Gold rebounds in Dubai as war concerns ease and prices stabilise
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai moved higher on Monday morning, reversing part of the recent slide and reflecting a shift in global sentiment after signs of easing geopolitical tension. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and India.) Sign »»»
Germany’s Merz Urges Netanyahu to End Lebanon Fighting
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to end fighting in southern Lebanon and engage in direct peace talks with the Lebanese government, a spokesman said. Merz also expressed his "grave concern" about developments in the Palestinian territories i»»»
North Korea's Kim Oversees Navy Cruise Missile Test
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw new tests of strategic cruise missiles and anti-warship missiles launched from a naval destroyer, state media reported on Tuesday. The weapons tests occurred on Sunday, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, and are the latest in a string of re»»»
Iran slams US blockade as 'grave violation of sovereignty'
Iran slammed a US blockade around its ports on Monday as a "grave violation" of its sovereignty, as Washington and Tehran's belligerent rhetoric rattled a fragile truce. "The imposition of a maritime blockade constitutes a grave violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic »»»
Video: Trump tips DoorDash driver $100 for delivering McDonald's to Oval Office
President Donald Trump had two bags of McDonald's delivered to the Oval Office on Monday by a DoorDash driver he tipped $100, using his favorite food and a reality TV flourish to promote a tax policy he says has meant big rebates for Americans who earn gratuities. Sharon Simmons, dressed in a "Door»»»
Tisza victory puts Hungary back on a European path, within limits
Chants of “Europe, Europe, Europe” rose from the banks of the Danube as the final results in Hungary’s historic election were released. Opposition leader Peter Magyar won by a landslide, putting Hungary on a new course »»»
Peter Magyar calls on president to step down after Tisza Party's election victory
Hungarian prime minister-designate Peter Magyar called on President Tamas Sulyok to step down from office at his first international press conference on April 12, saying the Tisza Party would otherwise find a way to remove him. He stressed that the new government would restore the rule of law »»»
Quality matters: how the Hormuz crisis tests refinery flexibility
The disruption highlights a key reality often overlooked in the oil market: while volumes may be globally fungible, crude quality is not. WHAT: The disruption to Hormuz flows has left many refiners struggling to replace lo»»»
US-sanctioned Tankers Pass Strait of Hormuz Despite US Blockade
A Chinese tanker sanctioned by the United States passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday despite a US blockade on the chokepoint, shipping data showed. The Rich Starry would be the first to make it through the strait and to exit the Gulf since the blockade began, data from LSEG, MarineTraff»»»
Trump Says Iranian 'Fast-attack' Ships that Come Close to US Blockade Will Be Eliminated
US President Donald Trump warned on Monday that any Iranian "fast-attack" ships that go near a US maritime blockade on Iran would be eliminated. "What we have not hit are their small number of, what they call, 'fast attack ships,' because we did not consider them much of a threat. Warning: If any o»»»
French Cement Maker Lafarge Found Guilty of Financing Extremists in Syria
A Paris court on Monday found cement maker Holcim's Lafarge unit guilty of charges that its Syrian subsidiary financed terrorism and breached European sanctions to keep a plant operating in northern Syria during the country's civil war. The case was the first time a company has been tried in France»»»
Hezbollah Leader Asks Lebanon to Cancel Tuesday Meeting with Israel
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem urged Lebanon to cancel a planned meeting with Israel in Washington on Tuesday, reiterating his group's rejection of direct negotiations with its foe. Israeli strikes have killed more than 2,000 people in Lebanon and displaced more than a million since the Iran-backed g»»»
Russian Foreign Minister Arrives in China - Correspondent
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Beijing on an official visit, a Sputnik correspondent reported. During the visit, Lavrov is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the ministers are expected to discuss bilateral coo»»»
Why UAE travellers are delaying summer holiday bookings
Dubai: UAE residents are still eager to travel this summer, but soaring airfares and reduced flight availability due to the global jet fuel crunch are forcing many families to adopt a wait and watch approach to bookings, according to several travel agents. Travel companies say the biggest issue rig»»»
Industrial producer prices drop 2.73% in early 2026 — DoS
AMMAN — Jordan’s industrial producer prices declined by 2.73 per cent in the first two months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, according to data released by the Department of Statistics (DoS).On a monthly basis, the producer price index dropped by 2.64 per cent in February compared wi»»»
CPI climbs 1.87% in March 2026, driven by rising commodity prices — DoS
AMMAN — Jordan’s consumer price index (CPI), rose by 1.87 per cent in March 2026 compared with the same month in 2025, while recording a monthly increase of 0.76 per cent from February.According to data released by the Department of Statistics (DoS), Cumulative inflation for the first quarter of 20»»»
JPMC announces price hike for phosphoric acid, DAP prices
AMMAN — The Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) on Sunday announced an increase in the selling price of phosphoric acid for the second quarter of the 2026, reaching $1,360 per tonne, up from $1,290 in the first quarter.The company said that the $70 per tonne increase was agreed upon with major co»»»
Value of Certificates of Origin reaches JD406m in Q1 2026 — ACC
AMMAN — The value of certificates of origin issued by the Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) for the export of goods rose by 30.9 per cent during the first quarter of 2026, compared with the same period in 2025.According to statistical data released by ACC on Sunday, the value of chamber exports reach»»»
US Begins Iran Port Blockade, Oil Prices Ease on Hopes for Dialogue
The US military began a blockade of Iran's ports, angering Tehran and adding uncertainty around the crucial waterway, although hopes for dialogue to end the war provided some relief to oil markets where benchmark prices fell below $100 on Tuesday. After a breakdown of weekend talks in Islamabad bet»»»
Foreign Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Saudi Arabia discuss Middle East situation - | 24.KG
Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbek Kulubaev had a telephone conversation with his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Kyrgyzstan reported. Jeenbek Kulubaev noted the importance of maintaining stability and security in the Mi»»»
Peru's presidential election delayed as voting chaos forces extension
Peru’s presidential election has been delayed after logistical problems disrupted voting across the country, forcing electoral authorities to extend the process into Monday. With 35 candidates in a crowded field and widespread frustration over crime and corruption, voters are now waiting for result»»»
‘Not afraid’: Pope Leo pushes back against Trump in feud over Iran war
Pope Leo XIV on Monday responded to the extraordinary broadside against him posted by US President Donald Trump the day before, saying that his appeals for peace are rooted in the Gospel and that that he is not afraid of Trump’s administration. Trump had accused the Chicago-born pontiff of being “v»»»
Peru election extended for second day after ballot delivery failure
Peruvians headed back to the polls Monday after ballot shortages forced an unprecedented extension of Sunday’s election, reflecting deep strains in a country crippled by political instability and escalating crime. Peru police on Monday said they arrested an election official amid an »»»
Trump says he won't apologize to Pope Leo after criticism
President Donald Trump refused to apologize to Pope Leo XIV on Monday after criticizing the pontiff for his opposition to the war in Iran — and he sought to explain away a now-deleted social media post depicting himself as Jesus by saying he had thought the image was of him as a doctor. Italian Pri»»»
Truth or Fake - Donald Trump deletes AI image of himself as Jesus after attacking Pope Leo
Donald Trump launched an extraordinary attack on Pope Leo late Sunday, also going as far as to share an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ healing the sick. He later deleted the image Monday following backlash from his usually loyal Christian and Catholic supporters, saying he “th»»»
National Repository for Radioactive Waste Begins Operations
The National Repository for Radioactive Waste will be inaugurated by caretaker Minister of Energy Traicho Traikov, the Ministry of Energy said on Tuesday. The ceremony will take place at the Radiana site. The national repository is designed to store only treated and conditioned radioactive waste ge»»»
Iran executed 'at least 1,639 people' in 2025, highest number since 1989
Iran executed at least 1,639 people last year, an average of more than four executions per day, Norway-based Iran Human Rights and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty said in their joint annual report, warning that the regime risked killing even more people this year after protests in Ja»»»
French cement-maker Lafarge found guilty of financing jihadists in Syria, former CEO jailed
A Paris court on Monday found cement maker Lafarge, now owned by Switzerland's Holcim, guilty of paying the Islamic State group and other jihadists to keep a plant operating in northern Syria during the country's civil war. The company's former CEO was sentenced to six years' prison.&nb»»»
Lebanon will need '1 billion dollars just to keep humanitarian situation afloat', minister says
FRANCE 24's Mark Owen speaks with the Lebanese Minister for Social Affairs, Hanin Sayyed, about the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon in the wake of the Israeli attacks and ground invasion. She says that if the war continues and displacement in Lebanon continues at the current pace, the country will n»»»
Donald Trump 'hasn't read the psychology of Iranians well at all', military expert says
Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, former British Military Intelligence officer Philip Ingram says that "Donald Trump hasn't read the psychology of the Iranians well at all" adding that "the Iranians are not going to give in, and therefore Donald Trump either has to continue the blockade and deal»»»
Trump vows US will 'eliminate' any Iranian ships defying blockade
US President Donald Trump has warned that any Iranian vessels that breach Monday's newly enforced US naval blockade will be “immediately eliminated,” escalating tensions amid a fragile ceasefire after talks brokered by Pakistan failed to reach a peace agreement on the conflict in Iran. US President»»»
Austria, Czech Republic boost cross-border rail transport
VIENNA: The Austrian Mobility Minister Peter Hanke together with the Czech Transport Minister Ivan Bednárik signed a letter of intent (LOI) to further deepen cooperation in the area of cross-border rail infrastructure. The aim is to make key rail connections between Austria and the Czech Republic m»»»
Finance minister favoured to succeed Talon as Benin votes in presidential election
Benin voters cast their ballots for the country's next president Sunday, with current Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni expected to win handily over the sole opposition candidate Paul Hounkpè. Results are expected earlier in the week. Benin election officials began counting votes after Sun»»»
Pope Leo XIV begins landmark Algeria visit with call for 'forgiveness'
Pope Leo XIV began on Monday a landmark visit to Algeria, where he called for forgiveness in a speech paying tribute to victims of the country's war of independence from France. It marked the first visit by a pontiff to the Muslim-majority country, which risked being overshadowed by public criticis»»»
French parliament debates bill on return of artworks looted during colonial era
Lawmakers in the National Assembly are set to debate draft legislation to facilitate the return of artworks and other prized artefacts looted during the country’s colonial era. The bill, which was backed by the Senate earlier this year, could help address requests already submitted by various count»»»
Benin's opposition candidate concedes defeat to Wadagni in presidential vote
Benin opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe suffered a bruising election loss on Monday after conceding to favourite Romuald Wadagni in Benin's presidential vote. Opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe on Monday conceded defeat to favourite Romuald Wadagni in Benin's presidential election. Hounkpe offered "»»»
Celine Dion to perform 16 concerts in Paris
Starting in September, legendary singer Celine Dion will perform 16 concerts in Paris. This will be Dion’s first performances after a lengthy break prompted by a rare health condition. As fans flock from overseas, ticket sales, hotels and restaurants could bring hundreds of millions of euros to the»»»
8 UAE students complete Everest Base Camp trek after months of training
Dubai: Eight students from Abu Dhabi have completed the trek to Everest Base Camp after months of preparation for one of the toughest journeys in the world. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The students, from Private International English School, also known as Bhavans A»»»
Ex-SCNS employee for Issyk-Kul region charged with corruption - | 24.KG
The former head of the Sixth Department of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) for Issyk-Kul region, U.N., has been charged with corruption. Sources in law enforcement agencies informed 24.kg news agency. Photo Media It was also reported that the day before, the Pervomaisky District Co»»»
Peter Magyar: former Fidesz insider who vowed to dismantle Orban system 'brick by brick'
A former Orban loyalist, Peter Magyar carried his Tisza party to a crushing win in Sunday's high-stakes elections, ending 16 years of Fidesz rule. The 45-year-old has pledged to crack down on corruption and rebuild Hungary's damaged relationships with the European Union and NATO. Jus»»»
Talking Europe - Mideast war a 'big problem' for EU competitiveness: Former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta
We speak to an influential voice on European reform, former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta, author of a landmark report on the future of the Single Market, presented in April 2024. Two years on, he says many of its recommendations remain unimplemented, warning that continued fragmentation of t»»»
Magyar built 'wide popular movement': 43% liberal, 22% left-wing, 10% green and only 11% right-wing
The election in Hungary had the highest turnout since the fall of Communism. Following Péter Magyar's landslide victory, FRANCE 24's Eve Irvine is pleased to welcome Bálint Magyar, Author, Hungary's former Minister of Education and one of the founding members of the Alliance of Free Democrats. Acco»»»
The digital euro: Europe’s bid for financial sovereignty
Behind most card payments in Europe stand two American giants, Visa and Mastercard – a dependence recently thrust into the spotlight. After issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, several judges at the International Criminal Court were sanctioned by Washington,»»»
Hungary will be "a tough partner, but a partner" on Ukraine, expert says
Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Lukáš Macek, Director of the Greater Europe project at the Jacques Delors Centre, says on the question of Ukraine the new Hungarian government led by Peter Magyar is likely to stop obstructing aid for Ukraine and will be "a tough partner, but a partner nonethele»»»
Orban ousted: What Magyar’s victory means for Hungary and the EU
Peter Magyar's landslide victory over Viktor Orban in Sunday’s Hungarian legislative elections marks a seismic shift for Hungary and the EU, but Brussels may need to temper its enthusiasm. On the rule of law, migration and LGBTQ rights, the road ahead is neither straight nor guaranteed. The images »»»
Spain PM Pedro Sanchez’s wife charged with corruption after years-long probe
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s wife, Begona Gomez, has been formally charged with corruption following a years-long investigation, a court ruling said on Monday. The probe, opened in 2024, examines whether she used her position for private gain, allegations she and Sanchez deny, increasing »»»
EU doubles steel tariffs to 50% to curb surge of cheap Chinese imports
EU lawmakers and member states agreed on Monday to double tariffs on foreign steel to 50%, aiming to shield the bloc’s struggling industry from a surge in cheap Chinese imports. The deal also cuts duty-free import volumes by 47%. Trade chief Maros Sefcovic warned global overcapacity threatens Europ»»»
S Catholics are dismayed by Trump's unprecedented broadside at the first American pope
WASHINGTON: A majority of US Catholic voters supported Donald Trump in his 2024 presidential victory. Yet across the broad Catholic political spectrum – even among conservative-leaning bishops – there is dismay over Trump’s unprecedented verbal assault on Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead th»»»
Sadyr Japarov announces construction of tunnel at Taldyk Pass - | 24.KG
The President of Kyrgyzstan announced the construction of a tunnel at Taldyk Pass. Sadyr Japarov made the announcement at a meeting with residents of Chon-Alai district during his working visit to Osh region. The head of state received complaints that Uch-Korgon—Daroot-Korgon road has not been comm»»»
8 UAE students complete Everest Base Camp trek after months of training
Dubai: Eight students from Abu Dhabi have completed the trek to Everest Base Camp after months of preparation for one of the toughest journeys in the world. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The students, from Private International English School, also known as Bhavans A»»»