UAE expresses solidarity with Turkey over military aircraft crash
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity and sincere condolences to Turkey following the crash of a military aircraft, which resulted in the martyrdom of the pilot. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the f»»»
Indian PM Modi tweets in Malayalam to hail Kerala’s name change to Keralam
Dubai: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken to social media in Malayalam to mark Union Cabinet Committee’s approval to rename the south Indian state of Kerala as “Keralam”. In his tweet, Modi praised the willpower of the state’s people and said the move strengthens the bond with India’s ri»»»
Iraqi Justice Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: ISIS Prisoners Held at a Fortified Site, Escape Impossible
Iraqi Justice Minister Khaled Shwani told Asharq Al-Awsat that Iraq will not repatriate foreign prisoners affiliated with ISIS to their home countries if their involvement in crimes against Iraqi citizens is proven. He said a heavily fortified Iraqi prison currently holds thousands of ISIS members »»»
Hungary and Slovakia in standoff with Ukraine over broken Russian oil pipe
This story is a part of the weekly newsletter about economy, defence and tech in the eastern flank of Nato, How we cee it. Tensions between Slovakia, Hungary, and Ukraine reached new heights over the past week, as it became clear that Russian oil hasn’t been flowing to the two EU countries through »»»
Anthropic: Is Pete Hegseth threatening the US AI jewel?
BusinessUnited States of AmericaAnthropic: Is Pete Hegseth threatening the US AI jewel?Arthur SullivanAnthropic, a much vaunted AI startup, is firmly in the Trump administration's sights. The Pentagon wants complete access to its models, despite safety and ethical concerns. https://p.dw.com/p/59OGW»»»
Driving Dubai-Sharjah while fasting? Expert warns of fatigue danger on the road
Long hours on the road while fasting during Ramadan can take a serious toll on drivers’ alertness, particularly during heavy traffic commutes such as the Sharjah-Dubai-Sharjah route, said UAE medical experts. Why fasting slows reaction timeDr Adel Al Sisi, Chief Medical Officer and Head of ICU at P»»»
Trump gives no clear signal on Iran in State of the Union
In a world on edge waiting to see what US President Donald Trump does next in the Middle East, he provided no clear signal when he presented the longest ever State of the Union address. The world's most powerful commander-in-chief decided not to make his comprehensive case for possible military act»»»
Uber: Valentine’s Day led to higher evening mobility
As the celebrations around the season of love conclude with Dragobete, Uber analyzed mobility patterns to understand how people moved across the city on February 14th, comparing similar weekend periods year over year. The data shows a clear increase in ride volumes and a noticeable shift toward eve»»»
Germany's Merz secures 120 aircraft Airbus deal in Beijing talks with Xi
China will buy up to 120 aircraft from European aviation giant Airbus, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said following talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday. Merz's visit comes as Berlin and Beijing seek to build on their decades-old economic ties to weather global uncertainty spa»»»
About Trump’s Complex Strategic Calculations on the Confrontation with Iran: Israeli Explainer
US President Donald Trump’s approach to a potential confrontation with Iran is driven by layered strategic calculations, senior researchers at the Zionist entity’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) found on Wednesday. In an article published in the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom on Wed»»»
Audit quality, a cornerstone for business success
In today’s complex business environment, the quality of an audit is more than a compliance requirement, it is a strategic asset. A good quality audit provides assurance that financial statements are accurate, supports tax and VAT compliance, fosters good governance practices, and empowers executive»»»
Ramadan staycations in UAE worth booking before suhoor
Ramadan in the UAE is a time for reflection, family and, let’s be honest, a well-timed reset. Whether you’re planning a desert retreat in Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter, a theme park-fuelled family break in Dubai or a beachfront golf escape in Ras Al Khaimah, there’s a staycation with your name on it. F»»»
US and South Korean Militaries will Have Joint Drills in March as Tensions with North Korea Escalate
The US and South Korean militaries said on Wednesday they will conduct their annual springtime exercises next month to bolster their countries’ combined defense capabilities against a backdrop of a deepening diplomatic freeze with nuclear-armed North Korea. The Freedom Shield drills is set for Marc»»»
Why talent will define Abu Dhabi’s next decade of growth
Dubai: The UAE ended 2025 with clear evidence that economic diversification is no longer an ambition - it is a fact, and one that is occurring at an accelerated pace. Non-oil sectors continue to grow faster than the oil sector, and they now account for over 77 percent of GDP. This represents the hi»»»
Automated people movers: Engineering the next era of airport mobility
As global air travel continues to expand and airports grow into complex, multi-terminal environments, the challenge of moving millions of travellers quickly and comfortably has never been more critical. Modern airports now function as interconnected transit ecosystems rather than single buildings, »»»
Suspected smuggler detained near Turkish border with 12 migrants in car
Authorities near Greece’s northeastern border with Turkey have arrested a man suspected of belonging to a smuggling ring driving a car with 12 migrants in it, police said Wednesday. A police statement said the suspect was stopped at a roadblock on a dirt road near Orestiada in the Evros region Tues»»»
US, Canada to Meet in Coming Weeks on Trade, Greer Says
US and Canadian trade officials spoke on Wednesday and plan to meet in coming weeks, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said, adding that the Trump administration was open to their ideas on how to reach an agreement, Reuters reported. "They have a few ideas on how they might want to have a deal»»»
NGOs want ex-Meta MEP removed from EU digital rules relaxation
Transparency and lobbying watchdogs have called for MEP Aura Salla to be removed as a lead European Parliament legislator on the controversial Digital Omnibus proposal, due to her former employment as a lobbyist for the US Big Tech giant Meta. Salla is a Finnish centre-right politician with the Eur»»»
IAAPA and MENALAC to launch IAAPA MENA
IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has announced plans to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and North Africa with the launch of a new regional office and the creation of IAAPA MENA. The official launch will be celebrated during IAAPA Expo Middle East, with the new »»»
Samana Developers donates Dh15 million to Edge of Life campaign
Samana Developers has contributed Dh15 million to support the Edge of Life campaign to rescue five million children from hunger. Launched in Ramadan by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the campaign aims to raise a m»»»
New UK rules kick in, complicating travel for British dual nationals in UAE
Dubai: British citizens who also hold another nationality could be stopped from travelling to the UK from Wednesday under new border rules linked to the rollout of the country’s electronic travel authorisation system, complicating travel for British dual nationals in the UAE. Sign up for our daily »»»
Would you take an Uber… in the sky? Dubai air taxis explained
Dubai: Uber has introduced Uber Air, powered by Joby, offering riders a first look at how they will be able to book Joby Aviation’s all-electric aerial taxis directly in the Uber app, in collaboration with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA). Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheque»»»
New travel rules for UK visitors kick in - how are you affected?
A new travel system for visitors to the UK comes into force from Wednesday for citizens of dozens of countries like the US and Australia. The government says electronic travel authorisation (ETA) will improve the immigration system. However, it has created problems for dual nationals, who have been»»»
Gucci criticised for 'AI slop' images ahead of major fashion show
Gucci is facing a backlash after using AI to generate images to promote its forthcoming show at Milan Fashion Week. The images have been posted on social media - where users have questioned how using AI instead of human models and photographers is in keeping with the fashion house's claim that it c»»»
Caretaker Interior Minister Denies Meeting Investigators over Petrohan-Okolchitsa Case
Caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev told Parliament on Wednesday that he had not met with law-enforcers investigating the Petrohan–Okolchitsa case and that all other claims were untrue. Dechev was heard in Parliament following three reports alleging pressure exerted by him on investigators work»»»
CIA offers tips to potential informants in Iran
The Central Intelligence Agency offered help to potential informants in Iran on Tuesday, providing Farsi-language instructions on ways to safely contact the U.S. spy agency as President Donald Trump mulls possible military strikes. The post is the latest in a series of recruitment pitches in Farsi,»»»
No more UK visa stickers? What Pakistan travellers need to know
Dubai: Pakistani visitors heading to the UK — including those travelling from the UAE — can now use a new digital eVisa system instead of receiving a visa sticker in their passport, the British High Commission in Pakistan has announced. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.»»»
Dubai typing centre worker wins $1m in Dubai Duty Free draw
Dubai: An Indian expat from Kerala working at a Dubai typing centre has struck it rich, winning $1 million in the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw held at Concourse C of Dubai International Airport on Wednesday. Premadasan Makkalikkal, 47, won in Millennium Millionaire Series 537 »»»
‘Easy’ or ‘hard’? UAE students react to new CBSE Class 10 Science exam format
Students and educators across UAE schools have welcomed the revised pattern of the CBSE Class 10 Science examination, which for the first time introduced a strict section-wise split into Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Initial feedback suggests the paper was largely student-friendly, with most desc»»»
India’s Modi in Israel to ‘strengthen cooperation’
JERUSALEM Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday aimed at focusing on strengthening security, economic and technological cooperation between the two countries. The Indian leader stepped out of the plane beaming and descended the staircase to a big hug »»»
Upgrades: Pakistan introduces major changes to ID cards, find out more
Dubai: In a landmark step toward a unified and digitally secure identity ecosystem, the Federal Government has formally upgraded Pakistan’s National Identity Card (NIC) and Pakistan Origin Card (POC) frameworks. The amendments introduce QR-based verification, enhanced biometric features, stronger f»»»
When control replaces trust: Why smart organisations lose good people
Problems in well-run organisations rarely stem from incompetence. In fact, intelligence often creates confidence — confidence that systems are sound, risks are contained, and decisions are well thought through. Yet many workplaces struggle not because leaders are careless, but because some choices »»»
Dubai Police mobile Iftar cannon travels across Dubai, Hatta
Dubai Police’s mobile Iftar cannon, Al Rahal, has continued its Ramadan tour across the emirate, welcoming community members at Al Meydan hotel on the 9th and 10th days of Ramadan before heading to Hatta dam from the 10th to the 12th day of the holy month. The initiative gives citizens, residents, »»»
Dubai Police get 8,263 emergency calls during heavy fog
Dubai: Dubai Police handled 8,263 emergency calls through the 999 hotline during heavy fog that blanketed parts of the emirate early this week, authorities said. The calls were received between 3am and 10am on Monday and Tuesday, as reduced visibility prompted heightened operational readiness and i»»»
Dubai International Holy Quran Award honours Sheikh Al Husary as Global Quranic Personality
Dubai: The Dubai International Holy Quran Award announced the selection of the late reciter Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al Husary, as the Global Quranic Personality for its 28th edition. This recognition comes in appreciation and gratitude for his enduring scholarly Quranic legacy, which left a profound »»»
Flying via DXB soon? You can carry 15 phones — but only if you follow this rule
Dubai: Passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport may be surprised to learn that they can carry up to 15 mobile phones in their luggage — but only under strict conditions. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Moreover, as passenger numbers continue to rise — »»»
Dubai opens public vote to choose most beautiful Quran recitation
Dubai: The Dubai International Holy Quran Award announced the opening of public voting for participants who qualified for the final stage of its 28th edition for the year in search of the most beautiful Quran recitation for 2026. Following two qualifying rounds, the judging panel has selected the t»»»
Basant revival under court scrutiny as 17 die in Lahore celebrations
Dubai: At least 17 people lost their lives during Lahore’s recently revived Basant festival, the Punjab home department informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday, highlighting the human toll of the historic kite-flying event’s return after nearly two decades. The three-day festival, held fr»»»
Alliance for Rights and Freedoms to Refer Rejected Presidential Veto on Election Code to Constitutional Court
The Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (APS) will refer the matter to the Constitutional Court, Deputy Chair of the parliamentary group Tanner Ali told journalists on Wednesday after Parliament rejected President Iliana Iotova’s veto on amendments to the Election Code earlier in the day. "What happen»»»
Sheikh Hamdan marks son Mohammed's birthday with a journey through time
Dubai: 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, known the world over as Fazza, marked a deeply personal milestone today as he celebrated his son Mohammed's third birthday. »»»
Ramadan in the UAE: Why begging surges and how to give responsibly
Dubai: As Ramadan begins, the UAE is defined by a spirit of compassion. Mosques fill, communal tables are set, and charitable giving reaches its annual peak. However, authorities warn that this surge in generosity, driven by the obligations of Zakat and Sadaqah (charity), is increasingly being targ»»»
Etihad’s most luxurious flying experience is heading somewhere new
Dubai: Etihad Airways will introduce its flagship Airbus A380 on its Abu Dhabi to Bangkok service from October, marking the aircraft’s debut in Thailand and adding significant capacity ahead of the winter travel season. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The double-decker»»»
The Maritime Standard announces launch of AITECH 2026 in Dubai
Dubai: The Maritime Standard has announced the launch of TMS AITECH 2026, its dedicated Artificial Intelligence and Technology Conference, which will be held on 14 April 2026 at Taj Exotica Resort, Dubai. TMS AITECH 2026 will explore how artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and advanced technol»»»
Bulgarians Abroad Blocked: GERB and Revival Slash Voting Access in US, UK, and Turkey
In the upcoming early parliamentary elections on April 19, Bulgarians living outside the European Union will have access to no more than 20 polling stations, not counting those located in embassies and consulates. This cap was confirmed after the National Assembly overturned President Iliana Yotova»»»
Hilton Doha The Pearl unveils ‘Layali Al Louloua’ as a refined Ramadan destination
Tribune News Network Doha As the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches, Hilton Doha The Pearl is preparing to welcome guests with a refined and immersive experience titled “Layali Al Louloua.” Designed as more than a traditional Iftar and Suhoor offering, the concept transforms the hotel into a complete»»»
Things to do this weekend in Qatar (February 26-28, 2026)
Doha, Qatar: This Ramadan, a vibrant lineup of activities is set to enrich both your health and spiritual wellbeing. As the weekend approaches, there is something for everyone to experience the essence of the holy month of Ramadan such as engaging community gatherings and energising wellness sessio»»»
Capital.com reports strong 2025 growth, trading volume reaches $3.42 trillion
Dubai: Capital.com, a global fintech group operating in the regulated online trading sector, today published its 2025 trading platform activity summary, reporting $3.42 trillion in client trading volume for the year. The group reported that the Middle East accounted for approximately 50% of total a»»»
Al Ansari Exchange celebrates 60 years of growth and innovation
Dubai: Al Ansari Exchange, a leading outward personal remittance and foreign exchange company in the UAE and a subsidiary of Al Ansari Financial Services, marked its 60th anniversary during Ramadan, celebrating six decades of financial leadership and regional expansion. The milestone was commemorat»»»
CIA hunting for Iranian informants with new recruitment ad in Farsi
The CIA has published a plea to potential informants in Iran with guidance on how to securely contact the organization as tensions between Washington and Tehran approach a critical juncture. The two-minute video published Tuesday provides detailed technical instructions for establishing contact, re»»»
Protest to Urge Supreme Judicial Council to Do Its Job and Remove Borislav Sarafov, CC Chair Vassilev Says
Speaking to reporters in Parliament’s lobby on Wednesday, Continue the Change Chair Assen Vassilev said a protest would be held on Wednesday evening in front of the Sofia Palace of Justice to call on the Supreme Judicial Council to “stop tearing meniscuses and start doing the job it is paid more th»»»