Media Review: March 13
HEADLINES Trud’s top story is about measures the Cabinet plans to introduce to soften the impact of rising fuel prices on low-income individuals. 24 Chasa also covers the issue on its front page. Duma leads with the headline “There Is No Matter That Can Be Solved Through War,” quoting Krum Zarkov, »»»
How much does gold cost? Kumtor's 2025 report: Facts versus criticism - | 24.KG
Kumtor Gold Company reported the amount of gold produced for 2025, its production costs, and other aspects of its production and financial performance. This is the company’s response to claims that production at Kumtor mine has declined and the cost of gold mined has increased. According to Kumtor »»»
Dh5,000 rooms for Dh600? UAE hotels roll out surprising Eid staycation deals
Dubai: Luxury hotel rooms that often sell for thousands of dirhams during peak seasons are now appearing on booking platforms for a lower price — as UAE hotels pivot toward residents with sharply discounted Eid staycation offers. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app »»»
UAE President and King of Jordan discuss regional security amid rising tensions
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today held a phone call with His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, during which they discussed regional developments following recent military escalation and serious implications for the security»»»
HSC‘s National Accord Bloc calls on relevant authorities to act against the ''corrupt and illegal'' Arkenu Oil Company
The National Accord Bloc of the High State Council issued a written statement, dated 9 March 2026 but only made public yesterday, calling on all relevant Libyan authorities to take the necessary steps against Arkenu Oil Company’s ‘‘corrupt’’ and ‘‘illegal’’ export of Libyan oil. Arkenu is a private»»»
Health Minister Warns of Issues with Medical Helicopter Bases, Risk of Losing Funds
The situation regarding the bases for medical helicopters is worrying, even scandalous, acting Health Minister Michail Okoliyski told reporters on Friday. According to him, there is a risk of failure of the investment under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and a loss of funds: aroun»»»
Train from N. Korea to China reaches Beijing after six-year halt
Beijing: A train from North Korea arrived in Beijing on Friday, China’s railway authority said, as rail service between the two neighbouring countries resumed this week after a six-year pause. China is North Korea’s largest trading partner and a vital source of diplomatic, economic and political su»»»
Sheikh Mohammed issues new law on violations and penalties in Dubai
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (6) of 2026, governing violations, penalties, and administrative measures in the Emirate of Dubai. The Law establishes a binding legal framework for government ent»»»
US Braces for Potential Iranian Retaliatory Operations within its Borders
Fears have grown in the US that Tehran could activate “sleeper cells” or carry out unconventional retaliatory attacks on American soil as Washington and Tel Aviv continue their war against Iran. President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that his administration knows where the Iranian sleeper cells»»»
Australia orders all 'non-essential' officials to leave Lebanon
Australia has ordered all non-essential officials in Lebanon to leave, Canberra's foreign minister said Friday, after issuing the same command to diplomats in Israel and the United Arab Emirates. In a post on X, top diplomat Penny Wong said they had been ordered to depart due to the "deteriorating »»»
‘The UAE is my only home’: Why residents fought to return during flight disruptions
We rarely articulate our love for home, not unless someone asks. Most of the time, the feeling resides in the background of our lives, built from years of routine and small, ordinary moments: Greeting the familiar faces at the grocery store, wandering through the neighbourhood park, stopping to pla»»»
Australia minister warns against 'dangerous' price gouging of fuel
Sydney, Australia: Australia's energy minister warned on Friday against "dangerous" price gouging of petrol as he relaxed rules on how much fuel companies needed to hold in stock in a bid to boost supply. The country -- reliant on oil imports for fuel -- has seen petrol prices spike due to panic bu»»»
Dubai explains evacuation procedures, temporary adjustments to operations for safety
Dubai: Authorities in Dubai have clarified that some building premises maybe evacuated as part of safety procedures amid the ongoing Iranian aggression on the country. “As part of safety procedures, evacuation may sometimes be carried out to ensure everyone’s safety and allow emergency teams to res»»»
Gargash says Iran faces growing isolation, 136 nations back UN resolution
Abu Dhabi: Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, stressed that Iran’s growing international isolation reflects a clear global stance against its recent attacks, pointing to the unprecedented support for a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning the actions. Stay u»»»
CEO Talks | Răzvan Lăzărescu, CARO Hotel Bucharest: Building experiences, not just stays
With over two decades of experience in hospitality, Hotel CARO stands as a reflection of leadership shaped by long-term vision and adaptability. Rooted in industrial heritage and thoughtfully reimagined for today’s business traveller, the hotel goes beyond traditional accommodation. Business Review»»»
Laser defence race heats up: Can light beams stop drone swarms?
High-energy lasers are increasingly being viewed as a potential game-changer in defending oil facilities, military bases and critical infrastructure against the growing threat of drones and missiles in the Middle East. Unlike traditional interceptor systems such as Patriot missiles — which can cost»»»
16 kidney transplants performed in Kyrgyzstan in 2025 - | 24.KG
In 2025, doctors at the National Center for Maternal and Child Welfare in Kyrgyzstan performed 16 kidney transplant operations. First Deputy Minister of Health Tilek Mamadaliev said at a joint meeting of two deputy groups. According to him, the figure represents an important achievement for the cou»»»
News you can trust
Stoicism is an ancient Greek and Roman philosophy founded all the way back around 300 BCE. While ancient in its formation, it has never felt more relevant to me. It is based on an inner calm from understanding what we can and can not control. Resilience, logic, ethics and wisdom are among the main »»»
Watch: US-Israel war on Iran enters week two — scenes from the ground
A second week of intense fighting has unfolded across Iran, Israel and parts of the wider Middle East after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets. Images from the ground capture the human impact of the conflict — smoke rising above cities, damaged buildings, e»»»
Al Jalila Foundation helps Filipino resident undergo critical kidney transplant in Dubai
Dubai: When Jumar Donayre Fabroa received the call that a kidney had become available, it was a moment he and his family had been hoping for after years of living with chronic kidney disease. With support from Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, the 38-year-old resident fro»»»
A 5.5 quake jolts central Turkey, sending residents into the cold streets
A moderately strong earthquake struck central Turkey on Friday, Turkey’s emergency response said. The tremor sent some residents rushing into the streets but no damage has been reported. The magnitude 5.5 quake was centered in the town of Niksar in Tokat province, at a depth of 6.4 kilometers (4 mi»»»
Singapore assists 24 Filipinos stranded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Dubai: The Singapore government has assisted 24 Filipinos who have been stranded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by facilitating their transit through Singapore on their travel back to the Philippines. The group, nine men and 15 women, arrived in Singapore on March 13 aboard a Singapore-chartered evacuati»»»
Etihad announces latest flight schedule until March 16
Etihad Airways has released an updated limited commercial flight schedule connecting Abu Dhabi with key international destinations. Passengers with existing bookings will be accommodated, and new tickets are available for purchase at its website. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading t»»»
Mission accomplished? The 2003 boast that haunts today's Iran conflict
On 9 April 2003 a statue of the leader of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, was pulled down in the centre of Baghdad. The metal plaque at the base of the statue was torn off and the statue's marble plinth attacked with a sledgehammer. Iraqi civilians initially tried to pull it down, scaling the statue to secur»»»
PM Bolojan: If party in coalition dissatisfied with gov't work it may inititate motions of censure
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said on Thursday evening that if a party in the coalition is dissatisfied with how the coalition or the Government is functioning, it has the possibility to initiate motions of censure, but stressed that regardless of who is prime minister and who is in government, 'poli»»»
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Iran, an ally of Russia, has supplied hundreds of thousands of shells and drones
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is on a visit to Bucharest on Thursday, said Iran is an ally of Russia and has supplied it with hundreds of thousands of drones and shells."We know very well how they were launched. The Russians did not have operators. They were from another country, the»»»
Australia orders all ‘non-essential’ officials to leave Lebanon
Sydney: Australia has ordered all non-essential officials in Lebanon to leave, Canberra’s foreign minister said Friday, after issuing the same command to diplomats in Israel and the United Arab Emirates. In a post on X, top diplomat Penny Wong said they had been ordered to depart due to the “deteri»»»
Stranded UAE residents tell of detours across countries to get back amid US-Israel-Iran war
Dubai: When regional airspace closures swept across the Middle East due to the US-Israel-Iran war at the end of February, thousands of UAE residents found themselves stranded far from home. For some, the journey back meant days on buses through desert highways. For others, it meant hopping across t»»»
Australia Orders All 'Non-essential' Officials to Leave Lebanon
Australia has ordered all non-essential officials in Lebanon to leave, Canberra's foreign minister said Friday, after issuing the same command to diplomats in Israel and the United Arab Emirates. In a post on X, top diplomat Penny Wong said they had been ordered to depart due to the "deteriorating »»»
‘The UAE is my only home’: Why residents fought to return during flight disruptions
We rarely articulate our love for home, not unless someone asks. Most of the time, the feeling resides in the background of our lives, built from years of routine and small, ordinary moments: Greeting the familiar faces at the grocery store, wandering through the neighbourhood park, stopping to pla»»»
Abu Dhabi expands autonomous taxi services on Yas Island
The Integrated Transport Centre, an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has expanded commercial operations of Level 4 autonomous taxis on Yas Island, marking another step in the emirate’s push toward smart and sustainable mobility. The initiative is being implemented under »»»
ONS Data: UK Economy Lost Steam Unexpectedly at Start of 2026
Britain's economy stagnated unexpectedly in January and expanded weakly in preceding months, according to official data on Friday that showed only tepid growth during the lead-up to the US-Israeli war in Iran. The figures mean British gross domestic product has been essentially flat since June, end»»»
Iran War and Rising Fuel Costs Could Boost Panama Canal Traffic, Administrator Says
Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez said Thursday that the conflict in the Middle East and rising fuel costs could ultimately benefit the interoceanic waterway as global shippers adjust routes. In an interview with The Associated Press, Vásquez said that higher energy, fuel and navigation c»»»
Philippines to observe Eid Al Fitr holiday on March 20
Dubai: The Philippines has declared Friday, March 20, as a regular holiday nationwide in observance of Eid Al Fitr, the Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan. The announcement has been made during a grand iftar gathering at the presidential palace, where Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos »»»
About 9,000 US citizens choose to remain in UAE despite evacuation offer
Dubai: Around 9,000 American citizens living in the United Arab Emirates have chosen to remain in the country despite offers from the US government to arrange charter evacuation flights, the US State Department has said. In a statement issued by Dylan Johnson, Assistant Secretary of State for Globa»»»
Islamic Cultural Center hosts Ramadan lecture for English speakers on mercy in Islam
Doha, Qatar: The Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, organised a Ramadan lecture titled “Ramadan: The Month of Mercy and Forgiveness” on February 27, 2026, targeting English-speaking residents. The event attracted mo»»»
Trump Administration Denounces CNN for Airing Messages from Iranian Leaders
The Trump administration denounced CNN on Thursday for airing a portion of the new Iranian supreme leader's public statement, the second time in three days that he's targeted the network for reporting on how the regime is responding to the American attacks. The attack illustrated the care news outl»»»
Thousands of Chinese Boats Mass at Sea, Raising Questions
Thousands of Chinese fishing boats have been massing in geometric formations in the East China Sea, in coordinated actions that experts believe are part of Beijing's preparations for a potential regional crisis or conflict. Monitoring ship-tracking data on Christmas Day, Jason Wang could tell somet»»»
Two drones crash in Oman’s Sohar, killing two workers
A security source has reported that two drones crashed in the Wilayat of Sohar. One of the drones struck Al Awhi Industrial Zone, resulting in the deaths of two expat workers and causing several additional injuries. The other drone came down in an open area, with no casualties reported. The relevan»»»
Oil surge and rising yields stall global gold rally, Dubai prices edge lower
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai moved slightly lower on Friday morning, extending a period of volatile trading that has shaped the precious metals market over the past two weeks. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and India.) Sign up for »»»
On This Day, March 13: Trump declares national emergency over COVID-19 - UPI.com
On March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 1 of 4 | President Donald Trump, joined by members of his administration, declares a national emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic during a news conference at the White House in Washingto»»»
Premiers to tackle cost-of-living and security at UK-Ireland summit
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin will attend the second UK-Ireland summit in Cork on Friday with a delegation of government ministers from both sides. Topics on the agenda include how the UK and Ireland can work together to address cost-of-livin»»»
Parents urged to educate children on response to National Warning System alerts
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has called on parents to play an active role in educating their family members, particularly children, on how to respond appropriately to alerts issued through the National Warning System. In a statement issued amid ongoing regional developments, the mini»»»
Joby, Archer ramp up air taxi certification, production drive
Electric air-taxi pioneers Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation are accelerating efforts to secure regulatory certification and expand manufacturing capacity, as the advanced air mobility sector moves closer to launching commercial passenger flights. Joby Aviation recently began flight testing its fir»»»
New paid parking now active in Dubai neighbourhood
Dubai: Parkin, the emirate’s largest provider of paid public parking facilities and services, has officially implemented public parking in Wasl Village under Code 248W, authorities confirmed. Clear signboards have been installed to mark designated parking areas, helping residents and visitors easil»»»
Joby, Archer ramp up air taxi certification, production drive
Electric air-taxi pioneers Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation are accelerating efforts to secure regulatory certification and expand manufacturing capacity, as the advanced air mobility sector moves closer to launching commercial passenger flights. Joby Aviation recently began flight testing its fir»»»
Trump threatens Iran following new wave of attacks on Gulf states and Israel
Iran launched multiple attacks early Friday on Gulf Arab states, including dozens of drones at Saudi Arabia, following warnings from its new supreme leader about hosting American bases, and US President Donald Trump threatened major new retaliation. "Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags to»»»
Man files case against friend in Dubai over unpaid Dh2.25m loan
Dubai: A Dubai court has ordered a man to repay Dh2.25 million to a former friend who lent him the money during a financial crisis, in a case that highlights how personal trust can sometimes end in legal disputes. The Civil Court of First Instance ruled that the defendant must return the money afte»»»
First minutes after emergency alert critical, says Abu Dhabi crisis chief
Abu Dhabi: A senior Abu Dhabi emergency management official has urged residents to respond immediately to warning sirens and strictly follow official safety instructions, stressing that the first minutes after an alert are critical in reducing risks. Matar Saeed Al Nuaimi, Director General of the A»»»
Middle East conflict drains $600mn a day from regional tourism
Escalating hostilities across the Middle East are stripping about $600mn a day from the region’s tourism economy as flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel anxiety trigger mass cancellations, Emerging Travel reported. »»»