FM launches electronic portal to document missing and detained Syrians abroad
Damascus, Apr. 19 (SANA) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates on Sunday launched an electronic portal titled “Missing/Detainee Report,” marking a new gateway of hope aimed at ending the suffering of thousands of Syrians. The initiative targets individuals who, over the past fourteen year»»»
Israel Re-Establishes Evacuated West Bank Settlement
Israeli ministers on Sunday officially reopened Sa-Nur, a settlement in the occupied West Bank that was evacuated 20 years ago, marking the occasion with defiant declarations against Palestinian statehood and calls to resettle Gaza. Several cabinet members and lawmakers attended the ceremony near a»»»
'Burned Apartment Block in Tirana to Be Fully Rebuilt, Residents to Receive Rent Support'
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced financial support and a full reconstruction plan for residents affected by a recent apartment fire in Tirana that left dozens of families without homes. Speaking on the “Flasim” podcast, Rama confirmed that the building will be entirely rebuilt by the »»»
Sharjah Coop braces for back-to-school shopping wave
Sharjah : As families across the UAE prepare for a return to in-person schooling after a prolonged period of distance learning, Sharjah Coop has reported a noticeable shift in consumer behaviour, marked by increased early planning and heightened readiness among households. Faisal Khaled Al Nabooda,»»»
Video: UAE flag-raising unites faiths at BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: People of different faiths including Emirati officials joined hands at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on Sunday to showcase their deep gratitude, unity, and solidarity with the leadership and people of the UAE in a special UAE flag-raising ceremony. The BAPS Hindu Mandir officially r»»»
Dubai launches Foster Families Committee to advance alternative care system
The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai convened the third meeting of the Foster Families Committee, with the participation of representatives from several relevant government entities, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the alternative care ecosystem and enhance collaborative »»»
Lebanese Army restores road, bridge damaged by Israeli strikes
Lebanon's military said Sunday it had reopened a road and bridge damaged by Israeli strikes in the country's south, as a 10-day truce holds between Hezbollah and Israel. In a statement, the military said it "fully reopened" a road linking the city of Nabatieh with the Khardali area, and had "partia»»»
IMF, World Bank Meetings Show Limits in Mitigating Shocks, Reliance on US for Solutions
Global finance leaders, whipsawed by Middle East war news, came to grips this past week with their inability to mitigate the economic damage from increasingly frequent geopolitical shocks, and a realization that counting on US leadership to resolve crises is no longer the guarantee it had long been»»»
200 Homes destroyed, hundreds displaced in Malaysia’s sandakan fire
Kuala lumpur: A fire that broke out Sunday morning, April 19, 2026, destroyed approximately 200 stilt houses in the Kampung Bahagia water village of Sandankan, Malaysia. Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station chief, Jimmy Lagung, said that firefighting operations are still underway and the blaze has not »»»
India’s economic growth outlook remains strong in spite of headwinds
Doha, Qatar: India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and rapidly transforming into an engine of global growth. During the 2000-2025, which includes the volatile years of the Global Financial Crisis and the Covid-pandemic, the average growth rate for the South-Asian giant was 6.3»»»
Israeli Reservist Killed, 9 Others Wounded by Explosive in Southern Lebanon
Israeli occupation army announced on Sunday a reservist was killed and nine others were wounded, including one seriously, after being hit by an explosive device in southern Lebanon a day earlier. The slain soldier was named as a sergeant first class reservist of the 769th “Hiram” Regional Brigade’s»»»
Lebanese Army Restores Road, Bridge Damaged by Israeli Strikes
Lebanon's military said Sunday it had reopened a road and bridge damaged by Israeli strikes in the country's south, as a 10-day truce holds between Hezbollah and Israel. In a statement, the military said it "fully reopened" a road linking the city of Nabatieh with the Khardali area, and had "partia»»»
Video: Hot Wheels thrills Doha with high-octane family experience
Doha, Qatar: Motorsport excitement has continued to shift into high gear as Qatar Calendar presents the adrenaline-charged Hot Wheels experience, bringing one of the world’s most iconic toy brands to life in an immersive, family-friendly event. Being held until May 2, at the Katara Village South Pa»»»
Obama joins NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani for playful Bronx reading session
Former US President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani shared a light-hearted moment on Saturday during a visit to a child care centre in Bronx, where they read to children and joined a singalong. The pair met for the first time at the Learning Through Play Pre-K Center, engaging w»»»
French UNIFIL soldier killed in Lebanon, Hezbollah responsible, says Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the death of a French UN peacekeeping soldier Saturday following an attack that also left three people wounded in southern Lebanon, saying that "everything suggests" Hezbollah being responsible for the attack. The Iran-backed group denied involve»»»
At least five dead in Kyiv shooting, suspected gunman killed
At least five people were killed in a shooting Saturday in a residential neighborhood of Kyiv, and 10 were hospitalized, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced. The suspected gunman was shot during an arrest attempt, officials said. A gunman opened fire in Kyiv on Saturday, killing at lea»»»
Sudan’s war leaves thousands of children alone and displaced
Sudan is entering its fourth year of civil war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, a conflict the UN calls the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with children among the main victims. In Darfur and beyond, thousands are displaced, many separated from their families, facing hunger, viol»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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.»»»
Middle East tensions and global slowdown cloud Panama outlook as IMF flags inflation risks
Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are feeding through into global macroeconomic expectations, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warning of a broad-based slowdown and renewed inflation pressures that are already shaping Panama’s near-term outlook. »»»
Iran now offering tax relief to families with three or more children
Iran has announced tax exemptions for families with three or more children under the country's Family Support and Youth Population Law, state media reported on April 18. The announcement comes as the Islamic Republic's tot»»»
Dubai’s resilience faces its toughest global test yet
Dubai: Dubai has, over the past two decades, demonstrated a consistent ability to navigate global financial crises and a pandemic. The current climate, however, feels distinct. There is a palpable gravity to today’s global headlines, yet on the ground in the UAE, the atmosphere remains one of focus»»»
Lebanon president, PM discuss readiness for Israel talks
Beirut, Lebanon: Lebanon's president and prime minister discussed on Saturday, April 18, 2026, preparations for the first direct negotiations with Israel in decades, as southerners headed home after the ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war. In a statement, the office of President HH Joseph Aoun sa»»»
Lebanon President, PM Discuss Readiness for Israel Talks
Lebanon's president and prime minister discussed on Saturday preparations for the first direct negotiations with Israel in decades, as southerners headed home after the ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war. In a statement, the office of President Joseph Aoun said he and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam »»»
Leader Hails Iran’s Army for Courageously Defending Country against Aggressors
In a message on Saturday marking Iran’s Army Day, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei hailed the country’s army for courageously defending the nation in the recent imposed war, just as it did in previous imposed wars. He said the army of the Islamic Republic of Iran h»»»
Over 25,000 join ‘Your Nation Is Fortified’ race in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: More than 25,000 people from across society took part on Saturday in the “Your Nation Is Fortified” race in Abu Dhabi, in a strong show of unity, cohesion and social solidarity across the UAE. The race began at Wahat Al Karama and ended at Erth Abu Dhabi (Armed Forces Officers Club & Hot»»»
Back to school mode on in the UAE: All the key updates
Dubai: As schools across the UAE reopen their doors, families are once again slipping into familiar routines, from early morning alarms to last-minute school shopping. The return marks a renewed sense of normalcy after nearly 50 days of distance learning mandated amid regional tensions linked to th»»»
QNB sees India's economy sustaining growth above 6 percent despite global headwinds
Doha, Qatar: Qatar National Bank (QNB) expects the Indian economy to maintain robust growth despite global challenges and geopolitical volatility, projecting that strong domestic fundamentals will keep expansion above 6%, reinforcing its position among the world's fastest-growing major economies. I»»»
Iran Says It Reasserted Control of Strait of Hormuz, Citing US Piracy and Blockade - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Iran Says It Reasserted Control of Strait of Hormuz, Citing US Piracy and Blockade 18-04-2026 13:38 PM The spokesperson for the Khatam al-A»»»
Defiant Return: Displaced Families Head Back to Beirut’s Southern Suburbs Despite Widespread Destruction
Displaced Lebanese continue to return to Beirut’s southern suburbs following the cessation of Israeli aggression and the implementation of a ceasefire, after weeks of offensives that subjected the area to hundreds of airstrikes. During the offensive, the southern suburbs were hit by hundreds of air»»»
Dubai Police distribute UAE flags to boost community spirit
Dubai: Dubai Police have launched a community drive to celebrate national identity by distributing UAE flags to residents across several neighbourhoods. The initiative is part of the “Proud of UAE” campaign, introduced under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice»»»
Paramount's CinemaCon charm offensive gets lukewarm reception
Las Vegas: Paramount Skydance was on a charm offensive at CinemaCon this week, trying to convince theater owners that its megabucks deal to swallow Warner Bros. would be good for the industry. A glitzy promotional film narrated by Tom Cruise ended with the world's most bankable movie star sitting a»»»
Classroom return or remote learning? Inside Abu Dhabi’s school reopening plan
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has conducted extensive field inspections across private schools in the emirate to assess their readiness for either a return to in-person learning or the continuation of remote education. The move underscores the authority’s commitment to »»»
‘We’ve lost a lot’: Lebanese residents return to bombed-out homes in south Beirut
Residents on Friday began to return to their homes in Beirut's southern suburbs after a 10-day truce between Israel and Lebanon came into effect. For many, Israel's relentless bombing campaign has left little to go back to. In cars and on motorbikes, people trickled back into Beirut's southern subu»»»
Myanmar’s president commutes death sentences, cuts Aung San Suu Kyi’s jail term
Min Aung Hlaing, leader of Myanmar’s junta and last week installed as the country’s “civilian president”, has issued a blanket order to commute all death sentences, and reduce all prison sentences under 40 years by one-sixth. The military junta resumed executions after ousting the since imprisoned »»»
Suspect in 1982 Paris Jewish restaurant attack extradited to France
A suspect in the 1982 Paris Jewish restaurant attack that killed six people was extradited to France on Thursday by the Palestinian Authority. Hicham Harb, now 72, was detained on arrival in Paris and is due to face formal proceedings over one of the country’s deadliest post-war antisemitic attacks»»»
Modon unveils final phase of Tara Park on Reem Island with flexible payment plan
Modon has announced the release of the final phase of its Tara Park development on Reem Island, marking the completion of a residential project that has already demonstrated strong market demand following its initial launch. Strategically located near two of the island’s main access bridges, the fi»»»
Lebanese residents who returned to bombed-out homes in south Beirut found out they” lost a lot” – Ya Libnan
Share: Photo- Blackened buildings and burned-out cars… scenes from Beirut’s southern suburbs. © Fadel Itani, AFP Residents on Friday began to return to their homes in Beirut’s southern suburbs after a 10-day truce between Israel and Lebanon came into effect. For many, Israel’s relentless bombing ca»»»
CC Only Party Offering Concrete Support for Families and Young People, CC Chair Vassilev Says
Continue the Change (CC) is the only party offering concrete measures to support families with children and young people in its election programme, Assen Vassilev, CC chair and top-of-the-list candidate of the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria coalition for Haskovo’s 29th and Plovdiv City’s»»»
Iran Reopens Strait of Hormuz, but Trump Says Blockade on Iranian Ships and Ports Will Stay in Force
Iran said Friday it fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels, but President Donald Trump said the American blockade on Iranian ships and ports “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with the US, including on its nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragh»»»
Association Rejects "Misinterpretation" of Data on Supply of Unregistered Medicines
The Association of Importers of Unregistered Medicinal Products for Rare Diseases Treatment has issued a statement objecting to what it describes as a misinterpretation of data on the supply of unregistered medicines. The statement was sent to the media in response to information presented by Deput»»»
Hezbollah Parliamentary Bloc Warns Lebanese Authority against Dangers of Direct Talks with Israeli Enemy
Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc issued on Friday a statement that underlined how the authorities in Lebanon endangered the nation and its integrity by holding direct negotiations with the the Israeli enemy. The Lebanese authority has involved the nation in a stage that endangers its existence as a s»»»
No more 'anting-anting' politics: Why the Philippines urgently needs a Whistleblower Protection Law
MANILA: In Philippine folklore, the agimat or anting-anting is a talisman believed to make its bearer bulletproof, invisible to enemies — or mysteriously protected from harm. In modern Philippine politics, some officials seem to wear a different kind of anting-anting: impunity. Also Read: Flood con»»»
Philippines pushes Oman to drop HIV certificate rule for Filipino travellers
Dubai: The Philippines has formally raised concerns with the Omani embassy in Manila over a requirement for a negative HIV medical certificate imposed on certain Filipino travellers heading to Oman. In a statement, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has noted that it made “strong re»»»
UN: More than 38,000 women, girls killed in Gaza war by end of 2025
Geneva: Over 38,000 women and girls were killed in the Gaza war by the end of 2025, the UN estimated Friday, amounting to over half of the 71,000 deaths recorded by the territory's health ministry. "Between October 2023 and December 2025, more than 38,000 women and girls were killed in Gaza -- the »»»
Bulgaria's April 19, 2026 Early Parliamentary Elections: Backgrounder
Bulgarians at home and abroad are going to the polls on Sunday to elect their new lawmakers. These will be the country's eighteenth parliamentary elections since the start of democratic changes in 1989 and the seventh snap ones in a row since 2021. The Election Code that regulates the process was a»»»
Dubai: Is distance learning still an option? KHDA explains flexible return to schools
Dubai: Most schools across the UAE are set to welcome students back to classrooms from Monday, ending more than 40 days of distance learning introduced in response to regional conflict linked to the US-Israel Iran war. However, while campuses reopen, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said school tran»»»
Etihad adds First suites, lie-flat seats on all India flights
Abu Dhabi: Travellers flying from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai and Delhi in India will experience improved travel comfort. UAE’s national carrier Etihad Airways announced Friday that it plans to introduce the game-changing Airbus A321LR twice daily to these two Indian cities, complementing two daily wide-bo»»»