CBE announces extended bank holiday for Eid al-Fitr 2026
Central Bank of Egypt The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) and the Egyptian Cabinet have officially declared a five-day paid holiday in observance of Eid al-Fitr 2026. According to an official statement released by the Central Bank of Egypt, the banking sector will observe the holiday starting Thursday,»»»
Agriculture min. witnesses inking of MoU to boost innovation in farming sector
Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk witnessed, Tuesday, March 17, the signing of a memorandum of understanding to promote agricultural innovation and translate research into scalable solutions. The MoU was inked between the Agricultural Research Center and the Alliance of Biove»»»
UAE ensures labour market stability with new measures to support business continuity
Dubai: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has confirmed that the UAE labour market continues to operate with stability and efficiency, despite ongoing regional developments. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app now - it's completely free. Click here fo»»»
Kasymaliev gives interview to Mir ITRC on economic growth, tourism, and fishing - | 24.KG
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev gave an exclusive interview to the Interstate Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (ITRC) Mir. It was timed to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the Commonwealth of Independent States. In a conversation with Iri»»»
Cold water supply to be suspended in central part of Bishkek on March 19 - | 24.KG
The supply of drinking water will be suspended in one of the central districts of the capital on March 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The press service of the Bishkek City Hall reported. Residential buildings, schools, kindergartens, healthcare facilities, as well as other social, and industrial facilit»»»
Lebanese Health Ministry says two people martyred, one injured in Israeli strikes on the southern coastal city of Sidon - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Lebanese Health Ministry says two people martyred, one injured in Israeli strikes on the southern coastal city of Sidon 18-03-2026 11:24 AM»»»
BR Analysis | Media agency model adapts to shifting market expectations
2025 brought massive consolidation in the media industry through Omnicom’s acquisition of Interpublic Group (IPG). Following the mega-merger, Omnicom became the world’s largest advertising holding company, leading to significant restructuring, the retirement of legacy agency networks DDB, FCB, and »»»
We will bounce back very, very quickly, says Dubai Airports CEO
Dubai: Dubai Airports has facilitated the journeys of over one million passengers in the past 17 days, even as airspace closures and regional tensions disrupted operations, CEO Paul Griffiths told CNN’s Becky Anderson. Griffiths said Dubai International Airport (DXB) has handled over one million pa»»»
Caretaker Government Approves Compensations to Households for Rising Fuel Prices
The caretaker government has approved a decision to provide additional funding to the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of Bulgaria to introduce a temporary programme compensating households for rising fuel prices, caretaker Labour and Social Policy Minister Hasan Ademov and caretaker Finance Mi»»»
India mandates 60% seats without extra charges on flights
Dubai: India has moved to curb rising passenger complaints over airline seat fees, directing carriers to make at least 60% of seats on every flight available at no additional cost, in a step aimed at improving fairness and transparency for flyers. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques »»»
Five Political Formations to Enter Next Parliament, Market Links Poll Says
According to a poll, commissioned by bTV and conducted by Market Links, five political formations will gain the necessary 4% of the vote to enter Parliament after the snap parliamentary elections scheduled for April 19. Those are the Progressive Bulgaria coalition with 21.1%, GERB-UDF with 18.6%, C»»»
The widening gap between the Israeli army’s denials and the reality of missile barrage has deeply eroded public trust: Israeli media cites study - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe The widening gap between the Israeli army’s denials and the reality of missile barrage has deeply eroded public trust: Israeli media cites »»»
Türkiye Says NATO Deploying More Defenses to Guard Southern Base
NATO is deploying another US Patriot missile defense system to the southern Turkish province of Adana, where personnel from the United States and other countries are located in the Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye’s Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. Türkiye, which has NATO's second-largest army and ne»»»
February 2026, warmest February since 1950 (INM)
Tunis, March 18 (TAP) - February 2026 was the warmest February on record since 1950, reads the monthly climate report published by the National Institute of Meteorology (French: INM). February was also marked by exceptionally high temperatures...»»»
11 Civil Defense members injured in Israeli strike near their health center in the southern city of Nabatieh - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe 11 Civil Defense members injured in Israeli strike near their health center in the southern city of Nabatieh 18-03-2026 10:10 AM Latest New»»»
What to Know About Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant After Report of Projectile Hitting Its Complex
Iran and Russia both allege a projectile struck the grounds of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in the country, raising the specter of a radiological incident as Tehran's war with Israel and the United States rages. Neither Iran nor Russia say there was any release of nuclear material in the inciden»»»
Dubai property services served over 560,000 customers in 2025
Dubai: Dubai’s real estate services sector is seeing sustained growth, with new data indicating rising activity in permits, valuations, and customer transactions, reinforcing the market’s operational depth and transparency. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The number of»»»
About 90 Ships Cross the Strait of Hormuz Despite the War
About 90 ships including oil tankers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the outset of the war with Iran and it is still exporting millions of barrels of oil at a time when the waterway has been effectively closed, according to maritime and trade data platforms. Many of the vessels that passed »»»
Vazrazhdane Calls for Parliamentary Position on Carbon Emissions Trading Ahead of EU Summit
At the start of Wednesday’s plenary sitting, the Vazrazhdane party called in a declaration for the National Assembly of Bulgaria to formulate Bulgaria’s position on carbon emissions trading ahead of the upcoming European Council meeting on March 19, 2026. Speaking from the parliamentary rostrum, MP»»»
Iran lashes out with attacks on Israel and Gulf neighbors
Iran lashed out following the killing of one of its top leaders in an airstrike with attacks on its Persian Gulf neighbors and Israel on Wednesday, using some of its latest missiles to evade air defenses and killing two people near Tel Aviv as the war in the Middle East showed no signs of slowing. »»»
Taiwan changes 'Korea' to 'S. Korea' in immigration system in protest over Seoul's labeling of it as China - UPI.com
Taiwan said Wednesday it changed South Korea's name in its immigration systems in response to being identified as part of China. In this 2023 photo, a Taiwanese flag flies over Liberty Square Arch in Taipei. File Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo Taiwan said Wednesday it has changed South»»»
Payment Innovation and Consumer Trust in Real-Money Casinos
In the fast-paced world of digital news, we constantly track advancements that impact daily life – from political shifts to technological breakthroughs. One area where innovation and consumer confidence are inextricably linked is online payments, particularly within the real-money casino sector. As»»»
Minister of Municipality highlights stability of supply chains
Doha, Qatar: Minister of Municipality HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, and Chairman of the committee for follow-up on the implementation of food security policies, affirmed the efficiency of the production and the stability of supply chains, noting that self-sufficiency has reached 10»»»
Over 2,000 Coal Jobs Vanish in Bulgaria as Low-Carbon Transition Hits Hard
Over 2,000 jobs in Bulgaria’s coal sector have been lost amid the ongoing shift toward a low-carbon economy, CITUB President Plamen Dimitrov reported at a labor market forum focused on the energy transition. He noted that roughly 1,000 jobs disappeared in the Maritsa Basin alone, while other region»»»
Cuba Vows ‘Unbreakable Resistance’ as US Pressure Mounts
Cuba's leader on Tuesday said the US would face "unbreakable resistance" if it tries to take over the impoverished island nation, as communist authorities scrambled to fix a nationwide electricity blackout. Cuba's government is under increasingly crushing pressure, with Washington enforcing an oil »»»
In defense of Lebanon and its people, at 00:10 on Wednesday, 03/18/2026, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy army soldiers in the Khanouq area of the border village of Aitaroun with a rocket salvo: statement 1 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe In defense of Lebanon and its people, at 00:10 on Wednesday, 03/18/2026, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli en»»»
Iraq Resumes Limited Oil Exports via Türkiye
Iraq announced on Wednesday it had resumed limited oil exports of 250,000 bpd through the Turkish port of Ceyhan after the country's output plunged due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. A founding member of the OPEC cartel, crude oil sales make up 90 percent of Iraq's budget revenues. Before »»»
Romania and China sign a memorandum on cooperation in agriculture
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Florin Barbu, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Beijing on Tuesday on agricultural cooperation between Romania and China, a document that opens up new opportunities for the development of Romania's agri-food sector and the expansion of export»»»
"No oil, no money," Orban tells Ukraine
“No oil. No money.” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban continues to take a hard line on dropping his veto on the disbursement of the €90bn EU loan agreed in December, as Brussels comes up with a face saving solution to end the impasse. »»»
Stocks Extend Gains and Oil Dips as US, Israel, Iran Continue Strikes
Oil prices sank Wednesday after Iraq said it had resumed exports through Türkiye, avoiding the effectively closed Strait of Hormuz, while equities rose following another tech-led advance on Wall Street. The drop in crude, which saw WTI sink more than four percent, came even as the United States hit»»»
Gulf News Edufair returns for its 10th edition in Dubai
Gulf News Edufair is back for its 10th edition, bringing together leading universities, education institutions, and career experts. The three-day event will take place from May 8-10 at The H Dubai Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, giving students, parents, and professionals a practical platform to explor»»»
‘Essential, consumer and luxury goods available in sufficient quantities’
Doha, Qatar: Minister of Commerce and Industry H E Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani has delivered strong reassurances regarding the availability of goods, stability of markets, and the resilience of Qatar’s food security system amid ongoing regional developments. In an interview aired on»»»
‘Hexagonal Diamond’… Harder Than the Real Thing
Chinese scientists claim to have created the long theorized hexagonal diamond, stronger than the real thing, and only found until now at sites of meteorite impacts. The commonly found cubic diamond is the hardest mineral on Earth and is used widely as jewellery, precision cutting tools, and high-pe»»»
Awqaf receives QR392,650 in support of Relief of Distress Endowment Fund
Doha, Qatar: The General Directorate of Endowments at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has received a series of new charitable contributions amounting to QR392,650 in support of the “Relief of Distress” endowment fund. The donations, made by a number of benefactors, will be managed under t»»»
QF Higher Education adopts mechanisms for student interaction in virtual learning environments
Doha, Qatar: Higher Education President and Education Advisor at Qatar Foundation (QF) Francisco Marmolejo affirmed that the Education City universities have adopted a range of innovative mechanisms and solutions to ensure the continued student engagement in virtual learning environments, commendin»»»
US, South Korea to Build Largest AI Data Center in Seoul
A Nvidia-backed US startup and a Korean conglomerate announced plans on Tuesday to build an artificial intelligence data center that will reportedly be the largest in South Korea. The Trump administration hailed the deal as a win for its AI export program as it races against China for dominance in »»»
BR Exclusive | Cristina Iliescu (Colinele Transilvaniei) Cristina Iliescu on the future of Transylvania’s living landscapes
As experiential tourism gains momentum worldwide, regions that offer authentic cultural landscapes and meaningful engagement with local communities are increasingly capturing the attention of international travelers. Colinele Transilvaniei / the Transylvanian Highlands have emerged as one of Romani»»»
Gains across banks, industrials, transport, and telecoms drive QSE index to 10,393 points
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index surged around 60 points or 0.58 percent to close at 10,393.29 points yesterday helped by interest from investors. The index concluded Monday’s trading at 10,333.32 points. During yesterday’s session the volume of shares traded stood at 241,249,200 f»»»
Foot-and-mouth outbreak strikes Lesvos livestock sector
Veterinary authorities have declared Lesvos island a surveillance zone after confirming a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in cattle, banning all movement of animals, animal products and feed off the island. The Agriculture Ministry said it was working to trace the virus’ origin, with illegal import»»»
Caretaker Government Reviews Advisory Body Posts and EU Meeting Reports
The caretaker government will discuss draft decisions on appointing chairs of several consultative bodies to the Council of Ministers, the government press service said on Wednesday. The bodies include the Council for Economic Analyses, the National Council for Prevention and Protection from Domest»»»
Baladna reaffirms commitment to Qatar’s food security following visit by Minister of Municipality
Doha, Qatar: Baladna Q.P.S.C., Qatar’s leading dairy and juice company, welcomed His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Minister of Municipality, to its production facilities on March 16, 2026. The visit highlighted the strength of Qatar’s domestic food production capabilities and Baladna’s »»»
Oil drops on profit-taking frenzy amid short-term supply hopes – but Hormuz chaos looms large
Oil price benchmarks pulled back sharply on profit-taking and short-term supply optimism, yet prices remain structurally elevated — Brent above $100, Murban holding a premium near $111, and WTI still in the low $90s. As of Wednesday (5.28am GMT, March 18, 2026): WTI crude surged to $93.09 (down $3.»»»
Perspective - British photographer Mark Neville on documenting four years of war in Ukraine
A British photographer who has spent the last four years living under near-daily attacks on Kyiv has told FRANCE 24 that his nervous system has adapted to the war in Ukraine. Mark Neville says he feels he now has an advantage over people living in the rest of Europe, as his body has naturally adapt»»»
About 90 ships cross the Strait of Hormuz as Iran exports millions of barrels of oil despite the war
About 90 ships including oil tankers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the outset of the war with Iran and it is still exporting millions of barrels of oil at a time when the waterway has been effectively closed, according to maritime and trade data platforms. Many of the vessels that passed »»»
Florida man executed for killing a young mum who had called 911 to no avail
STARKE, Florida: A Florida man was executed Tuesday evening for killing a young mother who frantically called 911 from her attacker's cellphone while tied up in his car. Michael Lee King, 54, was pronounced dead at 6:13 pm following a three-drug injection at Florida State Prison near Starke. He had»»»
Philippines down to its last three weeks of fuel reserves, turns to Russia for help
The Philippines is currently navigating a perilous and largely overlooked period of economic vulnerability: its national fuel supply could run out in around three to four weeks if international imports don't arrive soon. According to reports from The Manila Times, what was once a distant geopolitic»»»
INTERVIEW: Taiwan’s TSEC CORPORATION – mover and shaker in the nation’s solar sector
A leading name in the Taiwanese solar sector, TSEC has seen its valuation on the Taiwanese exchange skyrocket in recent months. As such, Newsbase’s AsiaElec sat down with Assistant Vice President in the Global Sales Department – Keiji Yasukawa – earlier in the month, at the firm’s Taipei HQ to ask »»»
Philippines down to its last three weeks of fuel reserves, turns to Russia for help
The Philippines is currently navigating a perilous and largely overlooked period of economic vulnerability: its national fuel supply could run out in around three to four weeks if international imports don't arrive soon. According to reports from The Manila Times, what was once a distant geopolitic»»»
Philippines down to its last three weeks of fuel reserves, turns to Russia for help
The Philippines is currently navigating a perilous and largely overlooked period of economic vulnerability: its national fuel supply could run out in around three to four weeks if international imports don't arrive soon. According to reports from The Manila Times, what was once a distant geopolitic»»»
INTERVIEW: Taiwan’s TSEC CORPORATION – mover and shaker in the nation’s solar sector
A leading name in the Taiwanese solar sector, TSEC has seen its valuation on the Taiwanese exchange skyrocket in recent months. As such, Newsbase’s AsiaElec sat down with Assistant Vice President in the Global Sales Department – Keiji Yasukawa – earlier in the month, at the firm’s Taipei HQ to ask »»»