Gulf News 3m

13 new mosques open in Dubai, serving 10,000+ worshippers

Dubai: Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department has expanded the emirate’s religious infrastructure in the first quarter of 2026, with the opening of 13 new mosques at a total cost of Dh162 million, in an effortto meet growing demand in newly developed communities. The new mosques»»»

gulfnews.com
Qatar Tribune 4m

Gulf Cooperation Council reaffirms its commitment to promoting stability, development and resolving conflicts peacefully

ANTALYA:The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fostering a stable and secure environment and to pursuing constructive policies based on development and prosperity, rather than onwars and conflicts. This commitment aims to strengthen mutual trust with regional and»»»

qatar-tribune.com
Gulf News 12m

Hormuz turns into gunboat bargaining table as escalation risks mount

Dubai: The Strait of Hormuz is no longer a shipping lane — it is now a gunboat-enforced negotiating table. What unfolded over the past 36 hours has stripped away any lingering illusion that the waterway is returning to normal. A brief window of optimism — sparked by Iran’s signal that the strait wa»»»

gulfnews.com
Middle East Observer 22m

Malawi’s Minister of Health visits EIPICO Pharmaceuticals factories

•• Malawi Minister of Health: A new phase of cooperation with EIPICO has now begun, because what we saw in the company exceeds any expectation or perception. •• Dr. Olfat Ghorab: Acdima companies are the strong arm of the state in providing medicine to Africa as well. •• Dr. Ahmed Kilani: An import»»»

Naharnet 44m

Hezbollah denies involvement in deadly attack on UN peacekeepers

Hezbollah on Saturday denied it was involved in a deadly attack on United Nations peacekeepers (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, after France accused the group of being behind the incident. "Hezbollah denies any connection to the incident that occurred with UNIFIL forces in the Ghandouriyeh-Bint Jbeil »»»

Naharnet 47m

Iran says final deal still far off as Hormuz Strait shuttered

The strategic Strait of Hormuz was again closed on Sunday in the stand-off between Iran and the United States, with Iran's powerful parliament speaker signalling a final peace deal remained "far" off despite some movement in negotiations. As mediation efforts continued following high-level talks in»»»

The Peninsula 58m

India’s economic growth outlook remains strong in spite of headwinds

Doha, Qatar: India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and rapidly transforming into an engine of global growth. During the 2000-2025, which includes the volatile years of the Global Financial Crisis and the Covid-pandemic, the average growth rate for the South-Asian giant was 6.3»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Al Awsat 1h

As Iran War Strains Ties with Trump’s US, UK Looks to Europe

Britain's government is set to announce legislation next month to move the country closer to the European Union, as the Iran war sours the UK's so-called special relationship with the United States. President Donald Trump's unpredictability and stream of insults towards America's historic ally is a»»»

english.aawsat.com
The Peninsula 1h

Rat poison found in baby food jar in Austria as products recalled

Vienna: Austrian police have found rat poison in a baby food jar, they said late Saturday, April 18, 2026, in a probe that has seen the supplier recall the line over suspected tampering. The Germany-based HiPP brand announced the recall at SPAR supermarkets in Austria late Friday over the possibili»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Gulf News 1h

Parents warned after toxic substance found in baby food

Vienna: Austrian police have found rat poison in a baby food jar, they said late Saturday, in a probe that has seen the supplier recall the line over suspected tampering. The Germany-based HiPP brand announced the recall at SPAR supermarkets in Austria late Friday over the possibility that "a hazar»»»

gulfnews.com
The Peninsula 1h

Driving sustainable growth across The Pearl and Gewan Islands: UDC’s integrated ESG journey

As the master developer behind The Pearl and Gewan Islands, United Development Company (UDC) is shaping one of Qatar’s most distinctive urban destinations—where premium living, environmental responsibility, and community engagement are fully integrated. Across these flagship developments, UDC is ad»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
The Peninsula 1h

Apex Health Qatar leads with high readiness amid global shifts and targeted initiatives supporting mental wellbeing

The View Hospital Reinforces Its Standing Through Innovation and Human-Centered Care Doha, Qatar: In light of recent regional developments and the challenges faced across the region, Apex Health, the fastest-growing healthcare groups in the region, continues to reinforce its readiness and ability t»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Gulf News 1h

Hezbollah warns truce with Israel cannot be one-sided, tensions remain high

Beirut: Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem asserted on Saturday that the current 10-day truce with Israel cannot be a unilateral arrangement. According to a report by Al Jazeera, Qassem vowed that his fighters are prepared to retaliate against any Israeli strikes targeting Lebanese territory. In his init»»»

gulfnews.com
The Peninsula 2h

Brazil, Mexico, Spain call for addressing humanitarian crisis in Cuba

Madrid: The governments of Brazil, Mexico, and Spain expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis facing the Cuban people, calling for urgent measures to alleviate their suffering. In a joint statement published by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the three countries urged the »»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Al Awsat 2h

Iran Says Final Deal Still Far off as Hormuz Strait Shuttered

The strategic Strait of Hormuz was again closed on Sunday in the stand-off between Iran and the United States, with Iran's powerful parliament speaker signalling a final peace deal remained "far" off despite some movement in negotiations. As mediation efforts continued following high-level talks in»»»

english.aawsat.com
The Peninsula 2h

QU honours winners of 19th Education Excellence Award 2026

Doha, Qatar: Qatar University (QU) President, Dr. Omar Al-Ansari, honoured the winners of the 19th Education Excellence Award for 2026 in the presence of several vice presidents during a ceremony that reflects the university’s continued commitment to supporting excellence. This recognition comes as»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
The Peninsula 3h

Ambassadors of Korea, Japan visit ice rink at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah arena

Doha: Ambassador of Korea H E Yun Hyunsoo and Ambassador of Japan H E Naoto Hisajima visited the ice rink at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, located at Al Sadd Sports Club, to review the facilities dedicated to ice sports. The visit came in response to an invitation from the Qatar Winter Sports»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
The Peninsula 3h

Qatar stresses trust, dialogue in global mediation efforts at Antalya Forum

Antalya: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi participated in a high-level session on the sidelines of the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) titled, “Emerging Partnerships in International Mediation for Peace.” In remarks delive»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
France24 3h

Europe's far right leaders gather in Milan rally against immigration

Several thousand people gathered in Milan on Saturday for a large rally attended by several European far-right leaders who spoke on immigration, security, and against EU regulations. Far-right leaders from Europe gathered in Milan Saturday for a rally attended by thousands against irregular immigra»»»

france24.com
The Peninsula 3h

Adoption of Qatar’s emergency item at IPU reflects growing parliamentary diplomacy impact

Doha, Qatar: Officials and members of the Shura Council stated that the adoption of Qatar’s emergency item at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reflects the growing impact of Qatari parliamentary diplomacy and its role in supporting national, Arab, and Islamic positions. They noted in statements »»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
The Peninsula 3h

UN condemns killing of French soldier in Lebanon attack

New York: The United Nations strongly condemned the attack that resulted in the death of a French soldier from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the injury of three others during an incident that occurred yesterday, Saturday, in southern Lebanon. UN spokesperson Stephane Duja»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Sputnik 3h

Brazil, Mexico, Spain Voice Concern Over Cuba Crisis, Call for Relief Measures

MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - Brazil, Spain and Mexico have expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Cuba and called for measures to improve it, as well as to avoid actions that worsen the living conditions of the Cubans, a joint statement published on the Spanish Foreign Ministry's website o»»»

sputniknews.com
Al Awsat 4h

US Renews Russian Oil Waiver for a Month to Curb Global Energy Prices

Washington renewed on Friday a waiver allowing countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil at sea for about a month, even as lawmakers accused the government ‌of going easy on Moscow as its war on Ukraine grinds on. The Treasury Department's waiver lets countries purchase Russian oil and petroleum prod»»»

english.aawsat.com
Al Awsat 4h

Strait of Hormuz to Stay Closed Until Port Blockade Lifts, Iran Says

The crucial Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the United States lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports, Tehran said Saturday, as a top official warned that a final peace deal remained "far" off. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of the Iranian parliament, said in a televised address that th»»»

english.aawsat.com
Al Awsat 4h

North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles into Sea

North Korea test-fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Sunday, South Korea's military said, the latest in a recent flurry of launches by the nuclear-armed state. The Sunday launches add to a series of weapons tests Pyongyang has carried out in recent weeks, including ballistic missiles, »»»

english.aawsat.com
Gulf News 5h

North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles into sea: Seoul

North Korea test-fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Sunday, South Korea's military said, the latest in a recent flurry of launches by the nuclear-armed state. The Sunday launches add to a series of weapons tests Pyongyang has carried out in recent weeks, including ballistic missiles, »»»

gulfnews.com
Ya Libnan 7h

Live Updates: Iran fires on ships in Strait of Hormuz as it closes the critical chokepoint again – Ya Libnan

Share: A French contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrols the area as displaced residents waving Hezbollah flags make their way back to their homes on a makeshift road on April 18, 2026.(photo credit: Mahmoud ZAYYAT / AFP via Getty Images). French president Macron b»»»

BNE 8h

India to benefit from US extension of Russian oil waiver

The United States has opted to extend a waiver permitting limited transactions involving Russian oil, despite sustained political opposition from within Washington, Russia’s special presidential envoy for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries says. »»»

intellinews.com
France24 10h

French UNIFIL soldier killed in Lebanon, Hezbollah responsible, says Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the death of a French UN peacekeeping soldier Saturday following an attack that also left three people wounded in southern Lebanon, saying that "everything suggests" Hezbollah being responsible for the attack. The Iran-backed group denied involve»»»

france24.com
Qatar Tribune 11h

Mediation a responsibility and effective tool for conflict resolution: Dr Al Khulaifi

QNA Antalya Mediation is not viewed as a matter of media visibility or international competition, but rather as a responsibility and an effective tool for conflict resolution, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi has said. Speaking »»»

qatar-tribune.com
Qatar Tribune 11h

Qatar condemns attack on UNIFIL Patrol in southern Lebanon

Amir greets Benin’spresident-elect The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to Romuald Wadagni on his victory in the presidential elections in the Republic of Benin, wishing him success in his duties and further progress and development in the bilateral »»»

qatar-tribune.com
Qatar Tribune 11h

Adoption of Qatar’s emergency item at IPU reflects growing impact: Shura officials

QNA Doha Officials and members of the Shura Council stated that the adoption of Qatar’s emergency item at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reflects the growing impact of Qatari parliamentary diplomacy and its role in supporting national, Arab, and Islamic positions. They noted in statements to Q»»»

qatar-tribune.com
Qatar Tribune 11h

Qatar Charity inaugurates its newservice complex in eastern Ghana

QNA Accra Qatar Charity (QC) inaugurated a new service complex in North Tongu District in eastern Ghana, comprising a school, mosque, teachers’ accommodation and a borehole providing clean drinking water, benefiting more than 2,000 people, with support from donors in Qatar. The inauguration took pl»»»

qatar-tribune.com
UPI 11h

ICE detainee deaths skyrocket amid immigration crackdown - UPI.com

There were 33 deaths of ICE detainees in 2025, with 17 so far in 2026 The number of deaths of Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees over the last year has skyrocketed amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, which has led to the agency detaining more people that it has since i»»»

upi.com
RT 13h

France withdraws controversial anti-Semitism bill ahead of debate

French lawmakers linked to President Emmanuel Macron have withdrawn a controversial bill aimed at expanding anti-Semitism laws in the country, which had been set for debate in parliament on Thursday. The “law to combat renewed forms of anti-Semitism” was drafted in 2024 by a group of MPs led by Car»»»

rt.com
UPI 13h

Tornadoes cause damage in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois; no injuries - UPI.com

Storms tore through the upper midwest, causing damaging tornadoes Friday. Image courtesy of UPI April 18 (UPI) -- Tornadoes swept through several midwestern cities Friday leaving destruction and devastation in their wakes as a massive storm system tore through the area. Rochester, Minn., Lena, Ill.»»»

upi.com
The Peninsula 13h

Qatar condemns attack targeting UNIFIL patrol in southern Lebanon

Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar condemned the attack that targeted a patrol belonging to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the south of the country, which led to the death of a French soldier and the injury of several others. Qatar considers this a serious violation of the rul»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Daily News Egypt 15h

Egypt steps up efforts to shield startups, SMEs from global headwinds: MSMEDA chief

Bassel Rahmy, CEO of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), said state entities are working in close coordination to mitigate the impact of global economic challenges on startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt. He added that efforts are also focu»»»

dailynewsegypt.com
The Peninsula 15h

Leon fires Sundowns into African Champions League final

Pretoria: Colombian Brayan Leon was the match-winner again for Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa on Saturday, April 18, 2026, scoring in a 1-0 CAF Champions League semi-final second leg win over Esperance of Tunisia. The 25-year-old, who joined the Pretoria club from Independiente Medellin three mo»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Daily News Egypt 16h

Suez Canal Bank signs tripartite protocol with eHealth, eAswaaq to drive healthcare digitalisation

Suez Canal Bank has signed a tripartite cooperation protocol with eHealth and eAswaaq—both affiliates of eFinance Investment Group—with the aim of supporting and developing Egypt’s healthcare sector by providing integrated financing solutions and accelerating digital transformation. The agreement w»»»

dailynewsegypt.com
Daily News Egypt 16h

Ahmed Fouad appointed head of SME Committee at FEB

The Federation of Egyptian Banks (FEB), chaired by Mohamed El-Etreby, has approved the appointment of Ahmed Fouad as head of its SME Committee, in a move aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of specialised committees and renewing their leadership. The appointment comes as part of ongoing efforts to»»»

dailynewsegypt.com
France24 16h

Middle East war live: French UNIFIL soldier killed in Lebanon, Hezbollah responsible, says Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron said Saturday that a French ​soldier who ​was part of international forces stationed in southern Lebanon ​was killed, adding that evidence suggests ⁠Hezbollah was responsible. Earlier, Iranian patrol boats fired at an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, accordi»»»

france24.com
France24 16h

Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz 'completely open' amid fragile ceasefire

Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial shipping during the Lebanon ceasefire, triggering a sharp drop in oil prices, while Donald Trump welcomed the move but kept a US naval blockade in place. At the same time, Emmanuel Macron and the UK are leading plans for a neutral mission to secu»»»

france24.com
France24 16h

Hormuz domino effect: How the Middle East crisis affects food, flights and global supply chains

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz triggered by the war in the Middle East hasn't just affected oil prices. Despite a provisional reopening during the current 10-day ceasefire, global supplies of jet fuel, fertilisers, industrial CO2 and naphtha have already been affected, potentially leading to s»»»

france24.com
France24 16h

French soldier killed in attack on UN mission in southern Lebanon, officials say

A French soldier was killed and three others wounded ​while clearing a road in southern Lebanon in an attack that UNIFIL peacekeepers and French officials said on Saturday was likely carried out ​by ‌Iran-backed Hezbollah. In calls with Lebanese President ⁠Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam»»»

france24.com
France24 16h

UNIFIL sheds light on southern Lebanon attack that killed French soldier

A French soldier was killed in southern Lebanon on Saturday 18, while serving with UNIFIL, the United Nations peacekeeping force. UNIFIL deputy spokesperson Tilak Pokharel was FRANCE 24’s guest this afternoon to explain what happened and what is currently known about those responsible.»»»

france24.com
France24 16h

Eye on Africa - Day 5 of Pope's African tour

Day 5 in Africa for Pope Leo the 14th. In the midst of a pause in the ongoing violence in Cameroon, the Pope headed to Douala after the city of Bamenda, to celebrate a Mass. Also It's now more than 48 hours since Million Beyene disappeared without a trace. And Literature takes centre stage in the F»»»

france24.com
France24 16h

US issues sanctions waiver on Russian oil sales again

The Trump administration on Friday issued a one-month sanctions waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded at sea, despite the treasury secretary indicating two days earlier that Washington would not renew the measure. The move comes amid efforts to ease global en»»»

france24.com
France24 16h

Spain's Sanchez, Brazil's Lula lead global gathering of left-wing leaders against far-right rise

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are set to co-chair a gathering of left-wing leaders in Barcelona on Saturday aimed at countering the rise of the far right and strengthening democratic institutions. The meeting brings together figures from acro»»»

france24.com
BNE 17h

Carney leads middle power coalition drive as CANZUK gains traction

Energy giant Canada has emerged as the leading driver of efforts to build a formal middle-power coalition among like-minded Commonwealth nations, with Prime Minister Mark Carney using his first year in office to push the long-dormant CANZUK concept and a broader variable-geometr»»»

intellinews.com