Al-Jadaan: Ending Conflicts, Securing Peace Are Essential to Sustainable Growth
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the global economy’s ability to withstand crises depends on adopting a “unified strategic vision and swift reforms,” warning that excessive market optimism may be masking serious geopolitical risks, particularly conflicts that threaten supply security.»»»
UAE’s push for homegrown tax experts gains pace with first phase rollout of Emirati Tax Agent Programme
Dubai: The UAE’s drive to develop homegrown tax expertise has gained momentum with the rollout of the first phase of the Emirati Tax Agent Programme, as authorities move to strengthen national capabilities in the sector supporting the country’s economy. The initiative, announced at the Emaar Square»»»
Grimaldi shipping holds meeting with Libya's Khoms Port - to strengthen partnership
Khoms Port reported last Wednesday (15 April) that it had held an expanded meeting with the Regional Director of the global shipping line, Grimaldi Group. The port said this is part of the strategic vision to develop maritime performance and enhance the efficiency of logistical operations at the po»»»
Iranian Armed Forces Restore Military Control Over Strait of Hormuz - Command
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - The Iranian armed forces have restored military control over the Strait of Hormuz due to the US blockade, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesman for the Khatam Al-Anbiya central headquarters of the Iranian military command, said on Saturday. "Unfortunately, the US … continues to engage »»»
Iran Partially Reopens Airspace After Security Review
Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization has announced the partial reopening of the country’s airspace from 7:00 a.m. on April 18, following security and safety assessments. International transit routes through Iran's eastern airspace have now reopened, allowing foreign flights to pass through Iranian sk»»»
Turkiye says Israel using security as a pretext to acquire 'more land'
Antalya, Turkiye: Turkiye's foreign minister on Saturday accused Israel of using security as a pretext to acquire "more land". "Israel is not after its own security. Israel is after more land. Security is being used by the Netanyahu government as an excuse to occupy more land," Hakan Fidan told the»»»
Barzani Denounces ‘Suspicious Deals’ over Kirkuk Governorship
Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani on Friday rejected a recent political agreement in Iraq’s northern Kirkuk province that led to the appointment of a new governor, describing the process as the result of “suspicious deals”. Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), said the move amounted t»»»
‘If Blockade Continues, The Strait Will Not Remain Open’: Qalibaf Dismisses Trump’s Hormuz Claims
Iran’s parliament speaker has categorically refuted successive false claims made by US President Donald Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the rules set by the Islamic Republic concerning transit through the strategic waterway. In a post on X on Friday, Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf wrote, “The US p»»»
Solar power plant to be launched in Naryn, details discussed in Washington - | 24.KG
A solar power plant will be built in Konorchok area of Kochkor district of Naryn region and will begin generating energy in 2027. It was announced during a meeting between Energy Minister of Kyrgyzstan Taalaibek Ibraev and World Bank Vice President and Chief Financial Officer John Gandolfo, which t»»»
Sharaa: Golan is Syrian Land, Any Other Status is Invalid
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said the Golan Heights are “occupied Syrian land” and that any recognition of Israeli sovereignty there would be “null and void,” stressing that the international community does not accept Israel’s claim. Speaking at the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Sharaa said Is»»»
Libya’s Ras Jedir crossing is a strategic crossing into the depth of African markets: Tunisia’s Chargé d'affaires
Speaking to Tunisian media last Tuesday (14 April), Mohamed Habib Sassi, Chargé d’affaires a.i. at the Embassy of Tunisia in Tripoli highlighted the strategic importance of the Ras Jedir crossing, as a pivotal crossing point as a transit corridor for transit towards the depth of landlocked Africa. »»»
Australia, Japan ink multibillion dollar warship deal
Sydney: Japan agreed on Saturday on a deal to provide Australia's navy with the first of almost a dozen stealth frigates, part of a wider military build up by Canberra aimed at boosting its long-range firepower to deter China. Under the deal announced last year and billed as one of Japan's biggest »»»
Eid Al Adha 2026: Dhu Al Qadah crescent spotted in UAE daylight skies
The crescent moon marking the start of Dhu Al Qadah 1447 AH was photographed from Abu Dhabi on Saturday morning by the International Astronomy Center. The image was captured at 10:00am UAE time on April 18, 2026, from the Khatm Astronomical Observatory, with the moon located 11.7 degrees from the s»»»
Global Markets Regain Momentum after Strait of Hormuz Reopening Announcement
Global markets moved sharply on Friday after Iran said it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels, prompting investors to rapidly reassess geopolitical supply risks. Iran’s foreign minister said the strait was fully open to all commercial shipping for the duration of the ceasefi»»»
Dubai Police outline plans to strengthen financial efficiency
Dubai: Dubai Police has reviewed its financial sustainability plans as part of ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, strengthen governance and support long-term stability. The discussion took place during the second meeting of the Financial Sustainability Council, chaired by Dr Major General Ahmad»»»
Minister of Economy Abushiha approves creation of new foreign companies – signalling internationally that Libya is improving its business climate
The Ministry of Economy and Trade announced last Thursday (16 April) that its Minister, Suhail Abushiha, had approved the decisions for the formation of four foreign and joint venture (JV) companies to support the investment climate in several vital sectors. The Ministry said this comes within the »»»
Dubai Police distribute UAE flags to boost community spirit
Dubai: Dubai Police have launched a community drive to celebrate national identity by distributing UAE flags to residents across several neighbourhoods. The initiative is part of the “Proud of UAE” campaign, introduced under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice»»»
UAE announces resumption of school bus operations from Monday
The UAE has announced that school bus operations will resume across all public and private schools starting Monday, April 20, 2026. The decision follows ongoing assessments carried out by the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority in coordination with the Ministry of Education and local»»»
Iran partially reopens airspace: agency
Tehran: Iran partially reopened its airspace on Saturday to international flights crossing the eastern part of its territory, the country's Civil Aviation Authority said. "Air routes in the eastern section of the country's airspace are open for international flights transiting through Iran," it sai»»»
Will Israel Observe Ceasefire With Lebanon?
A 10-day ceasefire follows six weeks of fighting between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that has killed more than 2,000 people and displaced more than a million more from their homes in Lebanon. Much as the previous truce clinched in 2024, Israel can interpret or reinterpret the c»»»
Paramount's CinemaCon charm offensive gets lukewarm reception
Las Vegas: Paramount Skydance was on a charm offensive at CinemaCon this week, trying to convince theater owners that its megabucks deal to swallow Warner Bros. would be good for the industry. A glitzy promotional film narrated by Tom Cruise ended with the world's most bankable movie star sitting a»»»
Iran Partially Reopens Airspace
Iran partially reopened its airspace on Saturday to international flights crossing the eastern part of its territory, the country's Civil Aviation Authority said. "Air routes in the eastern section of the country's airspace are open for international flights transiting through Iran," it said, addin»»»
PM Aldabaiba appoints Mohamed Ben Ghalboun as his new Minister of State for Cabinet and Prime Ministerial Affairs to replace the infirmed Adel Juma
Tripoli based Libyan Prime Minister, Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba, has appointed Mohamed Omar Ben Ghalboun as his new Minister of State for Cabinet Prime Ministerial Affairs, replacing Adel Juma. The confirmation of the appointment came in the way of a post by the Tripoli government on one of its social m»»»
On This Day, April 18: Patriot Paul Revere begins midnight ride - UPI.com
On April 18, 1775, U.S. patriot Paul Revere began his famous ride through the Massachusetts countryside, crying out "The British are coming!" to rally the minutemen. 1 of 5 | On April 18, 1775, U.S. patriot Paul Revere began his famous ride through the Massachusetts countryside, crying out "The Bri»»»
Pakistan PM, military chief complete three-country diplomatic tour aimed at Iran peace
Pakistan's powerful military chief and prime minister on Saturday concluded separate visits aimed at ending the Iran war, with Field Marshal Asim Munir leaving Tehran and premier Shehbaz Sharif headed home from Turkey. Munir met Iran's top leadership and peace negotiators during a three-day visit t»»»
Two dead in apartment fire in Athens
A man and a woman have died in a fire at an apartment in the Athens district of Kolonos. The fire service said the fire broke out around 5.20 a.m. in a third-floor apartment on Argous and Platonos streets. Both were found inside the apartment by firefighters. Officials said two other women from a h»»»
Abu Dhabi green bus fleet crosses 1.3 million eco-friendly kilometres
As part of its ongoing efforts to advance a sustainable mobility ecosystem in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, announced that its green bus fleet has exceeded 1.3 million environmentally friendly kilomet»»»
Strait of Hormuz reopening revives companies’ hopes amid fears of mines and chaos
London. April 18 (SANA) Shipping industry figures gave a cautious welcome Friday to Iran’s announcement that it was reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz trade route to commercial freight after nearly seven weeks closed. A spokesman for German transportation giant Hapag-Lloyd, which has ships stuc»»»
Three remanded over death of 19-year-old woman in Kefalonia
All three men arrested in connection with the death of a 19-year-old woman in Kefalonia earlier this week were remanded in custody on Friday after testifying before an investigating magistrate. The suspects, aged 26, 23 and 22, were escorted out of the courthouse via a rear entrance to avoid contac»»»
Myanmar release of Suu Kyi top ally spurs small democracy hope
Yangon, Myanmar: The release of Myanmar's putsch-ousted former president has piqued speculation about the fate of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but little optimism among citizens and analysts watching for a democracy comeback. "I don't expect much from this release," said one 50-year-old Yangon»»»
Trump says Iran peace deal could be reached ‘soon’ after Tehran reopens Hormuz Strait
Tehran's announcement on Friday that the critical Strait of Hormuz was reopen to commercial shipping for the remainder of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was followed by a flurry of social media posts by US President Donald Trump suggesting that a peace deal could be reached "soon". But Iranian offici»»»
Cisco to Asharq Al-Awsat: AI Boosts Wireless Network Value in Saudi Arabia
A new report by Cisco shows wireless networks in Saudi Arabia are no longer just a connectivity layer. They are a direct driver of performance and growth. The study draws on responses from 6,098 decision-makers and technical specialists across 30 markets, including 106 organizations in the Kingdom,»»»
Trump says US blockade of Iranian ports will 'remain' if no deal reached
Aboard Air Force One: President Donald Trump said late Friday he planned to maintain a US blockade of Iranian ports if a peace deal with Tehran is not reached, adding that he may not extend the ceasefire after its expiration. Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz on Friday in the wake of a ceasefire d»»»
Trump Hints at Resuming Attacks if Ceasefire with Iran Expires Without Deal
US President Donald Trump said the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will remain and attacks will resume if no agreement is reached with Iran, after Tehran said it had fully reopened the strait to commercial vessels but threatened to close it again over the US blockade. Asked by a reporter Friday ni»»»
Meteorology forecasts relatively hot day, mild night on Saturday in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: The Department of Meteorology forecasts relatively hot conditions during the daytime, accompanied by some cloud cover over inshore areas until 6pm on Saturday. Conditions are expected to become milder by night. Offshore areas will experience occasional cloudiness. Winds inshore will be»»»
Iran Rejects US Claims on Hormuz, Calls Them 'All False'
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the US president made “seven claims in one hour, all of which are false.” He said Washington “did not win the war with these lies” and “will not succeed in the negotiations either.”Ghalibaf warned that if the blockade continues, the Strait of »»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»
Syria takes control of all former US military bases
Syrian government forces have taken control of Qasrak air base in the northeastern province of Hasakah following the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition, SANA reported on April 16 citing a statement issued by the Syrian defence ministry. »»»
Anthropic's Mythos AI model triggers crisis meetings among top global officials
A recently announced powerful AI model built by Anthropic has prompted emergency meetings among finance ministers, central bankers and Wall Street chief executives after it demonstrated the ability to discover and exploit cybersecurity weaknesses across major banking systems, operating systems and »»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»
Syria takes control of all former US military bases
Syrian government forces have taken control of Qasrak air base in the northeastern province of Hasakah following the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition, SANA reported on April 16 citing a statement issued by the Syrian defence ministry. »»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»
Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping under ceasefire terms
Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels for the remainder of the two-week ceasefire with the United States, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X on April 17. "In line with the cease»»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»
Kuwait citizenship purge tops 50,000 as new decree tightens revocation rules
Kuwait has stripped more than 50,000 people of their citizenship since September 2024, with campaigners saying the total could be as high as 250,000, as the government continues its sweeping nationality crackdown under a new decree published this week. »»»
Iran hardliners attack Araghchi's Hormuz tweet as 'incomplete and misleading'
Hardline voices in Iran have criticised Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for posting what they called an incomplete and poorly framed tweet announcing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Tasnim News Agency reported on April 17. »»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»
Syria takes control of all former US military bases
Syrian government forces have taken control of Qasrak air base in the northeastern province of Hasakah following the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition, SANA reported on April 16 citing a statement issued by the Syrian defence ministry. »»»