Stranded UAE residents tell of detours across countries to get back amid US-Israel-Iran war
Dubai: When regional airspace closures swept across the Middle East due to the US-Israel-Iran war at the end of February, thousands of UAE residents found themselves stranded far from home. For some, the journey back meant days on buses through desert highways. For others, it meant hopping across t»»»
MoI says situation stable, all services across sectors operate normally
DOHA: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) stressed that the situation remains stable, with services across vital sectors continuing to operate normally. It added that competent authorities were following developments. This was posted on the ministry's X account. It added that National Warning System ale»»»
Australia Orders All 'Non-essential' Officials to Leave Lebanon
Australia has ordered all non-essential officials in Lebanon to leave, Canberra's foreign minister said Friday, after issuing the same command to diplomats in Israel and the United Arab Emirates. In a post on X, top diplomat Penny Wong said they had been ordered to depart due to the "deteriorating »»»
U.S. releases emergency oil reserves as Middle East tensions push prices higher
Washington, March 13 (SANA) The United States announced the release of 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve on Monday, aiming to curb rising oil prices amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to global energy supplies, Reuters reported. The move is coordinate»»»
‘The UAE is my only home’: Why residents fought to return during flight disruptions
We rarely articulate our love for home, not unless someone asks. Most of the time, the feeling resides in the background of our lives, built from years of routine and small, ordinary moments: Greeting the familiar faces at the grocery store, wandering through the neighbourhood park, stopping to pla»»»
Abu Dhabi expands autonomous taxi services on Yas Island
The Integrated Transport Centre, an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has expanded commercial operations of Level 4 autonomous taxis on Yas Island, marking another step in the emirate’s push toward smart and sustainable mobility. The initiative is being implemented under »»»
Qatar Press Center welcomes UN Security Council resolution condemning Iranian attacks
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Press Center welcomes the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution No. 2817, which condemns the Iranian attacks on several countries in the region. The resolution clearly emphasises the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and rejects»»»
ONS Data: UK Economy Lost Steam Unexpectedly at Start of 2026
Britain's economy stagnated unexpectedly in January and expanded weakly in preceding months, according to official data on Friday that showed only tepid growth during the lead-up to the US-Israeli war in Iran. The figures mean British gross domestic product has been essentially flat since June, end»»»
Air Freight Rates Soar as Middle East Conflict Blocks Trade Routes
Air freight rates have risen by as much as 70% on some routes since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, data shows, as the conflict limits flights, blocks some ocean shipments and pushes up jet fuel costs. Rates on routes between South Asia and Europe have been the most affected by Middle East»»»
Iran War and Rising Fuel Costs Could Boost Panama Canal Traffic, Administrator Says
Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez said Thursday that the conflict in the Middle East and rising fuel costs could ultimately benefit the interoceanic waterway as global shippers adjust routes. In an interview with The Associated Press, Vásquez said that higher energy, fuel and navigation c»»»
Trump Threatens Iran Following New Wave of Attacks on Gulf States and Israel
Iran launched multiple attacks early Friday on Gulf Arab states, including dozens of drones at Saudi Arabia, following warnings from its new supreme leader about hosting American bases, and US President Donald Trump threatened major new retaliation. “Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags to»»»
Qatar participates in GCC media briefing at UN on UNSC draft resolution condemning Iranian attacks
New York: Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani participated in a media stand organised by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) group at the United Nations in New York. The media stand addressed the draft resolution submitted to »»»
Caretaker PM Gurov to Visit Foreign Ministry Crisis Taskforce after Evacuation Operation
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov will visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to congratulate the team of the Ministry’s crisis taskforce on the successful completion of the active phase of the operation to evacuate Bulgarian citizens from the Middle East and Iran, the Foreign Ministry’s press c»»»
Philippines to observe Eid Al Fitr holiday on March 20
Dubai: The Philippines has declared Friday, March 20, as a regular holiday nationwide in observance of Eid Al Fitr, the Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan. The announcement has been made during a grand iftar gathering at the presidential palace, where Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos »»»
About 9,000 US citizens choose to remain in UAE despite evacuation offer
Dubai: Around 9,000 American citizens living in the United Arab Emirates have chosen to remain in the country despite offers from the US government to arrange charter evacuation flights, the US State Department has said. In a statement issued by Dylan Johnson, Assistant Secretary of State for Globa»»»
‘UNSC resolution reveals broader global rejection of Iranian attacks on GCC nations and Jordan’
New York: Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, affirmed that the UN Security Council’s approval of the resolution rendered by the Kingdom of Bahrain on behalf of the GCC states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on the Iran»»»
Thani Humanitarian receives QR700,000 donation to support students in need
Doha, Qatar: The Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services has announced receiving two generous donations totalling QR700,000 from benefactors to support students in need through its educational social initiative, Manarat Ilm Project. According to the foundation, the first donation of»»»
PHCC psychologist advises pregnant women to limit exposure to distressing news
Doha, Qatar: During pregnancy, women experience natural physical and emotional changes. They may also become more sensitive to stress and pressure as a result of hormonal changes and the responsibilities associated with expecting a new baby. Through clinical practice in the mental support section, »»»
Islamic Cultural Center hosts Ramadan lecture for English speakers on mercy in Islam
Doha, Qatar: The Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, organised a Ramadan lecture titled “Ramadan: The Month of Mercy and Forgiveness” on February 27, 2026, targeting English-speaking residents. The event attracted mo»»»
Qatar Media Corporation urges public to rely on official sources for information
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) has called on the public to rely on official sources when seeking information, emphasising the importance of verifying news and avoiding the spread of rumours during the current exceptional circumstances. The message was delivered through a video publi»»»
Defense Committee Clears Way for Bulgaria to Join Trump’s "Board of Peace"
Bulgaria’s Defense Committee has moved forward with the ratification process for the country’s potential membership in U.S. President Donald Trump’s "Board of Peace", following a proposal by Delyan Peevski, leader of the Movenet for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) party. The committee approved a draft re»»»
Trump Administration Denounces CNN for Airing Messages from Iranian Leaders
The Trump administration denounced CNN on Thursday for airing a portion of the new Iranian supreme leader's public statement, the second time in three days that he's targeted the network for reporting on how the regime is responding to the American attacks. The attack illustrated the care news outl»»»
Thousands of Chinese Boats Mass at Sea, Raising Questions
Thousands of Chinese fishing boats have been massing in geometric formations in the East China Sea, in coordinated actions that experts believe are part of Beijing's preparations for a potential regional crisis or conflict. Monitoring ship-tracking data on Christmas Day, Jason Wang could tell somet»»»
Israel Destroys Zrariyeh Bridge in South Lebanon, Carries Out Deadly Strikes
The Israeli military has destroyed a key bridge on the Litani River in south Lebanon. The military’s Arabic spokesman posted on X that the bridge destroyed in the village of Zrariyeh was used by Hezbollah fighters to move between the areas south and north of the river. The military added that Hezbo»»»
Two drones crash in Oman’s Sohar, killing two workers
A security source has reported that two drones crashed in the Wilayat of Sohar. One of the drones struck Al Awhi Industrial Zone, resulting in the deaths of two expat workers and causing several additional injuries. The other drone came down in an open area, with no casualties reported. The relevan»»»
Oil surge and rising yields stall global gold rally, Dubai prices edge lower
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai moved slightly lower on Friday morning, extending a period of volatile trading that has shaped the precious metals market over the past two weeks. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and India.) Sign up for »»»
LIVE UPDATE: Sirens sound at Turkiye’s Incirlik airbase
Doha, Qatar: Sirens went off at Turkiye’s Incirlik airbase, located near the southeastern city of Adana, according to Turkish state news agency Anadolu. Quoting the Ekonomim business news website, Al Jazeera said the sirens at the airbase, which is a key NATO facility that hosts US troops, went off»»»
Assailant Dead after Ramming Vehicle into Michigan Synagogue
A 41-year-old man was killed Thursday after ramming his pickup truck into a synagogue on the outskirts of Detroit, Michigan, causing a blaze and triggering a huge police response. US media reported the assailant had recently lost family members in an Israeli strike in Lebanon, as part of the ongoin»»»
On This Day, March 13: Trump declares national emergency over COVID-19 - UPI.com
On March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 1 of 4 | President Donald Trump, joined by members of his administration, declares a national emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic during a news conference at the White House in Washingto»»»
US Cannot Determine Whether Its Partners Have Excess Capacity - China
Late on Thursday, the Office of US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that the United States has opened an investigation against China, the European Union, India, and 13 more countries over their trade policies that pose threats to the United States. The United States does not have the right »»»
Lebanon Prepares for Possible Negotiations with Israel: Forming Delegation and Coordinating with Syria
Lebanon has started to make preparations ahead of the possibility of holding direct negotiations with Israel, based on an initiative proposed by President Joseph Aoun to end Israel’s war on Lebanon. Diplomatic and political contacts have also been intensifying amid the rapid developments in Lebanon»»»
US Weather to Go Nuts with Blizzard, Polar Vortex, Heat Dome, Atmospheric River All at Once
Nearly every part of the United States is getting walloped by wild weather or just about to be. Days of downpours have begun in Hawaii. The Southwest will soon bake with day after day of record 100-degree-plus (38 Celsius-plus) heat. Two storms will dump snow by the foot over northern Great Lakes s»»»
Premiers to tackle cost-of-living and security at UK-Ireland summit
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin will attend the second UK-Ireland summit in Cork on Friday with a delegation of government ministers from both sides. Topics on the agenda include how the UK and Ireland can work together to address cost-of-livin»»»
Socialists: Bulgaria's Participation in Board of Peace Contradicts Principles on Which Country's Foreign Policy Is Based
The Executive Bureau of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) issued a statement on Friday, stressing that Bulgaria’s participation in the Board of Peace contradicts the principles on which Bulgarian foreign policy and international relations are based – respect for international law and the UN Chart»»»
Qatar Airways runs limited flights March 13 to 17 amid airspace shutdown
Dubai: Qatar Airways has announced a limited operating schedule for several days in March after the closure of Qatari airspace forced the airline to suspend most flights, leaving thousands of passengers waiting for clarity on travel plans. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balanc»»»
Endowments authority receives QR100,000 donation to support Waqf Al-Wuquf initiative
Doha, Qatar: The General Directorate of Endowments at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has received a new cash endowment worth QR100,000 from a female donor under the supervision of the directorate. The proceeds of the endowment will be allocated to the “Waqf Al-Wuquf” endowment initiative»»»
Gulf land shipping continues uninterrupted: Qatar Post
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Post has announced that its land shipping operations across Gulf countries remain fully operational, ensuring the continued movement of postal and cargo shipments despite current regional circumstances. Director of Direct Services and Customer Service at Qatar Post Jaber Fara»»»
Ancient fort scrambler bike damage 'disrespectful'
The grounds of an historic and protected fort in the Republic of Ireland have been damaged after scrambler bikes were ridden inside its walls. An Grianán of Aileach, a hilltop fort that dates to the 9th Century BC, is one of the most historic sites in County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. The »»»
Parents urged to educate children on response to National Warning System alerts
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has called on parents to play an active role in educating their family members, particularly children, on how to respond appropriately to alerts issued through the National Warning System. In a statement issued amid ongoing regional developments, the mini»»»
Thailand Ready to Start Negotiations With Russia on Oil Supplies - Deputy Prime Minister
The US has authorized the sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products that had been loaded onto tankers by March 12. The license is valid until April 11 and does not apply to transactions involving Iran. Thailand is ready to start negotiations with Russia on oil supplies, Thai Deputy Prime Min»»»
Qatar SC, Al Shamal and Al Duhail win as QSL resumes
Doha, Qatar: Qatar SC dealt a major blow to Al Gharafa’s Qatar Stars League (QSL) title hopes with a 2-0 victory at Al Thumama Stadium as the competition resumed yesterday following a brief disruption caused by regional tensions. Elsewhere, a stoppage-time strike from Pau Prim earned fellow title c»»»
Qatar real estate deal value climbs to QR2.709bn in February 2026
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s real estate sector has witnessed positive momentum in February this year as the total deal value climbed to QR2.709bn showing investor confidence in the country’s economy. The real estate transactions index recorded a total value of QR2.709bn for 508 real estate deals in Februa»»»
Joby, Archer ramp up air taxi certification, production drive
Electric air-taxi pioneers Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation are accelerating efforts to secure regulatory certification and expand manufacturing capacity, as the advanced air mobility sector moves closer to launching commercial passenger flights. Joby Aviation recently began flight testing its fir»»»
Russian crude on 30 tankers awaits buyers in Asian waters
Dubai: Russian crude oil and fuel on about 30 tankers in Asian waters is potentially available for purchase after the US granted a temporary waiver to buy cargoes that were already at sea. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The vessels are carrying at least 19 million bar»»»
New paid parking now active in Dubai neighbourhood
Dubai: Parkin, the emirate’s largest provider of paid public parking facilities and services, has officially implemented public parking in Wasl Village under Code 248W, authorities confirmed. Clear signboards have been installed to mark designated parking areas, helping residents and visitors easil»»»
HIA and Qatar Airways warn passengers against fraudulent accounts
Doha, Qatar: Hamad International Airport (HIA) and Qatar Airways have separately issued urgent public alerts cautioning travellers against fraudulent social media accounts and individuals impersonating the airport and national carrier to solicit sensitive personal information. In a statement posted»»»
State enterprise Tulpar begins assembly of ambulances - | 24.KG
The state enterprise Tulpar has begun assembling ambulances. Tilek Mamadaliev, First Deputy Minister of Health of Kyrgyzstan, said at a joint meeting of two deputy groups. He made the statement in response to deputies’ questions about the rapid breakdown of ambulances in regions with poor roads and»»»
Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert - UPI.com
In this photo taken Wednesday, police stand in front of a promotional video in central Seoul for the upcoming BTS live performance in Gwanghwamun Square. Photo by Yonhap Police vowed Friday to detain any suspects behind possible terror threats targeting K-pop juggernaut BTS' comeback concert set to»»»
US Military Refueling Plane Crashes in Iraq
An American military refueling plane taking part in the operation against Iran crashed in Iraq and rescue efforts were underway, US Central Command said Thursday. It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties. A US official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to»»»
Irrigation water to be charged by cubic meter instead of hectare in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
The payment system for irrigation water will be changed in Kyrgyzstan — charges will now be based on the actual volume consumed (per cubic meter) rather than per hectare of land. Approved tariffs for 2026 were reported to 24.kg news agency by Nurlan Tynaliev, Deputy Director of the Water Resources »»»