UAE announces gradual return to in-person learning for schools and nurseries
Dubai: The Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council has announced that educational institutions are prepared for a gradual return to in-person learning, with nurseries set to reopen in phases starting this week. Priority will be given to nurseries located in government buildings»»»
Media Review: April 14
FALLOUT OF IRAN CONFLICT 24 Chasa writes that premium diesel has surpassed the EUR 2 mark. At least three of the major gas station chains are selling this fuel at EUR 2.00, 2.02, and 2.03 per liter. Since Sunday, the prices of regular diesel and petrol have also increased by EUR 0.01, according to »»»
Gunman attacks school in Türkiye
A former student has opened fire at a school in the city of Siverek in south-eastern Türkiye, wounding more than a dozen people before committing suicide, the local governor has said. At least 16 people, mostly students, were injured in the attack on Tuesday, according to media reports.DETAILS TO F»»»
Mideast war revs up electric car demand in Asia
Hanoi, Vietnam: Electric vehicle sales have jumped in Southeast Asia as cost-conscious buyers have poured into dealerships looking to dodge the fuel price spikes driven by the Middle East war. Asian nations have been particularly hard hit due to a sharp fall in the crude shipments they rely on -- a»»»
New toll gates installed on Dubai-Abu Dhabi highways
Abu Dhabi’s ‘Darb’ toll system is expanding to other external roads in the emirate, and new gates have been installed at strategic locations. The toll gates, installed by the Department of Transport under Abu Dhabi Municipality, operating as Abu Dhabi Mobility, have come up in areas such as Ghantoo»»»
How Dubai is strengthening senior citizens’ role with new 'Thukher Club' in Al Khawaneej
Dubai: Dubai has taken another step towards enhancing the quality of life of senior citizens with the inauguration of a new branch of the 'Thukher Club' in Al Khawaneej. Launched under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister a»»»
Turkey school shooting: Student opens fire in Sanliurfa, 16 wounded
An attacker opened fire at a high school on Tuesday in southeastern Turkey, leaving at least 16 people including students wounded, local media reported. Special security forces, who have been deployed to the school in the Siverek district of Sanliurfa province, evacuated the students, while efforts»»»
DMCC hits 26,000 firms as tech takes the lead in 2025
Dubai: DMCC added more than 2,300 companies in 2025, bringing its total membership to more than 26,000. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Growth over the past year was driven by rising demand from global markets and the continued expansion of DMCC’s sector-focused ecosys»»»
Xi Calls for Tighter Ties to Spain in Face of Global ‘Chaos’
China's President Xi Jinping warned against a return to the "law of the jungle" in international relations and called for closer economic ties with Spain as he met Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing on Tuesday, according to Chinese state media. The meeting of the two leaders comes on the secon»»»
UAE court awards family Dh1.1m after fatal medical negligence ruling
A Dubai court has ordered a doctor and a hospital to jointly pay Dh1.1 million in compensation to a husband and his two daughters following the death of a patient due to medical negligence after gastric sleeve surgery. The Dubai Civil Court of First Instance found both defendants liable after the w»»»
IEA: Global crude oil demand set for sharpest quarterly crash since Covid
The International Energy Agency (IEA) says global oil demand is headed for its "steepest" quarterly drop since the Covid shock, with the agency’s outlook pointing to weakening consumption in April and the second quarter as trade tensions and softer economic momentum hit fuel use. An OPEC+ report, m»»»
War-weary Lebanese weigh giving talks with Israel a chance
From his small shop in Beirut, facing a building destroyed by an Israeli airstrike, Qassem Saad said he was exhausted by repeated Israeli wars on Lebanon, and hoped negotiations could end decades of suffering. "We know that Israel will remain an enemy to us, but we are tired," 49-year-old Saad, who»»»
Australia to Spend Billions on Drones as Warfare Changes
Australia will boost spending on drones by up to Au$5 billion ($3.6 billion) in response to shifts in warfare seen in the Middle East, Defense Minister Richard Marles said Tuesday. Australia's vast coastline and small population have spurred a focus on developing large autonomous submarines and fig»»»
Federal Supreme Court orders retrial to assess whether deportation would harm family stability under new law
The Federal Supreme Court has overturned a deportation order issued against a foreign woman convicted of drug-related offences, ruling that her case must be reconsidered under a more lenient law. The woman had been convicted of consuming and possessing psychotropic substances for personal use, as w»»»
Big Nafis changes: unlimited child support, new salary perks for Emiratis
The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) has announced sweeping enhancements to the Nafis Program, following its extension through 2040. The reforms introduce expanded financial benefits, broader eligibility, and new mechanisms aimed at strengthening family stability, boosting Emirati work»»»
“Energy Lockdown”? Expert says Europe and Bulgaria Could Face Covid-Style Restrictions
Energy expert Boyan Rashev has warned that Europe could be moving toward what he described as an “energy lockdown” scenario if fuel supply pressures continue to worsen, drawing parallels with restrictions seen during the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking on Nova TV’s “Hello, Bulgaria,” he suggested that »»»
Trump’s Blockade of Hormuz Strait to Have Severe Economic Implications
The global economy enters a new stage of uncertainty as the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces began implementing a blockade of maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports. US President Donald Trump ordered the naval blockade after marathon peace talks with Iran in Islamabad,»»»
UAE updates remote learning assessment
Dubai: The Ministry of Education has announced changes to the assessment method for certain subjects delivered through distance learning, confirming that the adjustments will not affect students’ final results. According to the ministry, the revised mechanism applies to subjects classified under th»»»
Why Islamabad’s Serena Hotel is suddenly in the global spotlight after high-level talks
Dubai: Tucked away in one of Pakistan's most scenic pockets, the highly discreet Islamabad Serena Hotel has long been known as a quiet luxury escape. But in recent days, the five-star property (located close to the diplomatic enclave and key government institutions) has found itself at the centre o»»»
Kyrgyzstan plans to adopt UAE experience to speed up economic development - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan intends to adopt the experience of the United Arab Emirates in implementing reforms through the Government Accelerators program. Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Adylbek Kasymaliev, stated during a meeting with World Bank Managing Director for Operations Anna Bjerde. According to th»»»
Lebanon, Israel to meet for tough talks in Washington
Lebanese and Israeli representatives are scheduled to meet in Washington Tuesday for U.S.-mediated talks on ending the war in Lebanon, but the prospects of an agreement appear slim. Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem called for the talks to be scrapped before they even began, describing them as "f»»»
UAE court orders two salesmen to repay Dh1.4 million after gold theft
Two sales employees have been ordered to repay more than Dh1.4 million after embezzling gold entrusted to them by their employer, according to a Dubai court ruling. The pair, who worked for a gold trading company, were tasked with selling shipments of gold weighing 13.5 kilograms and collecting the»»»
How UAE startups can survive uncertainty: Smart cuts, key protections, and priorities
When cash flow tightens, instinct often swings between panic and paralysis. But according to founders and operators on the frontlines, the difference between startups that stall and those that stabilise is what they choose to protect. Here’s a sharp, founder-led breakdown of how to rethink costs wi»»»
97% of UAE, Saudi firms stay on track with global expansion plans
Dubai: Businesses in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are pressing ahead with international expansion plans despite regional volatility, with 97% saying they still see room to grow globally. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.That confidence is holding even as companies navigate »»»
IndiGo launches summer flash sale: UAE-India travellers get up to 10% off flights
Dubai: India’s biggest airline, IndiGo, has launched a four-day summer getaway flash sale, offering up to 10% off domestic and international flights, including routes popular with UAE travellers heading to India during the summer break. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.»»»
From secret supper club to cult favourite: the rise of LahKee Dubai
Dubai: LahKee is the kind of place you hear about from a friend who says, “Trust me, just go.” Tucked away and quietly buzzing, the hole-in-the-wall spot has built a loyal following in Dubai, not through hype, but through heart and seriously good food. Step inside and you’ll find an open kitchen, a»»»
Parkin inks Binghatti deal to expand smart parking network
Dubai: Dubai’s push toward smarter, more seamless urban mobility received a boost as Parkin announced a new partnership with leading property developer Binghatti to expand its managed parking footprint across the emirate. Parkin Company PJSC, Dubai’s largest provider of paid public parking services»»»
Caretaker PM Gurov: Bulgaria Turns Innovation Into Opportunity
The opening of the JEREMIE Bulgaria: New Opportunities forum in Sofia will showcase the fund’s new investment strategy in Bulgaria, caretaker PM Andrey Gurov said on Tuesday. Organized by the European Investment Fund (EIF), part of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, in partnership with the M»»»
Pakistan Says Looking at Options to Repay $3.5 Billion UAE Loan
Pakistan is considering Eurobonds, loans from other countries and commercial debt to replace a $3.5 billion facility from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and manage its foreign reserves, its finance minister said. Muhammad Aurangzeb also told Reuters the shock from the ongoing war in the Middle East»»»
Hoopoe Holding launches governance framework to improve early visibility in UAE healthcare systems
Dubai based hoopoe holding has introduced a governance framework designed to help healthcare leaders identify emerging system pressure earlier, as healthcare systems across the UAE continue to expand in both scale and complexity. Developed under the leadership of Founder and CEO Shahriar Shahir Bar»»»
What Does a ‘Blockade of the Blockade’ in the Strait of Hormuz Mean?
When Iran moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, it did not physically seal the waterway — for example, by fully mining it. Instead, it barred ships and oil tankers belonging to Gulf littoral states, as well as vessels from countries it considers adversaries, chiefly the United States and Israel, fro»»»
CBSE Class 10 exams 2026 results due for UAE students today: Why they won’t be final
Dubai: More than 13,600 CBSE Grade 10 students in the UAE are about to receive their long-awaited results but there is a crucial catch. The scores coming out are not final, and the student sitting at the top of the class today may not hold that position a month from now. Schools and educators acros»»»
Bulgaria’s Tourism Industry Adapts to a Digital-First Traveller
Bulgaria’s tourism sector has never been stronger and has been achieving steady growth for the past few years. The industry has been adjusting to new changes in the market, that of the digital traveller. It is nothing new to say that tourism is shaped by technology, but its influence has grown even»»»
Commercial Bank reports Q1 2026 net profit before Pillar Two Tax of QR538.3m
Doha, Qatar: The Commercial Bank and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) announced yesterday its financial results for the three months ended 31 March 2026. The Group reported Net Profit before Pillar Two Tax of QR538.3m for Q1 2026. The year-on-year movement in profit was supported by resilient operati»»»
Oil surges, stocks drop as Trump threatens to block Hormuz
LONDON — Oil prices surged and stock markets broadly fell Monday after US-Iran peace talks broke down and President Donald Trump announced a plan to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz, ratcheting up fears for Middle East energy supplies.The news dealt a blow to hopes for an end to the six-week co»»»
Philippines: Explosive testimony of Duterte's ex-aide Ramil Madriaga points to misuse of millions of 'intel' funds, money laundering, POGO, drug links
Manila: An explosive testimony of anti-corruption whistleblower and self-proclaimed Duterte "bagman" Ramil Madriaga was heard on Tuesday exposing alleged misuse of hundreds of millions of pesos of "intelligence" funds by the Dutertes via dummy bank accounts, campaign funds from people linked overpr»»»
Dubai announces major 1 million sq ft Al Jaddaf mixed-use community near Etihad Rail hub
Dubai: Dubai is set to add a major new urban district to its skyline, with Al Ghurair Development unveiling plans for a one-million-square-foot mixed-use masterplan community in Al Jaddaf. The new development, located in Dubai Creek Harbour, will combine homes, offices, hospitality, retail and cult»»»
Bahrain banks offer loan deferrals as central bank injects liquidity
Dubai: Bahrain has moved to cushion households and businesses with a broad package of loan relief and liquidity support, aiming to keep credit flowing and ease repayment pressure during a period of economic strain. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The Central Bank of Ba»»»
Bulgarian Fund for Women Campaign Raises EUR 49,087 for Domestic Violence Survivors
A campaign by the Bulgarian Fund for Women (BFW) raised EUR 49,087 for women and children affected by domestic violence, the organization said on Tuesday. Funds were already channelled to three crisis centres in Kardzhali, Silistra and Kazanlak, and more recipient organizations would be named soon.»»»
Awqaf Ministry highlights shift from strategic planning to measurable societal impact
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has unveiled its 2025 annual outcomes, highlighting a decisive shift from strategic planning to delivering measurable societal impact, in line with its 2025–2030 strategy and the Qatar National Vision 2030. The Ministry described 2025 as a land»»»
Fewer tourists, fuller local crowds: How Dubai hospitality is riding out the crisis
Dubai: Even as flight disruptions and jet fuel shortages unsettle travel across the region, Dubai’s community-driven hospitality venues are proving unexpectedly resilient — a sign, says McGettigan’s owner Dennis McGettigan, that the emirate’s strong resident customer base is helping steady the food»»»
How Would a Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz Work?
Washington: Ephrat Livni After weekend peace talks in Pakistan between the United States and Iran ended with no agreement, President Trump on Sunday said the US Navy would impose a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping waterway that Iran has mostly choked off since the war began in lat»»»
Democracy in Decline: Bulgaria Lands on Troubling “Autocracy Watch” List
A leading global research center on democratic systems has issued a stark warning about political trends in several countries, concluding in its latest annual report that Bulgaria is now among those showing clear signs of democratic backsliding. The Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute argues t»»»
Quality matters: how the Hormuz crisis tests refinery flexibility
The disruption highlights a key reality often overlooked in the oil market: while volumes may be globally fungible, crude quality is not. WHAT: The disruption to Hormuz flows has left many refiners struggling to replace lo»»»
Quality matters: how the Hormuz crisis tests refinery flexibility
The disruption highlights a key reality often overlooked in the oil market: while volumes may be globally fungible, crude quality is not. WHAT: The disruption to Hormuz flows has left many refiners struggling to replace lo»»»
Quality matters: how the Hormuz crisis tests refinery flexibility
The disruption highlights a key reality often overlooked in the oil market: while volumes may be globally fungible, crude quality is not. WHAT: The disruption to Hormuz flows has left many refiners struggling to replace lo»»»
Quality matters: how the Hormuz crisis tests refinery flexibility
The disruption highlights a key reality often overlooked in the oil market: while volumes may be globally fungible, crude quality is not. WHAT: The disruption to Hormuz flows has left many refiners struggling to replace lo»»»
Quality matters: how the Hormuz crisis tests refinery flexibility
The disruption highlights a key reality often overlooked in the oil market: while volumes may be globally fungible, crude quality is not. WHAT: The disruption to Hormuz flows has left many refiners struggling to replace lo»»»
COMMENT: The US naval blockade of Iran won't work
The US is moving to choke Iran’s oil lifeline. The market is starting to price something much bigger because the Trump administration naval blockade of Iran is not going to work. US President Donald Trump has announced a n»»»
COMMENT: The US naval blockade of Iran won't work
The US is moving to choke Iran’s oil lifeline. The market is starting to price something much bigger because the Trump administration naval blockade of Iran is not going to work. US President Donald Trump has announced a n»»»