MoCI takes action against central market over pricing, fraud violations
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has recorded three violations at a central market involving pricing non-compliance, commercial fraud, and misleading practices. In a statement on social media, the Ministry said that legal measures have been taken against the Al Sailiya Cent»»»
UAE oil chief Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber: 'The Strait of Hormuz is not open' - UPI.com
1 of 3 | Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber arrives at the COP28 Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on November 30, 2023. As CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, he said the Strait of Hormuz is not unconditionally open. File Photo by Ali Haider/EPA-EFE April 9 (UPI) -- The Strait of Hormuz is not »»»
European Development Bank Unveils 5 Bn Euros for War-hit Economies
The European development bank said Thursday it was unlocking five billion euros ($5.9 bn) to help shore up economies hit by the Middle East war. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said it will "deploy EUR5 billion in 2026 in economies impacted by Middle East conflict". The »»»
Israel to negotiate peace directly with Lebanon – Ya Libnan
Share: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he has instructed Israel’s Cabinet to open direct negotiations with Lebanon. “In light of Lebanon’s repeated calls to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the Cabinet yesterday to open direct negotiations with Lebanon as s»»»
Disney to lay off up to 1,000 employees - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Disney plans to lay off up to 1,000 employees and cut their positions, focusing largely on its marketing department. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo April 9 (UPI) -- Disney plans to lay off up to 1,000 employees and cut their positions, focusing largely on its marketing de»»»
Netanyahu Authorizes Direct Talks with Lebanon
In a potential boost to Middle East ceasefire efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he authorized direct negotiations “as soon as possible” with Lebanon aimed at disarming Hezbollah militants and establishing relations between the two countries. "In light of Lebanon'»»»
Talks With US Depend on Ceasefire Being Observed 'on All Fronts' - Tehran
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Negotiations to end the US-Iran conflict depend on the US commitment to ceasefire obligations "on all fronts," the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. "The holding of negotiations to end the war depends on the US commitment to ceasefire obligations on all fronts, particula»»»
Scientists: World's Oldest Octopus Fossil Isn't an Octopus after All
A 300-million-year-old tentacled sea creature has lost its crown as the world’s oldest octopus, after scientists found evidence that it’s not an octopus at all. Newly published research concludes that fossilized remains listed by Guinness World Records as the earliest known octopus belong instead t»»»
Trump administration ‘weaponizing Christianity’ as Israel acts with impunity – activist
The administration of US President Donald Trump is “weaponizing Christianity” to justify its actions in the Middle East, while Israel continues to act with impunity as much of the West turns a blind eye, Irish activist and satirist Tadhg Hickey has said. Appearing on RT’s East Meets West show, host»»»
Iran's out-of-sight Supreme Leader fuels speculation
On 28 February 2026, the first day of the US-Israeli war, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, along with several senior military figures and members of his family. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was wounded in the same strike that also killed Mojtaba’s mother, Mansoureh Khojast»»»
Djuric: UNMIK presence in Kosovo-Metohija must not be weakened, but strengthened
NEW YORK - Addressing a UN Security Council session on the work of UNMIK, the UN mission in Kosovo-Metohija, Serbian FM Marko Djuric said on Thursday its presence continued to serve as a key guarantee of peace, stability and protection of the fundamental human rights of Serbs living in the province»»»
The battle for Hungary: How the election became a US-EU battleground
Not so long ago, US President Donald Trump openly endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of the Hungarian parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12. From a diplomatic standpoint, urging citizens of another country to vote for a specific candidate is contentious, to say the least.»»»
Israeli Fire Kills at Least 4 Palestinians in Gaza
Israeli forces shot and killed a young female student on Thursday while she was attending a class held in a tent in the town of Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip, health and education officials said. The education ministry said third-grade student Ritaj Rihan was hit by a bullet in front of he»»»
Orbán: We will never allow anyone to blackmail Hungary
At a campaign rally in Sopron, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered a speech centered on national sovereignty, economic security, and the stakes of the upcoming election, presenting the vote as a decisive choice about Hungary’s future. Opening his remarks, Prime Minister Orbán stressed that the ca»»»
Netanyahu says instructed cabinet 'to begin direct negotiations' with Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he ordered his cabinet to open direct talks with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah and establish "peace relations" between the two countries. "In light of Lebanon's repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the cabinet »»»
Caretaker Interior Minister Dechev Warns of Public Officials Attempting to Influence Elections
Public officials are attempting to exert improper influence over the electoral process, Bulgaria’s caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev said at a briefing in Ruse. He cited specific cases involving a mayor in northwestern Bulgaria and a deputy mayor in a border town. “In one case in northwestern»»»
Cannes Festival promises escapism in Hollywood-lite edition
Paris, France: The Cannes Film Festival unveiled its roster of films for this year's edition on Thursday packed with historical dramas, "gentleness" and even football, with the absence of major Hollywood studios set to dial down the American razzle-dazzle of previous editions. Festival director Thi»»»
Fourth quarter 2025 GDP growth slower than previously estimated - UPI.com
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange before the closing bell at the NYSE on Wall Street on March 3, in New York City. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis revised the rate of economic growth for the fourth quarter of 2025 down Thursday due largely to slower-than-expected investm»»»
Dubai real estate transactions jump 31% to Dh252b in Q1 2026
Dubai: Dubai’s real estate sector recorded a strong start to 2026, with total transactions reaching Dh252 billion in the first quarter, marking a 31 per cent year-on-year increase in value and a 6 per cent rise in volume. Data released by the Dubai Land Department showed that 60,303 real estate tra»»»
Syria, Türkiye launch strategic partnership, expand coordination
Ankara, Apr. 9 (SANA) Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad al-Shaibani affirmed that Syria and the Republic of Türkiye have inaugurated a new phase of relations based on strategic partnership and mutual respect. Speaking during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hak»»»
Iran’s Refusal to Budge on Ceasefire Conditions Shows It’s Negotiating From Position of Strength
The US underestimated the importance of Lebanon for Iran when excluding it from the ceasefire deal, Beirut-based security analyst Ali Rizk tells Sputnik. "By once again taking control of the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranians are telling the Trump administration: 'If you want this deal to succeed, you »»»
The Power of Knowledge Lies in Its Use
Dr. Boyko Takov: Analytical and empirical results from ongoing projects constitute a solid information base A significant number of projects are implemented in Bulgaria every year, financed through European programs, the national budget, and various other international sources. They are developed a»»»
Abu Dhabi: New competency-based framework to enhance workplace safety
The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) has announced the launch of a new competency-based regulatory framework under the Qudorat Program for the registration of occupational safety and health (OSH) practitioners and service providers, in a step towards enhancing professional competency standard»»»
UK and Norway expose Russian operation near undersea infrastructure
While a Northern Fleet Akula-class submarine sailed out from the Kola Peninsula as a diversion, other Russian naval units from the Main Directorate of Deep Sea Research (GUGI) began a covert operation, conducting suspicious activity around critical undersea infrastructure in Norwegian and British m»»»
MRF Alerts European Institutions, US Congress Over Alleged Interior Ministry Electoral Interference
The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) has notified European institutions and the US Congress of alleged gross interference by Bulgaria's Interior Ministry in the electoral process ahead of the April 19 parliamentary elections, the party said on Thursday. The signals call for an investigation i»»»
Qatar's Ambassador participates in Korea's Deputy Prime Minister's meeting with GCC Ambassadors
Seoul: Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Korea HE Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Hamar participated in the meeting of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy of the Republic of Korea HE Koo Yun-cheol with the heads of diplomatic missions of the GCC countries accredited to»»»
CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority meets Ambassador of Uzbekistan
Doha: CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani met Thursday with Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Qatar, HE Dr. Ashraf Khodjaev. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in investment attraction »»»
Dubai launches maritime hub to capture more value from global shipping and trade
Dubai: Dubai is moving to capture a larger share of global shipping revenue by bringing trade, finance and maritime services into a single ecosystem, with the launch of a new Maritime Centre at DMCC. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The initiative is designed to go beyo»»»
UAE President receives UK Prime Minister
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who is on a visit to the UAE. During the meeting, they discussed developments in the Middle East and their serious implications for regional and international securit»»»
Iran Rejects Curbs on Its Uranium Enrichment Program
The head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, on Thursday ruled out accepting any restrictions on the country’s uranium enrichment program, as demanded by the United States and Israel. In an interview with the ISNA news agency, Eslami said: “The demands and conditions set by our e»»»
Bulgaria Cancels Holy Fire Delegation to Israel, Flame Available at Synodal Chapel
Due to the ongoing military actions in the Middle East and a Level 5 travel risk index for Israel and Palestine issued by Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs – advising against all travel and urging departure from the area, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has decided not to send »»»
Education Ministry clarified alternative assessments do not signal shift to distance learning
Doha, Qatar: Following the announcement of alternative assessment, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education has issued a clarification that this announcement does not signal a transition to distance learning after the extended weekend leave. It further confirmed that the mode of study for the»»»
Russian subs found surveilling British undersea data cables - UPI.com
The British Ministry of Defense and Defense Secretary John Healey revealed Russian submarines recently conducted "nefarious activity" around underwater cables and pipelines north of Britain. File Photo by Andy Rain/EPA April 9 (UPI) -- The British Ministry of Defense revealed Russian submarines con»»»
Peace in the Gulf? Philippines hopes for extensions on two-week ceasefire
Dubai: The Philippines has expressed "cautious optimism" over the announcement of peace talks between the US and Iran, facilitated by Pakistan, calling for a permanent end to the ongoing conflict. In a statement, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has expressed hope that the move will lea»»»
Kerala election: Indian expats in UAE cast votes despite conflict grounding plans of many
Dubai: The conflict in the region may have grounded thousands of Keralite expats' election plans this year, but for a determined few, no airfare was too steep and no disruption too great to stop them from exercising their democratic right. Regional tensions that forced airlines to scale back servic»»»
Dubai Police urge motorists to drive with caution
Dubai: Dubai Police have called on motorists to exercise heightened caution during rainfall, urging strict adherence to traffic laws and preventive safety measures. Drivers are advised to reduce speed, maintain safe distances between vehicles, and remain fully focused on the road, avoiding any form»»»
Houthi Praises Iran’s Victory, Underlines Frustration of US-Israeli Scheme in Region - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Houthi Praises Iran’s Victory, Underlines Frustration of US-Israeli Scheme in Region 09-04-2026 17:41 PM Sayyed Abdul Malik Badreddine Al-H»»»
UK and Norway xxpose Russian operation near undersea infrastructure
While a Northern Fleet Akula-class submarine sailed out from the Kola Peninsula as a diversion, other Russian naval units from the Main Directorate of Deep Sea Research (GUGI) began a covert operation, conducting suspicious activity around critical undersea infrastructure in Norwegian and British m»»»
IMF expects to provide vulnerable economies hit by Iran war up to $50 bn
Washington, United States: The International Monetary Fund expects to have to provide up to $50 billion in immediate financial assistance to countries affected by the Middle East conflict, its managing director said on Thursday, with the crisis likely to have lasting economic effects. "Given the sp»»»
Nawaf Salam Asks Pakistani Counterpart to Ensure Lebanon Included in Ceasefire Deal
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Thursday asked his Pakistani counterpart, Shehbaz Sharif, to affirm that the ceasefire should include Lebanon, according to the German news agency (dpa). In a phone call with Sharif, Salam “requested confirmation that the ceasefire must cover Lebanon, to preve»»»
Association of Prosecutors Voices "Serious Concern" over Competency Model Proposed by Justice Ministry
The Association of Prosecutors in Bulgaria Thursday voiced "serious concern" over a competency model for top judicial appointments, unveiled earlier the same day by the Justice Ministry. More specifically, they argue that the way the model was presented "creates the impression of a formally conduct»»»
Southeastern Bypass of Plovdiv Faces Geological Challenges
There are problems on the southeastern bypass of Plovdiv, but they are solvable, said caretaker Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Nikolay Naydenov, speaking to journalists on Thursday about the repair of the bypass of Bulgaria's second-largest city. The minister was in Parvenets, Pl»»»
Personal income fell, inflation held at 3% in February - UPI.com
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street on Feb. 20, in New York City. The personal incomes of American workers fell by $18.2 billion in February as inflation maintained a seasonally adjusted rate of 3%, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Thursday. File Pho»»»
Russian court rules to label rights group Memorial as 'extremist' - UPI.com
Oleg Orlov (second from right), chairman of the Memorial human rights group, is cuffed and led away by police from a court in Moscow in February 2024 after being sentenced to 30 months in prison for "repeatedly discrediting the Russian army." File Photo by Sergei Ilnitsky/EPA April 9 (UPI) -- Russi»»»
High turnout marks India’s key state elections
Voters across India’s Assam and Kerala states, along with the Union Territory of Puducherry, turned out in large numbers on Thursday in closely watched Assembly elections seen as a key test of political momentum for both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition alliances. With polling»»»
How a Dubai athlete is turning a 100km run into a fight against autoimmune disease
Dubai: Behind the strength and stamina of Dubai athlete Nikola Aleksic lies a five-year battle with a rare autoimmune condition. On May 24, he will be marking his birthday by running 100 kilometres across the city, not just to test his limits, but to raise awareness for the struggles of people livi»»»
IMF Expects to Provide Vulnerable Economies Hit by Iran War Up to $50 bn
The International Monetary Fund expects to have to provide up to $50 billion in immediate financial assistance to countries affected by the Middle East war, its managing director said on Thursday, with the crisis likely to have lasting economic effects. "Given the spillovers of the Middle East war,»»»
GCC officials discuss strengthening strategic food reserves and supply chains
DOHA: The State of Qatar took part in an extraordinary meeting of undersecretaries responsible for agriculture and food security in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, held via videoconference. Qatar’s delegation was led by Eng Fahad bin Mohammed Al Qahtani, Assistant Undersecretary for A»»»
Latin America growth slips as weak investment persists, World Bank says
The World Bank has cut its 2026 growth forecast for Latin America and the Caribbean to 2.1%, down from 2.4% recorded last year, warning that the region faces a toxic combination of weak investment, tight fiscal space, and persistent productivity deficits that no amount of industrial policy can easi»»»
BYD blacklisted in Brazil after 163 workers rescued from slave-like conditions
Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD has been added to Brazil's official forced labour blacklist after 163 Chinese workers were found in conditions analogous to slavery at the construction site of its new factory in Camaçari, Bahia, in 2024. »»»