UAE economy set to grow 5.6% in 2026: Central Bank report
The UAE economy saw a real GDP growth of 5.6 percent in 2025, and is projected to expand at the same pace in 2026, the UAE Central Bank said on Thursday. Releasing its annual report, the regulator said the growth was supported by the growing contribution of non-oil sectors, as well as the success o»»»
Open Hormuz unconditionally, no strings attached, says Al Jaber
Dubai: Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, has called for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened without conditions, warning that continued restrictions are tightening global energy supply and pushing markets toward a critic»»»
NBS keeps key policy rate at 5.75 pct
BELGRADE - The National Bank of Serbia (NBS) Executive Board decided on Thursday to retain the key policy rate at 5.75 pct and keep the deposit and lending facility rates at 4.5 pct and 7.0 pct, respectively. "When making the decision, the Executive Board was mainly guided by actual and expected in»»»
Calls for US-Iran truce to extend to Lebanon after Israeli strikes
Beirut, Lebanon: Calls were mounting on Thursday for the ceasefire between the US and Iran to be extended to Israel's war with Hezbollah, after a massive wave of Israeli strikes on Lebanon killed more than 200 people. US President Donald Trump has claimed victory in the Middle East war after agreei»»»
Pakistan ramps up security ahead of US-Iran talks in Islamabad
Dubai: Islamabad is gearing up to host critical peace talks between the United States and Iran on April 10, with Pakistan taking Centre stage as a mediator in the Middle East conflict. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday assured US Ambassador Natalie Baker of “foolproof security” »»»
UAE warns of impact of Iranian attacks on global health, food systems
Addressing international leaders at the One Health Summit in Lyon, France, the UAE issued a stark warning on the far-reaching global health, environmental, and food system consequences of ongoing illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked attacks in the region. The summit, convened by French President »»»
How Dubai is using endowments to build a sustainable education future
Dubai: The Endowment and Minors’ Trust Foundation in Dubai (Awqaf Dubai) has reported a significant rise in its educational endowment portfolio, with total assets reaching Dh718 million this year, a 52 percent increase from the previous year. The growth has reflected the emirate’s continued focus o»»»
Pakistan Pivots to Eurasia As World Watches US-Iran Talks
Establishing strong economic relations with the Eurasian region is in Pakistan's interest, Nasir Abbas Shirazi, President of the Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies, told Sputnik. The US-Iran ceasefire talks are not Pakistan's only major diplomatic initiative right now. While global attention rema»»»
Israel dismisses mounting calls to add Lebanon to US-Iran ceasefire
Israel vowed more strikes against Hezbollah on Thursday, dismissing mounting international demands that the fragile truce between the United States and Iran in the Gulf be expanded to cover the war in Lebanon. At least 203 people were killed and 1,000 wounded in the latest strikes, the Lebanese hea»»»
Lebanese govt. bans non-state weapons in capital Beirut
Lebanon's cabinet on Thursday instructed security forces to restrict weapons in Beirut exclusively to state institutions, a day after Israeli strikes across the country including in the heart of the capital. "The army and security forces are requested to immediately begin reinforcing the full impos»»»
Calls for US-Iran truce to extend to Lebanon after Israeli strikes
Calls were mounting on Thursday for the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran to be extended to Israel's war with Hezbollah, after a massive wave of Israeli strikes on Lebanon killed more than 200 people. U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed victory in the Middle East war after agreeing a two-week»»»
Oil prices poised to breach $100 level as Iran cease-fire fears mount - UPI.com
Fuel prices a gas station in Prague after the government of the Czech Republic responded to soaring oil prices with a cap on fuel distributors' margins and a cut in diesel excise duty. A daily cap on maximum diesel and petrol prices which retailers must adhere to was due to follow. Photo by Martin »»»
Caretaker Foreign Minister, Japan's Ambassador to Bulgaria Praise Bilateral Dialogue, Cooperation
Caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky and Japan’s Ambassador to Bulgaria Chikahisa Sumi praised the active bilateral dialogue and cooperation during a meeting on the occasion of the Japanese diplomat’s assumption of office, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. The sides in the talks praised»»»
Lebanese government bans non-state weapons in capital Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon: Lebanon's cabinet on Thursday instructed security forces to restrict weapons in Beirut exclusively to state institutions, a day after Israeli strikes across the country including in the heart of the capital. “The army and security forces are requested to immediately begin reinforci»»»
Holding Iran accountable: Why the Gulf must act now
The most pressing question in the minds of Gulf populations today is: Can the Iranian regime escape accountability for its crimes against Gulf countries and their peoples? The core reason behind this question is that the official position of these countries has been limited to a defensive posture, »»»
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair moves to September: All you need to know
Dubai: The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, has announced that the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) will now take place from September 13 to 18, 2026, instead of its previously scheduled dates in April. The decision to re»»»
Qatar emphasises importance of efforts to eliminate remnants of former Syrian regime's chemical weapons program
THE HAGUE: The State of Qatar affirmed the importance of coordinated international efforts to eliminate the remnants of the former Syrian regime's chemical weapons program, commending the cooperation of the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons »»»
GCC banks get lifeline as central banks step in amid crisis
Dubai: Gulf central banks have rolled out targeted support measures to help banks navigate ongoing geopolitical turbulence, S&P Global Ratings said in a report. Authorities in the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar introduced packages focused on liquidity, capital and asset quality, aimed at ensuring banks can »»»
Global Village reopening date yet to be confirmed as closure continues
Dubai: Dubai’s Global Village remains closed until further notice, with no confirmed reopening date announced yet for Season 30, as visitors await updates on when the popular outdoor attraction will resume operations. The announcement was reiterated through the attraction’s official Instagram chann»»»
Jerinic: EXPO to transform Serbia's international positioning
BELGRADE- EXPO 2027 Director Danilo Jerinic said on Thursday that, to date, 138 countries had confirmed their participation in specialised EXPO 2027 in Belgrade and that more than 120 countries were working actively on their pavilions and programmes, and noted that the EXPO would transform the way »»»
NIS requests new special operating licence from US's OFAC
BELGRADE - The Serbian oil company NIS has submitted a request to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury for a new special licence that would enable it to continue to operate without obstructions after April 17, when the current operating licence expires. S»»»
QMC CEO participates in extraordinary meeting of GCC Information Undersecretaries
Doha, Qatar: CEO of the Qatar Media Corporation, HE Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulaziz bin Jassim Al Thani, participated in the second extraordinary meeting of the undersecretaries of the ministries of information of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which was held today via videoconferencing. The m»»»
Photovoltaic plant reflects strategic vision to transform TAP into eco-responsible public utility (CEO)
Tunis,8 avr. (TAP)- The photovoltaic plant which TAP put into operation on Wednesday reflects a strategic vision to transform the news agency into an eco-responsible public utility, CEO Najeh Missaoui said."Investment in clean energies is today a...»»»
How a routine store opening in Dubai turned into a pop cultural moment: Inside Primark UAE opening craze
Dubai: In a city used to big launches, it’s not often that a retail opening morphs into something more shared and communal. But in recent weeks, across Dubai, something has shifted -- with crowds, conversations and social media turning what might have been a routine shopping experience into somethi»»»
OCI Sells Global Methanol Business to Methanex for $2 Billion
In a significant move within the chemicals industry, OCI N.V., backed by Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris, has announced the sale of its global methanol business to Canadian company Methanex Corporation for a total of $2 billion. This strategic transaction is expected to create substantial value»»»
Abu Dhabi launches 11 hazardous materials guidelines, first globally to adopt UN GHS Revision 11
The Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Centre has introduced 11 guidelines designed to standardise the handling, storage, and transport of dangerous goods across the emirate. The framework, developed in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), marks Abu Dhabi as t»»»
The Best Mobiles for Slot Gaming: What to Look For and Why It Matters
Mobile slot gaming has exploded in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Today’s smartphones are powerful enough to deliver console quality graphics, lightning fast loading times, and silky smooth gameplay all from the palm of your hand. But not every device is created equal. If you’re serious abou»»»
Iran’s grip on Strait of Hormuz alarms Gulf states as shipping remains disrupted despite ceasefire
Dubai: Within hours of President Donald Trump announcing a halt to fighting with Iran, confusion over its terms, violations on the ground, and conflicting claims over the Strait of Hormuz cast doubt on whether the ceasefire existed at all. The uncertainty was immediate and multi-layered. The United»»»
How Dubai is preparing Emiratis for future finance jobs through this new partnership
Dubai: A new partnership between the Emirates Human Resources Development Council (EHRDC) and the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) has been formed to boost the pipeline of Emirati talent entering the financial and banking sectors, with a focus on practical skills and long-term career growth. The»»»
How cycling becomes a key part of Dubai transport
Dubai: Dubai has crossed a major milestone in its journey towards sustainable urban mobility, with more than 10 million trips completed on the Careem Bike service since its launch in 2020, underscoring the city’s growing shift towards cleaner, healthier transport options. The achievement, announced»»»
Saudi Arabia: AlUla Advances to 85th Place in IMD Smart City Index 2026
AlUla has recorded the highest improvement in the IMD Smart City Index 2026, advancing from 112th place in 2025 to 85th this year, placing it among the most improved cities globally in this edition of the index. This result reflects AlUla's ambition to become an ideal destination for living, workin»»»
Calls for US-Iran Truce to Extend to Lebanon after Israeli Strikes
Calls were mounting on Thursday for the ceasefire between the US and Iran to be extended to Israel's war with Hezbollah, after a massive wave of Israeli strikes on Lebanon killed more than 200 people. US President Donald Trump has claimed victory in the Middle East war after agreeing a two-week tru»»»
Migrant rights discussed at Zhogorku Kenesh meeting with Russian Ambassador - | 24.KG
Elvira Surabaldieva, Chair of the Zhogorku Kenesh Committee on International Affairs, Defense, Security and Migration, met with Russia’s Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Sergei Vakunov, the parliament’s press service reported. The meeting focused primarily on labor migration issues. Elvira Surabaldieva ou»»»
Mubadala scales to Dh1.4 trillion with UAE portfolio at core of growth
Dubai: Mubadala Investment Company's assets under management rose 17% to Dh1.4 trillion in 2025, supported by strong domestic investments and steady returns across its global portfolio. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The sovereign investor reported five-year and ten-y»»»
French Military Chief Says Possible War with Russia His 'Primary Concern'
France's top general on Thursday said the possibility of a war with Russia in the next few years remained his "primary concern" as he defended efforts to ramp up defense spending. The chief of the defense staff General Fabien Mandon spoke in parliament as he presented France's draft legislation to »»»
Food Safety Agency Says Operation Clean Food Shuts 27 Outlets, Stops 260 Tonnes of Unsafe Food
Operation Clean Food shut 27 outlets and stopped more than 260 tonnes of potentially dangerous food, Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) Executive Director Angel Mavrovski said at a press conference on Thursday. Nearly 80% of the seized food, more than 208 tonnes, was products of animal origin carr»»»
Finance Ministry Provides Public Access to All Active Public Procurement Procedures
The Ministry of Finance has provided public access via its website to all more than 7,000 active public procurement procedures in the country, with a total value exceeding EUR 30 billion, caretaker Finance Minister Georgi Klisurski announced at a briefing at the Ministry of Finance building in Sofi»»»
The smart habit: 5 tiny inconveniences that improve your brain
Doha, Qatar: Thanks to modern technology, writing an email, ordering a meal or looking up that random actor's name you can't remember has never been easier. But some are starting to wonder whether the quicker, frictionless path isn't always the best. Do we lose something by not engaging our brains »»»
5 unanswered questions on the US-Iran ceasefire
The United States and Iran suddenly announced a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, and there are myriad open questions about what happens next. Israel has also agreed to the truce, though it reportedly did so reluctantly. Both Washington and Tehran have claimed victory, but it’s too early to declare th»»»
KHDA chief conveys Sheikh Hamdan’s regards to Dubai student who wrote heartfelt letter to him
Dubai: A touching exchange between a young student, her mother and senior education officials has captured hearts after Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) shared a video of their virtual meeting on Instagram. The conversation featured Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, spe»»»
Jerinic: EXPO to transform Serbia's international positioning
BELGRADE- EXPO 2027 Director Danilo Jerinic said on Thursday that, to date, 138 countries had confirmed their participation in specialised EXPO 2027 in Belgrade and that more than 120 countries were working actively on their pavilions and programmes, and noted that the EXPO would transform the way »»»
Taipei slams Cheng Li-wun's Beijing trip
Legislators from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party and various government representatives claimed on April 8, 2026, that the recent actions of KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun in China have compromised the sovereignty of the nation, Taipei Times reports. These accusations emerged as the »»»
Taipei slams Cheng Li-wun's Beijing trip
Legislators from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party and various government representatives claimed on April 8, 2026, that the recent actions of KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun in China have compromised the sovereignty of the nation, Taipei Times reports. These accusations emerged as the »»»
Taipei slams Cheng Li-wun's Beijing trip
Legislators from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party and various government representatives claimed on April 8, 2026, that the recent actions of KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun in China have compromised the sovereignty of the nation, Taipei Times reports. These accusations emerged as the »»»
Trump warns US forces will remain in place around Iran until 'real agreement' is complied with
US President Donald Trump said on April 8 that all American military forces, ships and aircraft would remain deployed in and around Iran until the terms of the ceasefire agreement are fully met, warning that otherwise "the shootin' starts, bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen »»»
Russia emerges as 'strategic energy partner' for Global South thanks to Iran
Russian energy exports have surged in value and demand since the Iran war began on February 28, with Moscow moving to lock in new buyers across Asia and the Global South as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf infrastructure trigger the worst energy supply shock in decades, state»»»
Trump warns US forces will remain in place around Iran until 'real agreement' is complied with
US President Donald Trump said on April 8 that all American military forces, ships and aircraft would remain deployed in and around Iran until the terms of the ceasefire agreement are fully met, warning that otherwise "the shootin' starts, bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen »»»
Russia emerges as 'strategic energy partner' for Global South thanks to Iran
Russian energy exports have surged in value and demand since the Iran war began on February 28, with Moscow moving to lock in new buyers across Asia and the Global South as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf infrastructure trigger the worst energy supply shock in decades, state»»»
Trump warns US forces will remain in place around Iran until 'real agreement' is complied with
US President Donald Trump said on April 8 that all American military forces, ships and aircraft would remain deployed in and around Iran until the terms of the ceasefire agreement are fully met, warning that otherwise "the shootin' starts, bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen »»»
Russia emerges as 'strategic energy partner' for Global South thanks to Iran
Russian energy exports have surged in value and demand since the Iran war began on February 28, with Moscow moving to lock in new buyers across Asia and the Global South as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf infrastructure trigger the worst energy supply shock in decades, state»»»