PM meets Hamas Political Bureau chief, praises movement's acceptance of Gaza roadmap
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani received Head of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement in Palestine 'Hamas' Dr Khalil Al Hayya, along with a number of the movement's leaders. During the meeting, they revie»»»
Indian business delegation in Tunisia to explore investment and partnership opportunities
Tunis, August 19, 2026 (TAP) – Minister of Equipment and Housing and Acting Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy Salah Zouari met with Indian Ambassador to Tunisia Devyani Khobragade, accompanied by a delegation of business leaders from the...»»»
Japan is key economic partner for Saudi Arabia, FM says
RIYADH: Japan is a key economic partner for Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom aspires to capitalize on economic opportunities available in both nations, foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Wednesday. “We see promising opportunities to expand cooperation in investment, energy, resources, su»»»
47 Palestinian families face ‘imminent’ displacement after West Bank water cutoffs, Israeli rights group warns
RAMALLAH: Forty-seven Palestinian families in Jordan Valley, northern West Bank, are at risk of being forced from their homes after Israeli forces and settlers cut their remaining water supplies, Israeli human rights group B’Tselem has warned. More than 300 Palestinians, about half of them children»»»
Father who died off British coast with partner, daughter identified as Palestinian refugee
LONDON: A father who died along with his partner and teenage daughter in a coastal tragedy in the UK was a Palestinian refugee. The three family members died after encountering difficulties off the Sussex coast on Tuesday afternoon. Hossam Al-Khawas’ other daughter is fighting for her life in hospi»»»
Indonesia eyes Middle East partnership to boost global halal ecosystem
JAKARTA: Indonesia wants to join hands with countries in the Middle East to advance the global halal ecosystem, eyeing a partnership that combines its production capabilities with the region’s market and investment potential, the Ministry of Trade told Arab News recently. Southeast Asia’s biggest e»»»
Cabinet Approves Draft Protocol with Azerbaijani Government to Implement EU Readmission Agreement
The Council of Ministers Wednesday approved a draft protocol with the government of Azerbaijan on implementing the EU agreement on the readmission of persons residing without authorization as a basis for negotiations. The Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan on the re»»»
Sainz signs new contract with F1 team Williams
London: Carlos Sainz signed a "multi-year" contract extension with Formula One team Williams on Wednesday to quash speculation about his future. Sainz agreed to stay at Williams just 24 hours after the British team confirmed his team-mate Alex Albon will be retained for the 2027 campaign. The forme»»»
Pro-Palestinian rally for Abu Safiya in Budapest draws Israeli and Jewish protest
A Budapest pro-Palestinian protest planned for Friday has triggered growing opposition after Hungarian police said they found no legal grounds to prohibit the gathering. The demonstration is intended to express solidarity with Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and with Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, the »»»
Saudi Arabia marks World Photography Day with focus on landscapes, heritage, local talent
ALKHOBAR: From the iconic rock formations of AlUla to wildlife conservation efforts in the northwest, Saudi Arabia marked World Photography Day on Wednesday by highlighting how local lensmen are documenting the Kingdom’s natural and cultural landscape. The annual event, which is observed globally o»»»
SNJT, Tunisie Telecom open applications for best reporting on digital transformation
Tunis, August 19 (TAP) – The National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) and Tunisie Telecom have announced the opening of applications for the latest edition of their annual national competition honoring outstanding reporting on digital...»»»
Nafis changes: What Emiratis need to know from September
UAE nationals working in the private and banking sectors will see three key changes to Nafis support programmes starting in September 2026. The Emirates Competitiveness Council (Nafis) said the updates cover salary support, the Eshtirak pension contribution programme and child allowances. Get updat»»»
UAE students get more choice: AI, arts and health sciences added to school electives
Abu Dhabi: The UAE Ministry of Education has set out a revised study framework for Grade 11 and 12 pupils in the general and advanced streams, grouping subjects into three categories, compulsory, scientific and elective, in an effort to balance core academic requirements with greater choice ahead o»»»
$3.9b in aid, 60 tonnes of supplies and 25,000 school bags: UAE expands Gaza support
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has provided humanitarian assistance to Gaza worth about $3.9 billion, accounting for 46 per cent of total global aid, according to Hammoud Al Afari, Relief Operations Coordinator for Operation Gallant Knight 3. Al Afari said the scale of the assistance reflected the UAE’s approa»»»
New Kuwait rules ban energy healing, spiritual therapy and unscientific practices
Dubai: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has introduced a sweeping regulatory framework for psychotherapy in the public and private sectors, tightening licensing requirements and banning a range of practices it says are not supported by established scientific evidence. Ministerial Decision No. 225 of 202»»»
Nato ready to defend allies as Iran weighs strikes on US military targets in Europe
Dubai: Nato says it is ready to defend allied territory against any Iranian threat as reports that Tehran has considered striking US military facilities in Europe raise fears that the Middle East war could spread beyond the region. The warning follows a Financial Times report that Iranian forces ha»»»
GCC maritime officials discuss unified vessel licensing and green shipping corridors
RIYADH: A delegation from Qatar’s Ministry of Transport, headed by Assistant Undersecretary for Maritime Transport Affairs Eng Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Sulaiti, participated in the 39th meeting of the Committee of GCC Port Authorities and Maritime Administrations Officials, held at the GCC headquarter»»»
Prices at Holiday Facilities Operated by Executive Authorities, State-Owned Enterprises to Be Updated
At its meeting on Wednesday, the government decided that the prices of goods and services provided by holiday facilities, hotels, bungalows, campsites, training facilities, educational centres, sports facilities, medical spa centres, wellness centres, thalassotherapy centres, eateries and other fac»»»
Up to EUR 180 Mln to Be Invested in Innovative Bulgarian Companies
Up to EUR 180 million will be invested in Bulgarian innovative companies and small and medium-sized enterprises through the European JEREMIE initiative. This will be made possible following Parliament's ratification of amended agreements between Bulgaria and the European Investment Fund (EIF) for t»»»
Bulgaria Approves EU Association Agreements with Andorra, San Marino
At its regular meeting on Wednesday, the Council of Ministers approved a decision endorsing the Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, on the one hand, and the Principality of Andorra and the Republic of San Marino, respectively, on the other. The Agreement provides»»»
Europe can't afford to miss AI revolution, says ECB chief
European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde said Wednesday that the continent could not afford to miss out on the artificial intelligence revolution as the continent's growth model comes under increasing pressure. The United States and China are seen leading the AI race, with their companies prod»»»
Harvard settles for $53M in stolen body parts case - UPI.com
Harvard University settled a class-action lawsuit for $53 million after a former employee of the medical school sold body parts from donated cadavers. File Photo by CJ Gunther/EPA Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Harvard University settled a class-action lawsuit for $53 million to families of those whose donated b»»»
Former NIAID official, pleads guilty to hiding records during pandemic - UPI.com
Pedestrians wear protective face masks in Madison Square Park in New York City on Dec. 2, 2021. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo Aug. 19 (UPI) -- David Morens, a former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases employee, pleaded guilty to taking part in a scheme to hide fed»»»
US-Iran conflict: What UAE residents need to know tonight (August 19)
Tensions between the US and Iran remain high nearly six months into the conflict, with Iran warning Gulf states against assisting US forces, fresh concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, continued disruption to Gulf flights and the UAE pushing back on false claims about visa cancellations. Here are the»»»
How one immigration case turned into a cost-of-living crisis
Janelle DumalaonWhen Deonna Nungaray's mother was detained after a traffic stop in Valley Brook, Oklahoma, it not only upended an immigration case years in the making but also her family's finances. https://p.dw.com/p/5J36dAdvertisementAn immigration detention case in Oklahoma has turned into a cos»»»
Continue the Change Says Radev "Managed to Drag Bulgaria into War" within 100 Days in Office
Continue the Change (CC) Wednesday said that within 100 days in office, the Radev government had managed to drag the country into a war. The statement was published on Facebook following a Financial Times report that Iran is considering military targets in Europe, including Bulgaria, if US Presiden»»»
Draft National Spatial Development Concept Seeks to Reduce Regional Disparities and Promote Balanced Growth Across Bulgaria
The draft National Concept for Regional and Spatial Development of the Republic of Bulgaria for 2026-2040 (NCRSD) envisages reducing territorial disparities and achieving more balanced, competitive and sustainable development across all regions, with improved living standards and access to quality »»»
Cabinet Launches New Selection Procedure for Bulgaria's Candidate for European Public Prosecutor
The Council of Ministers adopted a decision on Wednesday launching a new procedure for the selection of Bulgaria's candidates for the post of European Public Prosecutor, based on clear, pre-announced and verifiable rules, and with guarantees of the selection committee's professional independence an»»»
Cabinet Approves Programme for Supporting Bulgarian Communities, Organizations, Media Abroad
The Council of Ministers approved a Programme for Supporting Bulgarian Communities, Organizations and Media Abroad for the 2026-2028 period, the Government Information Service reported Wednesday. The Programme is aimed at Bulgarian communities and organizations abroad, which play an important role »»»
Hey Ursula, angry voters aren’t ‘pro-Russian,’ they’re just fed up
Look, Queen Ursula, we need to talk, girlfriend. Yes, I’m addressing you directly, EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, because I’m not going to pretend that there’s anyone in charge in Europe who’s actually elected by the people and crafting EU policy. And since you’ve apparently been mor»»»
More UAE companies accept Jaywan payments as airlines, malls and online retailers join network
Dubai: More UAE companies are now accepting Jaywan, the country's domestic card scheme, with national airline Etihad Airways becoming the first airline to allow customers to use Jaywan cards to book flights. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & BalancesThe expansion now includes Maj»»»
Saudi investment licenses surge 252% in Q2
The strategy also targets raising investment’s contribution to gross domestic product from 22 percent in 2019 to 30 percent by 2030. Sectors of particular importance include green energy, technology, and health care as well as biotechnology, advanced mobility and logistics. RIYADH: Saudi Arabia iss»»»
Germany, France condemn far-right Israeli minister’s ‘inhumane’ Gaza remarks
BERLIN: Germany and France on Wednesday condemned remarks by Israel’s far-right national security minister, who declared that Israel should kill “30 or 40” people every night in the Palestinian territory of Gaza. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz “strongly condemns the inhumane appeals made by Minis»»»
What are Israel's 'priorities' in south Lebanon?
Israeli informed U.S. General Joseph Clearfield of its rejection of any agreement on a new pilot zone in south Lebanon, Lebanese sources involved in the deliberations said. The sources added, in remarks to al-Liwaa newspaper, that Israel’s priorities are “expanding the occupied strip, erecting mili»»»
Russia’s Pantsir Air and Missile Defense System Just Quadrupled Its Firepower
Pantsir-SMD – the new version of Russia’s Pantsir SAM & AA system, has undergone modernization work that “touched on virtually all” of its elements, “including radar station, missile guidance and most crucially, the missiles themselves,” military expert and air defense historian Yuri Knutov told Sp»»»
Need to send money before payday? FAB’s Payit now lets you pay it back later
Abu Dhabi: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s global bank and one of the world’s largest and safest financial institutions, has announced that Payit, its digital financial platform, has launched Send Now Pay Later (SNPL), giving eligible customers greater flexibility and control over how they se»»»
Israeli airstrike kills nine Palestinians at police post in Gaza, medics say
CAIRO: An Israeli airstrike killed nine Palestinians at a police station in Gaza on Wednesday, medics said, two days after US envoy Jared Kushner ended a trip to the region that failed to push forward Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in the enclave. Medics and police sources said several officers»»»
Action Plan for 2026-2030 under National Financial Literacy Strategy Adopted
The Cabinet Wednesday adopted a 2026-2030 Action Plan for Bulgaria's National Financial Literacy Strategy. The Plan sets out the main activities to be carried out over the five-year period to improve financial literacy among children and students, young people, the economically active population an»»»
Saudi listed banks’ net loans rise 7% to $865.2bn in Q2
RIYADH: Net loans at Saudi Arabia’s 10 listed banks rose 7 percent year on year to SR3.25 trillion ($865.2 billion) by the end of the second quarter of 2026, while deposit growth outpaced lending for a second consecutive quarter, according to Al Rajhi Capital. Deposits increased 9 percent to SR3.15»»»
UAE mediates Russia-Ukraine captive exchange of 206 people
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has announced the success of new mediation efforts between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ukraine, resulting in the release of 103 captives from each side, bringing the total number of captives exchanged between the two countries through UAE-mediated »»»
How a withdrawal-for-disarmament deal left Lebanon with little leverage
LONDON: Weeks into US-backed talks meant to trade an Israeli withdrawal for Hezbollah’s disarmament, renewed strikes and evacuation orders in southern Lebanon are raising a difficult question: Is there anything meaningful left to negotiate? The US said on Aug. 11 that the next round of Israel-Leban»»»
Israel’s campaign to turn Washington against the UN
LONDON: In May 2024, a furious Gilad Erdan, then Israel’s ambassador to the UN, stood in front of the General Assembly in New York and proceeded to feed a facsimile of the UN Charter into a tiny electric shredder. The assembly was poised to vote to adopt a resolution urging the Security Council to »»»
Arsenal chief expects Arteta to sign new contract ‘very shortly’
LONDON: Mikel Arteta will sign a new contract with Premier League champions Arsenal “very shortly,” the club’s chief executive Richard Garlick said on Wednesday. Arteta ended Arsenal’s 22-year wait to win the Premier League last season, but the Spaniard has entered the final 12 months of his curren»»»
Bulgarian Government Adopts Decision on Preparations for October 25 Presidential Election
At its regular meeting on Wednesday, the Council of Ministers adopted a decision on the organizational and technical preparations for the October 25, 2026 election of President and Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria. The government assigned the Innovation and Digital Transformation Minister»»»
CC Says Radev Managed to Drag Bulgaria into War within 100 Days in Office
Continue the Change (CC) Wednesday said that within 100 days in office, the Radev government had managed to drag the country into a war. The statement was published on Facebook following a Financial Times report that Iran is considering military targets in Europe, including Bulgaria, if US Presiden»»»
UAE shoppers can now send Bicester Village purchases straight home
Dubai: UAE shoppers visiting Bicester Village in the UK can now have their luxury purchases delivered directly to their doorstep in the UAE, under a new partnership between Emirates Delivers and famed outlet shopping destination. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & BalancesThe serv»»»
Vazrazhdane Leader Says Ruling Party's Policies Are Destroying Bulgarian Sovereignty
Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov Wednesday said the policies of the ruling Progressive Bulgaria party are destroying Bulgarian sovereignty. This position comes in response to media reports that Iran is allegedly considering strikes on US military targets in Europe, Vazrazhdane said. "Promotin»»»
Saudi Arabia drives Yemen’s recovery with major Q2 development package
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia bolstered its long-term commitment to Yemen during the second quarter of 2026, rolling out a sweeping series of development, infrastructure, and capacity-building projects designed to drive economic recovery. Executed by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yeme»»»
UAE citizens can now receive scholarships for fully online university programmes
UAE citizens can now receive government scholarships to study academic programmes delivered entirely online, under new regulations issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR). Under Ministerial Resolution No. 179 of 2026, scholarships may be granted for fully distanc»»»
Civil Aviation Authority holds introductory session on new drone law
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) organized an introductory session open to the public on Law No. (10) of 2026 Regulating Unmanned Aircraft on August 19, 2026, as part of its efforts to raise awareness of the Law and its key provisions and requirements. The session highlighted »»»