UAE President sends a letter to Chinese President, delivered by his special envoy
BEIJING: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a letter to His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, concerning bilateral relations and ways to enhance them within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countri»»»
US civil rights leader Cesar Chavez accused of sexual abuse
US civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, who was known for advocating for the rights of farm workers, has been accused of sexual abuse. Dolores Huerta said in the 1960s, Chavez, who co-founded the United Farm Workers union (UFW) with her, once "manipulated and pressured" her into having sex, and on ano»»»
UAE residents choose road trips, staycations for Eid Al Fitr holidays
Dubai: UAE residents are choosing staycations and short road trips over international holidays this Eid Al-Fitr, say travel agents, as regional tensions continue to impact travel plans. Travel agents say there is very little demand for leisure air travel during the Eid break, even though flights ar»»»
UAE President sends a letter to Chinese President, delivered by his Special Envoy
BEIJING: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a letter to His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, concerning bilateral relations and ways to enhance them within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countri»»»
How Finnish supermarkets are central to the country's defence
If Finland was ever to face Russian aggression, Janne Ahtoniemi would know exactly what to do. He'd leap into action, but perhaps not in the way one might expect. You might guess that Ahtoniemi is a soldier in the Finnish army, but his preparedness is instead related to his work at nationwide super»»»
CBSE Class 10 assessment in Middle East: Why thousands of UAE students may reappear
Dubai: More than 13,500 Grade 10 CBSE students in the UAE are navigating an unprecedented academic situation, and many have expressed interest in sitting improvement examinations to score better in their board exams. On Wednesday, India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) unveiled a speci»»»
Sadiq Khan says Labour should pledge to rejoin EU
Sir Sadiq Khan has called for Labour to go into the next general election promising to rejoin the EU. The mayor of London has also said the government should rejoin the customs union and single market before the next general election, expected in 2029. Downing Street has repeatedly said the governm»»»
French FM talks to US and Israeli counterparts ahead of Lebanon visit Thursday
France's foreign minister will visit Lebanon on Thursday, the ministry told AFP, after the EU called on Israel to stop its military strikes on the country. The visit by Jean-Noel Barrot "underlines France's support and solidarity with the Lebanese people, dragged into a war they didn't choose," the»»»
Alberta seeks to set limits on use of medically assisted dying
Alberta has proposed a bill that would limit the use of medically assisted dying - also known as voluntary euthanasia - in the Canadian province solely to end-of-life circumstances. In 2021, Canada expanded access to medically assisted dying, known domestically by the acronym Maid, to people with s»»»
Iran targets Gulf energy sites after intel chief killed
Iran targeted oil and gas facilities across the Gulf on Wednesday after Israel killed the Islamic republic's intelligence chief, marking another blow to its leadership. The death of Esmail Khatib followed that of security chief Ali Larijani, which Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei -- unsee»»»
Israel doubles troops in Hezbollah fight, searches homes in south Lebanon – Ya Libnan
Share: Intense Israeli airstrike targets Khiam near Lebanon Israeli border (AFP) Israel has more than doubled the number of troops along its border with Lebanon since March 1 and they are searching homes in southern Lebanese villages that the military has ordered evacuated, a senior Israeli command»»»
Awqaf issues safety guidelines for worshipers during Eid Al-Fitr prayer
QNA Doha The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs issued a statement on Wednesday outlining a combination of guidelines for worshipers during Eid Al Fitr to ensure their safety and good organisation. The statement indicated that the authority agencies urge worshipers to adhere to the »»»
‘Targeting of Iran’s South Pars facilities by Israel is a dangerous step’
Tribune News Network Doha Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari has said that the Israeli targeting of facilities linked to Iran’s South Pars field, an extension of Qatar’s North Field, is a dangerous and irrespons»»»
Eid Al Fitr 2026: How Qatar is adapting celebrations this year
Doha: Eid Al Fitr is usually a time of joy, gatherings, and community as the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end. In Qatar, Eid 2026 will begin on Friday, March 20, according to the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf), after the crescent moon was not sighted on Wednesday evening. T»»»
Epstein files St Patrick's Day float 'unacceptable', says rape crisis charity
A St Patrick's Day float depicting the fallout of the Jeffrey Epstein files has been labelled as "completely unacceptable" by a rape crisis charity. Social media footage appeared to show people dressed in wigs on the float, which contained a mattress and a makeshift cage, attached to the back of a »»»
Gabbard tells Senate panel only Trump can determine imminent threats - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard prepares to testify during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Annabelle Gordon/UPI | License Photo March 18 (UPI) -- Dire»»»
Polymarket gamblers allegedly threaten Israeli reporter over Iran missile story
Online gamblers reportedly linked to the prediction platform Polymarket allegedly issued death threats to an Israeli journalist in an attempt to force him to change a story about an Iranian missile strike on Israel. Following his report on March 10 that an Iranian missile had fallen on open ground »»»
Hezbollah Media Committee Mourns Martyred Al-Manar Anchor Mohammad Sherri
Hezbollah Media Committee denounced on Wednesday the barbaric Israeli crime of bombing the civilians in Beirut and led to the martyrdom of Hajj Mohammad Sherri, the head of the Lebanese channel’s Political Programs Department, along with his devout and fasting wife, and the injury of several member»»»
Postmaster general: USPS will run out of money in 12 months - UPI.com
Postal workers load up their trucks for delivery at the Sunset Post Office in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on August 22, 2020. Postmaster General David Steiner said USPS revenue has decreased along as fewer people send mail through its service. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo M»»»
Iran war: Will your internet slow soon? Hormuz tensions raise undersea cable risks
Dubai: Internet users in the United Arab Emirates are unlikely to face major disruptions despite rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, though speeds could slow if conflict damages subsea cables that carry global data traffic. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The wate»»»
Regarding the Ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan during Eid al-Fitr
We welcome that Afghanistan and Pakistan have responded positively to the calls made by Türkiye, Qatar and Saudi Arabia and declared a ceasefire during the period of Eid al-Fitr. Based on this decision, we hope that the ceasefire will be observed and pave the way to a process whereby lasting peace »»»
Qatar Airways advises passengers not to arrive earlier than 4 hours before scheduled departure time
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways issued a statement kindly requesting passengers departing from Hamad International Airport (DOH) not to arrive earlier than 4 hours before their scheduled departure time. "Only passengers with a confirmed booking should travel to the airport. We recommend checking your fl»»»
Arab Startups Attract Investors Despite War-Driven Uncertainty
At a time when geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts cast a shadow over the broader landscape, the Middle East and North Africa's startup ecosystem is showing strong resilience and the ability to attract both local and international capital. Investment in technology is no longer a complement»»»
What Remains of Hezbollah’s Military Arsenal?
The rockets that Hezbollah continues to fire, since its decision to join what it calls a support war for Iran, have surprised observers with their intensity and type, particularly in Israel. Israeli media have expressed astonishment that the group still retains such military capabilities, despite t»»»
From Libya to Iran: Declining West Seeks to 'Re-colonize' Resource-Rich Nations – Expert
The US has destroyed resource-rich countries able to chart an autonomous political path – with Libya as a glaring example, Dr Alexis Habiyaremye, a visiting professor with the University of Johannesburg, tells Sputnik. "The US has never been interested in promoting real democracy," says Habiyaremye»»»
Five takeaways from Markwayne Mullin's Homeland Security confirmation hearing
Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin regretted calling Alex Pretti - a Minnesota resident killed by federal immigration officers in Minnesota earlier this year - a "deranged individual", he said on Wednesday. The senator's marks came as he was questioned by colleagues considering his nomination to lea»»»
Esmail Khatib, Iran Spy Chief, from Shadow War to Assassination
Within Iran’s ruling structure in Tehran, the post of intelligence minister is far from a routine cabinet role. The ministry, established after the 1979 revolution, is a central pillar of the security system, overseeing a wide network of intelligence operations at home and abroad. While the preside»»»
Israel Ramps up Qassam Killings in Gaza for Fourth Consecutive Day
Israel has stepped up targeted killings of fighters in Gaza for a fourth day in a row, zeroing in on field commanders in the military wings of Palestinian factions, particularly the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, across the north and south of the enclave. On Wednesday, the »»»
Forum on Healthcare Held in Sofia
A forum on healthcare, organized by the Bulgarian Medical Union, was held in Sofia on Wednesday, bringing together representatives of medical institutions and community to discuss key challenges and future policies in the system. The participants in the forum included President Iliana Iotova, caret»»»
Constitutional reform in El Salvador would allow life imprisonment - UPI.com
El Salvador's security minister, Gustavo Villatoro, said the pending new penalties for major crimes aim to strengthen public safety. File Photo by Miguel Lemus/EPA March 18 (UPI) -- El Salvador's Legislative Assembly has approved a constitutional reform that allows life imprisonment for people conv»»»
GERB Leader Borissov Discusses Elections, Interaction in Parliament
GERB leader Boyko Borissov, who is in Brussels for the 50th anniversary of the European People's Party (EPP), discussed several topics in a video broadcast on his Facebook page on Wednesday. Ahead of the April 19 snap parliamentary elections, Borissov said coalitions are formed after elections. "Ea»»»
Iran vows retaliation after Israel strikes South Pars gas field - UPI.com
Iran is threatening to execute retaliatory strikes on oil and gas facilities near the Persian Gulf after Israel launched a strike on its South Pars gas field on Wednesday. File Photo by Maryam Rahmanian/UPI | License Photo March 18 (UPI) -- Iran is threatening to execute retaliatory strikes on oil »»»
Israel Army Chief Says West Bank Settler Attacks ‘Ethically Unacceptable’
Israel's military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir on Wednesday criticized a recent rise in settler attacks in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, calling the violence against troops and civilians "morally and ethically unacceptable". At least six Palestinians have been killed in attacks by Israeli »»»
One killed as ski gondola crashes down mountain at Swiss resort
A woman was killed when a ski gondola crashed down a snowy mountain at Engelberg ski resort in the Swiss Alps, local officials say. Police in the central Swiss canton of Nidwalden say the gondola detached from the cable "for reasons that are still unclear" at about 11:00 (10:00 GMT) on Wednesday. E»»»
Penal Code Amendment Bills Consolidated into One
On Wednesday, the National Assembly Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs adopted at second reading a consolidated bill combining drafts aimed at amending and supplementing the Penal Code that were approved in plenary at first reading. One of the initial bills was submitted by GERB-UDF, one»»»
Killing of Larijani Complicates Iran’s Decision-Making, Shrinks Its Options
The killing of Iran's most influential powerbroker, Ali Larijani, has pushed the country into a more uncertain phase, complicating decision-making in Tehran and narrowing its options as the war grinds on. The US-Israeli war on Iran began with the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei alongside a g»»»
Israel says hit Hezbollah-controlled gas stations in Lebanon
Israel's military said Wednesday it had struck gas stations in south Lebanon belonging to a company owned by Hezbollah. "Overnight, the (Israeli army) struck Al-Amana Fuel Company gas stations in southern Lebanon", the military said. A map shared with the statement showed the locations of five gas »»»
US signals tighter visa rules to curb overstays
Dubai: The US is expanding visa restrictions to cover 50 countries, adding 12 more to its existing list as part of efforts to curb overstays and tighten immigration controls, the State Department said. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.In a post on social media platform »»»
Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs Adopts on Second Reading So-Called Lobbying Activities Act
The Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs adopted at second reading a draft law on transparency and integrity in governance, the so-called Lobbying Activities Act, submitted by GERB-UDF MP Georgi Georgiev at an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday. A proposal by Velichie MP Yuli»»»
UAE keeps key interest rate unchanged amid Iran war, mirroring US Fed move
Dubai: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) announced late Wednesday it has decided to maintain the Base Rate applicable to the Overnight Deposit Facility (ODF) at 3.65%. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.This CBUAE decision was taken following the US Federal Reserve's de»»»
Hungary veto on Ukraine and carbon market to hijack EU summit
Hungary’s veto on money for Ukraine is to hijack the spotlight at Thursday’s EU summit in Brussels (19 March), alongside disagreements over Europe’s carbon market, overshadowing what was meant to be a key debate on turning Europe into a truly economic powerhouse. In draft conclusions, seen by EUobs»»»
Parents pay €7,000 over children’s school vandalism
The parents of a group of teenagers believed to have vandalized two state schools in northern Greece have covered the cost of repairs to avoid legal action, municipal officials said. The municipality of Thermi near Thessaloniki said police used security camera footage to identify nine local high sc»»»
US Federal Reserve keeps key interest rate unchanged again amid Iran-US war
Dubai: The US Federal Reserve held rates steady on Wednesday, when they were expected to leave interest rates unchanged, as the US-Israel war on Iran sends shock waves through oil markets and supply chains, while economic data has begun to show weakness. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, C»»»
US holds interest rates as Iran war triggers oil shock
The US central bank has voted to hold interest rates steady again, as a spike in oil prices since the US-Israel war with Iran began raises economic uncertainty and threatens to drive up inflation. The decision, which was widely expected, left the Federal Reserve's key interest rate in the range of »»»
Pakistan and Afghanistan Announce Eid ‘Pause’ in Hostilities
Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday announced a halt in fighting during celebrations for the end of Ramadan, after the deadliest strike in their escalating conflict killed hundreds in Kabul earlier this week. The governments in Islamabad and Kabul said in separate statements that Saudi Arabia, Qa»»»
Both Sides in Iran War Ratchet up Attacks on Energy Facilities, as Oil Prices Surge
Israel kept up its campaign of targeting Iran’s leaders on Wednesday, killing the country’s intelligence minister, and an Iranian offshore natural gas field was struck in a sign of the war’s mounting pressure – from both sides -- on the region's economic lifeblood: energy. Iran has been taking aim »»»
Awqaf issues guidelines for worshippers ahead of Eid Al-Fitr prayers
Doha: Qatar’s Ministry of Awqaf (Endowments) and Islamic Affairs issued on Wednesday a set of guidelines for worshippers attending Eid Al-Fitr prayers for the year 1447 AH, aimed at ensuring safety and smooth organisation at mosques. In a statement, the Ministry urged worshippers to arrive early at»»»
Pakistan and Afghanistan announce Eid 'pause' in hostilities
Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday announced a halt in fighting during celebrations for the end of Ramadan, after the deadliest strike in their escalating conflict killed hundreds in Kabul earlier this week. The governments in Islamabad and Kabul said in separate statements that Saudi Arabia, Qa»»»
Healthcare System Fails to Deliver Health Outcomes, Says Health Committee Chair
After years of discussion, reforms and policy shifts, the healthcare system has completely lost its direction and is not delivering its most important outcome – health, Parliamentary Health Committee Chair Kostadin Angelov said on Wednesday. He was speaking at a forum on health from public attitude»»»
Iran's intelligence minister Esmail Khatib killed in air strike
Iran's intelligence minister Esmail Khatib has been killed, the country's president has confirmed. Masoud Pezeshkian said the "cowardly assassination" had left Iran "in deep mourning", after Israel said on Wednesday it had killed Khatib in an air strike. It comes a day after Israel announced it had»»»