Hayya wins Silver Stevie Award for Public Sector Innovation in MENA
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Tourism has announced that the Hayya platform has been awarded the Silver Stevie Award in the Innovation in Public Administration category at the 2026 Middle East & North Africa Stevie Award, recognising its role in transforming travel, tourism and event management t»»»
E-scooter drivers score high for traffic violations
E-scooter drivers are racking up traffic violations as police turn their attention to the relatively recent addition to Greece’s personal transport mix, data showed Monday. A police statement said that a focused traffic police crackdown on e-scooters in the Greater Athens region from Thursday to Su»»»
Central Bank allows global payment networks in Syria
Damascus, May 4 (SANA) The Central Bank of Syria announced on Monday that licensed banks and electronic payment companies can now work with global payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard, aiming to modernize financial infrastructure and enhance digital inclusion. Central Bank Governor Abdulkad»»»
Qatar Tourism's Hayya platform wins Silver Stevie Award for innovation in public administration
DOHA: Qatar Tourism has announced that the Hayya platform has been awarded the Silver Stevie Award in the Innovation in Public Administration category at the 2026 Middle East & North Africa Stevie Award, recognising its role in transforming travel, tourism and event management through advanced digi»»»
Syrian Central Bank Allows Dealings With Global Electronic Payment Companies
The Central Bank of Syria on Monday issued a decision allowing banks and local electronic payment companies to work with global electronic payment companies such as Visa and Mastercard, in a move seen as a step toward modernizing financial infrastructure and expanding digital inclusion. Central Ban»»»
When the world gets tense, your checkout better work, says major UAE retailer
Dubai: When geopolitical uncertainty rises, retailers face more pressure to get the basics right. Executives at Majid Al Futtaim and Visa say digital trust — across payments, loyalty programmes and personalisation — becomes essential, not optional. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf»»»
GameStop makes unsolicited $55.5b offer to acquire eBay - UPI.com
Video game retailer GameStop has made a $55.5 billion offer to buy ecommerce giant eBay. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo May 4 (UPI) -- GameStop has made a $55.5 billion offer to buy eBay, with the video game retailer's CEO saying Monday the move could create a strong competitor to»»»
Global conflicts not stopping development of Katowice
Katowice Airport maintains optimistic growth forecasts, expecting nearly 8 million passengers in 2026 and a record cargo result, with growing interest from Chinese carriers. Regional Polish airports have been only slightly affected by Middle East tensions, with passenger traffic rising across major»»»
Dubai steps up safety push with “I Cross Safely” campaign
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a week-long safety campaign to coincide with GCC Traffic Week 2026, introducing a series of measures aimed at reducing pedestrian accidents across the emirate. Running from 3 to 8 May under the theme "I Cross Safely", the initiative involves a pa»»»
NATO meets film and TV creators, drawing accusations of propaganda push
NATO is holding closed-door consultations with TV and film industry professionals across Europe and the US, The Guardian reported on Sunday. The move has prompted accusations that the bloc is working to leverage the arts for “fear mongering” and “propaganda,” it added. The military bloc has held th»»»
Prosecuting, Investigating Authorities Report Rise in Monitored Public-Interest Cases, Drug-Related, Domestic Violence Offences in 2025
The Report on Observance of the Law and the Activities of the Prosecution and the Investigation Authorities in 2025 has been published, the prosecution service said in a press release on Monday. The report concludes, among other things, that last year saw a downward trend in most types of criminal »»»
Caretaker Government Secures EUR 400 Mln under Recovery Plan after EC Deadline Extension, Says Caretaker PM Gurov
The caretaker government has secured EUR 400 million under the second and third payments of Bulgaria's Recovery and Resilience Plan after the deadline for meeting key conditions was extended following negotiations with the European Commission, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said on Monday. S»»»
UAE approves relief package for postal sector firms
Dubai: The UAE’s Postal Sector Regulatory Committee has approved a comprehensive support package to provide immediate financial and operational relief to companies in the Postal and Courier, Express and Parcels (CEP) sector, as part of efforts to strengthen resilience and ensure service continuity.»»»
Local Manufacturing of 5G Routers Positions Egypt as a Regional Tech Hub
Egypt announced the commencement of its first entirely locally manufactured router at the Egyptian Silicon Industries Company (SICO) factory, located in the Assiut Governorate. This initiative is spearheaded by e& Egypt, marking a pivotal point in the nation’s strategy to enhance local manufacturin»»»
Qatar Rail's new Board meets, appoints Jassim Al-Ansari as CEO
Doha, Qatar: The new Board of Directors of Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) held its first meeting at the company’s headquarters, chaired by Minister of Transport, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, and attended by board members including Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, »»»
Qatar, Austria amend double taxation agreement to boost transparency
Doha, Qatar: Within the framework of enhancing financial transparency and promoting joint investment, the State of Qatar and the Republic of Austria signed an amendment to certain provisions of the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to ta»»»
Philippines: Up to ₱300,000 loans for e-bikes, e-mobility
Manila: Tired of watching your hard-earned salary evaporate every time you hit the fuel pump? Well, buckle up — or should we say, plug in. The state-owned fund, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has officially dropped the "Ginhawa Bike and E-Mobility Loan" (GBEL), allowing qualified member»»»
Hajj pilgrims allowed to travel within Saudi Arabia using digital ID
Hajj pilgrims can now travel within Saudi Arabia using a digital visitor identification instead of carrying a passport, the General Directorate of Passports said. The directorate said pilgrims can obtain the digital ID through the Ministry of Interior’s Absher platform, enabling easier and safer mo»»»
Make it in the Emirates opens in Abu Dhabi with 5,000 products and SMEs in focus
Abu Dhabi: Make it in the Emirates opens today in Abu Dhabi with a focus on local manufacturing, supply chain readiness, industrial financing and a bigger role for UAE-made products in shops, e-commerce platforms and export markets. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - »»»
UAE e-invoicing deadline looms: What businesses must do before July 1
Dubai: UAE businesses are entering a critical preparation phase as the country moves toward mandatory e-invoicing, with July 1, 2026 set as the first key deadline. By that date, companies must select an accredited service provider (ASP) to prepare for the system’s phased rollout. Get updated faster»»»
Evans caps Berlin double-header with victory after Muller wins Saturday thriller
BERLIN: Mitch Evans claimed victory in Sunday’s Berlin E-Prix, the eighth round of the Formula E season, as the Jaguar driver delivered a perfectly timed late charge to win the second race of the double-header at Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit. Evans spent much of the race managing energy outside»»»
Indian expat wins Dh25 million in Big Ticket draw
Big Ticket’s latest live draw delivered another memorable night and brought moments of celebration, with one participant walking away with the Dh25 million grand prize, while another celebrated a luxury car win. Abdul Rasheed Allipra Valappil Abdu, who won Dh25 million, is a 48-year-old driver from»»»
Egypt’s telecom providers launch operations for the fifth-generation (5G)
The National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) of Egypt has entered into a landmark agreement with the country’s leading telecom providers—Orange Egypt, Vodafone Egypt, and e& Egypt—effectively granting them licenses to operate fifth-generation (5G) mobile services. This move marks a pivotal step»»»
MoPH inspects 27,036 imported food shipments in Q1 2026
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Public Health represented by the Food Safety Department has recorded the inspection of 27,036 imported food shipments to ensure they meet Qatar’s safety standards and comply with relevant regulations and technical requirements. This came in the Food Safety Department Ac»»»
Nissan Says Gulf Strategy Unchanged Despite Geopolitical Challenges
Nissan Motor Co.’s Chief Performance Officer Guillaume Cartier said the Gulf and Middle East remain central to the company’s growth and profitability despite recent geopolitical challenges, adding that investment plans in the region remain unchanged. Cartier told Asharq Al-Awsat that the automaker »»»
Winter Sports Development Program kicks off under Years of Culture Initiative
Doha, Qatar: The Winter Sports Development Program was launched at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena as part of the Years of Culture Initiative (Qatar – Canada & Mexico 2026), in a strategic collaboration between the Qatar Winter Sports Committee and Qatar Museums’ flagship cultural program. Designed »»»
More Nepalis drive electric, evading global fuel shocks
Anup Ojha Kathmandu, Nepal: As global fuel markets reel from the Middle East war, motorists in Nepal are increasingly turning to electric vehicles, with high demand putting a strain on dealerships. Electric microbus driver Purushottam Adhikari said he was now shuttling more passengers along the 300»»»
Judge blocks temporarily blocks Texas ban on smokable hemp - UPI.com
A Texas judge extended a temporary injunction on the state health department's ban on smokable hemp, which went into effect this year after Texas Gov. Greg Abbot vetoed a ban passed last year by the state legislature. File Photo by Paul Brinkmann/UPI May 2 (UPI) -- A Texas judge on Friday temporari»»»
Startup wrap — Funding momentum steady amid MENA regional tensions
RIYADH: Startups operating in the Middle East and North Africa region showed remarkable resilience last week, securing multiple funding rounds across key sectors even as geopolitical tensions from the Iran conflict continued to rattle markets. This momentum builds on a record-breaking 2025, when ME»»»
How overseas work experience now counts in Philippine civil service exams
Dubai: Years spent working overseas will now carry added weight for Filipinos aiming to enter government service, following a new policy from the Philippine Civil Service Commission (CSC). Through resolution no. 2600596, the CSC has introduced the overseas Filipino workers (OFW) preference rating, »»»
UAE roads in numbers: 6,014 crashes, 1,102 pedestrian hits
Dubai: Light vehicles were responsible for the largest share of traffic accidents across the UAE last year, according to new figures released by the UAE Ministry of Interior. The data shows that light vehicles were involved in 3,834 accidents, far exceeding other categories. Motorcycles ranked seco»»»
US judge protects Yemeni refugees, slams Trump administration’s push to end special status
NEW YORK: A federal judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration from forcing about 3,000 Yemeni refugees to leave the US, ruling that Temporary Protected Status repeatedly granted to them and due to expire Monday should be extended again. Judge Dale E. Ho in Manhattan extended the status tempo»»»
How is Big Ticket turning May into a month of million-dirham dreams
Dubai: Big Ticket has launched its May edition with a “a dynamic line-up of promotions,” headlined by the Dh20 million grand prize that will be awarded during a live draw on June 3. The draw will mark the moment one participant turns into a millionaire as the UAE heads into the summer season. This »»»
‘Completely unexpected’: Dubai-based stock controller wins Dh25,000 in Big Ticket
Dubai: A Dubai-based stock controller has won Dh25,000 in the latest Big Ticket weekly e-draw, describing the moment as “completely unexpected” after years of trying his luck. Mohammed Sameer, a 33-year-old Indian national, has been living in Dubai with his family for the past 14 years. Like many U»»»
UAE calls for faster Gulf growth in key GCC meeting
Abu Dhabi: Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, has taken part in the 70th meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Trade Cooperation Committee, where ministers reviewed a series of strategic initiatives aimed at deepening economic ties and strengthening the competitiven»»»
Number of people without electricity halved since 2000 – OWID
Most people in the world would think very little before flicking on the lights, charging a mobile phone or turning on a laptop to read this. But that’s a very different reality from the almost 700 million people in the wor»»»
Number of people without electricity halved since 2000 – OWID
Most people in the world would think very little before flicking on the lights, charging a mobile phone or turning on a laptop to read this. But that’s a very different reality from the almost 700 million people in the wor»»»
Number of people without electricity halved since 2000 – OWID
Most people in the world would think very little before flicking on the lights, charging a mobile phone or turning on a laptop to read this. But that’s a very different reality from the almost 700 million people in the wor»»»
Number of people without electricity halved since 2000 – OWID
Most people in the world would think very little before flicking on the lights, charging a mobile phone or turning on a laptop to read this. But that’s a very different reality from the almost 700 million people in the wor»»»
Number of people without electricity halved since 2000 – OWID
Most people in the world would think very little before flicking on the lights, charging a mobile phone or turning on a laptop to read this. But that’s a very different reality from the almost 700 million people in the wor»»»
Number of people without electricity halved since 2000 – OWID
Most people in the world would think very little before flicking on the lights, charging a mobile phone or turning on a laptop to read this. But that’s a very different reality from the almost 700 million people in the wor»»»
Number of people without electricity halved since 2000 – OWID
Most people in the world would think very little before flicking on the lights, charging a mobile phone or turning on a laptop to read this. But that’s a very different reality from the almost 700 million people in the wor»»»
Number of people without electricity halved since 2000 – OWID
Most people in the world would think very little before flicking on the lights, charging a mobile phone or turning on a laptop to read this. But that’s a very different reality from the almost 700 million people in the wor»»»
Number of people without electricity halved since 2000 – OWID
Most people in the world would think very little before flicking on the lights, charging a mobile phone or turning on a laptop to read this. But that’s a very different reality from the almost 700 million people in the wor»»»
Number of people without electricity halved since 2000 – OWID
Most people in the world would think very little before flicking on the lights, charging a mobile phone or turning on a laptop to read this. But that’s a very different reality from the almost 700 million people in the wor»»»
Number of people without electricity halved since 2000 – OWID
Most people in the world would think very little before flicking on the lights, charging a mobile phone or turning on a laptop to read this. But that’s a very different reality from the almost 700 million people in the wor»»»
Number of people without electricity halved since 2000 – OWID
Most people in the world would think very little before flicking on the lights, charging a mobile phone or turning on a laptop to read this. But that’s a very different reality from the almost 700 million people in the wor»»»
Cookies, consent, and clicks – will the EU new ‘Reject All’ rules work?
Cookies have been around since the early days of the internet. The “Accept All” button has become a routine reflex for many. Now the EU wants to fix this loophole in its landmark privacy rules, claiming users would save 198 million hours a year with new changes – but will these really empower users»»»
Iran’s Monthslong Internet Shutdown Is Crushing Businesses in an Already Battered Economy
At her studio in Iran's capital, Amen Khademi prepared a fashion shoot for a jacket she designed with Persian-inspired motifs. But even as she applied lipstick to the model, she was distracted, worrying if her business would survive after four months without its main link to customers — the interne»»»
Iran’s monthslong Internet shutdown is crushing businesses in an already battered economy
TEHRAN, Iran: At her studio in Iran’s capital, Amen Khademi prepared a fashion shoot for a jacket she designed with Persian-inspired motifs. But even as she applied lipstick to the model, she was distracted, worrying if her business would survive after four months without its main link to customers»»»