Russia’s service sector PMI loses momentum in February, dropping to 51.3
Russia’s service sector PMI lost momentum in February as growth in services eased and manufacturing remained in contraction, according to S&P Global, with inflationary pressures still elevated despite cooling from January’s VAT-driven spike. (chart) »»»
Iranians escape Tehran, arrive in Turkey amid war fears
Dubai: Hundreds of Iranians have begun crossing into neighbouring Turkey as fears grow in Tehran amid the escalating Middle East conflict. Families and individuals were seen arriving at the Kapikoy land border crossing in eastern Turkey, describing a tense and uncertain situation back home. Some tr»»»
Abu Dhabi advances pension payments ahead of Eid holidays
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Pension Fund has announced that pension payments will be brought forward over the next three months to coincide with the approaching Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha holidays. In a statement, the fund said pensions for March will be disbursed on March 16. Payments for April will»»»
Malayalam actress Swasika back in Kerala after being stuck in Abu Dhabi : ‘UAE authorities are doing an excellent job'
Dubai: Malayalam actress Swasika, who had travelled to Abu Dhabi for a dance workshop, has landed in Kerala after taking the repatriation flight. She told local reporters that there was no 'heavy panic situation', as reported by several Malayalam news channels. Everyone was alert and understandably»»»
Thani Humanitarian launches initiative to support loan defaulters
Doha, Qatar: Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services has reaffirmed that its “Al-Gharimeen” (debtors) Project aims to relieve financially distressed individuals burdened by debt due to circumstances beyond their control, such as job loss, sudden health or social crises, or financial»»»
Ramadan inside a Filipino-Pakistani household: A time for reflection, family, and the comfort of home in the UAE
Dubai: As Muslims around the world observe Ramadan, homes are once again filled with the warmth of prayer, the aroma of traditional dishes, and the quiet joy of togetherness. For UAE-based Bhatti family, the holy month is not just about fasting, but rather a season of reflection, gratitude, and nur»»»
Awqaf Ministry sets Zakat Al-Fitr at QR15 per person
Doha, Qatar: The Zakat Fund Department at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has officially announced the value of Zakat Al-Fitr for the year 2026, setting it at QR15 per person. This decision aligns with the Department’s ongoing efforts to organise the collection and distribution of Zakat a»»»
QRCS enhances livelihoods for refugee families in Bangladesh
Doha, Qatar: As part of its efforts to support livelihoods and enhance self-dependence for refugee families in Bangladesh, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has distributed agricultural kits to 400 vulnerable and female-headed households. Implemented in cooperation with Bangladesh Red Crescent Soci»»»
World Bank Chief to Asharq Al-Awsat: No One Can Gauge Fallout of the Regional Escalation
Rising geopolitical tensions are clouding the outlook for growth, inflation and capital flows across the Middle East, raising questions about the region’s ability to absorb fresh shocks. Instability is not good for any region, World Bank President Ajay Banga told Asharq Al-Awsat, saying the scale o»»»
Iraq, caught in the middle, braces for Iran war impact
ConflictsIraqIraq, caught in the middle, braces for Iran war impactCathrin Schaer | Omar AlbamIraq is the only country in the Middle East to be targeted by both sides in the current conflict. There, the war could impact everything from the next government to intercommunal violence and civil servant»»»
Nooruz and Orozo Ait may coincide: How Kyrgyzstan plans to mark double holiday - | 24.KG
According to preliminary calculations, this year the celebration of Nooruz may coincide with Orozo Ait, which — unless adjustments are made based on the lunar calendar — is also expected to fall on March 21. If the third Saturday of March indeed becomes a day of two major holidays, the country will»»»
Rupee sinks to record low against UAE dirham. UAE expats weigh remittance window
Dubai: Indian expatriates in the UAE woke up to a sharp currency shift on Wednesday morning after the Indian rupee touched its weakest level ever against the UAE dirham, opening a potentially attractive window for remittances. (Check live forex rates here) Sign up for our daily business newsletter,»»»
European allies rush to bolster Cyprus defences after drones target British base
European allies are rushing warships and anti-drone defences to Cyprus after a British air base was hit on the island over the weekend. The small Eastern Mediterranean nation has found itself unexpectedly drawn into the aftermath of US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The UK has announced it is sending hel»»»
QRCS enhances livelihoods for refugee families in Bangladesh
Tribune News Network Doha As part of its efforts to support livelihoods and enhance self-dependence for refugee families in Bangladesh, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has distributed agricultural kits to 400 vulnerable and female-headed households. Implemented in cooperation with Bangladesh Red »»»
Ooredoo launches Ramadan offers to connect & reward
Tribune News Network Doha Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading telecommunications provider, has officially announced its 2026 Ramadan campaign under the theme ‘Experience Togetherness This Ramadan’. This year’s initiative focuses on bridging the gap between spiritual reflection and digital connection, providin»»»
Dr Reeno Barg: Advancing women’s health with compassion, expertise
With over 25 years of distinguished service in obstetrics and gynaecology, Dr Reeno Barg has established herself as a trusted name in women’s healthcare across Pakistan and Qatar. Her career reflects a rare combination of advanced clinical expertise and compassionate, patient-centered care. After c»»»
Why schools must teach social and emotional learning
Ask anyone what they remember most about school, and rarely will they begin with a worksheet or a test score. They remember how a teacher made them feel. They remember the classroom where they felt safe enough to ask questions, or the subject they loved because they felt seen and encouraged. Long a»»»
Minnesota files suit against federal government for Medicaid funds - UPI.com
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison testifies during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs oversight hearing in February. Ellison announced Monday that he's suing the federal government for withholding state Medicaid funds. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo March 3 (UPI) -»»»
'Strangely normal': As war rages in Iran, daily life in UAE remains 'orderly, calm'
Genie Godula is pleased to welcome Susan Marie Ossman, anthropologist, artist, historian, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Professor of Movements, Spaces and Cultural Practices Affiliationat NYU Abu Dhabi. As war rages in Iran and across the Middle East, Professor Ossman's classes have moved»»»
Slovenia confronts deep-rooted drinking culture with latest 40 Days without Alcohol campaign
Slovenia has kicked off the 21st edition of its nationwide ‘40 Days without Alcohol’ campaign, inviting citizens across the country to take part in a collective pause from February 18 to April 4, 2026, and reflect on the role of alcohol in their lives. »»»
Big Ticket Abu Dhabi draw postponed amid regional tensions
If you’ve been patiently waiting to see if your Big Ticket will win big this month, you are going to have to be patient a little longer. Big Ticket has postponed its live draw to tomorrow, out of an abundance of caution, it said on its social media channels as regional tensions continue. The big re»»»
Sheikh Hamdan orders early salary payment for Dubai government staff ahead of Eid Al Fitr
Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has directed that the salaries of Dubai Government employees be disbursed ahead of Eid Al Fitr, on 17 March, to enable staff to meet their families’ needs and sh»»»
Nestlé accelerates the future of snacking through global partnership with KitKat and Formula 1
The Romanian snack market is constantly evolving, supported by lifestyle changes and the integration of snacks into daily routines. The bars and tablets sub-segments are performing strongly, while wafers remain the only segment experiencing growth in both volume and value. Chocolate bars and tablet»»»
World Bank financing for ‘Housing for All Egyptians’ initiative to reach $1bn by 2026-end
President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga, has visited a residential project under the presidential “Housing for All Egyptians” initiative in 10th of Ramadan City. During the tour, Banga inspected a model housing unit that has been delivered to beneficiaries and held extended discussions with s»»»
Battered and isolated, Hezbollah drags Lebanon into another war
The Iranian-backed group Hezbollah has fired rockets from Lebanon into Israel for a second day while the Israeli military has sent troops into the south of the country, as Lebanon is dragged into the war between US, Israel and Iran. Israel has also carried out air strikes that have killed dozens of»»»
National Museum of Military History Deputy Director Kostova: Braila Flag Underpins Bulgaria’s Tricolour
The original Braila flag, widely seen as the prototype for Bulgaria’s tricolour, went on display at the National Museum of Military History in Sofia, Deputy Director Deyana Kostova said in an interview for BTA on Tuesday. The relic, which rarely leaves the museum’s storage, was put on display speci»»»
We are safe: Expats commend UAE leadership in uncertain times
Dubai: For many expatriates who have built their lives in the UAE, the past few days have been a reminder of how quickly normalcy can shift, but also of why they continue to feel safe in the country they call their second home. Despite the rising tensions in the wider region, following the conflict»»»
‘All is free of cost’: Meet the UAE-based Indian businessman opening his private farmhouse to stranded travellers
Dubai: Regional airspace disruptions have left thousands of travellers stranded across the Gulf, searching for accommodation while awaiting confirmation on when flights will resume. As of March 2, a limited number of services have gradually resumed. In the meantime, communities across the UAE have »»»
UAE says strategic food stock sufficient for 4 to 6 months
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, announced that the UAE’s strategic stockpile of essential commodities is sufficient to meet market needs for a period ranging between four and six months, thereby ensuring the continued availability of basic goods and price stability even »»»
‘All is free of cost’: Meet the UAE-based Indian businessman opening his private farmhouse to stranded travellers
Dubai: Regional airspace disruptions have left thousands of travellers stranded across the Gulf, searching for accommodation while awaiting confirmation on when flights will resume. As of March 2, a limited number of services have gradually resumed. In the meantime, communities across the UAE have »»»
Give back this Ramadan: ‘Share the Joy, Give a Toy’ returns
Dubai: As the spirit of Ramadan gathers communities together across the UAE, Landmark Leisure has announced the revival of its much-loved campaign to spread happiness among children in need. In partnership with the Emirates Red Crescent and the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IA»»»
Iran: Funeral Held for Scores of Children Martyred in US-Israeli Attack on Minab School
Iran bid farewell to the victims of the deadly strike that targeted an elementary school in the southern Iranian province of Hormozgan during the latest US-Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic. Grieving families and mourners filled the streets on Tuesday morning carrying small coffins an»»»
UAE opens safe air corridors: Airlines to operate 48 flights per hour, says Minister
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has opened safe air corridors in coordination with Gulf countries, with a current handling capacity of 48 flights per hour, as part of measures to ensure continuity of economic and tourism activity amid ongoing regional developments, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy»»»
flydubai partially resumes flights as limited services operate
Dubai: flydubai’s schedule has partially resumed on March 3, with limited flights operating from Terminals 2 and 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The airline said it is prioritising customers who are affected by the disruption. “This is an evolving situation, which we continue to monitor clo»»»
Far from home, Indian students in UAE stay calm, feel safe and choose to remain together
Dubai: For a group of Indian students studying in the UAE right now, the past few days have been unlike anything they expected when they arrived here. Despite all of that, most of them want to stay. They feel safe. And they have no plans to leave. Ask any of them how they are coping, and the answer»»»
We still have no idea where this war is heading
It is only day three of the new war between the United States, Israel and Iran. It is already a regional war, after Iran's decision to attack Arab states who are US allies as well as Iran's neighbours across the Gulf. The United Kingdom has dropped its refusal to allow the US to use its bases. The »»»
Just stay put: Philippines president advises OFWs amid ongoing Middle East tensions
Dubai: As tensions rise across parts of the Middle East, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has advised overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to “stay put” and prioritise safety while efforts to organise repatriation continue. In a briefing, Marcos has noted that the situation on the ground remai»»»
US closes embassies in several Arab countries amid escalating regional tensions
Washington: The United States has shut down several of its diplomatic missions across the Middle East and Gulf, and ordered non-essential staff and their families to leave some countries, amid ongoing regional military tensions. The US embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was closed on Tuesday, with al»»»
US closes embassies in several Arab countries amid escalating regional tensions
WASHINGTON: The United States has shut down several of its diplomatic missions across the Middle East and Gulf, and ordered non-essential staff and their families to leave some countries, amid ongoing regional military tensions. The US embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was closed on Tuesday, with al»»»
Philippine schools in Middle East remain safe amid blatant Iranian aggression
Dubai: Philippine schools overseas (PSOs) across the Middle East remain safe and operational despite escalating tensions involving Iran, according to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). The assurance has been issued as several countries in the region have heightened security measures in res»»»
Drones hit U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia; non-emergency staff ordered out of Bahrain, Kuwait - UPI.com
March 3 (UPI) -- Suspected Iranian drones have struck the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense said early Tuesday, as the United States orders all non-emergency personnel to evacuate Bahrain and Kuwait amid Tehran's continued retaliation strikes targeting U.S. assets and Israe»»»
Demand Remained Strong in Saudi Arabia's Non-oil Business in February, PMI Shows
Growth in Saudi Arabia's non-oil private sector slowed slightly in February, a survey showed on Tuesday, although demand remained strong. The seasonally adjusted Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) slipped to a reading of 56.1 in February from January's 56.3, but remained well »»»
A Look at Some of the Contenders to Be Iran’s Supreme Leader After the Killing of Khamenei
Iran's leaders are scrambling to replace Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who ruled the country for 37 years before he was killed in the surprise US and Israeli bombardment. It's only the second time since the 1979 revolution that a new supreme leader is being chosen. Potential candidates range from ha»»»
UAE airports, airlines issue urgent advisory for UAE travellers on special flights
Dubai: Limited flight operations are gradually resuming at UAE airports, with the US-Israel war on Iran and the ensuing backlash entering its fourth day. However, authorities and airlines are urging passengers not to travel unless they have received direct confirmation from their airline. Access to»»»
Indonesia earthquake: Magnitude 6.1 tremor strikes off Sumatra island
Banda Aceh: Indonesia: A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off the Indonesian island of Sumatra on Tuesday, according to the US Geological Survey, rattling residents but causing no serious damage. The quake originated offshore from Sumatra's northeastern tip, authorities said, prompting people to fle»»»
Video: US Embassy in Riyadh hit by Iranian drones
Dubai: The United States Embassy in Riyadh was struck by two Iranian drones early Tuesday, sparking a small fire and causing minor damage, according to Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry. Images from the scene showed limited impact at the compound in the Saudi capital. The embassy announced it would r»»»
Peaceful memorial rally in support of people of Iran held in Bishkek - | 24.KG
A memorial rally to show solidarity with the Iranian people was held in Bishkek near the Embassy of Iran. The event brought together Kyrgyz civil society activists who expressed their condolences to the families of those killed as a result of U.S. and Israeli military aggression. Around forty peopl»»»
Egypt’s Non-Oil Private Sector Contracted in February as Costs Rose
Egypt's non-oil private sector output contracted in February for the first time in four months, as demand softened and cost pressures intensified, S&P Global reported on Wednesday. The headline Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 48.9 in February from 49.8 in January, remaining below the 50.0»»»
Strong Quake Hits off Indonesia’s Sumatra Island
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off the Indonesian island of Sumatra on Tuesday, according to the US Geological Survey, rattling residents but causing no serious damage. The quake originated offshore from Sumatra's northeastern tip, authorities said, prompting people to flee outdoors in a region »»»
Awqaf General Directorate continues support for children with autism
Doha, Qatar: The General Directorate of Endowments at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Qatar Autism Society to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and enhance their quality of life. The announcement wa»»»