Diplomatic Institute, Lekhwiya sign MoU to expand cooperation, exchange expertise
DOHA: The Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on joint cooperation and the exchange of expertise. This agreement aims to strengthen institutional partnerships and develop training and capacity-»»»
Diplomatic Institute, Lekhwiya sign MoU to expand cooperation, exchange expertise
Doha, Qatar: The Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on joint cooperation and the exchange of expertise. This agreement aims to strengthen institutional partnerships and develop training and ca»»»
Bulgaria Faces Cold Start to the Week with Rain in the East and Snow in the Mountains
Atmospheric pressure is set to increase, though it will stay below the typical levels for this time of year. Overnight, precipitation will persist in parts of southwestern Bulgaria and in eastern regions, while higher elevations may see light snowfall. By morning, rainfall and snow will largely cea»»»
Al-Sisi reviews summer electricity plan, orders accelerated solar expansion
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi reviewed the government’s preparations to secure electricity supplies during the upcoming summer season, as peak demand on the national grid is forecast to rise by 6-7%. The review took place during a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister »»»
Egypt to advance government salaries for next two months to ease Ramadan pressures: Madbouly
Egypt will bring forward the payment of government salaries for the next two months to ease financial pressures on households during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced on Sunday. Speaking at a press conference at the government headquarters in the New Administrative »»»
Banque du Caire signs $16.7m financing deal with Kandil Glass to fund Suez expansion
Banque du Caire has signed a new financing agreement with the Kandil Glass Group to support the company’s capital expansion, including the establishment of a new glass production facility in the Ataqa Free Zone in Suez governorate. The financing package includes a six-year medium-term loan worth $1»»»
Sofia Mayor Hopes for International Investigation into Petrohan Case
In a televised interview on bTV on Sunday, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev commented on the Petrohan case. He expressed the hope that there will be an international investigation "so that the pieces can be put together objectively, we can see what happened, and the public can be reassured." What has bec»»»
‘Wuthering Heights’ debuts atop North America box office
Los Angeles: "Wuthering Heights," Emerald Fennell's steamy adaptation of the classic Emily Bronte novel, charmed moviegoers in North America over the four-day US holiday weekend, raking in $40 million, industry estimates showed Sunday. The film, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the doomed»»»
Kuwait Amir receives OCA President
Kuwait: Amir of the State of Kuwait H.H. Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, on the occasion of his official visit to Kuwait. During the meeting, H.H. the Amir »»»
Only 2 million of Egypt’s 55 million properties liable for tax after amendments: RTA
Ahmed Al-Sadiq, Head of Egypt’s Real Estate Taxation Authority (RTA), said that following recent amendments to the Real Estate Tax Law, only around 2 million property units out of an estimated 55 million nationwide will be subject to residential property tax. Al-Sadiq added that annual revenues fro»»»
Syria, Saudi Arabia sign framework agreement to digitize financial operations
Damascus, Feb. 15 (SANA) – The Syrian Ministry of Finance has signed on Sunday a framework agreement with Saudi digital solutions company Elm, to support the digitization of financial operations and modernize Syria’s financial sector. The agreement was signed by Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yis»»»
Netanyahu Says US Deal with Iran Must Dismantle Nuclear Infrastructure
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he told US President Donald Trump last week that any US deal with Iran must include the dismantling of Iran's nuclear infrastructure, not just stopping the enrichment process. Speaking at the annual Conference of Presidents of Major American »»»
Syria Says Has Taken Over Another Base from US Forces
Syria's defense ministry said on Sunday it had taken over the Al-Shaddadi base in the northeast from US forces, days after assuming control of a facility near the Jordan-Iraq borders. "The forces of the Syrian Arab Army have taken over the Al-Shaddadi military base in the Hasakeh countryside follow»»»
Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Reintroduces the Arabian Hare
Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has reintroduced the Arabian hare (Lepus capensis arabicus) to be the 14th native species returned to the reserve since the ReWild Arabia program began in winter 2022, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday. The reintroduction of this prima»»»
Ferry services suspended due to strong winds
Several Greek ports suspended ferry services on Sunday due to severe weather conditions, including strong winds reaching 9 Beaufort across parts of the Aegean. According to the port authorities, ships remain docked at the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio. A new assessment of the weather conditi»»»
Anna Benaki-Psarouda, first woman Speaker, dies ατ 91
Anna Benaki-Psarouda, 91, former Athens Law School Professor, longtime MP and the first woman elected Parliament Speaker, has died, her family announced Sunday. Benaki-Psarouda, an MP with the conservative New Democracy party from 1981-2009, served as Speaker from 2004-2007. She also held several C»»»
Red Sea Global Launches ‘Adrena,’ a New Adventure and Leisure Zone in Saudi Arabia
Red Sea Global, the developer of regenerative tourism destinations, unveiled on Sunday “Adrena,” a contemporary adventure and leisure zone in Saudi Arabia that sets new benchmarks for excitement and exploration. The zone is scheduled to open to the public on March 1, following an invitation-only so»»»
RACA launches innovation, sustainability and social impact forum
Doha, Qatar: Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities launched a forum on innovation, sustainability and achieving social impact, held over two days in partnership with the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, with the participation of a select group of experts, academics and specialists. The»»»
Qatar condemns Israeli occupation's decision to convert West Bank lands into 'state property'
DOHA: The State of Qatar has condemned the Israeli occupation's decision to convert West Bank lands into so-called 'state property' belonging to the occupation authorities, considering it an extension of its illegal plans to deprive the Palestinian people of their rights. In a statement on Sunday, »»»
UN Says Al-Hol Camp Population Has Dropped Sharply as Syria Moves to Relocate Remaining Families
The UN refugee agency said Sunday that a large number of residents of a camp housing family members of suspected ISIS group militants have left and the Syrian government plans to relocate those who remain. Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, UNHCR's representative in Syria, said in a statement that the agency “h»»»
India rout Pakistan by 61 runs in T20 World Cup
Colombo: India routed their bitter rivals Pakistan by 61 runs on Sunday to qualify for the next round of the T20 World Cup in a showdown that had been in doubt until a few days ago. Suryakumar Yadav's side scored 175-7 after being given a flying start by Ishan Kishan's brilliant 77 and then bowled »»»
African Union rejects Palestinians' displacement, foreign interference in Sudan
ALGIERS, Feb 15 (KUNA) -- Concluding the 39th ordinary session of its Assembly on Sunday, the African Union voiced its rejection of forced displacement of Palestinian people from its land toward Egypt and Jordan.In a final communique issued at the end of the session, the conferees warned against th»»»
88 prisoners martyred since start of Israeli occupation offensive on Gaza: Palestinian Prisoners' Club
Ramallah: The number of Palestinian prisoners declared dead whose identities have been confirmed since the start of the Israeli occupation's offensive on the Gaza Strip in 2023 has risen to 88, including 52 detainees from Gaza, following the announcement of the death of Hatem Rayan, an ambulance of»»»
Qatar condemns Israeli occupation's decision to convert West Bank lands into so-called "State Property".
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar condemned the Israeli occupation's decision to convert West Bank lands into so-called "state property" belonging to the occupation authorities, considering it an extension of its illegal plans to deprive the Palestinian people of their rights. In a statement on Sunda»»»
Ramadan weather in Mecca and Medina expected to be hotter than average
Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s National Centre for Meteorology has issued its preliminary climate outlook for the holy month of Ramadan 2026, forecasting above-average temperatures and below-normal rainfall in Mecca and Medina. The centre said expected rainfall in both cities would likely be lower than usua»»»
Egypt offers industrial and green energy expertise to drive COMESA integration
Egypt is prepared to transfer its expertise in establishing specialised industrial zones and green energy projects to member states of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on Sunday. In a meeting with COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Kapw»»»
Rubio: US Satisfied with Overall ‘Trajectory’ in Syria
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that Washington is pleased with the "trajectory" in Syria, which has launched talks with Kurdish minority groups, despite troubles. "There's been some days that have been very concerning, but we like the trajectory," Rubio said on a brief visit to Br»»»
Ukraine's ex-energy minister arrested while attempting to leave country
Ukraine's former energy minister has been detained while attempting to leave the country, after being among officials named in a corruption scandal, authorities have said. German Galushchenko, who was forced out of his government role last year, was arrested on a train leaving Ukraine, one of the c»»»
Kuwait PM returns home after Munich Security Conf. participation
KUWAIT, Feb 15 (KUNA) -- His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah arrived in Kuwait on Sunday, after heading Kuwait's delegation in the 62nd Munich Security Conference.His Highness was received by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Youse»»»
Gaza health authorities say restricted Rafah crossing threatens patients
GAZA: Gaza health authorities said Sunday that the Rafah Crossing with Egypt is operating under strict limits that endanger thousands of patients needing medical treatment abroad. In a statement, officials said the partial reopening of the crossing on Feb. 2 allows only a small number of travelers,»»»
One dead, three injured in Egypt train collision
Cairo: One person has been killed and three others injured after a passenger train collided with a truck in Egypt, authorities said. A statement from the Egyptian National Railways said the incident occurred as a passenger service traveling between Moharram Bek and Marsa Matrouh in the country's no»»»
Kuwait's Amir receives Sheikh Joaan
KUWAIT: Amir of the State of Kuwait His Highness Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, on the occasion of his official visit to Kuwait. During the meeting, HH the Amir exte»»»
Indonesia Says 8,000 Troops Ready for Possible Peacekeeping Mission in Gaza by June
Indonesia's military said Sunday that up to 8,000 troops are expected to be ready by the end of June for a potential deployment to Gaza as part of a humanitarian and peace mission, the first firm commitment to a critical element of US President Donald Trump’s postwar reconstruction plan. The Indone»»»
Singapore commemorates civilians killed during Japanese occupation
Singapore: Singapore held a memorial ceremony on Sunday to commemorate civilians who died during the Japanese occupation in World War II, with about 500 people attending the annual observance in the city center. The event, organised by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the »»»
French 'Free Jazz' pioneer Portal dies aged 90
Paris: Michel Portal, a French pioneer of European modern jazz and a prolific writer of film music, has died aged 90, his agent said Sunday. A multi-instrumentalist at home with the clarinet, saxophone and the Argentine bandoneon or the Hungarian taragot, Portal died on Thursday, said Marion Piras,»»»
UAE’s 'royal photographer' Ramesh Shukla, Indian expat who chronicled country’s history, dies
Dubai: Iconic lensman Ramesh Shukla, who was known as the “royal photographer who chronicled the history of the UAE,” and was famous for the Spirit of the Union photo and Founding Father late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s image on the Dh50 note, died on Sunday, his family said. The renowned I»»»
Israel Resumes Contentious West Bank Land Registration in New Step to Deepen Control
Israel will begin a contentious land regulation process in a large part of the occupied West Bank, which could result in Israel gaining control over wide swaths of the area for future development, according to a government decision on Sunday. The decision paves the way for the resumption of “settle»»»
Iran’s Top Diplomat to Attend ‘Indirect’ Talks with US in Geneva
Iran’s top diplomat was traveling from Tehran on Sunday to Geneva where the second round of nuclear negotiations with the US will take place, Iranian state media reported. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation left for the Swiss city after the first round of indirect talks took place i»»»
Former President Radev: "We Will Register as Coalition at Central Election Commission by March 4"
Meeting with Bulgarians in Berlin on Sunday, former president Rumen Radev (2017-2026) said that his team will submit a registration as a coalition with a clear name at the Central Election Commission by March 4 at the latest. The meeting was broadcast live on YouTube. Radev explained that he would »»»
18th Qatar Robotics & AI competition kicks off in Doha
Doha, Qatar: The 18th Qatar Robotics & AI Competition kicked off Sunday in Doha. The contest is organized by the Ministry of Sports and Youth, represented by the Qatar Scientific Club (QSC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), buoyed by support from the Soc»»»
Marseille sporting director Benatia quits club
Marseille: Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia announced on Sunday that he was leaving his role at the crisis-hit French club, just days after the departure of coach Roberto De Zerbi. "I am leaving with the feeling that I have done my utmost on a professional level, but with regret that I hav»»»
KAHRAMAA launches third phase of its long-term strategy
Doha: Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) has announced the launch of the 3rd phase of its long-term strategy for the period 2026-2030, under the theme "The Leading Practices Phase", marking a strategic update that reflects the Corporation's corporate evolution and readiness fo»»»
Saudi stock index closes lower
Riyadh: The main Saudi stock index closed lower Sunday, down 23.17 points, ending trading at 11,228.64 points, with a trading value of SR 2.9 billion. The volume of traded shares reached 216 million, with 170 companies seeing their share prices rise, while 82 companies saw their share prices declin»»»
Iran-US Indirect Talks to Be Held in Geneva on February 17
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Indirect talks between Iran and the United States on the Iranian nuclear issue will be held in Geneva on Tuesday, February 17, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday. "Indirect talks between Iran and the US on the nuclear issue will be held under the mediation of Oman on Tue»»»
Palestinian Presidency slams Israeli occupation's "State Lands" decision
RAMALLAH, Feb 15 (KUNA) -- The Palestinian Presidency has warned of the serious consequences of the Israeli occupation's decision allowing it to declare lands in the occupied West Bank as state property, said the Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA).In a statement issued Sunday, the Presidency sai»»»
History-maker Brignone completes Olympic fairy tale as Shiffrin's medal misery continues
Cortina d'Ampezzo: Federica Brignone completed a Winter Olympic fairy tale on Sunday after claiming her second gold of the Milan-Cortina Games, as out-of-sorts Mikaela Shiffrin again missed out on the medals. Italian veteran Brignone started her home Olympics by being one of her country's flag bear»»»
UAE calls on residents to sight Ramadan crescent moon on February 17
Dubai: The UAE Council for Fatwa has called on members of the community, both citizens and residents to sight the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan on Tuesday evening, February 17, and to report any confirmed sightings. The Ramadan Crescent Moonsighting Committee, falling under the Council»»»
Zelensky’s jab at Orban was ‘childish’ – political consultant
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky’s personal remarks about Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the Munich Security Conference were “childish” and unbecoming of a head of state, political risk consultant and lawyer Adriel Kasonta has said The controversy stems from remarks made by Zelensky on Saturda»»»
US airlines told to stop DEI-hiring pilots
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a sweeping mandate requiring all commercial airlines to formally commit to merit-based hiring for pilots, explicitly barring the use of race or sex as factors in recruitment. The directive, delivered via a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA»»»