UAE air defences intercepts 13 ballistic missiles, 27 drones
The UAE air defence systems on Mar 18, 2026 (today) 13 ballistic missiles and 27 drones launched from Iran. Since the onset of Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 327 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,699 drones. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of two members of t»»»
Iran Executed Swedish Citizen, Says Sweden FM
Sweden's foreign minister on Wednesday confirmed that Iran had executed a Swedish citizen, after Iranian authorities announced the first execution of a man convicted of spying since the start of its war against Israel and the United States. "It is with dismay that I have received information that a»»»
Deputy Prime Minister receives phone call from Malaysian counterpart
Doha, Qatar: HE Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs received a phone call today, Wednesday, from HE Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Urban Development of Malaysia. Duri»»»
When code becomes collective: A practical reflection on classifying software under Romanian copyright law
In technology-driven transactions, some of the most decisive legal questions are not always the most visible ones. A seemingly technical issue, such as the classification of software under copyright law, can ultimately determine whether a deal moves forward or stalls. This became particularly clear»»»
Israel warns will strike crossings on Litani river, Katz vows 'big surprises', escalation
Israeli strikes and shelling targeted overnight into Wednesday several regions in south and east Lebanon, as Israel vowed "big surprises" and escalation. In the south, strikes targeted Deir al-Zahrani, a hezbollah-affiliated health center in Kherbet Selem, Nabatieh, Tyre, Arab Salim, Kfartebnit, Sh»»»
CEC of Kyrgyzstan to hand over four parliamentary mandates to new deputies - | 24.KG
The Central Commission for Elections and Referendums of the Kyrgyz Republic (CEC) will hand over four mandates to new members of Parliament at its meeting today. Thus, Ulukbek Ormonov will receive a mandate in place of Kurmankul Zulushev, Mavlyuda Kalberdieva will replace Shairbek Tashiev, Baktybek»»»
Eid 2026 countdown begins: Will the Shawwal crescent be sighted today?
Dubai: Several Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, are going to attempt to sight the Shawwal crescent today (Wednesday) evening, as they mark the 29th day of Ramadan. Other countries expected to conduct moon sightings on Wednesday include Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, Pa»»»
ICICI Prudential AMC expands global reach with new DIFC Branch in Dubai
Dubai: ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited (ICICI Prudential AMC), one of India’s largest asset management company, today inaugurated its branch in Dubai International Financial Centre (‘DIFC’), marking a significant step in its overseas expansion strategy and reinforcing its commitme»»»
Minister of State for Energy Affairs meets Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry
Doha, Qatar: His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, met today with His Excellency Mr. Ryosei Akazawa, the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan. Discussions during the meeting, which was held virtually, dealt with the impact of the ongoing region»»»
BR Analysis | Media agency model adapts to shifting market expectations
2025 brought massive consolidation in the media industry through Omnicom’s acquisition of Interpublic Group (IPG). Following the mega-merger, Omnicom became the world’s largest advertising holding company, leading to significant restructuring, the retirement of legacy agency networks DDB, FCB, and »»»
Iran Unleashes 'Dancing Missile' on Enemies: Here's Why Sejjil is a Game Changer
On Sunday, Tehran launched the two-stage solid-fuel medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) against US and Israeli positions during the 54th wave of Operation True Promise 4. Nicknamed the "dancing missile" for its unpredictable flight path, the Sejjil is designed to do one thing: bypass multi-layere»»»
Aoun calls for unity, warns against sectarian incitement
President Joseph Aoun called Wednesday for unity and solidarity and the rejection of division and sectarian provocation, hours after Israel flattened an apartment building in central Beirut and killed ten people in other neighborhoods of the city. Israel's military claimed the building in Bashoura »»»
LIVE UPDATES: Gulf countries continue intercepting missiles as regional tension enters 19th day
Doha, Qatar: Some Gulf countries have reportedly been attacked today morning, March 18, 2026. In Qatar, the Ministry of Defense announced interception of missile attack targeting the country. Similar reports of interception and destroying drones came from UAE and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Iran will »»»
Saudi Arabi intercepts drone in Eastern region
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense announced today that a drone was intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern region. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al Malki said a drone was intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern region»»»
Gulf News Edufair returns for its 10th edition in Dubai
Gulf News Edufair is back for its 10th edition, bringing together leading universities, education institutions, and career experts. The three-day event will take place from May 8-10 at The H Dubai Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, giving students, parents, and professionals a practical platform to explor»»»
UAE announces Eid Al Fitr prayer timings across seven emirates
Dubai: The UAE has announced Eid Al Fitr prayer timings across the seven emirates, with prayers set to take place early in the morning on the first day of the holiday. According to official guidance, prayer timings will be 6:20am in Abu Dhabi, 6:18am in Dubai, 6:16am in Sharjah and Ajman, 6:12am in»»»
Dubai confirms successful air defence operations
Authorities in Dubai have confirmed that all air interception operations carried out earlier om Wednesday were successful, neutralising potential threats without causing any injuries. Dubai Media Office on social media said residents across the emirate reported hearing loud sounds, which officials »»»
Al Arabi rally to edge 10-man Al Sadd as Al Duhail, Al Rayyan seal comeback wins
Doha, Qatar: Al Arabi came from behind to defeat 10-man Al Sadd 2-1, while Al Duhail and Al Rayyan also staged second-half comebacks in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) yesterday. Al Duhail overturned a first-half deficit to beat Al Shamal 3-1, with Baghdad Bounedjah scoring early before Edmilson Junio»»»
Baladna reaffirms commitment to Qatar’s food security following visit by Minister of Municipality
Doha, Qatar: Baladna Q.P.S.C., Qatar’s leading dairy and juice company, welcomed His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Minister of Municipality, to its production facilities on March 16, 2026. The visit highlighted the strength of Qatar’s domestic food production capabilities and Baladna’s »»»
Oil drops on profit-taking frenzy amid short-term supply hopes – but Hormuz chaos looms large
Oil price benchmarks pulled back sharply on profit-taking and short-term supply optimism, yet prices remain structurally elevated — Brent above $100, Murban holding a premium near $111, and WTI still in the low $90s. As of Wednesday (5.28am GMT, March 18, 2026): WTI crude surged to $93.09 (down $3.»»»
Former Belgian diplomat first to stand trial over 1961 murder of Congo’s Lumumba
A former Belgian diplomat has been ordered to stand trial over the 1961 murder of Patrice Lumumba, who became the first prime minister of Congo after the country’s independence from Belgium. The 93-year-old suspect is the first person to be prosecuted in the case. All other suspects have passed awa»»»
INTERVIEW: Taiwan’s TSEC CORPORATION – mover and shaker in the nation’s solar sector
A leading name in the Taiwanese solar sector, TSEC has seen its valuation on the Taiwanese exchange skyrocket in recent months. As such, Newsbase’s AsiaElec sat down with Assistant Vice President in the Global Sales Department – Keiji Yasukawa – earlier in the month, at the firm’s Taipei HQ to ask »»»
INTERVIEW: Taiwan’s TSEC CORPORATION – mover and shaker in the nation’s solar sector
A leading name in the Taiwanese solar sector, TSEC has seen its valuation on the Taiwanese exchange skyrocket in recent months. As such, Newsbase’s AsiaElec sat down with Assistant Vice President in the Global Sales Department – Keiji Yasukawa – earlier in the month, at the firm’s Taipei HQ to ask »»»
INTERVIEW: Taiwan’s TSEC CORPORATION – mover and shaker in the nation’s solar sector
A leading name in the Taiwanese solar sector, TSEC has seen its valuation on the Taiwanese exchange skyrocket in recent months. As such, Newsbase’s AsiaElec sat down with Assistant Vice President in the Global Sales Department – Keiji Yasukawa – earlier in the month, at the firm’s Taipei HQ to ask »»»
Lebanon's Al-Qaa unveils 26-metre Christ statue on Syrian border as message of peace amid war
A 26-metre statue of Jesus Christ has been unveiled in the Lebanese border village of Al-Qaa, overlooking the Syrian frontier, in what its creator described as a message of peace at a time of escalating conflict across the region, local social media reported on March 17. »»»
Albania declares Iran a state sponsor of terrorism
Albania’s parliament adopted a resolution on March 17 declaring Iran a “terrorism sponsor state”, citing alleged support for armed groups and cyberattacks, in a vote boycotted by the opposition. Ties between Tirana and Teh»»»
UAE residents told situation safe after emergency alert
UAE residents have received a new mobile alert from the Ministry of Interior confirming that the situation in the country is currently safe following earlier warnings about potential missile threats. In the message sent to phones across the country, authorities thanked residents for their cooperati»»»
Total repression and air strikes bring unrelenting dread for Iranians
A woman stands on a rooftop listening to the sounds of the city below. There is only the dull hum of traffic tonight. But she knows how easily that can change. It is usually the dogs who notice the sound first and begin to bark furiously. The noise of aircraft. Then the ominous percussion of explos»»»
UAE weather: Temperature dropping, with chances of rain
Dubai: A surface low-pressure system, accompanied by an extension of a weak upper-air low-pressure system, is set to bring unsettled weather conditions across the UAE, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). Today will be partly cloudy to cloudy at times, with a continued probability»»»
UAE tourism, aviation sectors show resilience amid regional tensions
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to demonstrate resilience in its tourism and aviation sectors amid ongoing regional tensions, with authorities emphasising normal operations and strong support measures for affected travelers. More than 1.4 million passengers passed through UAE airports and »»»
CBUAE Board reviews strength, resilience of UAE’s financial system, banking sector; financial institution resilience package backed by CBUAE’s assets of Dh1 trillion approved
ABU DHABI: Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), the Board held its second meeting of the year today. The Board noted that »»»
Iran confirms death of security chief Ali Larijani, state media says
In a statement carried by Iran’s semi-official Mehr news, the country’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed the assassination of Larijani, after Israel earlier today claimed it killed him in targeted attacks. “After a lifetime of striving for the elevation of Iran and the Islamic Revolution»»»
Manufaktura in Łódź celebrates twenty years as a center for trade, culture and entertainment
Manufaktura in Łódź opened on May 17, 2006, after a three-year revitalisation costing over EUR 200 million, transforming the ruined Poznański factory into a modern retail, cultural, and entertainment complex. The project, involving around 3,000 people, became one of Europe’s largest post-industrial»»»
Qatar intercepts 9 ballistic missiles, drones on Tuesday
Doha: The Qatari Ministry of Defense announced that the State of Qatar was subjected today, Tuesday, to an attack involving 9 ballistic missiles and a number of drones launched from the Islamic Republic of Iran. Our Armed Forces, “by the grace of God,” successfully intercepted all ballistic missile»»»
UAE President and Indian Prime Minister discuss regional developments
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received a phone call from Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, during which they discussed developments in the region amid escalating military actions and their serious implications for regional and internationa»»»
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid meets with Fujairah Crown Prince in Dubai
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, today met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, in Dubai. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ru»»»
Sheikh Hamdan meets with Chairman of Accor Group
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, today met with Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor Group, one of the world’s leading hospitality and hotel management compan»»»
PM Aldabaiba reopens Tripoli Zoo after a 17-year closure: a symbolic turnaround for the Zoo - from a militia military base back to a leading recreation destination
After a 17-year closure, Tripoli based Libyan Prime Minister, Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba, officially opened Tripoli Zoo today after the completion of its renovation and rehabilitation by the Tripoli General Services Company. The Zoo will open to the public on the first day of Eid. During his tour of th»»»
Lebanon Transfers More Than 130 Syrian Prisoners Under Bilateral Agreement
Lebanon transferred more than 130 Syrian detainees to their home country on Tuesday, a Lebanese judicial official and Syrian state media said, as part of an agreement the two sides signed last month. Overcrowded Lebanese prisons host more than 2,200 Syrians held on various charges. Many are still a»»»
LPTIC Chairman tours Tripoli International Airport – emphasises need to accelerate pace of completion of telecoms work
Ali Ben Gharbia, the Chairman of Libya’s state telecoms holding company, LPTIC, conducted a field visit of Tripoli International Airport today, to follow up on the progress of work and learn about the latest developments in infrastructure and services development projects within the airport. He w»»»
Why South America never became a missile power: From Condor to modern Rockets
In the final decades of the Cold War, South America briefly appeared poised to join the ranks of regions developing indigenous missile technology. Argentina and Brazil pursued ambitious programs that combined domestic research with extensive international cooperation, aiming to establish strategic »»»
US Northern Command Chief Calls Russia Adversary With Greatest Capabilities
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Northern Command chief Gen. Gregory Guillot said on Tuesday that Russia possesses the greatest capabilities among US "adversaries." "Russia remains the adversary with the greatest capability and capacity to threaten North America today," Guillot said in a statement prepare»»»
Omani, Armenian Foreign Ministers discuss ties, regional developments
Muscat: Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi met today with his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, during his visit to Muscat. Al Busaidi and Mirzoyan discussed bilateral friendship and cooperation between the two countries, as well as avenues for advancing them in a variety of doma»»»
Who holds the biggest strategic oil reserves?
BusinessGlobal issuesWho holds the biggest strategic oil reserves?Nik MartinIran's effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed dozens of countries to tap their emergency oil stockpiles. But what exactly are strategic reserves, and who holds the world's biggest crisis-ready supplies? https»»»
Top US Counterterrorism Official Resigns in Protest of Operation Against Iran
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Joseph Kent on Tuesday announced his decision to step down as director of the US National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) because of his disapproval of the US military operation against Iran. "After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the »»»
STIHL, the world’s best-selling chainsaw brand, celebrates its 100 anniversary
What began as a one-man operation in a Stuttgart workshop in 1926 has since become a global standard for battery- and gasoline-powered equipment in forestry, landscaping and residential use. The family-owned company STIHL, rooted in the tradition of gasoline-powered products, consciously pursues a »»»
Minister of State for Energy Affairs holds meeting with Singapore’s Minister in charge of Energy
Doha, Qatar: The Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi met today with HE Dr. Tan See Leng, the Minister of Manpower and Minister in charge of Energy of the Republic of Singapore. Discussions during the meeting, which was held virtually, dealt with the impact of the ongoing r»»»
India diversifies LPG sourcing: Supply remains steady despite West Asia tensions
India has begun sourcing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from multiple global channels, including the United States, as it moves to diversify supplies amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The government on Tuesday said there is no disruption in domestic availability, with supplies remaini»»»