Food security: Why Guterres’s UN plan to get fertiliser flowing in Hormuz is stalling
The United Nations is pushing its proposal for a humanitarian corridor to get fertiliser and other essential goods through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blocked since the start of the Iran war. This plan, which FRANCE 24 has seen, has yet to be approved by several countries.»»»
Israel army returns dozens of Israeli settler activists who entered Syria
JERUSALEM: The Israeli military said it apprehended and returned dozens of Israeli civilians who had briefly crossed into Syria on Wednesday, with Israeli media reporting that the group were activists from a settler organization.The military said around 40 people gathered near Israel’s northern bor»»»
Best Buy names Jason Bonfig as new CEO, hoping for sales boost - UPI.com
Best Buy announced on Wednesday that Jason Bonfig will take over as the company's CEO. File Photo John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo April 22 (UPI) -- Best Buy announced its new CEO will be Jason Bonfig, who has worked as the company's chief customer, product and fulfillment officer, to replace Cor»»»
Kalba families to receive support in rental dispute cases
Sharjah : Families in Kalba facing court rulings over rental disputes are set to receive targeted financial support under a new agreement between Sharjah Charity International and Kalba Municipality. The initiative centres on fast-tracking assistance to residents in financial distress, using a coor»»»
Sharjah Ruler launches Al Qawasim digital application, platform
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday morning launched Al Qawasim application and digital platform, dedicated to documenting the history of Al Qawasim family. The launch took place at Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre in the presenc»»»
Qatar Winter Sports Committee and Years of Culture Launch 2026 Winter Sports Development Programme
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Winter Sports Committee (QWSC), in collaboration with Years of Culture, is set to launch a year-round programme of winter sports development initiatives as part of the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture partnership. This marks a major step in expanding winter sports»»»
Lebanon to Request One-month Truce Extension in Israel Meeting
Lebanon will request a one-month extension of the ceasefire during its meeting with Israel in Washington on Thursday, a Lebanese official told AFP. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity given the sensitive nature of the topic, said "Lebanon will request an extension of the truce for one»»»
dnata commits A$32 million to new Sydney cargo hub
Dubai: Dubai-based dnata will invest around Dh77 million (A$32 million) to build a new cargo terminal at Western Sydney International Airport, strengthening air freight capacity in Australia’s busiest logistics corridor. The global air and travel services provider said the purpose-built facility wi»»»
From survivor to supporter: Abu Dhabi-based expat offers free autism assessments to UAE families
Dubai: For many parents in the UAE, the first signs of developmental delay in a child can bring uncertainty and often, hesitation. This Autism Awareness month, Abu Dhabi-based Filipina expatriate Lilac Schonberg is working to remove that hesitation by offering free applied behaviour analysis assess»»»
Greece to make cost-of-living payments to families, seniors
Athens: Greece's conservative government on Wednesday announced special payments to seniors and families with children, and the extension of a fuel subsidy for farmers, to help counter a cost-of-living crisis. The aid worth hundreds of millions of dollars came as the country's parliament voted on w»»»
UAE Indian consular services to shift from BLS to Alhind from July 1
Abu Dhabi: Indians in the UAE will need to use a new service provider for passport renewals, visa applications, and other consular services from July 1, after tour and travel firm Alhind Tours and Travels won a three-year contract to replace the long-standing operator BLS International. The Embassy»»»
KSrelief extends healthcare, food aid to thousands across crisis zones
Riyadh: The mobile clinics of Saudi aid agency KSrelief in Hairan district of Yemen’s Hajjah governorate provided medical services to 472 beneficiaries in one week. The facilities handled infectious disease cases and provided emergency, internal medicine, and reproductive health services, the Saudi»»»
Europe's €24bn energy shock: What the EU's emergency plan means for you
Dubai: The European Commission has launched a sweeping energy emergency package after the conflict in the Middle East pushed the bloc's fuel import costs up by €24 billion — without delivering a single additional unit of energy. The European Commission on Wednesday unveiled a broad package of emerg»»»
Will Iran war reshape global trade more than COVID?
TradeGlobal issuesWill Iran war reshape global trade more than COVID?Nik MartinAs the Iran war simmers, trade experts wonder if this conflict will reshape supply chains more than the pandemic. Companies are already rethinking strategies to future-proof revenues from other geopolitical risks. https:»»»
Lufthansa cuts 20,000 summer flights to save jet fuel costs – What's next for European airlines
Dubai: Lufthansa Group has slashed 20,000 flights from its summer schedule in a bid to cut jet fuel costs as the Iran conflict pushes jet fuel prices sharply higher, the airline announced late Tuesday. The move by the German aviation giant is now setting the tone for what could be a turbulent seaso»»»
Saudi Arabia has strong financial buffers to confront Iran war impact: IMF Middle East director
RIYADH: “This is a multidimensional shock.” That is how Jihad Azour, director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund, summed up the bleak outlook gripping the region, describing the current war as an earthquake not seen in geopolitics and economics for fiv»»»
World’s oldest doctor recognized by Guinness Book of Records
Doha, Qatar: Dr Howard Tucker has been officially recognised as the world’s oldest doctor ever, following a remarkable medical career that spanned more than seven decades and continued almost until his death at the age of 103. Late Dr. Tucker, from Cleveland, Ohio, practised medicine from 1947 to 2»»»
Appeals court rules Texas can require Ten Commandments in school - UPI.com
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, seen here in April 2024, celebrated an appeals court ruling on Tuesday in favor of Senate Bill 10, which mandates public schools to display the Ten Commandments in all classrooms. Pool File Photo by Justin Lane/UPI | License Photo April 22 (UPI) -- A U.S. appeals »»»
Iran Demands Release of Touska Vessel, Crew
Iran called on the UN to require the US to immediately release the commercial vessel Touska and its crew after a US military attack near the Iranian coast in the Sea of Oman. In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council president on Tuesday, Iran’s ambassador Amir S»»»
Specialized Tour at Berlin Zoo Brings Joy to People Living with Dementia
Christel Krueger peered through thick glass and murky water at the Berlin Zoo, staring in awe at a mother hippopotamus and her child sleeping on a sandbar. Krueger, 86, and her daughter were on a specialized zoo tour last month for people who live with dementia that was organized by Malteser Deutsc»»»
China Unveils Plan to Make Cities More Youth, Child Friendly
China has issued a new proposal urging cities to integrate youth development into urban planning, housing, healthcare, education and public services, in a broader push to make urban life more supportive for young people, children and families. The blueprint, jointly issued by 15 departments and re»»»
UK inflation rises in March as prices at pump spike higher after Iran war
Inflation in the U.K. climbed in March after a sharp jump in prices at the pump in the wake of the disruption to energy supplies caused by the Iran war, official figures showed Wednesday. The Office for National Statistics said the annual consumer price inflation rate increased to a three-month hig»»»
UK Inflation Jumps in March as Middle East War Propels Energy Prices
Britain's annual inflation rate jumped to 3.3 percent in March as the Middle East war sent oil and gas prices surging, official data showed Wednesday. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increased from 3.0 percent in the 12 months to February, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement. "In»»»
DMCC bets big on Uptown Dubai with new twin office towers
Dubai: Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) announced the launch of new commercial towers in Uptown Dubai, adding more than 560,000 square feet of luxury office space as demand from finance and technology firms gathers pace. The twin developments — One Uptown Place and Two Uptown Place — will take»»»
Charting a Course Through the US Tariffs Ripple Effect
As the dust settles from the latest economic upheaval triggered by the US under President Trump’s administration, the world finds itself grappling with unprecedented market volatility and investor panic. The sweeping tariffs on imports from over 180 countries have set off a chain reaction of econom»»»
Israel Destroys Infrastructure in Southern Lebanon to Prevent Residents’ Return
Israel is escalating its campaign in southern Lebanon beyond direct military operations, pursuing what Lebanese officials describe as a systematic destruction of infrastructure, particularly in villages along the so-called “Yellow Line.” Hospitals, schools, and water, electricity and telecommunicat»»»
Khalifa Fund launches on-the-spot funding for entrepreneurs
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development is taking part in the first edition of the Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival, where it launched a new initiative aimed at supporting business owners with faster access to funding. The event, held at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center from April 20 to 22, br»»»
On This Day, April 22: Zacarias Moussaoui pleads guilty to Sept. 11, 2001, attacks - UPI.com
On April 22, 2005, Zacarias Moussaoui, the only man charged in the United States in connection with the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison. 1 of 8 | Courtroom artist Andrea Shepard leaves the courtroom after Zacarias Moussaoui pleaded guilty to co»»»
‘YoC with Canada, Mexico: A platform for diplomacy’
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s 2026 Year of Culture (YoC) with Canada and Mexico is emerging as a dynamic platform for international cultural diplomacy, fostering long-term partnerships and people-to-people connections, according to Years of Culture Advisor on Latin American Affairs, Mohammed Al Kuwari. Spea»»»
QRCS launches livelihood project to empower Gaza youth
Doha, Qatar: In partnership with the Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is implementing a livelihood project to help improve the economic conditions of the people of Gaza. Dr. Akram Nassar, head of QRCS’s representation office in Gaza, expla»»»
Sidra Medicine unveils Qatar’s first advanced gene-editing therapy for blood disorders
Doha, Qatar: A major step forward in treating inherited blood disorders in Qatar Sidra Medicine a member of Qatar Foundation is now offering a new gene therapy to eligible patients. The hospital has been qualified by Vertex Pharmaceuticals to administer Casgevy, a one-time treatment designed for pa»»»
IMF Managing Director Praises Bulgaria for Anti-Crisis Measures amid Energy Crisis
In an interview for BTA, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised Bulgaria's smooth accession to the eurozone, as well as its policy in response to the energy crisis that followed the military conflict in the Middle East. Following the spring meetings of the »»»
Planning for an Eid Al Adha getaway from UAE? Book now or pay more closer to date
Dubai: Planning for an Eid Al Adha getaway? Book now or pay more as your travel date approaches. That is the clear message from UAE travel agents, as strong demand, limited flight capacity and rising fuel costs combine to keep airfares elevated in the weeks ahead. With Eid expected to fall between »»»
War with Pakistan halts school for Afghan border children
BARIKOT, Afghanistan: There are no children in the Afghan border village of Barikot, where the school has been smashed by shells and the playground sits deserted after weeks of war with Pakistan. Almost all of the 8,000 residents fled after the conflict erupted in late February, but AFP journalists»»»
Israeli soldiers sexually assaulting Palestinians to force them from West Bank homes – report
Israeli soldiers and settlers are systematically using sexual violence and harassment to force Palestinians from their homes in the occupied West Bank, according to a report by the West Bank Protection Consortium – a group of international humanitarian organizations. The report, published on Sunday»»»
COMMENT: Rising pressures on Iranians in the UAE
For over a century, the geographical gap between the southern coast of Iran and the bustling ports of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was less a barrier and more a bridge. However, the recent war on Iran by the US and Israel and Iran's response to GCC neighbours has all but burnt that bridge. »»»
COMMENT: Rising pressures on Iranians in the UAE
For over a century, the geographical gap between the southern coast of Iran and the bustling ports of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was less a barrier and more a bridge. However, the recent war on Iran by the US and Israel and Iran's response to GCC neighbours has all but burnt that bridge. »»»
COMMENT: Rising pressures on Iranians in the UAE
For over a century, the geographical gap between the southern coast of Iran and the bustling ports of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was less a barrier and more a bridge. However, the recent war on Iran by the US and Israel and Iran's response to GCC neighbours has all but burnt that bridge. »»»
Qatar Charity boosts food security in Chad’s refugee camps
Tribune News Network Doha With the support of generous donors, Qatar Charity (QC) has distributed food baskets to refugee families in Gaoui camp in Chad, benefiting 656 households. The assistance was part of ongoing humanitarian efforts to ease daily hardship and strengthen food security amid one o»»»
QRCS empowers Gaza youths to earn their living
Tribune News Network Doha In partnership with the Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is implementing a livelihood project to help improve the economic conditions of the people of Gaza. Dr. Akram Nassar, head of QRCS’s representation office i»»»
Rate of depression in United States continues at higher level - UPI.com
People gather in November 2024 in New York City. A new Gallup poll shows 19.1% of U.S. adults say they’re depressed or are receiving treatment for depression, which translates to about 51 million people in the country. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo April 21 (UPI) -- In the first »»»
Colliers: Logistics market is entering an adjustment phase after the record year 2025
In a more positive note, leasing for manufacturing operations saw a much more positive result, Colliers consultants note, explaining that although confidence remains slightly below its usual average, Romania ranks mid-table across Europe, indicating a degree of resilience within the parts of the in»»»
Azour to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Has Strong Financial Buffers to Confront War Impact
“This is a multidimensional shock.” That is how Dr. Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund, summed up the bleak outlook gripping the region, describing the current war as an earthquake not seen in geopolitics and economics for five de»»»
SPLC: Justice Department investigating the civil rights organization - UPI.com
The Southern Poverty Law Center announced the Department of Justice is investigating it for its past use of paid informants. File Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo April 21 (UPI) -- The Southern Poverty Law Center announced via YouTube Tuesday that it is now the target of an investigation b»»»
Bulgaria is not going ‘pro-Russia’ – the EU is just paranoid
After eight snap elections in five years, Bulgaria’s Rumen Radev, a 62-year-old reform-minded pragmatist with much political (he’s a former president) and military (he's also a former general) experience has just managed to gain an absolute majority of seats in the national parliament. It is, accor»»»
India firecracker warehouse blaze kills eight: police
A firecracker storage facility in southern India caught fire on Tuesday, killing at least eight people, police said, the second such incident in three days. Nakul Rajendra Deshmukh, police chief in Kerala state's Thrissur district, told AFP that rescue operations were "over" after the deadly fire, »»»
UAE resilience built on unity and preparedness, says Maitha Al Shamsi
The UAE’s approach to crisis is not reactive but carefully designed, with resilience built into its systems long before challenges arise, Maitha Mohammed Al Shamsi, CEO of the Community Empowerment Sector at the Community Development Authority in Dubai, said on Tuesday. Speaking at the Tristar pres»»»
7,900 people died, disappeared on migration routes in 2025: UN
GENEVA: Around 7,900 people died or disappeared on migration routes in 2025, taking the total dead and missing since 2014 beyond 80,000, the United Nations’ migration agency said Tuesday. The UN’s International Organization for Migration said people were being forced into dangerous, irregular journ»»»
UAE’s resilience mirrors strength of women leaders, says Ajman Free Zone chief
The UAE’s ability to adapt, endure and move forward in uncertain times reflects the very qualities that define strong leadership, Ismail Al Naqi, Director General of the Free Zones Authority of Ajman, said on Tuesday, drawing a parallel between the nation’s resilience and the role of women shaping »»»
In south Lebanon’s Nabatieh, residents fear a return to war
NABATIEH, Lebanon: Outside her gutted home in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh, Zainab Farran, who recently lost two members of her family in Israeli strikes, keeps her clothes packed in a car in case the temporary truce between Hezbollah and Israel does not last. She returned to the city with her famil»»»