Philippines: ₱2.49 billion fuel subsidies fast-tracked, ₱18.65 billion for infrastructure jobs amid oil price surge
Manila: As fuel prices continue to climb, the Philippines Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it had expedited the release of ₱2.49 billion ($41.40 million) to fund fuel subsidies for the transport sector under the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Based on government data, the fuel s»»»
Hashtag “Sisi is my leader and proud” leads twitter
Hashtag «Sisi is my leader and proud» lead «Twitter» over the past days, with variable comments expressing the people’s belief and support to the president’s efforts in meeting Egypt’s long rooted challenges on all fronts, with comments praising the strong arm that delivered safety and security to »»»
Education Above All Foundation concludes ‘Eid Gifts’ campaign
Doha, Qatar: On the initiative of Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, Chairperson of Education Above All Foundation, the foundation, in partnership with Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), announced the distribution of brand-new Eid clothing to children in the Gaza Strip on the first day of Eid A»»»
Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum intensifies Hormuz battle: Why forcing the strait open is high risk
Dubai: As the war between the United States and Iran enters its fourth week, the Strait of Hormuz has become the conflict’s most critical — and volatile — battlefield. The narrow chokepoint, through which a significant share of the world’s oil passes, is now effectively paralysed. Iran has largely »»»
From Gaza to Lebanon, doctor races against time to treat war-wounded children
During almost three weeks of war in Lebanon, British-Palestinian doctor Ghassan Abu-Sittah has had no respite, telling AFP he has been working "against the clock" to save children wounded in Israeli bombardment. At the American University of Beirut Medical Center, one of the capital's main hospital»»»
UAE President conveys condolences to family of Iranian terror attack victim
Dr Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the President’s Office for Strategic Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, conveyed the condolences of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the family of Alaa Nader Awni Mushtaha, who passed away following the I»»»
No assessment Iran could strike London, UK minister says
There is "no assessment to substantiate" Israel's claim that Iran has long-range missiles capable of reaching London, a UK cabinet minister has said. Housing Secretary Steve Reed told the BBC there was "no specific assessment that the Iranians are targeting the UK - or even could if they wanted to"»»»
Türkiye pushes for diplomatic solution to U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict
Ankara, March 22 (SANA) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Türkiye is pursuing diplomatic efforts and regional initiatives to help end the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Fidan said recent discussions, including a ministerial meeting in Riyadh, focused on ways »»»
Building collapses in central Istanbul, several trapped under rubble media
Istanbul, Turkiye: A building collapsed in a central district of Istanbul on Sunday, with several people trapped under the rubble, local broadcaster NTV reported. The NTV that the incident occurred in the Fatih district on the city's European side. Live footage from the scene showed that numerous f»»»
UAE has advanced cyber system to protect national security, official says
The UAE continues to strengthen its digital security framework as part of national efforts to protect vital sectors and ensure stability in the rapidly evolving cyber space, a senior official has said. Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Government Cybersecurity Council, said the country »»»
'It's been bittersweet': The Iranian-Iraqi cafe drawing crowds to Hackney
A queue stretches down a street in east London. It is for Logma, a newly opened Iranian-Iraqi cafe in Hackney that has gone viral for its sandwiches - which sell out within an hour or two. Many are drawn in by pictures they have seen on Instagram and start queuing around noon at the weekend. Despit»»»
Abu Dhabi crash: Emirati rider forgives distracted driver, wins praise
Abu Dhabi: A serious road accident on a highway in Abu Dhabi has turned into a powerful story of calm, forgiveness and human values, after an Emirati rider chose understanding over anger. UAE national Khalid Al Dhaheri was riding his motorcycle home from his private farm about three weeks ago when »»»
UAE gold at Dh541: Buy now, save up to Dh100 per gram - here's how
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai have fallen to around Dh541 per gram for 24K, placing current rates nearly Dh100 below levels seen just weeks ago. 22K gold currently costs Dh501.50 and 21K costs Dh480.75 per gram. Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain»»»
Dubai Police warn residents: Never share banking details with callers
Dubai: Dubai Police has launched a strategic initiative to combat financial fraud in collaboration with more than 40 government, semi-government and private sector entities, aiming to strengthen community awareness and enhance prevention measures across the emirate. The initiative, led by the Crime»»»
National Assembly Chair: Veliko Tarnovo Brings Together Bulgaria's Past, Present, Future
Veliko Tarnovo is a splendor, which brings together Bulgaria's past, the beauty of the present and the optimism for the future, National Assembly Chair Raya Nazaryan said on the occasion of the town's holiday on Sunday. Nazaryan pointed out that there is no Bulgarian who has not felt pride and admi»»»
GCC renews condemnation of ongoing Iranian attacks, calls for international action
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has renewed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the continued Iranian attacks on member states, including the deliberate targeting of infrastructure and oil facilities, in flagrant violation of international law and norms, and a direct threat to regional s»»»
How Abu Dhabi is ensuring uninterrupted electricity and water even during emergencies
Abu Dhabi continues to enhance its preparedness to ensure the sustainable supply of electricity and water, within the framework of a comprehensive strategic vision based on efficiency, resilience, and rapid response to various conditions, including crises and emergencies. In this context, the Chair»»»
UAE extends distance learning for two weeks: How smart classrooms connect students
Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s distance learning system remains a cornerstone for maintaining educational continuity and flexibility, allowing schools to implement academic plans effectively under any circumstances. Two-week continuation reflects readinessAuthorities have decided to continue distance learnin»»»
LIVE UPDATES: Trump threatens to ‘obliterate’ Iran power plants as Tehran warns of retaliation
Doha, Qatar: While US President Donald Trump threatened to "obliterate" Iran's power plants if it fails to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, Iran warned of retaliatory attacks on regional infrastructure if US President follows through on his ultimatum. Saudi Arabia declared several»»»
Why the Trump administration is easing sanctions on certain Iranian oil stockpiles
Reuters- Cargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, are seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah, near the border with Oman’s Musandam governance, on March 11, 2026. Stringer/Reuters Trump administration officials are making a desperate push to secure every available barrel of oil amid a worsenin»»»
Flight status for March 22: Check these updates before you fly out or into UAE
Dubai: Airlines operating in and out of the UAE warned of continued disruption on Sunday, as unstable weather and regional airspace constraints forced delays, cancellations and rerouting across multiple networks. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Carriers including IndiG»»»
World Water Day: How UAE champions global fight for clean water for 2.1b people
Dubai: The UAE is spearheading a global movement to secure clean water for billions of people, backing its ambitions with a $150m international initiative, world-leading desalination technology, and a starring role at the upcoming UN Water Conference 2026, in what is seen as a clear signal that the»»»
GCC condemns Iran attacks as escalation threatening Gulf security
Riyadh, March 22 (SANA) The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Sunday condemned the continued Iranian attacks on its member states, warning they represent an escalation that threatens regional stability and global energy supplies. GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi said in a statement »»»
Six dead, one missing after Qatar helicopter crash: Ministry of Interior
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior announced that within the framework of the ongoing search and rescue operations for the missing persons following the helicopter crash in the state's territorial waters, search efforts have resulted in finding six out of seven who were on board. "The death of t»»»
Blasts Heard, Sirens in Jerusalem after Iran Missile Alerts
Blasts were heard and air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem on Sunday, AFP journalists said, after the Israeli military warned of incoming missile fire from Iran. The army issued several alerts saying it had identified that "missiles were launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israe»»»
War Deepens Lebanon’s Economic Collapse
Lebanon’s economy barely catches its breath before another crisis hits, tightening the squeeze and deepening its fragility. The current war has wiped out efforts to revive it, as the country still reels from the 2019 financial collapse, the coronavirus pandemic, the Beirut port blast, and the 2023-»»»
Video: How Dubai pushes ahead with 6,000km walkways plan
Dubai: Dubai has taken a major step towards its vision of becoming one of the world’s most walkable cities, with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) awarding the first contract under its sweeping Dubai Walk Master Plan. The initiative will deliver more than 6,000 kilometres of walkways across t»»»
Ministry of Education powers remote learning shift with large-scale training
Doha, Qatar: Amid evolving regional challenges, Ministry of Education and Higher Education has moved swiftly to ensure continuity in the education sector, rolling out an extensive training initiative to support the transition to remote learning while strengthening digital and human capabilities The»»»
Eid lessons: Smart spending and balance for children
Doha, Qatar: As families celebrate Eid and children receive their traditional “Eidiya,” experts are encouraging parents to turn the festive moment into an opportunity for teaching valuable life skills, particularly financial responsibility and healthy habits. Salha Abdullah Al-Hitmi, an expert from»»»
People all praise for ‘Joy of Eid’ initiative
Doha, Qatar: The “Joy of Eid” initiative launched by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has drawn widespread praise from families and community members across Doha and beyond, with many describing it as a meaningful gesture that added warmth and inclusivity to this year’s Eid Al-Fitr celebra»»»
Five Options Under Consideration to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz
Luke Broadwater, Helene Cooper, Eric Schmitt* Washington: As the United States presses ahead with its military campaign against Iran, the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as the war’s most pivotal battlefield. In response to US and Israeli airstrikes, Iran has largely blockaded the strait, snarling oil»»»
Families turn to malls amid restricted outdoor Eid celebrations
Doha, Qatar: The second day of Eid al-Fitr in Qatar this year saw a noticeable shift in how families chose to celebrate, with malls across Qatar becoming the main hubs of activity. Ongoing regional tensions led to tighter safety measures and a general preference for indoor gatherings, limiting the »»»
Sidra Medicine ensures uninterrupted services
Doha, Qatar: Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, continues to play a vital role in Qatar’s national healthcare system, maintaining uninterrupted services for women and children during the current situation. As the country’s main tertiary pediatric hospital, the institution has reaffirmed »»»
Israeli Provocations Aim to Draw Damascus into Regional Escalation
Damascus is treading carefully to avoid being pulled into the region’s escalating tensions, but Syrian-Israeli friction has resurfaced after Israel struck Syrian army sites and military infrastructure, claiming it was acting to “protect Druze citizens in Sweida.” The attacks drew condemnations from»»»
Qatar advances food self-sufficiency with strong growth in local production
Doha, Qatar: Qatar has recorded significant progress in strengthening its food security and achieving higher levels of self-sufficiency, driven by sustained investments in local agricultural production and strategic partnerships across sectors. According to recent achievements highlighted by Minist»»»
Qatar’s e-commerce grows amid festive shopping surge
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s e-commerce sector is gaining momentum as consumers increasingly turn to digital platforms for convenience and competitive pricing, even as traditional mall shopping continues to draw strong crowds across the country. Speaking to The Peninsula, experts say online shopping has ex»»»
Refiners in India, Elsewhere in Asia Look to Buy Iranian Oil after US Waives Sanctions
Indian refiners plan to resume buying Iranian oil while refiners elsewhere in Asia are examining such a move after Washington temporarily removed sanctions to alleviate an energy crunch caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran, traders said on Saturday. Three Indian refining sources said they will buy »»»
Sri Lanka raises fuel prices by 25 percent amid soaring oil prices
Sri Lanka raised fuel prices by 25 percent on Sunday, the second increase in two weeks, as the country prepared for more impact from the war in the Middle East. Regular petrol was increased to 398 rupees ($1.30) per litre, up from 317 rupees, while diesel, the fuel commonly used for public transpor»»»
US judge strikes down Pentagon press limits as unconstitutional
A US judge on Friday ruled that the Pentagon’s controversial media access policy violated constitutional protections, restoring journalists’ credentials after major outlets refused to comply. The decision marks a significant victory for press freedom, underscoring the public’s right to diverse repo»»»
Western silence allows Israel to get away with killing journalists
On March 19, RT war correspondent Steve Sweeney and his cameraman Ali Rida Sbeity were injured by an Israeli strike meters from where they stood in southern Lebanon. Sweeney was on camera reporting on recent Israeli attacks on southern Lebanese towns and infrastructure when he heard the sound of an»»»
Kazakhstan no longer paying even lip service to democracy, say analysts
Much of the commentary on Kazakhstan’s adoption of a new constitution in a referendum last week is nothing short of scathing. Serik Beysembaev, writing for Carnegie, concludes that if the observer “peels away the rhetoric”»»»
US-Israel-Iran war, March 22: Things you need to know
The US–Israel–Iran situation continues to evolve, with new diplomatic steps, defensive actions, and strategic signals emerging across the region. Countries in the Middle East are responding in different ways to safeguard their interests, while global attention remains focused on stability and secur»»»
Trump's mixed messages on Iran: 'Winding down' the war and easing sanctions but adding more troops
President Donald Trump frequently contradicts himself, sometimes within the same speech, social media post, or even sentence. On Friday, he sent a torrent of mixed signals about the Iran war, raising questions about the conflict’s direction and his administration’s strategy. During this period, Tru»»»
How the EU is targeting Viktor Orban before the Hungarian election
Three weeks out from the most consequential European election of the year, the EU has aimed every weapon in its arsenal at Hungary, as Brussels prepares for its best shot yet at taking out Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Orban’s animosity toward the EU establishment runs deep. For more than a decade, »»»
Why the historic release of global oil reserves may not be enough to curb prices
Following last week’s targeting of key energy facilities in the region — and Iran’s overt attacks on a major liquefied natural gas facility in Qatar, the largest in the world, as well as oil refineries in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait — oil prices continued to rise on Thursday. The strikes on energy infr»»»
Georgia woman who took abortion pills charged with murder - UPI.com
A woman in Georgia has been charged with murder after she took an abortion medication and went to the hospital with abdominal pain, where police said she delivered a 22- to 24-week-old fetus that survived for about an hour. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo March 21 (UPI) -- A woman i»»»
Italy is voting on whether to change its constitution. What does this mean for Meloni?
In her push for a "yes" vote in this weekend's constitutional referendum, Italy's prime minister has been reaching for new audiences. On Thursday, Giorgia Meloni sat at the mic between a popular rapper and a personal trainer-turned-podcaster to urge Italians to vote for a judicial system she promis»»»
The Bachelorette's messy break-up with its unlikely star Taylor Frankie Paul
TikTok star Taylor Frankie Paul sat uneasily in her chair during a live interview on ABC's Good Morning America this week, caught between trying to promote her turn in the network's new series of The Bachelorette and addressing fresh domestic violence allegations lodged against her by her ex-boyfri»»»
Iranian strike hits near Israeli nuclear facility after Tehran says its site targeted
An Iranian missile strike has hit the town of Dimona in southern Israel, near to a nuclear facility. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it was not aware of any damage to the nuclear research facility located about eight miles (13km) outside Dimona. Iranian state TV said the strike w»»»
Flexible payment plans keep Dubai property market active
Dubai: Dubai’s property market is entering a more measured phase, with buyers taking time to assess global developments while developers adjust strategies to keep transactions moving without compromising pricing. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Recent activity suggests»»»