Kuwait, Japan beef up culinary ties
Photo feature by Arwa Al-Otaibi KUWAIT, Feb 14 (KUNA) -- In a move reflecting the depth of trade and culinary ties, the Embassy of Japan in Kuwait organized a Wagyu (Japanese beef) Promotion Seminar at SAKURA Restaurant in Crowne Plaza Hotel.The event follows the signing of an agreement allowing th»»»
Safety first: Dubai air taxi expansion to follow strict benchmarks
Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has said the planned expansion of Dubai’s air taxi service will depend on strict operational benchmarks, including safety, reliability and customer satisfaction, as the city prepares to launch commercial flights before the end of 2026. Under a phased r»»»
Market awaits impact of 1% rate cut on savings, loans, and government debt
The Egyptian market is awaiting banks’ return to work on Sunday to assess how lenders will adjust interest rates on savings products and loan facilities following the decision by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) to cut key rates by 1%. Last Thursday, the CBE’s Monetary Policy Committee reduced its b»»»
From 60 to 91, still sprinting: Abu Dhabi Open Masters athletes defy age
From a 91-year-old sprinter clocking under 40 seconds in the 200 metres to a 68-year-old former wheelchair user running the 10,000m, the inaugural Open Masters Games in the UAE capital has turned into a celebration of grit, grace and second chances. The curtain falls on Sunday on the 10-day sportin»»»
After Two Years of War, Tally of Israel-Hamas Prisoner Swaps
Israel’s military on Friday released new footage of the rescue of two hostages, Fernando Simon Marman and Norberto Louis Har, Israeli nationals who also hold Argentine citizenship, from a house in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The operation was carried out on Feb. 12, 2024, amid intense gunbattl»»»
Top trending: Ramadan 2026 timings, Dubai property resale, EU visa updates and more
Dubai: As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, working hours and school schedules across the UAE are being adjusted to accommodate the sacred period. Meanwhile, Dubai is revolutionising property investment with digital tokenisation, and the EU is reshaping its visa policies for select professional»»»
Dubai delivery riders: RTA’s new rules could keep your bike on the road - here's how
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced new inspection standards to extend the operational life of delivery motorcycles, allowing companies to renew bike registrations for an additional year. The move aims to enhance safety, support the growing delivery sector, and promote sustai»»»
Interactive sports village enhances festive spirit on Sheikh Jaber Bridge
(Photo feature) KUWAIT, Feb 14 (KUNA) -- The "Sports Village," set up as part of Kuwait Sports Day activities on Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Bridge, brought a lively and dynamic atmosphere to the nationwide celebration, offering visitors a diverse and engaging experience.Organized booths for cafes and re»»»
Philippines: 1,000MW Agus-Pulangi hydropower giant in Mindanao up for sale
Manila: Big money is circling one of the Philippines’ most powerful energy assets. Investor interest is heating up around the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complex (APHC) in Mindanao that has long powered the southern island of 26.25 million inhabitants. Also In This Package What Filipino tycoon's $643m »»»
The benefits and flaws of child social media bans
The debate over whether to ban Under-16s from using social media has returned to the fore after Britain’s House of Lords voted in favour of prohibition. The upper house may not be the most social media savvy institution—most of the 800+ Lords are over the age of 70, dozens are over the age of 90, a»»»
Dubai standardises Ramadan charity coupons to boost transparency
Dubai: Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department has moved to standardise the value of Ramadan charity coupons across the emirate, in a step aimed at strengthening oversight, improving efficiency and ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need. Click here for Ramadan pray»»»
US ends temporary protected status for Yemeni migrants
Washington, United States: The US government said Friday it is ending a protected status for migrants from Yemen, which had been in place for the past decade. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, first designated for the Middle Eastern nation»»»
DHS Funding Lapse Looms as Senate Blocks Bill — Reports
Funding for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expected to lapse this weekend after Senate Democrats rejected Republican proposals, Fox News reported. The lapse would affect DHS only, as roughly 97% of the federal government is already funded through the end of FY2026.Key agencies unde»»»
Kerala’s youngest organ donor: 10-month-old saves four lives after tragic accident
A 10-month-old girl from Pathanamthitta has become Kerala’s youngest organ donor after being declared brain-dead following a road accident. According to media reports, the child, identified as Alin Sherin Abraham, had her liver, kidneys, heart valve, and eyes donated by her parents at Amrita Hospit»»»
DHS shuts down indefinitely amid budget battle starting this weekend - UPI.com
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York holds a press conference at the Capitol in Washington on Thursday after lawmakers failed to reach a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The Department of Homeland Security will»»»
One in three Germans in favor of AI-controlled killer bots – survey
One in three Germans favor the use of autonomous AI-powered weapons systems in war instead of human decision makers, a new poll commissioned by Politico has suggested. Less than half of the respondents believe humans should make life-and-death decisions on the battlefield. The results, which were p»»»
US terminates temporary protected status for Yemen
WASHINGTON, Feb 13 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced Friday the termination of temporary protected status for Yemen, with the termination to be effective 60 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register.Yemen was initially designatedآ for Temporary Prote»»»
Partial US government shutdown could mean airport delays, travel groups say
Major travel groups and airlines are pushing US lawmakers to reach a deal on government funding ahead of a partial shutdown, arguing it could lead to travel chaos during spring break. In a joint statement, several groups, including Airlines for America, said no deal increases the risk of unschedule»»»
Ring ends partnership with Flock Safety amid surveillance concerns - UPI.com
Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Amazon-owned Ring announced it is ending its partnership with Flock Safety, a company whose artificial intelligence-powered technology came into question after a Ring Super Bowl ad touting new surveillance features. In a blog post published Thursday, Ring said the two companies "ma»»»
US Allows Oil Majors to Resume Venezuela Operations, Broadly Okays New Energy Investments
The US eased sanctions on Venezuela's energy sector on Friday, issuing two general licenses that allow global energy companies to resume oil and gas operations in the OPEC member and for other companies to negotiate contracts on investments in new energy operations. The Treasury Department's Office»»»
Rubio warns Europe to expect changes as world enters 'new era' - UPI.com
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (L) is greeted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Munich Security Conference on Friday. Photo by Sean Gallup/EPA Feb. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned the old world had been replaced with a new era in geopolitics that would require f»»»
Parliament Approves Introduction of Multi-fund Model in Supplementary Pension Insurance at First Reading
The National Assembly on Friday approved at first reading amendments to the Social Insurance Code tabled by the Council of Ministers introducing a multi-fund model in supplementary pension insurance. The amendments were supported by 103 MPs from GERB-UDF, Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria, »»»
Shepherds arrested for allowing their animals out to graze despite pox protocols
Two shepherds have been arrested in parts of central Greece hit by the sheep and goat pox epidemic that’s devastating traditional livestock breeding, for allegedly allowing their animals out to graze near their pens in breach of health protocols designed to eradicate the disease. Police said Friday»»»
Rompetrol builds 13 new fuel stations in 2026
Rompetrol is expanding its presence this year with 13 new fuel distribution stations in Romania, located in areas of interest across the country and along high-speed roads. The first six stations are at various stages of construction, with completion estimated for April and opening planned for the »»»
Parliament Ratifies Extension of JEREMIE Framework and Financial Agreements Until End-2035
Parliament on Friday adopted at first and second reading in a single sitting a bill ratifying amendments to the Framework Agreement and the Financial Agreement between the Government of Bulgaria and the European Investment Fund (EIF) concerning the implementation of the JEREMIE Initiative in Bulgar»»»
Venezuela amnesty bill delayed amid protests
Lawmakers in Venezuela have postponed the final debate on a proposed amnesty law that would free political prisoners, after failing to agree on key details of its application. Thousands of demonstrators marched in Caracas calling for the immediate release of remaining detainees, even as some have a»»»
Bulgarian Drone Developer Dronamics Launches Multifunctional Defense Platform to Strengthen Europe’s Airspace Security
Bulgarian drone developer Dronamics has unveiled a new defense platform built around its cargo drone, the Black Swan, aiming to fill a major gap in European airspace security. The initiative, announced on Thursday, focuses on continuous airborne early warning and target acquisition to detect potent»»»
Media Review: February 13
POLITICS Trud writes that President Iliana Iotova hands the exploratory mandate to Caretaker PM designate Andrey Gurov and sets priorities for the incoming caretaker cabinet: honest elections, immediate measures to control prices, stabilizing public finances, electricity price regulation, rapid sup»»»
North Korea warns of ‘terrible response’ over South Korean drone flights
North Korea on Friday warned of a “terrible response” if more drones cross its border from the South, escalating tensions despite Seoul’s efforts to improve ties. Pyongyang said it shot down a surveillance drone last month. Kim Yo Jong cautioned that further incursions would trigger severe conseque»»»
Parliament Ratifies Agreement on Construction of Cross-border Railway Tunnel between Bulgaria and North Macedonia
On Friday, the National Assembly adopted at first and second reading in a single sitting, the bill for the ratification of the Agreement on the preparation, construction, and operation of a cross-border railway tunnel between the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Government of the Repu»»»
TISP to Submit Bill Supplementing Non-Profit Legal Entities Act
There Is Such a People (TISP) MP Aleksandar Rashev said here on Friday his party's will be tabling a bill to supplement the Non-Profit Legal Entities Act. "It became unequivocally clear from the horrifying Petrohan-Okolchitsa case that in 2022 the government had delegated its control and public fun»»»
French coin found near Culloden may have been used to pay Jacobite
A metal detectorist has uncovered a coin that may have been used to pay a soldier who fought at the Battle of Culloden, 280 years ago. Ian Deveney uncovered the French 4 sols coin earlier this month on land between Inverness and the battlefield on the outskirts of the city. Deveney, a tour guide wh»»»
India’s Budget 2026-27: A new chapter in the India-UAE economic partnership
As India strides confidently towards its destiny as one of the world’s largest economies, the United Arab Emirates stands out not merely as a partner, but as a pivotal force multiplier. More than a destination market, the UAE is India’s strategic gateway to the wider region — a role forged by centu»»»
Trump Plans to Ease Some Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum Goods - Reports
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump plans to cut certain tariffs on steel and aluminum products as economists warn American consumers are suffering from them, a newspaper reported on Friday, citing sources. The US Department of Commerce and US Trade Representative officials agree consumers»»»
Al Duhail, Al Wakrah reach Amir Cup quarters
DOHA: Al Duhail reached the Amir Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over Al Waab in their Round of 16 clash at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. Al Wakrah also advanced after beating Al Sailiya by the same scoreline. Adel Boulbina put Al Duhail ahead from the penalty spot in the 28th minute, w»»»
Lebanese Army Support Hinges on Disarmament Plan North of Litani
The Qatari capital is set to host a preparatory meeting on Sunday ahead of an international conference in Paris aimed at supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces. The Doha meeting will bring together the five sponsoring countries - France, the United States, Saudi Arabi»»»
Emirates flyers get easier access to dozens of cities across China
Dubai: Emirates has expanded its footprint in China through a new interline agreement with Loong Air, opening access to dozens of additional destinations beyond its existing gateways and strengthening connectivity for travellers heading into one of the world’s largest aviation markets. Sign up for »»»
Bulgarian Businesses Sound Alarm as Skill Shortages Persist Across Education Levels
An annual employer survey conducted by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry shows that the gap between education and business needs in Bulgaria remains deep and persistent. Presenting the findings, Boryana Abadjieva, Head of the Chamber’s Economic Analysis and Policy Department, said that»»»
North Macedonia to inspect all licensed medical cannabis producers after drug raids
North Macedonia’s Health Minister, Azir Aliu, announced on February 12 that authorities have begun inspections at all 43 companies licensed to produce medical cannabis. Speaking at a news conference, Aliu said the move is »»»
North Korea Warns of 'Terrible Response' if South Sends More Drones
North Korea threatened on Friday a "terrible response" if it detects any more drones buzzing across the border from the South. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has sought to repair ties with North Korea since taking office last year, criticizing his predecessor for allegedly sending drones to s»»»
North Korea warns of 'terrible response' if South sends more drones
Seoul: North Korea threatened on Friday a "terrible response" if it detects any more drones buzzing across the border from the South. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has sought to repair ties with North Korea since taking office last year, criticising his predecessor for allegedly sending dron»»»
China dodging sanctions by smuggling western-made cars into Russia
China is busting sanctions with a scheme to smuggle cars into Russia, allowing vehicles from Toyota, Mazda and German premium brands to reach markets in Moscow and beyond via grey schemes, Reuters reports. Most of the vehi»»»
Venezuela postpones vote on amnesty bill to protect political dissidents
Venezuelan lawmakers on Thursday postponed a landmark amnesty bill meant to halt the use of courts against dissenters after failing to agree on its implementation. Thousands rallied in Caracas demanding the release of political prisoners. The bill would clear charges against opponents of former lea»»»
Parliament to Discuss Ratification of Agreement with European Investment Fund Linked to JEREMIE Initiative
At its regular sitting on Friday, Parliament will discuss the ratification of an agreement with the European Investment Fund related to the implementation of the JEREMIE initiative. The aim is to ensure the legal validity of the signed agreements extending the framework and financial agreements unt»»»
China dodging sanctions by smuggling western-made cars into Russia
China is busting sanctions with a scheme to smuggle cars into Russia, allowing vehicles from Toyota, Mazda and German premium brands to reach markets in Moscow and beyond via grey schemes, Reuters reports. Most of the vehi»»»
China dodging sanctions by smuggling western-made cars into Russia
China is busting sanctions with a scheme to smuggle cars into Russia, allowing vehicles from Toyota, Mazda and German premium brands to reach markets in Moscow and beyond via grey schemes, Reuters reports. Most of the vehi»»»
President comments on resignation of Speaker of Parliament - | 24.KG
The President of Kyrgyzstan commented on the resignation of the Speaker of Parliament in an interview with Kabar news agency. Sadyr Japarov was asked whether the voluntary resignation of the Speaker of the Zhogorku Kenesh was connected to recent events, including a letter signed by 75 individuals. »»»
UAE artists take Korea by storm with ‘Proximities’: “Emirati art resonates globally”
In a landmark cultural moment, the UAE’s contemporary art scene is making an unprecedented impact in South Korea. Proximities, presented by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) in collaboration with the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA), is the largest exhibition of contemporary visual art from t»»»
Costs from Trump's tariffs paid almost entirely by US consumers, NY Fed says
As President Donald Trump changed tariff agreements with a number of countries, there was one constant: goods became more expensive for US companies and consumers. In research released Thursday by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, a group of analysts and economists found that in 2025, the avera»»»
Homeland security shutdown imminent after Democrats block funding
The US Senate has failed to advance a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) amid dispute over Democratic demands to place new restrictions on immigration agents. A procedural vote on Thursday fell short of the number required, leaving it stalled ahead of a midnight Saturday deadlin»»»