In a leaderless system, these men now govern Iran
Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed Iran’s Supreme Leader after his father was killed in a US-Israeli strike on 28 February, but has yet to appear in public, and is believed to have been injured in the strike, which also killed several other members of his close family. Yet despite his absence, the Iran»»»
Qatar emphasises importance of efforts to eliminate remnants of former Syrian regime's chemical weapons program
THE HAGUE: The State of Qatar affirmed the importance of coordinated international efforts to eliminate the remnants of the former Syrian regime's chemical weapons program, commending the cooperation of the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons »»»
72 hours to Hungary’s election: a crushing Tisza victory — or downfall of the pollsters?
In our ongoing weekly digest, award-winning journalist Veronika Munk summarises and explains the most important political developments in Hungary. This is our final edition of this series before the election. We guide readers on the route to the crunch Sunday (12 April) election — a poll without pr»»»
GCC banks get lifeline as central banks step in amid crisis
Dubai: Gulf central banks have rolled out targeted support measures to help banks navigate ongoing geopolitical turbulence, S&P Global Ratings said in a report. Authorities in the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar introduced packages focused on liquidity, capital and asset quality, aimed at ensuring banks can »»»
Visa opens the door to AI-Driven shopping for businesses worldwide
As consumers increasingly rely on AI agents to make purchases, businesses – whether they are building agents, selling to them, or processing transactions – need a simple way to get started. Intelligent Commerce Connect, part of the Visa Intelligent Commerce portfolio, meets that need. Through a sin»»»
Global Village reopening date yet to be confirmed as closure continues
Dubai: Dubai’s Global Village remains closed until further notice, with no confirmed reopening date announced yet for Season 30, as visitors await updates on when the popular outdoor attraction will resume operations. The announcement was reiterated through the attraction’s official Instagram chann»»»
How a routine store opening in Dubai turned into a pop cultural moment: Inside Primark UAE opening craze
Dubai: In a city used to big launches, it’s not often that a retail opening morphs into something more shared and communal. But in recent weeks, across Dubai, something has shifted -- with crowds, conversations and social media turning what might have been a routine shopping experience into somethi»»»
Iran war raises risk of nuclear disaster in the Middle East
A war launched by the US and Israel with the stated aim of preventing a nuclear crisis could end up causing one. With repeated strikes reported near the Russian-built Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran, discussions about the US potentially forcibly taking Iranian uranium reserves, and seemingly ze»»»
Up to 90% of Construction and Renovation Workers in Bulgaria Work Illegally
Up to 90 percent of construction and renovation workers in Bulgaria are operating outside the legal framework, according to entrepreneur Lozan Lozanov, who raised concerns about the lack of regulation in construction and installation services, particularly in the interior renovation sector. Speakin»»»
4 Dead, 38 Rescued during Attempted Channel Crossing from France to UK
French authorities said that at least four people, two men and two women, died on Thursday as they were trying to get onboard an inflatable boat to attempt the perilous sea crossing from northern France to the UK. The prefect of the Pas-de-Calais region in northern France, François-Xavier Lauch, sa»»»
The Best Mobiles for Slot Gaming: What to Look For and Why It Matters
Mobile slot gaming has exploded in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Today’s smartphones are powerful enough to deliver console quality graphics, lightning fast loading times, and silky smooth gameplay all from the palm of your hand. But not every device is created equal. If you’re serious abou»»»
Iran’s grip on Strait of Hormuz alarms Gulf states as shipping remains disrupted despite ceasefire
Dubai: Within hours of President Donald Trump announcing a halt to fighting with Iran, confusion over its terms, violations on the ground, and conflicting claims over the Strait of Hormuz cast doubt on whether the ceasefire existed at all. The uncertainty was immediate and multi-layered. The United»»»
How Dubai is preparing Emiratis for future finance jobs through this new partnership
Dubai: A new partnership between the Emirates Human Resources Development Council (EHRDC) and the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) has been formed to boost the pipeline of Emirati talent entering the financial and banking sectors, with a focus on practical skills and long-term career growth. The»»»
How cycling becomes a key part of Dubai transport
Dubai: Dubai has crossed a major milestone in its journey towards sustainable urban mobility, with more than 10 million trips completed on the Careem Bike service since its launch in 2020, underscoring the city’s growing shift towards cleaner, healthier transport options. The achievement, announced»»»
'Say we are just friends': message exposes Bengaluru doctor murder case
Bengaluru: A message allegedly sent by a Bengaluru-based surgeon after his wife’s death has emerged as a key piece of evidence in an ongoing murder investigation, according to Indian media reports. The case relates to the death of dermatologist Dr. Kruthika Reddy, who was declared dead in April 202»»»
Defense chief says plan to cut border unit troops to be executed 'gradually' by 2040 - UPI.com
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, seen here in a plenary session at the National Assembly, said Thursday that his ministry plans to reduce the number of troops deployed to border units "gradually" by 2040. Photo by Yonhap Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said Thursday that his ministry plans to reduce th»»»
French Military Chief Says Possible War with Russia His 'Primary Concern'
France's top general on Thursday said the possibility of a war with Russia in the next few years remained his "primary concern" as he defended efforts to ramp up defense spending. The chief of the defense staff General Fabien Mandon spoke in parliament as he presented France's draft legislation to »»»
The smart habit: 5 tiny inconveniences that improve your brain
Doha, Qatar: Thanks to modern technology, writing an email, ordering a meal or looking up that random actor's name you can't remember has never been easier. But some are starting to wonder whether the quicker, frictionless path isn't always the best. Do we lose something by not engaging our brains »»»
Amir condemns Israeli airstrike in call with Lebanese President
Doha, Qatar: The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held a telephone conversation with His Excellency Joseph Aoun, President of the sisterly Republic of Lebanon. During the call, they reviewed the latest developments in Lebanon, particularly in light of the current escalation and its»»»
5 unanswered questions on the US-Iran ceasefire
The United States and Iran suddenly announced a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, and there are myriad open questions about what happens next. Israel has also agreed to the truce, though it reportedly did so reluctantly. Both Washington and Tehran have claimed victory, but it’s too early to declare th»»»
North Korea tests electronic warfare systems, cluster-bomb missile - UPI.com
North Korea said Thursday it conducted a series of weapons tests this week, including missiles tipped with a cluster-bomb warhead and electronic warfare systems. This January file photo shows the North's test-fire of a multiple-rocket launcher system. File Photo by KCNA/EPA SEOUL, April 9 (UPI) -- »»»
KHDA chief conveys Sheikh Hamdan’s regards to Dubai student who wrote heartfelt letter to him
Dubai: A touching exchange between a young student, her mother and senior education officials has captured hearts after Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) shared a video of their virtual meeting on Instagram. The conversation featured Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, spe»»»
Djibouti's Guelleh set to win sixth presidential term amid Red Sea chokepoint's rising strategic importance
Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who has ruled the strategically positioned Horn of Africa state since 1999, is expected to readily defeat his only challenger in Friday’s election, and secure a sixth term in office. »»»
Applying for a Philippine passport now? Here’s why it may take longer
Dubai: The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced that passport applications submitted from the last week of March this year may take longer than usual to process, citing logistical and supply chain disruptions linked to the ongoing regional situation. The issue has stemmed fr»»»
EU Says Strikes on Lebanon Endangering US-Iran Ceasefire
The European Union on Thursday called on Israel to halt its strikes on Lebanon which it said were endangering the US-Iran ceasefire, AFP reported. "Israeli actions are putting the US-Iran ceasefire under severe strain. The Iran truce should extend to Lebanon," the European Union's top diplomate Kaj»»»
How Dubai kept supermarket shelves full despite global shipping chaos
Dubai: The city has managed to maintain a steady flow of fresh food and perishable goods despite global shipping pressures, according to several traders. Members of the Fruit and Vegetable Traders Business Group, under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, say that strong infrastructure, efficient global »»»
UK 'strongly' wants ceasefire extended to Lebanon
Britain's foreign minister said Thursday the UK "strongly" wants Lebanon included in the Middle East ceasefire as Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in the United Arab Emirates. "We do want to see the ceasefire extended to Lebanon. I'm deeply troubled about the escalating attacks that we saw from »»»
Qatar reaffirms commitment to protect children affected by conflicts
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar reaffirms its steadfast commitment to protecting children affected by conflicts and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches them without obstacles. In this regard, HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misned, Minister of State for International Cooperation, emphasized the»»»
Media Review: April 9
ENERGY - ECONOMY 24 Chasa reports in an extensive article that the Bulgarian caretaker Government is actively managing the impact of global energy tensions on domestic prices, monitoring goods and fuel, and providing targeted support to transport and vulnerable sectors. Ceasefire developments in th»»»
Qatar, France review ceasefire implications for energy markets, navigation
Doha, April 9 (SANA) — Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed on Wednesday, in a phone call, the latest regional and international developments, particularly the recently announced ceasefire between the United States and Iran. According to Qatar»»»
UAE leads regional push to boost supply chain resilience
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, chaired a high-level coordination meeting hosted by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation at its headquarters in Dubai. The meeting brought together senior executives from leading global shipping companies and representativ»»»
Regé-Jean Page on why You, Me & Tuscany made him believe in love again
Dubai: There’s a refreshing lack of cynicism when Regé-Jean Page talks about his love for a good romantic comedy and and that’s exactly what drew him to it You, Me & Tuscany, out in UAE cinemas today on April 9. “My initial reaction was relief at reading a romantic comedy that cared about the roman»»»
Binance joins “One Nation. One People.” initiative with Design Commission Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: Binance, the global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users, today announced its participation in the UAE’s national civic initiative, “One Nation. One People. Together, We Protect What We Love.” in partnership with t»»»
DOJ indicts Army veteran for leaking information to journalist - UPI.com
A federal grand jury on Wednesday indicted a Army veteran will leaking classified information to a journalist. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 9 (UPI) -- Federal authorities have arrested and charged an Army veteran with top secret clearance on accusations of sharing classified »»»
'Ketamine Queen' jailed for 15 years over Matthew Perry overdose death
A British-American dealer dubbed the "Ketamine Queen" who sold the drugs that killed "Friends" star Matthew Perry, and boasted she supplied an elite circle of Hollywood VIPs, was jailed for 15 years on Wednesday. Jasveen Sangha, 42, was one of five people charged over the death of the beloved Canad»»»
Spain to reopen embassy in Iran: Spanish foreign minister
Madrid, Spain: Spain will reopen its embassy in Iran, which was closed in March due to the war, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Thursday, following the truce reached between the United States and Iran. "I have given instructions to our ambassador in Tehran to return, to resume his»»»
Young Father in Bulgaria Dies After Months in Coma Following Brutal Street Attack Over Cigarettes
A young man from Chirpan has died after spending months in a coma following a violent assault that reportedly began over a dispute involving cigarettes. The attack took place outside a restaurant after he left a nightclub, and the injuries proved fatal after a prolonged struggle for survival. The v»»»
Dubai Humanitarian facilitates airlift of critical medical supplies from WHO, MSF, and Unicef to Afghanistan
Dubai: Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Humanitarian (DXBH) facilitated a critical humanitarian airlift to Kabul, Afghanistan, delivering 96 metric tonnes of life-saving medicines and m»»»
How Sharjah’s new university partnership will drive tourism, opportunities in the UAE
Sharjah: The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) have joined forces to boost tourism innovation while giving students real-world experience in the UAE’s growing tourism sector. The partnership has been formalised on April 8 with th»»»
Saudi Crown Prince discusses regional developments with UK Prime Minister
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud discussed with British Prime Minister HE Keir Starmer in Jeddah the latest regional and international developments, particularly those in the region and their se»»»
How your morning coffee could pay for your parking under Parkin’s new scheme
Dubai: Parkin, the largest provider of paid public parking facilities and services in Dubai, has launched 'Spots for Shops', a first-of-its-kind initiative that allows drivers to validate their parking fees through the Parkin app by supporting neighbourhood small businesses, turning routine stops i»»»
Beirut’s repeated destruction: How illegal weapons have devastated Lebanon’s capital.
The modern history of Beirut is a chain of tragic ruptures that transformed the "Pearl of the East" from a radiant centre of commerce, culture, and coexistence into an open arena for regional and international conflict. It’s a city that pays the price for other people’s wars. »»»
Beirut’s repeated destruction: How illegal weapons have devastated Lebanon’s capital.
The modern history of Beirut is a chain of tragic ruptures that transformed the "Pearl of the East" from a radiant centre of commerce, culture, and coexistence into an open arena for regional and international conflict. It’s a city that pays the price for other people’s wars. »»»
Islamabad declares two-day holiday ahead of US-Iran peace talks
Islamabad, Pakistan: An Iranian delegation is expected to arrive in Islamabad late Thursday ahead of Pakistan-brokered talks with the United States, Iran's envoy said. Pakistan has been preparing for talks involving representatives from the US and Iran over the Mideast war, with the White House say»»»
Satellite Data Shows Earth is Getting Ever Brighter at Night
Daily satellite observations have revealed a continued nighttime brightening globally due to artificial lighting, with important regional variations including a surge in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia alongside a deliberate dimming in Europe driven by concerns over energy conservation and li»»»
Bulgarian Authorities Warns of Disinformation Wave Ahead of April 19 Election
Bulgaria is bracing for an increase in disinformation activity in the run-up to the parliamentary elections on April 19, with authorities warning of coordinated attempts to influence voters and destabilize public trust. Acting Deputy Foreign Minister Velizar Shalamanov said institutions are already»»»
US-Iran ceasefire: Why Tehran wants to charge ships for crossing the Strait of Hormuz
As part of its 10-point proposal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran, Tehran is pushing for ongoing control over the vital Strait of Hormuz – including charging what officials suggest could be as much as $2 million per ship to help the country rebuild its bombed-out infrastructure and maintain c»»»
E-QSL returns for third edition from April 20
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Stars League (QSL) will host the Electronic Qatar Stars League (E-QSL), set to take place from April 20 to 22, 2026. A total of 12 teams from the 2025-2026 Qatar Stars League season will take part, and the official draw saw the teams being divided into two groups of six each.»»»
Fines for killing wild animals in Kyrgyzstan increased two- to threefold - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan significantly tightened liability measures for harming wildlife, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision reported. According to the ministry, the resolution was signed by the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. The document provides for a substantial increa»»»
Business - Oil prices fall after ceasefire deal as questions over Hormuz Strait linger
A two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran on Wednesday led to a steep drop in oil prices and a rebound in Asian and European equities. In this edition, we see what the various stakeholders are saying the deal means for the future of the Hormuz Strait through which a fifth of»»»