Iranian strikes on bases used by US caused $800m in damage, new analysis shows
Iranian strikes on military bases used by the US in the Middle East caused about $800m (£600m) in damage in the first two weeks of the war, a new analysis shows. Much of the damage was caused in initial retaliatory strikes by Iran in the week after the US and Israel launched the war, according to a»»»
The attack on Iran’s South Pars, world’s largest gas field, and Tehran’s retaliation threatens energy supply
Israel’s recent strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field and Tehran’s retaliation on key energy infrastructure in several Gulf countries is more than just another escalation of the war roiling the Middle East. What began as a campaign of decapitation strikes and base‑to‑base missile exchanges has esca»»»
Flight cancelled or delayed in UAE? 10 things you’re entitled to right now
Dubai: Flight disruptions linked to Middle East airspace closures have left thousands of UAE travellers stranded or scrambling for alternatives. For many, the key question is simple: what can you actually claim when your flight falls apart? Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balan»»»
Monarch population up in Mexico; California falls near record lows - UPI.com
In coastal California, where western monarchs spend the winter, numbers remain dangerously low. File Photo by Matthew Cavanaugh/UPI | License Photo A key monarch butterfly population is showing signs of improvement this year, but scientists warn the species remains in long-term decline -- especiall»»»
UAE Air Defences responding to Iranian missile and drone threats
Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Defence has issued an official statement confirming that UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats originating from Iran. The Ministry assured the public that the sounds being heard across the country are the result of Air Defence Sys»»»
White House releases AI laws framework to prevent state laws - UPI.com
The White House Friday released a legislative framework for artificial intelligence. File Photo by Fazry Ismail/EPA March 20 (UPI) -- The White House released a new legislative framework for artificial intelligence creating a federal policy to prevent states from making their own laws about it. "Th»»»
UAE braces for unstable weather: Rain, thunder storms, and hail expected
Abu Dhabi: The UAE is expected to experience a period of unstable weather conditions from Saturday until March 27, with rainfall of varying intensity forecast across several parts of the country, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloadi»»»
‘Ending Soon’: Netanyahu Shifts Iran War Goals
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is gradually scaling back his sweeping ambition to end the war with Iran by toppling its regime, bringing his rhetoric closer to that of US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu now speaks of “achieving tremendous gains” through three objectives: curbing Iran’s»»»
Eid Al Fitr celebrations light up Dubai’s famous landmarks
Dubai’s world-class attractions, entertainment venues, and shopping centres saw a surge of activity on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. A diverse array of events and seasonal promotions drew residents and visitors alike to the heart of the city's festive celebrations. Major landmarks, including the Bu»»»
Abu Dhabi opens two new bridges linking Al Reem Island to E‑12 highway
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has opened two new marine bridges connecting Al Reem Island directly to the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway (E‑12), offering a faster and smoother route for motorists. Designed to carry up to 7,200 vehicles per hour, the bridges are expe»»»
Why Critical Financing Inc Believes Lending Models Will Continue to Fragment in 2026
As the financial landscape evolves, securing capital is no longer a straightforward process for business owners. Once dominated by traditional banks, financing now includes digital lenders, fintech platforms, and alternative methods such as peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding. This growing fragme»»»
Sanctioned Russian tankers nearing Cuba test U.S. oil ban enforcement - UPI.com
The U.S. Treasury Department said this week that Cuba is prohibited from receiving Russian crude oil File Photo by Anatoly Maltsev/EPA March 20 (UPI) -- Two tankers carrying Russian oil and fuel are expected to arrive in Cuba in the coming days, testing new U.S. restrictions and raising uncertainty»»»
Vucic: Measures for next several months prepared, gas price a bigger problem
BELGRADE - Speaking to reporters after a session of an extended National Security Council that addressed the energy situation, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Friday the current natural gas price of 735 euros per thousand cubic metres was an even bigger problem than the crude oil price, »»»
UAE President receives Turkish Foreign Minister
Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. Sheikh Mohamed and the Turkish Foreign Minister exchanged Eid Al Fitr greetings, conveying their best wishes for continued wellbeing and prosp»»»
UAE President, Turkish Foreign Minister discuss regional developments
Abu Dhabi: The President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Foreign Minister of Turkiye, HE Hakan Fidan met in Abu Dhabi on Friday to discuss the developments in the region. During the meeting, HE the Turkish foreign minister reiterated his country's condemnation of the Irani»»»
Amir receives phone call from UAE President
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a phone call today from his brother President of the United Arab Emirates HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. At the beginning of the call, HH the Amir and HH the UAE President exchanged greetings and congratulations on the occasi»»»
Dubai Miracle Garden revises free entry offer amid heavy rush
Dubai: Dubai Miracle Garden has updated its free entry policy from March 21 to help manage large visitor numbers at the popular attraction. The move is aimed at improving crowd control and ensuring visitor safety. In a statement, a park official said the free entry offer has been withdrawn due to h»»»
Eid Al Fitr travel: GDRFA chief reviews readiness at Dubai Airports
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai, has reviewed operational readiness at Dubai Airports ahead of the Eid Al Fitr holiday, emphasising the importance of smooth procedures and efficient passenger pr»»»
Bulgarian President Highlights Country’s Strong French-Language Tradition
On the International Day of La Francophonie, March 20, Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova underscored the longstanding tradition of the French language in Bulgaria and the high standards of French-language teaching in the country. She made these remarks during a visit to the Simeon Radev Foreign Lan»»»
UAE leaders receive Eid Al-Fitr greetings from leaders of Arab, Islamic states
Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received messages of congratulations on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr from Kings, Presidents, and Emirs of Arab and Islamic states. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE»»»
US Stocks Sink on Fears the War with Iran will Keep Interest Rates High
US stocks are sinking Friday as hopes wither on Wall Street for a possible cut to interest rates by the Federal Reserve this year because of the war with Iran. The S&P 500 fell 0.9% and was on track for a fourth straight losing week, its longest such streak in a year. The Dow Jones Industrial Avera»»»
There’s a heretic in the heart of the EU and he wants to talk to Putin
Ideally, policy debates should serve to bring together the fullest information, the brightest minds, and the sharpest arguments in order to find solutions. That is, the optimum combination between what is best and what is feasible. In the real world, shaped by ordinary human fallibility and the ext»»»
Live updates: Iran attacks Gulf energy sites and Israel kills another Iranian IRGC official – Ya Libnan
Share: Ali Mohammad Naini, the spokesperson and deputy head of public relations for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has been killed in strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, Iranian state television reported on Friday. The U.S. is accelerating the deployment of thousa»»»
New BTS album drops ahead of comeback mega-gig
Seoul: K-pop megastars BTS released a new album Friday, as buzz built ahead of their open-air comeback concert in Seoul that will go ahead despite leader RM being advised to rest his injured ankle. The Saturday gig, expected to draw around 260,000 people, will be BTS's first after a hiatus of almos»»»
Bulgaria’s PM Gyurov Urges Diplomacy to End Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Programs
Bulgaria's Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, noting to Euronews that the ultimate outcome remains uncertain. He emphasized that Europe should present a united stance and engage at the negotiating table to determine how the situati»»»
Press Review - 'Online diplomacy': How Trump narrates war in Iran on Truth Social
PRESS REVIEW – Friday, March 20: Donald Trump is turning to "online diplomacy" to defend his actions in Iran and lambast his critics on Truth Social. The Times of London looks at how Monica Witt, a US servicewoman-turned-spy for Iran, could play a crucial role in the war. Also: a Belgian court»»»
Senate to vote on DHS funding, secretary, SAVE Act - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-SD, speaks during a press conference after weekly Senate caucus luncheons at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Thune has said the Senate may delay its scheduled recess if it does not pass key legislation in the coming days. Photo by Bonn»»»
95% drop in Hormuz traffic as war disrupts oil route
The Strait of Hormuz — a narrow but critical artery for global energy supplies — is facing near paralysis as the Middle East conflict intensifies, disrupting shipping, driving up costs and raising fears of prolonged supply shocks. The crisis erupted after the United States and Israel launched strik»»»
Eid is my reward': How UAE families are celebrating with festive traditions, family games and togetherness
Happiness, and then some. Across the UAE, Eid Al Fitr is unfolding in moments both simple and celebratory, as families and friends come together to mark the occasion in their own ways. Dubai-based Anas can’t keep the joy out of his voice as he shares his plans. “There’s a lot of joy today,” he says»»»
Arab Interior Ministers Council condemns Iran’s repeated aggression against Gulf States
The General Secretariat of the Arab Interior Ministers Council expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the malicious and repeated Iranian aggression against Arab countries, as well as its deliberate hostile practices targeting civilian sites and vital energy and gas facilities in the »»»
Iran warns UK letting US use bases is 'participation in aggression'
Iran's foreign minister has warned the UK it views its choice to let the US use British bases as "participation in aggression," in a phone call with Yvette Cooper. In his account of the call with the UK foreign secretary, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said he had also criticised the "negative and biased" a»»»
India news: Stocks open higher after massive sell-off
BusinessIndiaIndia news: Stocks open higher after massive sell-offMahima Kapoor with ANI, AFP, AP, dpa, ReutersIndian investors are on edge as the US-Israel war in Iran disrupts the global energy supply and sends oil prices soaring. Meanwhile, the LPG shortage continues at home. DW has more. https:»»»
Dubai Miracle Garden shuts gates amid heavy rush
Dubai: Dubai Miracle Garden announced on Friday afternoon that it has temporarily closed its gates to new visitors due to a surge in crowd numbers. In a statement shared on its official Instagram page, the attraction said it was not accepting any more visitors “at this time” to ensure the safety an»»»
New Survey Puts “Progressive Bulgaria” First, Six Parties Clear Threshold
A new sociological snapshot suggests that six political formations would secure representation in the 52nd National Assembly if elections had taken place in mid-March, with a new political project linked to Rumen Radev ("Progressive Bulgaria") emerging as the leading force. According to data from t»»»
UAE air defences engage 4 ballistic missiles, 26 UAVs
Abu Dhabi: The UAE air defence systems on March 20, 2026 engaged 4 ballistic missiles and 26 UAVs launched from Iran, announced the country's Defense Ministry. Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,740 UAVs.»»»
RAK Ruler receives Eid Al Fitr well-wishers
Ras Al Khaimah: His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, received Eid Al Fitr well-wishers today at the Khuzam Hospitality Majlis, in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah. The well-wishers»»»
Travelling on Emirates? Delays, routes affected, FAQs answered
Dubai: Dubai's flagship carrier Emirates is operating a limited flight schedule from Dubai to over 100 destinations destinations, prompting questions from passengers about affected routes, flight status, and connecting travel. Many travellers have questions such as “Which routes are affected?”, “Wi»»»
UAE says arrested 'financial' operatives linked to Iran, Hezbollah
UAE authorities have arrested at least five members of a "terrorist network" linked to Iran and Lebanese group Hezbollah, state media said Friday. The alleged network had "sought to infiltrate the national economy and carry out external schemes threatening the country's financial stability" as part»»»
Smiles and celebrations: UAE residents mark first day of Eid with unity and festive cheer
The first day of Eid brought smiles, laughter, and togetherness to residents across the UAE. Families and friends enjoyed the waterfront, children played in open spaces, and community members shared greetings and sweets. From the morning prayers to the festive gatherings at Buhaira Corniche, the fi»»»
Oil Up despite Efforts by US, Allies to Boost Supply and Open Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices gained on Friday despite leading European nations, Japan and Canada offering to join efforts to secure safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz and the US outlining moves to boost oil supply. "The potential for a quick reversal in energy prices is unlikely because damage has b»»»
'War has aged us': Lebanon's kids aren't alright
Forced by yet another war in Lebanon to flee his home for the second time in just two years, and mourning lost relatives and friends, Hassan Kiki said he feels much older than 16. "War has aged us... We have lived through what no one else has," the tall teen from south Lebanon told AFP in Beirut. "»»»
Media Review: March 20
OVERVIEW The launch of the election campaign and the rising fuel prices are the dominant topics in the media on Friday. ELECTIONS In an interview for Bulgarian National Radio, Iva Lazarova, from the Institute for Public Environment Development, part of the Public Council of the Central Election Com»»»
Pearl Harbor shadow: Trump remark rattles Japan ties
A remark by US President Donald Trump invoking the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor has sparked unease in Japan, overshadowing high-level talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. During an Oval Office meeting focused on the ongoing Iran conflict and »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»