Saudi Embassy in China urges citizens to complete digital arrival card before departure amid extended visa-free entry
The Saudi Embassy in China has reminded citizens travelling to China to complete the electronic arrival card before departure to facilitate entry procedures at Chinese ports. The embassy said travellers should fill in the Digital Arrival Card accurately and comply with instructions issued by Chines»»»
Coal for southern Kyrgyzstan: Investor pours $25 million into Besh-Burkhan mine - | 24.KG
Energy Minister of Kyrgyzstan Taalaibek Ibraev visited Besh-Burkhan coal field in Nookat district of Osh region. The minister inspected the progress of mining operations and assessed the upgraded infrastructure of the enterprise, the ministry’s press service reported. Investments and reserves The d»»»
Boeing Dreamliner to Fly Riyadh Air's First Passengers in July
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, is moving onto the global aviation stage through London, with an ambition that goes beyond conventional air travel. The carrier, which reflects the Kingdom’s view of aviation as a strategic industry and econ»»»
Downpour in Karakol: Water being pumped out of apartment building basements - | 24.KG
In Karakol, water is being pumped out of the basements of several apartment buildings. The press center of the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported. According to its data, the basements of several apartment buildings in Voskhod and Geologiya microdistricts have been flooded. The city’s civil d»»»
Death toll reaches 22 in China rains, 20 more missing
Beijing: The death toll from heavy rains across central and southern China since the weekend has risen to 22, state media reports showed Wednesday, with 20 more people still unaccounted for. Natural disasters and extreme weather events are common in China, particularly in the summer, when some regi»»»
Blank Ballots Impede Vote for New Hamas Leader
While many were waiting to learn who would become the new head of Hamas’s political bureau, the movement issued a rare and surprising statement last Saturday saying the result could not be decided in the first round and that a second would be held. Asharq Al-Awsat asked Hamas sources inside and out»»»
Parliament to Debate at First Reading Amendments to Criminal Procedure Code
The National Assembly is expected on Wednesday to debate at first reading three bills amending and supplementing the Criminal Procedure Code, according to Parliament’s draft agenda. The amendments were approved by the ad hoc legal affairs committee earlier in May. Two of the bills were submitted by»»»
Pakistan, Iran to drive millions more Afghan returns in 2026 — UN
KABUL: The United Nations said in a report on Tuesday that they are expecting almost three million Afghans to return to the country by the end of the year, more than half of whom will be women and children. Since September 2023, 5.9 million Afghans have returned, mainly from neighboring Iran and Pa»»»
Japan, S. Korea to launch new energy cooperation framework
ANDONG, South Korea: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung agreed Tuesday to deepen energy cooperation by ensuring supplies of crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas for both countries as heightened Middle East tensions raise the need for c»»»
Xi and Putin Meet to Reaffirm China-Russia Ties Days After Trump’s Visit to Beijing
Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday in a meeting meant to reaffirm ties and that takes place only days after a visit by US President Donald Trump to China. Xi welcomed Putin with a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. The two delegations »»»
Tankers Exit Hormuz as Trump, Vance Talk Up Iran Deal Prospects
Two Chinese tankers laden with oil exited the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, shipping data showed, brightening hopes that the US-Israeli conflict with Iran may soon be resolved after positive comments from the US president and his deputy. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the war would be over»»»
Israeli Strikes on Southern Lebanon Kill 19, Including Children and Women
Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Tuesday killed at least 19 people, including four women and three children, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said, the latest in near-daily attacks from both sides that have not stopped despite the fragile, US-brokered ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war. Israel»»»
India markets slump as Iran war tensions push oil prices higher
Mumbai: The stock markets opened with heavy selling pressure on Wednesday as the Indian rupee hit a fresh record low against the US dollar, while Brent crude oil prices continued to remain elevated amid global geopolitical tensions. The Nifty 50 index opened at 23,457.25, declining by 160.75 points»»»
Trump-backed Gallrein ousts Massie as six states hold primaries - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., conceded defeat Tuesday night to challenger Ed Gallrein, a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo May 19 (UPI) -- Former Navy SEAL-turned-farmer Ed Gallrein defeated Donald Trump critic Rep. Thomas Massie in Ke»»»
Launch of Zhongda refinery critically important for Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Adylbek Kasymaliev, held a working meeting on the operations of Zhongda refinery (China Petrol Company CJSC). The meeting participants discussed the current state of the refinery, the progress of its technological modernization, and the production»»»
'Russia and China share same goal in constructing alternative world order', analyst says
Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Rex Li, Research Affiliate of Lau China Institute and Professor of International Relations at the School of Global Affairs King's College London, says that Vladimir Putin has been "warmly welcomed by Chinese leaders" compared to Donald Trump, explaining that "Ru»»»
Fakeeh University Hospital achieves one of the world’s highest standards in maternal and newborn care
Dubai: Fakeeh University Hospital has earned Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) accreditation, officially recognised by the UAE Ministry of Health, Public Health and Prevention Department on behalf of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). One of »»»
Israeli minister orders West Bank hamlet evicted after hearing he may face arrest warrant overseas
JERUSALEM: Israel’s finance minister has ordered the eviction of a Palestinian village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank that has long been a target of Israeli authorities, saying the measure is a response to reports that he may be a target of international war crimes prosecutors. It was not clear »»»
Austrian court to rule on ex-agent in Russia spying case
VIENNA: An Austrian court is expected to rule on Wednesday on a former intelligence official charged over spying for Russia, the most high-profile espionage case to have shaken the EU member in recent years. Austria has been rocked by several cases centered on suspected spying for Moscow, with the »»»
US Plans to Limit Military Aid Options for NATO Allies in Crises - Reports
The US administration plans to inform later this week its European allies in NATO of reduced military support it is ready to provide if a conflict or another major crisis occurs, Reuters reported, citing sources. The decision will probably be announced at a meeting of defense policy chiefs in Bruss»»»
US Reduces Number of Brigade Combat Teams in Europe to Three - Pentagon
The United States has reduced the number of Brigade Combat Teams in Europe from four to three, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said. "The Department of War has reduced the total number of Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) assigned to Europe from four to three. This returns us to the levels of BCTs »»»
Heavy rain floods Ak-Suu—Karakol road - | 24.KG
Heavy rain flooded Ak-Suu—Karakol road. Video from the scene has been posted on social media. Eyewitnesses report that, due to heavy rains, Ak-Suu River has also burst its banks and flooded the road.»»»
CAFA Championship: Kyrgyzstan’s U20 football team takes second place - | 24.KG
The national youth football team of Kyrgyzstan (U20) defeated Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Football Union reported. The final round match ended 1-0. Zhanbolot Ormonov scored the goal in the 53rd minute. It’s worth noting that Kyrgyz national team forward Amantur Isakov received a red card in the 39th min»»»
Israel far-right finance minister says ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrant against him
Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Tuesday the International Criminal Court prosecutor had sought an arrest warrant against him, blaming the Palestinian Authority for the move. Smotrich said Israel would respond by ordering the evacuation of the Palestinian Bedou»»»
San Diego mosque shooters met online and left writings expressing hate, FBI says
San Diego: Two teenagers who shot and killed three people in an attack on a California mosque were radicalized online where they first met and shared white supremacist views, according to authorities and writings they authored. The pair "didn't discriminate on who they hated," Mark Remily, the lead»»»
Hamas disarmament no more likely after commander killed
On the evening of 15 May, Israeli aircraft bombed a residential building in central Gaza City and a car that was driving away. It destroyed six apartments, killed at least eight people, and injured 45 others, according to Palestinian medical sources. Shortly after, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel »»»
Former official says pardon countersignature was rushed
The ministerial countersignature of K. Endre’s pardon case was lawful but handled through an unusual procedure, as then-President Katalin Novák had urged the countersigning of pardon requests citing the papal visit, Róbert Répássy, former state secretary at the Ministry of Justice, told MTI on Tues»»»
Caught on camera: One risky lane moves ends in Dh400 fine
Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah Police has warned motorists against violating mandatory lane discipline after releasing a traffic awareness video showing a driver making an illegal left turn from a lane designated only for going straight — an offence punishable by a Dh400 fine. The footage, shared a»»»
Court slashes Dh1.2m fine over 12 sponsored workers
Dubai: A Dubai court has reduced a Dh1.2 million labour law penalty to Dh60,000 after partially accepting an appeal filed by a company manager convicted of shutting down a business without resolving the status of 12 sponsored workers. In a ruling issued on May 12, 2026, the Dubai Court of Appeal up»»»
Medical oxygen production station starts operating in Nookat - | 24.KG
Testing of a new medical oxygen production station has been completed at the territorial hospital of Nookat district in Osh region, and the facility is fully operational. UNDP in Kyrgyzstan reported. The project was implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republ»»»
EU reaches deal on US trade pact as Trump threatens new tariffs by July 4
EU lawmakers and member states reached a deal early on Wednesday to implement the bloc’s trade pact with the United States, ending months of wrangling over the accord as President Donald Trump threatened fresh tariffs unless it was approved by July 4. The compromise followed late-night negotiations»»»
Bolot Cholponbaev appointed First Deputy Minister of Construction - | 24.KG
According to the order of the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Bolot Cholponbaev has been appointed First Deputy Minister of Construction, Architecture, Housing and Communal Services of Kyrgyzstan. The ministry announced. Construction Minister Nurdan Oruntaev introduced his deputy to the staff»»»
China’s Xi welcomes Putin in Beijing: LIVE UPDATES
Chinese President Xi Jinping is hosting an official welcoming ceremony for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday, opening a packed day of talks and events aimed at further deepening ties between the two countries. Putin arrived in the Chinese capital on Tuesday night for a two-da»»»
Putin, Xi to underscore alliance strength after Trump visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday, seeking to underline their unshakeable alliance in the wake of Donald Trump's visit to the Asian superpower economy. Trump had been received with pomp last week but left without major breakthroughs includin»»»
Dubai memories from 1965: How a Pakistani tailor family from Deira built a life across five generations
The passports see everything. Mohammad Zahid Khan’s family has preserved two of them like heirlooms. There’s an unsaid reverence that exists around the two hardbound books sitting on a well-polished table. The pages are turned gingerly, and you see names written in ink and the stamps of visas from »»»
Standard Chartered to cut 7,800 jobs as AI rewrites back-office work — report
Global banking giant Standard Chartered is preparing a major workforce overhaul, announcing plans to cut more than 15% of its back-office roles — roughly 7,800 jobs — by 2030, as it accelerates its shift toward artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, the BBC reported. The London-headquartered »»»
UAE braces for fair but dusty weather through the week, with active winds causing blowing dust and rough sea conditions
The UAE is expected to experience generally fair but dusty weather today, with temperatures rising slightly and active winds of up to 40 km/h stirring up dust and creating rough sea conditions, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The NCM said the country remains under the influen»»»
Sanctions and war are forcing Russia to innovate
After the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia had a basic problem: having ignored investing into anything except military technology, the newly independent country found that nothing worked properly. All its technology and machinery was vastly inferior to their Western analogues. And it made no sense »»»
State Dept says US resident released from Iranian prison
WASHINGTON: An Iranian citizen who holds permanent US residency has been released from prison in Iran and has returned to the United States, the State Department confirmed Tuesday. “The State Department happily welcomes the safe return of Shahab Dalili from his detention in Iran,” a department spok»»»
US Rep. Thomas Massie loses Kentucky GOP primary to Ed Gallrein in another victory for Trump
HEBRON, Kentucky: Kentucky US Rep. Thomas Massie lost his Republican House primary Tuesday in another test of President Donald Trump’s power over his party after he handpicked challenger and ultimate winner Ed Gallrein to oust the incumbent. The result showed the president’s persisting influence ov»»»
Live Updates: Trump claims he was “an hour away” from striking Iran as US Senate tries to limit his war power for first time – Ya Libnan
Share: Iran announced a new body to oversee the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, signalling tighter control over the strategic waterway after months of disruption linked to its war with the United States and Israel. Here is the lates on the Middle East war President Trump says he was “an hour away” from»»»
IRS will not pursue Trump for back taxes under settlement agreement
The US Internal Revenue Service will not pursue President Donald Trump, his family or the Trump Organisation for back taxes under an agreement announced by the Justice Department on Tuesday. Trump, his sons Eric and Donald Jr., and the Trump Organisation sued the IRS in January over leaked tax retu»»»
New York woman dies after falling into open manhole after exiting car
A 56-year-old woman died after falling into an open maintenance hole on a busy Midtown Manhattan street, New York police and utility officials said on Tuesday, as authorities investigated how the incident occurred. The woman fell into the hole after parking her SUV near Fifth Avenue and East 52nd S»»»
AI bots are snapping up Schengen visa slots in UAE — and reselling them
Dubai: Travellers in the UAE trying to secure Schengen visa appointments for Europe this summer are increasingly facing a new problem: bots and unofficial agents snapping up free appointment slots and reselling them at inflated prices. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.A»»»
Truth or Fake - UK far-right rally: AI images, old footage exaggerate ‘Unite the Kingdom’ turnout online
Waving Union Jacks, tens of thousands of supporters of far-right activist Tommy Robinson descended on London’s streets last Saturday for a rally known as “Unite The Kingdom.” Addressing the crowd, Robinson said “we are here in our millions”, and his supporters followed suit online, sharing ima»»»
Greenland rejects unsolicited US healthcare mission
The government of Greenland has condemned an unofficial visit by a US doctor to assess the island’s healthcare system during an American diplomatic trip to Nuuk. The controversy comes amid US President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to take over the autonomous Danish territory. The four-day visit »»»
US Senate passes resolution to limit Trump war powers
Washington DC: The Senate advanced a measure seeking to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to launch future military action against Iran without congressional approval, passing the procedural vote 50–47. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman broke with his party to oppose the measure, while four Rep»»»
Chinese tankers exit Strait of Hormuz with 4 million barrels of crude oil, data shows
SINGAPORE: Two Chinese supertankers carrying 4 million barrels of Middle East crude oil exited the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday after waiting in the Gulf for more than two months, shipping data on LSEG and Kpler showed. Chinese-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Yuan Gui Yang loaded 2 »»»
US says held talks with Cuba on $100 mln offer
WASHINGTON, United States: The United States and Cuba held talks this week on a US offer of $100 million in assistance, which Washington has dangled as an incentive for reforms, a US official said Tuesday. Mike Hammer, the acting US ambassador to Havana, met Monday with foreign ministry officials, »»»
Xi, Putin to meet in Beijing for tea diplomacy after Trump visit
BEIJING: China and Russia’s leaders are set to meet for a summit in Beijing on Wednesday featuring discussions on bilateral and international issues, capped by an intimate tete-a-tete between “old friends” over tea. Coming on the heels of US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Chinese capital, t»»»