in Romania
The Investment and Development Bank (IDB) has so far signed 18 guarantee agreements with financial intermediaries in Romania, of which 10 agreements for the portfolio guarantee intended for funding SMEs and eight agreements in support of investments in the public sector. Partnerships geared towards»»»
Amir sends congratulations to president of Lithuania
DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sent a cable of congratulations to President of the Republic of Lithuania HE Gitanas Nauseda, on the occasion of his country's National Day.»»»
Araghchi Says Iran Has ‘Real Ideas’ to Achieve ‘Fair Deal,’ Rejects Threats
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was in Geneva on Monday ahead of a second round of negotiations with the United States, saying he had “real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal.” According to Tehran, "indirect" Iran-US nuclear talks mediated by Oman will be held on Tuesday, although W»»»
Berri to Asharq Al-Awsat: An Unnamed Party Has Plans to Block Parliamentary Elections
A legal opinion issued by Lebanon’s Ministry of Justice’s Legislation and Consultations Authority, responding to a query from Interior and Municipalities Minister Brig. Gen. Ahmad Hajjar on expatriate voting, has further unsettled the electoral scene in the country. The opinion addresses whether Le»»»
Eurobarometer: Two-thirds of Europeans believe their country's security is under threat
Two thirds of the Europeans (68%) consider that the security of their country is threatened and the majority (52%) trust that the EU will consolidate security and defense, shows a new Eurobarometre survey published on Friday, before the Council for Security in Munich. The member states with the hig»»»
Analysis: Commercial addition ceiling when inflation exeeds 5% risks to generate economic distortion
The idea of introducing an automatic mechanism for commercial addition ceiling when inflation exceeds the alert level of 5% is an economic policy measure very attractive from the election point of view, but full of structural traps, according to an analysis made by Frames, a consulting company. Alt»»»
Young Entrepreneurs' Association calls for economic relaunch after technical recession
The Young Entrepreneurs' Association from Romania (PTIR) is calling for the urgent adoption of a comprehensive package of measures to revive the economy and restore predictability and confidence in the business environment, following Romania's entry into a technical recession.According to a press r»»»
FinMin Nazare: Real risk not temporary technical recession, but reversal of fiscal adjustment
The real risk for Romania is not a temporary 'technical recession' but a reversal of the fiscal adjustment process and any deviation from the consolidation path would erode investor confidence, increase financing costs and put pressure on the country's rating, Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare said»»»
Prime Minister Bolojan: This year will be one of economic adjustment
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said that 2026 would be a year for economic adjustment, with the effects expected to become visible in the second half of the year, based on measures already adopted and those to be implemented in the coming period, especially in the energy and economic sectors.He thus r»»»
Gov't welcomes purchase of Giurgiulesti International Port operator, as it contributes to strengthening Strategic Partnership
The Government welcomes the transaction nearing completion by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the purchase of the operator of the Giurgiulesti International Port, ICS Danube Logistics, by the National Company Maritime Ports Administration SA Constanta.According to a Governm»»»
IntMin Predoiu meets U.S. Chargé d'Affaires, reaffirms U.S. as Romania's main strategic partner
The U.S. is Romania's main strategic partner and a reliable ally, and the two countries will continue to work together in the same "consolidated" manner to address priorities on the bilateral agenda, Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu said on Friday during a meeting with U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affair»»»
PM Bolojan:Last year, around 50 million euros was aid that Romania granted to Ukraine
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan stated on Friday that the aid Romania granted to Ukraine last year was around 50 million euros, through a budgetary allocation to NATO."One of the things being circulated is that, while there is a financial difficulty in Romania, we support Ukraine with very large amount»»»
Foreign Minister Toiu: NATO remains committed to strengthening deterrence and defence on Eastern Flank
NATO remains committed to reinforcing its deterrence and defence posture on the Eastern Flank, with Romania playing a key role in the region, Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Toiu said on Friday.On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, she met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, alongside Ro»»»
President Nicusor Dan to attend inaugural meeting of Peace Council in Washington next week
President Nicusor Dan announced on Sunday that he will participate next week in the first meeting of the Peace Council in Washington, thus accepting the invitation extended by U.S. President Donald Trump."Romania will have observer status and I will reaffirm our staunch support for international pe»»»
New York Creatives Squeezed Out by High Cost of Living
After 20 years as a makeup artist for TV and cinema, Noel Jacoboni sees few other options than to leave New York City, where she has been "priced out" by the soaring cost of living. Affordability issues, which Mayor Zohran Mamdani made a core part of his election campaign, are increasingly driving »»»
Virgin Active redefines wellness in Qatar with debut of region’s first ‘Social Wellness Club’
Doha, Qatar: Virgin Active, a world leader in health and wellness, has officially launched its flagship ‘Social Wellness Club’ in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha. The opening marks a milestone for the Gulf’s wellness market, introducing to the region a revolutionary luxury ‘Second Space’ concep»»»
Center marks conclusion of Arabic course for South African students
Doha, Qatar: Under the patronage of Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem, and in the presence of Undersecretary of the Ministry H E Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al Thani, Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center celebrated the conclus»»»
Qatari Majlis programme discusses meanings of fasting
Doha, Qatar: With the attendance of 23 participants, Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center hosted the Qatari Majlis programme titled “Ramadan Is Not Just Fasting.” The programme aimed to introduce the holy month of Ramadan, highlighting fasting as a religious obligation and its»»»
Islamic Cultural Center organises series of Urdu lectures as part of preparations for the holy month of Ramadan
Doha, Qatar: As part of its preparations for the holy month of Ramadan, Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center organised a series of lectures for the Urdu-speaking community, attended by more than 2,000 participants. The lectures were delivered by preacher Muhammad Affan Al-Mans»»»
Moon sighting practice explained: How Muslims determine the start of Ramadan
Dubai: The sighting of the crescent moon, known in Arabic as “Ru’yat Al Hilal”, is the traditional Islamic practice used to mark the beginning of a new month in the Hijri calendar, most notably the start of Ramadan, and Shawwal, which signals Eid Al Fitr. Also Read: How the UAE determines the first»»»
Iran must abandon enriched uranium and not produce more, Netanyahu says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the US must require Iran to relinquish all of its enriched uranium and be barred from enriching more, as part of any nuclear deal with Tehran. In a speech in Jerusalem on Sunday, he outlined several conditions he wanted, including that "all enriched ma»»»
Celebrate Ramadan with gold rewards at Al Asmakh Mall and Barwa Plaza Mall
Doha, Qatar: In the spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Al Asmakh Mall and Barwa Plaza Mall unveiled their exclusive “Shop & Win” campaign, giving shoppers the chance to win gold worth QR50,000, sponsored by Malabar Gold and Diamonds. As part of this special Ramadan initiative, 12 fortunate winner»»»
Mother-son duo die building bombs on rooftop
Criminals who are suspected to be making bombs on a rooftop in a Bhubaneswar, India, airfield turned into victims of their own handy work on January 27, reported Times of India. Sehnawaz Malik, 26, who had a long rap sheet and his mother, 51-year-old Lizatun Bibi, suffered critical injuries when th»»»
1.4 Million Bulgarians Still at Risk of Poverty as Income Inequality Persists
Bulgaria remains at the bottom of the European Union in terms of minimum wage, lagging behind not only EU neighbors but also countries outside the bloc such as Turkey, Serbia, and Albania. This was highlighted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Atanasov, Chairman of the National Statistical Institute (NSI)»»»
Safari Shop & Drive-Win 30 Bestune Cars announces second draw winners
Doha, Qatar: Safari Hypermarket, one of Doha’s leading hypermarket chains, has announced the winners of the second draw of its mega promotion, Shop & Drive – Win 30 Bestune Cars. The draw happened on February 15 at Safari Hypermarket, Al Khor, in the presence of representatives from the Qatar Minis»»»
The Diplomatic Club welcomes guests with exceptional hospitality experience this Ramadan
Doha, Qatar: On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, The Diplomatic Club extends its warmest greetings and best wishes to its valued members and guests, wishing them and their loved ones a month filled with blessings, prosperity, and peace. Strategically located in the heart of West Bay, The »»»
Qatar, US review bilateral cooperation
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior H E Abdullah bin Khalaf bin Hattab Al Kaabi met with Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security of the United States of America H E Jeffrey I Kessler. During the meeting, they reviewed cooperation relations in areas of mutual relevance and discu»»»
American School of Doha PTA Friendship Festival strengthens community ties
Doha, Qatar: The American School of Doha (ASD) Parent Teacher Association (PTA) successfully held its annual Friendship Festival, a signature event that beautifully celebrated the “One ASD Family” spirit. The festival serves as a primary community gathering, bringing together students, faculty, and»»»
Trump says Board of Peace members pledge $5B to rebuild Gaza - UPI.com
US President Donald Trump said Sunday that members of his Board of Peace have pledged more than $5 billion to reconstruct Gaza. File Photo by World Economic Forum/Benedikt von Loebel/UPI | License Photo Feb. 16 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said member states of his newly created Board of Peace h»»»
Qatar to send youth delegation on cultural trip to Shanghai
Doha: Qatar’s Ministry of Culture has announced plans to organise a week-long cultural trip to Shanghai for children aged 10 to 15, as part of efforts to broaden young people’s global exposure. The visit, scheduled for March 22-28, is being arranged by the Nomas Centre and will include tours of mus»»»
Australian museum recovers Egyptian artefacts after break-in
Sydney: Australian police have recovered a trove of stolen Egyptian artefacts and charged a 52-year-old man with a nighttime smash-and-grab at a museum. The man was accused of breaking a window and making off with the priceless treasures in the early hours of Friday from the Abbey Museum of Art and»»»
Katara launches Holy Quran Memorisation Competition
Doha, Qatar: The Katara Cultural Village Foundation has announced the organisation of its 15th Holy Quran Memorisation Competition for the holy month of Ramadan 2026. The competition will be held from February 22 to March 5, 2026, at the Katara Mosque, immediately after the Asr prayer. This initiat»»»
Academy celebrates awarding of certificates to graduates of Diploma in Police Sciences
Doha: In presence of Minister of State for Interior Affairs H E Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al-Thani, the Police Academy organised a certificate award ceremony for the second batch of Diploma in Police Sciences (male and female) graduates at the Police Institute, and the first batch of»»»
Municipalities step up surveillance of food firms
Doha, Qatar: Several municipalities have announced that they have stepped up their readiness for the holy month of Ramadan through conducting surveillance inspections on food enterprises nationwide. As such, Doha Municipality steps up its surveillance plan on all food and health enterprises by carr»»»
Approval to transfer Real Estate Brokerage Department a milestone in completing regulatory framework for realty sector
Doha, Qatar: As part of efforts to enhance the efficiency and regulation of the real estate sector in the State, the Cabinet approved the transfer of the Real Estate Brokerage Department from the Ministry of Justice to the General Authority for Real Estate Regulation. This strategic step aims to de»»»
Dukhan Bank announces February winners in Thara’a savings account prize
Doha, Qatar: Dukhan Bank announced the names of the most recent round of draw winners for Thara’a, its Shariah compliant savings account, at the Bank’s headquarters. The draw was conducted on 4 February 2026, under the supervision of a representative of the qualitative license and market control de»»»
Ramadan 2026 in UAE: Crescent marking end of Shaaban spotted in Abu Dhabi
The International Astronomy Center has confirmed that the crescent marking the end of Shaaban 1447 AH was photographed from Abu Dhabi by the Khatm Astronomical Observatory, affiliated with the Center. Also Read: How the UAE determines the first day of Ramadan each yearThe crescent was captured on M»»»
Ksiaz Castle: A Dark Nazi Secret and Buried Gold Mystery
The road to Ksiaz Castle feels almost too peaceful. Forested hills roll off into the distance, yew trees as far as the eye can see. And then a colossal building rears up over the landscape of Lower Silesia — dramatic and impossible to ignore. Part Baroque palace, part Renaissance fortress, Poland’s»»»
QIIB wins two prestigious awards from International Finance
Doha, : Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB) has marked a significant new milestone by securing two prestigious accolades at the International Finance Awards 2025, further strengthening its distinguished track record of excellence and reaffirming its position as a leading institution in the regi»»»
Al Duhail face must-win test against Al Shorta in ACL Elite
Doha, Qatar: Al Duhail SC face a must-win challenge as they prepare to take on Al Shorta SC at Al Zawraa Stadium, knowing victory is vital to keep their hopes alive in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite. The Qatari side are currently seventh in the standings on eight points, level with domestic r»»»
Minister of Social Development participates in 45th session of Arab Women Committee
Doha: Minister of Social Development and Family, H E Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, participated in the 45th session of the Arab women committee, chaired by the State of Qatar, held on February 10-11, 2026, which was held virtually, with the participation of Their Excellencies ministers from »»»