Attacks by pro-Iran militias strain Iraq’s sovereignty, fray ties with Gulf Arab neighbors
LONDON: On March 26, representatives of the US and Iraqi governments gathered in Irbil for the first meeting of the new US-Iraq High Joint Coordination Committee, set up at Washington’s urging in a bid to keep Iraq out of the current conflict in the region. The following day, the US Embassy in Bagh»»»
Iran knows how to ‘resist bullying’: foreign minister
TEHRAN: Iran’s foreign minister said on Tuesday the Islamic republic knew how to “resist bullying,” as a ceasefire was due to expire and Tehran had yet to formally respond to an invite to talks with the US in Islamabad. “Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, how to defend its interests, and ho»»»
Iran knows how to 'resist bullying' says Araghchi
Iran's foreign minister said on Tuesday the Islamic republic knew how to "resist bullying", as a ceasefire was due to expire and Tehran had yet to formally respond to an invite to talks with the U.S. in Islamabad. "Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to r»»»
Watch: Driver's license renewal leads Indiana woman to doppelganger mystery - UPI.com
April 21 (UPI) -- An Indiana woman is searching for her doppelganger after she was flagged by facial recognition software while renewing her driver's license. Erika Brown of Anderson said she was renewing her license at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when the software indicated there could be fraud a»»»
Governments worldwide shield households from rising energy costs
LONDON: Governments worldwide are trying to shield consumers from soaring energy costs resulting from the US-Israeli war on Iran. Here’s how different countries are responding: Britain is looking to force older wind and solar generators onto fixed contracts in a bid to bring down consumer bills. T»»»
Pope Leo marks anniversary of Pope Francis' death with tribute - UPI.com
1 of 5 | Pope Leo XIV waves to supporters as he leaves after his visit to the Ngul Zamba (Power of God) orphanage April 15 in Yaounde, Cameroon. The pontiff, who is on an 11-day apostolic journey to Africa, spoke about his predecessor, Pope Francis, on Tuesday, the first anniversary of Francis' dea»»»
UAE–Oman rail connection project Hafeet Rail is 40% complete
Hafeet Rail, the joint venture between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala), has announced the completion of 40 per cent of the UAE–Oman rail connection project. Named after Jebel Hafeet, the project is a major milestone for regional transport and logistics. Once compl»»»
UAE–Oman rail connection project Hafeet Rail is 40% complete
Hafeet Rail, the joint venture between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala), has announced the completion of 40 per cent of the UAE–Oman rail connection project. Named after Jebel Hafeet, the project is a major milestone for regional transport and logistics. Once compl»»»
Dubai integrates courts, police, prosecution digitally
Dubai: Dubai Courts has reviewed progress on the development and rollout of the “Dubai for Justice” platform, part of wider efforts to fast-track digital transformation in line with directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Coun»»»
What We Are Reading Today: ‘The AI‑Ready Doctor’ by Dr. Ameed Khalid Abdulhamid
British dentist and researcher Dr. Ameed Khalid Abdulhamid explores the ethical and practical aspects of blending artificial intelligence into clinical practice in his book, “The AI‑Ready Doctor: Rethinking Clinical Judgment, Responsibility, and Trust in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” The boo»»»
Opinion | The Struggle over ‘Corridors of the Future’
The US-imposed maritime blockade on Iran cannot be adequately understood in isolation from the broader equation of “sovereignty versus technological supremacy” that structures the ongoing rivalry between the United States and China. The swift and unequivocal response delivered by China’s Minister o»»»
Heading out? Plan ahead, delays expected in Dubai
Dubai: Motorists in Dubai have been advised to expect traffic delays on Wednesday, April 22, as crowds gather for the AFC Champions League 2 match at Al Wasl Club. In a social media post, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said congestion is likely on several key roads surrounding the stad»»»
Sheikh Mansour leads strategic review of government performance
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, chaired a meeting of the Ministerial Development Council held in Abu Dhabi. The meeting reviewed the outcomes of implementing a number of government programmes and initiativ»»»
Smuggler arrested with 11 migrants squashed into his car
A man caught driving a car with 11 passengers squeezed into it near Greece’s northeastern land border with Turkey has been arrested and charged with migrant-smuggling, authorities said Tuesday. A police statement said the vehicle was stopped Monday morning in the Rodopi area, and it is believed to »»»
Azour to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Has Strong Financial Buffers to Confront War Impact
“This is a multidimensional shock.” That is how Dr. Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund, summed up the bleak outlook gripping the region, describing the current war as an earthquake not seen in geopolitics and economics for five de»»»
Republika Srpska Supports Russia, Special Military Operation, Will Never Join NATO - Dodik
BELGRADE (Sputnik) - Republika Srpska, a Serb-majority entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina, supports Russia and its special military operation and opposes sanctions against it as well as Bosnia's possible accession to NATO, Milorad Dodik, former president of Republika Srpska and leader of the ruli»»»
US military pushes for boost in 2027 spending on drones and air defenses used in Iran war
WASHINGTON: US military officials on Tuesday called for spending tens of billions of dollars in the next budget year on drones, air defense systems and fighter jets that have been a key part of fighting the Iran war. As part of President Donald Trump’s push to boost defense spending to $1.5 trillio»»»
Warning: Stop using Flying Tiger cups immediately
Dubai: The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has urged consumers to immediately stop using certain glass drinking cups sold by the Flying Tiger brand, citing potential health risks. In a social media statement, the Ministry said the 220ml cups sold during 2024 and 2025 were found to contain elevated »»»
He reviews operations of Dubai International Airport and Emirates
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, affirmed that Dubai’s aviation sector, under the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice »»»
Nafis expands: New groups supported, quotas unchanged
Dubai: The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) has confirmed that Emirati spouses of citizens and children of Emirati mothers working in the private sector will not be counted towards the annual 2 per cent Emiratisation target under the Nafis programme. The council said the quota for priv»»»
UAE puts gender balance at the core of growth: Eugene Mayne
Gender balance in the UAE is not positioned as a social initiative but embedded as a structural national priority, shaping policy, workforce participation and leadership development across sectors. This aligns inclusion with long-term economic resilience and competitiveness, said Eugene Mayne, Foun»»»
Alternative Routes for Middle East Oil and Gas Due to Hormuz Disruption
The US-Israeli war with Iran has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil chokepoint, exposing the Middle East's limited alternatives for exporting its hydrocarbons. The International Energy Agency (IEA) called it the largest supply disruption on record, bigg»»»
Pakistan central bank receives second tranche of $1bn from Saudi Arabia
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's central bank said on Tuesday that it has received a second tranche of $1 billion from Saudi Arabia, providing much-needed financial support to the country as it attempts to bolster its foreign exchange reserves amid recent repayments of $1.4 billion in Eurobonds and $2 billion»»»
UAE women drive leadership and sustainable development, says Sheikha Nada Al Mualla
Women today are no longer defined by the need for empowerment, but by their role as leaders and decision-makers shaping the future, Sheikha Nada Bint Issa Al Mualla, Community Ambassador, said in a keynote address at the Tristar presents Limitless: The UAE Power Women’s Forum in association with Gu»»»
Dubai GDRFA achieves 95.6% future readiness milestone
Dubai : Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs achieved a 95.6 per cent future readiness rate by 2025, driven by a long-term foresight strategy that has already translated into major initiatives such as the “Red Carpet” project — first envisioned in 2015 and now implemented »»»
Coast Guard to liaise with Libyan colleagues on stemming migration to Crete
Greece has sent two senior Coast Guard officials to Libya to try and talk local authorities into helping stem a wave of migration in small boats from the north African country to Crete, the government said Tuesday. Vassilis Kikilias, the minister for maritime affairs, said the two were sent followi»»»
President Iotova: If Judicial Power Remains Tied to Political Influence, Bulgarian Won't Get Justice
Speaking at an event of the Union of Bulgarian Jurists on the occasion of Constitution Day and the professional day of lawyers, President Iliana Iotova said that if the judicial system does not function, if it remains tied to political influence as it has been so far, and if magistrates are selecte»»»
PSG and Luis Enrique sweat on Vitinha ahead of Champions League semis
PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique said Tuesday he was unsure if midfield metronome Vitinha would be fit to play against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals. The Portuguese central midfielder will miss PSG's Ligue 1 clash against Nantes on Wednesday due to a heel inflammati»»»
UAE resilience built on unity and preparedness, says Maitha Al Shamsi
The UAE’s approach to crisis is not reactive but carefully designed, with resilience built into its systems long before challenges arise, Maitha Mohammed Al Shamsi, CEO of the Community Empowerment Sector at the Community Development Authority in Dubai, said on Tuesday. Speaking at the Tristar pres»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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 »»»
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»»»
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»»»
Saudi Arabia condemns ‘terror plot’ in UAE
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry condemned a terrorist plot targeting national unity and stability in the United Arab Emirates, state news agency SPA reported on Tuesday. It praised UAE security forces for dismantling the group and arresting its members. In a statement, the ministry affirmed full so»»»
Counting a billion people: Inside India's mega census drive
New Delhi: Sukhwinder Kaur battles the scorching sun as she trudges door-to-door in New Delhi as part of India's colossal exercise to count more than one billion citizens. Kaur is among three million census enumerators fanning out across cities and villages in an exercise that will help shape polic»»»
Pakistan turns to Russia to break free from Western AI dominance
Pakistan has made AI a national priority, with the government committing $1 billion to the sector by 2030. Officials have also shown interest in working with Russia on AI initiatives. By partnering with Russia on artificial intelligence, Pakistan can reduce its reliance on Western technologies and »»»
EU divided on suspension of Israel pact as Spain pushes for action
BRUSSELS: European countries including Spain and Ireland pushed on Tuesday for suspending a European Union pact governing its relationship with Israel, but the bloc remained divided on whether to take action. Arriving at an EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg, a number of ministers called fo»»»
Rain, dust and rough seas: NCM issues unstable weather warning for UAE until April 23
Dubai: The UAE is set to experience a spell of unsettled weather from this evening, Tuesday, April 21, through to Wednesday, April 23, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has confirmed. Residents across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah should prepare for a mix of clouds, intermittent rainfall, a»»»
Instagram Likes Viewer: 10 Best Tools to Check Likes and Engagement
Instagram likes viewer tools promise quick access to engagement data, but most of them fail to deliver clear, reliable results. We tested more than 60 tools that claim to show likes, activity patterns, and engagement signals, and most of them offered limited access, confusing dashboards, or unreali»»»
Pope wraps up Africa trip with diplomatic challenge in Equatorial Guinea
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday in the final stop on his four-nation visit to Africa during which he has repeatedly called for an end to corruption. The Pope is expected to share frank views when he meets with Equatorial Guinea's longstanding leader Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasog»»»
‘Don’t give up’: Indian expat wins Dh25,000 in Big Ticket, urges others to keep trying
Dubai: A Dubai-based Indian expatriate has won Dh25,000 in Big Ticket’s second weekly e-draw, sharing a message of perseverance after years of trying his luck. Manu Augustin, 36, hailing from Kerala, has been living in Dubai for the past 13 years, where he works as a logistics coordinator. Augustin»»»
Rover discovers more building blocks of life on Mars
Paris, France: A NASA rover has discovered more building blocks of life on Mars after carrying out a chemistry experiment never before conducted on another planet, scientists said Tuesday. The organic molecules are not definitive evidence of past life, the NASA-led team emphasised, because they cou»»»
Children to be banned from using phones in schools in England by law - UPI.com
The British government said Monday that it will pass legislation to bar smartphones from schools in England amid broader political and societal debate over whether to ban social media for children younger than 16. File photo by Sascha Steinbach/EPA April 21 (UPI) -- The British government announced»»»
Random pick brings Dh25,000 Big Ticket win for Bangladeshi expat
Dubai: A Bangladeshi expatriate based in Abu Dhabi has struck it lucky, winning Dh25,000 in Big Ticket’s second weekly e-draw for April. Mohammed Munjur, 36, who works as a building maintenance coordinator, has been living in Abu Dhabi for the past 14 years while supporting his family back home. Li»»»