Beyond aid: Why humanitarian diplomacy matters for the UAE
As more than 21,000 participants from some 165 countries gather in Dubai for the 22nd Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition, the scale of DIHAD 2026 reflects the urgency of the moment. Under the theme “Humanitarianism in Transition: Shaping the Future of Hum»»»
Herd of six wild Asian elephants spotted wandering near Cambodia's northwest
Phnom Penh: A herd of six wild Asian elephants, including a young calf, has been spotted wandering near a village in Cambodia's northwestern Preah Vihear province, an environment spokesperson said on Monday. Khvay Atitya, also an undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Environment, said the rar»»»
Trump spoke with Pakistan Army Chief Munir ahead of Tehran visit: Report
Washington DC: US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir last week, before Munir's Tehran visit on Monday, according to CNN. A source familiar with the conversation confirmed to CNN that Trump spoke with Munir last week and discussed Iran with the Pakistani Army c»»»
How $17 billion in forex reserves is strengthening Pakistan’s economy
Dubai: Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have climbed to about $17 billion, strengthening its ability to meet overseas payments and withstand external shocks as lower borrowing costs ease pressure on government finances. The improvement prompted Moody’s Ratings to upgrade Pakistan’s local and fo»»»
‘We don’t need Canada’: Trump threatens to double auto tariffs after trade talks collapse
US tariffs on all Canadian cars and trucks, automotive parts and steel will be increased to 50% starting January 1, 2027, President Donald Trump said Monday, adding that the US does not “need” Canada after the collapse of trade talks. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his administration had»»»
Kyiv’s allies pledge classified tech, air defence missiles as Ukraine marks Independence Day
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged to provide Ukraine with stronger military support, including access to classified technology and faster deliveries of air defence missiles, at a meeting of allies in Kyiv on Monday to mark Ukraine's 35th Independ»»»
Oil markets slip despite tanker strike off Oman as Hormuz tensions persist
Crude oil prices dropped as Brent crude and Murban crude showed clear downside pressure overnight on Tuesday, even as a crude oil tanker was reportedly hit while transiting the US-protected route off Oman. As of early Beijing hours on August 25, 2026, the market is treating the latest tanker incide»»»
Scientists discover new mechanism behind blood clot formation
Paris: An international team of scientists from Britain, Sweden and France has identified a new mechanism involved in blood clot formation, challenging decades-old understanding of how molecules of the fibrinogen protein are arranged, a key component in the blood clotting process. Experiments condu»»»
US set for 'largest mass visa revocation in history' targeting up to 200,000 foreigners
WASHINGTON: The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum status in the United States. If it happens, the move would be the largest single mass revocation of visas in US history and wou»»»
'Unknown projectile' hits oil tanker off Oman: UKMTO
An oil tanker was struck by an unidentified/unknown projectile about 9 nautical miles northeast of Ash Shishah, Oman, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported early on Tuesday. The impact damaged the engine room, disabling the vessel, UKMTO advisory/warning (referenced as Warning 120-26) s»»»
Jordan's King, Chinese President stress need for overall Middle East de-escalation
Beijing: King Abdullah II of Jordan and Chinese President Xi Jinping underlined Monday the importance of achieving overall de-escalation and stability in the Middle East. The two sides held talks in Beijing to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues of shared concern, with King Abdullah und»»»
Saudi ministry announces new cultural center in Paris
PARIS: The Ministry of Culture announced the establishment of a Saudi cultural center in Paris on the sidelines of the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the France. The center will serve as a platform for promoting Saudi culture and highlighting its historical depth and creative diversit»»»
Singapore unveils measures to boost family support
Singapore: Singapore will strengthen support for families by increasing childcare leave, expanding financial assistance for children, reducing preschool fees, and increasing housing access, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Sunday. Under the new childcare leave arrangement, every working parent »»»
How Saudi-French ties are turning an ancient oasis into a new canvas
RIYADH: In January, a fantastical scene took place between the valleys of AlUla: French highliners dotted the sky in a suspenseful performance, while Compagnie de Chaillot acrobats and children from the AlUla community down below moved together, building on the idea of transcendence. This was a per»»»
German court convicts siblings over looted Egyptian artefacts
HAMBURG: A German court on Monday convicted two siblings of money laundering over the illegal sale of ancient Egyptian artefacts, and ordered the confiscation of 32 million euros ($37 million). The brother and sister, who were not identified, were also hit with hefty fines in the case related to th»»»
Village Hegra: The first Saudi-French cultural hub debuts in AlUla
ALULA: Villa Hegra, the first joint Saudi-French cultural institution, has expanded its programming in 2026 with new residencies in scriptwriting and tableware design. Villa Hegra was officially launched in October 2025 in AlUla and was inaugurated by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud, mi»»»
Hormuz traffic holds 'steady' — what it means
Hormuz vessel traffic holds "steady". That count, however, may also mask an undersireable situation: a weaker flow of oil through the chokepoint. MarineTraffic’s latest weekly snapshot (posted August 24, 2026) shows vessel crossings through two critical Middle East chokepoints — the Strait of Hormu»»»
Doha Festival City launches Festival Academy for back-to-school season
Doha Festival City, Qatar’s leading retail, leisure, and lifestyle destination, has launched its back-to-school campaign, Festival Academy, transforming the retail and leisure destination into an interactive learning and entertainment hub for children and families. Running until September 12 under »»»
HOPE Qatar concludes ‘Echoes of Abilities’ summer camp 2026 with a grand finale
Tribune News Network Doha HOPE Qatar Centre for Persons with Disabilities successfully concluded its two-month-long “Echoes of Abilities” Summer Camp 2026 with a vibrant and memorable Grand Finale on August 22. The celebration brought together students, parents, staff, volunteers and distinguished »»»
‘MoEHE scales up curriculum ahead of new academic year’
QNA Doha The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) is stepping up efforts to develop curricula that equip students with knowledge, life skills and future-ready competencies, while strengthening their national identity and Islamic values, said Director of the Curriculum and Learning Res»»»
Gaza’s historic Abu Salim Mosque destroyed in Israeli strike
LONDON: Israeli forces struck the historic Abu Salim Mosque in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, on Monday, Palestinian media reported, destroying what is regarded as one of the territory’s oldest mosques. Several Palestinians were reportedly injured in the attack. Video shared by news outlets and socia»»»
130-meter skyscraper to be built in Katowice
A residential tower more than 130 meters tall is planned opposite Katowice’s Spodek arena, potentially reshaping the city’s skyline. MTX Development is behind the project at 1 Chorzowska Street, with Konior Studio responsible for the design. Earlier concepts suggested 32–37 floors, 305–320 apartmen»»»
French investment in Kingdom worth $19b expands into AI, digital infrastructure, culture, mining
PARIS: French investment in Saudi Arabia is expanding beyond traditional sectors such as energy and manufacturing into artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, culture, financial services and gaming, according to a briefing on the investment relationship between the two countries. A report »»»
Saudi Arabia’s transformation opens a wider canvas for French investors
PARIS: The economic relationship between Saudi Arabia and France is entering a new phase, with French investment expanding beyond its traditional strengths in energy and industry into artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, culture, creative industries and mining. The shift reflects the wi»»»
GCC secretary general receives head of Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa program at IAI
RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi received Maria Luisa Fantappie, head of the Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa program at the Institute of International Affairs, at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh on Monday. During the meeting, the two si»»»
GCC secretary general receives head of Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa program at IAI
RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi received Maria Luisa Fantappie, head of the Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa program at the Institute of International Affairs, at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh on Monday. During the meeting, the two si»»»
Cabinet warns of worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza
RAMALLAH: Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa briefed Cabinet members on political contacts and international efforts to halt the crimes of the occupation and terrorist settlers’ gangs and provide international protection for the Palestinian people. The Cabinet, during its weekly session on Monday, war»»»
Saudi Arabia’s transformation opens a wider canvas for French investors
PARIS: The economic relationship between Saudi Arabia and France is entering a new phase, with French investment expanding beyond its traditional strengths in energy and industry into artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, culture, creative industries and mining. The shift reflects the wi»»»
Will Ukraine survive another 35 years?
On the eve of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, I find myself wondering whether my country will still exist in another 35 years. Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion, the rollback of democracy, a severely damaged market economy, and the degradation of every social system compel me, as»»»
Putin says Ukraine “opened a Pandora's box” by hitting Russia's economy
Ukraine has opened a Pandora's box by attacking Russia's retail sector and should now expect the same treatment but worse, President Vladimir Putin said in an interview on August 22. “The Kyiv regime set out to damage our economy. What did it do? It opened this Pandora's box itself. Well then, expe»»»
WFP says hunger worsening in Syria as aid cuts deepen crisis
LONDON: Hunger is worsening in the Syrian Arab Republic, where more than half the population cannot reliably obtain enough food, the World Food Programme warned on Sunday as funding shortages force the UN agency to reduce aid. Of Syria’s estimated 24.4 million people, 13.3 million are food insecure»»»
What the renewed Black Sea blockade means for Ukraine’s farmers
As Ukraine and Russia hammer each other’s Black Sea ports, the amount of grain being shipped through the crucial waterway has slowed to a crawl. For Ukraine’s farmers, the Black Sea blockade could hardly have come at a worse time. The fields are white for harvest, but the way through the Bla»»»
Two Palestinians, including a child, martyred in Israeli strikes on Gaza
/General/Arab Affairs Gaza, August 24 (QNA) - Two Palestinians, including a four-year-old child, were martyred and others injured on Monday in Israeli airstrikes and shelling across the Gaza Strip. Medical sources reported that one person was killed and others injured in an Israeli drone strike wes»»»
More than 200 Chinese ships mass near Philippine-held shoal - UPI.com
Concerns grow China could move against Second Thomas Shoal after turning nearby Mischief Reef into a military base An areal photo taken though a glass window inside a military plane of the alleged on-going reclamation by China into mischief reef in the Spratly group of islands in the South China Se»»»
Egypt villagers return cash after ATM glitch doubles withdrawals
Dubai: Residents of an Egyptian village have begun returning money mistakenly dispensed by a cash machine after a technical malfunction caused it to pay customers twice the amount they requested, according to local reports. The incident occurred in Qay village in Ihnasiya district of Beni Suef gove»»»
Reno wildfire forces 42,000 to evacuate as Hawk Fire races towards city
Tens of thousands of people remained evacuated from their homes around the western US city of Reno on Monday as a wind-driven fire raced through the parched landscape. Schools were shuttered as smoke swathed the city in western Nevada, near the California border, home to around 280,000 people. Get »»»
Qatar to expect first noticeable drop in temperatures from September 20: Expert
Doha, Qatar: Qatar is expected to witness the first noticeable decline in temperatures from September 20, marking the beginning of a gradual seasonal transition, according to Dr. Faisal Al Ansari, Executive Director of the Qatar Calendar House. Speaking to Al Rayyan TV, Dr. Al Ansari said the year »»»
Parts of Bulgaria Hit by Torrential Rain, Hail Storm in Sofia
Parts of Bulgaria were hit by torrential rain and hailstorms on Monday, causing flooding, road closures and emergency response operations in Sofia and several areas of Pazardzhik Region. Heavy rain accompanied by hail in Sofia flooded central streets and boulevards. Sofia Municipality said eight te»»»
What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Hidden Histories of Houseplants’
Authors: Maddie and Alice Bailey A monstera’s holes, a calathea’s moving leaves and a fern’s preference for humidity may seem like ordinary botanical quirks, but “The Hidden Histories of Houseplants” makes a persuasive case that there is a much bigger story behind houseplants. Written by sisters Ma»»»
US Treasury chief vows to cut every 'economic lifeline' of Iran
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday laid out plans for the "economic asphyxiation" of Iran, expanding Washington's secondary sanctions threats and warning of dire consequences for countries that decline to join the pressure campaign. Bessent's address comes almost six months into a war on»»»
US to impose new Iran sanctions on tech, gold, aviation, shipping
Washington: The United States on Monday vastly expanded the sectors of the Iranian economy it is targeting with secondary sanctions, bringing five new areas under the threat of such actions. "Treasury has issued determinations against five critical sectors -- digital assets, technology, gold, aviat»»»
Al-Manar correspondent: Israeli artillery and phosphorus shelling targets the town of Al-Mansouri in southern Lebanon - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Al-Manar correspondent: Israeli artillery and phosphorus shelling targets the town of Al-Mansouri in southern Lebanon 24-08-2026 19:35 PM L»»»
Israeli fire kills two young children in Gaza, medics say
CAIRO: Israeli airstrikes and gunfire killed two young children and at least two other Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Monday, health officials in the territory said. Medics and relatives said 10-year-old Amal Abu Khater was hit by a bullet in her back while she was eating inside her family's t»»»
UN offers to facilitate fertilizer transit through Hormuz
United Nations, United States: The United Nations offered on Monday to facilitate the transport of fertilizer that has been hampered by the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran war. "The purpose is simple: to reduce immediate risks, support more orderly and predictabl»»»
GERB Leader Borissov: Government Created Its Own Problem over US Tanker Aircraft
The Government created its own problem over the US tanker aircraft at Bezmer Air Base by accusing previous governments of lying, GERB leader Boyko Borissov said on Monday. “They should simply have continued the decisions taken by previous governments. Instead, in their desire always to act aggressi»»»
Three Palestinians martyred by Israeli occupation fire in Gaza strip
Gaza: Three Palestinians were martyred and two others injured on Monday after being targeted by Israeli occupation gunfire in several areas of the Gaza Strip. Medical sources said that a 10-year-old girl from Jabaliah refugee camp was martyred after being shot by Israeli occupation forces north of »»»
Central Bank of Oman issues treasury bills worth OMR 15.5 Million
Muscat: The Central Bank of Oman announced on Monday that the value of allocated government treasury bills this week amounted to OMR 15.5 million. According to the statement, the allocated bills of 91 days maturity were OMR 3 million, which were offered at an average accepted price of OMR 99.050 pe»»»
Trump govt proposes $103k fee for skilled worker visa
Washington: US President Donald Trump's administration on Monday moved to impose a more than $100,000 fee on employers hiring foreign workers through a highly-skilled visa program, after facing a legal setback in an earlier effort. The $103,265 fee for H-1B visas would serve as a "revenue mechanism»»»
Heatwave: 19 governorates placed under orange weather alert on Monday
Tunis, August 24 (TAP) - Nineteen out of 24 governorates were placed under orange weather alert on Monday by the National Institute of Meteorology (French: INM) due to the high temperatures forecast. A yellow weather alert was also issued for the...»»»
Israel's Netanyahu says Iran 'tried to kill' one of his sons
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Iran had attempted to assassinate one of his two sons, without offering further details. "Something incredible happened: Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill one of my sons," Netanyahu said during a phone interview wi»»»