UK trade deal with GCC countries set to boost economy by £3.7 billion
Britain on Wednesday struck a long-awaited trade agreement with the six Gulf Cooperation Council states, the first such deal between the bloc and a Group of Seven country. The agreement with the GCC -- which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- is set »»»
Former Spanish PM Zapatero investigated in kickback scheme - UPI.com
National police agents gather confiscated files and material into a vehicle of the Spanish Central Operative Unit during a police raid at the office of former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in Madrid on Tuesday. Photo by Rodrigo Jimenez/EPA May 20 (UPI) -- Former Spanish Prime »»»
French presidential contender Édouard Philippe targeted by embezzlement probe
French prosecutors on Wednesday announced a probe against former prime minister Édouard Philippe, a centrist seen as one of the leading contenders to replace President Emmanuel Macron in next year's presidential race, over alleged embezzlement of public funds. Polls suggest Philippe could win »»»
Pentagon says it reduced US troop brigades in Europe from four to three
The Pentagon said on Tuesday it was cutting the number of US Brigade Combat Teams stationed in Europe from four to three, returning troop levels to those seen in 2021 as Washington presses European allies to assume greater responsibility for regional defence. The move will temporarily delay the dep»»»
No: 97, 20 May 2026, Regarding the Use of Violence by an Israeli Minister Against Detained Participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla
We condemn in the strongest terms the verbal and physical violence inflicted by an Israeli minister against the participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was unlawfully intercepted by Israel in international waters. The minister concerned, who is one of the key figures in the ongoing genocid»»»
No: 98, 20 May 2026, Regarding the Participation of H.E. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, in the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting
H.E. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, will participate in the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting to be held in Helsingborg, Sweden on 21-22 May 2026.»»»
April 2026 warmer than usual and overall wetter than average (INM)
Tunis, May 20 (TAP) - April 2026 was marked by generally contrasting climate conditions in Tunisia. Temperatures were slightly above seasonal norms, with a national average of 18.2°C, representing a positive deviation of 0.8°C, making the...»»»
Israel under fire after video of detained flotilla activists sparks outrage
Paris, France: A video posted by Israel's far-right national security minister showing detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla with hands bound and foreheads on the ground, sparked condemnation from numerous governments on Wednesday. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app»»»
UK becomes first G7 nation to secure $5bn GCC trade deal
RIYADH: The UK has become the first G7 nation to secure a trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, in a deal projected to add £3.7 billion ($5 billion) annually to the British economy. According to a UK government statement, the agreement with the six-member GCC bloc is also expected to g»»»
Qatar launches summer cultural season across Canada
Ottawa, Canada and Doha, Qatar: As Canada prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026, Qatar’s Years of Culture initiative is bringing a summer-long cultural programme to cities across Canada, featuring exhibitions, fashion, public art, film, literature, and dialogue to cities across Canada. Markin»»»
Saudi Arabia through the royal lens
JEDDAH: “For 35 years, I’ve been photographing in black and white analog. And this is my whole career.” With these words, Princess Reem Al-Faisal reflects on a lifetime devoted to the art of image-making, a journey that has evolved from shadow and light to a profound exploration of color, identity »»»
Sierra Leone becomes latest African country to receive deportees from US
Sierra Leone becomes latest African country to receive deportees from US 8 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleUmaru Fofana,FreetownandWedaeli Chibelushi AFP via Getty ImagesThe deportees were escorted from Freetown International Airport in a white van Sierra Leone has become the latest A»»»
FX black-market has existed for years and decades, and eliminating it in a short period is impossible: CBL Governor Issa
Speaking during a press conference after his meeting with the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) Governor Naji Issa last Monday (18 May), Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi said that the two parties had agreed on an implementable plan to support the CBL’s aim to reduce the black-market exchange rate of the L»»»
Tunisia raises its carbon intensity reduction target to 62% by 2035
Tunis, May 20 (TAP) - Tunisia aims to reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by 46.4% by 2030 and by 62% by 2035, compared with the reference year 2010. These objectives feature in Tunisia's third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0),...»»»
Iraq rejects use of its territory for attacks on UAE and Saudi Arabia
Dubai: Iraq has reiterated its rejection of any use of its territory or airspace to launch attacks against neighbouring countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, and pledged firm action against those responsible. According to a statement posted on the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Of»»»
Trump tightens grip on Republican Party after Thomas Massie primary defeat
US President Donald Trump tightened his grip on the Republican Party on Tuesday after Kentucky voters ousted Congressman Thomas Massie, one of the few conservatives willing to openly challenge him. The defeat, projected by NBC and CNN, followed setbacks for other Republican dissenters, including In»»»
Civilian killed every 14 minutes in war zones last year: UN
NEW YORK: One civilian was killed approximately every 14 minutes in armed conflicts worldwide last year, the UN humanitarian chief told the Security Council on Wednesday, warning about the accelerating human cost of modern warfare. Speaking on behalf of Tom Fletcher during an open debate on the pro»»»
Radio station sorry after mistakenly announcing death of King Charles
London: A former British pirate radio station on Wednesday apologised "for any distress caused" after accidentally announcing the death of King Charles III. The erroneous announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon due to a computer error at its main studio in Maldon in eastern Essex, Radio Caroline»»»
‘Manual for autocrats’: how Fico’s rule-of-law breaches put Slovakia in EU sanctions crosshairs
Recent reforms by Robert Fico’s government in Bratislava have drawn intense scrutiny for undermining the rule of law — prompting the European Parliament to renew its call to freeze EU funding for Slovakia. Critics and Brussels officials point to a targeted dismantling of democratic checks and balan»»»
Hamad International Airport continues to welcome more airline partners to Doha
DOHA: The Hamad International Airport (HIA) is continuingto welcome airline partners to Doha. Flight operations are expanding at the airport, with more than 30 airline partners operating services to and from Doha, the airport said. As per the HIA announcement, RwandanAir will resume flights from Ju»»»
Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 12:30 on Wednesday 20-05-2026 a gathering of vehicles and soldiers belonging to the “Israeli” enemy army in Shamaa town with a rocket barrage: statement 8 - 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 targeted at 12:30 on Wednesday 20-05-2026 a gathering of vehicles and soldiers belonging to the “Israeli” enemy»»»
Boost for UK-Qatar trade and investment as Gulf Cooperation Council trade deal concludes
Doha, Qatar: The United Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have today, Wednesday 20 May 2026, concluded talks on a modern and ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which will support goods exporters, services suppliers and investors in the UK and Qatar. This deal reflects the UK's commi»»»
Qatari Hajj Mission intensifies inspections to ensure pilgrims’ accommodation readiness
Makkah The Control and Inspection Unit of the Qatari Hajj Mission has intensified inspection tours of accommodation facilities and campaign headquarters serving pilgrims from the State of Qatar as preparations enter their final stage ahead of the arrival of pilgrim groups beginning on the fourth of»»»
New Round of Iran-US Talks to Be Held in Pakistan After End of Hajj - Reports
DOHA (Sputnik) - A new round of talks between Iran and the United States will be held in Pakistan after the completion of the main Hajj ceremonies at the end of May, Al Arabiya reported on Wednesday. "The next round of talks will be held in Islamabad after the Hajj is over," sources told the broadc»»»
Russian Soldiers Place Nuclear Arms on High Alert During Drills - Belarus' Defense Ministry
MINSK (Sputnik) - Russian military personnel practiced bringing nuclear weapons units to the highest levels of combat readiness as part of nuclear force exercises in Belarus, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. On May 18, military units in Belarus began training in the combat use of »»»
Russia, China Reach Agreement to Accelerate Implementation of Power of Siberia 2 - Novak
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia and China have reached agreements to accelerate the implementation of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday. "This issue was discussed today, and, as you know, the president said that agreements have be»»»
Cuban Foreign Minister Accuses Rubio of Lying About Causes of Crisis on Island
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla on Wednesday accused US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of lying about the true causes behind the longstanding hardships affecting the island. Earlier in the day, Rubio issued a message to the Cuban people, saying that President D»»»
IRGC Says 26 Vessels Passed Through Strait of Hormuz Over Past Day
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Twenty-six vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours, the naval forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday. "Over the past 24 hours, 26 vessels, including oil tankers, container ships, and other commercial vessels, passed »»»
Trump plans visit to G7 summit in France this summer - UPI.com
Leaders of the G7 nations, from left, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, U.S. President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, pose for»»»
World Countries Condemn ‘Israel’ over Violence against Gaza Flotilla, Summon Envoys - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe World Countries Condemn ‘Israel’ over Violence against Gaza Flotilla, Summon Envoys 20-05-2026 19:49 PM Several countries, including Italy,»»»
Sierra Leone receives migrants deported from US
Freetown: Sierra Leone on Wednesday became the latest African country to receive migrants expelled from the United States under President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. A first plane carrying nine west African migrants landed Wednesday morning at the international airport just outside Freeto»»»
NDC 3.0: 7 priority axes and $ 29 billion in financing required to strengthen adaptation to climate change
Tunis, May 20 (TAP) - Protecting Tunisia's national economy and population from climate disruptions requires financing estimated at $ 29 billion for the period 2026-2035, accounting for 53% of the total financing needs of the Third Nationally...»»»
Turkish Aksa Composites confirms strategic investment in carbon fibres in Tunisia
Tunis, May 20 (TAP) - The Turkish company Aksa Composites, a subsidiary of the Akkök group, a leading player in the production of composite materials notably for the aeronautical industry and high-performance applications, confirmed plans to set up...»»»
New UAE oil pipeline bypassing Hormuz '50% complete'
DUBAI: The UAE’s new crude pipeline bypassing the Strait of Hormuz is about 50 percent complete, the head of ADNOC said on Wednesday, adding that global oil flows may take at least four months to recover to 80 percent of pre-conflict levels after the Iran war ends. Tehran has largely kept the wate»»»
Israel further restricts Palestinian movement in Hebron with iron gate
LONDON: Israeli forces installed an iron gate at the entrance of Hebron’s Old City in the southern occupied West Bank on Wednesday, along with a military tower on the roof of the old municipality building, further restricting the movement of Palestinians. The iron gate was installed along a route l»»»
Belgium summons Israel envoy over ‘disturbing’ video of bound flotilla activists
BRUSSELS: Belgium will summon the Israeli ambassador over a “deeply disturbing” video showing detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla kneeling with their hands tied, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said Wednesday, calling for their immediate release. Israel’s far-right national security minist»»»
New partnership for 130 meter tower with indoor climbing wall at Sports Boulevard
RIYADH: The Sports Boulevard Foundation has appointed OVG Middle East as the operating partner for the Global Sports Tower project at Riyadh’s Sport Boulevard. According to a press release, the company, which operates in the region’s live entertainment and hospitality sectors, has been involved in »»»
Trump Jokes He Could Run for Prime Minister in Israel After His Current Term
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, jokingly, that he could try running for the post of the prime minister in Israel after his presidential term is finished, citing his popularity among the Israeli people. "Maybe after I do this I'll go to Israel and run for prime mi»»»
Syrian Embassy in Washington condemns terrorist attack on San Diego Islamic Center
Washington May 20 (SANA) The Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United States of America condemned in the strongest possible terms the brutal terrorist attack that targeted an Islamic center in San Diego, California. The assault resulted in several casualties, including Syrian citizens resi»»»
Bolivia expresses fears for coup attempt amid unrest; U.S. concerned - UPI.com
Members of unions that represent merchants, transport workers, local producers and neighborhood associations march Tuesday in Cochabamba, in central Bolivia, "in defense of democracy" and to demand an end to the roadblocks set up by farmers from the Altiplano who are calling for the resignation of »»»
Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Israeli enemy army’s artillery bunkers in the town of Yaroun with a squadron of attack drones: statement 5 - 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 targeted the Israeli enemy army’s artillery bunkers in the town of Yaroun with a squadron of attack drones: sta»»»
Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 16:50 on Wednesday 20-05-2026 a gathering of vehicles and soldiers belonging to the “Israeli” enemy army at Khallet Al-Raj in Deir Seryan town with a rocket barrage: statement 7 - 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 targeted at 16:50 on Wednesday 20-05-2026 a gathering of vehicles and soldiers belonging to the “Israeli” enemy»»»
Top Lithuanian officials take shelter after air alert after suspected drone approaches from Belarus
Lithuania briefly issued an air alert in parts of the country on May 20 after detecting what authorities said was a suspected drone approaching from Belarus, prompting the activation of Nato’s Baltic air policing mission as regional tensions over repeated airspace incursions mounted. Lithuania’s de»»»
Germany to invest in everyday shelters, shifting from Cold War bunkers
BERLIN: Germany’s government approved a new Civil Defense Plan on Wednesday, shifting from Cold War bunkers to everyday sites such as underground parking garages, tunnels and subway stations. Debate over civil defense has intensified in Europe since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022,»»»
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra to perform classical concert at Katara
Doha: The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will present an upcoming musical evening at the Opera House in the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara on Saturday. Conducted by maestro Austin Chanu with participation from Aleksandr Haskin, the concert will feature a program spanning romantic drama, classic»»»
Morocco, France Prepare Treaty to Foster Ties
Moroccan and French foreign ministers said on Wednesday the two countries are preparing to sign a treaty to strengthen ties during an upcoming state visit by King Mohammed VI to France. The treaty will be the first Morocco signs with a European country, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita tol»»»
Qatar participates in 27th GCC-EU Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting
BRUSSELS: The State of Qatar took part in the 27th GCC-EU Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting convened in Brussels, Belgium. Participating in this event were delegations from the GCC nations and the GCC General Secretariat, alongside officials from the EU. Director of Policy and Planning Departme»»»
ARP partakes in webinar on "Parliamentary oversight of AI: Early experiences and lessons learned"
Tunis, May 20 (TAP) - The Assembly of People's Representatives 'ARP) is keen to keep pace with rapid digital and technological transformations, particularly in the artificial intelligence field, and to improve parliamentary efficiency and the...»»»
Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Israeli enemy army’s artillery bunkers in the city of Bint Jbeil with a squadron of loitering drones: statement 6 - 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 targeted the Israeli enemy army’s artillery bunkers in the city of Bint Jbeil with a squadron of loitering dron»»»
Qatar Stock Exchange closes lower as market cap falls
Doha: The Qatar Stock Exchange closed lower on Wednesday, with the benchmark index falling 65.58 points, or 0.63%, to finish at 10,352.70 points. A total of 123.3 million shares were traded during the session, with a combined value of more than QR 380.4 million across 23,000 transactions. Shares in»»»