Tribute to mothers: Sheikh Hamdan renames ‘Housewife’ as ‘Generations Shaper’
Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has directed the Community Development Authority to replace the title “housewife” with “Generations Shaper”, in a symbolic m»»»
LIVE UPDATES: US temporarily lifts sanctions on Iranian oil loaded on vessels
Doha, Qatar: The US temporarily lifted sanctions on the sale of Iranian oil loaded on vessels as of March 20, in a bid to curb the increase in energy prices resulting from the war in the Middle East. The suspension of sanctions would expire on Apr. 19. US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent wro»»»
Burhan Rejects Ceasefire Before RSF Surrender as Drone Strike Hits Power Station in Northern Sudan
A drone attack blamed on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) struck the town of Al-Dabba in northern Sudan, targeting a power station and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Dongola, officials said Friday. The strike cut electricity to the town and left at least three people inj»»»
How this Filipino group in Dubai celebrates Eid by supporting mothers
Dubai: The Filipino Social Club (Filsoc) in Dubai is set to host a special gift-giving programme on March 22. Titled as “Filsoc Free Diaper Gifts,” the initiative aims to recognise the everyday sacrifices of mothers within the community. “It is a time to honour the incredible strength of mothers. W»»»
Venezuela Reshapes Military in Shift Toward Washington
A sweeping overhaul of Venezuela's top brass is designed to remake the armed forces and draw them closer to Washington, multiple military and political sources told AFP. Delcy Rodriguez has been in power for less than three months, but has already taken major steps to overhaul Venezuela's economy a»»»
Israel, Iran Trade Attacks as US Sends Marines to Middle East
Israel and Iran attacked each other on Saturday as the US was sending thousands more Marines to the Middle East and President Donald Trump accused NATO allies of cowardice over their reluctance to help open the Strait of Hormuz. Israel also attacked Beirut, saying it was targeting Hezbollah as it s»»»
‘Mothers are the first school’: UAE leaders mark Mother’s Day with messages of gratitude pride
Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that mothers are a source of lasting strength for the nation and society. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app now - it's completely free. Click here for Apple or here for Android. You »»»
Eid retail surge highlights shifting consumer spending patterns
Doha, Qatar: Retailers across Doha have noted a strong pickup in consumer spending, driven by discounting, promotional campaigns, and a seasonal rise during Eid Al Fitr. Malls and high streets are witnessing increased footfall, with industry players pointing to a concentrated surge in demand for fa»»»
UN Would Like to Contribute to Resolving Crisis in Strait of Hormuz - Secretary-General
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United Nations wishes to contribute to resolving the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. "My main objective is to see if it is possible to create conditions in the Strait of Hormuz similar to what [existed] in the past. Of course, it is»»»
Models With Down Syndrome in Romania Strike a Pose for World Down Syndrome Day
Dozens of models with Down syndrome strutted down a catwalk at a fashion show in Romania’s capital for an evening celebrating style, “atypical beauty” and courage to mark World Down Syndrome Day. The SEEN Anonymous Seamstresses Gala in Bucharest brought together designers from across the country, w»»»
Israel Says Targeting Hezbollah in Beirut as South Lebanon Struck
The Israeli military said it launched a wave of strikes on Beirut claiming to target the Iran-backed group Hezbollah early Saturday, while Lebanese state media reported strikes in the country's south. Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel on Mar»»»
Report: Iran Ready to Let Japanese Vessels Transit Hormuz
Iran is ready to let Japanese-related vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies, Kyodo news reported, citing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Tehran has started talks with Tokyo, including with Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, about possibly opening»»»
‘Reliance on official, verified news crucial during regional tensions’
Doha, Qatar: During times of regional geopolitical tension, relying on official and verified news sources becomes essential not only for personal awareness but also for maintaining public order and responsible civic engagement, according to Lecturer at the College of Law at Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer»»»
Macron slams ‘unacceptable’ Israeli attacks on Lebanon
Israel’s ongoing military operation in Lebanon violates international law, French President Emmanuel Macron has said. Speaking at a European Council press conference in Brussels on Thursday, Macron also criticized the attacks on Israel being carried out by Lebanese-based militant movement Hezbollah»»»
Orbán: “We do not negotiate while being threatened and blackmailed”
Prime Minister Orbán resumed his nationwide tour with a stop in Szentendre, where he delivered a sharp message on energy security, the war in Ukraine, and Hungary’s position within the European Union. Speaking to supporters, the prime minister framed the current geopolitical situation as a decisive»»»
How did a small Eid bike ride grow into one of the UAE’s annual brotherhood event
Dubai: What started as a modest gathering of motorcycling enthusiasts has evolved into one of the UAE’s much-anticipated multi-club biking events, drawing hundreds of riders united by both passion and purpose. Amid the current geopolitical situation, the fourth edition of the “Biker Buddies Eid Bro»»»
Minister of Awqaf joins worshippers for Eid prayers
Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanim among worshippers gathered for Eid Al Fitr prayers at Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque yesterday. Pic: Rajan Vadakkemuriyil/The Peninsula»»»
Orbán: “We have the right to block the €90 billion loan for Ukraine”
Following a tense and protracted EU summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that Hungary has both the legal and political grounds to block the €90 billion loan package intended for Ukraine. The prime minister described the negotiations as “combative” and underscored that Hungary succ»»»
Israel Strikes Hezbollah’s Civilian as Well as Military Wings in an Attempt to Crush the Group
An Israeli strike on a health center in southern Lebanon instantly killed 12 medical workers, seriously wounded one and left four missing under the rubble for hours. The March 13 strike in the village of Burj Qalaouiyah, one of the single deadliest strikes in Lebanon since the latest Israel-Hezboll»»»
Streamlining the kill chain: how AI is changing modern warfare
The US-Israeli war with Iran has put AI use in defence systems in the spotlight like never before. AI's exact role in the military, its accuracy and possible repercussions are slowly beginning to emerge – but the extent of its use and role in the war so far still largely remain a mystery. The»»»
The World This Week - Iran: The ‘Mosaic Doctrine’, Zelensky V Orban, Hungary-splaining
In a week where assassinations have continued within the top ranks of Iran’s regime, the minister of intelligence, the commander of the Bases paramilitary and the powerful security chief Ali Larijani included, but a weakened government seems to have had little bearing on Tehran’s retaliation across»»»
Deputy PM, German Minister review latest developments
Doha, Qatar: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, H E Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani held a phone call yesterday H E Federal Minister of Defense of Germany H E Boris Pistorius. The two sides reviewed the latest regional security developments and discusse»»»
Ready to help keep Hormuz open? Who said what
European powers and Japan have changed their posture on the ongoing Middle East war, by prioritising energy security and avoiding being dragged by the US into the on-going war with Iran. Recent developments show the allies are preparing to act even without full US leadership. Some countries, such a»»»
World Forest Day marked with praise and barbs
Greece marked World Forest Day with a mix of praise and pointed criticism over the state of the country’s forestry service. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, addressing a ceremony at the Goulandris Foundation on Friday, highlighted recent hiring efforts – 278 new employees recruited, with 330 mor»»»
What you need to know about the Philippines’ 2-month toll relief amid fuel price surge
Dubai: The Philippines is introducing a temporary toll discount for public transport and freight services starting March 23 to offer a breathing space to the transportation sector, who is currently under pressure from rising fuel prices, amid the situation in the Middle East. In a statement, Philip»»»
Sharaa Says Working to Steer Syria Clear of Any Conflict
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stressed on Friday that he was working on steering the country clear of the war in the Middle East. “We are taking steps very carefully and working on keeping Syria out of any conflict,” he said after Eid al-Fitr prayers in Damascus. “We must remember that Syria had»»»
11 dead in South Korea car plant fire
Seoul: Rescuers combed the charred wreckage of a South Korean car parts factory for missing people after a fire killed at least 11 and injured dozens more, authorities told AFP on Saturday. Fire crews were initially unable to enter the factory in the central city of Daejeon due to the risk of the b»»»
11 dead in South Korea car plant fire
Rescuers combed the charred wreckage of a South Korean car parts factory for missing people after a fire killed at least 11 and injured dozens more, authorities told AFP on Saturday. Fire crews were initially unable to enter the factory in the central city of Daejeon due to the risk of the building»»»
Philippine Airlines cancels Dubai, Doha flights until April 30: What affected passengers can do
Dubai: Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has temporarily suspended its flights between Manila and major Middle East destinations, such as Dubai and Doha, until April 30 amid the ongoing tensions in the region. In its latest advisory, PAL has noted that the suspension is a “precautionary measur»»»
Iran's Foreign Minister Says Tehran Will Not Agree to Ceasefire With US, Israel
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East. Iran will not agree to a ceasefire with the United States and Is»»»
Arab Nations Condemn Israeli Strikes on Syria
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry condemned on Saturday Israel's strikes on Syrian army camps as "aggression", joining other Arab nations and Türkiye in calling on the international community to intervene. Israel's military said on Friday it had struck southern Syria in response to what it called att»»»
Jury finds Elon Musk misled investors during Twitter purchase
San Francisco: A jury has found Elon Musk liable for defrauding investors by deliberately driving down Twitter's stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company for $44 billion. But it absolved him of some fraud allegations, finding that he did no»»»
Trump Hints at Wind-Down of War as US Sends More Troops and Iran Threatens Tourism Sites
US President Donald Trump said he was considering “winding down” military operations in the Middle East even as the United States is sending three more amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 additional Marines to the region. Trump’s post Friday on social media followed an Iranian threat to atta»»»
US public opinion is decisively shifting against Israel
For decades, American support for Israel was one of the most durable constants in US foreign policy, to such an extent that successive administrations, whether Democratic or Republican, hardly needed to debate it. That truism no longer holds. A Gallup poll conducted between 2-16 February confirmed »»»
The global economy is paying the price for Epic Fury
Three weeks after the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran, the world has entered an exceptionally dangerous phase. The confrontation has expanded far beyond the bounds of a conventional military conflict. It has developed into a multi-layered war in which military fronts converge with immense ec»»»
Chuck Norris, US action movie star whose toughness inspired endless memes, dies at 86
From one studio to another, Chuck Norris turned discipline into legend – a martial arts champion who became the iron-jawed face of "Walker, Texas Ranger" and a larger-than-life cultural myth. He died Thursday at 86. Chuck Norris, the martial arts grandmaster and action star whose roles in “Wal»»»
No, Iran didn't publish a 'list' of 11 American cities to target
A video claiming that Iran published a list of 11 American cities it plans to target has gone viral since it was first posted on Instagram on March 3. We found the origin of this list, and it turns out that it has nothing to do with Iran. Instagram user truecrimewithbella posted a video on Ma»»»
Tête à tête - 'Trump could be ready to stop the war at almost any moment,' ex-adviser John Bolton says
In an interview with FRANCE 24, former US national security adviser John Bolton said US President Donald Trump "could be ready to stop the war at almost any moment". Bolton also said he remains mystified by Trump's reversal on regime change in Iran and warned that the Iranian opposition is not rece»»»
Mojtaba Khamenei says Iran dealt its enemies a 'dizzying blow' in written message
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Friday said Iran had struck a “dizzying blow” in its war with Israel and the United States in a written message marking Nowruz, the Persian New Year, even as blasts rocked the capital Tehran. Israel accused the Islamic republic of targeting Jerusalem’s holiest sit»»»
Spotlight - Hungary's Orbán blocks €90 billion loan, threatening vital EU support for Ukraine
Mark Owen is pleased to welcome Dr Hanna Shelest, Director of Security Studies and Global Outreach Programmes at Ukrainian Prism and editor-in-chief at UA: Ukraine Analytica. According to Dr Shelest, Ukrainian forces demonstrate that with adaptive strategy, technological innovation and ti»»»
Georgians continue fight for democracy after almost 500 days of protest
It's Saturday night in Tbilisi. A crowd is gathering outside the city's State Concert Hall, chatting among themselves. For some, the gathering offers a brief respite from the exhaustion of prolonged demonstration. For others, it is an act of defiance against a government that opposition figures, We»»»
Kyrgyzstan: Ousted security services chief now facing corruption allegations
Ousted former Kyrgyz security services boss Kamchybek Tashiyev, a former boxer who until last month was President Sadyr Japarov’s right-hand man, is on the ropes. A little more than a month after Japarov uncere»»»
Kosovo’s PM warns of rising tensions as Serbia holds military drills near border
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has described recent Serbian army exercises near the border with Kosovo as “extremely worrying,” accusing Belgrade of using its military to exert pressure and destabilise the Western Balkans, Koha.net reported on March 19. »»»
Kosovo’s PM warns of rising tensions as Serbia holds military drills near border
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has described recent Serbian army exercises near the border with Kosovo as “extremely worrying,” accusing Belgrade of using its military to exert pressure and destabilise the Western Balkans, Koha.net reported on March 19. »»»
EU Council meeting achieves little
EU leaders had a heavy agenda at a summit in Brussels on March 19. They had to deal with a mushrooming energy crisis, a Ukraine funding fiasco and the stalled passage of twentieth sanctions on Russia. Little progress was made on solving any of these issues. »»»
EU Council meeting achieves little
EU leaders had a heavy agenda at a summit in Brussels on March 19. They had to deal with a mushrooming energy crisis, a Ukraine funding fiasco and the stalled passage of twentieth sanctions on Russia. Little progress was made on solving any of these issues. »»»
Belarus frees another 250 political prisoners as US eases sanctions
Belarus has released another 250 political prisoners, the largest single release to date, after cutting a new sanctions relief deal with the US, Associated Press reported on March 19. President Alexander Lukashenko ordered»»»
Middle East tensions rise: Iran targets tourist spots as US deploys more marines - here's what to know
Three weeks into escalating Middle East tensions, Iran warned it could expand attacks to recreational and tourist sites worldwide. The threat came as Gulf nations intercepted multiple drones near oil installations, and Israel reported continued missile fire from Iran. Stay updated: Get the latest f»»»
Araghchi Condemns US Use of UK Bases for Aggression Against Iran
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is putting the lives of his compatriots at risk by allowing British bases to be used for aggression against Iran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said. The UK government on Friday approved the US use of UK bases for strikes against Iran's missile sites. "Vast »»»
Nebius raises $4bn in convertible bonds
Nebius Group, led by founder and ex-CEO of Russian internet major Yandex Arkady Volozh, raised $4bn through a placement of convertible bonds, according to RBC business portal citing company disclosures. Nebius Group is led»»»