Russia, Ukraine exchange soldiers' remains under deal
MOSCOW, Feb 26 (KUNA) -- Head of Russia's delegation for talks on Ukraine Vladimir Medinsky announced Thursday that Moscow handed over the remains of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv.In return, Russia received the remains of 35 of its servicemen under previously agreed humanitarian understandings b»»»
Kim leaves door open to U.S. ties as North Korea vows nuclear buildup - UPI.com
In this photo released Thursday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (2-L) shakes hands while his daughter Kim Ju Ae (L) looks on during a military parade in Pyongyang. The event marked the conclusion of the week-long Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea. Photo by KCNA/EPA SEOUL, Feb. 26 (UPI)»»»
Syria reaffirms human rights commitment before U.N. council
Geneva, Feb. 26 (SANA) Syria told the United Nations Human Rights Council on Wednesday that its commitment to human rights is a “genuine national obligation” shaped by decades of hardship, pledging to strengthen institutions and prevent a return to past abuses. Addressing the Council during its hig»»»
TISP Call for Removal of Agriculture Minister
There Is Such a People (TISP) are calling for the removal of caretaker Agriculture and Food Minister Ivan Hristanov over recruitments he has made. Deputy floor leader Stanislav Balabanov read out a declaration with their demands in Parliament, accusing Hristanov of conflicts of interest, political »»»
Barcelona Doubles Tourism Tax to One of Highest in Europe to Fund Housing
Tourists in Barcelona could be taxed as much as 15 euros ($17.70) a night after the city raised its tourism fee to one of the highest in Europe on Wednesday as part of efforts to curb visitor numbers and help finance affordable housing. Authorities in Catalonia have faced increasingly vocal protest»»»
Indian expat who won Dh5 million UAE Lottery not to quit Dubai job
Dubai: An Indian expat who won the first Dh5 million prize in the UAE Lottery has revealed his profession and his dreams post the windfall that he is going to share with a friend. In an exclusive interview, Murugananth Govinthan, 43, told Gulf News he has no intention of quitting his job and his fi»»»
Indian expat who won Dh5m UAE Lottery not to quit job in Dubai
Dubai: An Indian expat who won the first Dh5 million prize in the UAE Lottery has revealed his profession and his dreams post the windfall that he is going to share with a friend. In an exclusive interview, Murugananth Govinthan, 43, told Gulf News he has no intention of quitting his job and his fi»»»
Syrian finance minister, central bank governor welcome IMF statement
Damascus, Feb. 26 (SANA) Syria’s finance minister and central bank governor welcomed a statement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) praising what it described as the government’s commitment to prudent economic policies, saying the assessment could support the country’s gradual reintegration»»»
US and Iran hold third round of talks in Geneva
Iran and the United States are talking in Geneva for a third time on Thursday as President Donald Trump seeks to delay Tehran's nuclear program while threatening it by deploying a massive number of aircraft and warships to the Middle East. U.S. special Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, a billionaire rea»»»
‘Joy of Giving’ Ramadan programme by Aster reaches city roads and remote desert areas
Dubai: Aster Volunteers will distribute 150,000 Iftar kits to motorists and vulnerable workers across the UAE during Ramadan as part of its annual “Joy of Giving” programme, held in collaboration with Dubai Police. Now in its seventh year, the initiative will see more than 100 volunteers stationed »»»
Why an Indian couple got detained and deported from Jeju Island and why it could happen to you too
Dubai: Indian travellers dreaming of a visa-free holiday in Jeju Island should think twice or at least prepare far more carefully after a high-profile detention case sparked an official response from the Embassy of India in Seoul, South Korea. The incident that started it allTravel vlogger Sachin A»»»
Prince Harry and Meghan Visit Hospitalized Children from Gaza, Refugee Camp during Jordan Trip
Prince Harry and Meghan visited a refugee camp and hospital in Jordan on Wednesday to kick off a trip spotlighting organizations that help civilians affected by war and displacement. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also joined World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus for»»»
IMF Unlocks Around $2.3 Billion for Egypt
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has unlocked around $2.3 billion for Egypt after its latest program reviews, it said on Wednesday. Egypt secured an expanded $8 billion package over nearly four years from the IMF in March 2024, contingent on a series of economic reforms. In March last year, th»»»
You can fly to India from the UAE for under Dh300 during Eid, but there’s a catch
Dubai: Travellers flying between the UAE and India can book one-way ‘lite’ fares starting from Dh323, India’s Air India Express announced as it launched its monthly ‘PayDay Sale’ across domestic and international routes. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The limited-time»»»
NHRC calls for fair and human rights-based digital transition
Doha, Qatar: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) has called for a fair and human rights–based digital transition, underscoring the need to align artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with the principles of social justice and decent work for all. The call came during a regional virtual se»»»
Qatar renews commitment to principles of disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation
Geneva: Qatar participated in the High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament held in Geneva. Qatar was represented at the event by Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva Jawhara bint Abdulaziz Al Suwaidi. Al Suwaidi affi»»»
Lebanon PM says government seeks to recalibrate ties with Syria
Beirut, Feb. 26 (SANA) Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Wednesday that his government is working to recalibrate relations with Syria, signaling a shift toward a relationship based on “mutual trust and respect.” Speaking at an iftar event in Beirut, Salam said the past year had seen notable»»»
90% of UAE workers now covered by Unemployment Insurance
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that 90 per cent of the targeted workforce has enrolled in the Unemployment Insurance Scheme as of the end of 2025. The Ministry said that more than Dh350 million in compensation has been paid to individuals who lost their jobs»»»
QU students launch ‘Made in Qatar’ initiative to support national products
Doha, Qatar: The Core Curriculum Programme meat the Deanship of General Studies at Qatar University (QU) organised an initiative titled ‘Made in Qatar: National Pride and Sustainable Value’ at the College of Business and Economics building, featuring 55 booths 40 in the female section and 15 in the»»»
Digital becomes the default: Qatar accelerates its shift away from cash
How would you characterize the payments landscape in Qatar today, and what stands out most to you? Qatar’s payments landscape is clearly becoming more digital-first, with the shift away from cash becoming increasingly visible in everyday life. According to Visa’s latest Where Cash Hides report, aro»»»
QFFD, QRCS distribute vital aid to affected families in Guinea-Bissau
Doha, Qatar: A joint delegation from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has visited the Republic of Guinea-Bissau to supervise operations and distribute Qatari humanitarian aid to hundreds of families affected by the recent humanitarian crises and natural disast»»»
Aman launches Ramadan activities
Doha, Qatar: The Protection and Social Rehabilitation Centre (Aman), one of the centres under the Qatar Social Work Foundation, has launched a series of Ramadan activities and awareness campaigns targeting women, children, and victims of family disintegration and violence, as well as beneficiaries »»»
Viral macaque Punch is thriving as Zoo responds to hair loss concerns
Dubai: If you have spent any time online recently and have not yet encountered Punch, the seven-month-old Japanese macaque from Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo, then, you need to meet the internet's most beloved monkey that has all of our hearts captured. UAE brands have seem to taken on the trend wit»»»
Philippine foreign affairs warns against souvenir stamps on passports
Dubai: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reminded Philippine passport holders not to place unauthorised stamps or markings on their Philippine ePassports. In an advisory, the DFA has stressed that any unauthorised alteration can render the passport invalid and may be considered tampering »»»
Anti-LGBTI tactics now a blueprint to crush dissent, says report
Tactics once used to target people primarily from the LGBTI community have now been translated into laws used to criminalise and silence dissent more broadly, says a new report. Out Thursday (26 February), the 179-page annual report from the ILGA-Europe, a pan-European network defending gay rights,»»»
Jeddah Waterfront Tops List of Tourist Destinations During Ramadan
Jeddah Waterfront has emerged as a leading tourist destination during Ramadan. The site offers a comprehensive experience that combines entertainment, sports, arts and hospitality. The promenade extends along the Red Sea. It provides visitors with an ideal setting for evening walks after iftar in a»»»
Al Sadd, Al Duhail set for blockbuster QSL showdown
Doha, Qatar: Al Duhail SC will host reigning champions Al Sadd SC today in a highly anticipated Qatar Stars League (QSL) clash, with both arch-rivals bracing for another chapter in one of Qatar’s fiercest football rivalries. Whenever these two heavyweights meet, form often counts for little. Their »»»
Parking costs in Dubai may rise after tariff change request
Dubai: Dubai motorists could soon face higher public parking costs after Parkin submitted a formal proposal to revise tariffs, a move that could affect thousands of daily commuters across busy commercial and residential zones. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.In mid Feb»»»
NKorea Warns it Could Destroy South if Threatened, Leaves Door Open for US Dialogue
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un claimed his nuclear-armed country could “completely destroy” South Korea if its security were threatened, reiterating his refusal to engage with Seoul, state media said Thursday. However, he left the door open to dialogue with Washington as he concluded a ruling part»»»
Israeli soldiers shot a Palestinian boy and stood around as he bled to death, video shows
This story contains details and video that some readers may find distressing. Last November, a 14-year-old Palestinian boy named Jad Jadallah was shot at close range by Israeli soldiers in a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. As Jad lay collapsed in an alley, the soldiers created a cordon arou»»»
White House Officials Reportedly Prefer if Israel Strikes Iran First
Senior advisers to President Donald Trump would prefer Israel strike Iran before the United States launches an assault on the country, according to two people familiar with ongoing discussions. The Trump administration officials are privately arguing that an Israeli attack would trigger Iran to ret»»»
Collecting donations in the UAE? You must hold a valid permit — or face legal consequences
The UAE Public Prosecution has clarified that calling for or promoting fundraising activities without obtaining the required license constitutes a criminal offence, warning that such conduct may result in legal accountability. In an awareness video published yesterday through its social media platf»»»
Collecting donations in the UAE? You must hold a valid permit — or face legal consequences
The UAE Public Prosecution has clarified that calling for or promoting fundraising activities without obtaining the required license constitutes a criminal offence, warning that such conduct may result in legal accountability. In an awareness video published yesterday through its social media platf»»»
DETEX 2026 to draw 'Record' global participation — JCI
AMMAN — President of the Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry (JCI) Fathi Jaghbir announced "large and unprecedented" global participation in the Jordan International Detergents Exhibition and Conference (DETEX 2026).In a statement on Wednesday, Jaghbir said DETEX 2026, organised by the chamber on»»»
Trump’s marathon State of Union: Big claims and the questions he left unanswered
US President Donald Trump used his annual State of the Union address on Tuesday to make truth-bending claims of domestic and foreign policy success but failed to confirm whether the US is planning a military strike on Iran or to mention the unfolding scandal surrounding late sex offender Jeffery Ep»»»
Dubai-based Yalla BB launches new app to simplify second-hand fashion in UAE
Dubai-based startup Yalla BB has launched a new mobile application aimed at simplifying how people buy and sell second-hand fashion in the UAE, offering a more structured and trusted approach to resale in a market that continues to grow in popularity. Built in Dubai, Yalla BB is a social recommerce»»»
DR Congo govt forces launch attacks on multiple fronts against AFC/M23 troops
Kinshasa's forces launched attacks on several fronts against AFC/M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) on Wednesday, with drones striking the armed group near a strategic mining site, local and security sources told AFP on Wednesday. DR Congo government forces launched an at»»»
Saudi Arabia revises labour penalties, sets SR10,000 fine for hiring foreign workers without permits
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has amended its schedule of labour violations and penalties, introducing updated fines including a SR10,000 penalty for employing a non-Saudi worker without a valid work permit. The decision was issued by Ahmed Al Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, as par»»»
Zelensky holds phone call with Trump ahead of US-Ukraine talks in Geneva
US President Donald Trump spoke on the phone with Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, a day before Ukraine and US envoys are set to meet in Geneva for another round of talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine triggered by Russia’s invasion. Fresh trilateral talks with Moscow are expecte»»»
Entre Nous - Dual nationality: Keep calm and carry two passports
In this edition of Entre Nous, we dive into dual citizenship. As the UK begins applying stricter entry rules for dual nationals, we discuss why this change has come about. We also look at dual citizenship rules in France, as well as how trends on global citizenship are changing. Finally, we discuss»»»
Small choices, big impact: How daily habits affect climate
Tribune News Network Doha Every day, often without realising it, we leave a mark on the planet through our carbon footprint. From driving to work and cooling our homes, to buying groceries or deciding what to eat for dinner, our daily choices generate emissions that release carbon dioxide and other»»»
Japan targets 2031 missile deployment near Taiwan
Japan will station surface to air missile systems on its far southwestern island of Yonaguni by March 2031, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed from Tokyo, as frictions in the East Asian region continue to build, the BBC reports. »»»
Japan targets 2031 missile deployment near Taiwan
Japan will station surface to air missile systems on its far southwestern island of Yonaguni by March 2031, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed from Tokyo, as frictions in the East Asian region continue to build, the BBC reports. »»»
Japan targets 2031 missile deployment near Taiwan
Japan will station surface to air missile systems on its far southwestern island of Yonaguni by March 2031, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed from Tokyo, as frictions in the East Asian region continue to build, the BBC reports. »»»
US formally warned Kyiv over attacks on Russia that damage American oil majors’ interests, says ambassador
The US issued a formal warning, or demarche, to Kyiv over damage suffered by American commercial interests caused by Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure used by Kazakhstan for most of its crude oil exports, according to Ukraine’s ambassador to Washington, Olha Stefanishyna. »»»
ASH: Hungarian elections as a read out to US midterms?
For me the two most important elections globally this year will be midterms in the US in November, and elections in Hungary on April 12. The first will likely shape the course of democracy in the US, and the latter democracy both in Hungary but perhaps wider than that, the outcome of the war in Ukr»»»
Inside Iran’s calculus: Why Tehran sees concessions as riskier than war
Dubai: Iran’s leadership appears to be making a stark strategic calculation as tensions with the United States intensify — that yielding to Washington’s demands could pose a greater threat to regime survival than the dangers of military confrontation. The New York Times, citing analysts and officia»»»
Guarding the digital nation: How the UAE is confronting a new wave of cyber threats
The UAE has once again urged businesses, government entities, and the public to remain vigilant amid a rising wave of global cyberattacks. The warning, delivered through official channels this month, reflects a growing reality in that cyber threats are no longer abstract risks. They are immediate, »»»
Webb telescope reveals Uranus' upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail - UPI.com
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has captured the first vertical view of Uranus's upper atmosphere, delivering an unprecedented look at the planet's ionosphere and auroral structures. The new observations, released by NASA on Tuesday, show how temperature and charged particles vary with height abo»»»
Kerala to Keralam: UAE Malayalis split over state's name change proposal
Dubai: A proposal to rename the south Indian state of Kerala as “Keralam” has sparked debate among the UAE’s large Malayali community, with many welcoming the cultural assertion while others question its timing, practicality and global recognition. The discussion follows India’s Union Cabinet appro»»»