UK withdraws Tehran embassy staff as concern grows over threat of US strikes
The UK has temporarily withdrawn staff from its embassy in Tehran, as the threat of US strikes against Iran prompts warnings from a number of countries to their citizens in the Middle East. The UK Foreign Office said it was a "precautionary measure" and that its embassy in Iran's capital continued »»»
Cuba accuses US of failing to curb expat militancy
The US has failed to curb militants on American soil seeking to overthrow the Cuban government, officials in Havana have said, commenting on a deadly shootout this week involving a boat allegedly stolen in Florida. According to Cuban accounts, a patrol vessel intercepted a boat carrying armed indiv»»»
U.S. pulls staff from Israel as negotiations continue with Iran - UPI.com
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said in an email to embassy workers that the decision to authorize some staff to leave followed a series of overnight calls and meetings. File Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI | License Photo Feb. 27 (UPI) -- The United States is pulling some non-emergency staff an»»»
UAE issues new travel advisory for citizens abroad
Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued updated travel guidance for Emirati citizens, urging them to take precautionary steps to ensure their safety and that of their families while abroad. The ministry advised travellers to check that their passports remain valid for at least s»»»
Who Is Sangeeta Sornalingam? Vijay’s wife who filed for divorce after 25 years of marriage
Dubai: Tamil film and political circles are in shock as their beloved actor-politician Vijay saw his wife of 25 years file for divorce. While Vijay is a public figure, the attention has now turned to a woman who has largely stayed away from the spotlight: Sangeeta Sornalingam. Unlike most celebrity»»»
Garangao 2026: Venues to celebrate at
Doha, Qatar: Garangao is a cherished tradition celebrated across the Gulf region. In Qatar, it marks the midway point of the holy month of Ramadan. The day serves as a celebration and encouragement for children, rewarding them for fasting for half of the holy month of Ramadan. Dressed in vibrant tr»»»
371,000 benefit from ‘Our Fasting Guests’ in first week of Ramadan
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has announced that 371,050 people benefited from the “Our Fasting Guests” iftar initiative during the first week of Ramadan. For Ramadan prayer timings, click here. According to the Centre, 204,130 fasting individuals were served at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in »»»
Far-right prejudice now ‘normalised’ across Europe, warns EU anti-racism chief
Racism across Europe is not only about speeches by extremists or headline-grabbing scandals — but also what is repeated and normalised in political discourse and down into everyday life, warns Michaela Moua, the European Commission’s anti-racism coordinator. For nearly five years, Moua, a Finnish f»»»
Simple blood tests can predict Alzheimer's onset, researchers say - UPI.com
Alzheimer's disease researchers say they have developed a way to predict when a unimpaired person may develop dementia symptoms within three to four years through a single blood test. File Photo by EPA ST. PAUL, Minin., Feb. 27 (UPI) -- A team of U.S.-based scientists say they have developed a mode»»»
TCL reinforces performance-driven home entertainment with QD-Mini LED innovation in UAE
Dubai: TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the world’s No. 1 Mini LED TV brand, as the official Worldwide Olympic Partner, is continuing its efforts to advance performance-driven home entertainment across the UAE, reinforcing how large-screen innovation must go beyond size to deliver t»»»
US Authorizes the Departure of Some Embassy Personnel from Israel Due to Safety Risks
The United States has authorized the departure of some embassy personnel and their families from Israel due to safety risks, the US embassy said in a post on X on Friday. It said the US embassy could further restrict US government employees and their families from travelling to certain ar»»»
'They seized everything': Yemen's Houthi rebels drive aid groups to the brink
Amina has been fighting to keep alive what's left of her humanitarian lifeline in Yemen. She feels heartbroken to see the aid group she founded years ago falling apart. "I remember how 1,600 poor families were deprived of cash because the Houthis insisted on getting a share of the money," she says.»»»
Weather alert: Is a cold wave hitting UAE this week? Here's what forecasters say
Dubai: Residents across the UAE are in for a significant shift in weather conditions as a powerful cold spell sweeps through the Emirates. According to the latest NCM (National Centre of Meteorology) update, a surface low-pressure system backed by an upper-level trough and a deep cold air mass is s»»»
UDC launches The Pearl Island Ramadan Padel Tournament with 32 teams
DOHA: Continuing its established Ramadan sporting tradition, United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, has officially launched the third edition of The Pearl Island Ramadan Padel Tournament for Men, taking place from February 22 to March 3, 2026. T»»»
Apparel Group brand Steve Madden's Ramadan campaign inspires generosity
During Ramadan, hearts grow softer and communities draw closer, as they get together in shared meals and prayers. It is a time when generosity becomes a responsibility and extends beyond families and neighbourhoods to touch lives that are not in the spotlight. This year, Apparel Group and Steve Mad»»»
New Zealand’s ex-prime minister Jacinta Ardern now based in Australia
Wellington: Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has moved to Australia after a stint in the United States, national broadcaster RNZ said, joining record numbers of her compatriots moving across the Tasman. Ardern won international acclaim for her handling of the pandemic, although her »»»
ISIS Intensifies Lone Wolf Attacks in Syria
The ISIS extremist group has intensified its lone wolf attacks against security forces and the army in Syria, especially in its eastern provinces, such as Raqqa and Deir Ezzor. Al-Ikhbariah Syria reported that the attacks intensified after the state’s security and political achievements across the »»»
U.S. envoy says detainee swap in Sweida marks step toward stability
New York, Feb. 27 (SANA) U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said Friday that the detainees and captives exchange carried out in Syria’s southern province of Sweida was an important step toward stability. In a post on X, Barrack said the United States helped facilitate the swap, which was cond»»»
‘Mahaseel’ illuminates Katara evenings during the holy month
Doha: The Mahaseel Festival continues its activities in Katara Village, located in the southern part of the Cultural Village, amidst a vibrant Ramadan atmosphere and a remarkable turnout of visitors. The festival offers a comprehensive experience that blends heritage and family-oriented elements, t»»»
Global Debt Climbs to Record $348 Trillion At End of 2025
Global debt climbed to a record $348 trillion at the end of 2025, after nearly $29 trillion was added over the year in the fastest yearly build-up since the pandemic surge, the Institute of International Finance said in its latest Global Debt Monitor. The jump in 2025 is no longer linked to the pos»»»
Philippines, US, Japan planes drill over Bashi Channel
The Philippine, US and Japanese militaries conducted joint exercises this week over the Bashi Channel that separates the Philippines from Taiwan, officials said Friday. Aircraft from the three nations patrolled over the Philippines' northernmost Batanes islands in drills aimed at showcasing their "»»»
Qatar condemns attacks on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab provinces in Pakistan
DOHA, Feb 26 (KUNA) -- Qatar expressed on Thursday its condemnation of the attacks that took place in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which resulted in several deaths and injuries.In a statement, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Q»»»
Sudan's War Puts Charity Kitchen Workers Feeding Displaced Families at Risk
Enas Arbab fled Sudan's western region of Darfur after her hometown fell to Sudanese paramilitary forces, taking only her year-old son with her and the memory of her father, who was killed, she said, simply for working at a charity kitchen serving people displaced by the fighting. The Rapid Support»»»
Kenyan police arrest man accused of trafficking fighters for Russia’s war in Ukraine
Kenyan authorities on Thursday arrested and charged a man for trafficking 25 Kenyans to Russia last year to fight in Moscow's war in Ukraine. More than 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, the government revealed last week, after families began protesting the disappeara»»»
How UK eVisa rules will make travel different for UAE residents, VFS Global clarifies
Dubai: From 25 February 2026, most people applying for a UK visa will move to a fully digital system, as the British government completes a major shift away from physical visa stickers. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The new eVisa programme, introduced by UK Visas and»»»
Pearl-inspired Ramadan experience unveiled at Mandarin Oriental, Doha
Ashraf Siddiqui On the sidelines of the Second Alumni Award Night, Thomas Kinsperger, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Doha, shared insights into how the luxury property has thoughtfully reimagined its Ramadan experience this year at Baraha Square. Kinsperger explained that this season’s conce»»»
Iran-Backed Gaza Factions Face Financial Strain, Fear Collapse
Field commanders and activists from Iranian-backed Palestinian factions in Gaza warn of a potential “complete collapse” as a worsening financial crisis comes amid signs of a possible US strike on Tehran. Nearly two years of Israeli war in Gaza, along with strikes extending to Lebanon, Iran and part»»»
Instagram to alert parents if teens search for self-harm and suicide content
Parents using Instagram's child supervision tools will soon receive alerts if their teen repeatedly searches for suicide or self-harm related terms on the platform. It is the first time parent company Meta will proactively alert parents to searches by their child on Instagram for harmful material, »»»
Hillary Clinton to testify before closed House committee on Epstein - UPI.com
1 of 5 | Secret service personnel and local law enforcement prepare to do a security sweep of the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center where Bill and Hillary Clinton are to be deposed by the House Oversight Committee regarding the Epstein probe in Chappaqua, N.Y., Thursday. Former Secretary of State Hi»»»
Could DHL deliveries soon be made by UAE-built drones?
Abu Dhabi: Global logistics firm DHL Express has signed a deal to explore using delivery aircraft built by an Abu Dhabi-based drone manufacturer in its regional operations. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.DHL Express and LODD Autonomous have signed a Memorandum of Unde»»»
Soaring cost of food and other staples squeezes Iranians as threat of US attack looms
Every day, Iranians go to stores and find prices rising. Some post photos on social media of the shrinking contents of their shopping carts as they struggle to buy enough basic staples for their families. The mounting cost of living is an extra weight bearing down as Iranians prepare for a possible»»»
Great American Exodus: Citizens Flee High Costs & Chaos For Safer Shores
In 2025, for the first time since the Great Depression, the US experienced negative net migration, according to analysis by The Wall Street Journal and a Brookings Institution report. There was a significant drop-off in entries to the US in 2025 relative to 2024.2025 net migration was estimated bet»»»
Dubai Police Iftar cannon draws crowds in cherished Ramadan tradition
Dubai Police’s traditional Iftar Cannon has once again become a major community attraction during the holy month of Ramadan, drawing large crowds of residents and visitors who gather daily to witness one of the UAE’s most cherished traditions. Families have been flocking to fixed and mobile cannon »»»
'People are getting poorer': How Iran's struggling economy is changing how families live
"We used to eat out twice a month," says Marjan, who lives in Iran's second largest city, Isfahan. "Now we just can't. We have to save that money to pay the rent." For the last six years, she had been selling wooden crafts and keyrings through a page on Instagram - one of hundreds of thousands of I»»»
UAE expresses solidarity with Brazil, conveys condolences over victims of heavy rains, landslides
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with Brazil over the victims of heavy rains, flooding, and landslides in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, which resulted in dozens of deaths, injuries, and missing persons, as well as significant damage. In a statement, the Min»»»
Cyber fraud on the rise in UAE: Official warns public
Abu Dhabi: Dr Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Government Cybersecurity Council, has warned the public about online fraud schemes that use fake videos and social media accounts to trap victims and demand large sums of money. Speaking during the third Ramadan majlis on drug prevention,»»»
How British retailer Marks & Spencer became part of Filipinos’ giving culture
Dubai: After nearly 40 years, British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) is set to close all its stores in the Philippines on May 2 this year. Following the announcement, Filipinos have expressed their sentiments on how the merchant became part of their shopping culture. M&S first opened in the Philipp»»»
Qatar condemns attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab provinces of Pakistan
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar expressed its condemnation and denunciation of the attacks that occurred in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which resulted in deaths and injuries. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of»»»
Veranda Mall secures EUR 36 million loan from CEC Bank
CEC Bank has granted EUR 36 million in financing to Veranda Obor SA, the owner of Veranda Mall. The facility will be used to refinance existing exposure, support the project’s development plans and, for the first time, enable capital distributions to shareholders. The new financing follows a solid »»»
Merz Says Germany, China Must Overcome Trade Gaps 'Together'
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz ended his two-day visit to China on Thursday in the tech hub of Hangzhou, identifying "challenges that we must overcome together" after meeting President Xi Jinping and announcing an Airbus deal. Merz's first official visit to China came as Berlin and Beijing seek t»»»
Tesla’s self-driving tech is now being tested in Abu Dhabi
Dubai: US electric vehicle maker Tesla’s Advanced Self-Driving technology is now being tested on roads in Abu Dhabi, under driver supervision, marking a first for the emirate. With the support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) is overs»»»
Russia, Ukraine exchange soldiers' remains under deal
MOSCOW, Feb 26 (KUNA) -- Head of Russia's delegation for talks on Ukraine Vladimir Medinsky announced Thursday that Moscow handed over the remains of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers to Kyiv.In return, Russia received the remains of 35 of its servicemen under previously agreed humanitarian understandings b»»»
Indian expat who won Dh5 million UAE Lottery not to quit Dubai job
Dubai: An Indian expat who won the first Dh5 million prize in the UAE Lottery has revealed his profession and his dreams post the windfall that he is going to share with a friend. In an exclusive interview, Murugananth Govinthan, 43, told Gulf News he has no intention of quitting his job and his fi»»»
Over 20,000 families may receive housing under State Mortgage Program in 2026 - | 24.KG
In 2026, more than 20,000 apartments are expected to be handed over to citizens in Kyrgyzstan under Menin Uyum program, implemented by presidential decree. Kylchbek Keldibekov, head of the Sales Department at the State Mortgage Company of Kyrgyzstan, announced on the air of Birinchi Radio. Accordin»»»
Indian expat who won Dh5m UAE Lottery not to quit job in Dubai
Dubai: An Indian expat who won the first Dh5 million prize in the UAE Lottery has revealed his profession and his dreams post the windfall that he is going to share with a friend. In an exclusive interview, Murugananth Govinthan, 43, told Gulf News he has no intention of quitting his job and his fi»»»
You can fly to India from the UAE for under Dh300 during Eid, but there’s a catch
Dubai: Travellers flying between the UAE and India can book one-way ‘lite’ fares starting from Dh323, India’s Air India Express announced as it launched its monthly ‘PayDay Sale’ across domestic and international routes. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The limited-time»»»
More than 700 brands to offer up to 75% discounts at Sharjah Ramadan Nights 2026
Sharjah: Expo Centre Sharjah is set to host the 43rd edition of the “Ramadan Nights 2026” exhibition from March 6 to 22, as part of the Sharjah Ramadan Festival, organisers said. The exhibition will span more than 18,000 square metres and is expected to attract over 150,000 visitors. More than 210 »»»
QFFD delegation visits projects in Seychelles
Doha: A delegation from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) recently conducted an official visit to the Republic of Seychelles to review the progress and community impact of the Glacis Housing Units Project, one of the country’s key social housing initiatives supported by Qatar. The project, located »»»
QFFD, QRCS distribute vital aid to affected families in Guinea-Bissau
Doha, Qatar: A joint delegation from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has visited the Republic of Guinea-Bissau to supervise operations and distribute Qatari humanitarian aid to hundreds of families affected by the recent humanitarian crises and natural disast»»»
Aman launches Ramadan activities
Doha, Qatar: The Protection and Social Rehabilitation Centre (Aman), one of the centres under the Qatar Social Work Foundation, has launched a series of Ramadan activities and awareness campaigns targeting women, children, and victims of family disintegration and violence, as well as beneficiaries »»»