Britain's Reform U.K. vows to cut annual welfare bill by $68B - UPI.com
Reform U.K.'s Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Robert Jenrick, unveils his party's plans for drastic cuts to welfare at a news conference in London on Monday. Photo by Andy Rain/EPA Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Britain's Reform U.K. party said Monday that it would slash almost $68B from welfare, were it to »»»
Iran 60-day deadline has passed. What does Trump do now?
Dubai: The 60-day clock has run out on Donald Trump’s Iran deal. Now the US president faces a harder question: What does he do next? The memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Iran in June was supposed to provide a pathway out of the war. It envisioned an end to hostilities, th»»»
Public Investment Fund revenue rises 9% to $120bn as 2025 profit more than doubles
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund reported a 9 percent rise in 2025 revenue to $120 billion, while net profit more than doubled to $17 billion, helped by contributions from maturing portfolio companies. In its annual report, the sovereign wealth fund said assets under management exceede»»»
Strikes and shelling target al-Mansouri, Aitaroun and Bani Hayyan
Strikes and shelling targeted the southern border towns of al-Mansouri, Aitaroun and Bani Hayyan on Monday as Israeli troops opened heavy machine gun fire towards several southern towns, including Hadatha and al-Khiam. An overnight strike targeted Wadi al-Hujeir, while artillery shelled on Sunday n»»»
Report: Israel preparing for possible days of combat in Lebanon
The Israeli army is preparing for a possible return to “several days of combat” in Lebanon in light of the ongoing escalation on the Lebanese front, Israel’s Channel 12 has reported. The report indicated that the Israeli army will not relinquish control of the tunnel complex in the Ali Taher height»»»
Yemen risks return to 'full-scale conflict', warns UN rights chief
The U.N. rights chief voiced alarm Monday at the rising civilian toll of escalating hostilities in Yemen, urging restraint and an immediate de-escalation to avoid plunging the country back into a full-scale war. "I urge all parties to halt immediately any actions that risk returning Yemen to full-s»»»
Qatar Airways Holidays launches stopover packages for Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2026
DOHA, Qatar: Qatar Airways Holidays is set to elevate the Qatar stopover experience with the launch of exclusive FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2026 packages. For the first time, three-day Formula 1 race tickets have been integrated into Qatar Stopover packages along with flights and hote»»»
Inside Thaikkudam Bridge's Dubai concert: The Kerala rockers open up on fame, egos and the song that changed everything
Dubai: Before Thaikkudam Bridge took the stage in Dubai, rhythm guitarist Ashok Betty Nelson made me a promise: “If you want to dance, if you want to listen to good melodies, come to our show. You will not be disappointed.” Having now watched them in action at Coca-Cola Arena this weekend as a part»»»
Iraq targets 10% tourism contribution to GDP, plans 1.5m jobs
RIYADH: Iraq is targeting a 10 percent contribution from tourism to gross domestic product as part of a national strategy through 2035 aimed at revitalizing the sector and creating 1.5 million jobs. The Tourism Authority held a workshop to discuss a proposed vision for developing a national tourism»»»
Yemen risks return to ‘full-scale conflict’, warns UN rights chief
GENEVA: The UN rights chief voiced alarm Monday at the rising civilian toll of escalating hostilities in Yemen, urging restraint and an immediate de-escalation to avoid plunging the country back into a full-scale war.“I urge all parties to halt immediately any actions that risk returning Yemen to f»»»
First Improvements from Sofia Green Ring Project to Appear in September
The first improvements along the route of the Sofia Green Ring will become visible in September, the Sofia Municipality press service reported on Monday. In the run-up to the European Volleyball Championship, part of the future east section along Tsarigradsko Shose Boulevard will be transformed to »»»
Ceuta migrant crisis puts Spain under pressure as 15 rape cases reported
At least 15 cases of rape have been recorded in the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta since it was swarmed by the massive influx of migrants in late July, El Mundo reported on Sunday, citing Spain’s national gendarmerie. The crisis erupted on July 30-31 when an estimated 72,000 migrants entere»»»
US discussing nuclear weapons against Iran – Greene
Officials in Washington are allegedly discussing the possible use of nuclear weapons against Iran as the months-long conflict continues to escalate, former US Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has claimed. Greene, once a prominent MAGA ally, made the allegation in a post on X on Sunday. She said»»»
Strikes target al-Mansouri, Wadi al-Hujeir
Two strikes targeted the southern border town of al-Mansouri on Monday as Israeli troops opened heavy machine gun fire towards the southern towns of Hadatha and al-Khiam. An overnight strike targeted Wadi al-Hujeir, while artillery shelled on Sunday night Beit Yahoun and Hadatha. Israeli strikes on»»»
Aoun: Our first choice is to extend UNIFIL's mandate
President Joseph Aoun on Monday welcomed a parliamentary initiative and petition calling for the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). "The presence of UNIFIL in the south is important in many respects. It helps to keep residents in their villages and tow»»»
Industry Minister: Alloys complementary industry under Egypt’s industrial strategy
Industry Minister Khaled Hashem said the alloys industry is a complementary industry under Egypt’s industrial strategy and a key input for iron, steel and heavy industries. It also helps maximize the use of mineral resources and increase the added value of local raw materials. Speaking on Sunday, A»»»
Tax Star raises $1.75m seed round to scale as a pre-approved accredited service provider for UAE e-invoicing
Tax Star, the UAE's first AI-powered corporate tax software platform, announced it has closed a $1.75 million seed funding round. The raise comes as Tax Star positions itself around one of its most significant regulatory milestones to date, its status as a pre-approved Accredited Service Provider (»»»
With 60-day deadline for an Iran peace deal expiring, things remain deadlocked
The deal that US President Donald Trump signed at Versailles in June set an ambitious 60-day deadline for ending the war with Iran and reaching an accord on its nuclear program.The deadline was Monday, and the two sides are further apart than they were then.Talks, such as they are, have focused on »»»
Media Review: August 17
POLITICS On bTV's morning show, former foreign affairs minister Nadezhda Neynsky said Bulgaria was losing its foreign policy influence due to inconsistent actions. According to her, Prime Minister Rumen Radev's governance programme fails to provide a clear development plan for Bulgaria up to 2030. »»»
UAE shoppers can split Emirates NBD purchases into four or eight payments
Dubai: UAE shoppers with eligible Emirates NBD credit cards can now split purchases of Dh100 or more into four or eight monthly instalments, without paying interest or fees. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The option is available for eligible purchases made both online»»»
Stubborn vulture plucked from plane's wing before Greece flight: report
Athens: A vulture who refused to budge had to be removed from the wing of a flight awaiting takeoff on the Greek island of Crete, in order to avoid potential damage to the plane, a local newspaper reported Monday. The Patris daily said the incident occurred late Sunday at the island's Iraklio airpo»»»
Interview, video and latest developments in Polish bus crash
“I, too, am a victim: my shoulder is broken, my ribs are broken and my spine has been seriously injured,” one survivor of Sunday’s early-morning tragedy on Hungary’s M3 motorway told this outlet in an exclusive interview. She said she had literally dug herself out from beneath the overturned coach »»»
Russian Forces Liberate Two Settlements in Zaporozhye and DPR - MoD
MOSCOW, (Sputnik) - Russian forces have announced fresh advances in the Zaporozhye and Donetsk directions, taking control of two settlements as Moscow says its troops continue to push deeper into Ukrainian defensive lines. "Units of the Vostok group of forces advanced deep into the enemy's defensiv»»»
UAE automatically recognises these qualifications
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced its ongoing efforts to expand its initiative for the automatic recognition of academic and professional qualifications issued by higher education institutions in the UAE by bringing more universities into the initiative. The ini»»»
Saudi Arabia launches early preparations for Hajj 2027 with over 75 countries to boost pilgrim services and safety
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has begun preparations for the 2027 Hajj season, holding coordination meetings with Hajj affairs offices from more than 75 countries as part of efforts to ensure early readiness and smoother services for pilgrims. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the meetings focus on prepara»»»
Lebanon’s Aoun backs continued international presence in south
BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has welcomed a parliamentary initiative calling for the extension of the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, saying an international presence remains vital to stability and to supporting the Lebanese Army. Aoun said Lebanon’s first preference was to r»»»
Iran’s central bank governor, Iraqi trade minister discuss ways to boost economic ties - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Iran’s central bank governor, Iraqi trade minister discuss ways to boost economic ties 17-08-2026 11:05 AM Latest News Urgent News Iran’s c»»»
New bus station opened in Manas city - | 24.KG
A new bus station has been opened in the city of Manas on Shabdanbai Abdramanov Street in Kok-Art area. According to the City Hall, the facility covers 2.2 hectares and was built taking into account modern standards. The necessary amenities have been provided for passengers. The new bus station wil»»»
Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport targets EGP 19.6B profit in FY2026/27 Arab Finance For Information Technology
Arab Finance: Egypt’s Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport is targeting EGP 19.589 billion in net profit and EGP 29.922 billion in revenue for the current fiscal year (FY) 2026/2027, including the projections of Alexandria Container and Cargo Handling Company, as per a statement. Ministe»»»
Masdar, ScottishPower complete all 95 foundations at £4 billion East Anglia THREE windfarm
Dubai: Masdar and ScottishPower Renewables have completed installation of all 95 foundations at the £4 billion East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm, moving the 1.4GW project closer to supplying clean power to more than 1.3 million UK homes. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app»»»
ANAF steps up checks on personal wealth as undeclared income comes under scrutiny – EY analysis
Checks on individuals’ wealth have become increasingly prominent in the activity of Romania’s tax authority, ANAF, in recent years. Tax authorities have access to a growing volume of information and analytical tools, including through exchanges of information with other countries, making it easier »»»
SCNS busts corruption scheme at Ak-Tilek —Avtodorozhny checkpoint - | 24.KG
On August 16, 2026, the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS) uncovered a corrupt group involved in illegally allowing freight trucks to pass through the Ak-Tilek — Avtodorozhny checkpoint. The investigation found that officials from the Kyrgyz Border Service and the Department»»»
Eye on Africa - DR Congo's Ebola outbreak spreads to sixth province
The Ebola outbreak in the DR of Congo is spreading, with the virus now confirmed in a sixth province, raising fresh concerns about new infections and the challenges facing health teams. Meanwhile, the migration crisis between Morocco and Spain continues, as Moroccan authorities step up security aro»»»
Senegal: Saint-Louis’ centuries-old pirogue racing tradition
In Saint-Louis, Senegal, traditional pirogue races are keeping alive a centuries-old tradition dating back nearly 200 years. Held in the fishing district of Guet Ndar, the 3.5-kilometre race brings together dozens of rowers and huge crowds, turning the event into both a major sporting competition a»»»
Energy Ministry of Kyrgyzstan explains August 14 failure - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy explained the causes of the technical failure that occurred in the country’s power system on August 14. According to the ministry, at 3:37 p.m., following a disruption, Kyrgyzstan’s power system became disconnected from the Unified Power System of Central Asia and sw»»»
Trump's Envoy Kushner, Netanyahu to Discuss US President's Plan for Gaza - Reports
TEL AVIV (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump's special envoy Jared Kushner will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss further steps in implementation of Trump's plan for Gaza, Israeli media reported on Monday, citing unnamed Israeli officials. On Monday, Kushner, as well as US»»»
Iran blames US presence for Gulf waters pollution after oil spills
TEHRAN: Iran’s foreign ministry on Monday blamed pollution in Gulf waters on US military operations in the region, after several oil spills were reported. “This environmental damage stems from the US military presence and the wars it has waged in the region over the past five decades,” foreign mini»»»
CBD becomes first UAE bank to enable payments from other banks through its mobile app
Dubai: Commercial Bank of Dubai customers can now initiate payments from eligible accounts held with other banks directly through the CBD mobile app, bringing multiple banking relationships into a single app experience. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click »»»
MedLife launches Romania’s first locally processed gut microbiome test
MedLife, Romania’s largest private healthcare network and one of the country’s leading investors in medical genetics, has launched the first gut microbiome test in Romania to be processed entirely in its own laboratories, using shotgun metagenomics technology. The new test provides a detailed pictu»»»
Why is Orbán slowly visiting all our southern neighbours?
Many believe Viktor Orbán breathed a sigh of relief after his election defeat, first travelling to the United States for the final matches of the football World Cup, then to Serbia for a festival, and more recently being spotted in Croatia in decidedly illustrious company. Is he truly merely on hol»»»
Rain brings respite as Belgium wrestles massive wildfire
Robertville, Belgium: Much-needed rain brought some respite Monday to firefighters on their fourth day battling Belgium's worst wildfire in a century, which has scorched vast expanses of nature reserve on the German border. Europe has been swept by weeks of devastating wildfires fuelled by dry cond»»»
Gunfire, strikes, and shelling in Wadi al-Hujeir, Beit Yahoun, Hadatha, and Khiam
Israeli troops opened Monday heavy machine gun fire towards the southern towns of Hadatha and El Khiam. An overnight strike targeted Wadi al-Hujeir, while artillery shelled on Sunday night Beit Yahoun and Hadatha. Israeli strikes on Saturday killed 11 people in southern Lebanon, in the deadliest at»»»
Dubai steps up airport operations as holidaymakers return
Dubai has stepped up operational readiness across its airports to handle an expected influx of citizens, residents and visitors returning from holidays, with additional staff and smart-gate capacity deployed to speed up procedures. The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai »»»
Seoul, Washington to resolve outstanding issues over investment plan
Seoul: Republic of Korea's industry minister Kim Jung-kwan has said that Seoul and Washington need to resolve outstanding issues over a US$200 billion investment plan agreed upon as part of their bilateral tariff negotiations. Industry Minister made the remarks after arriving in Dallas, Texas, as R»»»
Trump orders Pentagon to scale back military drills with South Korea hours before start
US President Donald Trump on Sunday ordered the Pentagon to scale back "inappropriate and hostile" military drills with South Korea, claiming that the ally had failed to help with the war against Iran and citing his "good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. US »»»
Look: India’s marble wasteland looks like a snowy mountain valley
Dubai: A vast expanse of white marble waste in Kishangarh, Rajasthan, is drawing tourists, photographers and filmmakers to a landscape that resembles a snow-covered valley. Kishangarh, one of India’s major marble-processing centres, generates huge quantities of slurry and discarded stone as marble »»»
IRGC General Says; ‘Israel’ Too Weak for War with Iran - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe IRGC General Says; ‘Israel’ Too Weak for War with Iran 17-08-2026 10:56 AM A senior IRGC official said that Israel is not capable of waging»»»
Al-Manar correspondent in southern Lebanon: Israeli enemy forces conduct sweep operation toward the village of Haddatha in Bint Jbeil district - 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 in southern Lebanon: Israeli enemy forces conduct sweep operation toward the village of Haddatha in Bint Jbeil distr»»»
From 97 to 123 votes: UN support grows for Syria’s right to recover the occupied Golan
Damascus, Aug. 17 (SANA) Syria has intensified diplomatic efforts to challenge attempts to alter the legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan, relying on UN resolutions and growing international support for its demand that Israel withdraw to the June 4, 1967 line. Damascus has pursued the issue at»»»
Indonesia earthquake: Death toll rises as rescuers race to reach devastated Flores communities
Rescuers were digging through collapsed buildings and clearing landslide-blocked roads Monday as Indonesia's death toll from a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake rose to at least 54, with thousands of people still displaced across eastern Indonesia, local media reported. The earthquake struck early »»»