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»»»
Authorities issue 7.8% fewer building permits in January
In January 2026, the authorities issued 7.8% fewer building permits for residential buildings compared with the same period in 2025, according to data the National Institute of Statistics (INS) sent on Friday.Thus, in January 2026, 1,768 building permits were issued for residential buildings, down »»»
Market services provided to enterprises up 2.4% in 2025
Turnover from market services mainly provided to enterprises rose by 2.4% in 2025 compared with 2024, as gross series, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS) data published on Friday.Official statistics show that in 2025, compared with the previous year, turnover from market servic»»»
Brasov invited to first Brazil-Romania Forum on Creative Economy and Innovation
The City of Brasov has been invited to take part in the first Brazil-Romania Forum on Creative Economy and Innovation, scheduled for 18-23 May, following an invitation extended to the city authorities by the Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Romania, Ricardo Guerra de Araujo.Accord»»»
BNR: Current assessments highlight worsening inflation outlook; a more pronounced increase in next quarter
The current assessments highlight a worsening of the inflation outlook, especially in the middle segment of the forecast horizon, under conditions in which the annual inflation rate is expected to prolong its slow decline in the first quarter of 2026, as in the previous projection, but to record in»»»
Managers in manufacturing and construction estimate moderate increase in economic activity February-April
Managers in manufacturing and construction estimate a moderate increase in economic activity for the period February-April 2026, according to data the National Institute of Statistics (INS) published on Friday.The results of the survey conducted in February indicate for the mentioned period a moder»»»
Minister Alexandru Nazare: The year 2026 started right, with a budget surplus
Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare declared on Saturday in Giurgiu that the year 2026 started on the right foot, because a surplus of 850 million lei was recorded, which reflects an increase in revenues, against a background of a decrease in expenditures of almost 6 percent, and stressed the importa»»»
January 2026 general consolidated budget execution ends with 0.04pct of GDP surplus
The execution of the general consolidated budget for January 2026 ended with a surplus of 850 million lei, namely 0.04% of GDP, compared with a deficit of 11.01 billion lei, or 0.58% of GDP, recorded in January 2025, the Finance Ministry (MF) announced on Friday.According to the source, this is the»»»
The Romanian Presidency of the CEI, launched
The Central European Initiative (CEI) is home to 160 million citizens, Romania's Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said on Thursday at the launch in Bucharest of the Romanian Presidency of the CEI.The chief Romanian diplomat opened on Thursday the first meeting of the Committee of National Coordinators (C»»»
Foreign Minister Toiu met President Pirc Musar in Ljubljana
Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Toiu met on Friday at the Presidential Palace in Ljubljana with Slovenia's President Natasa Pirc Musar, underlining the importance of close coordination to ensure stability in the Black Sea region and the Western Balkans."Our conversation reconfirmed that Romania and S»»»
Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends Romanian citizens avoid any travel to State of Israel
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) announces that, in the context of recent security developments in the Middle East, it has raised the travel warning level for the State of Israel to level 8/9 - avoid any travel.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that Romanian citizens avoid an»»»
President Dan: Our priority at present is to ensure the safety of Romanian citizens in conflict areas
President Nicusor Dan stated on Sunday, in a message posted on Facebook, that Romania is completely safe and is under no direct threat in the current regional security context in the Middle East. He emphasised that the priority at present is the safety of Romanian citizens in conflict zones and adv»»»
PHCC reinforces sustainability with GSAS recertification of health centres
Doha, Qatar: Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) continues to demonstrate national leadership in environmental sustainability and operational excellence through measurable improvements in facility management, operational performance, embedded-systems efficiency, and energy conservation. A key mi»»»
Awqaf Ministry launches AI-powered FatwaTok app
Doha, Qatar: As part of its digital transformation strategy and efforts to harness artificial intelligence and modern technologies, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has officially launched the “FatwaTok” application on Apple and Google platforms. The new app marks a significant step t»»»
Türkiye 2025 GDP Growth 3.6%, Just Below Forecast
Türkiye's economy grew 3.4% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of last year, with full-year growth also just below forecast at 3.6%, official data showed on Monday. Fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.4% from the previous quarter on a seasonally and calendar-adjusted basis, Turkish»»»
MoCI urges responsible shopping
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has called on consumers to shop responsibly according to their actual needs and to avoid excessive stockpiling, reaffirming that goods and products remain widely available across retail outlets in Qatar. In a statement published yesterday on»»»
Bulgaria Ready to Evacuate Citizens as Middle East Awaits Humanitarian Corridors
Acting Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky has said Bulgaria is awaiting the opening of humanitarian corridors in the Middle East and stands ready to evacuate its citizens by air if conditions allow. Speaking to bTV, she noted that missiles launched by Iran toward Cyprus had fallen into the sea and t»»»
Survey: National Identity Dominates Among Bulgarians
National identity dominates among Bulgarians, while traditions, history, and language remain the leading unifying factors. A sense of cultural vulnerability is also present, according to a Trend poll, commissioned by 24 Chasa, focused on national identity and culture on the eve of the country’s nat»»»
US–Israeli Strikes on Iran: Latest Updates
Iran continues to retaliate against US and Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic, launching missiles towards enemy positions. Three American service members have been killed and five more "seriously wounded" in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait, according to US Central Command.Militant group H»»»
India belatedly urges early cessation to hostilities in Middle East
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted two separate messages on X responding to the now two day long campaign of hostilities against Iran by the forces of Israel and the US. In the first message posted at 11:26PM on Ma»»»
Iran's Larijani denies US talks
Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, denied reports that Iran had offered to resume negotiations with Washington through Omani intermediaries, posting "We will not negotiate with the United States" on X on March 1. »»»
India belatedly urges early cessation to hostilities in Middle East
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted two separate messages on X responding to the now two day long campaign of hostilities against Iran by the forces of Israel and the US. In the first message posted at 11:26PM on Ma»»»
Gulf states condemn 'unjustified' Iranian attacks at emergency foreign ministers meeting
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers held an emergency meeting on March 1 to discuss what they described as Iran's "flagrant and unjustified" attacks on member states, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Sau»»»
India belatedly urges early cessation to hostilities in Middle East
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted two separate messages on X responding to the now two day long campaign of hostilities against Iran by the forces of Israel and the US. In the first message posted at 11:26PM on Ma»»»
India belatedly urges early cessation to hostilities in Middle East
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted two separate messages on X responding to the now two day long campaign of hostilities against Iran by the forces of Israel and the US. In the first message posted at 11:26PM on Ma»»»
Gulf states condemn 'unjustified' Iranian attacks at emergency foreign ministers meeting
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers held an emergency meeting on March 1 to discuss what they described as Iran's "flagrant and unjustified" attacks on member states, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Sau»»»
India belatedly urges early cessation to hostilities in Middle East
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted two separate messages on X responding to the now two day long campaign of hostilities against Iran by the forces of Israel and the US. In the first message posted at 11:26PM on Ma»»»
India belatedly urges early cessation to hostilities in Middle East
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted two separate messages on X responding to the now two day long campaign of hostilities against Iran by the forces of Israel and the US. In the first message posted at 11:26PM on Ma»»»
MFA of Kyrgyzstan opens 24-hour headquarters amid Middle East situation - | 24.KG
Due to the escalating situation in the Middle East, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic has established a special headquarters operating around the clock, the ministry’s press service reported. The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held an emergency meeting, »»»
Interior ministry stresses necessity of obtaining information from official sources
DOHA: The Ministry of Interior on Monday urged everyone to obtain information only from official and authorized sources to ensure security and safety. In a statement posted on X, the ministry stressed that the circulation or publication of rumours constitutes a violation subject to legal accountabi»»»
Qatar Airways announces temporary suspension of flights continues
DOHA: Qatar Airways announced that it will continue the temporary suspension of its flights due to the closure of Qatari airspace. In a statement posted on X, Qatar Airways said it will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. It urg»»»
Unlicensed driver caught doing 197 kmh on highway
Police in northern Athens have arrested a motorist for driving his car at twice the speed limit and then breaking a string of driving regulations in a bid to evade pursuing officers. A police statement said the 22-year-old man was found to lack a driver’s license. He was arrested over the weekend a»»»
LIVE UPDATES: Explosions rock Iraq’s Erbil
Iraq: "Strong explosions" were heard the Erbil International Airport. Also, blasts have been recorded across the Gulf cities of Dubai, Doha and Manama Monday morning as Iran pressed on with its retaliatory campaign for a third day Stay tuned for more updates. 9:55am Doha Time Explosions rock Iraq’s»»»
Pakistan Embassy Abu Dhabi launches online registration
The Embassy of Pakistan Abu Dhabi has launched an online registration form for the Pakistani community residing in the UAE to facilitate outreach and assistance. Community members are encouraged to register and share it within their networks. Also Read: Flights on hold, Pakistani authorities issue »»»
Iranian official: No negotiations with US, Trump dragged region into chaos
TEHRAN, March 2 (KUNA) -- Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani affirmed on Monday that his country would not negotiate with the US, holding Washington responsible for dragging the region into chaos. Larijani wrote on his account on the X platform that "Donald Trump has»»»
Residential sales drive 2025 realty growth, apartment transactions up 74% in two years
Doha, Qatar: The real estate market in Qatar recorded a remarkable improvement during 2025, supported by the continued activity of land and villa transactions and the growth in sales of residential units. The apartment and villa transactions in last year reached 2,135 and 1,422 respectively. Qatar’»»»
Smoke rising from US embassy in Kuwait City: AFP
Kuwait City: Black smoke was seen rising from the US embassy in Kuwait City on Monday after the latest volley of Iranian strikes, an AFP correspondent saw. Sirens earlier sounded over the city following the latest volley of Iranian attacks, which started across the Gulf region on Saturday. The emba»»»
Two suspected migrant-smugglers arrested on Rhodes
Authorities on the southeastern island of Rhodes have arrested two Turkish nationals for allegedly ferrying 58 migrants across illegally from Turkey, the Coast Guard said. The arrests followed the discovery of 24 men, 11 women and 23 children on the coast of Rhodes near Gennadi on Sunday. A Coast G»»»
Fourth round of Qatar Drag Race Championship ends
Doha, Qatar: On a charged Ramadan night of fierce competition and edge-of-your-seat finales, the fourth and penultimate round of the 2025/2026 Qatar Drag Race Championship roared to a close at the Qatar Racing Club (QRC) speed track. The round spanned three days: qualifying on the first two days an»»»
Ex-head of Balykchy police department Tokoldoshev arrested on corruption charges - | 24.KG
On February 27, the Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek ordered pretrial detention for former head of the Balykchy Internal Affairs Department, Chyngyz Tokoldoshev. According to the court’s press service, he has been placed in pretrial detention facility No. 1 until April 15. Investigators report»»»
UPDATE: IDF Chief announces offensive campaign against Hezbollah as Lebanon enters Israel-Iran war
IDF Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed that Israel will commence an offensive military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon. This comes after Hezbollah launched rockets and drones toward Haifa and central Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed Mohammed Raad, the »»»
UPDATE: IDF Chief announces offensive campaign against Hezbollah as Lebanon enters Israel-Iran war
IDF Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed that Israel will commence an offensive military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon. This comes after Hezbollah launched rockets and drones toward Haifa and central Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed Mohammed Raad, the »»»
Iran Conflict Disrupts Fuel Assessements from Reporting Agency Platts
Oil price reporting agency S&P Global Platts is suspending bids and offers for price assessments of Middle East refined products that transit the Strait of Hormuz because of shipping disruptions from the US-Iran conflict, the company said in a note to subscribers sent out on Monday and reviewed by »»»
Malaysian PM: Israeli occuaption escalation against Iran undermines Gulf stability
KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 (KUNA) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Monday the Israeli occupation's military escalation against Iran undermined stability of the Gulf region and would have dangerous impacts on regional security."Malaysia, as a free and independent nation, calls for an immedi»»»
130 children affected by crime in Kyrgyzstan in January - | 24.KG
A total of 130 children were affected by criminal offenses in Kyrgyzstan in January, according to data from the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic citing the Prosecutor General’s Office. During this period, minors committed 44 crimes, the majority of which were thefts. Of the 130»»»
Iran Conflict Disrupts Some Middle East Oil, Fuel Assesements from Reporting Agency Platts
Oil price reporting agency S&P Global Platts is suspending bids and offers for price assessments of Middle East refined products that transit the Strait of Hormuz because of shipping disruptions from the US-Iran conflict, the company said in a note to subscribers sent out on Monday and reviewed by »»»
More than 100 killed in strike on girls' school, Iran claims
Iran said a school in Minab was hit by strikes on Saturday, killing more than 100, while Israel and the United States say they are not aware of any attack. Humanitarian groups are investigating amid airspace and access restrictions. Iran said strikes hit a school and killed more than 100 people, bu»»»
US Embassy in Islamabad suspend services — What it means for visa applicants and travellers
The US Embassy in Islamabad announced on Monday that all visa appointments and American Citizen Services are cancelled for March 2 at the Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore, following violent protests the previous day. Authorities are monitoring reports of ongo»»»
Türkiye’s Trade Minister Says Day-trip Crossings Halted at Iranian Border
Türkiye’s trade minister said on Monday that day-trip passenger crossings at three Turkish customs gates at the Iranian border have been mutually suspended but Türkiye is allowing its own citizens and third-country nationals to enter from Iran. Minister Omer Bolat said in a statement on X that»»»