UAE assures UN of resilience and ongoing aid amid regional tensions
Geneva: Jamal Al Musharakh, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations and Other International Organisations in Geneva, held a series of high-level meetings with leaders of UN agencies and international organisations to brief them on the recent escalation in the Arabian Gulf region a»»»
ASEAN calls for restraint anew as Middle East conflict continues
Dubai: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has convened a virtual special meeting to discuss the evolving situation in the Middle East and its impact in the region. During the conference, foreign ministers have exchanged views on the recent escalation of conflict and have expressed "»»»
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:»»»
Islamic nations D-8 summit postponed due to Middle East regional tension
Jakarta: An April summit of the D-8 bloc of Muslim-majority developed countries that includes Iran has been postponed due to the regional tension in the Middle East, host Indonesia said Friday. No new date was announced for the meeting that was to have stretched over four days, culminating in a lea»»»
Islamic Nations D-8 Summit Postponed Due to Middle East War
An April summit of the D-8 bloc of Muslim-majority developed countries that includes Iran has been postponed due to the war in the Middle East, host Indonesia said Friday. No new date was announced for the meeting that was to have stretched over four days, culminating in a leaders' summit on April »»»
CEO Talks | Răzvan Lăzărescu, CARO Hotel Bucharest: Building experiences, not just stays
With over two decades of experience in hospitality, Hotel CARO stands as a reflection of leadership shaped by long-term vision and adaptability. Rooted in industrial heritage and thoughtfully reimagined for today’s business traveller, the hotel goes beyond traditional accommodation. Business Review»»»
News you can trust
Stoicism is an ancient Greek and Roman philosophy founded all the way back around 300 BCE. While ancient in its formation, it has never felt more relevant to me. It is based on an inner calm from understanding what we can and can not control. Resilience, logic, ethics and wisdom are among the main »»»
Gold Set for Weekly Drop as Oil Price Surge Weighs on Rate-cut Hopes
Gold prices were on track for a second consecutive weekly drop, despite edging up on Friday, as surging energy prices due to the Middle East war dimmed prospects for near-term US interest rate cuts. Spot gold was up 0.3% at $5,095.55 per ounce, as of 0633 GMT on Friday. US gold futures for April de»»»
Qatar rejects attempts to ‘drive wedge’ with US over gas pause
DOHA: Qatar has rejected claims in sections of Israeli media that it had stopped its LNG production to affect energy prices in the US, calling such accusations an attempt to “drive a wedge” between Qatar and the US. In a statement on Thursday, a senior Qatari official told Al Jazeera that “Qatar wi»»»
Air Freight Rates Soar as Middle East Conflict Blocks Trade Routes
Air freight rates have risen by as much as 70% on some routes since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, data shows, as the conflict limits flights, blocks some ocean shipments and pushes up jet fuel costs. Rates on routes between South Asia and Europe have been the most affected by Middle East»»»
TEHRAN BLOG: Permits-for-passage system emerges as the US heads towards a strategic defeat in Iran
An informal system of “permits-for-passage” through the Straits of Hormuz is emerging after Tehran has started to grant navigation permission to oil tankers headed to “friendly countries" with cargos of oil and gas. A tank»»»
US Lost KC-135 Aerial Refueling Tanker Aircraft During Operation Against Iran - CENTCOM
The United States has lost a KC-135 aerial refueling tanker aircraft during the operation against Iran, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. "US Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and res»»»
US Navy May Escort Ships in Strait of Hormuz as Part of International Coalition - Bessent
US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said on Thursday that the US Navy may escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz as part of an international coalition. "My belief that as soon as it is militarily possible, the US Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, will be escorting vessels t»»»
The race for Paris: Will more armed police and more cameras make the city safer?
With France preparing to vote in the first round of municipal elections on Sunday, Paris has become a battleground between left- and right-wing forces fighting to shape the capital’s future. And as Parisians increasingly place public safety at the top of their concerns, candidates from across the s»»»
French connections - Thinking à la française: How French intellectuals shaped the world
Nerd Alert! This week we focus on France’s contribution to knowledge and ideas. If French philosopher René Descartes famously said, “I think, therefore I am,” then “we think, therefore we are” could be said of the French. Over the years, France has produced a wide array of world-leading thinkers at»»»
UAE flight status March 13: Latest schedules as Emirates, Etihad warn of rising ticket scams
As UAE airlines gradually resume operations amid ongoing regional airspace restrictions, passengers are urged to stay informed about flight schedules, booking options, and potential scams. Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia are all operating limited flights, with updated timetables and safe»»»
UAE to see clouds, rising temperatures and chance of rain this week
Dubai: The UAE is expected to experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions on Friday, with a probability of rainfall in some coastal and inland areas as a surface low-pressure system combined with an upper-air system continues to influence the country’s weather, according to the National Center of»»»
Oil prices decline slightly as Mideast war enters Day 14 amid Iran's Hormuz threats: Diplomacy to show a way out?
Oil prices experienced slight declines on Friday (March 13, 2026) following extreme volatility that saw crude rates to skyrockets. West Texas Intermediate (WTI), a key US crude oil benchmark, was a trading at around $95.11 per barrel (down -0.62 or -0.65%) and Brent crude at approximately $100.1 pe»»»
French vote tests polarised electorate with right hoping to win control of Paris
France is preparing to vote in town council elections, whose results will be closely analysed for trends ahead of next year's presidential votes. A strong showing for Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN) would be a boost for the nationalist right - even as she awaits a judicial decision on whether s»»»
Winners, Sinners and record breakers: 17 fun facts about this year's Oscars
When Sinners director Ryan Coogler went to the movies as a child, he would smuggle in some snacks - and get particularly creative with the cinema's drinks machine. "I'm not a big soda person, but when they started to let you mix and match the drinks, I got involved with that," he told Amy Poehler's»»»
Indian PM Modi talks to Iranian President Pezeshkian
In a significant diplomatic outreach, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian amid rising conflicts in the Middle East. Modi expressed profound concern over the surge in hostilities, highlighting the tragic loss of civilian lives an»»»
PM, Canadian, Spanish ministers call for regional tension de-escalation
QNA Doha Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani received phone calls from Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Anita Anand and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain Jose Manuel Alvarez. Discussions during»»»
Israeli military drops charges against soldiers accused of abusing Palestinian detainee
Israel's most senior military lawyer has said all charges against five soldiers accused of sexually abusing a Palestinian detainee from Gaza have been dropped. The alleged incident at Sde Teiman military prison in July 2024, which was partially caught on CCTV, left the detainee needing hospital tre»»»
Fog expected overnight and Friday morning
Tunis, March 12 (TAP) – Weather on Thursday night and on Friday morning will be conducive to the formation of fog in the north and locally in central and southern regions, according to the National Institute of Meteorology.The fog is expected to be...»»»
Prime minister, Canadian FM call for de-escalation
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani received a phone call from Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada HE Anita Anand. Discussion during the call dealt with the developments of the military escalation in the region and its seriou»»»
Prime Minister receives phone call from Canadian Foreign Minister
Doha, Qatar: HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, received a phone call from HE Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada. During the call, they reviewed the developments of the military escalation in the region and its ser»»»
Prime minister, Spanish FM emphasise need for immediate cessation of all escalatory actions
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani received a phone call from Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain HE Jose Manuel Alvarez. Discussion during the call focused on the developments o»»»
CICh Năvodari obtains the Integrated Environmental Permit and launches innovative fertilizers for specialty crops
Combinatul de Îngrășăminte Chimice Năvodari (CICh), the only Romanian producer of niche technological fertilizers and professional biostimulants, has obtained the updated Integrated Environmental Permit for its fertilizer and nitrogen-based product manufacturing operations. In this context, the com»»»
Prime Minister receives phone call from Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, Cooperation in Spain
Doha, Qatar: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, received a phone call from Minister of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation in the Kingdom of Spain, HE José Manuel Albares. During the call, they reviewed the develop»»»
Sofia Municipal Council Approves Request for Transfer of State Properties to City Hall
The Sofia Municipal Council Thursday approved six proposals by Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev and Council Chair Tsvetomir Petrov for the transfer of state-owned properties to the municipality. The properties include several landmark buildings in the capital, land for the construction of kindergartens a»»»
Sofia Municipal Council Approves Transfer of State Properties to City Hall
The Sofia Municipal Council Thursday approved six proposals by Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev and Council Chair Tsvetomir Petrov for the transfer of state-owned properties to the municipality. The properties include several landmark buildings in the capital, land for the construction of kindergartens a»»»
Aldabaiba reveals his new ministerial appointments – top posts of Interior, Oil and Gas, Foreign Affairs and Defence remain unchanged: Report and analysis
Having secured the political of the President of the High State Council, Mohamed Takala, and the President of the Presidency Council, Mohamed Al-Menfi, for his new ministerial appointments and reshuffles, Aldabaiba’s new-look cabinet emerged at the first 2026 Cabinet meeting at the Cabinet Office i»»»
One United Properties enters US real estate market with land acquisition in Nashville metropolitan area
One United Properties (BVB: ONE), the leading green investor and developer of residential, mixed-use, and office real estate in Romania, announces that its Board of Directors has approved a strategic framework for a phased entry into the United States residential real estate market. The initiative »»»
Day 13 of U.S.- Israeli war with Iran: regional escalation widens conflict fronts
CAPITALS, March 12 (SANA) The U.S.–Israeli conflict with Iran entered its 13th day Thursday, with military operations expanding across multiple fronts in the Middle East and raising fears the fighting could evolve into a broader regional war. U.S. and Israeli forces continued conducting intensive a»»»
China’s walking a tightrope in the Pakistan-Afghanistan war
The outbreak of open hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan marks the most serious confrontation between the two neighbors since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. After weeks of escalating cross-border clashes and retaliatory strikes, Islamabad declared it was in a state of “open war” wi»»»
Aldabaiba receives support from Presidency Council and High State Council for new ministerial appointments
Tripoli based Libyan Prime Minister, Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba, has succeeded in obtaining the political backing from the Presidency Council and the High State Council (HSC) for his new ministerial appointments made earlier this month. This approval came in the form of a jointly signed declaration yest»»»
MRF - New Beginning, Sofia Mayor Trade Barbs over Intended Transfer of State Assets to Sofia Municipality
Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev and MRF - New Beginning led by Delyan Peevski Thursday traded barbs over the Mayor's idea to have state-owned properties in Sofia transferred to the local authorities. The bone of contention are dozens of state-owned properties that are currently lying unused, and which t»»»
Social enterprise accelerator launched along Via Transilvanica
A new initiative designed to support local entrepreneurship along the iconic hiking route Via Transilvanica has been launched by Asociația Tășuleasa Social in partnership with ADV România. The program, titled “Acceleratorul de întreprinderi sociale pe Via Transilvanica”, aims to support the creatio»»»
Qatar condemns Iranian attack on Salalah port in Oman
DOHA: The State of Qatar expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian drone attack targeting the Port of Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman, which caused damage to several fuel tanks at the port. Qatar considered the attack a blatant act of aggression and a flagrant violation of »»»
MRF - New Beginning to Propose Moratorium on State Property Transfers by Caretaker Cabinet
The MRF - New Beginning political formation will submit a proposal to impose a moratorium on the transfer of state-owned properties by the caretaker Government, the party’s press centre announced here on Thursday. The statement added that “Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev and municipal councillors from Co»»»
Belgium National Strike Expected to Disrupt Transport, Bulgarian Foreign Ministry Warns
A nationwide strike in Belgium on Thursday is expected to cause significant disruptions to the country’s transport infrastructure, Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry said on its website. Brussels Airport (Zaventem) has announced the suspension of all departing flights and part of arriving flights for the »»»
Qatar calls for global engagement in de-escalating the conflict
Doha, Qatar: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi has affirmed that Qatar has been actively engaging with its international and regional partners in recent days as part of efforts to address escalating tensions and support calls f»»»
Switzerland Closes Tehran Embassy but Maintains 'Open Line' between US, Iran
Switzerland said Wednesday it was temporarily closing its embassy in Tehran due to the Middle East war but maintaining an "open line" of communication between the United States and Iran. For decades, neutral Switzerland has played a key role in maintaining basic diplomatic contacts between Iran and»»»
Israeli government is undertaking a 'power grab under cover of war'
Twelve days after the start of the US-Israeli military campaign, Israelis are spending hours a day in bomb shelters as Iranian bombs pour on the country. But since the start of the conflict, neither the Prime minister nor the Defence minister have directly addressed the Israeli population. On top o»»»
The race for Paris: How the capital’s housing crisis could determine the city’s next mayor
With France preparing to vote in the first round of the municipal elections on Sunday, Paris has become a battleground between left- and right-wing forces fighting to shape the capital’s future. FRANCE 24 looks at how the city’s affordable housing crisis is shaping the tight-run race. For man»»»
Qatar condemns Iranian attack on Salalah Port in Sultanate of Oman
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian drone attack targeting the port of Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman, which caused damage to several fuel tanks at the port. Qatar considered the attack a blatant act of aggression and a flagrant violat»»»
UAE flight status March 12: Updated schedules and how to rebook your trip
UAE airlines continue to operate on a reduced schedule as regional airspace gradually reopens. Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai, and Air Arabia have all updated their flight operations, offering rebooking and refund options to affected passengers. Authorities and airlines emphasise that travel is»»»
China’s COSCO halts Panama Canal port calls after government seizes terminals
The abrupt suspension of services by China's state-owned shipping giant COSCO at the Pacific-side port of Balboa marks the most visible commercial reaction yet to Panama's decision to seize control of two strategic terminals flanking the Panama Canal, a move that has triggered legal disputes, diplo»»»
China’s COSCO halts Panama Canal port calls after government seizes terminals
The abrupt suspension of services by China's state-owned shipping giant COSCO at the Pacific-side port of Balboa marks the most visible commercial reaction yet to Panama's decision to seize control of two strategic terminals flanking the Panama Canal, a move that has triggered legal disputes, diplo»»»
China’s COSCO halts Panama Canal port calls after government seizes terminals
The abrupt suspension of services by China's state-owned shipping giant COSCO at the Pacific-side port of Balboa marks the most visible commercial reaction yet to Panama's decision to seize control of two strategic terminals flanking the Panama Canal, a move that has triggered legal disputes, diplo»»»