New tourism boost coming soon, UAE minister says
Dubai: Support for the UAE’s tourism sector is being stepped up, with authorities preparing a fresh package aimed at easing pressure on an industry facing disruption from regional tensions. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.“We are supporting the tourism sector, we are s»»»
Drive EV launches the UAE’s first AI-powered buyer intelligence platform for EVs
Dubai: UAE-based platform designed to simplify one of the most complex decisions in today’s automotive market – buying an electric vehicle – has officially launched. Drive EV uses artificial intelligence and structured decision logic to match prospective buyers with the right electric or hybrid veh»»»
QU marks World Autism Awareness Day, highlights technological innovation
Doha, Qatar: In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, observed annually on the second of April under the theme, ‘Autism and Humanity – Every Life Matters,’ Qatar University (QU) marked the occasion by highlighting its academic and research efforts aimed at supporting individuals with autism sp»»»
Rila Hotel Borovets Expands Services with New Children’s Pool Using Salt Electrolysis
The Rila Hotel in Borovets resort is expanding its wellness and relaxation programme, combining first-class spa services, thermal area with several saunas, steam and Turkish baths, an indoor pool and jacuzzies, the hotel management told BTA. The hotel’s spa centre offers a variety of rejuvenation a»»»
Bulgaria Hit by Fuel Shock as Diesel Prices Surge 37% Since Iran War Began
Bulgaria’s fuel market has recorded a sharp upward shift since the outbreak of the war in Iran, with diesel and petrol prices rising significantly across the country. According to National Revenue Agency data, diesel has increased by around 3 euro cents in a single day and by roughly 0.45 euro cent»»»
Katara’s new murals weave global tales of unity and heritage
Doha, Qatar: In a vibrant celebration of cultural dialogue, Katara Cultural Village has unveiled a striking series of international murals that transform its buildings into living canvases, telling stories from across the world while reinforcing Qatar’s role as a global meeting point of civilisatio»»»
VinFast’s breakout year: Vietnamese EV maker nearly doubles sales in 2025, eyes 300,000 deliveries in 2026
Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast Auto Ltd. is coming off its strongest year yet, nearly doubling global deliveries in 2025 and setting an ambitious new target for 2026 that would push it into a higher league of global EV producers. The company said it delivered 196,919 electric vehicles wo»»»
North Korea Distancing Itself from Iran to Leave Door Open for US Talks, Seoul Says
North Korea appears to be distancing itself from longtime partner Iran and carefully managing its public messaging to preserve the possibility of a new relationship with the US after the Iran war, South Korean lawmakers said on Monday, citing the spy agency. Seoul's National Intelligence Service (N»»»
30 Passengers Evacuate after Cruise Ship Runs Aground on a Reef in Fiji
Thirty passengers were evacuated from a cruise ship that ran aground on a reef in Fiji, the ship’s owner said Monday. The MV Fiji Princess, operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises, ran aground Saturday near Monuriki Island, scene of the 2000 movie starring Tom Hanks “Cast Away,” The Associated Press quoted»»»
IEA Hails Saudi Arabia’s ‘Rapid Response’ to Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Countries must resist the urge to hoard oil and fuel during the energy crisis triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran, head of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol warned on Sunday, with supplies expected to dwindle further if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Birol praised Saudi Arabia f»»»
Analysis:One third of Romanians in urban areas fear not having sufficient income at retirement
The lack of sufficient income at retirement is the main concern of Romanians living in urban areas, indicated by over 32% of respondents surveyed as part of an analysis of Romanians' perceptions of risk and insurance, carried out by a specialist company.Second in the ranking of perceived risks is t»»»
Survey:Share of Romanians in urban areas who own their home falls to 70.5% this year
The share of Romanians in urban areas who own their home has fallen to 70.5% this year, compared with 73% in 2025, according to a specialist survey published on Friday.According to data from Colliers, the number of those living in rented homes has risen to 15.9%, from 11.3% last year, although inte»»»
Entrepreneurial index for 2026 fell to 43.25 points; only two macroeconomic indicators are increasing
The entrepreneurial index dropped this year to 43.25 points, from 49.5 points in 2025, in conditions in which most macroeconomic indicators stagnated or registered decreases, while the dynamics of turnover and foreign investments were on the rise, data from the third edition of the report show."We »»»
PM Bolojan: The government does not benefit in any way from rising fuel prices; on the contrary
Premier Ilie Bolojan stated on Saturday that a prolongation of the war in the Middle East and the effects of blocking crude oil and petroleum products transport from the Persian Golf determine a lower economic growth everywhere in the world, with ascending inflation at global level and the governme»»»
Al Jazeera denies any connection to detainee in Israel
Doha, Qatar: Israeli police announced on Friday, April 3, 2026, the arrest of an individual named Miqdad Al-Natour, whom they alleged to be affiliated with the Al Jazeera Media Network. The Network, in statement, firmly denied any association with the detainee and rejected the use of its name in an»»»
Qatar’s banks post 7.9% growth in total assets with highest NPL provision coverage ratio
Doha, Qatar: KPMG in Qatar has unveiled the 11th edition of its Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) listed banks’ results, offering a comprehensive analysis of financial outcomes and key performance indicators for leading commercial banks across the GCC, compared to the previous year. Titled ‘Resilience»»»
China executes French citizen sentenced to death for drug trafficking - UPI.com
China has executed French citizen Chan Thao Phoumy, who was arrested in 2005 on drug trafficking-related charges. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo April 6 (UPI) -- China has executed a French citizen sentenced to death for drug trafficking, its embassy in Paris confirmed, drawing cr»»»
What to Know about the Artemis 2 Mission's Moon Flyby
For the first time in more than half a century, astronauts will fly around the Moon on Monday, marking the high point of the Artemis 2's lunar mission. Here's what you need to know about the event according to AFP: - Live broadcast - The flyby will last around seven hours, starting Monday around 2:»»»
High-Stakes US Mission in Zagros Highlands Rescues F-15 Airman from Iran
US President Donald Trump on Sunday said US forces had safely recovered a second colonel — part of the crew of a downed F-15E Strike Eagle in Iran — concluding a 36-hour rescue operation in the middle of the Zagros highlands that involved dozens of aircraft and hundreds of special operations forces»»»
Vanderveen dominates Doha finale with five-star Grand Prix triumph
Doha, Qatar: American rider Kristen Vanderveen capped a superb run in Doha by winning the CSI5* Grand Prix Jump-Off - 1.60m on the final day of the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) Cup at Al Shaqab yesterday. On the concluding day of the Doha Equestrian Tour, Vanderveen partnered 12-year-old geldi»»»
Private capital pay rises to $750,000 as Abu Dhabi, Riyadh expand hiring
Dubai: Private capital activity is accelerating across the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with the Gulf moving firmly into focus for global investors and senior dealmakers. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Fresh data from Heidrick & Struggles shows 73% of professionals e»»»
PM says country only one to lower fuel prices last week, assures of sufficient quantities
Skopje, 1 April 2026 (MIA) - We were the only country to reduce fuel prices last week, the only one in the region and maybe the best in Europe regarding prices of oil and oil derivatives. Citizens should be calm since quantities are sufficient. We are monitoring the situation and we will respond ac»»»
Qatar reaps benefits of diversification in food security, crisis resilience
Doha, Qatar: Officials, economists, and businessmen said the country’s food security rests on an integrated framework of plans that enable flexibility and efficiency in responding to shocks. They noted the State of Qatar has successfully mitigated the impact of geopolitical tensions linked to the w»»»
Airstrikes on Iran Kill More Than 25 as Trump's Deadline to Open Strait of Hormuz Looms
Israel and the United States carried a wave of attacks Monday that killed more than 25 people in Iran. Tehran responded with missile fire on Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbors as US President Donald Trump’s deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz loomed. Explosions rang out into the nigh»»»
Dhurandhar 2 box office: Ranveer Singh's spy thriller storms past Rs16 billion
Dubai: ‘Dhurandhar 2’ is showing no signs of slowing down at the box-office. According to a report in Times Of India and other trade outlets that track Bollywood film's box-office numbers, Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster has stormed past Rs16 billion globally, despite it not releasing in theatres in ke»»»
14th International Short Film Festival to be held in Bishkek - | 24.KG
The 14th International Short Film Festival of the CIS, Baltic, and Georgia countries will be held in Bishkek from April 21 to 24. The event is a significant cultural platform aimed at developing contemporary cinema in the region. The Ministry of Culture reported. According to the ministry, this yea»»»
45-day US-Israel-Iran 'ceasefire' in the works: What we know so far
Iran and a group of regional mediators are reportedly trying to secure a proposed 45-day ceasefire – even as a deadline set by US President Donald Trump approaches, according to a report by Axios. Citing US, Israeli and regional "sources" familiar with the talks, the Axios report released on Sunday»»»
After Gaza Devastation, Israeli Attacks on Lebanon's Health Care System Feel Familiar for Many
Two years ago, Dr. Mohammed Ziara watched Israel ravage Gaza's health care system, shelling hospitals, striking ambulances and forcing patients to evacuate. Now Ziara — along with other medical workers, human rights groups and many civilians — warns that the same scenario is unfolding in Lebanon. I»»»
Bulgaria Ranks 38th in Economic Freedom, Between Costa Rica and Oman
In the 2026 edition of the Index of Economic Freedom, compiled by the Heritage Foundation, Bulgaria is placed 38th out of 176 countries, positioned between Costa Rica and Oman. The index evaluates economies on a scale from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate greater economic freedom. Once again,»»»
Toddler Injured by Wolf in the US after Crawling Under Zoo's Exterior Metal Fence
A toddler was lightly injured by a wolf at a Pennsylvania theme park zoo after he crawled under a fence and stuck his hand into the animal’s enclosure, officials at the zoo confirmed Sunday. According to The Associated Press, the child was never inside the wolf habitat at the ZooAmerica North Ameri»»»
Chilean Zoo Stages Easter Egg Hunt with Treats for the Animals
Step aside, children — this Easter egg hunt is for zoo animals only. At the largest private zoo in Chile, several of its animal residents — meerkats, monkeys, lemurs and others — searched on Sunday for their food packaged as Easter egg-themed treats. The “egg hunt” is an annual event at Bioparque B»»»
Rosatom warns of nuclear risk after reported strike near Iran's Bushehr plant
A statement by Rosatom has said a strike has breached the protection circuit of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, warning that the risk of a catastrophic nuclear incident is rising sharply as Russian personnel are evacuated from the site. »»»
Japan’s Takaichi sees approval steady as oil response draws criticism
Public support for the cabinet of Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi remained broadly unchanged in early April, although dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of oil supply disruptions has intensified, according to a Kyodo News survey. »»»
Mission Impossible: Trump’s Iran campaign faces mounting setbacks as asymmetric tactics bite
Iran's elite IRGC troops and mountain villagers joined forces in a manhunt for a down US pilot on April 3 after Iran shot down a F-15 jet fighter over its territory. The US flew in special forces who were on Iranian territory for the first time since the war began in February in a search and r»»»
Rosatom warns of nuclear risk after reported strike near Iran's Bushehr plant
A statement by Rosatom has said a strike has breached the protection circuit of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, warning that the risk of a catastrophic nuclear incident is rising sharply as Russian personnel are evacuated from the site. »»»
US pilot shot down in Iran rescued in prelude to possible ground invasion
A dramatic game of cat and mouse played out in the mountains of Iran in the last few days following the Downing of an F15E Strike Eagle by an Iranian missile as US Special Forces searched for and eventually extracted one of its airmen lost in the mountains. »»»
Mission Impossible: Trump’s Iran campaign faces mounting setbacks as asymmetric tactics bite
Iran's elite IRGC troops and mountain villagers joined forces in a manhunt for a down US pilot on April 3 after Iran shot down a F-15 jet fighter over its territory. The US flew in special forces who were on Iranian territory for the first time since the war began in February in a search and r»»»
US pilot shot down in Iran rescued in prelude to possible ground invasion
A dramatic game of cat and mouse played out in the mountains of Iran in the last few days following the Downing of an F15E Strike Eagle by an Iranian missile as US Special Forces searched for and eventually extracted one of its airmen lost in the mountains. »»»
Rosatom warns of nuclear risk after reported strike near Iran's Bushehr plant
A statement by Rosatom has said a strike has breached the protection circuit of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, warning that the risk of a catastrophic nuclear incident is rising sharply as Russian personnel are evacuated from the site. »»»
Mission Impossible: Trump’s Iran campaign faces mounting setbacks as asymmetric tactics bite
Iran's elite IRGC troops and mountain villagers joined forces in a manhunt for a down US pilot on April 3 after Iran shot down a F-15 jet fighter over its territory. The US flew in special forces who were on Iranian territory for the first time since the war began in February in a search and r»»»
Rosatom warns of nuclear risk after reported strike near Iran's Bushehr plant
A statement by Rosatom has said a strike has breached the protection circuit of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, warning that the risk of a catastrophic nuclear incident is rising sharply as Russian personnel are evacuated from the site. »»»
US pilot shot down in Iran rescued in prelude to possible ground invasion
A dramatic game of cat and mouse played out in the mountains of Iran in the last few days following the Downing of an F15E Strike Eagle by an Iranian missile as US Special Forces searched for and eventually extracted one of its airmen lost in the mountains. »»»
Mission Impossible: Trump’s Iran campaign faces mounting setbacks as asymmetric tactics bite
Iran's elite IRGC troops and mountain villagers joined forces in a manhunt for a down US pilot on April 3 after Iran shot down a F-15 jet fighter over its territory. The US flew in special forces who were on Iranian territory for the first time since the war began in February in a search and r»»»
US pilot shot down in Iran rescued in prelude to possible ground invasion
A dramatic game of cat and mouse played out in the mountains of Iran in the last few days following the Downing of an F15E Strike Eagle by an Iranian missile as US Special Forces searched for and eventually extracted one of its airmen lost in the mountains. »»»
Rosatom warns of nuclear risk after reported strike near Iran's Bushehr plant
A statement by Rosatom has said a strike has breached the protection circuit of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, warning that the risk of a catastrophic nuclear incident is rising sharply as Russian personnel are evacuated from the site. »»»
US pilot shot down in Iran rescued in prelude to possible ground invasion
A dramatic game of cat and mouse played out in the mountains of Iran in the last few days following the Downing of an F15E Strike Eagle by an Iranian missile as US Special Forces searched for and eventually extracted one of its airmen lost in the mountains. »»»
Mission Impossible: Trump’s Iran campaign faces mounting setbacks as asymmetric tactics bite
Iran's elite IRGC troops and mountain villagers joined forces in a manhunt for a down US pilot on April 3 after Iran shot down a F-15 jet fighter over its territory. The US flew in special forces who were on Iranian territory for the first time since the war began in February in a search and r»»»
Rosatom warns of nuclear risk after reported strike near Iran's Bushehr plant
A statement by Rosatom has said a strike has breached the protection circuit of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, warning that the risk of a catastrophic nuclear incident is rising sharply as Russian personnel are evacuated from the site. »»»
Mission Impossible: Trump’s Iran campaign faces mounting setbacks as asymmetric tactics bite
Iran's elite IRGC troops and mountain villagers joined forces in a manhunt for a down US pilot on April 3 after Iran shot down a F-15 jet fighter over its territory. The US flew in special forces who were on Iranian territory for the first time since the war began in February in a search and r»»»
US pilot shot down in Iran rescued in prelude to possible ground invasion
A dramatic game of cat and mouse played out in the mountains of Iran in the last few days following the Downing of an F15E Strike Eagle by an Iranian missile as US Special Forces searched for and eventually extracted one of its airmen lost in the mountains. »»»