Kuwait Bourse closes lower
Kuwait: Kuwait Bourse closed trading on Monday as the All Share Index lost 17.68 points to reach 8,681.09 points, a decrease of 0.20 percent. As many as 419.6 million shares valued at KWD 94.2 million (roughly USD 306.9 million) were traded via 22,523 transactions. The Main Market Index went up by »»»
Dubai Holding partners with Microsoft to scale AI adoption across operations
Dubai: Dubai Holding has announced a collaboration with Microsoft to embed artificial intelligence at the core of its operations, positioning the group among the first organisations in the Middle East and Africa region to implement AI deployment at enterprise scale. Get updated faster and for FREE:»»»
World languages heard at Hajj as organizers provide translation services
RIYADH: During the Hajj season, Makkah transforms into a place where Arabic is heard alongside languages from around the world. Urdu, Indonesian, Turkish, Persian, Bengali, English, French, Swahili and more are heard during the pilgrimage, reflecting the unity of Muslims. While diverse cultures mix»»»
Security agreement reportedly in the works: What does it include?
A security agreement that is in the works will include "timetables for disarming all illegal militias, starting with Hezbollah and extending to the smallest Palestinian faction," a Lebanese government source said. "This will be accompanied by reciprocal Israeli steps, including the return of Lebane»»»
Qatar Municipal Authorities complete nationwide Eid Al Adha preparations
Doha, Qatar: Qatar's Ministry of Municipality has announced the completion of nationwide preparations for Eid Al Adha festival, unveiling a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring public health, safety and comfort during the holiday period. Eid Al Adha, the "Festival of Sacrifice", is expected to begi»»»
Train driver charged over deadly Bangkok bus collision used drugs: official
Bangkok: The driver of a train that collided with a bus in Thailand's capital, killing eight people, has tested positive for drugs and was charged with reckless driving, officials said Monday. The freight train crashed into the public bus on Saturday afternoon at a busy junction in Bangkok, with th»»»
Experts in Riyadh discuss migration governance
RIYADH: The Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies, affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted a strategic workshop in Riyadh on enhancing migration governance and cooperation with Saudi Arabia. The workshop was organized by the International Organization for Migration,»»»
Vucic thanks Slovakia for supporting Serbia's territorial integrity
BAKU - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with Slovak PM and Minister of Environment Tomas Taraba in Baku on Monday and thanked Slovakia for its principled support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia, as well as for backing Serbia's EU path. "With Tomas Taraba, I discussed f»»»
Emaar exits joint venture structure for Damascus mixed-use project
Dubai: Emaar Properties has announced plans to exit the joint venture structure linked to The Eighth Gate, its mixed-use development in Yafour, Damascus, marking a shift in the company’s operations in Syria. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.The Dub»»»
Bozhinovska in Athens with regional counterparts: Joint efforts toward an integrated and strong energy system
Skopje, 15 May 2026 (MIA) - Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Bozhinovska Friday participated in a joint ministerial meeting in Athens, Greece, alongside the energy ministers of Greece, Serbia and Bulgaria, Stavros Papastavrou, Dubravka Đedović Handanović and Deputy Minister Ki»»»
KHDA, Parkin partner to digitise parking access for Dubai schools
Dubai: Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has signed a strategic collaboration framework with Parkin Company PJSC to streamline parking subscription services for educational institutions across the emirate. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simp»»»
Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli enemy army communications vehicle at Khallet Al-Raj in the town of Deir Seryan with a loitering glider and achieved a confirmed hit: statement 3 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli enemy army communications vehicle at Khallet Al-Raj in the town of Deir Seryan with a loite»»»
UN demands Israel prevent ‘genocide’ in Gaza
GENEVA: The United Nations demanded Monday that Israel take measures to prevent acts of “genocide” in Gaza, and decried indications of “ethnic cleansing” in the Palestinian territory and in the occupied West Bank. In a fresh report, the UN rights office said Israel’s actions in Gaza since the start»»»
Israel strikes south, Hezbollah fires drone at north Israel
Israeli strikes targeted Monday Tebnine, Dweir, Majdal Selem, Qana, Deir Ntar, Siddiqine, Maarakeh, Hanaway, Harouf, Zawtar, Deir Ames and Deir al-Zahrani in south Lebanon, after a midnight strike on an apartment in Baalbek killed an Islamic Jihad commander and his 17-year-old daughter and wounded »»»
Israel's military action not enough to stop Hezbollah drones, security official says
Israel has no military solution to the Hezbollah drone threat even if troops occupy all of south Lebanon, Israeli reports said. A security source told Israel's Kan public broadcaster that a political breakthrough is needed, as occupation will not solve the drones' problem. "Even if we occupy all of»»»
Aoun says he will do the 'impossible' to stop war with Israel
President Joseph Aoun said Monday that he would do the 'impossible' in order to stop the war with Israel, after a ceasefire and direct talks failed to end the fighting. "The framework that Lebanon has set for the negotiations consists of an Israeli withdrawal, a ceasefire, the deployment of the arm»»»
Ahead of Berlin Visit, Bulgarian PM Vows Spending Restraint
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said Monday that Bulgarian taxpayers would bear the cost of what he described as the excesses of the country’s oligarchic interests and previous administration, as his government prepares a stricter fiscal policy and reviews public-sector spending. Speaking to j»»»
World Bank approves $350 mn loan for Bangladesh energy crunch
Dhaka: The World Bank said on Monday it has approved a $350 million loan to help Bangladesh manage rising fuel import pressures and strengthen energy security after shortages linked to the Middle East war. The South Asian nation of 170 million people imports 95 percent of its oil and liquefied natu»»»
EU’s reduced steel import quota set to affect Ukraine – FT
An EU proposal to drastically cut its steel import quota in response to global overcapacity and the shrinking of local manufacturing will hurt Kiev, Ukrainian manufacturers and officials have told the Financial Times. The quota is expected to be cut by 47% on July 1, and the bloc will levy an addit»»»
Portugal's $140M drone carrier offers warning for South Korean Navy - UPI.com
Portugal's low-cost unmanned carrier strategy highlights a shift toward AI-driven naval warfare as South Korea faces pressure to accelerate development of drone-centered maritime platforms The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) sits anchored in Split, Croatia, 29 March 2026. Photo»»»
Look: Police probing 'BBQ goods' theft find fox with mouth full of hot dogs - UPI.com
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alberta RCMP | GRC en Alberta (@rcmpalbertagrc) May 15 (UPI) -- Police in Alberta responded to "a report of a theft involving BBQ goods" and arrived to find a red fox with a mouth full of hot dogs. The Alberta RCMP said on social media that officers resp»»»
After Dubai, Bolt begins ride-hailing services in Abu Dhabi
Dubai Taxi Company PJSC (DTC), the leading provider of mobility services in Dubai, and its strategic partner Bolt today announced the entry of Bolt’s ride-hailing services in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant step in the partnership’s expansion across the UAE. The expansion builds on strong e-hailin»»»
Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 10:30 on Monday 18-05-2026 a gathering of vehicles and soldiers belonging to the “Israeli” enemy army in Rashaf town with a rocket barrage: statement 2 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 10:30 on Monday 18-05-2026 a gathering of vehicles and soldiers belonging to the “Israeli” enemy ar»»»
2,000 Kyrgyzstanis employed in China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway construction - | 24.KG
Around 2,000 citizens of Kyrgyzstan are currently working on the construction of China—Kyrgyzstan—Uzbekistan railway. Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of Kyrgyzstan, Almaz Turgunbaev, said during a meeting of a relevant parliamentary committee. According to him, due to the specific n»»»
Netflix launches third ‘Women in Film’ program with Arab Fund for Arts and Culture
DUBAI: Netflix has partnered with the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture to launch the third edition of its regional Women in Film program. The initiative, titled “Women in Film III: Training Through Practice,” will provide training and mentorship opportunities to 35 participants from Saudi Arabia, the»»»
Israeli death penalty for convicted West Bank Palestinians comes into effect
DUBAI: An Israeli law pemitting the death penalty for West Bank Palestinians went into effect on Sunday, media reports said. Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, the head of the Israeli army’s Central Command, signed the military order necessary to implement the measure in the occupied West Bank, The Times of Isra»»»
Lusail University celebrates third convocation
Doha, Qatar: Lusail University celebrated on Monday the graduation ceremony of its third batch of students, with more than 900 graduates, including 36 percent of Qataris, held at Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC). HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater atte»»»
Middle East on edge: Where the Iran conflict stands and why this week could prove critical
Dubai: After weeks of uneasy calm, the fragile ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran appears increasingly at risk of collapse, with mounting signs that all sides are preparing for another possible round of conflict. US President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric in recent hours»»»
Why Water Crisis Could Hit the Middle East Harder Than Oil Shock
The water need of the region cannot be supplied externally by tankers — both because of the scale involved and due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade, Higher School of Economy’s dean Anastasiya Likhacheva tells Sputnik. "My favorite example: if you fill a fairly large, say, a second-class oil tanker »»»
Syria development fund allocates $15 million for recovery sectors
Damascus, May 18 (SANA) The Syrian Development Fund announced Monday, in coordination with relevant government ministries, a strategic plan to distribute an initial $15 million in donor contributions to priority sectors and heavily affected areas in Syria. In a statement issued Monday, the Fund sai»»»
Israeli Attacks Span South Lebanon and Baalbek as Death Toll of Israeli Aggression Nears 3,000
The Israeli enemy on Monday went ahead with its attack on Lebanon in violation of the so-called ceasefire announced earlier last month, with numerous strikes targeting a number of towns and villages across south Lebanon. Al-Manar correspondents reported strikes conducted by Israeli warplanes and dr»»»
Taiwan President William Lai says island's sovereignty 'non-negotiable' - UPI.com
Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te said Sunday that Taiwan would not do anything to trigger conflict with China but vowed the island would never allow itself to be traded away, or give up sovereignty. File Photo by Ritchie B. Tongo/EPA-EPA May 18 (UPI) -- Taiwanese President William Lai Ching»»»
National electricity production rises 7% by end-March 2026 (National Observatory of Energy and Mines)
Tunis, May 18 (TAP) — National electricity production rose by 7% at the end of March 2026, reaching 4,493 GWh (including renewable self-generation), compared with 4,212 GWh during the same period in 2025, according to the energy outlook report...»»»
National crude oil production falls by 13% late in March 2026 (Energy Observatory)
Tunis, May 18 (TAP) — National crude oil production stood at 281 kilotonnes (kt) at the end of March 2026, down 13% compared with the same period in 2025, according to the “Economic Outlook – March 2026” report published Monday by the National...»»»
Kyrgyzstan to borrow $305 million from China for railway construction - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan will receive a $305 million soft loan from China to meet its financial obligations on China — Kyrgyzstan — Uzbekistan railway project. The framework agreement between the two countries was approved today by the Zhogorku Kenesh Committee on Fuel and Energy, Transport, Architecture, and Co»»»
Shura Council discusses 'digital child protection' and approves Owners' Association draft law
DOHA: The Shura Council held its regular weekly session in the Tamim Bin Hamad Hall at the council's headquarters, chaired by Speaker HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim. At the beginning of the session, Secretary-General of the Shura Council HE Nayef bin Mohammed Al Mahmoud read the agenda, and the c»»»
Burjeel recognised as healthcare partner of title-winning Al Ain FC
Abu Dhabi, Al Ain: Al Ain FC’s ADNOC Pro League title win has brought renewed attention to one of the country’s most successful football clubs and to the support systems that help sustain performance at the highest level. For Burjeel Holdings, the achievement carries added significance. As Al Ain F»»»
Qatar Tourism launches service excellence training for MOI immigration officers
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and Hamad International Airport (HIA), has launched a service excellence training program for immigration officers working across Qatar's key entry points, reinforcing ongoing efforts to deliver a seamless and welcomin»»»
UAE launches ‘Year of Family’ passport stamp for travellers
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has introduced a special “Year of Family” passport stamp at selected entry points to mark the International Day of Families. Launched on May 15 by the ICP’s General Directorate of Ports, the commemorative stamp h»»»
Gulf News-Y-Axis webinar to focus on permanent residency and global mobility options
As geopolitical uncertainty, economic shifts, and changing personal priorities reshape the global landscape, more professionals and families in the UAE are actively exploring permanent residency and global mobility options as part of their long-term planning. To help audiences better understand the»»»
Energy trade deficit posts quasi-stability end of March 2026 (observatory)
Tunis, May 18 (TAP)- The energy trade deficit, taking into account Algerian gas royalties, posted quasi-stability by the end of March 2026, the National Observatory of Energy and Mines said on Monday, amounting to TND 2,969 million. Energy...»»»
SCNS dismantles channel for smuggling mobile phones into Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
The State Committee for National Security (SCNS) and the State Border Service of Kyrgyzstan have disrupted an illegal channel for the import of mobile phones, the SCNS press center reported. According to the statement, expensive mobile devices were brought into Kyrgyzstan through the Ak-Zhol checkp»»»
Sadyr Japarov participates in UN World Urban Forum in Baku - | 24.KG
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov is participating in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku on May 18. The head of state was greeted on the sidelines by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Anaclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-H»»»
Qatar’s CPI rises 2.62% Y-O-Y in April, led by food and clothing
RIYADH: Qatar’s Consumer Price Index reached 110.61 points in April, a monthly decline of 0.74 percent but an annual rise of of 2.62 percent, according to data released by the National Planning Council. The index, which tracks inflation across the economy, covers 12 major commodity groups encompass»»»
Al Khulaifi reaffirms Qatar's full support for Pakistan's mediation efforts
DOHA: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi received a phone call from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan HE Mohammad Ishaq Dar. During the call, the two sides discussed the late»»»
China agrees to boost trade for US beef and poultry following Trump-Xi summit
China has agreed to ramp up trade for U.S. agricultural products such as beef and poultry, buying at an annualized rate of $17 billion per year for 2026 and at that level for 2027 and 2028, the White House announced Sunday, two days after President Donald Trump returned from a high-stakes summit in»»»
Virasat Edition 3 - A celebration of tradition, legacy and rising stars
Doha, Qatar: Virasat Edition 3, presented by MK Arts Academy, concluded successfully in Qatar with an evening celebrating the beauty and legacy of Kathak. The event was inaugurated by the DCM Indian Embassy Sandeep Kumar and other distinguished guests namely ICC President Manikantan, Baburajan, Son»»»
Sharjah Charity launches Dh2.6m Dhu Al Hijjah aid campaign
Sharjah Charity International has allocated Dh2.6 million for a wide-ranging humanitarian campaign during the first 10 days of Dhu Al Hijjah, with initiatives set to support more than 18,000 families, help financially distressed inmates, fund heart procedures and sponsor Hajj trips for needy Emirat»»»
Vucic meets with Slovak deputy PM in Baku
BAKU - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with Slovak Deputy PM Tomas Taraba on the sidelines of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF) in Baku on Monday. Earlier, Vucic attended the WUF opening ceremony at the Baku Congress Centre. He will address the central part of the forum, to be attended by hea»»»