Israel Military Says Striking Hezbollah Targets in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli military said it had launched new strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure across southern Lebanon on Saturday, the day after the two countries agreed to extend an existing ceasefire. The military said that its forces “have begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure sites in several area»»»
Trump downplays urgency of removing Iran’s uranium stockpile
US President Donald Trump has said recovering Iran’s highly enriched uranium is “more for public relations” than anything else, downplaying what remains one of the key sticking points in negotiations aimed at ending the Middle East war. Following the US-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran last ye»»»
Al-Taawoun draw with Al-Riyadh, confirm AFC Champions League Two qualification
DUBAI: Al-Taawoun could only manage a 1-1 draw with Al-Riyadh on Friday night, but the result was good enough to confirm their qualification for the AFC Champions League Two next season. The draw left Al-Taawoun sixth in the SPL table and two points behind outgoing champions Al-Ittihad, who have pl»»»
Israel military says striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon
The Israeli military said it had launched new strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure across southern Lebanon on Saturday, the day after the two countries agreed to extend an existing ceasefire. “The IDF has begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure sites in several areas in southern Lebanon,” the»»»
SFD continues providing financial aid to countries amid geopolitical tensions
RIYADH: Sudan, Cameroon and Palau were among countries that have received financial support from the Saudi Fund for Development so far in 2026, as it continued its work despite growing geopolitical tensions. Established in 1974 and commenced operations in 1975, SFD has financed more than 800 develo»»»
Startup Wrap: Saudi startups dominate MENA funding week as a16z makes first GCC bet
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia emerged as this week’s main mover in startup activity across the region, with five firms announcing new funding across fintech, health tech, and business operations. The largest deal in the sector from the Kingdom came from fintech Stitch, which raised $25 million in series A f»»»
Venezuelan gas platform explosion injures 6 workers
Caracas: An explosion at a natural gas platform on Lake Maracaibo in western Venezuela triggered a fire on Friday, injuring six workers, state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) confirmed. In a statement, PDVSA said the incident occurred at a plant in the waters of Lake Maracaibo»»»
Senior IS leader killed by US and Nigerian forces
Senior IS leader killed by US and Nigerian forces 17 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleMakuochi Okafor,West Africa reporter, LagosandYang Tian AFP via Getty ImagesThe Nigerian military has increased cooperation with the US in efforts to combat extremist violence (file photo) Nigeria's P»»»
Temperatures expected to cool down
Tunis, May 16 (TAP)- Scattered showers are expected on Saturday morning in northern coasts and in some areas in central eastern regions, the National Institute of Meteorology said. The weather is forecast to be temporarily cloudy, growing cloudy in...»»»
Dubai paid parking: Parkin rolls out gateless system at Mirdif Avenue Mall, Dh10 hourly tariff
DUBAI: Parkin PJSC has introduced a seamless, gateless and paperless parking experience at Mirdif Avenue Mall, offering auto-payment and Pay Later options through the Parkin app for a smoother and more efficient user journey. The system is designed to streamline access, reduce manual ticketing, and»»»
Shell finalising study on several Libyan oil and gas fields’ development potential - to be submitted by end of May as part of 2025 MoU with NOC
The Chairman of Libya’s state National Oil Corporation (NOC), Masoud Suleiman, announced on his personal social media site yesterday that he had met with officials from Shell plc, in the presence of several directors of technical departments at the NOC and the Chairman of the Arabian Gulf Oil Compa»»»
Russia Views West’s Quasi‑Indifferent Reaction to Sarmat Tests With Irony - Deputy Foreign Minister
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia views the quasi‑indifferent response of Western countries to Russia’s tests of the Sarmat missile system with irony, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Saturday. On Tuesday, Commander of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces Sergei Karakayev reported to »»»
Libyan-Egyptian Joint Economic Chamber warns of illegal and corrupt Egyptian private inspection companies
The Libyan-Egyptian Joint Economic Chamber alerted the Libyan side that some Egyptian private companies are inspecting certain goods imported into Libya, such as cement, paint, cleaning materials, and others. These so-called inspection companies are collecting fees in US dollars ranging from $150 t»»»
Qatar Chamber and Qatar Financial Centre sign MoU to cooperate in supporting private sector
DOHA: Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar Chamber HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Qatar Chamber and Qatar Financial Centre, which aims to cooperate in supporting the national private sector and enhancing its c»»»
Iraq Exported 10 Million Barrels of Oil Through Strait of Hormuz in April
Iraq exported 10 million barrels of oil via the Strait of Hormuz in April, down from about 93 million barrels monthly before the Iran war, the country's new oil minister, Basim Mohammed, said at a press conference on Saturday. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran war has curtail»»»
Nigeria Confirms Killing of Senior ISIS Leader in Joint US Operation
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu and the west African country's military on Saturday confirmed the killing in Nigeria of a senior ISIS leader in a joint operation with US forces. "Our determined Nigerian Armed Forces, working closely with the Armed Forces of the United States, conducted a daring joi»»»
UAE launches major restoration project for Damascus’ Umayyad Mosque
Damascus: The UAE has announced the restoration of the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. The move was suppored by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (Mother of the Nation), Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme C»»»
Six-hour workdays approved across Kuwait government entities
Dubai: Kuwait has officially announced a reduction in working hours across government entities to six hours a day during the summer months as part of efforts to reduce electricity consumption and support the stability of the national power grid. The decision came after the Civil Service Council app»»»
Launch of Libyan-Turkish Business Forum for Building Materials and Construction Supplies in Benghazi
The Libyan-Turkish Business Forum for Building Materials and Construction Supplies commenced last Tuesday (12 May) in Benghazi. Several Turkish companies specializing in the building materials sector participated. The forum aims to strengthen economic cooperation, open new avenues for investment an»»»
New findings explain why flu can become deadly during pregnancy
Melbourne, Australia: Scientists in Australia have identified an immune system overreaction as a key driver of life-threatening influenza complications during pregnancy, offering a potential new target for treatment ahead of the winter flu season. While influenza typically remains confined to the u»»»
End of the ‘People’s Army’ Myth: Israel Weighs Resorting to Mercenaries
As Israel’s military grapples with a severe manpower shortage estimated at 15,000 troops — a situation Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has described as “dangerous for the future of the Jewish state” — Israeli ultra-Orthodox parties continue to reject military service in favor of Torah study even as Israe»»»
Defector ‘Savannah’ Arrives in Khartoum, Deepening RSF Crisis
Former Rapid Support Forces (RSF) field commander Brigadier General Ali Rizqallah, known as “Savannah,” arrived in the Sudanese capital Khartoum days after announcing his split from the paramilitary force led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), in a move observers say highlights growing divisions w»»»
Palestinian Ministry Says Israeli Forces Kill Man in West Bank Camp
Palestinian health officials said Israeli forces killed a man on Saturday on the outskirts of the Jenin refugee camp in the northern occupied West Bank. The health ministry in Ramallah identified the victim as 34-year-old Nour al-Din Kamal Hassan Fayyad, saying he was "killed by occupation forces' »»»
China couple hosts wrestling match at wedding, loser does housework
A couple in China turned their wedding reception into a wrestling arena — with household chores at stake. The unusual celebration took place in Zunyi, Guizhou province, where professional wrestler He Yinsheng and his bride staged a wrestling match during their wedding banquet, according to the Sout»»»
Son Heung-min to lead Republic of Korea squad at his fourth World Cup
Seoul, Republic of Korea: Son Heung-min was named in the Republic of Korea's squad for his fourth World Cup on Saturday. Captain Son will turn 34 in July and he is now playing for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, having left Tottenham Hotspur and the English Premier League a year ago. He head»»»
[Interview] ‘Not enough’: Same-sex couples in Poland still denied their EU rights, activist says
As Poland faces mounting pressure to recognise same-sex marriages registered in the EU, one young activist from Warsaw tells EUobserver how conservative forces are trying to resist reform. A landmark ruling by the EU Court of Justice in Luxembourg on 25 November 2025 said Warsaw’s refusal to regist»»»
Putin to Visit China May 19-20 After Trump Trip
Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to China on May 19 for a two-day visit, hot on the heels of US President Donald Trump's trip to Beijing, the Kremlin said on Saturday. During the trip, the Russian leader will discuss with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping how to "further strengthen the»»»
Sri Lanka raises tax on imported cars as Middle East crisis bites
Sri Lanka slapped a 50 percent surcharge on customs duties on vehicles Saturday in a bid to discourage imports and ease currency pressure stemming from the Middle East conflict. The increase in taxes comes as the local rupee has sharply depreciated since the start of US and Israeli attacks on Iran,»»»
Sri Lanka raises tax on imported cars as Middle East crisis bites
Colombo, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka placed a 50 percent surcharge on customs duties on vehicles Saturday in a bid to discourage imports and ease currency pressure stemming from the Middle East conflict. "Given the current pressure on foreign exchange, we want people to delay their imports (of vehicles) b»»»
Minister of Health inaugurates 13 Golden Clinic Complexes – bringing a radical transformation in accessible healthcare to citizens
The Tripoli based Libyan Ministry of Health reported last Thursday (14 May) that its Minister, Mohamed Al-Ghouj, oversaw the ‘‘strategic event’’ in the largest reopening at 13 model clinic complexes (the “Golden Complexes”) in several cities and regions. The Ministry said this step aims to bring ab»»»
Artillery fire in Baghdad celebrating new govt: security source
BAGHDAD: Loud bangs heard on Saturday in the center of Baghdad were artillery being fired to celebrate the formation of the new government, a security source told AFP. The three blasts, heard by an AFP reporter, marked the establishment of a government under newly selected Prime Minister Ali Al-Zai»»»
UAE motorist alert: Dubai Police alert drivers after Sheikh Zayed Road accident
DUBAI: Dubai Police issued a traffic advisory following a road accident on Sheikh Zayed Road after Expo Bridge in the direction of Abu Dhabi. Motorists have been urged to exercise caution, follow traffic instructions, and allow safety teams to manage the situation. Authorities also advised drivers »»»
Kurdish Groups Reject Allocation of Only 4 Seats to Them in Syria Parliament
Syrian Kurdish groups on Friday rejected the allocation of only four seats for Kurds in Syria’s 210-member parliament, saying the move does not reflect the true size of the Kurdish population in the country. The position came as Kurds marked “Kurdish Language Day” amid disputes with the Syrian gove»»»
MoPH advises safe dining and food preparation for celiac patients
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has advised people living with celiac disease to take preventive measures against gluten cross-contamination as the world marks International Celiac Disease Awareness Day on May 16 each year. In a social media post, the Ministry urged patients to en»»»
UAE’s skilled workforce keeps growing despite global uncertainty
Dubai: The UAE recorded fresh growth in its skilled private-sector workforce during the first quarter of 2026, with numbers rising by 1.5 per cent, thanks to the continued momentum of the country’s labour market and its ability to attract specialised talent from around the world despite ongoing glo»»»
Artillery fire in Baghdad celebrating new govt: security source
BAGHDAD: Loud bangs heard on Saturday in the center of Baghdad were artillery being fired to celebrate the formation of the new government, a security source told AFP. The three blasts, heard by an AFP reporter, marked the establishment of a government under newly selected Prime Minister Ali Al-Zai»»»
Strong start for Edufair Abu Dhabi as students explore study pathways
The prestigious Gulf News Edufair Abu Dhabi got under way this morning at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche, drawing students, parents and educators to one of the capital’s leading higher education events. More than 25 universities and higher education institutions from the UAE an»»»
A journey home ended in tragedy on the Yemen-Saudi highway
Dubai: What should have been a joyful homecoming for dozens of Yemeni travellers turned to catastrophe on Friday evening after a horrific road collision claimed seven lives and injured many more on the international highway linking Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The crash occurred in Al Abr region, north »»»
Former IRGC Chief Says No Direct Talks Before US Confidence-Building Steps
Mohammad Ali Jafari, former commander-in-chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said Iran would not enter negotiations with the United States before Washington implements “preconditions” and “confidence-building measures.” In an interview with the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency, Jafa»»»
Cabinet transfers fuel supplies for state-owned companies to single operator - | 24.KG
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved a new procedure for purchasing fuel and lubricants for state and municipal enterprises. According to the resolution, Kyrgyz Munayzat Corporation LLC has been designated as the primary supplier of fuel and lubricants and petroleum products for a nu»»»
Few steps help you survive the financial storm
By Ahmad Abu el-Hamd The nation’s struggling economy, housing crisis, and credit crunch have undeniably impacted many citizens. The tough nature of our turbulent economy makes many consumers feeling confused and powerless. While it’s important for consumers to try to understand what’s going on in o»»»
Multibillion-Dollar Unaccountable Market Lurks Behind Global Biosecurity Facade - Expert
Russia told the truth about the US-controlled bioweapon labs found in Ukraine, and the West should apologize for peddling the political smokescreen of ‘Russian disinformation,’ Jeff J. Brown, curator of the Bioweapon Truth Commission, tells Sputnik. However, behind the global biosecurity facade lur»»»
Report: Trump Administration Prepares to Seek Raúl Castro Indictment as It pressures Cuba
The Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, three people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Friday, as President Donald Trump threatens possible military action against the communist-run island. One of the people told the »»»
Artillery fire in Baghdad celebrating new government
Baghdad, Iraq: Loud bangs heard on Saturday in the centre of Baghdad were artillery being fired to celebrate the formation of the new government. The three blasts, heard by an AFP reporter, marked the establishment of a government under newly selected Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi»»»
On This Day, May 16: NBA names Michael Jordan rookie of the year - UPI.com
On May 16, 1985, the NBA named the Chicago Bulls' Michael Jordan rookie of the year after he led all players in points. 1 of 5 | Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan jams for two of his game-high 50 points during fourth-quarter action November 21, 1997, to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 111-102 in t»»»
Palestinian ministry says Israeli forces kill man in West Bank camp
RAMALLAH: Palestinian health officials said Israeli forces killed a man on Saturday on the outskirts of the Jenin refugee camp in the northern occupied West Bank. The health ministry in Ramallah identified the victim as 34-year-old Nour Al-Din Kamal Hassan Fayyad, saying he was “killed by occupatio»»»
Man dies after shark bite off Western Australia coast
SYDNEY: A man attacked by a shark off Western Australia’s coast on Saturday died of his injuries, police said, in what is the second fatal shark attack in Australia so far this year. The 38-year-old victim, yet to be identified, was bitten on Saturday morning at Horseshoe Reef near Rottnest Isl»»»
Kyrgyzstan reaches agreement with Benelux countries on migrant readmission - | 24.KG
President Sadyr Japarov signed a law ratifying the agreement between Kyrgyzstan and the Benelux countries on the readmission of persons who entered or resided without authorization. The document concerns Kyrgyzstan’s cooperation with Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg on the return of citizen»»»
Young Kyrgyzstani wins silver at Asian Youth Boxing Championships - | 24.KG
Young Kyrgyzstani Malika Moldogazieva won silver at the Asian Youth Boxing Championships in Uzbekistan. The World Boxing U15 tournament concluded in Tashkent. The athlete competed in the 35-kilogram weight class. In the semifinals, she competed with her opponent from India, Jiya Jiya, and won by a »»»
Cabinet abolishes banking support for procurement for state-owned companies - | 24.KG
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has abolished the mechanism for banking support for procurement contracts for state and municipal enterprises. The corresponding resolution declared the procedure for banking support for procurement, approved in February 2026, to be no longer in effect. Furthe»»»