Qatar Stocks edge higher as market closes up 0.12 percent
Doha: Qatar's stock market closed slightly higher on Tuesday, supported by gains across a number of sectors. The Qatar Stock Exchange index rose by 12.56 points, or 0.12%, to finish at 10,684.76 points. During the session, a total of 195.7 million shares were traded, with a combined value of around»»»
7,900 people died, disappeared on migration routes in 2025: UN
GENEVA: Around 7,900 people died or disappeared on migration routes in 2025, taking the total dead and missing since 2014 beyond 80,000, the United Nations’ migration agency said Tuesday. The UN’s International Organization for Migration said people were being forced into dangerous, irregular journ»»»
Arab and Islamic parliaments applaud adoption of Qatar's emergency item at 152nd IPU general assembly
Doha: The Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) commended the adoption by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly, at its 152nd session held in Istanbul, of an emergency item submitted by the State of Qatar. The Assembly adopted emer»»»
Qatar condemns Al-Aqsa Mosque compound storming, urges international action
Doha: The State of Qatar has condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Israeli settlers and the raising of the Israeli flag in its courtyards, calling the incident a flagrant violation of international law. In a statement issued Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the act r»»»
Saudi chambers resolve over 130 logistics challenges via observatory
RIYADH: The Federation of Saudi Chambers has identified more than 130 challenges across vital sectors through the recently launched “Logistics Services Challenges Observatory.” These challenges were analyzed, with 27 shared with relevant authorities, 22 of which have been resolved, while work conti»»»
Oman unveils food security investment opportunities worth over $240m
JEDDAH: Oman has launched a package of food security investment opportunities worth at least 93.8 million Omani rials ($243 million), spanning agriculture, fisheries, and related industries. Represented by Invest Oman, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, in cooperation wit»»»
Finnish police say state data breach could be espionage
Helsinki: Finnish police said Tuesday that a suspected data breach into a government IT service provider in late January was being investigated as espionage. A suspected breach in the mobile device management service provided by the Government ICT Centre Valtori at the end of January may have invol»»»
Singapore dengue cases fall nearly 30 percent in Q1
Singapore: Singapore recorded 410 dengue cases in the first quarter of 2026, down 29.2 percent from the previous quarter, official data showed Tuesday. According to the National Environment Agency, one fatality was reported during the quarter. The country's cumulative cases for the first 15 weeks o»»»
Tunisia hosts Tunisian-European Forum on Hospitality and Catering, April 21-22
Tunis, April 21, 2026 (TAP) – The Tunis City of Culture is hosting the Tunisian-European Forum on Hospitality and Catering, a two-day event organised by the National Agency for Employment and Self-Employment (ANETI).During the forum, 30 national and...»»»
Soccer fan Orbán’s election loss could prompt rethink of Hungary’s sports ambitions
BUDAPEST: One of the biggest soccer fans in global politics, Viktor Orbán, has been sidelined from his big game. The right-wing populist leader and Trump ally’s heavy defeat in the Hungarian elections means incoming Prime Minister Péter Magyar will be the one in charge when the Champions League fin»»»
Diplomacy without illusions: The case for Iran's accountability first
Among advocates of process-first diplomacy, a familiar refrain has been especially common in recent days: diplomacy means talking to everyone, no adversary should be humiliated, and the only alternative to negotiation is war. These are not trivial principles. Engagement with adversaries has produce»»»
Trump to take part in 'America Reads the Bible' streaming event - UPI.com
President Donald Trump will read verses from the Old Testament he taped in the Oval Office for a America Reads the Bible event due to be livestreamed across the country Tuesday evening. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 21 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump will read verses from the Old T»»»
Saudi Arabia’s delivery sector up 49% to hit 118m orders
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s delivery sector recorded more than 118 million orders in the first quarter of 2026, marking an annual rise of 49 percent increase, according to the Transport General Authority. The latest performance follows an even stronger fourth quarter of 2025, when total orders exceeded »»»
Frontliners Tribute Initiative allows children of all ages to express their appreciation
Does your child have a hero? Now he or she can leave a little note of appreciation for those on the frontlines in the UAE. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge has launched the new project called the Frontliners Tribute Initiative, where students of all grades can, as part of the Natio»»»
Over 5,000 Babies Born With Support from I Want a Baby Foundation
More than 5,000 babies have been born with the help of the I Want a Baby Foundation, its founder Radina Velcheva told BTA. At the same time, around 145,000 people in the country face reproductive problems, with between 10 and 15% of them needing a donor egg. According to her, a major issue is the l»»»
Burgas Mayor, Spanish Ambassador Discuss Direct Air Services between Burgas and Spanish Cities
The potential for direct flights from Burgas to Spain were discussed at a meeting between Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov and the Spanish Ambassador to Bulgaria Miguel Alonso Berio here in Tuesday, the municipal press centre said. Nikolov pointed out that many young people from Burgas study in Spain a»»»
Ability SPA Opens Second Location as Five-Year Burgas Model Enters New Market
Ability SPA is opening a new location in Varna, the brand’s management team told BTA. This is the company’s first expansion outside Burgas, where it has operated year-round for more than five years. The Varna location follows the Burgas model, while adding wellness activities and new therapeutic se»»»
Saudi HR ministry rolls out operational plan to enhance pilgrim services during Hajj
RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has begun implementing its operational plan for the Hajj season through a set of regulatory, supervisory, and social initiatives aimed at improving services for pilgrims and enhancing their experience in the holy sites. Ismail bin Saeed»»»
Syrian president arrives in Jeddah
RIYADH: Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported. He was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and other officials.»»»
Trump ‘doesn’t want to extend Iran ceasefire,’ says expects to be ‘bombing’ as talks stall
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump told CNBC in an interview on Tuesday that he did not want to extend a ceasefire with Iran, adding the US was in a strong negotiating position and would end up with what he called a great deal. “I don’t want to do that. We don’t have that much time,” Trump said whe»»»
Syria defense minister and anti-Daesh coalition chief discuss cooperation
LONDON: The Syrian Arab Republic’s Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra held on Tuesday discussions with a US military delegation led by Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Lambert, the commander of the international coalition against Daesh. Lambert, who leads the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve»»»
Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile: Where is it and who could get it?
Washington and Tehran remain deadlocked over Iran’s nuclear program and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Iran has insisted that continuing its nuclear program is its sovereign right, while the US maintains that the program must be abandoned for good and the uranium surrendered. RT looks in»»»
Virginia voting on new congressional map drawn by Democrats - UPI.com
1 of 3 | Voters are heading to the polls in Virginia on Tuesday to vote on a new congressional map drawn by Democratic state lawmakers. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 21 (UPI) -- Voters are heading to the polls in Virginia on Tuesday to vote on a new congressional map drawn by »»»
UAE’s resilience mirrors strength of women leaders, says Ajman Free Zone chief
The UAE’s ability to adapt, endure and move forward in uncertain times reflects the very qualities that define strong leadership, Ismail Al Naqi, Director General of the Free Zones Authority of Ajman, said on Tuesday, drawing a parallel between the nation’s resilience and the role of women shaping »»»
New Zealand's capital under state of local emergency as rains persist
Dubai: New Zealand's capital city Wellington has been placed under a state of local emergency as inclement weather continues to batter the region. Mayor Andrew Little has noted that the situation is being taken "very seriously," with emergency efforts coordinated by the Wellington Regional Emergenc»»»
After Spain, Belgium Condemns Israel’s Conduct in Lebanon as Eurovision Boycott Grows
Mounting international pressure on the Israeli occupation entity intensified this week, as European officials and global cultural figures escalated criticism over its military conduct in Lebanon and Gaza, with calls ranging from sanctions to sweeping cultural boycotts. Belgium Pushes EU Action Over»»»
Lebanon PM and Macron to discuss bolstering country’s position in Israel talks
PARIS: Lebanon’s prime minister and French President Emmanuel Macron will discuss on Tuesday how to strengthen the country’s hand in possible direct negotiations with Israel in the United States later this week, as Beirut turns to a trusted European ally. The US will host ambassador-level talks wit»»»
Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,344
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Tuesday, losing 21.83 points, or 0.19 percent, to close at 11,344.96. The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR5.57 billion ($1.48 billion), as 118 of the stocks advanced and 138 retreated. The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu r»»»
Gargash: In tough times, UAE proves its strength
Abu Dhabi: The UAE continues to demonstrate strength and resilience in the face of mounting challenges, Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the President, said on Tuesday. He stressed that the current phase shows which nations can hold firm and distinguish themselves as the pace of change accel»»»
Qatar partakes in Arab League Council ministerial meeting on Iranian attacks against Arab states
Doha: The State of Qatar participated in an extraordinary ministerial-level meeting of the Council of the League of Arab States, held via video conference on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. The meeting was dedicated to the "unlawful and reprehensible" Iranian attacks against Arab countries in addition to »»»
Iran May Have Weapons It Hasn't Shown the World Yet - Military Expert
Iran may have “weapons which have not been precisely identified” to this point, says Russian military analyst Yuri Lyamin, commenting on Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's announcement that Iran has “new cards” it can play if war resumes. According to the Center for Analysis of S»»»
South Sudan vows to hold long-delayed elections in December
JUBA: South Sudan will hold elections in December, the information minister vowed on Tuesday, after years of repeated delays and despite the country being on the verge of civil war. International observers have warned of a return to full-blown conflict as government forces under President Salva Kii»»»
In south Lebanon’s Nabatieh, residents fear a return to war
NABATIEH, Lebanon: Outside her gutted home in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh, Zainab Farran, who recently lost two members of her family in Israeli strikes, keeps her clothes packed in a car in case the temporary truce between Hezbollah and Israel does not last. She returned to the city with her famil»»»
Tunisia issues commemorative stamps in Japan to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations
Tunis, April 21, 2026 (TAP) – The Tunisian Embassy in Japan has released a commemorative collection of four postage stamps to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tunisia and Japan. The initiative aims to...»»»
Bulgaria Begins Building 100 Doctors’ Offices to Boost Healthcare Access in Remote Areas
The Bulgarian Ministry of Health has announced the start of implementation of a project to establish 100 outpatient doctors’ offices across 37 municipalities, aimed at improving access to primary healthcare in smaller settlements and remote regions. According to the ministry, contracts with local a»»»
Rohingya refugees begin to bear spillover effects of Iran war
DHAKA: The impact of the US–Israel war on Iran has already reached Rohingya camps in Bangladesh, where refugees say spillover effects are compounding the existing crisis of displacement and shrinking humanitarian aid. Bangladesh relies on imports for 95 percent of its energy needs and has been stru»»»
DHL expects jet fuel supplies into June for Europe, but has doubts over Asia
BRUSSELS: German logistics company DHL Group is confident it can secure jet fuel for its planes in Europe into June, but has less certainty about supply across Asia, its chief executive said on Tuesday. The International Energy Agency said a week ago that physical shortages of jet fuel could begin »»»
6 stand trial in Istanbul over insecticide poisoning deaths of Turkish-German family
ISTANBUL: Six hotel staff and pest control workers went on trial in Turkiye on Tuesday, charged with causing the deaths of a family-of-four from Germany poisoned by insecticide while on vacation in Istanbul, media reported. The Turkish-German Bocek family were staying at the Harbor Suites Old City »»»
Under war pressure, Iran gives its field commanders more power over militias in Iraq
Iran has granted its commanders greater autonomy over militias in Iraq, allowing some groups to carry out operations without Tehran's approval, a shift driven by the pressures of the war, three militia members and two other officials told The Associated Press. Many Iran-backed militias are funded t»»»
Foreign investors return to GCC markets with $1.47bn inflows in Q1
RIYADH: Foreign investors were net buyers of $1.47 billion in Gulf Cooperation Council equity markets in the first quarter of 2026, marking a sharp reversal from the net selling of $313.5 million in the previous quarter. Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest share of foreign purchases, attracting »»»
Bulgaria Begins Building 100 Doctor’s Offices to Boost Healthcare Access in Remote Areas
The Bulgarian Ministry of Health has announced the start of implementation of a project to establish 100 outpatient doctor’s offices across 37 municipalities, aimed at improving access to primary healthcare in smaller settlements and remote regions. According to the ministry, contracts with local a»»»
Wave Resort Promotes Spa Concept with "Black Gold" and Magnetite Sand from Pomorie Region
A key focus of Wave Resort’s spa philosophy is the deep connection with nature - the sea, minerals, and healing elements, characteristic of the Pomorie region, the resort’s marketing manager Tanya Gagova told BTA. She added that the complex continues to strengthen its image as a spa and wellness de»»»
Kingdom uncovers ancient marketplace, mosque, Chinese pottery at Al-Serrain archaeological site
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has found a marketplace structure and the remains of a mosque at the Al-Serrain archeological site, along with rare pottery bearing a Chinese stamp, discoveries that reflect the depth of the site’s commercial activity in ancient times. The commission has a»»»
Salam from Luxembourg: Lebanon today needs European partners more than ever
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam spoke at a meeting in Luxembourg about the fragile ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, disarming the Hezbollah militant group, and the need for EU assistance for the war-torn nation. “Lebanon today needs its European partners more than ever,” Salam posted on X on Tuesda»»»
Macron to press Lebanon ceasefire and sovereignty in Paris talks
French President Emmanuel Macron is to reaffirm France's full commitment to the ceasefire in Lebanon and support for the country's territorial integrity at a meeting Tuesday in Paris with Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Macron's office said. Pakistan is preparing for a new round of talks betw»»»
Middle East crises divide Europe with rising fuel costs and tensions over Israel policy
Buoyed by the election of a new leader in Hungary, Europe's top diplomats are meeting in Luxembourg to forge plans of action on multiple crises from the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russian hybrid attacks, and economic instability as the war in Iran drives up energy prices worldwide. But it is the Europ»»»
President "Very Likely" to Convene New Parliament April 29 or 30
President Iliana Iotova is very likely to convene the new Parliament on April 29 or 30. "It is very much possible that I will convene the 52nd National Assembly [next] Wednesday or Thursday," she told reporters on Tuesday. The Central Election Commission is yet to announce the official results for »»»
Brnabic receives Chinese National Committee delegation
BELGRADE - Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic received a delegation of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Committee on Population, Resources and the Environment in the parliament building on Tuesday. Brnabic said she was very pleased to meet with th»»»
Pakistan Navy test-fires ‘Taimoor’ anti-ship cruise missile
Dubai: The Pakistan Navy has successfully conducted a live weapon firing of the indigenously developed ‘Taimoor’ air-launched cruise missile, marking a significant enhancement in the country’s maritime strike capability, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday. In a statement, the Inter-Services »»»
Boulevard Flowers in Riyadh now open to visitors
RIYADH: One of the world’s largest flower gardens has opened opposite Riyadh’s Boulevard World, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. Boulevard Flowers, set across 214,000 sq. meters, features tens of millions of floral displays. These include more than 100 varieties of flowers and plants in »»»