Bitcoin tests resilience as war shock shakes global markets
Dubai: Bitcoin fell sharply after briefly reclaiming the $70,000 mark, retreating in tandem with global equities as escalating conflict in the Middle East drove investors out of risk assets. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The world’s largest cryptocurrency dropped as »»»
Iran’s missile playbook: what types it has, how far they can reach and why it matters today.
Dubai: As US and Israeli strikes intensify, Iran’s missile force — widely assessed as the Middle East’s largest ballistic missile inventory — has moved to the centre of the conflict, shaping both retaliation and escalation risks. Defence analysts describe it as one of the region’s most varied arsen»»»
Kuwait firms win more business but struggle to keep pace
Dubai: Kuwait’s non-oil private sector gathered fresh momentum in February, with new orders expanding at the fastest pace in 15 months and output growth accelerating in response to stronger demand. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The S&P Global Kuwait Purchasing Manage»»»
IAEA chief raises 'serious concern' over N. Korea uranium enrichment - UPI.com
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi warned Monday that North Korea is continuing its uranium enrichment program. He made the remarks during an IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, Austria. Photo by Max Slovencik/EPA SEOUL, March 3 (UPI) -- The head of the »»»
Gold surges in Dubai as investors seek safety amid regional conflict
Dubai: Gold buyers in Dubai woke up to the highest prices in a month on Tuesday morning, with the 24-karat rate climbing to Dh646.50 per gram at 9.24am, up from Dh641 a day earlier, while 22-karat rose to Dh598.75 from Dh593.50. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The move»»»
Record wage surge signals confidence in Saudi non-oil economy
Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector lost a touch of speed in February, yet companies continued to hire aggressively and raise wages at the fastest pace since records began, signalling confidence that domestic demand remains intact. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balan»»»
Hezbollah and Iran-backed militias have entered the widening war — here’s who they are and how strong they are now
Dubai: As the war between Iran and US-Israeli forces widens, Iranian-backed armed groups across the Middle East are entering the fight, opening new fronts from Lebanon to Iraq and increasing the risk of a broader regional confrontation. These groups are often described as Tehran’s “proxies.” But th»»»
Michael B Jordan upends Oscars race as Sinners wins big at Actor Awards
US actor Michael B Jordan has scored a surprise win at the Actor Awards, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, giving him a surge of momentum in the final weeks before the Oscars. He was named best actor for his role in vampire horror Sinners, which also scored the top prize of the nigh»»»
'When can I go home?': A UAE expat’s story of crisis and community from 8,000 miles away
It was 4 am and there was no reason for me to wake up and check my phone, but I did. I was visiting the US for the first time in my life. I had never done so before, partly because financial reasons aside, the thought of always being halfway across the world made me slightly anxious. A 14-hour flig»»»
Missiles flying. oil surging. nuclear risks growing.
Dubai: The war between Iran and US-Israeli forces expanded dramatically on Monday, drawing in Iranian-backed militias and Hezbollah and regional energy infrastructure as casualties mounted and oil markets surged. Missiles and drones struck Israel and Arab states, US fighter jets were mistakenly sho»»»
Air India Express chief Aloke Singh to step down after reshaping airline growth
Dubai: Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh will step down on March 19 after completing his tenure, closing a leadership phase that reshaped the low-cost carrier through rapid expansion, structural integration and brand transformation. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques &»»»
Markets swing on Hormuz risk with oil higher, gold firmer and rate-cut bets tested
Dubai: Oil and gold surged at the start of the week after the flare-up in the US-Israel-Iran conflict pushed investors toward safety and forced markets to reassess how long higher energy prices could last. Brent crude briefly pushed above $82 a barrel in Asian trading before settling near $78, up r»»»
Iran war widens: Iranian-backed militias and Hezbollah join the conflict - What to know
DUBAI: The war between Iran and the United States and Israel expanded sharply on Monday, drawing in Iranian-backed militias and Hezbollah as airstrikes intensified, regional oil infrastructure came under attack and casualties mounted across multiple countries. Iran and allied militias launched miss»»»
If Hormuz is disrupted, here is how it could affect fuel, food and your bills
Dubai: A narrow stretch of water between Iran and Oman has now become one of the most closely watched economic flashpoints in the world, with analysts warning that any sustained disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would ripple into fuel costs, transport expenses and everyday prices »»»
UAE halts stock market trading for two days amid escalating regional tensions
Dubai: Financial market trading across the UAE will halt for two days after regulators announced a precautionary suspension of operations, reflecting heightened regional tensions and the need to safeguard market stability. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The Dubai Fina»»»
Who’s really running Iran after Khamenei’s death? Here’s what we know.
Dubai: Iran has entered a volatile new chapter following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in joint US–Israeli strikes — a development that has triggered the activation of a constitutional transition mechanism in Tehran. President Masoud Pezeshkian announced Sunday that a new leadership co»»»
UAE tells hotels to extend stays for guests unable to leave
Dubai: Authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have directed hotels to extend stays for guests unable to depart due to current exceptional circumstances, in a coordinated move to protect international visitors affected by travel disruptions. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.»»»
Saudi Arabia summons Iran envoy over Gulf attacks
RIYADH Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said it summoned the Iranian ambassador on Sunday, a day after the kingdom accused Tehran of targeting its territory with strikes. “Foreign Ministry summons the Iranian ambassador to the Kingdom in response to Iran’s brazen attacks that targeted the Kingdom an»»»
Gold poised for a sharp jump as markets reopen, key levels ahead
Dubai: Gold is expected to start the new trading week with a sharp move higher when Asian markets open, with investors leaning into defensive positions after a weekend of heightened geopolitical risk that has pushed traders to reassess where protection sits in portfolios. Sign up for our daily busi»»»
From secret meeting to airstrike: How Khamenei was killed
Dubai: Confirmation that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was meeting his top advisers triggered the Israeli-US air and naval operation that ultimately killed him, according to Reuters, citing sources familiar with the planning. A US official told the agency the operation hinged on stri»»»
Oil markets brace for a sharp opening surge amid supply fears
Dubai: Global oil markets are expected to open with sharp gains when trading resumes, with analysts warning that traders are shifting rapidly into a supply-risk mindset following escalating tensions in the Middle East that threaten one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Sign up for our »»»
Oman port and tanker hit as Iran strikes Gulf states
MUSCAT Iran expanded its retaliation campaign across the Gulf on Sunday, striking Oman for the first time since the conflict began and targeting an oil tanker off its coast, in a dramatic escalation that threatens to widen the regional war. The attack on Duqm commercial port marks the first direct »»»
After Khamenei, who leads Iran and what’s next? The country enters a critical transition
Dubai: The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — without a formally designated successor — plunges the Islamic Republic into its most critical leadership transition since the 1979 revolution, raising urgent questions about internal stability and the risk of broader regional escala»»»
Ordering food in UAE today? Here is why deliveries may be slow
Dubai: Food delivery platforms across the UAE have begun warning customers of delays after heightened regional tensions. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Users placing orders on major platforms on Saturday encountered in-app alerts warning that delivery times could be l»»»
Khamenei dead, 40-day mourning declared: Iran state TV
Dubai: Iran's state TV has confirmed on Sunday (March 1, 2026) that Iran's Supreme Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is dead. Khamenei, 86, has been the spiritual and political linchpin of the Islamic Republic for more than three decades. As the country’s ultimate authority in foreign »»»
Trump declares Khamenei dead as US–Israel bombing campaign escalates
Dubai: US President Donald Trump declared that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, saying in a post on Truth Social that the cleric had been killed in a joint US-Israeli operation. The claim, which had not been independently verified at the time of publication, signals a potential»»»
What’s really happening? Conflicting reports around Khamenei
Dubai: Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been the spiritual and political linchpin of the Islamic Republic for more than three decades. As the country’s ultimate authority in foreign policy, military strategy and national security, he has shaped Iran’s trajectory since taking over »»»
Strait of Hormuz on edge: Oil shipments pause as conflict deepens
Dubai: Some of the world’s largest oil companies and leading trading houses have suspended crude and fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, as US and Israeli strikes on Iran — and Tehran’s retaliation — rattle global energy markets. Reuters, citing four trading sources, reported that several »»»
Khamenei is alive, Iran interested in de-escalation: Foreign minister
Dubai: Iran’s foreign minister said the country’s supreme leader was alive, along with all high-ranking officials, after Israel and the United States launched strikes across the country on Saturday. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was alive “»»»
Saudi Arabia says reserves right of response after Iran attacks Riyadh, Eastern Province
Saudi Arabia confirmed Saturday that Iran hit Riyadh and its eastern region with strikes, warning it reserved the right to defend itself including by retaliating. Saudi Arabia “expressed its strongest condemnation of the blatant and cowardly Iranian attacks targeting the Riyadh and Eastern Province»»»
Trump warns IRGC to surrender or face certain death: What to know about Iran’s elite military force
Dubai: As US President Donald Trump has announced what he described as a “major” and “ongoing” military operation against Iran, he issued a direct warning to the country’s most powerful security institution — the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). “To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary»»»
IRGC chief, Iran defence minister killed in Israeli strikes: Report
Dubai: The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), General Mohammad Pakpour, and Iranian Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh were killed in Israeli strikes inside Iran on Saturday morning, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Israeli officials earlier assessed tha»»»
Attacks target Iran’s leadership — But who holds power?
Dubai As Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets, explosions were reported across Tehran and other major cities, marking the most serious escalation in years. According to Reuters, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was moved to a secure location ahe»»»
From Diplomacy to Airstrikes: The Road to Israel–US Action on Iran
Dubai: Tensions between Washington and Tehran have simmered for years, but the current escalation traces back to the collapse of the nuclear agreement. The original 2015 nuclear deal — formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — placed limits on Iran’s nuclear programme in ex»»»
Interior Minister Says There Is No Information of Any Threat to Bulgaria after New Middle East Escalation
At this stage, there is no information about any threat to Bulgaria, caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev told journalists in connection with the military escalation between Israel and Iran on Saturday. “We have taken all necessary security measures. At 1:00 p.m., the Prime Minister is convening»»»
North Korea releases rare image of Kim’s daughter firing rifle
Seoul: North Korea released a rare image on Saturday of leader Kim Jong Un's teenage daughter firing a rifle at a shooting range, adding to speculation that she is being groomed as his successor. Kim's daughter Ju Ae has long been seen as the next in line to rule the secretive, nuclear-armed state,»»»
Trump frustrated with Iran — says force remains an option
Dubai: US President Donald Trump said on Friday he is “not happy” with the direction of nuclear talks with Iran, warning that while diplomacy remains ongoing, military force remains an option if Tehran refuses to abandon its nuclear ambitions. “We’re not exactly happy with the way they’re negotiati»»»
Gold surge tightens grip on UAE shoppers as prices climb again
Dubai: Dubai gold prices resumed their upward march on Friday morning, adding fresh pressure on shoppers and investors already navigating one of the strongest bullion rallies in decades. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.At 8.30 am, the price of 24-karat gold rose to Dh6»»»
Diplomacy or Conflict? US and Iran hold fresh talks as military pressure builds.
Dubai: Iran and the United States held another round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday, as rising military tensions and a significant American force buildup in the Middle East cast a long shadow over diplomatic efforts. The Oman-mediated discussions, hosted at the Omani ambassador’s r»»»
Supreme court seeks names in NCERT textbook row
Dubai: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to disclose the “specific names” of all individuals involved in drafting and approving a controversial Class 8 Social Science textbook chapter that refers to corruption in the judiciary, »»»
Booked a Flight and Having Second Thoughts? Good News
New Delhi: In a major relief for air travellers, India’s aviation regulator has introduced a 48-hour “look-in” period allowing passengers to cancel or amend tickets without paying additional charges, while also tightening refund timelines and easing name correction rules. The Directorate General of»»»
'What If He Comes Back?' Diary Reveals Student-YouTuber ’s Pain Before Death
Dubai: Days before she was found dead at her rented apartment in Hyderabad, 21-year-old science student and part-time YouTuber Bonu Komali wrote a deeply emotional diary entry reflecting her lingering attachment to a former partner. “I’m scared to move on because what if he comes back?” Komali wrot»»»
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise signs $7b deal to expand aircraft leasing empire
Dubai: Dubai Aerospace Enterprise has agreed to acquire Macquarie AirFinance in an all cash transaction valued at about $7 billion, a move that will significantly expand its global footprint and cement its position among the world’s largest aircraft leasing companies. Sign up for our daily business»»»
Kim leaves door open to U.S. ties as North Korea vows nuclear buildup - UPI.com
In this photo released Thursday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (2-L) shakes hands while his daughter Kim Ju Ae (L) looks on during a military parade in Pyongyang. The event marked the conclusion of the week-long Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea. Photo by KCNA/EPA SEOUL, Feb. 26 (UPI)»»»
Air Arabia rolls out daily flights on new European route from Sharjah
Dubai: Travellers from the UAE will soon have another low cost option to Europe after Air Arabia announced the launch of a new daily international route from Sharjah to Rome, strengthening connectivity and offering more affordable travel choices for residents. Sign up for our daily business newslet»»»
Parking costs in Dubai may rise after tariff change request
Dubai: Dubai motorists could soon face higher public parking costs after Parkin submitted a formal proposal to revise tariffs, a move that could affect thousands of daily commuters across busy commercial and residential zones. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.In mid Feb»»»
Dubai gold eases Dh3.50 but global rally keeps buyers on edge
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai opened lower on Thursday morning, giving residents a brief respite after a volatile February that has kept jewellery buyers and investors on edge. At 8.30 am, the 24-karat rate stood at Dh624.75 per gram, down from Dh628.25 on Wednesday. The 22-karat variety slipped to D»»»
Inside Iran’s calculus: Why Tehran sees concessions as riskier than war
Dubai: Iran’s leadership appears to be making a stark strategic calculation as tensions with the United States intensify — that yielding to Washington’s demands could pose a greater threat to regime survival than the dangers of military confrontation. The New York Times, citing analysts and officia»»»
‘N-arms free M-E is a priority to boost regional security’
QNA Geneva The establishment of a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) remains an urgent priority to enhance regional security and stability, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Delegation of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva Jawhara bint Abdul»»»
US slaps fresh sanctions on Iran on eve of Geneva talks, Hezbollah draws red lines
Dubai: The United States on Wednesday announced a new round of sanctions targeting Iran’s oil trade and weapons networks, intensifying what Washington calls its “maximum pressure” campaign even as Iranian negotiators travelled to Geneva for high-stakes nuclear talks. The US Treasury Department said»»»