AI is already answering your bank and telecom queries in the UAE
Dubai: Artificial intelligence is already playing a major role in how customers interact with banks, telecom providers and airlines in the UAE, often operating quietly behind the scenes while human agents step in only when necessary. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Ind»»»
Majid Al Futtaim posts record profit in milestone year
Dubai: Majid Al Futtaim delivered its strongest financial performance to date in 2025, reporting record profit growth and a stronger balance sheet as the company marked three decades of operations across the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & »»»
Experts urge caution on Trump call for Hormuz deployment - UPI.com
The Dae Jo Yeong, a 4,400-ton South Korean destroyer, departs a naval base for the Gulf of Aden; in Busan, South Korea. File. Photo YONHAP / EPA March 15 (Asia Today) -- South Korean experts said Sunday that any response to U.S. President Donald Trump's call for allied naval deployments to the Stra»»»
Evidence shows US behind missile attack on Iran’s Minab girls’ school
The US-Israeli war on Iran opened with massive strikes on urban centers, the assassination of the country’s supreme leader and his family, and the brutal slaying of more than 160 children at a girls’ elementary school in Minab. As more information about the bombing has come to light, discussion has»»»
Over 100 non-Arab Muslims attend Itikaf activities
Doha, Qatar: The activities of the last ten nights Itikaf during Ramadan commenced at the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, with the participation of more than 120 non-Arabic speaking Muslims representing eight different communities. The Itikaf aims to educate and raise aw»»»
Dubai gold prices slip to monthly low amid global market swings
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai slipped to their lowest level this month on Monday morning, giving buyers a brief window of relief after several weeks of elevated prices driven by global market turmoil. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, »»»
Japan weighs options to protect vessels in Strait of Hormuz
Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s prime minister, said on March 16 that the government is considering measures within its legal constraints to ensure the safety of Japanese-linked vessels and their crews in the Middle East amid the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, Kyodo News reports. »»»
Oil Hovers around $100, Stocks Mixed as Iran War Rages
Oil prices hovered around $100 a barrel Monday and stocks fluctuated as the Iran war moved into a third week with both sides showing no sign of backing down and diplomats trying to ensure safe passage for tankers through the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Crude shot up in the opening minutes after the U»»»
Fidesz and Tisza flex muscles, mobilise hundreds of thousands in last big rallies before election
Hungary’s two leading political blocs, Fidesz and the Tisza Party, held mass rallies on March 15 in a prominent display of power, widely seen as a measure of their capacity to rally voters ahead of the April 12 elections. Prime Minister Viktor Orban vowed to keep Hungary "an island of security and »»»
Doha Equestrian Tour wraps up local competitions at Al Shaqab
Doha, Qatar: The Doha Equestrian Tour wrapped up its three-day local show jumping competitions at the Longines Arena in Al Shaqab on Saturday night, showcasing top-level performances from more than 120 riders and 240 horses. Total prize money for the tour exceeded QR490,000. The tour opened with th»»»
Peso hits record low against UAE dirham as oil shock rattles currency
Dubai: The Philippine peso fell to a record low against the UAE dirham on Monday morning, reflecting mounting pressure on emerging market currencies amid volatile energy markets and growing global uncertainty. (Check live forex rates here) Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balanc»»»
Romanian-American Director Natalie Musteata wins Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film
The 2026 Academy Awards delivered a rare moment in the history of the Academy when the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film was awarded in a tie, with both The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva receiving the prize. For Romanian audiences, the news carries particular significance: one of the»»»
Top looks as stars bring glamour to Oscars red carpet
Hollywood, United States: Hollywood's best and brightest stars on Sunday hit the red carpet for the 98th Academy Awards, the movie industry's biggest night. Here are some of the top looks: Spring hues Pops of spring color were a welcome sight on the red carpet. Jessie Buckley at the 98th Oscars at »»»
Trump Pressures NATO, China over Iran's Closure of Key Waterway
President Donald Trump urged NATO partners and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical conduit for crude that Iran has effectively closed, as major economic players began releasing oil reserves on Monday to ward off supply disruptions. Global oil prices have surged by 40 to 50 perce»»»
How Ukraine's drone defence model can help Gulf states
As Iranian Shahed drones continue to strike targets across the Middle East amidst the raging war with Israel and the US that has stretched regional air defences to their limits, Ukraine has quietly emerged as an unlikely but highly relevant source of expertise. President Volodymyr Zelensky has anno»»»
Oscars 2026: Here are all the moments you didn't see on TV
It's Hollywood's biggest night. The 98th Academy Awards featured emotional speeches, comical relief and a bevy of backstage fun. While movie magic plays a role in the show itself (the ceremony, after all, is actually hosted at the Dolby Theatre in a shopping centre), there is a lot you don't see on»»»
Russia wins three more golds at Paralympics
Russian cross-country skier Anastasia Bagiyan has won gold in the 20 km individual start race for visually impaired athletes at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, becoming a three-time champion at the Games in Italy. The 24-year-old earlier won the sprint and the 10 km classical race. This year’s Games a»»»
In France's municipal elections, 2027 presidential race looms large
France holds municipal elections on Sunday – including for the mayor of Paris – less than a year before the 2027 presidential vote, with some candidates looking to use the polls as a springboard for higher office. The votes will be held in two rounds on consecutive Sundays, with the secon»»»
French far right eyes Marseille upset after strong showing in mayoral elections
Candidates for the far-right National Rally posted strong results in the first round of France’s municipal elections on Sunday, winning several races outright and polling neck-and-neck with the incumbent left in Marseille, in the last major test of the French public mood ah»»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
Turkey’s inflation fight stands exposed to a Trump wrecking ball
If the Trump war unleashes a wrecking ball on the global economy, Turkey can kiss goodbye to its painstaking battle to end its difficulties with rampant inflation. Reading through analysts’ notes this week, it is already a»»»
Turkey’s inflation fight stands exposed to a Trump wrecking ball
If the Trump war unleashes a wrecking ball on the global economy, Turkey can kiss goodbye to its painstaking battle to end its difficulties with rampant inflation. Reading through analysts’ notes this week, it is already a»»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
Michael B Jordan, Jessie Buckley and One Battle After Another reign at Oscars
Political thriller One Battle After Another has dominated this year's Oscars, scoring six wins including best picture It marks the first best picture and best director win for Paul Thomas Anderson, who had never previously won an Oscar despite being one of Hollywood's most respected film-makers. "Y»»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
'It's a tie, I'm not joking' - unusual Oscars moment sees two films share award
There was an unusual moment during Sunday night's Oscars ceremony, when two films tied for best short live action film - The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva. "A tie, wow we didn't know that could happen," exclaimed The Singers' director Sam A Davis. This is the seventh time that votes have»»»
Macron urges Iran to cease regional attacks, restore Hormuz navigation – Ya Libnan
Share: French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday he had asked Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkianto put an immediate end to attacks against countries in the Middle East whether directly or through proxies, including in Lebanon and Iraq. French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday he had »»»
British entrepreneurs highlight UAE stability during regional tensions
Dubai: Some international coverage of the current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East has suggested a wave of departures from the UAE and portrayed the situation in dramatic terms, including AI-generated videos circulating online depicting war-like conditions in Dubai. Sign up for our daily bu»»»
Iran captain latest footballer to drop asylum bid, Iranian state media says
The captain of the Iranian women's football team has withdrawn her bid for Australian asylum, Iran's state media says, making her the fifth member of the delegation to change her mind. Zahra Ghanbari will fly from Malaysia back to Iran, news agency IRNA reported on Sunday. It comes after Australian»»»
Sweden detains captain of Russian shadow fleet ship
A Swedish court has ordered the detention of the Russian captain of a ship suspected of sailing under a false flag as part of Moscow's shadow fleet. The man, who has not been named, appeared in court in Ystad after being arrested on Friday by the Swedish Prosecution Authority on suspicion of using »»»
Air India and Air India Express to run 48 flights between India and GCC on March 16
Dubai: Air India and Air India Express have announced plans to operate a total of 48 scheduled and special flights between India and Gulf countries on March 16, 2026, helping passengers travel during ongoing disruptions affecting some routes. Scheduled flightsBoth airlines will continue their regul»»»
How Iranians are evading internet blocks to contact family abroad
On the Iran-Turkey border a man sells a service that helps Iranians outside their country keep in touch with loved ones inside. His secret is two phones - one connected to the Iranian phone network and one to the Turkish. It's necessary because international calls into Iran are blocked. Customers o»»»