Sharjah EV charging law: New fees, up to Dh10,000 fine
Sharjah has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework governing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, setting clear rules on pricing, licensing, and penalties as the emirate accelerates its shift toward sustainable mobility. Issued under Executive Council Resolution No. 15 of 2026, t»»»
Asian Airlines Trim Schedules and Carry Extra Fuel as Supplies Tighten
Airlines across Asia are cutting flights, carrying extra fuel from home airports and adding refueling stops as the Middle East conflict squeezes jet fuel supply in some countries, adding to pressure on an industry already hit by a sharp jump in fuel costs. European carriers are bracing for similar »»»
China’s Xi Urges Faster Development of New Energy System as Middle East War Continues
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for accelerated planning and construction of a new energy system to safeguard the country's energy security, weeks into the Iran war that has triggered global energy shocks. The leader of the world's second-largest economy also emphasized hydropower developme»»»
Under Airstrikes, Iran Defiant on Eve of Trump's Ceasefire Deadline
Iran and Israel traded attacks on Tuesday as Tehran refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept a ceasefire deal on the eve of a deadline set by US President Donald Trump to agree to his demands or get "taken out." But in what could be a sign of progress, the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan sa»»»
How the UAE is defying the Strait of Hormuz shutdown to power the nation
Dubai: The UAE has sufficient and diversified energy sources to meet all of its domestic needs, even amid regional tensions, Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said, stressing that the country is well positioned to safeguard energy security for residents and businesses. Spea»»»
Energy minister says new holding companies restructure and boost Syria’s energy sector
Damascus, April 7 (SANA) Minister of Energy Mohammad al-Bashir said newly issued presidential decrees establishing holding companies in the energy sector mark a strategic step toward restructuring governance and improving institutional performance amid global shifts. In a post on X, al-Bashir descr»»»
Majid Khademi: Brief Tenure at Helm of Embattled IRGC Intelligence Ends in Assassination
Majid Khademi’s rise to the top of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence apparatus was as abrupt as his fall. During the 12-day war in June 2025, Khademi was appointed head of the IRGC Intelligence Organization following the killing of his predecessor, Mohammad Kazemi, at a time when»»»
Verdant Partners expands strategic advisory platform from the UAE
Verdant Partners, a Dubai-headquartered strategic advisory firm, has announced the expansion of its platform to support international businesses with market entry, capital structuring, and cross-border execution across the Middle East. The firm has worked across mergers and acquisitions, capital ra»»»
Gargash reaffirms UAE’s firm stance against Iranian aggression
Abu Dhabi: Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, has reaffirmed the UAE’s firm stance against Iranian aggression, saying the country’s clear and principled position has been widely appreciated across the Gulf. In a post on X, Gargash described Iran as an untrustworthy actor tha»»»
LIVE UPDATES: Saudi downs 7 missiles, temporarily closes bridge connecting Bahrain
Doha, Qatar: Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles and over 18 drones in recent hours as was confirmed by the country's military spokesperson. Stay tuned for more updates: 9:30am Doha Time Bridge connecting Saudi Arabia, Bahrain temporarily closed: authorities The major tr»»»
Sanjeev Mansotra Planet One signs strategic joint venture with state mining company of Tanzania for graphite mine
Planet One Group announced signature of a joint venture agreement with State Mining company of Tanzania for funding and developing 3 graphite concessions in the Mererani region of Tanzania. This marks a significant step towards diversification of Planet One’s mining portfolio currently consisting o»»»
US Stops Israel’s Plan to Drag Syria to War on Hezbollah
Political sources in Tel Aviv revealed that Washington stopped Israel from striking the Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, as well as a plan to drag Damascus into the war against Hezbollah. Israel radio said that the American administration stopped Israel from bombing the crossing sh»»»
Minister Greets Medical Professionals on World Health Day
Caretaker Minister of Health Michail Okoliyski greeted medical professionals on World Health Day, April 7, wishing them strength and confidence in their most humane mission. The motto of this year's World Health Day is "Together for health. Stand with science”. "It brings together the key factors f»»»
Solar is winning the energy race
Nature and EnvironmentGlobal issuesSolar is winning the energy raceGero RueterThe world's cheapest power source is scaling at warp speed, pushing coal, gas and nuclear aside. https://p.dw.com/p/5B3i8Solar power has not only become cheaper, but has been scaled up to create vast sun-driven energy par»»»
PP Leaders Tell Bulgarians in Istanbul: “We Will Fix Roads, Schools and Bring People Back Home”
The leadership of “We Continue the Change” (PP), including Asen Vassilev and deputy chairman Nikolai Denkov, met with Bulgarian emigrants in Istanbul, alongside PP-DB list leaders from Shumen and Kardzhali, Aylin Pehlivanova and Sebahatin Gökçe. The gathering drew a large audience, with the hall re»»»
Trade: Jewellery increasingly seen as store of value in 2026, buying decisions more informed
The jewellery market is entering 2026 in a clear phase of maturation, with purchasing decisions increasingly well-informed and jewellery more often seen as a store of value rather than merely an aesthetic accessory, according to an analysis.According to the Magnor analysis, customers are more infor»»»
Infrastructure: Oradea Airport launches new flight to Milan, with two new flights to Rome, Dortmund to follow
Oradea Airport officially inaugurated a direct flight to Milan-Bergamo, the Bihor County Council reported.According to the same source, the new route, operated by Wizz Air, will have two weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays, offering passengers convenient options for both city-break trips and busi»»»
Tourism : Romania records tourist arrivals down 3.7% and overnight stays down 3% in February
Arrivals and overnight stays in the establishments of tourists' reception with functions of tourists' accommodation, including apartments and rooms forrent decreased by 3.7% and by 3%, respectively, in February 2026 compared to the same month last year, according to the National Institute of Statis»»»
Bucharest apartment prices up 3.6% to 2,331 euros over the past six months
The average price of apartments on Bucharest's residential market increased by 3.6% over the past six months, reaching 2,331 euros per square metre, while houses recorded a slight decline of 0.5%, according to a specialised analysis.According to the imo360 platform, the most expensive areas of the »»»
Cars: Electric vehicle registrations, up 152pct in March
Registrations of new passenger cars in Romania increased 4.7% in March this year compared with the same period in 2025, while the "fully electric" segment recorded a surge of 152%, according to preliminary data the Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Importers (APIA).According to data centr»»»
Real Estate: Number of building authorisations issued for residential buildings down 8.4% in January-February
The number of building permits issued for residential buildings fell by 8.4% to 4,154 in the first two months of this year, compared with the same period last year, according to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).Decreases were recorded in the following development regions»»»
Romania ranks 1st in EU for sunflower; Agricultural crop production rises across all crops in 2025
Plant-based agricultural production increased in 2025 across all major crops, particularly due to higher yields per hectare, while the cultivated area expanded for most crops, according to provisional data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).The INS data show that in 2025, compa»»»
Agriculture: Romania to export more than one million sheep to Algeria in 2027
Algeria has officially expressed its intention to import from Romania, during 2027, a volume exceeding one million sheep, including, for the first time, sheep carcasses, the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) informs.'A central element of the new trade strategy is the d»»»
Healthcare: National study: 70% of resident doctors consider leaving Romania
Some 70% of resident doctors are considering leaving the country in the absence of clear professional opportunities, according to the national study "Career paths of public health and management physicians in Romania from residency to employment," published on Monday.Although 97.6% of Romanian resi»»»
Blasts Heard Near Erbil Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan as Factions Threaten US Interests
Two blasts were heard near Erbil's airport, which hosts advisers from the US-led anti-ISIS coalition, in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region, an AFP journalist said on Monday. Some hours earlier, air defense systems downed four missiles headed towards the US consulate in Erbil, a security source told »»»
EY Romania: Romania's OECD accession, most important foreign policy strategic moment after joining NATO, EU
Romania's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) marks the most important strategic moment in foreign policy since joining NATO and the European Union (EU), says Partner, EY Romania and Moldova Tax & Law Services Leader Alex Milcev.'It can be said, without fe»»»
OPIA: Romania has allocated 2.45pct of GDP for defence spending, should reach for 5pct
Romania has allocated an extremely important percentage for defence spending, which today reached 2.45% of GDP, but we need to continue investing in order to reach 5%, Rasvan Pircalabescu, chairman of Romania's Defence Industry Employers' Organisation (OPIA), said on Monday at a conference that cel»»»
President Dan: Romania has no fuel supply issues amid Strait of Hormuz closure
Romania is not currently facing any fuel supply difficulties, and companies in the sector are purchasing at prices aligned with the international market, President Nicusor Dan said on Monday, according to the Presidential Administration.The head of state met on Monday with Prime Minister Ilie Boloj»»»
Ministry of Awqaf receives cash endowment worth QR200,000
Doha, Qatar: The Centre for Endowers’ Affairs at the General Directorate of Endowments, under the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, has received a new cash endowment valued at QR200,000 from a benefactor in support of the “Relief of Distress” endowment fund, part of the Waqf Fund for Righteous»»»
IMF: Middle East War Means 'All Roads' Lead to Higher Prices, Slower Growth
The war in the Middle East will lead to higher inflation and slower global growth, the head of the International Monetary Fund told Reuters on Monday, ahead of a forecast for the world economy planned by the global lender for next week. The war has triggered the worst-ever disruption in global ener»»»
Qatar launches ‘Legal Path to Labour Market’ to empower national law graduates
Doha, Qatar: The Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), in coordination with the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Labour, has launched the “Legal Path to the Labour Market 2026” initiative to prepare qualified Qatari legal cadres for seamless integration into the public and priva»»»
Vodafone Qatar introduces new portfolio of business mobile and fixed plans
Doha, Qatar: Vodafone Qatar has launched a new portfolio of Business Mobile and Fixed plans, designed to support organisations across Qatar with reliable connectivity, greater flexibility, and affordable, simplified choices. The new portfolio introduces Business Postpaid, Business Unlimited and Bus»»»
Oil rises, stocks fall as Iran deadline drives market tension
Dubai: Oil prices moved higher on Tuesday while equities lost momentum, with investors pulling back ahead of a key US deadline tied to the Iran conflict. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Brent crude climbed above $111 a barrel after volatile swings, continuing a steady »»»
Taiwan Opposition Leader Heads to China in What She Calls a ‘Journey for Peace’
Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun is heading to China on Tuesday at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, in what she calls a “journey for peace” as Beijing calls for the self-ruled island to come under its control. The visit is the first by a Taiwanese opposition leader in a decade and comes»»»
Hakeem digital platform cuts waiting time, streamlines care at QRCS health centres
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is reporting significant improvements in patient flow and service efficiency following the rollout of its “Hakeem” digital health platform, designed to reduce waiting times and simplify procedures at workers’ health centres. In a recent interview w»»»
Japanese National Detained in Iran in January Released on Bail
A Japanese national detained in Iran has been released on bail, Japan's top government spokesperson said on Tuesday. The individual was detained on January 20 and released on bail on Monday, and appears to have no health issues, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a press briefing witho»»»
Business - Could China's adoption of electric vehicles shield it from the energy crisis?
As crude prices hover around the $110 per barrel mark on Monday morning, consumers worldwide are feeling the impact of the war in Iran and the closure of the Hormuz Strait when they head to the petrol pump. In China, where more than half of new car sales are for electric vehicles, that impact may b»»»
More South Asia flights added via Dammam by Gulf Air
Dubai: Gulf Air has added more South Asian routes to its temporary Dammam operations, widening travel options for passengers affected by ongoing airspace restrictions in Bahrain and parts of the region. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The airline is currently operating»»»
Striking Iran’s Infrastructure Would Have Little Military Impact – Report
US threats to target Iran’s electricity grid, refineries, and desalination plants would have devastating consequences for civilians while offering little military advantage, even the US-based Atlantic Council acknowledged. “Striking Iran’s water-related infrastructure will immediately spark a crisi»»»
Oil Prices Rally, Stocks Mixed after Trump's Latest Iran Threat
Oil prices rose Tuesday while equities were mixed as investors assessed Donald Trump's latest deadline for Iran to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz or be "decimated". As the Middle East war entered its sixth week, the US president warned Tehran that its civilian infrastructure would be destroy»»»
Video: Abu Dhabi health chief meets patients injured by missile debris
Abu Dhabi: Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), visited Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City to check on the condition of individuals receiving care following recent regional events and to review their treatment plans. The visit was coordinated with the Emer»»»
Southeast Asia’s energy squeeze
The war in Iran has delivered a systemic shock to global energy markets, but few regions have felt the strain as acutely, or quite as quickly, as Southeast Asia. With the region being highly exposed to Middle Eastern supply routes and structurally dependent on imported hydrocarbons to supply power »»»
Southeast Asia’s energy squeeze
The war in Iran has delivered a systemic shock to global energy markets, but few regions have felt the strain as acutely, or quite as quickly, as Southeast Asia. With the region being highly exposed to Middle Eastern supply routes and structurally dependent on imported hydrocarbons to supply power »»»
Southeast Asia’s energy squeeze
The war in Iran has delivered a systemic shock to global energy markets, but few regions have felt the strain as acutely, or quite as quickly, as Southeast Asia. With the region being highly exposed to Middle Eastern supply routes and structurally dependent on imported hydrocarbons to supply power »»»
Southeast Asia’s energy squeeze
The war in Iran has delivered a systemic shock to global energy markets, but few regions have felt the strain as acutely, or quite as quickly, as Southeast Asia. With the region being highly exposed to Middle Eastern supply routes and structurally dependent on imported hydrocarbons to supply power »»»
Southeast Asia’s energy squeeze
The war in Iran has delivered a systemic shock to global energy markets, but few regions have felt the strain as acutely, or quite as quickly, as Southeast Asia. With the region being highly exposed to Middle Eastern supply routes and structurally dependent on imported hydrocarbons to supply power »»»
Southeast Asia’s energy squeeze
The war in Iran has delivered a systemic shock to global energy markets, but few regions have felt the strain as acutely, or quite as quickly, as Southeast Asia. With the region being highly exposed to Middle Eastern supply routes and structurally dependent on imported hydrocarbons to supply power »»»
Southeast Asia’s energy squeeze
The war in Iran has delivered a systemic shock to global energy markets, but few regions have felt the strain as acutely, or quite as quickly, as Southeast Asia. With the region being highly exposed to Middle Eastern supply routes and structurally dependent on imported hydrocarbons to supply power »»»
Southeast Asia’s energy squeeze
The war in Iran has delivered a systemic shock to global energy markets, but few regions have felt the strain as acutely, or quite as quickly, as Southeast Asia. With the region being highly exposed to Middle Eastern supply routes and structurally dependent on imported hydrocarbons to supply power »»»
Southeast Asia’s energy squeeze
The war in Iran has delivered a systemic shock to global energy markets, but few regions have felt the strain as acutely, or quite as quickly, as Southeast Asia. With the region being highly exposed to Middle Eastern supply routes and structurally dependent on imported hydrocarbons to supply power »»»