EBRD Launches Tech Sofia Hub to Support Operations, Boost Digital Innovation in Bulgaria
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Vice President for Banking Matteo Patrone and Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister and Economy, Investments and Industry Minister Alexander Poulev opened EBRD's Tech Sofia technology hub on Thursday. EBRD Tech Sofia will support the institution's »»»
Qatar Foundation expands access to arts across Education City with new online space
Doha, Qatar: Within Education City, the arts are embedded across galleries, public spaces, academic institutions, architecture, and everyday experiences to inspire learning, spark connection, and deepen understanding of the world. And as this landscape continues to grow, Qatar Foundation has launch»»»
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to visit Britain with kids in July - UPI.com
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the fourth game of the MLB World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in October. The couple are planning to take their children back to England for a visit in July. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI |»»»
UN food agencies seek $202m to shield 8.8 million people from El Niño
ROME: The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization and World Food Programme on Thursday appealed for $202 million to help protect 8.8 million people across 22 high-risk countries from the looming El Niño weather pattern. Strong El Niño conditions in the second half of 2026 are predicted t»»»
Hegseth announces review of U.S. forces in Europe as part of NATO reform - UPI.com
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a meeting of fellow NATO defense ministers in Brussels on Thursday that the Pentagon would be launching a review of U.S. forces deployed in Europe as part of a reboot of the alliance -- but that they would be consulted. Photo by Olivier Hoslet/EPA June 18 (U»»»
Rush-hour congestion on key Dubai and Sharjah roads after incidents
Dubai: A series of traffic incidents and heavy congestion led to significant delays across major roads in Dubai and Sharjah during Thursday evening’s rush hour, with commuters facing slow-moving traffic on key routes. The disruption caused delays for thousands of commuters on key inter-emirate rout»»»
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra to conclude season with concert Friday
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, will conclude its artistic season on Friday with a concert titled "Pictures at an Exhibition" at the Opera House in the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara). The concert fea»»»
Kept outside of negotiations, can the US-Iran deal bring peace to Lebanon?
Since the signing of the peace deal between Iran and the US, fighting in Lebanon has dropped. But according to Lebanese media, Israeli strikes on south of the country did kill at least five people. Whether the deal will lead to peace in Lebanon remains unclear.»»»
Bulgaria’s New Pilgrimage Route Set to Join Europe’s Camino Network
Bulgaria’s new pilgrimage route, “The Way to the Relics of St. John the Baptist,” is moving toward official integration into the European pilgrimage network and direct cooperation with Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago. The announcement was made Thursday in Burgas during a visit by international ex»»»
Iran declares victory over US
The newly signed memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran is a diplomatic victory for Tehran secured through strength and is evidence that Washington failed to achieve any of its military objectives, Iranian officials have said. The 14-point document was signed remotely by President Dona»»»
A mother's dream comes true as Filipino twins are separated
RIYADH: For the first time in their young lives, Filipino twins Olivia and Gianna Manuel are one step closer to experiencing the world on their own. The two-year-old sisters, who were born joined at the chest and abdomen, were successfully separated on Thursday in a complex operation carried out by»»»
REVIEW: ‘House of the Dragon’ finally delivers the fire and blood we’ve been waiting for
DUBAI: After a divisive second season that often felt like an extended prologue to a war that viewers were desperate to see, “House of the Dragon” returns with a burning and renewed zeal. Showrunner Ryan Condal appears to have taken criticism of the previous outing to heart, wasting little time in »»»
Graft probe into Spanish ex-PM expanded to daughters: court
MADRID: A judge investigating former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero for alleged influence peddling has expanded his politically explosive probe to the Socialist’s daughters, a court said on Thursday. Jose Luis Calama notified Alba and Laura Rodriguez Espinosa “to allow them to »»»
Netanyahu says Israel to keep buffer zone in Lebanon as long as needed
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that Israel's "struggle" is not over yet, and that more challenges lie ahead, after the U.S. and Iran signed an MoU to end the war between them, which also inlcudes a clause about stopping the conflict in Lebanon and respecting its sovere»»»
Washington and Tehran release details of MoU to end war
Washington The United States and Iran revealed the text of the MoU that was electronically signed between the two sides. The memorandum includes an immediate and permanent ceasefire, a commitment to negotiate a final agreement within 60 days, as well as measures related to sanctions relief, freedom»»»
World Cup songs: from local themes to global industry
Rewind almost a century, to the 1930s, and the FIFA World Cup had no need to produce an official song or fashion a unified sonic identity. This was a purely sporting event, shaped by the era's politics and communication methods. Match results were printed in newspapers, and fans followed the games »»»
A smarter ball, or a safer one? The header dilemma facing world football
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway in the US, Canada, and Mexico amid mounting controversy, aspects of the world’s most popular sport are under increasing scientific and medical scrutiny. Beyond the questioning of Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein, the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulka»»»
Trump’s 2026 Iran deal differs from Obama’s 2015 JCPOA
The US-Iran agreement to be signed in Geneva on 19 June cannot really be compared to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that former US President Barack Obama’s team negotiated with European, Russian, and Chinese help from 2013-15 to restrain Iran’s nuclear programme. The most obvious di»»»
Connecting creativity with social causes
RIYADH: The Kilmitain event held at Misk in Riyadh on June 16-17 gave creative industry leaders and participants a platform to exchange ideas and learn tangible skills through workshops and panels. The intersection of the creative and social responsibility sectors in the Kingdom continues to evolve»»»
Nasr Automotive and FAW Forge Partnership to Rebuild Egypt’s Car Industry
Cairo — Egypt’s state-owned Nasr Automotive has signed a strategic partnership with China’s FAW Group to manufacture a range of vehicles under the revived “Nasr” brand, marking a significant step in Cairo’s efforts to rebuild its automotive industry, deepen industrial localisation and expand domest»»»
Bulgaria Authorizes EUR 3.8 Billion Debt Increase as Parliament Backs Major Borrowing Plan Ahead of 2026 BudgetOpinions
Parliament has given final approval at second reading to legislation allowing the government to raise Bulgaria’s borrowing ceiling by up to EUR 3.8 billion ahead of the adoption of the 2026 state budget, expanding the executive’s fiscal room for deficit financing and other obligations. The measure »»»
Al-Manar correspondent: The Lebanese army detonated munitions left by the Zionist enemy during the aggression against Lebanon in Ghandouriyeh town, South Lebanon - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Al-Manar correspondent: The Lebanese army detonated munitions left by the Zionist enemy during the aggression against Lebanon in Ghandouriy»»»
How Pakistan quietly brokered the historic US-Iran deal
With the quiet force of history turning a page, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that the United States and Iran—adversaries locked in decades of hostility—had reached an agreement that promises not just a cessation of hostilities but a redefinition of the strategic landscape of th»»»
Senegal's powerful ex-PM Ousmane Sonko opens door to IMF debt talks as fiscal crisis deepens
Senegal’s former prime minister Ousmane Sonko has indicated he is open to discussing a debt restructuring with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), signalling a possible breakthrough in efforts to resolve a fiscal crisis that has disrupted relations between Dakar and the lender. The country’s par»»»
Pune horror: Godman held for rape, forcing women to drink urine
Dubai: A self-styled godman and seven associates have been arrested in Pune after police uncovered what investigators describe as a years-long cycle of sexual abuse, psychological manipulation and financial exploitation allegedly carried out from a hidden underground ashram. The main accused, ident»»»
UAE parents and schools welcome social media age limit: "A much-needed step"
Dubai: The UAE has joined a growing global movement to protect children online, setting 15 as the minimum age for social media use under a new Cabinet resolution. The move puts the UAE alongside Australia, the UK, Indonesia, and Malaysia in restricting children from creating or accessing personal a»»»
How UAE social media ban for children under 15 will work: Everything you must know
Abu Dhabi: The UAE Cabinet has issued a landmark resolution setting a minimum age for social media use, banning children under 15 from creating or using personal accounts on any platform. The rules come with strict obligations for platforms, parents, and caregivers and even parental permission cann»»»
Péter Magyar meets Metsola in Brussels, who agrees on ending the anti-democracy investigations
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar held talks with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Brussels on Thursday, describing the meeting as successful and highlighting what he called a shared commitment to bringing Hungary’s long-running Article 7 procedure to a close by the autumn. The »»»
Saudi tourism spending hits record $80bn in 2025: ministry report
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has released its 2025 annual statistical report, highlighting the sector’s strongest growth indicators and its transformation under the National Tourism Strategy and Vision 2030. Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the report’s record-breaking results a»»»
Qatar says US-Iran deal ‘solid foundation’ for next stage of talks - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Qatar says US-Iran deal ‘solid foundation’ for next stage of talks 18-06-2026 15:19 PM Latest News Urgent News Qatar says US-Iran deal ‘sol»»»
Rare 400-year-old Quran manuscript in Mecca showcases golden age of Islamic art at Holy Quran Museum
A rare holy Quran manuscript dating back more than 400 years is showcased at Saudi Arabia's Holy Quran Museum in Mecca, offering visitors a striking glimpse into the artistic mastery and cultural legacy of Islamic civilisation. The manuscript, one of the museum's most prized exhibits, dates to the »»»
Germany opens hybrid warfare center
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has opened a new hybrid warfare center amid the broader militarization of the country in response to a supposed “Russian threat.” Previous media reports have, however, suggested that Germany and other NATO member states are plotting offensive cyber operat»»»
Residents return to war-ravaged south with hope and sorrow
Adnan Kaour returned on Thursday to check on his home in southern Lebanon's coastal city of Tyre — once known as an idyllic summer getaway spot — just a week after Israel issued warnings for all of its residents to evacuate. The warnings were followed by sweeping airstrikes on the city. What Kaour »»»
Israel military says will keep operating in south Lebanon
The Israeli military said on Thursday it will continue operating in southern Lebanon and "remove threats" beyond its so-called security zone, after the U.S. and Iran signed an agreement to end the Middle East war, including in Lebanon. The military published a map of its declared "security zone" --»»»
MRF Submits Legislative Package on Revival Process Reparations, Minority Rights, Civil Registration and Electoral Rules
The parliamentary group of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) announced Thursday that it has submitted a package of draft laws concerning the rights of representatives of the Turkish and Muslim communities, including those who were affected by the so-called “Revival Process” of forcible ass»»»
WEF report highlights war’s effects on energy transition
LONDON: A new report from the World Economic Forum says that “geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions and rising demand” are slowing global progress toward more secure, sustainable and affordable energy systems. According to the 16th WEF annual Energy Transition Index, overall progress “has flatl»»»
Hotspot Workhub renews and expands operations at The Mark
Hotspot Workhub, one of Romania’s leading flexible workspace operators, has renewed and expanded its presence within The Mark, the landmark office project owned by CPI Property Group. The move reinforces its long-term commitment to one of Bucharest’s most prominent office destinations. iO Partners »»»
US will review its military presence in Europe, Hegseth tells NATO
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told a group of NATO defence ministers Thursday that Washington will carry out a sweeping review of its military presence in Europe. The Pentagon chief slammed some European allies for failing to provide US forces access to bases in Europe during the US-Israeli war»»»
'No one understands what's happening': Confusion in Israeli army over Lebanon
Israeli commanders and soldiers currently involved in the fighting in Lebanon say the Israeli army has changed its open-fire rules in recent days, reducing troops' ability to "prevent and respond to Hezbollah attacks" and leaving soldiers vulnerable. "The open-fire rules right now are only to remov»»»
Residents return to war-ravaged south with hope and sorrow
Adnan Kaour returned on Thursday to check on his home in southern Lebanon's coastal city of Tyre — once known as an idyllic summer getaway spot — just a week after Israel issued warnings for all of its residents to evacuate. The warnings were followed by sweeping airstrikes on the city. What Kaour »»»
MRF Submits Legislative Package on Minority Rights, Civil Registration, and Electoral Rules
The parliamentary group of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) has submitted a package of draft laws concerning the rights of representatives of the Turkish and Muslim communities, including those who were affected by the so-called “Revival Process” (an internationally condemned assimilation»»»
Saudi oil pipeline long-term plan provided global energy lifeline during Iran war: PIF governor
ROME: The long-term planning behind Saudi Arabia’s east-to-west oil pipeline provided a lifeline for global energy markets during the Strait of Hormuz closure caused by the war in Iran, Public Investment Fund Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan told the FII Priority Europe summit on Thursday. Speaking at th»»»
World Cup favourites' competition starts bring very different results
Two favourites made their entry into the World Cup on June 18, with two very different results. While Portugal did less well than expected, drawing with DR Congo, England had a great start, beating Croatia 4 to 2 and cementing its status as favourite of the competition.»»»
Wahi denied Canadian visa for Ivory Coast World Cup clash with Germany
ABIDJAN: Forward Elye Wahi will miss Ivory Coast’s second World Cup match against Germany after he was denied a visa to enter Canada, the Ivorian federation said on Thursday. “The administrative authorizations necessary for his entry into Canadian territory have not been obtained at this stage,” th»»»
Bulgaria Defies EU Pressure as PM Radev Questions Entire Russia Sanctions Strategy
Prime Minister Rumen Radev said Bulgaria will not back European sanctions that could harm the national economy or energy sector, as debate continues in the EU over the 21st package of measures against Russia. Speaking to journalists in Sofia ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels, he que»»»
Dubai Police recover tourist's lost money and transfer it abroad in hours
Dubai: Dubai Police have recovered cash lost by an Arab tourist in a shopping centre and transferred it to her bank account in her home country, locating it within two hours and reaching her shortly after she had already left the UAE. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now »»»
Amazon to buy Middle Eastern online retailer Souq.com
Amazon.com Inc has agreed in principle to buy Dubai-based internet retailer Souq.com, one of the best-known names in the Middle East’s online shopping market, sources familiar with the deal said on Wednesday. Souq.com, which sells consumer electronics, fashion, household items and other goods, lays»»»
Israel seized more land from neighbors since 2023 than it has in decades
Over the past two and a half years, Israel has taken control of swaths of Gaza, Lebanon and Syria that amount to its biggest expansion of militarily occupied lands in decades. It is an area larger than many major cities — roughly 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) — and Israel has said it p»»»
Three Saudi oil tankers sail through Hormuz, hours after US-Iran MoU signed - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Three Saudi oil tankers sail through Hormuz, hours after US-Iran MoU signed 18-06-2026 15:08 PM Latest News Urgent News Three Saudi oil tan»»»
TIIF 2026: Russian PM praises strong economic ties with Uzbekistan
In a show of the pragmatic good relations that continue between Russia and Uzbekistan, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin praised the economic and trade ties between the two countries at the plenary session of the fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF) on June 17. “Russia is amo»»»