Closing Bell: Saudi benchmark index falls to 10,967
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Sunday, losing 27.50 points, or 0.25 percent, to close at 10,967.94. The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR2.91 billion ($768 million), as 77 stocks advanced and 179 retreated. Similarly, the Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu »»»
Saudi Arabia announces 1448 AH Umrah season calendar, visa e-services details
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Saturday the calendar for the 1448 AH Umrah season, including schedules and electronic services related to visa issuance, contracting procedures and the reception of Umrah pilgrims. According to the ministry, the official Umrah season calendar »»»
Qatar Charity launches its new strategy for 2026-2030
DOHA: Qatar Charity launched its new strategy for the period 2026-2030, which aims for further institutional development and maximizing its humanitarian impact both within and outside the State of Qatar. The strategy also seeks to solidify its position as a leading international humanitarian and de»»»
Four Egyptian students killed in motorcycle fuel tank explosion at home in Assiut
Four Egyptian students were killed in a fuel tank explosion inside a house in Upper Egypt’s Assiut Governorate while they were studying together ahead of upcoming exams, security and local sources said. The incident occurred in the village of Bani Shaqir in the Manfalut district, where the four gra»»»
Gulf, International Initiative to Assess War’s Impact on Private Sector
Asharq Al-Awsat has learned of a joint initiative by the Federation of GCC Chambers and the International Labor Organization to conduct a rapid assessment of the impact of the war on the private sector and labor markets across Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The initiative is expected to contri»»»
Election official says parliamentary representation to focus on qualifications
DAMASCUS, May 17 (SANA) Syria’s Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections said representation in the upcoming parliamentary elections will be based on qualifications rather than quota systems, as preparations for voting continue in several regions. Nawar Najma, spokesperson for the committee»»»
Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers inside a tent in the town of Al-Bayada with a loitering drone, evacuation operation spotted: Hezbollah Military Media statement 4 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers inside a tent in the town of Al-Bayada with a loitering drone, evacuat»»»
Israeli warplane strikes the southern Lebanese town of Ma’roub in Tyre district: Al-Manar correspondent - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Israeli warplane strikes the southern Lebanese town of Ma’roub in Tyre district: Al-Manar correspondent 17-05-2026 15:22 PM Latest News Urg»»»
Amal Movement on 43rd anniversary of May 17 Agreement: Israeli aggression doesn’t target a specific group, sect, party, or movement, but rather entire Lebanon itself, as a model, a role, and a message - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Amal Movement on 43rd anniversary of May 17 Agreement: Israeli aggression doesn’t target a specific group, sect, party, or movement, but ra»»»
Alex Marquez injured in horrific Catalan MotoGP crash
Barcelona: The Catalan MotoGP was red-flagged on Sunday after a horrific crash involving multiple riders, including Alex Marquez, on the 12th lap. Marquez, who was flipped off his bike after it hit a wall, was removed from the track in an ambulance and taken to hospital. Offiials remove the destroy»»»
IAEA expresses 'grave concern' over drone strike near UAE nuclear plant
Vienna: The UN atomic watchdog, the IAEA, on Sunday expressed "grave concern" over a drone strike near a United Arab Emirates nuclear plant that triggered a fire, though it said that radiation levels remained normal. The International Atomic Energy Agency on X said its head, Rafael Grossi, voiced t»»»
Israel to establish defense offices in former UNRWA compound
JERUSALEM: Israel’s cabinet on Sunday approved a plan to build a defense compound on the site of the recently demolished premises of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in East Jerusalem. Israel in January demolished structures inside the UN Palestinian refugee agency’s East Jerusalem comp»»»
Indian worker killed, three injured in massive drone attack on Russia
Doha, Qatar: One Indian worker has lost his life while three others have been injured in a drone attack in Russia's Moscow region on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The Indian Embassy in Russia stated this in a social media post, adding that the officials visited the location and met the injured in hospital.»»»
Drone War Intensifies: Israeli Forces Shield Positions as Hezbollah Videos Show Sustained Strikes
Hezbollah Military Media released on Sunday two videos showing fresh strikes on Israeli targets in occupied southern border area of Lebanon. The first video displayed three strikes, dated on May 14 and 15, employing explosive-laden drones and rockets. The nearly two-minute video showed fighters pre»»»
Drone Attack on Moscow Was EU-Financed Ukrainian Terrorist Strike - Russian MFA Spox
The overnight mass terrorist attack carried out by Ukraine once again targeted exclusively peaceful civilians, apartment buildings, and private homes, stated Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. "To the tunes of Eurovision songs, the Ukrainian regime has committed yet another mass»»»
Russian Athletes Set Two New World Records
Russian athlete David Shamey has set new world record in the push press with a ball dumbbell, while athlete Ramil Ramazanov set a record in the overhead lift of a giant dumbbell, Mikhail Paller, president of the international Bogatyr movement and the All-Russian public organization "Strongest Natio»»»
U.S. envoy says Syria sees notable progress, promising opportunities ahead
Damascus, May 17 (SANA) U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said recent developments in Syria marked significant progress, adding that the coming period could bring “tremendous progress for the Syrian people and lasting stability.” In a post on X on Sunday, Barrack said the “visionary meeting” »»»
Amal Movement calls for vigilance and caution against the risks of internal strife, “from which only the Israeli enemy benefits” - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Amal Movement calls for vigilance and caution against the risks of internal strife, “from which only the Israeli enemy benefits” 17-05-2026»»»
Tunisias NDC 3.0 targets 46.4% cut in carbon intensity by 2030
Tunis, May 17 (TAP) — Tunisia plans to reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by 46.4% by 2030 and by 62% by 2035, according to its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which was discussed over the weekend in Gammarth during a...»»»
Kuwait introduces new online self-service feature allowing company partners to renew work permits through “Ashal Services” portal
Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower has launched a new digital service enabling company partners to renew their work permits independently through its “Ashal Services” online portal. The authority said the new feature was introduced as part of broader efforts to expand e-government services, str»»»
Hezbollah Military Media statement 3: Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli military vehicle in the town of Al-Bayyada with a loitering drone and it was seen burning afterward - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Hezbollah Military Media statement 3: Islamic Resistance fighters targeted an Israeli military vehicle in the town of Al-Bayyada with a loi»»»
Efforts continue for full ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel
Lebanon has received a proposal through its embassy in Washington concerning efforts to achieve a complete and comprehensive ceasefire within 24 to 48 hours, starting at midnight between Saturday and Sunday, diplomatic sources said. The diplomatic sources told MTV that contacts intensified on Satur»»»
UAE landlords can now check tenants’ credit scores through UAE PASS
Dubai: Private landlords in the UAE can now request the credit scores of prospective tenants through a new digital screening service launched by Etihad Credit Bureau in collaboration with UAE PASS. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.The new “Tenant S»»»
Saudi Arabia seeks urban development partnerships at WUF13 in Baku
RIYADH: International partnerships on housing, smart cities and urban development are expected to strengthen as senior Saudi ministry officials participate in the World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan. The Saudi delegation, led by Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail, is attending the 1»»»
Women’s university announces new admissions program for high-achieving students
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh has opened a new admissions track allowing high-performing students to be automatically selected for certain courses. It applies to courses that require a foundation year, and students are automatically granted a place on the full course if they»»»
Mob torches 100 homes in Sindh over free-will marriage
Dubai: More than 100 houses were set ablaze in Pakistan’s Sindh province after a violent mob attack triggered by a dispute over a free-will marriage between two people from different communities, according to media reports. The attack took place in Jacobabad district, where armed men allegedly stor»»»
Saudi Arabia deports11,272 illegal residents, arrests 9,576 others over residency, labour and border violations in one week nationwide crachdown
Saudi Arabia deported 11,272 illegal residents in one week after nationwide inspection campaigns targeting residency, labour and border security violations, the Interior Ministry said. Security authorities arrested 9,576 people during joint operations carried out between May 7 and May 13 in coordin»»»
UK armed forces to visit US to mark independence anniversary
London: The British military's aerial display team and the Royal Navy, which was recently maligned by Donald Trump, will soon visit the US to mark 250 years of American independence, the UK government said Sunday. The Royal Air Force's Red Arrows will in June embark on a one-month "showcase tour" o»»»
Iran media says ‘no tangible concessions’ in US response to Iran proposal
TEHRAN: Iranian media on Sunday said the United States failed to make any concrete concessions in its response to Iran’s proposal for negotiations to end the war. Fars news agency said Washington gave a five-point list which included a demand for Iran to keep only one nuclear site in operation and »»»
Iran have 'constructive' meeting with FIFA over World Cup preparations
Paris, France: FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom described as "excellent" and "constructive" the meeting held on Saturday in Istanbul with the Iranian federation to ensure Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Iranians are scheduled to be bas»»»
Iran’s Velayati Hits Back at Trump Threats: US Falling into Strategic Trap by ‘Israel’
Ali Akbar Velayati, Senior Advisor on International Affairs to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, has warned that Washington is “walking into a strategic trap” allegedly set by Israel, cautioning that another war on Iran would further erode US credibility in West Asia. In a post on X, Velayati—a»»»
Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gathering of Israeli soldiers and vehciles with a barrage of rockets: Hezbollah Military Media statement 2 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gathering of Israeli soldiers and vehciles with a barrage of rockets: Hezbollah Military Media stateme»»»
Israeli strikes kill four people in Gaza, medics say
CAIRO: Israeli strikes killed at least four Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, health officials said. Medics said an Israeli strike killed one Palestinian near a police post in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The Israeli military said it killed a militant who posed an immediate thre»»»
'Peaky Blinders' creator says he has licence to reinvent James Bond
Cannes, France: Peaky Blinders" creator Steven Knight, who is writing the next "Bond" movie, has strongly hinted that the ageing British spy is about to get really shaken and stirred. The writer said that Amazon has given him a licence to play with the legendary MI6 secret agent created by author I»»»
Massive crowds gather in London for anti-immigration march (VIDEOS)
Large crowds have descended upon central London for an anti-immigration rally dubbed ‘Unite the Kingdom’. Videos and photographs circulating on social media on Saturday showed demonstrators with Union Jack flags, crosses, and other Christian symbols marching through the streets of the British capit»»»
Digital ‘catastrophe’?: Iran now eyes internet cables beneath Hormuz
Dubai: Having tested the world’s dependence on the Strait of Hormuz through wartime oil disruptions, Iran is now signaling it could target another critical global artery — the subsea internet cables carrying financial transactions, cloud services and digital communications between Europe, Asia and »»»
Saudi SARCO, China’s Ally Hydrogen sign Jazan green ammonia deal
RIYADH: Jazan Industrial City will host a new green ammonia plant under a new agreement between Saudi Arabia Refineries Co. and China’s Ally Hydrogen Energy to establish a local hydrogen equipment manufacturing and assembly hub. The new non-binding memorandum of understanding will also include the »»»
Italian PM meets victims of Modena car incident
Modena, Italy: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday visited people wounded by a driver with a history of mental health problems who ran over several pedestrians in a city centre in northern Italy. The driver, a 31-year-old Italian man of Moroccan heritage, hit several people before crash»»»
International dive group joins Maldives search for missing Italians
Malé, Maldives: An international dive safety group sent experts to the Maldives on Sunday to join a multinational recovery effort after five Italians and a rescue diver died in the Indian Ocean tourist destination's deadliest diving disaster, an official said. The five Italians drowned while in a d»»»
Foreign outflows pressure EGX benchmark despite broader gains
Cairo — Egypt’s stock market ended trading on Thursday, 14 May 2026 on a mixed note, with the benchmark index extending its recent decline as investors continued trimming positions in large-cap stocks, while broader indices maintained modest gains supported by selective buying in mid- and small-cap»»»
Germany, Canada among top picks for UAE students
Germany, France, Australia and Canada are emerging as the top choices for students exploring international education, according to Clint Khan, Director at Y-Axis, Platinum Sponsor of Edufair. Speaking on the sidelines of Gulf News Edufair in Abu Dhabi, Khan said students are increasingly factoring »»»
Shipping Firms Scramble for Emergency Truck Routes Amid Hormuz Crisis
The US-Israeli war on Iran has triggered a logistics shockwave — and the Gulf is now paying the price. The Strait of Hormuz squeeze has forced shipping companies to scramble to move cargo by land, reports the FT.Businesses now face exploding costs, delays stretching for months, and mounting supply »»»
Türkiye says Hormuz crisis heightens risks to global trade
Ankara, May 17 (SANA) Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat said Sunday that escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the war in the Middle East pose a significant challenge to the global economy and international trade. In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Bolat said the current de-escalation»»»
Tunis to host IFSA Africa 2026 food industry show, June 9-11
Tunis, May 17 (TAP) — The International Food Industry Exhibition for Africa (IFSA Africa) will hold its next edition at the Kram Exhibition Centre in Tunis from June 9 to 11, 2026.According to the organizers, the event has become a leading reference...»»»
Saudi literature, heritage on display at Doha book fair
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, known as Darah, is participating in the Doha International Book Fair as part of the Saudi pavilion. The participation reflects Darah’s commitment to promoting Saudi history and cultural heritage and strengthening the Kingdom’s interna»»»
Drone strike causes fire outside Abu Dhabi nuclear power plant, no injuries reported
Abu Dhabi: Authorities in Abu Dhabi responded to a fire incident on Sunday, May 17, 2026, after an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region caught fire. According to a statement released by the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the incident w»»»
Tunisia–UK: Online seminar to boost Investment and business ties
Tunis, May 17 (TAP) — The Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA Tunisia), in collaboration with the Scottish African Business Association (SABA), is organizing an online economic seminar titled “Tunisia–Scotland: Unlocking Business...»»»
BlagoDara! – Bulgaria Coins New Word to Thank Its Eurovision Winner
Bulgarian musicians, actors and writers, including some of the brightest stars on the national entertainment and intellectual scene, congratulated Dara on winning the Eurovision Song Contest on the night of Saturday to Sunday with her song "Bangaranga". Bulgaria has won the contest for the first ti»»»
Egypt unveils $15bn New Delta megaproject to expand farmland
RIYADH: Egypt’s vast New Delta project will transform a swathe of desert west of the mouth of the Nile River into arable land and include infrastructure investments worth 800 billion Egyptian pounds ($15 billion), President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said. El-Sisi made the remarks during the inauguration»»»
Saudi Arabia announces Umrah season schedule
MAKKAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Sunday announced the upcoming Umrah season calendar, outlining key dates and electronic services related to visas, contracts, and pilgrim arrivals. It is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and provide the best experienc»»»