TradeGermanyChina shock: Will Merz take on Germany's top rival?Nik MartinChancellor Friedrich Merz is scrambling to defend German industry from the economic upheaval caused by intense rivalry from China. Momentum is building for fresh trade barriers to stop unfair trade practices. https://p.dw.com/»»»

It was May 1999, and US Army sergeant Andrew Ramirez had been held captive for over a month by Yugoslav forces, enduring days of dark confinement and interrogations. Just a few weeks earlier, Ramirez and two other soldiers had been on a routine patrol near the Macedonian-Yugoslav border during the »»»

Dubai: After 20 years of discovering singing talent across India, Indian Idol, the iconic music reality show has finally packed its bags and gone international, and Gulf News was given exclusive access to it. The reality show cast and crew landed in Abu Dhabi earlier this week to film special episo»»»

School bus driver Ali al-Dorr averts his gaze every time he passes the rubble of his son's home -- destroyed by an Israeli strike in south Lebanon despite a year-old ceasefire. Though his son managed to evacuate in time, the attack left notebooks, papers and furniture strewn among the debris of the»»»

Dubai: The UAE is set to add around 390,000 new homes by 2030, marking one of the largest residential expansion cycles in recent years, according to a new industry report. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The first-ever Alpen GCC Real Estate 2026 report by Alpen Capital»»»

This Ramadan, ibis Doha invites families, friends, and corporate groups to gather for a thoughtfully curated Iftar Buffet at Charlie’s Corner, a tradition that has become a familiar part of the city’s Ramadan dining scene over the past four years. Priced at QR99 per person, with children aged 4 to »»»

As the new moon is sighted and nights grow quieter, Ramadan gently unfolds as a season of reflection, connection, and shared rituals. This year, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas invites guests to experience Ramadan Under the Same Moon, a soulful journey where distance fades, time slows, and toget»»»

Dubai: Emirates Skywards is marking Ramadan with a major rewards campaign, giving members the chance to win a share of 2 million Skywards Miles. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.In a statement issued on February 18, a day after Ramadan was announced in the UAE, the loya»»»

As Ramadan approaches, a time marked by reflection, togetherness, and shared meals after sunset, Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach introduces Grand Iftar Nights, offering a relaxed and distinctive Iftar experience for Doha’s diverse community. Hosted at bāzār, the Iftar unfolds in a warm, welcoming»»»

Doha, Qatar: Thani bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services received three generous donations: a philanthropist donated QR1m, a female philanthropist donated QR1m, and a third donation of QR800,000 was also received, bringing the total value of the three donations to QR2.8m. The three dono»»»

Deputy Kamila Talieva stated in Parliament that the number of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and speech delays is rapidly increasing in Kyrgyzstan, calling the situation a tragedy not only for individual families but for the entire state. According to Talieva, the main concern is the»»»

As the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches, Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North invites guests to gather and celebrate the spirit of the season at its signature Ramadan tent, Layali Ramadan, offering an elevated Iftar and Suhoor experience under one roof.Running from 17 February until 19 March, “Layal»»»

A rare inherited disorder affecting brain development and muscle strength has been officially named after an Abu Dhabi-based specialist at Burjeel Medical City, marking a milestone for the UAE’s medical research community. The condition, now known as El-Hattab-Schmidts syndrome, was identified thro»»»

Doha, Qatar: United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl and Gewan Islands, has announced the launch of the fourth edition of The Pearl Ramadan Bazaar, taking place throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan along the waterfront at Porto Arabia (1 to 5 La Croisette) and Qanat Quar»»»

Kyrgyzstan is preparing for the possible importation of various infectious diseases into the country, Deputy Minister of Health and Chief State Sanitary Doctor, Ryspek Sydygaliev, said on Birinchi Radio. According to Sydygaliev, the Republican Center for the Prevention and Control of Especially Dan»»»

Dubai: Emirates Group confirmed that its Chief Financial and Group Services Officer, Michael Doersam will step down from his role at the end of June 2026. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.In a statement to Gulf News, the company said, “We can confirm that Michael Doersa»»»

Two victims shot dead at a high school ice hockey game in Rhode Island have been identified as the suspect's ex-wife and son, police said on Tuesday. Robert Dorgan - who police said also went by the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgan - was found dead inside the Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtuc»»»

Dubai: Today, the UAE marks the first day of Ramadan after the official moon-sighting committee confirmed the holy month will begin on Wednesday, February 18. The arrival of Ramadan brings one of the most significant shifts in daily traffic patterns seen all year. For the next 30 days, roads across»»»

Millions of dual nationals worldwide are suddenly facing a rush to obtain or renew British passports after the UK government tightened entry rules for people holding more than one citizenship. Many have been caught out by upcoming changes to passport rules for dual nationals, which are due to kick »»»

In today’s fast-paced world, where children are exposed to information, opinions, and influences from every direction, one timeless practice remains deeply powerful - meaningful conversations at home. The foundations of character, resilience, and responsibility are not built in teenage years. They »»»

Manila: In a game-changing move, the government has unleashed a major policy tweak allowing a 100% electricity subsidy for poorest Filipino families. Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos recently unveiled the "auto-enrollment" scheme for millions of target beneficiaries -- families unde»»»

Warning: This report contains accounts of sexual assault and violence that some readers may find distressing. Ramia was preparing for a family picnic, on a warm summer day in her village in Latakia province in western Syria, when a white car drove up, she said. Three armed men got out, saying they »»»

Tribune News Network Doha As part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is working with Qatar’s Gaza Reconstruction Committee to distribute canned beef to displaced families across the blockade. This food aid is part »»»

Tribune News Network Doha Reaffirming its commitment to supporting communities most in need worldwide, Qatar Charity (QC) has delivered a package of special humanitarian assistance to Burkina Faso, aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening community resilience. The aid was formally re»»»

Ajman: Efforts to enhance inmates’ welfare and rehabilitation programmes at Ajman’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Institution have received strong praise from Brigadier Abdullah Saif Al Matrooshi, director general of Police operations at Ajman Police, who highlighted a series of development initi»»»

The Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation (KSQF) has reached more than 36,000 beneficiaries across Morocco, Mexico and Zanzibar in 2025, expanding its international humanitarian work to strengthen child protection systems and address rising risks of exploitation, violence and harm aff»»»

Eleven people were killed in multiple strikes on three alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, the US military says. Officials said that of the 11 "male narco-terrorists" killed, four died on the first vessel in the Eastern Pacific, four on a second vessel also in the E»»»

1 of 3 | Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he will not allow Australians who moved to Syria to join an ISIS caliphate repatriate to Australia, even though they are mostly women and children and didn't choose to travel there. File Photo by Bianca De Marchi/EPA Feb. 17 (UPI) -- A group »»»

Abu Dhabi: Leaders of the UAE have extended their congratulations to citizens, residents and Muslims around the world as Ramadan begins on Thursday, marking the start of a month of fasting, reflection and community. UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: “With the arriv»»»

Police have identified the suspect in a shooting at a high school ice hockey game in Rhode Island that killed two people and injured three others. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said Robert Dorgan, who also used the name Roberta and the surname Esposito, died of an apparent self-inflicted gu»»»

Dubai: The UAE will host around 20 Muslim scholars during the holy month of Ramadan at the expense of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to lead nationwide religious programmes. Dr Omar Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, sai»»»

Syria began evacuating remaining residents of Al-Hol camp, which long housed relatives of suspected Islamic State group fighters, as it empties the formerly Kurdish-controlled facility, two officials told AFP. Al-Hol, located in a desert region of Hasakeh province, had been Syria's largest camp hou»»»

The UAE is preparing to welcome Ramadan 2026 with a wide-ranging set of measures aimed at preserving the spiritual and social character of the holy month while ensuring business continuity across public and private sectors. Authorities across the country have introduced flexible working arrangement»»»

As Catholics prepare to mark Lent starting from tomorrow, February 18, Pope Leo XIV has called on Church members to listen, fast, and come together in a shared journey of faith. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, when a mass will be held followed by the marking of the ashes on the forehead. The whole se»»»

Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova welcomed the graduates of the Class of 2025 of the Faculty of Medicine at Medical University of Sofia at a formal diploma award ceremony for newly qualified doctors on Tuesday. “Goodness is part of humanity and lies at the heart of the medical profession”, Iotova s»»»

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Tuesday inspected the impoverished northern city of Tripoli, accompanied by Minister of Social Affairs Hanin El Sayed, kicking off his visit by meeting with families temporarily residing in building of the Lebanese University’s Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Manage»»»

Dubai Police have completed preparations to fire the traditional Ramadan cannons that will announce the sighting of the holy month’s crescent, with the main cannon positioned in the Nazwa area alongside six additional locations across the emirate. The initiative is being carried out in coordination»»»

Dubai: NKEY Architects, an international full-cycle architecture and design company, behind more than 500 residential and commercial projects across over 45 countries, has announced the relocation of its global headquarters to Dubai, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s next phase of growt»»»

The total volume of real estate transactions in 2025 reached approximately EUR 525 million, almost 30% below the EUR 750 million recorded in 2024, according to the annual report published by real estate consultancy Colliers. Romanian investors were the main source of capital on the local property m»»»

PETROHAN Mediapool reported that a group of 10–12 men on ATVs were in the area of Petrohan lodge hours before the deaths of three of its residents, citing testimony from Deyan Iliev, the man who found the bodies, “confirmed by the media outlet’s sources.” He spotted them in the nearby village of Gi»»»

Abu Dhabi: Passengers travelling between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi are facing disruption after Etihad Airways confirmed cancellations and delays due to an “unplanned industrial action.” Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The airline said in a travel update, “Etihad Airways fl»»»

Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Lebanon: MP Salam Vows Tripoli Rehabilitation, Defends Tax Raise 17-02-2026 12:41 PM Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam at Tripoli Port (February 17, »»»

Know about CDA’s Ramadan initiatives in Dubai Dubai: The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai has launched more than 12 initiatives during Ramadan as part of its participation in the citywide “Season of Wulfa” campaign, reinforcing efforts to strengthen family cohesion and foster a more c»»»

Saudi Arabia will roll out real estate market indicators in the first quarter of this year and expand the Real Estate Market Balance program to all regions of the Kingdom, following its initial implementation in Riyadh, Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail announced on Monday. Al-»»»

Amid heavy Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, armed gangs carried out kidnappings and executions of Palestinians on Monday in areas controlled by Hamas, west of the so-called “yellow line” separating Israeli forces from the Palestinian movement. According to local sources, Sunday’s strikes against Ham»»»

Continue the Change on Tuesday categorically and unconditionally rejected all allegations of any “interference” on its part in the serious criminal case related to Petrohan Lodge and Okolchitsa. In a statement issued by the party’s press centre, it said such claims are not merely untrue but constit»»»

Dubai: The streets of Dubai Investments Park (DIP) were transformed into a vibrant "sea of green" this past Sunday as more than 3,500 participants gathered for the fifth edition of the Dubai Investments Green Run. The milestone event, held on February 15, 2026, marked half a decade of promoting env»»»

Dubai: A militant assault on a joint security checkpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district in Pakistan left 11 security personnel dead, while security forces killed at least 12 militants, according to the military’s media wing. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said mi»»»

Dubai: The Dubai Government Human Resources Department has announced official working hours for government entities during the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH, in a move aimed at promoting work-life balance and enhancing quality of life in line with the “Year of the Family” initiative. Under the circ»»»

Israeli occupation forces continued their incursion into the city of Salfit on Tuesday, deploying throughout its neighborhoods and streets amidst heightened military measures. Israeli occupation forces attack multiple Palestinian homes past midnight while storming the town of Tuqu, southeast of Bet»»»