China's Gordian knot: why it has no good options in Iran
Since the US and Israel waged war on Iran on 28 February, China has issued a cascade of diplomatic communiqués condemning the strikes, calling for a ceasefire, invoking UN Charter principles, and proposing a joint five-point peace initiative with Pakistan. Not a single weapon has followed. Not a wa»»»
Children killed in Lebanon as Israel strikes homes far from front lines of war with Hezbollah
Jawad Younes, 11, and his cousins were playing soccer in the lot between their houses, as they often did. His little brother, 4-year-old Mehdi, had joined them but grew tired, so Jawad took him home and handed him off to their mother before returning to the game. Minutes later, an Israeli strike ca»»»
Damascus to Take Over Prisons under SDF Control
Syrian authorities are set to take control of prisons run by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a government official said, as part of efforts to resolve the detainee issue under an agreement reached on January 29. Ahmad al-Hilali, spokesman for the presidential team overseeing implementation of t»»»
Germany rallies behind Ukraine as peace talks stall, EU membership debate divides the bloc
Germany has unveiled a sweeping €4bn military support package for Ukraine and Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for the rapid disbursement of a long-delayed €90bn EU loan to Kyiv, as European powers scramble to shore up Ukraine's defences as the Trump administration loses interest in the conflic»»»
In trouble overseas? How Filipinos could soon access free legal help
Dubai: Filipinos facing legal trouble overseas, from family disputes to online scams, could soon have better access to free legal assistance under a new initiative being explored by Philippine authorities. The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is in talks with the International Pro Bono Allian»»»
How Burj Al Arab became a global icon
Dubai’s most recognisable hotel, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, is preparing to undergo its first major restoration since opening in 1999, marking a new chapter in the landmark’s history. Owned by Jumeirah Group, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, the hotel said the project is designed to preserve one of the e»»»
Disney begins cutting 1,000 jobs
Los Angeles, USA: U.S. entertainment and media giant Disney on Tuesday began cutting as many as 1,000 positions in one of the first significant moves under its new CEO, Josh D'Amaro. In a memo obtained by media outlets, D'Amaro wrote, "We have experienced a great deal of change these last few years»»»
UN says Haiti powerful gang expansion halted but threat persists
Anti-gang operations in Haiti have slowed the expansion of powerful armed groups in Port-au-Prince, a UN expert report said Tuesday, though progress remains uneven. Authorities, backed by drone strikes and self-defence groups, have curbed advances, but gangs continue adapting amid a prolonged secur»»»
Mancini hails resilient Al Sadd after win over Al Hilal
Doha, Qatar: Coach Roberto Mancini heaped praise on Al Sadd SC after their outstanding display secured a place in the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026 on Monday. The Qatari side showed tremendous resilience, coming from behind three times to force extra time after a thrilling 3-3 draw,»»»
Study:Burnout caused by frequent changes, the new challenge facing employees globally
Change fatigue is the new challenge facing employees globally, with a third of them mentioning that they have gone through over 15 major changes in the last year alone, generated either by evolving customer expectations or by changes in strategy or business model, according to the Deloitte 2026 Glo»»»
The UAE’s community playbook: How support is reaching more people
Dubai: Various organisations across the UAE continue to strengthen community ties and extend support to workers and families through a series of humanitarian initiatives rooted in unity and compassion. From meal distributions to gift-giving missions, these efforts reflect the enduring spirit of wha»»»
Russia Can Help China, Other Countries Replenish Energy Resources - Lavrov
BEIJING (Sputnik) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday that Russia can fill the energy shortfall in China and other interested countries caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. On Russia-China Relations"Russia can certainly fill the resource gap that has arisen in Chin»»»
MoCI hosts patent examination specialists
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) hosted a group of patent examiners specialized in reviewing patent applications, in collaboration with the Patent Office of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council. This visit forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regio»»»
Hormuz Under Insurance Pressure as ‘War Premiums’ Violate Int’l Laws
As military tensions flare in the Strait of Hormuz, another battle is unfolding behind the scenes, one no less dangerous. Insurance companies have emerged as key players shaping the fate of global shipping. With premiums surging to unprecedented levels, experts told Asharq Al-Awsat the world is app»»»
Doha Design District invites proposals for public artworks, open until May 14
Doha, Qatar: Doha Design District (DDD) has announced its Public Art Open Call, inviting artists, designers, and creatives to submit proposals for innovative public artworks. The initiative positions public art as an integral part of the public realm, enhancing everyday urban life while reinforcing»»»
What the Hormuz shutdown means for Asean’s energy security, renewables: 10 things to know
Manila: The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz on February 28, 2026 disrupted passage for roughly a quarter of the world’s daily seaborne oil. To this day, uncertainty remains and the global fuel crunch continues to raise fears of a deeper supply shock. Uncertainty over freedom on navigation»»»
Major fiscal challenges ahead for Hungary's incoming Tisza government
The new Hungarian government will face significant macroeconomic and public finance challenges following the election, driven by weak economic growth, a high budget deficit and a rising public debt burden, Fitch Ratings said in an assessment published in London, financial website Portfolio.hu wrote»»»
Qatar Foundation’s DIFI highlights evidence-based journey behind ‘Kanaf’ launch
Doha, Qatar: Building on policy-oriented research and evidence-based advocacy efforts to strengthen family wellbeing in Qatar, the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), a member of Qatar Foundation, has emphasised that the launch of the Parenting Center “Kanaf”, held under the patronage of Pr»»»
MoJ to host remote training courses for legal professionals
Doha, Qatar: The Centre of Legal and Judicial Studies, affiliated with the Ministry of Justice, has announced the organisation of three remote training courses scheduled to take place from April 19 to 23. The initiative is aimed at legal professionals working across ministries and government entiti»»»
Ministry of Awqaf attends meeting of panel of specialists in Islamic affairs
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs participated in the 41st meeting of the Permanent Committee of Specialists in Islamic Affairs and Awqaf in GCC countries. The meeting, chaired by the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain, was held yesterday, via video conferencing technology. This parti»»»
Infection control measures as part of Asnani School Programme strengthened
Doha, Qatar: Strengthening infection prevention and control measures within the Asnani School Programme is an important step in protecting students and school staff, according to an official. Director of Oral Health Promotion and Prevention Dr. Najat Alyafei said the Oral Health Department in colla»»»
English-Language da’wah lessons launched in three mosques
Doha, Qatar: The Sheikh Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre, under the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, has launched a new series of English-language da’wah lessons targeting Muslim expatriate communities who speak English as part of its ongoing efforts to promote religious a»»»
Dubai gold prices ease as Trump says war ‘close to over’; India rates climb
Dubai: Dubai gold prices edged lower on Wednesday morning as signs of easing geopolitical tension in the Iran conflict cooled safe-haven demand, with bullion retreating after Tuesday’s rebound. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and I»»»
After Three Years of War, Sudan in Shambles as Donors Gather in Berlin
The vast majority of Sudanese people have been plunged into poverty, with 11 million uprooted from their homes and nearly twice as many facing hunger as the war between the army and its paramilitary foes enters its fourth year. On the third anniversary of the start of the grinding conflict on Wedne»»»
American YouTuber gets prison term for offensive behavior - UPI.com
American YouTuber Johnny Somali answers questions from reporters before attending his sentencing trial at the Seoul Western District Court in the capital on Wednesday. Photo by Yonhap American YouTuber Johnny Somali, who sparked outrage in South Korea two years ago after kissing a statue symbolizin»»»
Iran Nuclear Program ‘Badly Damaged’ But Not Wiped Out
The United States and Israel may have obstructed the path towards a future Iran-built nuclear bomb by severely damaging Tehran's nuclear and ballistic capabilities in recent attacks. But they have not succeeded in seizing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, key to any future negotiations betw»»»
Xi Calls China-Russia Ties ‘Precious’ in Current International Context
Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that the stability and certainty of China-Russia relations are particularly “precious” in the face of an international landscape intertwined with change and chaos. During a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Beijing, Xi said the strong»»»
Russia, China Oppose Western Attempts to Maintain Hegemony — Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow and Beijing cannot agree with Western efforts to preserve global dominance. “Blatant attempts by the West, both the United States and Europe, to maintain and even upgrade its hegemony… including the slave trade, colonialism… continue living… at the»»»
Can NATO survive the US-Iran war?
NATO allies said on Monday they would not get involved in US President Donald Trump's plan to blockade Iranian ports, proposing to intervene only once fighting ends, in a move likely to anger Trump and increase strains in the alliance. "We're not supporting the blockade," British Prime Minister Ke»»»
Visa and migration issues discussed at MFA with Pakistan’s Ambassador - | 24.KG
Director of the Consular Department of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Kyrgyzstan (MFA), Seitek Zhumakadyr uulu, held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Pakistan, Altamash Wazir Khan, the ministry’s press service reported. The sides discussed issues of Kyrgyzstan — P»»»
Middle East live: Trump says Iran talks may resume as Israel, Lebanon open direct track
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that US-Iran peace talks could resume this week, while Israel and Lebanon agreed to launch direct negotiations, signaling movement on two key fronts in efforts to ease the Middle East conflict. The parallel diplomatic openings came even as violence persisted»»»
How a Russian ship under sanctions delivered armoured vehicles to Mali
Dozens of military vehicles transported from Russia were delivered to Mali through the port of Conakry, Guinea, in late March. The equipment was carried by a Russian cargo ship currently under international sanctions. A satellite image posted on March 6 on the X account of an open-source investigat»»»
Cleanup of environmental legacy at Kristall plant in Tash-Kumyr begins - | 24.KG
Russia’s state corporation Rosatom has begun work to eliminate accumulated environmental damage at Kristall plant in Tash-Kumyr, the agency reported. According to the statement, under a contract between the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyzstan and Rosatom, the first phase of remediati»»»
Fujairah Police ease truck congestion on Fujairah–Khorfakkan road with new traffic plan
Fujairah: Fujairah Police have enhanced the flow of truck movement along the Fujairah–Khorfakkan Road in both directions through a comprehensive traffic management plan. The General Command of Fujairah Police, represented by the Traffic and Licensing Services Centre, said the measures have helped e»»»
Launch of Starlink satellite internet in Kyrgyzstan nears final stage - | 24.KG
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Adylbek Kasymaliev, met with Senior Director of Market Access and Development for Starlink at SpaceX, Ryan Goodnight. The meeting took place in Washington on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Ban»»»
Sharjah Ruler halts Kalba project to protect turtles, rejects hotel plan
Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has intervened to halt the closure of a citizen-run tourism boat project in Kalba, ordering a shift to environmentally friendly boats that safeguard the emirate’s fragile marine life. The mov»»»
Construction begins at Expo 2030 Riyadh site as Saudi Arabia updates global body
Construction has begun at the Expo 2030 Riyadh site, Saudi authorities said, as the Kingdom updated the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on progress across the project during a meeting in Paris. The Kingdom’s delegation, led by Adel Al Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Com»»»
Why fidgeting increases during stressful times and how it affects posture: UAE experts explain how to fix it
She was fidgeting so furiously with her pen that it somehow flew out of her hand, into her colleague’s face. It happens, more often than she can count. Maybe not flinging a pen into her colleague’s desk, but fingernail biting and the occasional flying of stationery. Dubai-based Aditi doesn’t hold b»»»
'Blindsided': US farmers strained as fertiliser costs surge on war
On Andy Corriher's farm in North Carolina, planting and preparations are underway for his corn and soybean crops -- but fertiliser costs have surged on war in the Middle East, and orders he placed weeks ago have yet to arrive. The 47-year-old is among US farmers facing a double whammy of soaring fe»»»
France shifts from fuel relief to $10.7-billion electrification, 'heat pumps' drive
France plans to nearly double annual electrification spending to €10 billion, or about $10.7 billion, by 2030, local media reported. For Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, the move marks a pivot from broad fuel subsidies and toward targetted investment in electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps and othe»»»
Resilience in uncertainty: UAE’s sustainability edge
These past weeks have been a sobering reminder to our nation and to the wider Middle East of how fragile global stability can be. Geopolitical unrest in our region has once again underscored the importance of resilience, unity and responsible leadership. In times of uncertainty, countries are teste»»»
Orban loss gives 'new push' to Ukraine accession, loans: EU expansion chief
The change in Hungary's government could help unlock 90 billion euros for Ukraine and give a "new push" for it to join the European Union, the bloc's expansion chief said Tuesday. Marta Kos, speaking on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank spring meetings, described the Hungarian election on Sun»»»
Haiti gangs 'under pressure' but adapting to crackdown: UN report
Anti-gang operations in Haiti have halted the powerful armed groups' expansion in the capital, but progress remains uneven and they are adapting, a UN expert report said Tuesday. The poorest country in the Americas, Haiti has faced a deep security crisis for years, with gangs who control the vast m»»»
What happens next for your deliveries? Shipping lines reassess routes and risk
Dubai: Cargo continues to move into the UAE, but the way it is moving has shifted since the conflict began, with shipping lines slowing or pausing bookings into the Arabian Gulf while they reassess risk, insurance costs and access conditions. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Bal»»»
How Dubai’s media became a stabilising force in times of conflict
In times of crisis and emergency, media is no longer a mere conveyor of events; it transforms into a strategic actor that shapes public awareness, regulates collective sentiment, and reinforces trust in institutions. Within this context, balanced media—grounded in accuracy, composure, and responsib»»»
From war hero to war criminal: One man’s fate is breaking a country’s politics in half
Last week Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most highly decorated war hero, was arrested by federal police and charged with having committed war crimes in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. Roberts-Smith has been charged with being complicit in the murder of five unarmed Afghan civilians – allegedly k»»»
Hezbollah rejects Israel-Lebanon ceasefire talks, US insists deal must be brokered by governments, not militias
The United States said any cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon must be negotiated by their governments, not armed groups, after Washington hosted “productive discussions” that opened the door to direct talks between the two sides, the State Department said. The talks are the highest-level engagem»»»
QF’s DIFI advocates for establishmentof centre to support parents in Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha Building on policy-oriented research and evidence-based advocacy efforts to strengthen family wellbeing in Qatar, the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), a member of Qatar Foundation, has emphasised that the launch of the Parenting Center ‘Kanaf’, held under the pa»»»
PRIME MINISTER OPENS KANAF PARENTING CENTER
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Tuesday inaugurated the Parenting Center (Kanaf), an initiative that underscores the national drive to strengthen the family’s role in fostering a cohesive society. Kanaf is a flagship project o»»»
Minister hails inauguration of Kanaf Parenting Center asmilestone for family system
QNA Doha Minister of Social Development and Family HE Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi described the inauguration of the Kanaf Parenting Center an important national milestone in the development of the family work system. She said it represents a practical reflection of the state’s vision, which»»»