Back to school mode on in the UAE: All the key updates
Dubai: As schools across the UAE reopen their doors, families are once again slipping into familiar routines, from early morning alarms to last-minute school shopping. The return marks a renewed sense of normalcy after nearly 50 days of distance learning mandated amid regional tensions linked to th»»»
Driving at night without headlights violates Qatar Traffic Law: MoI
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior, MoI, warned motorists driving at night without turning on the vehicle's lights are violating Article 70 of the Traffic Law. The Ministry in a social media post stated that motorists must ensure that vehicle lights are functional and switched on before embarkin»»»
Lebanon President Vows to Prosecute Those Who Attacked French UN Peacekeepers
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun vowed on Saturday to prosecute those who targeted French UN peacekeepers, killing one and wounding three. In a statement shared by the presidency, Aoun expressed his condolences to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in a phone call, condemning the incident and vow»»»
No Date Set for Next Round of Iran-US Talks, Says Iran Deputy FM
No date has been set for the next round of Iran-US peace talks brokered by Pakistan following the failure of an initial round, Iran's deputy foreign minister said on Saturday. "Until we agree on the framework, we cannot set a date," Saeed Khatibzadeh told journalists on the sidelines of an annual d»»»
Daniel Kinahan arrested in UAE in major blow to global crime network
Dubai: Daniel Joseph Kinahan, one of the most powerful cocaine traffickers in the world, was arrested in the UAE yesterday, authorities said, a major step in a years-long effort to bring one of the continent’s most influential crime figures to justice. The Irish fugitive, widely identified by Irish»»»
France Blames Hezbollah for French Peacekeeper's Death in Lebanon
A French soldier was killed and three others wounded in an attack Saturday on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon that appeared to have been carried out by Hezbollah, French President Emmanuel Macron said. "Everything points to Hezbollah being responsible for this attack," he said on X, urging Lebanese auth»»»
Judge blocks Trump administration's pre-emptive lawsuit against Hawaii - UPI.com
The statei had said it planned to sue fossil fuel companies over climate change impacts. A judge on Friday blocked a lawsuit filed last year by former Attorney General Pam Bondi that attempted to prevent the state of Hawaii from filing suit against oil companies for their effects on climate change.»»»
Global Village to reopen after temporary closure amid regional conflict: 'We've missed you too'
Dubai: Calling all fans of Global Village! After weeks of maintaining it would remain closed until further notice, good news finally landed on April 18, Saturday, with the popular destination set to welcome visitors again soon. It will open again on April 20th, 5pm. The attraction had remained shut»»»
US approves potential $11.9 billion military sale to Germany
Washington: The US State Department has announced its approval of a potential $11.9 billion sale of military equipment to Germany. In a statement, the Department noted that "this proposed sale will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by bolstering the security of a NATO ally,»»»
Muscat Stock Exchange market capitalization exceeds OMR 38.625 billion
Muscat, Oman: The main index of Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) posted weekly gains of 174 points on Saturday, April 17, 2026, closing at 8,336, while the market capitalization of listed securities rose to OMR 38.625 billion, marking weekly gains of OMR 657.6 million. The benchmark index saw 48 securit»»»
Hezbollah Official Says Lebanon-Israel Talks 'Do Not Concern Us'
Senior Hezbollah official Mahmud Qamati said on Saturday that his group was not concerned by Lebanon's planned direct talks with Israel, labelling them a failure, Reuters reported. In a press conference in Beirut's southern suburbs, Qamati said his group was "not concerned with the negotiations bei»»»
The Iran War Has Revealed Trump's Pressure Point: The Economy
Seven weeks of war have failed to topple Iran’s theocratic rulers or force them to meet all of President Donald Trump's demands, but for US adversaries and allies it has cast a spotlight on one of his central vulnerabilities: economic pressure. Even with Iran’s announcement on Friday that it was re»»»
'Gouged': World Cup fans to pay 'insane' $150 for NY stadium train ticket
Newark, United States: World Cup fans will have to pay $150 -- more than 10 times the normal price -- for the quick round-trip train between New York and Meadowlands stadium when it hosts the tournament's final and seven earlier matches, local officials said Friday, drawing outrage. The 36 miles (5»»»
Israeli army says established 'Yellow Line' in Lebanon, as in Gaza
The Israeli military said Saturday it had established a "Yellow Line" demarcation in southern Lebanon, similar to the one separating its forces from territory still held by Hamas in Gaza, adding that it had already struck suspected militants approaching its troops along the line. "Over the past 24 »»»
Macron blames Hezbollah for French peacekeeper's death in Lebanon
A French soldier was killed and three others wounded in an attack Saturday on U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon that appeared to have been carried out by Hezbollah, French President Emmanuel Macron said. "Everything points to Hezbollah being responsible for this attack," he said on X, urging Lebanese au»»»
ICC Qatar Successfully Concludes High-Level Webinar on Navigating Geopolitical Risk
Governance, ESG Compliance and Risk Priorities for Qatar's Private Sector," which brought together more than 200 participants from across the business and professional community. The webinar brought together a distinguished group of participants representing banks, law firms, embassies, real estate»»»
Iran says no date set for next round of talks with US
No date has been set for the next round of Iran–U.S. peace talks brokered by Pakistan following the failure of an initial round, Iran's deputy foreign minister said on Saturday. "Until we agree on the framework, we cannot set a date," Saeed Khatibzadeh told journalists on the sidelines of an annual»»»
Khamenei says Iran's navy 'stands ready' to defeat US
A statement said to have been issued by Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned Saturday that Tehran's navy was ready to defeat U.S. forces, as the foes sparred over the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement carried on his Telegram channel, Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since before th»»»
Roman-era tomb uncovered in Egypt
Cairo, Egypt: Spanish archaeological mission uncovered a rare tomb dating from 30 BC to 395 AD in Egypt's central Minya province, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said Saturday. The find will help shed light on the funerary features during the Roman and Greek periods, the ministry s»»»
Cabbage is trending this year: Here’s what to know about its nutrition
In a major plot twist most people probably did not see coming for 2026, cabbage is trending, taking the spotlight on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Pinterest even named it this year’s "it” vegetable, predicting cabbage steaks, kimchi cocktails and other cabbage-forward recipes»»»
QNB sees India's economy sustaining growth above 6 percent despite global headwinds
Doha, Qatar: Qatar National Bank (QNB) expects the Indian economy to maintain robust growth despite global challenges and geopolitical volatility, projecting that strong domestic fundamentals will keep expansion above 6%, reinforcing its position among the world's fastest-growing major economies. I»»»
National Company Register to operate 100% online as of H2 of 2026
Tunis, April 18 (TAP)- The National Company Register (RNE) will operate 100% online as of H2 of 2026 ,the agency said on Saturday. This will help further simplify procedures, shorten processing times and do away with the physical submission...»»»
UAE’s Ghobash says Palestine cause faces global delay
Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) said that the Palestinian cause today faces a growing gap between the clarity of principle and the hesitation of international will to implement it, noting that this gap lies at the heart of the conflict as it reflects the disparity betwee»»»
GCC chief praises UAE role in IMO legal resolution
Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, GCC Secretary-General, welcomed the resolution adopted by the Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) during its 113th session, which strongly condemned Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as its attacks, threats against vessels in the r»»»
French film star Nathalie Baye dead at 77: family to AFP
Paris, France: French film star Nathalie Baye, a multi-Cesar Award winner who starred in Steven Spielberg's "Catch Me if You Can," has died at the age of 77, her family told AFP on Saturday. Baye, a stalwart of French cinema, starred in some 80 films and took home the best actress Cesar -- France's»»»
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Says There Will Be No Blockade of Strait of Hormuz
ANTALYA, Turkey (Sputnik) - The Strait of Hormuz is open for merchant shipping, with possible technical restrictions due to mines, but there is no blockade and there will not be one, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has said. "There is no uncertainty for us on this issue. I cannot »»»
Es’hailSat signs MoU to boost broadcast infrastructure within Media City Qatar
Doha, Qatar: Media City Qatar and Es'hailSat have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding satellite broadcasting capabilities and strengthening digital media infrastructure for licensed companies operating within Media City Qatar. Under the agreement, Es'hailSat will explore l»»»
Türkiye Says Israel Using Security as Pretext to Acquire 'More Land'
Türkiye's top diplomat on Saturday accused Israel of creating an international "illusion" and using security concerns as a pretext to seize "more land," in the latest flare-up in escalating tensions between the two regional powers. Israel and Türkiye have been trading near-daily diplomatic barbs ov»»»
EGYPT’s new is to create jobs and raise people’s living standards
Prime Minister Sherif Ismail said that there are no reforms without challenges, and that Egypt’s economic reform has went through its most difficult phase, and that the government is committed to continue its reform through, backed by the political leadership’s will and support, towards achieving i»»»
Interior Ministry Proposes Ombudsman Role in Migrant Screening
The Interior Ministry has published on the Public Consultation Portal for public debate until May 14 proposed amendments to the Ombudsman Act assigning the institution responsibility for screening cross-border migration. To exercise these powers, the Ombudsman will be able to carry out periodic and»»»
Nigeria rescues several bus kidnap victims
Jos, Nigeria: Several of 14 people who were kidnapped on Wednesday in Nigeria's central Benue State have been rescued, local police said. Kidnappings for ransom are common in Nigeria, but Africa's most populous country has been faced a surge of such attacks for months, particularly in the northern »»»
Iran command says has closed Hormuz again over US blockade
Iran's central military command announced on Saturday it would resume "strict management" of the Strait of Hormuz, reversing a decision to unblock the strategic channel as part of negotiations with Washington. In a statement shared on state television, the headquarters said Washington had broken a »»»
Nikoloski: Government softens crisis impact, no fuel supply interruptions
Skopje, 16 April 2026 (MIA) - The Government measures have managed to soften the impact of the crisis as much as possible, said Deputy PM and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski on Thursday. Deputy PM Nikoloski expressed hope that the crisis would soon end, considering the positive news coming »»»
Pakistan military chief, PM head home after Iran war diplomacy blitz
Pakistan's powerful military chief and prime minister on Saturday concluded separate visits aimed at ending the Iran war, with Field Marshal Asim Munir leaving Tehran and premier Shehbaz Sharif headed home from Turkey. Munir met Iran's top leadership and peace negotiators during a three-day visit t»»»
Al-Jadaan: Ending Conflicts, Securing Peace Are Essential to Sustainable Growth
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the global economy’s ability to withstand crises depends on adopting a “unified strategic vision and swift reforms,” warning that excessive market optimism may be masking serious geopolitical risks, particularly conflicts that threaten supply security.»»»
UAE’s push for homegrown tax experts gains pace with first phase rollout of Emirati Tax Agent Programme
Dubai: The UAE’s drive to develop homegrown tax expertise has gained momentum with the rollout of the first phase of the Emirati Tax Agent Programme, as authorities move to strengthen national capabilities in the sector supporting the country’s economy. The initiative, announced at the Emaar Square»»»
Iran Partially Reopens Airspace After Security Review
Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization has announced the partial reopening of the country’s airspace from 7:00 a.m. on April 18, following security and safety assessments. International transit routes through Iran's eastern airspace have now reopened, allowing foreign flights to pass through Iranian sk»»»
Turkiye says Israel using security as a pretext to acquire 'more land'
Antalya, Turkiye: Turkiye's foreign minister on Saturday accused Israel of using security as a pretext to acquire "more land". "Israel is not after its own security. Israel is after more land. Security is being used by the Netanyahu government as an excuse to occupy more land," Hakan Fidan told the»»»
Pakistani Army: Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran came as part of ongoing efforts to end the war in the Middle East - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Pakistani Army: Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran came as part of ongoing efforts to end the war in the Middle East 18-04-2026 10:»»»
Barzani Denounces ‘Suspicious Deals’ over Kirkuk Governorship
Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani on Friday rejected a recent political agreement in Iraq’s northern Kirkuk province that led to the appointment of a new governor, describing the process as the result of “suspicious deals”. Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), said the move amounted t»»»
Sharaa: Golan is Syrian Land, Any Other Status is Invalid
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said the Golan Heights are “occupied Syrian land” and that any recognition of Israeli sovereignty there would be “null and void,” stressing that the international community does not accept Israel’s claim. Speaking at the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Sharaa said Is»»»
No campus yet, AUS and Middlesex students stay online
Sharjah: The American University of Sharjah has announced that faculty and staff will return to campus from April 20, while classes and assignment submissions for students will continue online throughout the spring term, in a hybrid approach aligned with current sector flexibility. Middlesex Univer»»»
Explainer: What to know about Strait of Hormuz reopening?
Tehran: Although the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for the world's oil supply, has been declared fully open for commercial vessels, its operational status remains contested. Both Washington and Tehran confirmed on Friday that the strait had been completely open for all commercial vessels. Howe»»»
Australia, Japan ink multibillion dollar warship deal
Sydney: Japan agreed on Saturday on a deal to provide Australia's navy with the first of almost a dozen stealth frigates, part of a wider military build up by Canberra aimed at boosting its long-range firepower to deter China. Under the deal announced last year and billed as one of Japan's biggest »»»
Man beaten to death in Kemin, three young men detained - | 24.KG
Three young men have been detained in Kemin district of Chui region on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm resulting in death, the Main Internal Affairs Department of the region reported. At approximately 9:42 p.m. on April 15, police received a call about the discovery of a man’s body at »»»
Dubai Police outline plans to strengthen financial efficiency
Dubai: Dubai Police has reviewed its financial sustainability plans as part of ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, strengthen governance and support long-term stability. The discussion took place during the second meeting of the Financial Sustainability Council, chaired by Dr Major General Ahmad»»»
Minister of Economy Abushiha approves creation of new foreign companies – signalling internationally that Libya is improving its business climate
The Ministry of Economy and Trade announced last Thursday (16 April) that its Minister, Suhail Abushiha, had approved the decisions for the formation of four foreign and joint venture (JV) companies to support the investment climate in several vital sectors. The Ministry said this comes within the »»»
Israeli Military Says Suspect Neutralized in West Bank
Israel's military said Saturday that a suspected militant carrying a knife had been "neutralized" at a settlement in the occupied West Bank. "Following the alert that was activated regarding a suspected terrorist infiltration in the community of Negohot, a terrorist armed with a knife was identifie»»»
Australia, Japan Sign Contracts to Start $7 Billion Warship Deal
Australia and Japan signed contracts on Saturday launching their landmark A$10 billion ($7 billion) deal to supply Australia with warships, Tokyo's most consequential military sale since ending a military export ban in 2014. Defense Ministers Richard Marles and Shinjiro Koizumi signed a memorandum »»»
Dubai Police distribute UAE flags to boost community spirit
Dubai: Dubai Police have launched a community drive to celebrate national identity by distributing UAE flags to residents across several neighbourhoods. The initiative is part of the “Proud of UAE” campaign, introduced under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice»»»