NEPI Rockcastle appoints Anca Nacu as Chief Investment Officer and Justyna Bartosz as Group Leasing Director as new CEO’s mandate begins
Marek Noetzel, who officially takes the helm of NEPI Rockcastle today as CEO, has announced the new composition of the company’s Executive Committee, including the promotion of Anca Nacu to the position of Chief Investment Officer and Justyna Bartosz to the role of Group Leasing Director. These app»»»
Macron touts Europe's 'predictability' during Japan visit in apparent swipe at Trump
French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday hailed Europe's "predictability" in "times likes these" during a meeting with Japanese business leaders in Tokyo, appearing to contrast the continent's consistency with the erratic conduct of the US president's administration. French President Emma»»»
Affidea Romania is expanding its medical network through acquisition of two hospitals in Bucharest
The two hospitals will undergo an extensive integration and rebranding process supported by medium- and long-term investments and will operate under the Affidea Hospitals brand. The integration process aims to fully align medical, operational, digital, and quality procedures with the Affidea Group’»»»
Dubai-owned Dragon Oil considering 3 investment opportunities in Egypt
Dragon Oil, wholly owned by Dubai government, is considering three new investment opportunities in Egypt, Asharq News reported, citing the company’s acting CEO Abdulkarim al-Mazmi. Speaking on the sidelines of the first day of the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2025 in»»»
Parliament approves raising small hydropower plant capacity limit to 50 MW - | 24.KG
The Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan has approved in the third reading a draft law increasing the capacity threshold for small hydropower plants from 30 to 50 megawatts. The document aims to create more favorable conditions for the development of renewable energy and to attract investment into the sec»»»
Romania is the most dynamic M&A market in Central and Eastern Europe – Deloitte analysis
Romania is the most dynamic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market in Central and Eastern Europe, with a 9% growth rate in the number of transactions in 2025, more than double the region’s 4%, according to Mergermarket data analyzed by Deloitte Romania. Second and third place are occupied by Hungary»»»
Abu Dhabi launches supply chain platform ADEED to bolster trade resilience
Dubai: Abu Dhabi Investment Office has launched a new supply chain support platform in collaboration with 7X, aiming to strengthen trade continuity and business resilience across Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.The pla»»»
India has Begun its Long-delayed Population Census
India has begun the world’s largest national population count, which could reshape welfare programs and political representation across the country. The previous census in 2011 recorded a population of 1.21 billion. It's now estimated to be more than 1.4 billion, making India the most populous nati»»»
Media Review: April 1
The news of caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov signing a ten-year security agreement with Ukraine during a Bulgarian delegation’s visit to Kyiv on Tuesday dominates Wednesday's news media. POLITICS 24 Chasa’s headline reads that President Iliana Iotova reacted strongly to the agreement’s signing»»»
Lebanese displaced by war fill Beirut's streets, upending city life
Beirut is bursting. It's been a month since Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel after the U.S.-Israeli attack on its patron, Iran, triggering Israeli bombardment of Lebanon and a ground invasion. Since then, more than 1 million people from southern and eastern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs »»»
Auchan Renewable Energy is expanding its network to 40 locations to which it supplies energy
The transition to green energy is the result of a phased approach, beginning with substantial investments in the company’s own renewable energy production. Auchan Romania has implemented an extensive network of solar panels on store rooftops, directly contributing to reducing dependence on external»»»
UAE tightens tax procedures regulations, effective April 1
Dubai: The Ministry of Finance has updated tax procedures regulations to align with recent legal changes, introducing new rules on disclosures, refunds and audit-related record-keeping from April 1, 2026. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.The latest»»»
U.N. rights chief urges Israel to repeal 'deeply discriminatory' death penalty law - UPI.com
People hold placards against the death penalty law for Palestinian terrorists that was passed by the Israeli government during a protest in front of the Israeli Knesset, the Parliament, in Jerusalem on Tuesday. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo April 1 (UPI) -- The United Nations human right»»»
Japan, France Agree Rare Earths Deal to Cut China Reliance
Japan and France agreed to strengthen support for rare earths supply chains on Wednesday, Japan's public broadcaster NHK reported, in the latest moves by both countries to lessen dependence on the world's dominant supplier, China. During French President Emmanuel Macron's three-day visit to Japan f»»»
Turkish Manufacturing Contracts at Fastest Pace in Five Months in March, PMI Shows
Turkish manufacturing activity contracted at its fastest pace in five months in March as the war in the Middle East lifted costs, disrupted supply chains and weakened demand, a business survey showed on Wednesday. The Istanbul Chamber of Industry Turkish Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (P»»»
Bulgaria Insists that North Macedonia Fulfil its Commitments to Protect Rights of Communities
Bulgaria insists that the Republic of North Macedonia fulfil its commitments to protect the rights of communities, the Foreign Ministry said in a press release on Wednesday. Organizations representing the Bulgarian community in the Republic of North Macedonia have issued an official letter regardin»»»
More UAE residents save as National Bonds funds top Dh18 billion
Dubai: Regular savers in the UAE rose by 37% in 2025 compared to the previous year, signalling a shift towards long-term financial planning among residents. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The Sharia-compliant savings and investment company said bondholders’ funds cros»»»
When employees become employers: The hardest promotion of all
For decades, professional success followed recognisable architecture. Careers advanced through structure. Performance led to responsibility, responsibility to authority, and authority was formalised through designation. Institutions provided continuity, and titles provided clarity. Identity and hie»»»
Seoul stocks jump over 8 pct amid hopes for end to Middle East conflict - UPI.com
This photo, taken Wednesday, shows the trading room of Hana Bank in central Seoul as South Korean stocks jumped more than 8 percent as hopes grew for an end to the Middle East conflict. Photo by Yonhap Seoul stocks surged Wednesday, led by gains in chipmakers and other big-cap tech shares, as hopes»»»
Pakistan’s Blossom Season Brings Calm in a Troubled World
The harsh days of winter are over in Pakistan's high north and while snow still tops the towering peaks that dominate the landscape, spring has arrived in the foothills. But this year, visitors who have come to witness the region's cherry and apricot blossoms see it as the perfect tonic to the war »»»
South Korea and Indonesia Discuss Energy Security, Sign Agreements on Minerals and Tech
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held talks on Wednesday with Indonesian leader Prabowo Subianto, discussing energy security and agreeing to expand cooperation in areas such as critical minerals and technology, Lee's office said. The summit talks followed a welcome ceremony at the presidential »»»
Punch in the gut: Viral baby monkey makes new friends, sparking fan heartbreak
Punch, the baby Japanese macaque, became a symbol of hope for many chronic social media users. Videos of him clutching a stuffed orangutan, named Mo, went viral, offering one of the most heartwarming moments amid widespread uncertainty and unrest in the world. And perhaps, that's why the internet i»»»
Indian Consulate in Dubai issues advisory for Grade 12 students ahead of college admission
Dubai: The Indian Consulate General in Dubai on Wednesday issued an advisory for Grade 12 students offering them a rare walk-in facility to apply for NRI certificates. The move comes as India's college admission season approaches, giving families a narrow but welcome window to get their paperwork i»»»
Australia PM warns months ahead 'may not be easy' due to MidEast war
Sydney: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned Wednesday the months ahead “may not be easy” because of the Middle East war, in a rare address to the nation across television networks. “The months ahead may not be easy. I want to be upfront about that. No government can promise to elimina»»»
“We will keep the lights on”: Coca-Cola Arena shifts from concerts to shopping fests in Dubai
Dubai: When you think of the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, the first image that comes to mind is often a live concert: lights flashing, music reverberating through thousands of fans, and the thrill of a packed crowd. But understandably, in uncertain times due to regional conflict, the iconic venue is p»»»
Indonesia Calls for Investigation into Peacekeeper Deaths in Lebanon
Indonesia has called on the United Nations to investigate the deaths of three of its UNIFIL peacekeepers following Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, a foreign ministry official said on Wednesday as relatives at home mourned their deaths. The ministry's UN representative, Umar Hadi, called for th»»»
Securing Iran’s Enriched Uranium by Force Would Be Risky and Complex, Experts Say
Should the US decide to send in military forces to secure Iran’s uranium stockpile, it would be a complex, risky and lengthy operation, fraught with radiation and chemical dangers, according to experts and former government officials. US President Donald Trump has offered shifting reasons for the w»»»
Why dealing with fixers could lead to airport offloading
Dubai: Filipinos planning to travel abroad have been warned against dealing with fixers offering to process Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) requirements for a fee. Authorities have stressed that such shortcuts can lead to offloading at the airport, where passengers are prevented from boardin»»»
Mada Media awards strategic outdoor advertising bid to Arabian Outdoor
Dubai: Mada Media, the company responsible for organising, developing, and managing the Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising sector in the Emirate of Dubai, has announced the award of a strategic OOH advertising bid to Arabian Outdoor, a Choueiri Group brand. The move forms part of Mada Media’s ongoing ef»»»
South Korea resumes excavation of war remains at DMZ battle site - UPI.com
South Korea resumed excavations to recover the remains of soldiers killed during the Korean War at White Horse Ridge in Cheorwon, the Defense Ministry said Wednesday. In this photo from Dec. 1, 2025, soldiers send off the remains of 25 soldiers found at the site. File Photo courtesy of South Korea »»»
IMF: Egypt must use all tools to alleviate economic reform burdens
BY: Ahmad Abu el-Hamd Egyptian government must use all the tools necessary to relieve the cost of economic reform, whether those tools are in form of financial policies, including interest rates, monetary or economic measures, said an IMF official on Wednesday. Hazem Al-Beblawi, Executive Director »»»
Saudi Stocks End March Higher amid Geopolitical Tensions
Saudi Arabia’s stock market closed March on a strong note, advancing while most Gulf markets declined, underscoring its resilience in the face of heightened geopolitical tensions. The benchmark Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) ended the final session of the month at a two-month high, trading above 11»»»
Lebanese Displaced by War Fill Beirut’s Streets, Upending City Life
Beirut is bursting. It's been a month since Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel after the US-Israeli attack on its patron, Iran, triggering Israeli bombardment of Lebanon and a ground invasion. Since then, more than 1 million people from southern and eastern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs ha»»»
IN PHOTOS: Pakistan's blossom season brings calm in a troubled world
Gilgit, Pakistan: The harsh days of winter are over in Pakistan's high north and while snow still tops the towering peaks that dominate the landscape, spring has arrived in the foothills. But this year, visitors who have come to witness the region's cherry and apricot blossoms see it as the perfect»»»
Trump signs executive order to expand federal control over mail voting - UPI.com
President Donald Trump speaks during an executive order signing on election integrity in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. The order will have the federal government, through the U.S. Postal Service, provide states with information concerning who is an eligible vot»»»
ADJD reviews updates to commercial companies law at legal forum
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) discussed recent legislative updates to the Commercial Companies Law during a specialised forum aimed at strengthening legal awareness and supporting the business environment. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simpl»»»
Hong Kong’s ‘Hero Trees’ Lose Their Glory as Climate Warms
Hong Kong's beloved kapok trees are not blooming the way they used to, drawing concern from conservationists who see it as a sign that nature is falling out of sync as the climate warms. Locally known as "hero trees" for their majestic appearance, kapoks attract large numbers of photographers every»»»
King Charles III to Make a State Visit to the US Despite Calls to Cancel Due to the Iran War
King Charles III is going ahead with a state visit to the United States despite calls for the ceremonial event to be called off due to US President Donald Trump’s repeated criticism of the British government for failing to support the war in Iran. Buckingham Palace said Tuesday that the king and Qu»»»
3 Turkish nationals sentenced over shooting targeting Greek intelligence officer
A mixed jury court in Edessa, northern Greece, has handed prison sentences ranging from six to 11 years to three Turkish nationals convicted in a May 2025 shooting incident targeting an officer of Greece’s National Intelligence Service (EYP) in Tagarades, Thessaloniki. The court found the 50-year-o»»»
Charlie Kirk bullet not linked to alleged killer Robinson’s rifle, lawyers say
Investigators could not match the bullet that killed conservative influencer Charlie Kirk to the rifle used by his alleged assassin, lawyers for the suspect have claimed. The accused killer’s defense team is using this fact to push for a delayed trial. Tyler Robinson’s lawyers said in a recent cour»»»
Interior Minister Says Prosecution Service Is ‘Major Absentee’ in Key Petyo Petrov, Martin Bojanov, Petrohan Cases
The prosecution service is the major absentee in the cases involving Petyo “the Euro” Petrov, Martin “the Notary” Bojanov, and the Petrohan case, caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev told the Bulgarian National Television on Wednesday. He again stated that Sofia City Prosecutor Emilia Rusinova h»»»
Gold slides 14% in March Despite War, Testing Safe-Haven Status
Gold defied its traditional role as a crisis hedge in March, posting its steepest monthly fall since October 2008. The metal dropped more than 14% over the month - its sharpest decline in over 17 years - despite heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, prompting questions about whether »»»
Africa’s ports and airlines gain as Red Sea crisis reshapes global trade routes
Some African economies are winners from the Iran war. From Kenya to Nigeria, they are registering sharp gains in trade, aviation and energy revenues as the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran disrupts traditional shipping and air corridors, cutting traffic through the Red Sea and Strait of Hor»»»
Africa’s ports and airlines gain as Red Sea crisis reshapes global trade routes
Some African economies are winners from the Iran war. From Kenya to Nigeria, they are registering sharp gains in trade, aviation and energy revenues as the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran disrupts traditional shipping and air corridors, cutting traffic through the Red Sea and Strait of Hor»»»
Africa’s ports and airlines gain as Red Sea crisis reshapes global trade routes
Some African economies are winners from the Iran war. From Kenya to Nigeria, they are registering sharp gains in trade, aviation and energy revenues as the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran disrupts traditional shipping and air corridors, cutting traffic through the Red Sea and Strait of Hor»»»
Africa’s ports and airlines gain as Red Sea crisis reshapes global trade routes
Some African economies are winners from the Iran war. From Kenya to Nigeria, they are registering sharp gains in trade, aviation and energy revenues as the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran disrupts traditional shipping and air corridors, cutting traffic through the Red Sea and Strait of Hor»»»
Africa’s ports and airlines gain as Red Sea crisis reshapes global trade routes
Some African economies are winners from the Iran war. From Kenya to Nigeria, they are registering sharp gains in trade, aviation and energy revenues as the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran disrupts traditional shipping and air corridors, cutting traffic through the Red Sea and Strait of Hor»»»
Qatar Airways further revises flight schedules to more than 120 destinations
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways has published its latest revised schedule, reflecting the gradual increase in flights to, and from, Doha to more than 120 destinations by mid-May 2026, across the airline’s global network. All flights to, and from, Doha continue to operate through dedicated flight corrido»»»
Artemis 2: What to know about first crewed Moon mission in half a century
NASA's Artemis II mission will send four astronauts circling around the Moon in humanity's first crewed lunar mission since 1972 – and the first to feature a woman. Its main goal is to prepare for the return of boots on the Moon in 2028. Here's what to know about the highly anticipated mission»»»
Macron Lauds Europe’s ‘Predictability’ in Seeming Contrast to Trump
French President Emmanuel Macron praised Europe's "predictability" during a visit to Japan on Wednesday, contrasting it with countries that "could hurt you without even informing you" in an apparent swipe at Donald Trump. The US president lashed out at France on Tuesday, writing on social media tha»»»