Trump 'Board of Peace' opens with money and troops for Gaza
U.S. President Donald Trump promised $10 billion and Muslim-majority nations offered funding and troops for Gaza as he inaugurated his "Board of Peace," a new institution whose ultimate mission has drawn questions. Trump brought together allies from around the world -- many authoritarians, with few»»»
Romanian CEOs most optimistic in CEE despite mounting pressures – survey
Nearly two thirds of business leaders (62%) expect threats facing companies to increase in 2026, yet more than four in five (85%) remain optimistic about the growth prospects of their own organisations, according to a global survey conducted by Grayling among senior executives in IT, finance, energ»»»
Former Prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct over ties to Epstein
The former Prince Andrew was arrested and held for hours by British police Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his links to Jeffrey Epstein, an extraordinary move in a country where authorities once sought to shield the royal family from embarrassment.»»»
Bulgaria: Gyurov Accepts Tsitselkov’s Resignation, Takes Responsibility for Appointment
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov has publicly addressed the resignation of Stoil Tsitselkov from his post as Deputy Prime Minister for Fair Elections, affirming that the decision to appoint him was entirely his own and that he takes full responsibility for it. Gyurov made his remarks during a»»»
Turkish Police Detain Deutsche Welle Journalist over Social Media Posts
Turkish police have detained investigative journalist Alican Uludag on suspicion of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and spreading misinformation, sparking outrage among journalism groups. Uludag, who works for German broadcaster Deutsche Welle’s Turkish service, was taken from his home in »»»
President: Conflicting Assessments Prompted Euro Referendum Initiative
President Iliana Iotova said an initiative for a referendum on the euro adoption by Bulgaria was driven by conflicting assessments from national institutions and European partners about Bulgaria’s readiness to join the eurozone, speaking on This Morning. President Rumen Radev, with Iliana Iotova th»»»
Iran warns US bases, assets 'legitimate targets' if it attacks
Iran has warned that U.S. bases, facilities and assets would be "legitimate targets" if the United States follows through on its military threats and attacks. Amir Saeid Iravani, the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, made the remarks in a letter to U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres an»»»
Trump issues Iran with ultimatum as US ramps up military presence
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Iran must make a "meaningful deal" in negotiations with Washington in the next 10 days or else "bad things happen", as he deployed warships, fighter jets and other military hardware to the region. "It's proven to be over the years not easy to make a»»»
SVN Romania adds to its portfolio the most exclusive residential project in northern Bucharest
Allegra will be one of the most exclusive real estate projects on the local market, bringing together only seven apartments in a boutique residential building structured on four levels. Each residence will have a total area of at least 150 square meters and will consist of three bedrooms, three or »»»
Business - Renewed tensions threaten European fighter jet project
What fate awaits Europe’s Future Combat Air System? The joint programme to modernise military aviation in France, Germany and Spain has hit turbulence, as tensions rise between the partners designing a next-generation fighter jet – and questions grow over whether Berlin might quit the defence »»»
MOL Group announces a profit before tax of USD 1.3 billion in 2025
MOL Group disclosed its financial results for the full year as well as the fourth quarter of 2025. A more challenging macroeconomic and price environment weighed on Upstream performance, while strong Downstream and Consumer Services results supported overall profitability. Profit before tax reached»»»
South Korea’s Ex-President Yoon Apologizes After Life Sentence Over Martial Law
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized on Friday for his short-lived declaration of martial law in December 2024, a day after a Seoul court sentenced him to life in prison for masterminding an insurrection. In a statement released by his lawyers, Yoon said that while he was sorry f»»»
Southern part of Deng Xiaoping Avenue in Bishkek to be closed for repairs - | 24.KG
The southern side of Deng Xiaoping Avenue in Bishkek, from Intergelpo Street to Kainazarov Street (4,458 kilometers), will be temporarily closed for repairs starting February 24. The press service of the City Hall announced. According to the press service, the work will begin ahead of schedule due »»»
Oil prices rise on U.S.-Iran tensions
Singapore, Feb. 20 (SANA) Oil prices rose on Friday amid escalating concerns over a potential conflict between the United States and Iran and possible supply disruptions. Brent crude futures gained 25 cents, or 0.4%, to settle at $71.91 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 31 cen»»»
Moves follow stalled nuclear talks, with Trump warning of 'bad things' without a deal soon
As Iran issues blunt warnings of strikes on US bases and assets if war erupts, Washington is already on the move. Massive C-5M Super Galaxy cargo planes — among the largest military aircraft in the world — have been spotted heading into the Middle East, hauling heavy equipment as tensions spike. Th»»»
SCOR creates over 300 jobs in Tech & Data, Finance, and reinsurance operations in Bucharest
SCOR Bucharest aims to hire over 300 professionals by the end of 2026, including 100 in finance, 150 in technology and data, approximately 45 in Property & Casualty, and 20 colleagues in operations. The recruitment process to strengthen the SCOR Bucharest team began in January 2026, and currently, »»»
65,000 engaged: How Abu Dhabi is transforming early childhood
Abu Dhabi is stepping into 2026 with a renewed focus on families and young children, building on a year of record-breaking engagement and service expansion, the city’s Early Childhood Authority (ECA) said. Dr Yousef Al Hammadi, Executive Director of ECA’s Knowledge & Impact Sector, highlighted that»»»
UAE economy grows 5.1% to Dh1.4 trillion on strong non-oil expansion
Dubai: The UAE economy expanded steadily during the first nine months of 2025, with gross domestic product reaching about Dh1.4 trillion, supported by continued strength in non-oil sectors and broad-based growth across key industries. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Da»»»
Tamchy financial and investment zone to be built in Issyk-Kul district - | 24.KG
Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev participated in the capsule-laying ceremony for the construction of Tamchy Special Financial and Investment Zone (SFIT) in Issyk-Kul district. The Cabinet of Ministers’ press service reported. Speaking at the event, the Cabinet Chairman emphasized that the Tamchy»»»
G-Dragon delivers power-packed finale with Big Bang reunion tease: KRAZY Super Concert Dubai recap
Dubai: Dubai witnessed an unforgettable night of K-Pop and pop energy on Tuesday, 17 February, as the KRAZY Super Concert brought some of the biggest names from Asia’s music scene to the stage. From high energy performances to fan chants and iconic hits, the concert was everything a K-pop fan dream»»»
President Iotova Calls for Better Communication after US Military Aircraft Appear at Sofia Airport
Bulgaria’s presidential institution has received formal notification from the Ministry of Defence that US Air Force aircraft currently stationed at Sofia Airport are present to support a planned military exercise, President Iliana Iotova said on Friday. She was speaking in a wide-ranging interview »»»
President Iotova Says Lack of Clear Reason to Limit Voting Sections outside EU Drove Her to Veto Election Code Revisions
President Iliana Iotova vetoed amendments to the Election Code that limit the number of polling stations outside the European Union to 20, as no one was able to give her “a satisfactory explanation as to why the number must be set at exactly 20,” she said in a wide-ranging interview on bTV on Frida»»»
US reportedly pushes Nato to scale back Kosovo operation and other foreign missions
The United States under President Donald Trump is pressing Nato to significantly reduce its foreign engagements, including scaling down the alliance’s long-running peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, Politico reported on February 19, citing statements from four diplomats. »»»
US reportedly pushes Nato to scale back Kosovo operation and other foreign missions
The United States under President Donald Trump is pressing Nato to significantly reduce its foreign engagements, including scaling down the alliance’s long-running peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, Politico reported on February 19, citing statements from four diplomats. »»»
Russia Blasts Ukraine's Paralympic Boycott: 'Trampling on the Principles of Olympism'
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine is trying to trample on both the principles of Olympism and the foundations of humanity, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Sputnik on Friday, commenting on Ukraine's decision to boycott the Paralympic Games. On Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Aff»»»
Dems. tap Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger for State of the Union response - UPI.com
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, seen here campaigning in November 2025, is to give the Democrats' response next week to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has been tapped to give the »»»
Kyrgyzstan leads in number of visits by Uzbeks in January 2026 - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan became the most popular destinations for Uzbeks in early 2026, podrobno.uz reports. According to the website, tourism activity among Uzbek citizens increased significantly in January 2026, with nearly 590,000 people traveling abroad. According to the National Statistical C»»»
US Congress Briefed on Corruption Among Zelensky's Associates - Report
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have uncovered corruption and embezzlement by associates of Volodymyr Zelensky, the Special Inspector General report to Congress read. "Ukrainian law enforcement agencies exposed more than $100 million in corruption by government officials," the»»»
US general reveals make-up of Gaza peacekeeping force
Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania are ready to deploy peacekeeping forces to Gaza, US Major-General Jasper Jeffers has said during the first ‘Board of Peace’ meeting in Washington on Thursday. The troops are to serve in the International Stabilization Force (ISF), while Egypt and J»»»
Kidney transplants in Kyrgyzstan: Over 7 percent of patients return to dialysis - | 24.KG
Between 2018 and 2025, a surgical team at the National Center for Maternal and Child Welfare independently performed 79 kidney transplant operations. The report by chief external specialists of the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan says. Of these, 42 were related-donor transplants conducted under th»»»
Trump says he’s ordering release of data on UFOs and aliens
Washington: US President Donald Trump said Thursday he is ordering federal agencies to begin “identifying and releasing” government files related to UFOs and aliens, a move sought for decades by some Americans. “Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will be directing the Secretary of War, and o»»»
Accor Group announces revenue of EUR 5.64 billion in 2025
For FY 2025, the Group recorded revenue of EUR 5,639 million, up 4.5% at constant currency compared with FY 2024. This increase breaks down into a 2.4% rise at constant currency for the Premium, Midscale and Economy division and a 9.8% rise at constant currency for the Luxury & Lifestyle division. »»»
Trump Considering Initial Limited Strike on Iran - Reports
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump is considering a possibility to carry out an initial limited strike on Iran to force it make a nuclear deal, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources. If authorized, such a strike could follow within days and will hit a few military or govern»»»
Iran, Russia Conduct Vessel Rescue Exercise in Gulf of Oman
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - The Russian and Iranian navies successfully practiced rescuing a vessel hijacked by pirates in the Gulf of Oman during exercises on Thursday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said. On Wednesday, the Fars news agency reported that Iran and Russia will conduct exercises»»»
Orban Says Time for Europe to Resume Dialogue With Russia
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - It is high time for Europe to resume dialogue with Russia, and this should be done by the leader of a major European country, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said. "Some major European leader, whether French, Italian, or German, should take on the task of breaking the ice, »»»
Japan Remains Committed to Peace Treaty With Russia – Foreign Minister
TOKYO (Sputnik) - Japan continues to adhere to its policy of resolving the territorial issue and concluding a peace treaty with Russia, and also proceeds from the necessity of resolving existing problems by ensuring appropriate interaction and communication, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said »»»
Bulgaria: Deputy PM for Fair Elections Announces Resignation Amid Controversy
Deputy Prime Minister for Fair Elections Stoil Tsitselkov announced his resignation on Friday, stating that his departure is intended to keep attention focused on the upcoming elections. Speaking at a briefing at the Council of Ministers, Tsitselkov emphasized that the recent attacks on his profess»»»
Construction near TSUM in Bishkek deemed non-compliant with approved design - | 24.KG
Construction work on the territory of TSUM Aichurek (Central Department Store) in Bishkek has been found to be inconsistent with the approved design documentation. By order of Mayor of Bishkek Aibek Dzhunushaliev, the erected metal structure is subject to dismantling. An inspection revealed that th»»»
Ramadan: A Month of Trust and Reflection
Ramadan Kareem to you and your families. It's a great and blessed time to be here in the UAE and in a newsroom, especially witnessing the excitement ahead of the moon sighting. We use a host of analytical tools at Gulf News to see how many people are on our website and what they are reading. The gr»»»
Kerala woman discovers surgical forceps inside her abdomen, 5 years after operation
Dubai: A shocking case of alleged medical negligence has emerged from Alappuzha after surgical forceps were discovered inside a woman’s abdomen five years after her operation at Alappuzha Medical College. The instrument was only detected recently when the patient, 51-year-old Usha Joseph, sought me»»»
Heads roll in Europe over Epstein files while US justice declines to act
The arrest of Britain’s former prince Andrew underscored the stark contrast between Europe's response to the Epstein files and that of the United States, where only Ghislaine Maxwell is facing justice for her links to the convicted sex offender. Members of Congress from both parties have called for»»»
Qatar accelerates AI adoption as emerging organisations surge by 10 percentage points
Doha: Qatar is demonstrating significant momentum in artificial intelligence advancement within the GCC, recording a remarkable AI maturation shift according to a comprehensive new study by Boston Consulting Group. The report, “Unlocking Potential: How GCC Organizations Can Convert AI Momentum into»»»
Air Defenses Shot Down 149 Ukrainian Drones Overnight - Russian Defense Ministry
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's air defenses shot down 149 Ukrainian drones overnight, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. "This past night, from 11:00 PM [20:00 GMT] on February 19 to 7:00 AM [04:00 GMT] Moscow time on February 20, air defense systems on duty intercepted and destroyed 14»»»
US Planning to Complete Troop Deployment in Middle East by Mid-March - Reports
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United States plans to complete its troop deployment in the Middle East by mid-March in case of a possible operation against Iran, The Washington Post newspaper reported, citing US officials. US President Donald Trump's national security advisers met in the Situation Room on »»»
NASA Delivers Harsh Assessment of Botched Boeing Starliner Test Flight
NASA on Thursday blamed what it called engineering vulnerabilities in Boeing's Starliner spacecraft along with internal agency mistakes in a sharply critical report assessing a botched mission that left two astronauts stranded in space. The US space agency labeled the 2024 test flight of the Starli»»»
Abu Dhabi property deals reach Dh142 billion in 2025 with strong investor demand
Dubai: Abu Dhabi’s real estate market recorded its strongest performance on record last year, with total transactions reaching Dh142 billion across more than 42,800 deals, reflecting sustained investor demand and rising market confidence. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balance»»»
Residential stock surpasses 404,600 units as nearly 1,975 homes delivered in H2 2025
DOHA: Qatar’s total residential stock reached 404,612 units by the end of second half (H2) of last year, including 255,959 apartments and 148,653 villas. An estimated 1,975 units were delivered during H2 2025. The notable completions included 799 homes in Yasmeen City Phase 1, 350 homes in La Plage»»»
Return To Senders clinches Al Jumayliyah Cup
DOHA: Return To Senders returned to winning form in the seventh race on Wednesday night, claiming the Al Jumayliyah Cup over 1700m for 4-year-old and older Thoroughbreds at Al Rayyan Racecourse. The nine-year-old bay, owned by Al Eida Racing and trained by Gassim Al Ghazali, produced a powerful fin»»»
Qatar’s Industrial Production Index increases by 2% in December
DOHA: The National Planning Council (NPC) has released the new Monthly Industrial Production Index (IPI) of December 2025, calculated using 2018 as base year. The relatives of the four main industrial sectors were as follows: “Mining” (weight: 82.46 percent), “Manufacturing” (weight: 15.85 percent)»»»