waterdrop® celebrates 10 years of making waves
waterdrop®, the Austrian hydration brand founded in Vienna in 2016, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with “10 Years of Making Waves”, a global campaign running from 20 August to 30 September 2026 across its international markets, including Romania. A decade after introducing the Microdrink»»»
Spain expands Ceuta migrant shelters to ease crisis
Madrid, Spain: The Spanish government announced on Thursday the creation of shelters for 1,800 migrants in Ceuta in a bid to relieve the humanitarian crisis there following last month's influx from Morocco. Some 72,000 migrants breached the border in an unprecedented and deadly rush into the north »»»
Amnesty demands EU stops ‘outsourcing asylum’ and accuses Meloni of authoritarian tricks to push Albania deal
Amnesty International is demanding the EU stop outsourcing asylum, in a report critical of Italy’s controversial deal with Albania to fast-track deportations of people deemed to come from countries considered ‘safe’. But the NGO’s appeal, along with the EU recommendations due to be published later »»»
US to provide $206 million for Gaza peacekeeping force, letters show
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump’s administration has told Congress it is sending more than $206 million for a proposed Gaza peacekeeping force, the first significant funding for the stalled US plan to rebuild the devastated enclave. In two July 30-dated notifications seen by Reuters, the State »»»
Qatar marks World Humanitarian Day with red illumination
DOHA: The Ministry of Interior participated in the celebration of World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19, by illuminating its main building in red. World Humanitarian Day is an annual occasion that recognizes humanitarian efforts around the world and promotes action in support of hu»»»
‘We won’t go back’: Young Moroccan migrants in Ceuta refuse to abandon their European dream
CEUTA, Spain – FRANCE 24 spent an evening with unaccompanied minors who are sleeping rough in Ceuta but refusing to return home. Amid the fear, the cold and the long wait for help, these young Moroccan migrants shared their stories. It’s 2am local time and a heavy s»»»
Draft National Spatial Development Concept Seeks to Reduce Regional Disparities and Promote Balanced Growth Across Bulgaria
The draft National Concept for Regional and Spatial Development of the Republic of Bulgaria for 2026-2040 (NCRSD) envisages reducing territorial disparities and achieving more balanced, competitive and sustainable development across all regions, with improved living standards and access to quality »»»
Israel’s campaign to turn Washington against the UN
LONDON: In May 2024, a furious Gilad Erdan, then Israel’s ambassador to the UN, stood in front of the General Assembly in New York and proceeded to feed a facsimile of the UN Charter into a tiny electric shredder. The assembly was poised to vote to adopt a resolution urging the Security Council to »»»
Oman warns creators: Exploiting children, domestic workers online can lead to jail
Dubai: Oman’s Public Prosecution has warned content creators against exploiting children under 15 or domestic workers in social media content, saying offenders could face up to three years in prison and a fine of OMR5,000. The warning is part of an awareness campaign urging creators to consider the»»»
In Ceuta, migrants stranded at Europe’s gates await their fate
CEUTA, Spain – Weeks after some 70,000 migrants tried to cross from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, the ones who chose to stay have settled on El Trampolin beach. They hail from various countries, speak different languages and crossed many borders to get to this strip»»»
Closing Bell: Saudi market flat at 10,911.58
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index held steady on Tuesday, gaining just 3.52 points, or 0.03 percent, to close at 10,911.58. Total trading turnover on the benchmark index reached over SR4.9 billion ($1.31 billion), with 96 stocks advancing and 160 declining, as more than 275 million sha»»»
Five Romanian Black Sea coast beaches wear Blue Flag eco-label
Five beaches on the Romanian Black Sea coast are internationally eco-labelled Blue Flag, and the sixth is in the pilot phase of the programme in order to meet the criteria necessary to win the same certification, the Ministry of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEDAT) writes i»»»
Tourism :Via Transilvanica promoted at heritage, sustainable tourism exhibition in Austria
The exhibition "Via Transilvanica - The Road that Unites" has opened in Salzburg, Austria, with the project proposing to promote genuine Romania through dialogue, hospitality and respect for the natural and cultural heritage. The initiative brings to the fore one of the most important long-distance»»»
MoEHE summer camp engages students in Quran memorisation and studies
Doha, Qatar: The Committee for the Development and Promotion of Quranic and Arabic Language Education at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has launched the “Riwaq Al-Diyaa” Summer Educational Camp, with the participation of 62 students aged between 14 and 18. The camp is being »»»
Cameroon wins first Women's Africa Cup of Nations title
Cameroon defeated tournament newcomers Malawi 3-0 in the final to win its first Women's Africa Cup of Nations title. Marie Ngah Manga scored twice and Naomi Eto added another goal. Both finalists, along with Morocco and Algeria, qualified for next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil.»»»
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»»»
Qatar attends Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair
Ankara: Qatar represented by the Ministry of Culture is participating in the 11th International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair kicked off in Turkiye on Saturday. Running until August 23, the event is held under the theme “The Story Continues”, bringing together over 300 publishing houses from over 30 co»»»
Katara announces shortlist of nine works for Katara Prize for Arabic Novel
Doha, Qatar: The Katara Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) has announced the shortlist of nine works for the 12th edition of the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel across the categories of published novels, unpublished novels, unpublished young adult novels, unpublished historical novels, published Qa»»»
Cameroon beats Malawi 3-0 to win Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time
RABAT, Morocco: Three goals for three lost finals. Cameroon finally won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday with a 3-0 victory over tournament debutant Malawi. Marie Ngah Manga headed two goals and Naomi Eto scored the other while Cameroon kept Malawi’s Chawinga sisters in check to claim it»»»
PHCC promotes healthy habits among children at summer programme
Tribune News Network Doha As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting children’s health and supporting preventive healthcare, the Health Education Department, under the Clinical Operations Directorate at the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), contributed to the Qatar Sports for All Federati»»»
Russia's fuel crisis is back as Ukraine continues to knock out Russian refineries
Petrol rationing is back across Russia after the peak of the Ukraine-caused fuel crisis seemed to have passed, and this time a governor has admitted his region's refinery will be out of action for six months. Ukrainian drones struck the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat refining complex in Bashkortostan on»»»
Russia's fuel crisis is back as Ukraine continues to knock out Russian refineries
Petrol rationing is back across Russia after the peak of the Ukraine-caused fuel crisis seemed to have passed, and this time a governor has admitted his region's refinery will be out of action for six months. Ukrainian drones struck the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat refining complex in Bashkortostan on»»»
Moroccan security forces arrest nearly 300 migrants trying to reach Spain’s Ceuta
CASABLANCA: Hundreds of migrants trying to reach the Spanish exclave of Ceuta by land and sea were arrested by Moroccan security forces, Moroccan state television reported Sunday, as authorities tightened security along the border following calls for a new mass crossing.Moroccan state broadcaster M»»»
35 Madinah products added to global food heritage list
MADINAH: The Culinary Arts Commission has documented 35 products from Madinah among 180 Saudi products featured in the “Ark of Taste” global initiative. The online registry, established by the Slow Food Foundation, protects heritage food products, supports local producers, and promotes biodiversity»»»
MENA economy set for 8.5% rebound in 2027 after deep 2026 slump: BMI
RIYADH: The Middle East and North Africa region is projected to return to growth in 2027, expanding 8.5 percent, after a contraction this year, according to a forecast from BMI, a Fitch Solutions company. BMI expects the MENA economy to contract by 3.3 percent in 2026, a sharper decline than the 0.»»»
Morocco tightens security as migrants gather near Ceuta border
Morocco has deployed heavy security around the border city of Fnideq after false social media rumours claimed the border to Spain's Ceuta enclave would open. Hundreds of migrants, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, have gathered nearby, raising fears of another mass crossing just weeks after tens of t»»»
Missed the August eclipse? The next one is less than six months away
Dubai: The total solar eclipse of 12 August 2026 may be over, but skywatchers will not have to wait long for the next solar spectacle. The next solar eclipse will take place on 6 February 2027, less than six months from now. It will be an annul solar eclipse, producing the distinctive “ring of fire»»»
ORA Land launches BluBay with Suryakumar Yadav as brand ambassador, reinforcing Mumbai 3.0 as emerging NRI investment hub
Doha, Qatar: With infrastructure reshaping India’s financial capital, a new real estate investment story is unfolding for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living across the GCC. As property prices in established Mumbai locations continue to rise, investors are increasingly looking beyond traditional mar»»»
QFA urges AFC for transparency in positions, statements issued on behalf of MAs
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has called upon the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to consistently apply the principles of transparency and consultation in a manner that preserves its credibility and strengthens trust among its Member Associations (MAs). QFA also emphasised th»»»
Moroccan authorities block 111 migrants from entering Ceuta - UPI.com
Thousands of people attempted to cross into Ceuta last month, overwhelming local authorities. On Saturday, Moroccan officials said they detained 111 attempting to cross. Photo by Jalal Morchidi/EPA Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Dozens of migrants were detained in Morocco on Saturday as they attempted to cross i»»»
Ceuta: False social media posts fuel migration tensions
False social media posts claiming the Morocco-Ceuta border would open for Spain’s Assumption holiday have prompted migrants to gather near the crossing. Moroccan and Spanish authorities have tightened security after a recent mass influx into Ceuta, while Morocco says those spreading the false claim»»»
Morocco arrests 111 migrants headed for Spain’s Ceuta in security crackdown
CEUTA, Spain: Moroccan police arrested at least 111 people on Saturday as they tried to enter Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, amid tightened security on both sides of the border after social media posts called for another mass migrant crossing. The attempted crossing came two weeks after m»»»
Infectious diseases spread in migrant-packed Ceuta
Cases of infectious disease, including gastroenteritis, have been reported among migrants in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta since the mass influx from neighboring Morocco occurred in late July. Spain’s National Institute for Health Management (INGESA) confirmed that gastroenteritis has brok»»»
QFA urges AFC for transparency in positions, statements issued on behalf of member national associations
Doha: The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has called upon the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to consistently apply the principles of transparency and consultation in a manner that preserves its credibility and strengthens trust among its members. QFA also emphasized the importance of adhering »»»
Star Cameroon goalkeeper Bihina faces Malawi’s prolific Chawinga sisters in WAFCON final
JOHANNESBURG: Prolific sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga have been instrumental in transforming Malawi from no-hopers to giant killers to finalists at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Malawian Scorchers scored 12 goals en route to the title decider against Cameroon on Sunday »»»
QFA urges AFC for transparency in positions, statements issued on behalf of member national associations
DOHA: The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has called upon the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to consistently apply the principles of transparency and consultation in a manner that preserves its credibility and strengthens trust among its members. QFA also emphasized the importance of adhering »»»
Buraidah carnival highlights Qassim’s rich date diversity, drives trade
BURAIDAH: The Buraidah International Dates Carnival has more than 100 date varieties on display, reflecting the richness and quality of Qassim region’s agricultural production while attracting farmers, traders and shoppers and driving strong commercial activity. The carnival also promotes rare date»»»
Morocco Prevents Hundreds of Migrants From Illegally Entering Spanish Ceuta - Reports
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moroccan security forces thwarted an attempt by hundreds of migrants to illegally enter the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta, Spanish media reported, citing sources in Moroccan security agencies. The migrants were reportedly hiding on the outskirts of the Moroccan border town of »»»
Spain boosts security in Ceuta as calls appear online for another mass border rush
CEUTA: Spain has beefed up police and military presence in its North African enclave of Ceuta amid social media messages encouraging migrants to attempt another mass border breach on Saturday, two weeks after tens of thousands rushed into the city. Soldiers in combat fatigues stood watch outside s»»»
Want to know the cure for ‘brain rot’? Keep reading ...
RIYADH: “Sigma,” “chicken banana,” “Italian brain rot” — to an adult scrolling through a child’s phone, the phrases can sound like fragments of a fever dream. But behind the bizarre characters, repetitive sounds, and seemingly nonsensical memes is a digital language increasingly shaping how young p»»»
NZ withdraws support for Infantino, Oceania backs review of scrapped stake sale plan
MELBOURNE: New Zealand became the latest nation to withdraw its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s reelection bid on Friday over the aborted commercial rights stake sale plan, while Oceania’s confederation cautiously backed the governing body’s leadership. Infantino has faced open revolt»»»
Russia's economy rebounds 1.3% in the second quarter but budget strains deepen
Russia's economy bounced back to 1.3% growth in the second quarter, beating official forecasts after a rare contraction at the start of the year. Preliminary data from Rosstat, the state statistics service, put second-quarter GDP up 1.3% y/y, above the 0.8% the central bank had forecast and the 0.9»»»
Air Arabia profit falls 51% as conflict cuts flights and pushes up fuel costs
SHARJAH: UAE budget carrier Air Arabia’s net profit fell 51 per cent to Dh374 million in the first half of 2026 as the regional conflict disrupted flights, reduced capacity and pushed fuel prices to record highs. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The Sharjah-based low-co»»»
FIFA chief Infantino receives support from 6 Arab federations including Lebanon
The heads of six Arab football federations expressed their "full support" and "confidence" in Gianni Infantino on Thursday as the embattled FIFA president fights to keep his job after his failed World Cup private investment plan. The backing came from 2030 World Cup co-host Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, M»»»
Roche Diagnostics appoints Carlos Justiniani Ugarte to lead business in Egypt, North Africa Arab Finance For Information Technology
Arab Finance: Roche Diagnostics has appointed Carlos Justiniani Ugarte as General Manager of Roche Diagnostics Egypt and North Africa Network Lead, strengthening the company’s leadership in the region, according to an emailed press release. Ugarte joins Roche’s Egypt affiliate after four years as C»»»
Abdoulaye Kane meets Badr Medkouri in the heavyweight main event at PFL Africa in Morocco
CASABLANCA, MOROCCO: The Professional Fighters League has announced the six semifinal matchups, and heavyweight main event for PFL Africa: Morocco on Oct. 10, as the league’s continental tournament reaches its penultimate round across the bantamweight, welterweight and lightweight divisions. Winner»»»
After Lebanon scraps death penalty, where does the region stand?
Lebanon has formally abolished the death penalty, going against the grain in a region where Iran and Saudi Arabia are reportedly the second- and third-biggest executors globally, after China. Here's a look at which countries in the Middle East and North Africa top the list of executioners, which ha»»»
In gesture to Paris, Mali pardons convicted French agent
BAMAKO: Mali’s junta chief on Thursday pardoned a French intelligence agent serving a 20 year jail term, a rare conciliatory gesture following years of tension between the west African nation and its former colonial ruler. The decision came as Mali’s military authorities have been weakened by a mas»»»
Ghana beat Ivory Coast 2-1 at WAFCON to keep Women’s World Cup qualification hopes alive
CASABLANCA: Ghana came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 Thursday and earn one of Africa’s last two chances to qualify for the Women’s World Cup. Nigeria were to play South Africa for the other later as the four beaten quarterfinalists at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations were pitted against each»»»
Maghreb sees demographic shift with fertility at historic low
TUNIS: Economic pressures and changing social norms are driving couples in Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria to have fewer babies, with a recent study saying Maghreb fertility was at a historic low. Experts and couples interviewed by AFP spoke of a combination of factors, including longer educations an»»»