Iran’s chain-of-command in chaos? Diplomacy collides with missiles as questions swirl over who really controls Tehran
A flurry of conflicting diplomatic and military actions has intensified scrutiny over who is directing Iran's response to its escalating confrontation with the United States and regional rivals, as officials pursue diplomacy even while military commanders signal continued escalation. On Saturday (J»»»
Philippines bets billions on hydropower to power AI era, cut fossil fuel dependence
Manila: The Philippines is making one of its biggest bets yet on renewable energy. Billions of dollars are being poured into hydropower, pumped-storage facilities and grid-scale battery systems as Southeast Asia's fastest-growing digital economy strains an aging electricity network. Most of the mon»»»
Iran expands attacks on Gulf states after intense US strikes
Iran reported strikes Sunday evening on two of its southern islands while Kuwait, where Tehran has repeatedly targeted US installations, said border posts and an offshore oil platform had been attacked. The as-yet unclaimed strikes came hours after Tehran and WashingtonStrait of Hormuz, offeri»»»
Macron calls for 'constant vigilance' against antisemitism as France honors Alfred Dreyfus
French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday inaugurated a statue honoring Captain Alfred Dreyfus, whose wrongful 19th century treason conviction exposed deeply rooted anti-Jewish bias in France. Macron at the event decried a resurgence of the ″demons of antisemitism″ that have darkened Fra»»»
Irrepressible Sinner outlasts Zverev to win second straight Wimbledon title
LONDON: Jannik Sinner was at his clinical best as he successfully defended his Wimbledon title with a bruising four-set victory over French Open champion Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final. The world number one recovered from losing the first set in a match largely dominated by serve, eventually we»»»
US launches more strikes on Iran as standoff over Strait of Hormuz escalates
DUBAI: The US military said it has launched another round of strikes against Iran “to degrade their ability to attack commercial ships freely transiting the Strait of Hormuz.” The latest salvo began at 2100 GMT on Sunday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on X, adding that President Donald Trump “h»»»
US paying the price for not keeping its word – Iran’s top negotiator
Iran will not allow the US to violate the terms of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with impunity, Tehran’s top negotiator Mohammad Ghalibaf has said. On Saturday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to all shipping until the US ends »»»
Israel’s Netanyahu: architect of wars, master of survival
JERUSALEM: He has led multiple wars, outlasted several American presidents, and watched his political obituary written — only to be shredded — more times than any other leader in modern Israeli history. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, faces an international arrest warra»»»
Syria’s parliament speaker urges unity, institutional reform
Damascus, July.12 (SANA) Speaker of the Syrian People’s Assembly Abdul Hamid al-Awak on Sunday called on lawmakers to consolidate efforts to bolster the role of the legislative institution and overcome the long-standing stereotype that, he said, had been imposed on parliament by the defunct regime »»»
CIB best bank in Egypt, Ahli United Bank most efficient
Business News announced the results of its seventh edition of the Bank Performance Indicators in Egypt in 2017. The Commercial International Bank (CIB) received the Bank of the Year award, following a year of strong and balanced performance. The unfavorable economic conditions did not prevent the b»»»
Moving to Budapest with children – A handful guide from Britannica International School
If you are moving to Budapest with your family, one of your main concerns will be securing a place for your child at the right school. Britannica International School hopes the information below will help you make the best choice for your child and your family. Collaborative post The needs we have »»»
China Dominates Global Banking While MENA Lenders Strengthen Regional Standing
China has further consolidated its position at the pinnacle of global banking, with seven Chinese lenders occupying the world’s top 10 positions by Tier 1 capital, including the world’s four largest banks, according to The Banker’s Top 1000 World Banks 2026. Compiled annually by The Banker, a Finan»»»
Discover Asir ranked among world’s top 10 websites showcasing culinary experiences
RIYADH: The Discover Asir platform has been ranked among the world’s top 10 websites for foodies seeking culinary experiences in 2026, according to the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism, and based on an evaluation by an international panel of experts. Asir Development»»»
UK police says no evidence of political motive in murder of former minister Widdecombe
Police on Sunday said that there is no evidence that the suspected murder of former British government minister Ann Widdecombe was politically motivated. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in rural southwest England on Thursday with what police described as "serious injuries". T»»»
Iraq will not allow attacks against Saudi Arabia, GCC countries from its territory: FM
RIYADH: Iraq will not allow its territory or airspace to be used as a launchpad for any actions or attacks against Saudi Arabia, regional or GCC countries, the country’s foreign minister said during a meeting with his Saudi counterpart on Sunday. The meeting between Fuad Hussein and Prince Faisal b»»»
Poland commemorates Volhynia massacre (VIDEOS)
Poland has commemorated the anniversary of the Volhynia massacre, a large-scale ethnic cleansing operation perpetrated by Ukrainian Nazi collaborators during World War II and a hot-button topic that sparked a recent diplomatic clash between Warsaw and Kiev. Multiple events were held across Poland o»»»
UAE leaders send condolences to Qatar Emir over Sheikh Hamad’s death
Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, on the death of his father Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice »»»
Zijin Mining Group Secures Akyem Gold Mine in Strategic $1bn Acquisition
In a significant development within the mining industry, China’s Zijin Mining Group has announced its agreement to acquire the Akyem Gold Mine Project in Ghana from the U.S.-based Newmont Corporation for a sum of $1 billion. This transaction marks a pivotal moment as Newmont continues its strategic»»»
Teen crashes into police car after high-speed chase in Hungary
A high-speed police chase ended in a serious crash late on Friday night in Székesfehérvár after a 17-year-old driver attempted to evade officers. They had tried to stop a Honda travelling at excessive speed by using flashing lights and sirens, but the teenager ignored the signal and sped away. Acco»»»
Spotlight - The Rise and Pause of Jordan Bardella
The political landscape in France changed this week after the appeal court judges upheld the guilty verdict against Marine Le Pen for misappropriating European Parliament funds, but reduced the five-year ban on her standing for public office to fifteen months. Time already served, said the Paris co»»»
Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE declare official mourning, order flags to be flown at half-mast
KUWAIT/MANAMA/ABU DHABI: The State of Kuwait has declared four days of official mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast nationwide and at its diplomatic missions abroad following the passing of the late HH the Father Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. In a st»»»
Erdogan's revolver diplomacy left Nato leaders with a loaded problem
Most Nato summits end with a communiqué. This one ended with customs problems. As leaders prepared to leave Ankara this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented each visiting head of state with an engraved Turkish-made revolver complete with ammunition and cleaning kit — prompting a f»»»
Bahrain declares official mourning over passing of Father Amir
Manama: The Kingdom of Bahrain has declared four days of official mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast following the passing of the late HH the Father Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. In a statement on Sunday, Bahrain's Royal Court said HM King Hamad bin»»»
Sudan court sentences RSF leader to death in absentia
KHARTOUM: A Sudanese court on Sunday sentenced paramilitary leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and 15 others to death in absentia over the killing of a regional governor and committing war crimes in Darfur, state media reported. The ruling is the first against the leadership of the Rapid Support Forces (»»»
IN PHOTOS: Father Amir with top officials over the years
Doha, Qatar: Qatar is observing a four-day mourning period following the passing of the late HH the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, commencing Sunday, July 12, 2026. As the country mourns the visionary leader, The Peninsula has collated some AFP file photos with world leaders, inclu»»»
UAE announces nationwide mourning for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Abu Dhabi: The UAE Presidential Court has declared a four-day official mourning period following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, father of Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Flags will be flown at half-mast at all government entities across the UAE, as well as at the coun»»»
Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 10,818
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Sunday, gaining 10.55 points, or 0.10 percent, to close at 10,818.98. The total trading turnover of the benchmark index reached SR2.20 billion ($587 million), with 135 stocks advancing and 117 declining. The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu fell »»»
GCO outlines protocol for flying Qatar flag at half-mast
Doha, Qatar: The Government Communication Office (GCO) issued a set of guidelines outlining the protocol for flying the State of Qatar’s flag at half-mast during periods of mourning. This comes in accordance with the provisions of Law No 14 of 2012, ensuring adherence to approved procedures and pre»»»
UAE and Egypt leaders discuss stronger ties and regional issues
El Alamein: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, discussed the fraternal ties between the two countries and ways to further strengthen cooperation across all sectors in support of their mutual interests and »»»
UAE and Egypt leaders discuss stronger ties and regional issues
El Alamein: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, discussed the fraternal ties between the two countries and ways to further strengthen cooperation across all sectors in support of their mutual interests and »»»
Dubai Police urge parents to closely supervise children at pools and beaches
Dubai: Dubai Police have urged parents to keep a close watch on children at swimming pools and beaches during the summer holidays, warning that even moments of distraction can result in fatal drownings. The warning came from Dubai Police's Child and Women Protection Department, part of the General »»»
Indian passport and visa in UAE: Walk-in rules, agent warning, new booking portal explained
Abu Dhabi/ Dubai: Getting a passport, visa or attestation done has turned into a moving target for the UAE's 4.5 million-strong Indian expat community, and for other UAE residents hoping to travel to India, with frequent changes in rules as the Indian missions navigate a legal deadlock over who sho»»»
Where to buy property in Budapest: A district-by-district guide to the city’s best addresses
My last column looked at why foreign buyers don’t need a golden visa to own property in Hungary — the doors that matter are already open. The natural next question is the one I hear most often from international clients: where, exactly, should I be looking? Budapest is not one market but a mosaic o»»»
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani: Visionary who transformed Qatar into global power
Doha, Qatar: Qatar mourns the loss of former leader, the Father Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who led the country from 1995 to 2013 and passed away on July 12, 2026, aged 74. The former leader was seen as one of the key architects of modern Qatar and led the country during a period of »»»
Justice Ministry Marks 35th Anniversary of Bulgaria's Constitution
Bulgaria's Ministry of Justice marked the 35th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria on Saturday, describing it as the supreme law that laid the foundations of the country's democratic state and enshrined the principles of the rule of law, the separation of pow»»»
Philippines: Why a century-old hydropower system that once powered Baguio remains silent
Manila: A century after it helped electrify Baguio City, the Philippines' summer capital, the historic Asin Hydropower System remains idle. Now, it's caught in a web of legal disputes, regulatory hurdles and competing claims over land and water. The latest setback came this week when the Baguio Cit»»»
Oman posts $5.4bn trade surplus by end of April
RIYADH: Oman’s trade balance recorded a surplus of 2.09 billion Omani rials ($5.4 billion) by the end of April, little changed from 2.11 billion rials in the same period of 2025, as merchandise exports continued to exceed imports during the first four months of the year. Preliminary data issued by »»»
Belgium’s golden generation takes final World Cup bow
Doha, Qatar: Belgium’s finest era ends without the World Cup glory it once promised. For more than a decade, Belgium’s golden generation captivated world football with a squad overflowing with talent. They climbed to the top of the FIFA World Ranking, produced some of the game’s finest players and »»»
Spain’s confidence soars before France challenge
Doha, Qatar: Spain head into FIFA World Cup semi-final against France with growing confidence after their dramatic victory over Belgium, convinced they have what it takes to stop the tournament favourites. Luis de la Fuente’s side booked their place in the last four with a 2-1 win over Belgium on F»»»
Qatar, Syria discuss expanding strategic cooperation
Doha, Qatar: Qatar and Syria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership, with discussions focusing on expanding cooperation in the political, economic and security fields, as well as supporting Syria’s ongoing reform and development efforts. Speaking to Al Jazeera»»»
Startup Egypt: Turning Innovation into Economic Growth Arab Finance For Information Technology
Egypt’s startup ecosystem is entering a new phase of transformation with the launch of the Startup Egypt Platform, a national initiative designed to lower entry barriers and accelerate entrepreneurial growth. By combining government support with private-sector expertise, the platform offers a unifi»»»
Japanese, German, Bulgarian and Brazilian Dancers Win Top Prizes at Sarah-Nora Prima International Ballet Competition
Ami Inoe of Japan and Florentina Trumpler of Germany won the first prizes in the women's senior category (ages 17–27) at the fourth Sarah-Nora Prima International Ballet Competition. In the men's division, the top awards went to Bulgaria's Samuil Nedelin and Tiago Victor Alvarez Santana of Brazil. »»»
Egypt’s agricultural exports exceed 5.8M tons so far in 2026 Arab Finance For Information Technology
Arab Finance: Egypt’s agricultural exports have surpassed 5.8 million tons so far this year amid rising global demand, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk announced. This reflects the country's success in developing the agricultural sector and enhancing its competitiveness on t»»»
Former emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, dies at 74
DUBAI: Qatari former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at the age of 74, the nation’s Amiri Diwan, its top government body, said on Sunday.»»»
Political violence shadows Bangladesh’s new government
DHAKA: Bangladesh’s new government won power promising to end political violence, but six months after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman took office, the killings continue. Rahman, who leads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), pledged during February’s elections to end the state-backed violence tha»»»
Argentina sink 10-man Swiss to set up blockbuster World Cup semifinal with England
Argentina sink 10-man Swiss to set up blockbuster World Cup semifinal with England KANSAS CITY: Julian Alvarez scored a breathtaking goal as Argentina battled past 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra-time on Saturday, setting up a mouthwatering World Cup semifinal against bitter rivals England. Fans»»»
Paris court hands monitor 18-month suspended sentence for assaulting preschooler in abuse scandal
A Paris court handed a school monitor an 18-month suspended prison sentence on Friday for sexually abusing a kindergarten-age child. It's the first such guilty verdict since the French capital was rocked by a wave of allegations of child sex abuse by non-teaching staff in Paris's public school syst»»»
Accused Georgia school shooter expected to plead not guilty - UPI.com
Colt Gray is charged with fatally shooting two students and two teachers, at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga., in 2024. File Photo via Barrow County Sheriff's Office/UPI | License Photo July 11 (UPI) -- A Georgia teenager accused in the shooting death of four people at a high school is expected»»»
Judge dismisses Jan. 6 charges against Proud Boys leaders - UPI.com
Enrique Tarrio called the dismissal of charges against his fellow Proud Boys vindication and a victory for the group. File Photo by Annabelle Gordon/UPI | License Photo July 11 (UPI) -- Top members of the far-right group Proud Boys had their convictions dismissed on Friday, ending the federal case »»»
Luxury buyers turn to AI for discovery and comparison before making high-end purchases
Dubai: The world’s biggest-spending luxury customers are already using artificial intelligence to decide what to buy, where to shop and which brands to consider, according to a new report by Bain & Company and Comité Colbert. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The fifth a»»»