Dubai and Oman activate green corridor to speed up cargo movement
Dubai: Dubai Customs has announced the activation of a “green corridor” between the emirate and the Sultanate of Oman for sea and air shipments, in cooperation with Oman’s General Administration of Customs. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The initiative is designed to »»»
ISIE: Toward establishment of communication strategy outside electoral periods
Tunis, March 18 (TAP) - President of the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE), Farouk Bouasker, stressed during a working session held on Wednesday the importance of defining a communication strategy outside electoral periods.Quoted in an...»»»
Iran's intelligence minister Esmail Khatib killed in air strike
Iran's intelligence minister Esmail Khatib has been killed, the country's president has confirmed. Masoud Pezeshkian said the "cowardly assassination" had left Iran "in deep mourning", after Israel said on Wednesday it had killed Khatib in an air strike. It comes a day after Israel announced it had»»»
UAE rolls out up to 50% tax credit for businesses
Dubai: The UAE has launched the first phase of its Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentives Programme, offering businesses tax credits to encourage investment in innovation and technology. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Under Phase 1, companies can claim a non-re»»»
Greece among 10 EU states pressing Brussels to keep giving industry free carbon permits
Ten European Union member states, including Greece, have called on the bloc to keep handing out free carbon permits to industry to help curb costs as the US-Israeli war on Iran sends energy prices soaring. European Union leaders, who meet for a summit in Brussels on Thursday, are debating proposal»»»
Fiscal Council Expresses Position on Parliamentary Groups' Proposed Revisions to Budget Extension Act
Bulgaria’s Fiscal Council Wednesday issued a statement to the media regarding the amendment proposals submitted by three parliamentary groups between the first and second readings of the 2025 Budget Extension Act. According to the Fiscal Council, the amendments proposed by GERB-UDF, MRF - New Begin»»»
Qatari Businessmen Association affirms investor confidence in Qatar’s economy
Doha, Qatar: The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) yesterday organized a roundtable meeting with heads of foreign chamber of commerce and international business councils operating in Qatar, in the presence of representatives from several affiliated companies. The meeting comes as part of QBA’s c»»»
UAE warns targeting energy facilities threatens global energy security
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has warned that targeting energy facilities linked to the South Pars gas field constitutes a serious escalation and poses a direct threat to global energy security. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said attacks on energy infrastructure associate»»»
Foreign Press Group Slams Israeli Police for Breaking Journalist’s Wrist
An international media association on Wednesday criticized an "unprovoked assault" by Israeli police on journalists in Jerusalem, which it said left a CNN producer with a fractured wrist. The Foreign Press Association (FPA) said police officers on Tuesday night "unnecessarily and aggressively repel»»»
Biker who posted video of himself breaking the law faces charges
A biker who allegedly posted on social media incriminating videos of himself performing dangerous stunts in the Greater Athens region has been identified and faces reckless driving charges, police said Wednesday. A dedicated unit that scans social media for similar footage of dangerous driving iden»»»
Air India and Air India Express ramp up GCC operations with additional flights
Dubai: Air India and Air India Express are set to operate a total of 48 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the GCC countries on March 19, 2026. Alongside regular services, the airlines will operate 32 additional non-scheduled flights to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These flights are subje»»»
At 16:15 on Wednesday, 18/03/2026, Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy army soldiers in the Kiryat Shmona settlement with a swarm of attack drones: statement 8 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe At 16:15 on Wednesday, 18/03/2026, Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy army soldiers in the Kiryat Shmona set»»»
Katz says Israel struck two Litani bridges in 'message' to Lebanese state
Israel's defense minister said the Israeli military had destroyed two bridges spanning the Litani River in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, alleging they were being used by Hezbollah. "The IDF (Israeli army) today struck and destroyed two additional bridges over the Litani River that were used for sm»»»
Qatar welcomes temporary truce between Afghanistan and Pakistan on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr
DOHA: The State of Qatar welcomed the announcement of a temporary truce between Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr, considering it a positive step that contributes to de-escalation and fosters a more conciliatory atmosphere between the two sides. In a st»»»
Amir receives phone call from Sri Lanka's President
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a telephone call today from the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka HE Anura Kumara Dissanayake. At the beginning of the call, HE the President inquired about the situation in the State of Qatar, expressing hi»»»
Russian archaeologist can be sent to Ukraine for trial, Polish judge rules
A judge in Poland has ruled that Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin can be extradited to Ukraine, although his defence says he will appeal. Butyagin is being held in a Warsaw prison for allegedly conducting illegal excavations and plundering artefacts from the ancient city of Myrmekion in Cri»»»
Report: Netanyahu offered a ceasefire, Hezbollah responded with shelling operation
The Lebanese state has no option left but to seek a humanitarian truce for Eid al-Fitr, after the failure of efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel is insistsling on Hezbollah's complete "surrender" before halting its operations in Lebanon, while the »»»
U.S. eyes Chile’s dominant global rhenium supply - UPI.com
Used primarily in the aerospace, energy and petrochemical industries, rhenium plays a key role in high-performance applications. Photo by cottonbro studio/pexels SANTIAGO, Chile, March 18 (UPI) -- The United States is continuing efforts to secure supplies of critical minerals deemed vital to nation»»»
Which countries will celebrate Eid Al Fitr 2026 on Friday?
Several countries have confirmed Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Eid Al Fitr, following the completion of 30 days of Ramadan and the unsuccessful sighting of the Shawwal crescent. Countries confirming Eid on Friday include Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey, and Australia»»»
Chechen-led National Guard Spetsnaz deploys kamikaze drones in Arctic drills
Special operations forces from Russia’s National Guard (Rosgvardia) recently conducted military exercises on the Kola Peninsula, using FPV kamikaze drones to neutralise “armed saboteurs” in a simulated combat scenario. The drills, held in the Khibiny Mountains, involved Rosgvardia’s elite units wor»»»
Albanian Opposition Figure Calls for Berisha’s Exit Ahead of Party Leadership Vote
Ervin Salianji has publicly called for the departure of Sali Berisha from the leadership of the Democratic Party of Albania, ahead of the party’s internal election scheduled for May 23. Speaking for the media, Salianji argued that the party has weakened in recent years, attributing its decline to t»»»
Suspect remanded over fatal Thessaloniki stabbing
A 23-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing a 20-year-old in Kalamaria, Thessaloniki, was remanded in custody after his testimony, authorities said Wednesday. He faces charges of intentional homicide and illegal weapon possession and use. During his testimony, he allegedly said he stabbed the vic»»»
Qatar welcomes temporary truce between Afghanistan, Pakistan on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar expressed its welcome for the announcement of the temporary truce between Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on the occasion of the upcoming blessed Eid al-Fitr, and considers this step a positive initiative that contributes to de-escalation and streng»»»
Trump administration temporarily waives Jones Act to ease pressure on gas prices - UPI.com
Gas prices were up in Walnut Creek, Calif., on March 10. To help ease the surge of gas prices in the United States, President Donald Trump temporarily waived the Jones Act, allowing more foreign shipments of oil to travel between U.S. ports. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo March 18 (UPI)»»»
Convictions of Kosovo.Metohija Serbs a continuation of Pristina's institutional terror - gov't Office
BELGRADE - The Serbian government Office for Kosovo-Metohija said on Wednesday a first-instance ruling by a so-called court in Pristina under which Kosovo-Metohija Serbs Zoran Kostic and Dragan Milovic had been convicted to 15 and seven years in prison, respectively, for alleged war crimes represen»»»
NATO Allies in Talks on 'Best Way' to Re-open Hormuz Strait
NATO chief Mark Rutte said Wednesday that allies of the military alliance were in discussions on the "best way" to open the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large chunk of the world's oil supply normally passes, AFP reported. "I have been in contact with many allies. We all agree, of course, that »»»
'Very difficult to stop': BBC visits scene of Iran cluster bomb strike on Israel
It was late at night when an Iranian cluster bomb flew through the ceiling of an elderly couple's apartment in central Israel and exploded in their tiny living room, killing them both. The path of the bomb was still clearly mapped onto the ash-covered debris left behind. A large hole in the ceiling»»»
One killed as cable car plunges down Swiss mountainside
Geneva: One person was killed Wednesday morning when a cable car suddenly detached amid strong winds and plunged down a snowy slope at a Swiss Alpine ski resort, police said. The dramatic incident happened at the Engelberg ski resort, high up in the Alps in central Switzerland. Videos from witnesse»»»
lbania Says Fuel Supply Unaffected by Hormuz Tensions, Plans 90-Day State Reserves
Minister Enea Karakaçi said Albania’s fuel supply has not been impacted by tensions in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, despite concerns over global energy disruptions. Karakaçi outlined the government’s long-term strategy to strengthen energy security. He announced that a new law on strat»»»
Fed to make interest rate decision amid Iran war, poor inflation report - UPI.com
The Federal Reserve will announce its next move on interest rates, or if it will make a move at all, on Wednesday. File Photo by Annabelle Gordon/UPI | License Photo March 18 (UPI) -- The Federal Reserve will announce its next move on interest rates, or if it will make a move at all, on Wednesday. »»»
UAE announces first day of Eid Al Fitr 2026
Abu Dhabi: The UAE announced on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, that the first day of Eid Al Fitr will be observed on March 20, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted. Earier this month, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation h»»»
Eid Al Fitr: Park timings across Dubai
In the mood for some outdoorsy time with the kiddos over the Eid break? That’s perfect – there’s just about that lovely nip in the air that makes the shade perfect for some down time as you kid watch. Dubai Municipality has put out the timings of the parks and other recreational areas within those »»»
PM Rama Urges Fuel Suppliers to Lower Profit Margins Amid Global Crisis
Prime Minister, Edi Rama held a meeting with with fuel suppliers on Wednesday, calling for cooperation to reduce the impact of the ongoing global crisis while protecting consumers from rising prices. Rama emphasized that the government will not establish a fuel monitoring board for now, signaling a»»»
In photos: Iranians rally in Tehran in war protest - All Photos - UPI.com
By Wade SheridanIranians gather at Enqelab Square in Tehran to commemorate the victims of the warship Dina and to protest the United States and Israel on Tuesday. Israel said Tuesday it had killed a second top Iranian military commander, security chief Ali Larijani, in an airstrike on Tehran hours »»»
Phone scammers made €70,000 in five days
Two people who allegedly pulled off successful phone scams on vulnerable people, stealing about €70,000 in five days, have been arrested in northern Greece, police said Wednesday. A police statement said the men were detained Tuesday near the town of Drama on suspicion of having defrauded seven eld»»»
Health Minister Launches Expanded Neonatal Screening in Bulgaria
Caretaker Health Minister Michail Okoliyski announced the launch of expanded neonatal screening in Bulgaria, the Health Ministry said on Facebook on Wednesday. Together with Deputy Minister Petar Gribnev, he visited the specialized obstetrics and gynaecology hospital Maichin Dom in Sofia, where one»»»
Amir exchanges greetings with Sultan of Oman on the occasion of approaching Eid Al Fitr
DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has exchanged congratulations and blessings with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of the sisterly Sultanate of Oman, on the occasion of the approaching Eid Al Fitr, in a telephone call received by His High»»»
Woman in Stara Zagora Sentenced to 9 Months in Prison for Possession of Fentanyl
The Stara Zagora District Court Wednesday imposed a nine-month prison sentence on a 34-year-old woman for the possession of fentanyl. The defendant admitted that on February 11 she had possessed fentanyl and erythritol without a proper permit under the Narcotics and Precursors Control Act. The woma»»»
Parties’ Numbers for Upcoming Elections Determined by Draw
The Central Election Commission (CEC) held a draw on Wednesday to determine the numbers under which the parties and coalitions will appear on the ballot for the early parliamentary elections on April 19. These will be the eighth elections since 2021. The draw was streamed online. Representatives of»»»
X is facing an outage in the UAE
If you are in the UAE and having trouble accessing your X account, do not be alarmed for you are not alone. Downdetector, the website that lets you know when services are down based on real-time reports, has confirmed that there has been a spike in complaints over the microblog this evening (March »»»
Report: Aoun won't cede negotiations file to Berri or Hezbollah
President Joseph Aoun will not accept that Hezbollah "seize control of the decision to make peace, dictating its form, conditions, and timing," after it had controlled the decision to wage war, informed official sources told the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper. "Baabda Palace is proceeding with contacts w»»»
12 arrests for illegal power connection, electricity theft
A dozen people have been arrested for allegedly illegally connecting their homes to the power network and stealing electricity amid a crackdown all over the country, police said Wednesday. A police statement said eight suspects, aged 19-53, were detained in the Ptolemaida area of northern Greece Tu»»»
Bulgarian Food Safety Agency Forms Crisis Taskforce to Combat Potential Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks
Foot-and-mouth disease is closing in on the Bulgarian border, and a national operational crisis taskforce has been established, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) reported on Wednesday. According to the agency, the first outbreak in Greece has been confirmed on the island of Lesbos after 40 ou»»»
Wholesale prices accelerated in February, up 0.7% - UPI.com
A 48.9% increase in prices for fresh and dry vegetables was a big factor in the rising index for foods in February, the U.S. Burea of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday. File Phot by Gary C. Caskey/UPI | License Photo March 18 (UPI) -- The producer price index for final demand goods had its sharpe»»»
Saudi Arabia announces first day of Eid Al Fitr 2026
Dubai: It’s official. Saudi Arabia announced today (March 18, 2026) that the first day of Eid al Fitr will fall on March 20, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted. The moon-sighting committee convened and verified the sighting of the new moon, marking the end of Ramadan after 30 days of f»»»
Three Iraqi Fighters Killed in Strike Near Syria Border
A strike near Iraq's western border with Syria killed three fighters from former coalition Hashed al-Shaabi on Wednesday, the alliance said. The fighters from the alliance -- also known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), now part of Iraq's regular armed forces -- were hit in an US or Israeli»»»
Delegation of Moroccan buyers expected on March 25 (CEPEX)
Tunis, March 18 (TAP) - The Export Promotion Centre (French: CEPEX) is organising a visit by a delegation of Moroccan buyers next March 25 to the Maison de l’Exportateur, in collaboration with the Casablanca Chamber of Commerce, Industry and...»»»
Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet to launch meat production cluster to curb prices - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan will launch a pilot project to develop a meat production cluster in Chui region and Bishkek to increase output and stabilize meat prices. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry Erlist Akunbekov announced. The proj»»»
Brnabic meets with Kos, Koopman in Brussels
BRUSSELS - Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic met with EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and the European Commission’s Director-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood Gert Jan Koopman in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss Serbia's EU integration. "A very good and open meeting with »»»
Russia Has Advanced Counterspace Weapons, Hypersonic Missiles - US Intel Chief
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – Russia possesses advanced systems, including counterspace weapons, hypersonic missiles and undersea capabilities, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said in the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment published on Wednesday. “Russia has advanced systems, including counters»»»