Spring in Bishkek: Two million flowers, thousands of tulips to decorate city - | 24.KG
In 2026, landscaping efforts in Bishkek will be significantly expanded. About 2 million annual flowers will be planted across flowerbeds, parks, public gardens, and along the city’s central streets. According to the press service of Bishkek City Hall, the municipal enterprise Bishkekzelenstroi has »»»
Lukashenko Calls Treacherous Attack by Israel With US Support on Iran Unacceptable
MINSK (Sputnik) - The treacherous attack by Israel with the US's support on Iran is unacceptable, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Wednesday. "The treacherous attack by Israel with the support of the United States on Iran is ... unacceptable to us. Moreover, as a result of this att»»»
Special repatriation flights announced from Fujairah
Dubai: Fujairah International Airport has joined hands with Oman-based airline SalamAir to operate special charter flights to help travellers return home amid ongoing regional tensions. The flights will run on March 4 and 5, 2026, with a stop in Muscat. From there, passengers can travel onwards to »»»
Saudi Arabia: NCW Marks World Wildlife Day with Strategic Plan for Biodiversity Protection
The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) reaffirmed its commitment to protecting wildlife and preserving natural habitats, recognizing this responsibility as essential to nature conservation and ecosystem sustainability in Saudi Arabia. This observance aligns with World Wildlife Day, marked annually »»»
Ovidiu Mihailă, fundingloop: Five priority areas targeted by €630 million EIC Accelerator funding for deep tech businesses in 2026
Approximately €630 million will be available in 2026 for those applying to the EIC Accelerator, a Horizon Europe funding program that provides support to startups and SMEs, says Ovidiu Mihăilă, founder of fundingloop, a consulting company for deep-tech businesses interested in accelerating innovati»»»
Parliament Speaker reveals MPs’ salaries - | 24.KG
Speaker of the Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan Marlen Mamataliev has disclosed the salaries received by members of Parliament. He made the statement during a parliamentary session. According to him, the official salary of a deputy of the Zhogorku Kenesh amounts to 58,432 soms. In addition, each MP ha»»»
TISP Urges President Iotova to Convene National Security Consultative Council over Middle East Tensions
It would be a good idea for President Iliana Iotova to convene a Consultative Council for National Security, There Is Such a People (TISP) MP Stanislav Balabanov told journalists in Parliament here on Wednesday. His comment was prompted by the situation in the Middle East. As a conservative party, »»»
How deeply have Trump’s Iran strikes split America?
US President Donald Trump’s order to attack Iran has drawn mixed reactions among Americans, with polls showing a clear public split and statements from lawmakers exposing divisions within both the Republican and Democratic parties. Trump claimed the joint US-Israeli military campaign, launched on S»»»
UAE non-oil sector hits a one-year high in February amid strong demand
Dubai: Business activity across the UAE’s non-oil private sector strengthened in February, reaching its fastest pace in a year as companies reported rising demand, strong new orders and improving supply chain conditions. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The S&P Global U»»»
Over 200 Kyrgyzstanis being transported from Jeddah to Bishkek and Osh - | 24.KG
Today, March 4, two repatriation flights from Jeddah to Bishkek and Jeddah to Osh are transporting more than 200 citizens to Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic reported. According to the ministry, the Jeddah—Bishkek flight is carrying 90 citizens, while the Jeddah—Os»»»
US Embassy and Consulate in UAE closed until further notice
Abu Dhabi: The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate in Dubai have been closed, and services cannot be provided in those facilities until further notice, the US Embassy announced in a social media post on Wednesday. The announcement comes amid the blatant Iranian aggression on the country. F»»»
Cultural figures ask Sadyr Japarov to support film about Frunze and USSR - | 24.KG
A group of prominent cultural figures from Kyrgyzstan and the CIS countries sent a letter to the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, asking him to support the production of a historical documentary film about the city of Frunze and the Soviet era. The letter was signed by People’s and »»»
UAE markets reopen after suspension. Traders brace for volatile session
Dubai: Trading across the UAE’s main stock exchanges resumes today after regulators imposed a two day suspension designed to shield markets from sharp volatility during a period of escalating geopolitical tensions across the Middle East. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances»»»
Agricultural census to begin in Kyrgyzstan on March 20 - | 24.KG
An agricultural census will be conducted in Kyrgyzstan from March 20 to April 10. Elmira Alymkulova, chief of staff of the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic, announced on Birinchi Radio. According to her, such an event is held once every ten years and is nationwide. However, a c»»»
Trump wants to purge US history of ‘woke’ agenda – media
The administration of US President Donald Trump is seeking to purge “anti-American” narratives from the country’s national parks and museums, several media outlets have reported, citing a leaked government database. Among the themes reportedly identified for removal are racism and climate change. A»»»
Malayalam actress Swasika back in Kerala after being stuck in Abu Dhabi : ‘UAE authorities are doing an excellent job'
Dubai: Malayalam actress Swasika, who had travelled to Abu Dhabi for a dance workshop, has landed in Kerala after taking the repatriation flight. She told local reporters that there was no 'heavy panic situation', as reported by several Malayalam news channels. Everyone was alert and understandably»»»
Fuel prices could reach RON 10 psychological threshold if oil barrel prices exceed USD 120
Fuel prices in Romania could reach RON 10 per litre if the barrel of oil exceeds USD 120 and if the price per tonne of diesel increases further, Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan said on Tuesday.He was asked about what can be expected now in terms of fuel prices, given that some days ago it was claimed t»»»
New WCM-Q course addresses evolving healthcare landscape
Doha, Qatar: The Institute for Population Health (IPH) at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) recently launched a certificate course to support healthcare professionals in adapting to the evolving health and wellbeing landscape. Titled “Smart Health for a Changing World: Trends and Tools,” the thr»»»
Thani Humanitarian launches initiative to support loan defaulters
Doha, Qatar: Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services has reaffirmed that its “Al-Gharimeen” (debtors) Project aims to relieve financially distressed individuals burdened by debt due to circumstances beyond their control, such as job loss, sudden health or social crises, or financial»»»
Global Village closed for fourth consecutive day
Dubai: Global Village will remain closed on Wednesday, March 4, as regional tensions continue. In a statement, Global Village said the closure is a precautionary safety measure taken in line with official guidance. Visitors have been advised to check the attraction’s official website and social med»»»
Ramadan inside a Filipino-Pakistani household: A time for reflection, family, and the comfort of home in the UAE
Dubai: As Muslims around the world observe Ramadan, homes are once again filled with the warmth of prayer, the aroma of traditional dishes, and the quiet joy of togetherness. For UAE-based Bhatti family, the holy month is not just about fasting, but rather a season of reflection, gratitude, and nur»»»
Awqaf Ministry sets Zakat Al-Fitr at QR15 per person
Doha, Qatar: The Zakat Fund Department at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has officially announced the value of Zakat Al-Fitr for the year 2026, setting it at QR15 per person. This decision aligns with the Department’s ongoing efforts to organise the collection and distribution of Zakat a»»»
Awqaf receives QR400,000 endowment for mosque construction
Doha, Qatar: The General Directorate of Endowments at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has announced the receipt of a new cash endowment valued at 400,000 Qatari Riyals. The donation was made by a benefactor under the management of the General Directorate, with the proceeds explicitly dedi»»»
Aspetar’s scientific roadmap to keep athletes at peak performance
Doha, Qatar: Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, continues its support for athletes by launching a series of comprehensive scientific guidelines designed to assist them throughout the holy month of Ramadan, a period that coincides this year with the postponement or cancellation of se»»»
Inside Etihad Rail’s mission: How over 350 UAE passengers returned from Saudi Arabia in 3 trains
Dubai: Etihad Rail, in coordination with the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC), operated three exceptional passenger train services between Al Ghuwaifat Station (Al Dhafra) and Al Faya Station (Abu Dhabi City). These trips safely transported over 350 passengers a»»»
Israel Targets Iran’s Security Forces and Leadership as Iran Presses Attacks Across the Region
Explosions sounded in Iran's capital on Wednesday as the war with the United States and Israel entered its fifth day, with Israel targeting the Iranian leadership and security forces and the country responding with missile barrages and drone attacks on Israel and across the Gulf region. The blasts »»»
Student Solves Mystery of Icy ‘Snowmen’ in Solar System’s Outer Reaches
A student has unraveled a long-standing cosmic enigma concerning some of our solar system’s most peculiar objects: icy “snowmen” that populate its outer reaches, according to The Independent. Astronomers have long debated the origins of these 'contact binaries' – objects comprising two connected sp»»»
QRCS enhances livelihoods for refugee families in Bangladesh
Doha, Qatar: As part of its efforts to support livelihoods and enhance self-dependence for refugee families in Bangladesh, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has distributed agricultural kits to 400 vulnerable and female-headed households. Implemented in cooperation with Bangladesh Red Crescent Soci»»»
MoPH: Health sector takes necessary measures to deal with emergencies
Doha: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reaffirmed yesterday that all health facilities and institutions in the State of Qatar are continuing to provide their services and are at the highest level of readiness to deal with emergencies. Assistant Undersecretary for Healthcare Regulatory Affairs a»»»
UAE urges residents to follow safety rules during alerts
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has called on the public to strictly adhere to safety guidelines when warning sirens are issued, stressing that the alerts are activated solely to protect lives. Authorities noted that some individuals have been leaving their h»»»
‘Any attack on Qatari territory a violation of Qatari sovereignty’
Doha, Qatar: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari (pictured) has reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, protecting its infrastructure, and maintaining stability through coordinated defens»»»
World Bank Chief to Asharq Al-Awsat: No One Can Gauge Fallout of the Regional Escalation
Rising geopolitical tensions are clouding the outlook for growth, inflation and capital flows across the Middle East, raising questions about the region’s ability to absorb fresh shocks. Instability is not good for any region, World Bank President Ajay Banga told Asharq Al-Awsat, saying the scale o»»»
80% of China’s Lanterns Are Made in One Little Town
In China, red lanterns could guide a traveler to safety in cold winter alleyways, be symbols of power outside an imperial hall, or act as a call to religious devotion when hung in a temple. They are also absolutely synonymous with lunar new year celebrations right across the vast country and link t»»»
Report: US, Kurds Discuss Potential Iran Military Operation
Iranian Kurdish militias have consulted with the United States in recent days about whether, and how, to attack Iran's security forces in the western part of the country, according to three sources with knowledge of the matter. The Iranian Kurdish coalition of groups based on the Iran-Iraq border i»»»
Iraq, caught in the middle, braces for Iran war impact
ConflictsIraqIraq, caught in the middle, braces for Iran war impactCathrin Schaer | Omar AlbamIraq is the only country in the Middle East to be targeted by both sides in the current conflict. There, the war could impact everything from the next government to intercommunal violence and civil servant»»»
Day 5: How the US–Israel war on Iran affects UAE residents
Dubai: As hostilities between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other enter a fifth day, UAE authorities have issued a series of updates addressing security, travel, education and public safety. UAE: No participation in warThe UAE has reiterated that it has not participated i»»»
Iran says it has not yet used its most advanced weaponry
Iran is ready for a long war against the United States and Israel and has so far not used its most advanced weapons, its defence ministry said Tuesday. The Israeli military also said it struck Iranian industrial sites used to produce ballistic missiles, while Iran retaliated by hitting in»»»
Over 138 national food manufacturing factories operating with high efficiency
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s food manufacturing factories are operating with high efficiency as the industrial sector comprises over 138 national factories. Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) said in a post on its X platform, “The industrial sector includes more than 138 national factories, producing»»»
Dubai gold rebounds after steep fall as buyers return to market
Dubai: Gold buyers in Dubai saw prices bounce back sharply on Wednesday morning after a sudden drop a day earlier, with the recovery highlighting the intense volatility currently gripping global bullion markets. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahr»»»
Syria Says Army Reinforces Deployment Along Border with Lebanon, Iraq
Syria's defense ministry said it reinforced its border with Lebanon, and eight Syrian and Lebanese sources said this included rocket units and thousands of troops as conflict spread in the region including between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The sources included five Syrian military officers, »»»
Nooruz and Orozo Ait may coincide: How Kyrgyzstan plans to mark double holiday - | 24.KG
According to preliminary calculations, this year the celebration of Nooruz may coincide with Orozo Ait, which — unless adjustments are made based on the lunar calendar — is also expected to fall on March 21. If the third Saturday of March indeed becomes a day of two major holidays, the country will»»»
Rupee sinks to record low against UAE dirham. UAE expats weigh remittance window
Dubai: Indian expatriates in the UAE woke up to a sharp currency shift on Wednesday morning after the Indian rupee touched its weakest level ever against the UAE dirham, opening a potentially attractive window for remittances. (Check live forex rates here) Sign up for our daily business newsletter,»»»
LIVE UPDATES: Saudi Arabia intercepts two missiles; shrapnel injures people in Kuwait
Doha, Qatar: The US military has hit nearly 2,000 targets since attacking Iran on Saturday. The attacks have killed 787 people in Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent, a toll that could not be independently confirmed by AFP. Meanwhile Iran drones struck adjacent the US consulate in Dubai, st»»»
Qatar arrests 10 suspects over alleged Iran espionage plot
Dubai: Qatari authorities have arrested two cells allegedly operating on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), detaining 10 suspects accused of espionage and sabotage activities targeting the country’s critical infrastructure, according to the Qatar News Agency (QNA). The arres»»»
Etihad Rail operates exceptional passenger trips amid regional travel disruptions
In response to current regional developments and the resulting disruption to travel, Etihad Rail, in coordination with and under the direct supervision of the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC), operated exceptional services between Al Ghuwaifat Station in the Al »»»
US citizens in the Middle East face 'mayhem' trying to get home
Americans travelling in the Middle East say it has been "mayhem" trying to get back home as the US-Israel war with Iran is felt throughout the region. The US is advising its citizens in 14 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Israel and Qatar, to "depart now" as security warnings put embassi»»»
Think twice: Why sharing photos of certain UAE locations could lead to legal trouble
The UAE State Security Department has warned that photographing or circulating images of sensitive security locations — or promoting unreliable or fabricated information — is strictly prohibited, as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard national security and public stability. In a statement issued i»»»
South Korean stocks plunge 6%, Japan's Nikkei down 2.5%
Asian stocks plunged in early trade on Wednesday as the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East rattled global markets. South Korea's benchmark Kospi index dipped more than six percent after open, while Japan's Nikkei index was down 2.5 percent. US stock indexes finished lower on Tuesday (March 3, 2026)»»»
Digital borders, sovereign rights: Why tech compliance is no longer optional
Technology is transforming the lives of people, businesses, and governments. As technologies expand and transcend borders, the regulatory burden becomes a growing challenge for both states and corporations. Safety standards and technology-related laws require compliance, while the effective deploym»»»
The gift of responsibility: Preparing children for an independent life after school
Human beings are remarkably adaptive. We learn, adjust, and grow in response to every new situation life presents. Yet, while adaptability is innate, ease in transition is not accidental. It is cultivated. The move from school to university, from home to hostel, from dependence to independence beco»»»