Keir Starmer tells social media firms he is considering a child ban - UPI.com
Europe, Middle East and Africa President of Snap, Ronan Harris (L), and Wifredo Fernandez, director of global government affairs at X, leave No. 10 Downing Street in London on Thursday morning after meeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss ways to protect children safe when they are on social»»»
EU spells out how Google must share data with rivals
Brussels, Belgium: The European Commission set out Thursday how it wants Google to make a wide range of data accessible to rival search engines in order to comply with the bloc's digital rules. The announcement forms part of amicable proceedings launched in January to ensure Google meets its obliga»»»
Op-ed | Marcelo Castellanos (IFC): How sustainable logistics infrastructure can strengthen Romania’s role in European value chains
Industrial and logistics infrastructure is a quiet enabler of modern economies — and a critical foundation for job creation. From manufacturing and e-commerce to export competitiveness, high-quality logistics networks underpin productivity, resilience, and integration into global value chains that »»»
Prediction markets create forum for trading on non-public information - UPI.com
1 of 3 | The rise in prediction markets and an email to White House staff have lawmakers weighing how to regulate prediction markets and prevent government officials from trading using nonpublic information. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 16 (UPI) -- The rise in prediction mark»»»
What should families do if they rely on school buses and cannot arrange alternative transport?
UAE schools are heading back to in-person learning from Monday, April 20, but the return looks different depending on which school your child attends. While some schools have told parents their campuses will not be opening on that date, others are requiring students who travel by private transport »»»
EU spied on Hungary’s Viktor Orban for years – former Slovak minister
The EU spy campaign that helped bring down Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a lesson to anyone who defies Brussels, former Slovak Interior Minister Vladimir Palko has warned. “What they did to Orban yesterday, they can do to you tomorrow,” he told the outlet ‘Marker’ on Monday. Orban’s Fide»»»
What should families do if they rely on school buses and cannot arrange alternative transport?
UAE schools are heading back to in-person learning from Monday, April 20, but the return looks different depending on which school your child attends. While some schools have told parents their campuses will not be opening on that date, others are requiring students who travel by private transport »»»
Dana Nae Popa (pastel): Clients are looking for clarity, perspective and ideas that can make a real difference
In our recently launched series of interviews dedicated to the MarComm industry, BR sat down with Dana Nae Popa, Owner & Managing Director pastel and President Asociatia pastel and talked about the agency celebrating 20 years, top moments during this time, clients and what they are looking for, tre»»»
Pope blasts ‘tyrants’ ravaging the Earth during his visit to Cameroon
Bamenda: Pope Leo XIV blasted the “handful of tyrants” who are ravaging Earth with war and exploitation, as he preached a message of peace Thursday in the epicentre of a separatist conflict considered one of the world’s most neglected crises. Leo travelled to the western Cameroon city of Bamenda, w»»»
Liwa project supports houbara breeding and desert wildlife conservation
In the heart of the Liwa desert, an Emirati-led project is helping protect wildlife and preserve heritage, with a focus on breeding the houbara bustard, a key symbol of the UAE’s desert environment. The project, led by Ahmed Hayay Al Mansoori, began as a personal initiative and has grown into a str»»»
Roxana Memetea (DDB): In a world where everyone can produce quickly, the role of the idea is more important than ever
In a new series of interviews launched today, BR set down with Roxana Memetea, Managing Director DDB, and talked about her wishes for 2026, both for the agency and the advertising industry, clients and what they are looking for, trends and many more. By Romanita Oprea How did you start the year / W»»»
Distance learning to continue for some UAE schools on Monday
Dubai/ Sharjah: As UAE schools prepare for the gradual return to in-person learning from Monday, April 20, some schools have informed parents they will not be reopening their campuses on that date — while certain schools have made physical attendance compulsory for students who travel by private tr»»»
Sig Sauer CEO Ron Cohen visits Cugir to built partnership
His itinerary included Cugir, Alba County, and Bucharest, with the objective to assessing the potential for industrial partnerships with Romanian defense manufacturers and opening a series of bilateral discussions with relevant industry and institutional stakeholders. The visit has three concrete o»»»
UAE workshop discusses gap between legal education and job market needs
More than 90 legal experts, academics and industry representatives gathered at a national workshop to discuss the gap between legal education and labour market requirements in the UAE. The workshop was organised by Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and hosted by the Legal Talent »»»
Farhana Bodi breaks down during interview: 'I was shattered when my son was diagnosed with autism'
Dubai: In a scenic lake-side resort in Geneva, miles away from Dubai, Indian reality star, model, and influencer Farhana Bodi logs in for our conversation with her usual polish and flourish. She was on a work trip for a luxury watch event and was naturally composed, camera-ready, and effortlessly g»»»
No date fixed for next US-Iran talks, says Pakistan Foreign Office
Dubai: Pakistan on Thursday said no date has been set for the second round of talks between the United States and Iran, urging the media to avoid speculation as diplomatic consultations continue under a highly confidential process. Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, during »»»
Women’s seats, bigger India Parliament: What’s changing?
India is moving towards one of the most significant changes to its parliamentary structure since independence, with plans to expand the size of Parliament while reserving one-third of seats for women. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pitched the move as a “historic step” to empower women and reshap»»»
Pakistan: Sharif diplomacy, army outreach boost peace efforts
Dubai: Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic and military outreach across the Middle East this week in a coordinated effort aimed at easing regional tensions, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif toured key Gulf capitals while the country’s army chief held high-level talks in Iran. The parallel engag»»»
Etihad launches $399 pet travel offer, brings more pets into cabins
Dubai: Etihad Airways has introduced a limited-time pricing offer for its Pets Onboard service, lowering the cost of travelling with cats and dogs in the cabin in response to rising demand from passengers. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The airline is offering the ser»»»
How alternative schooling models are gaining momentum in the UAE
Dubai: Changing lifestyles, increased mobility, and the rise of hybrid work models are reshaping how families in the UAE and regionally approach education, prompting a clear shift towards more flexible and personalised learning models. While traditional schooling remains central, online and hybrid »»»
101-year-old New Zealand man named world's oldest croquet player - UPI.com
Neville Sandiford earned the Guinness World Record for the oldest competitive croquet player (male) when he participated in an August 2025 tournament at the age of 101 years and 262 days old. Photo courtesy of Guinness World Records April 15 (UPI) -- A New Zealand man who took up the game of croque»»»
Study: Pessimism is on the rise in Romania’s construction and installation market
The report highlights both operational pressures—particularly the shortage of skilled labor—and a shift in how companies plan their investments, with an increasingly clear focus on efficiency, infrastructure, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Long-term planning and the absorption of Euro»»»
Kyrgyzstan’s nuclear choice: Without it, the country risks staying in the dark - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan’s energy system is undergoing a deep transformation amid rising demand and deteriorating infrastructure. In an interview with 24.kg news agency, Kubatbek Rakhimov, an expert on infrastructure projects in Central Eurasia and head of Applicata Center for Strategic Solutions, explained why »»»
NUQI GOLD and Mawarid Finance sign MoU to launch the GCC's first gold-backed co-branded card
Nuqi Gold, a DMCC-registered fintech entity, and Mawarid Finance, a UAE Central Bank–regulated institution, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch the GCC's first gold-backed co-branded card — a landmark step in ethical, asset-backed digital finance. The partnership brings togeth»»»
Hopes for deal to end Iran war grow, but nuclear issues unresolved – Ya Libnan
Share: Israeli soldiers next to artillery vehicles near the Israel-Lebanon border, in northern Israel, April 15, 2026. REUTERS/Florion Goga Optimism grew on Thursday that the Iran war may be near an end, with a key Pakistani mediator having made a breakthrough on “sticky issues”, a source said, alt»»»
Park Hyatt Dubai to close for final renovation phase
Dubai: Park Hyatt Dubai Creek will temporarily close from May as it enters the final phase of a planned renovation, with the operator moving to upgrade the property ahead of its next reopening. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The Dubai Creek property, part of the wider»»»
Five Constituencies Will Receive 400 Tactile Ballor Paper Templates
The Central Election Commission (CEC) decided Thursday that 400 tactile ballot paper templates with Braille markings for voting by visually impaired voterss will be provided in Blagoevgrad, Plovdiv, and Sofia City’s three constituencies. According to the decision, Blagoevgrad will receive 90 templa»»»
Dh100m on the table: UAE launches empowerment fund for non-profit organisations
Dubai: The UAE has taken a significant step towards strengthening its non-profit sector with the launch of the non-profit organisations (NPO) empowerment fund, a Dh100 million initiative designed to support community-driven programmes across the country. The launch ceremony has been held today at t»»»
UAE elected to World Food Programme Executive Board
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has been elected to the Executive Board of the World Food Programme (WFP) for the 2026–2028 term, at a time of escalating global food security challenges and mounting risks linked to disruptions in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, developments that could push tens of million»»»
Anantara World Islands Dubai closes, operator resets focus
Dubai: Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort has ceased operations, bringing a pause to one of the more distinctive hospitality concepts within Dubai’s World Islands development. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Minor Hotels confirmed in a statement that the resort stoppe»»»
The Inside Track | One United Properties: Pioneering urban transformation and sustainable living in Romania
Leading real estate developer One United Properties is known for its modern mixed-use developments, sustainable initiatives, and investments in the Bucharest and Romanian regional property markets. The company is committed to creating vibrant, eco-friendly communities while respecting local heritag»»»
UAE details nuclear safety gains at IAEA meeting
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has presented its Tenth National Report at the Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS), held at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The UAE delegation presented the report as part of the review process under the Convention, h»»»
Iran considering petrochemical imports after Israeli strikes hit output
Iran may be forced to ramp up imports of petrochemical products to supply feedstock for downstream industries after US-Israeli air strikes hit its main production hubs earlier this month, a government spokesperson said, in remarks carried by state news on April 16. »»»
Iran considering petrochemical imports after Israeli strikes hit output
Iran may be forced to ramp up imports of petrochemical products to supply feedstock for downstream industries after US-Israeli air strikes hit its main production hubs earlier this month, a government spokesperson said, in remarks carried by state news on April 16. »»»
The Inside Track | Auchan Romania: Two decades of innovation and local impact
As Auchan celebrates two decades of activity in Romania, the company’s journey reflects both impressive growth and a strong commitment to innovation. From its early days to its current role as a leader in modern retail, Auchan has consistently shaped the market, supported local producers, and intro»»»
Peter Magyar calls on Hungarian president to step down, announces plans for media shake-up in fiery interview
Incoming Prime Minister Peter Magyar called on the president, Tamas Sulyok, to resign after the new government is formed, saying otherwise the new majority would seek his removal, Telex.hu reported on April 15. According to Magyar's account, President Sulyok had told him that he, to»»»
Trump bets on blockade to force Iran deal — will Tehran budge?
WASHINGTON: Donald Trump has pivoted from military escalation to economic warfare, betting that a sweeping naval blockade of Iran’s ports and shipping can succeed where weeks of US-Israeli strikes have not — forcing Tehran back to the negotiating table. The strategy is stark: Cut off Iran’s ability»»»
Crypto loses ground as UAE investors double down on gold and oil bets
Dubai: Retail investors in the UAE are turning towards commodities, with gold and oil emerging as the preferred assets in a period marked by geopolitical tension and market volatility. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Fresh data from eToro’s latest UAE Retail Investor B»»»
DIB launches “Standing Together with Our Heroes, as ONE” reaffirming commitment to the Nation
Dubai: DIB, the world’s leading Islamic financial group and the largest in the UAE, has launched a dedicated financial support initiative for the UAE’s frontline heroes, reinforcing its commitment to the nation and those who continue to serve at the forefront during critical times. Designed to deli»»»
The Inside Track | Cosmopolis: A visionary journey to enhance the residential landscape
Over the past two decades, Cosmopolis has evolved from a bold vision into a thriving urban community, setting new standards for residential development in Romania. Business Review sat down with CEO Ozan Tuncer and talked about how this journey exemplifies not only ambitious growth but also a steadf»»»
Trump claims Strait of Hormuz “open” while blocking Iranian trade
US President Donald Trump has said he is “permanently opening” the Strait of Hormuz, presenting the move as benefiting “China and the world” after claiming Beijing agreed “not to send weapons to Iran.” Trump’s remarks come as the US military claims American warships have effectively blocked Iranian»»»
How to authenticate specialised employment contracts in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Labour Qatar (MoL) has issued guidelines on accessing its digital service for authenticating specialised employment contracts, aimed at meeting the needs of national talent and specialised professions. In a social media post, the ministry stated that the service provide»»»
Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Calls for Unity, Constitutional Recognition of City As Historical Capital
Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Daniel Panov called for unity and for constitutional recognition of the city as the historical capital in his address during the observances of the Day of the Bulgarian Constitution in the old capital on Thursday. The event, held at the Revival and Constituent Assembly Museum, »»»
Poland Opposes Ukraine's Accelerated Accession to EU
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Poland will not allow Ukraine's accelerated accession to the European Union, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Thursday. "The idea of accelerated membership has been floated in the [European] Commission. This will not happen," Sikorski told the RMF FM radio statio»»»
UAE tightens AML rules, banks face closer scrutiny on transactions and clients
Dubai: The Central Bank of the UAE has rolled out a fresh set of anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing guidelines, tightening expectations for banks and money transfer operators. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The update sets out clearer supervisory expec»»»
Aldar raises $1.36bn in new loan backed by 10 banks
Abu Dhabi: Aldar Properties has raised Dh5 billion through a new sustainability-linked revolving credit facility, giving the Abu Dhabi developer additional firepower to fund future projects. The five-year syndicated loan, backed by 10 UAE, regional and international banks, lifts Aldar’s total avail»»»
UAE labour market remains stable amid regional developments
Dubai: The UAE’s labour market continues to demonstrate resilience and stability despite ongoing regional developments, with businesses operating smoothly and workers receiving wages on time, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). In a statement issued on Thursday, »»»
Turkiye launches internet crackdown ahead of funerals for shooting victims
Turkiye: Turkiye cracked down Thursday April 16, 2026, on social media posts praising two school shootings in two days which have left the country reeling, ordering dozens of arrests ahead of funerals for the victims, who were mostly children. Authorities said 83 people had been detained, hundreds »»»
BR Cover Story | How Symfonia is redefining business software in Romania
As Romanian companies navigate increasing regulatory complexity and operational pressure, business software is becoming a critical foundation for growth. Business Review spoke with Roxana Epure, the CEO of Symfonia in Romania, about the company’s strategic transformation, its vision for the local m»»»
Dubai now has its own ‘Central Park’ - Here's where it is located
Dubai: Dubai now has its own ‘Central Park’, with Wasl Group opening a sprawling new green space at Wasl Gate in Jebel Ali. The developer is calling the park is one of the largest community parks within a residential development in the emirate. Spread across about 82,700 square metres, Central Park»»»