Government greenlights Sidi Bou Said protection project, fast-tracks university upgrades
Tunis, April 18 (TAP) - The Major Projects Committee approved, during its meeting held on Saturday in Kasbah under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, the assignment of the project “Protection of the Sidi Bou Said hill from...»»»
Partly cloudy skies with local fog late Saturday night in western regions
Tunis, April 18 (TAP) - The weather on Saturday night will be characterized by partly cloudy skies across the country, with the possibility of local fog forming late at night, especially in western regions.Winds will blow from the north, gradually...»»»
Egypt steps up efforts to shield startups, SMEs from global headwinds: MSMEDA chief
Bassel Rahmy, CEO of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), said state entities are working in close coordination to mitigate the impact of global economic challenges on startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt. He added that efforts are also focu»»»
Al-Sisi reviews housing, infrastructure projects, urges strict adherence to timelines
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi stressed on Saturday the importance of adhering to defined timelines for the completion of housing and infrastructure projects, while removing obstacles facing investment in the sector, according to a presidential statement. During a meeting with Housing Mini»»»
Egypt accelerates hospital upgrades, puts up urgent overhaul plan for Matrouh
Egypt is stepping up the pace of ongoing healthcare projects and has put up an urgent plan to upgrade hospitals in Matrouh ahead of the summer season, the Ministry of Health said. In a statement, the ministry said Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar met with representatives of the Interior Ministr»»»
Al Khulaifi meets officials on the sidelines of Antalya Diplomacy Forum
ANTALYA: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met separately on Saturday with officialson the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Dr Al Khulaifi met withMinister of Foreign Affairs of the Plurinational State of Bolivia HE Fern»»»
Pope Leo XIV flies to Angola, says he is not debating Trump - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Pope Leo XIV waves during a welcome ceremony at Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda, Angola, Saturday. The Pope is on an 11-day trip to Africa, with stops in Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. Photo by Jose Sena Goulao/EPA April 18 (UPI) -- Pope Leo XIV said h»»»
1 in 4 files online is exposing your data
Abu Dhabi: The Cyber Security Council (CSC) has warned that around 25 percent of publicly accessible files contain sensitive personal data, urging users to adopt secure practices when sharing files online. In its weekly message under the “Cyber Pulse” awareness campaign, the Council highlighted the»»»
Dh30m UAE Lottery: Draw results released – did your numbers come up?
Dubai: In Saturday’s Dh30 million UAE Lottery’s Lucky Day draw, many participants have taken home cash prizes. During Draw No. 260418, the winning numbers in the Days section were 17, 11, 1, 20, 15, and 3, while the Months section winning number was 12. Additionally, three residents have each bagge»»»
Leon fires Sundowns into African Champions League final
Pretoria: Colombian Brayan Leon was the match-winner again for Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa on Saturday, April 18, 2026, scoring in a 1-0 CAF Champions League semi-final second leg win over Esperance of Tunisia. The 25-year-old, who joined the Pretoria club from Independiente Medellin three mo»»»
Lightning strikes claim 12 lives in Bangladesh
Dhaka: A series of lightning strikes killed 12 people in six districts of Bangladesh on Saturday. The majority of the lightning fatalities occurred in rural areas where people were working on their farmlands, local sources said. Deaths due to lightning strikes are common in Bangladesh during this t»»»
No permit, no Hajj: No matter the visa
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has introduced a strict set of measures ahead of this year’s Hajj season, warning that all visit visas, regardless of type, do not permit holders to perform the pilgrimage, as authorities intensify efforts to regulate access to Mecca and protect pilgrims. The Ministry of Interio»»»
President Saied marks 70th anniversary of Tunisia’s Internal Security Forces
Tunis, April 18 (TAP) - President Kais Saied on Saturday chaired at the Carthage Palace, a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the internal security forces.The Head of State delivered an address to senior officials,...»»»
Jordan’s Safadi: New Syria determined to rebuild state and avoid conflict
Antalya, April 18 (SANA) – Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Saturday that the new Syria is determined to rebuild its state and avoid entering into any conflict, stressing that countries around the world support Syria’s stability and sovereignty over all its territory. Speaking during»»»
Sofia Police Seize over 10 Kg of Fentanyl Worth EUR 500,000 Since Start of 2026
Sofia police have seized over 10 kg of fentanyl since the beginning of the year, the Interior Ministry said. Five investigations are underway and five people have been detained on suspicion of distribution. The seized quantity is equivalent to around 40,000 doses, with one dose averaging 0.25 grams»»»
At least 5 killed after gunman opens fire in Ukrainian capital
Kyiv, Ukraine: Five people were killed in Kyiv on Saturday, April 18, 2026, after a gunman opened fire and took hostages at a supermarket in the Ukrainian capital before being killed during an arrest attempt, officials said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that at least 10 people were h»»»
5.4-magnitude quake hits south of Kermadec Islands: GFZ
Beijing: An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 jolted south of Kermadec Islands at 1603 GMT on Saturday, the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences said. The epicenter, with a depth of 10 km, was initially determined to be at 32.11 degrees south latitude and 177.91 degrees west longitude.»»»
Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem tackles the latest developments in a televised speech tonight at 09:00 PM (Beirut Time) - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem tackles the latest developments in a televised speech tonight at 09:00 PM (Beirut Time) 18-0»»»
Turkmenistan, China Launch Expansion of World’s Second-largest Gas Field
Turkmenistan and China broke ground Friday on works to expand production at the giant Galkynysh gas field, strengthening Beijing's already dominant position in the secretive Central Asian nation's energy sector. The former Soviet republic, which holds the world's fourth-largest gas reserves, has ex»»»
CBE explains March 2026 inflation uptick amid rising food, service costs
Annual urban headline inflation accelerated to 15.2% in March 2026, up from 13.4% in February, according to the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE). The increase was driven by rising food and non-food inflation, with food inflation climbing to 5.8% from 4.6%, while non-food inflation rose to 21.5% from 19.»»»
Ahmed Fouad appointed head of SME Committee at FEB
The Federation of Egyptian Banks (FEB), chaired by Mohamed El-Etreby, has approved the appointment of Ahmed Fouad as head of its SME Committee, in a move aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of specialised committees and renewing their leadership. The appointment comes as part of ongoing efforts to»»»
Southern Lebanon residents return home to devastation after ceasefire
After the ceasefire in Lebanon, displaced families are returning to heavily damaged towns like Nabatieh, where homes, businesses and essential services have been devastated by the war. Residents face a mix of relief and trauma as they begin to rebuild their lives, relying on aid for basic needs whi»»»
Iran closes Hormuz Strait again over US blockade with ships mid-transit
Iran's military declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again on Saturday, its military command said, hours after reopening it and with more than a dozen commercial ships passing through the vital waterway. The toing and froing over the strait cast doubt on US President Donald Trump's optimism the day»»»
Hormuz domino effect: How the Middle East crisis affects food, flights and global supply chains
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz triggered by the war in the Middle East hasn't just affected oil prices. Despite a provisional reopening during the current 10-day ceasefire, global supplies of jet fuel, fertilisers, industrial CO2 and naphtha have already been affected, potentially leading to s»»»
Middle East : What to expect from the truce between Lebanon and Israel ?
The United States and Israel announced on Thursday evening that a ceasefire agreement had been reached in Washington between Lebanon and Israel, following historic direct talks between the two countries. Dany Moudallal, a journalist at the Lebanese daily L’Orient-Le Jour, spoke to France 24 to anal»»»
Middle East : Fragile US-Iran talks hinge on nuclear and Hormuz disputes
US-Iran negotiations show limited progress but remain tense, with disputes over enriched uranium and the Strait of Hormuz still unresolved. Donald Trump warns the conflict could resume if no deal is reached, while mediators say compromises may still be possible on nuclear restrictions.»»»
The Gaza Strip grapples with a major garbage, health crisis
In Deir al-Balah, displaced families are living next to growing rubbish piles as destroyed infrastructure forces authorities to rely on unsafe temporary dumps. Across the Gaza Strip, poor sanitation and pest infestations are raising serious health concerns despite limited humanitarian aid.»»»
French soldier killed in attack on UN mission in southern Lebanon, officials say
A French soldier was killed and three others wounded while clearing a road in southern Lebanon in an attack that UNIFIL peacekeepers and French officials said on Saturday was likely carried out by Iran-backed Hezbollah. In calls with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam»»»
Strait of Hormuz : Iran to block transit until US lifts its blockade
Tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, with Iran briefly reopening the Strait of Hormuz before closing it again after around 20 hours. Tehran says the US is not respecting the terms of the agreement reached, casting further doubt on the fragile deal. Meanwhile, negotiations are still ongoing»»»
Turkey’s economy hit as Syrians return home
Since the end of the war in Syria last year, many Syrians have left Turkey to return home. Of the 3.6 million refugees living in the country, more than half a million are believed to have already gone back. These departures are weakening the Turkish economy, which relies heavily on low-cost labour,»»»
UNIFIL sheds light on southern Lebanon attack that killed French soldier
A French soldier was killed in southern Lebanon on Saturday 18, while serving with UNIFIL, the United Nations peacekeeping force. UNIFIL deputy spokesperson Tilak Pokharel was FRANCE 24’s guest this afternoon to explain what happened and what is currently known about those responsible.»»»
$27 Billion City to be Built East of Cairo
Egypt's Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG) will build a new 1.4 trillion Egyptian pound ($27 billion) mixed-use city east of Cairo, CEO and Managing Director Hisham Talaat Moustafa said at a press conference on Saturday. The project, called The Spine, is to be developed in partnership with the National B»»»
Eye on Africa - Day 5 of Pope's African tour
Day 5 in Africa for Pope Leo the 14th. In the midst of a pause in the ongoing violence in Cameroon, the Pope headed to Douala after the city of Bamenda, to celebrate a Mass. Also It's now more than 48 hours since Million Beyene disappeared without a trace. And Literature takes centre stage in the F»»»
Cameroon: Pope Leo's pointed message to Biya
No Pope has spoken to Paul Biya this way.As Cameroonians grow fearful of their futures, #PopeLeo’s pointed message against tyranny is necessary, explains Father Jean-Luc Enyegue.More on #F24Debate ➡️ https://go.france24.com/iyu»»»
Ethiopia journalist abduction sparks press freedom fears
The managing editor of one of Ethiopia’s last independent media outlets remains missing after being kidnapped by masked men inside the Addis Standard newsroom on Wednesday. Ethiopia, already one of the biggest jailers of journalists in sub-Saharan Africa after Eritrea, is seeing a renewed crackdown»»»
National Security Forces , pillar of modern state [update 1]
Tunis, April 18 (TAP)- Tunisia is observing on Saturday the 70th anniversary of National Security Forces under the slogan "Commitment, Belonging and Loyalty." April 18 is a symbolic date to celebrate an institution, established shortly after...»»»
Iranian VP Says Control of Hormuz Will be Secured One Way or Another
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iran will seek full control over the Strait of Hormuz either through negotiations or on the battlefield, Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said on Saturday. "Iran will pursue the right to control the Strait of Hormuz either at the negotiating table or on the battlefield,"»»»
Palestinian martyred by Israeli occupation forces' gunfire in southern Gaza Strip
Gaza: A Palestinian was martyred on Saturday, April 18, 2026, after being shot by Israeli occupation forces in the southern Gaza Strip. Medical sources said the Palestinian was martyred following gunfire by Israeli occupation forces targeting civilians north of Rafah city in southern Gaza. Earlier,»»»
Spotlight - Renzi urges ‘European strategy’, denounces Trump's ‘global chaos’ and populism of Orbán and Meloni
Gavin Lee is pleased to welcome former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. Italy's former head of state offers an in-depth, insightful and thought-provoking reading of contemporary geopolitics, European cohesion, and leadership ethics. Speaking from the vantage point of a former leader of a major »»»
Spain's Sanchez, Brazil's Lula lead global gathering of left-wing leaders against far-right rise
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are set to co-chair a gathering of left-wing leaders in Barcelona on Saturday aimed at countering the rise of the far right and strengthening democratic institutions. The meeting brings together figures from acro»»»
US issues sanctions waiver on Russian oil sales again
The Trump administration on Friday issued a one-month sanctions waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded at sea, despite the treasury secretary indicating two days earlier that Washington would not renew the measure. The move comes amid efforts to ease global en»»»
Pope vs Trump: Has the week of tension weakened the US president?
A week of escalating tensions has unfolded between Donald Trump and the Vatican, after Trump insulted the Pope on social media following remarks on peace in the Middle East. His behaviour shocked audiences worldwide and reignited debate over his mental health. The feud has further exposed divisions»»»
How Filipino workers in UAE can claim $200 financial assistance
Dubai: Filipino workers in parts of the UAE whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the ongoing situation in the Middle East are set to receive temporary financial relief, following a new advisory issued by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Under the programme, q»»»
Women-led natural perfume projects expand in Syria
Damascus, April 18 (SANA) Natural perfume production in Syria is expanding through home-based projects led by women who have turned traditional skills into small businesses, combining heritage craftsmanship with economic necessity. The craft of perfume-making involves extracting and blending scents»»»
Bayern close in on Bundesliga title as Dortmund lose
Berlin: Bayern Munich moved closer to the Bundesliga title after Borussia Dortmund fell to a 2-1 loss at Hoffenheim on Saturday, while pioneering Union Berlin coach Marie-Louise Eta lost on her debut in the dugout. Second-placed Dortmund's defeat leaves Bayern, who host Stuttgart on Sunday, 12 poin»»»
Arab Book Award submissions open until May 28
Doha: The Arab Book Award announced that submissions for its fourth edition will remain open until May 28 via its official website. Launched by Qatar in March 2023, the award honors authors, publishers, and institutions contributing to Arabic book production. This year's categories include linguist»»»
Interior, Justice Ministers urge security forces to uphold professionalism and rule of law
Tunis, April 18 (TAP) - Interior Minister Khaled Nouri and Justice Minister Leïla Jaffel called on internal security forces to continue carrying out their duties with professionalism, in full respect of rights, freedoms and the law, on the occasion...»»»
Trump signs order to speed research on psychedelics for mental health - UPI.com
1 of 3 | President Donald Trump signs an executive order on researching the effects of psychedelic drugs in mental health treatment on Saturday, in the Oval Office. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., podcast host Joe Rogan, Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, and retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell were»»»
A leader before his time, what British officials wrote about Sheikh Mohammed in the 1960s will surprise you
Dubai: Long before Dubai’s transformation into a global hub, British officials were already documenting the emergence of a young Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as a “born leader,” according to official records dating back to the late 1960s. The papers, produced by government departments in L»»»
Thousands of Central Asia-bound trucks stuck in Azerbaijan due to war-hit Iran’s border closure
Thousands of trucks bound for the countries of Central Asia are stuck in the Caspian Sea port town of Alat in Azerbaijan because of border closures applied by war-hit Iran. Truckers normally enter northern Iran from Turkey»»»