Egypt to launch largest Mediterranean gas drilling programme in 2026
Egypt will implement its largest-ever gas drilling programme in the Mediterranean in 2026, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi said on Tuesday during an inspection of Shell’s new offshore operations. The minister visited the STENA ICEMAX drillship to monitor the start of drilli»»»
Sharjah foundation strengthens child protection systems
The Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation (KSQF) has reached more than 36,000 beneficiaries across Morocco, Mexico and Zanzibar in 2025, expanding its international humanitarian work to strengthen child protection systems and address rising risks of exploitation, violence and harm aff»»»
Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces Ramadan working hours
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced the official working hours during the holy month of Ramadan 1447H at their headquarters- Single Window in Lusail. Working hours will be divided into two shifts: the morning shift from 9am to 1pm, and the afternoon shift from 1pm to 3.»»»
Palestinian Child Dies After Stepping on Mine in West Bank
A Palestinian child died after stepping on a mine near an Israeli military camp in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said, with an Israeli defense ministry source confirming the death. "Our crews received the body of a 13-year-old child who was killed after a mine expl»»»
West hit by landslides and road subsidence as rain persists
Heavy rainfall in many parts of Greece has caused serious disruption, particularly in western Greece, as a third consecutive wave of storms hit areas already saturated by earlier downpours. Two settlements on the foothills of Mount Taygetos, the highest mountain range in Peloponnese, were evacuated»»»
Shutdown of Starlink Terminals Has No Effect on Russian Troops - Senior Military Official
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The shutdown of Starlink terminals did not affect the command and control system for Russian troops in the special military operation zone, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said on Tuesday. "The shutdown of Starlink terminals did not affect the command and contr»»»
Obeidat to Asharq Al-Awsat: Mystery Sniper Killed Wasfi Tal
Former Jordanian Prime Minister Ahmad Obeidat, who died earlier this month, was both a key player and a witness to sensitive chapters in his country’s history. Obeidat began his career in the 1970s as an assistant director of intelligence, later serving as head of the General Intelligence Departmen»»»
Independent UN Body Condemns ‘Vicious Attacks’ on UN Expert on Palestinian Rights
An independent United Nations body on Tuesday condemned what it described as vicious attacks based on disinformation by several European ministers against the organization's special rapporteur for Palestine, Francesca Albanese. In the past week several European countries, including Germany, France»»»
UAE warns of dense fog and near-zero visibility in parts of the country
Abu Dhabi: The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a weather warning regarding potential fog formation and significantly reduced horizontal visibility across several western regions of the UAE. According to the NCM statement released on Tuesday, visibility is expected to deteriorate, a»»»
Eleven killed in multiple strikes on alleged drug boats, US military says
Eleven people were killed in multiple strikes on three alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, the US military says. Officials said that of the 11 "male narco-terrorists" killed, four died on the first vessel in the Eastern Pacific, four on a second vessel also in the E»»»
MoPH announces updated working hours in government health sector during Ramadan
DOHA: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced updated working hours for the government health sector during Ramadan, taking into account its special nature. The MoPH has stated that all emergency and inpatient services at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) hospitals, including paediatric Em»»»
Hungarian opposition made ‘secret pact’ with EU on Ukraine – Orban
Hungary’s opposition parties are colluding with EU leaders to fast-track Ukraine’s accession to the bloc, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was claimed. He warned that if the pro-Brussels Tisza Party come to power, it could drag the country into a direct conflict with Russia. Hungary’s April 12»»»
Peru's Congress weighs removal of interim President Jose Jeri - UPI.com
Peru's interim president, Jose Jeri, appears before the Congressional Oversight and Accountability Committee in Lima, Peru, in January. Jeri denounced a plot against him and a clear intention to destabilize the country, after a series of videos were revealed showing semi-clandestine meetings and en»»»
Abu Dhabi courts adopt facial recognition for legal transactions
Dubai: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has launched the first phase of a project to adopt facial recognition technology for processing legal transactions, becoming the first judicial authority in the region to use the system as an alternative to digital signatures. The initial phase will apply to»»»
Souq Waqif to host Asian Nuts and Dried Fruits Exhibition 2026 in Ramadan
Doha, Qatar: Souq Waqif will host the second edition of the Asian Nuts and Dried Fruits Exhibition for the year 2026, offering visitors a distinctive shopping experience and a wide selection of premium nuts and dried fruits in a special Ramadan atmosphere. The exhibition will run from February 20 t»»»
Iran Foreign Minister Says Progress Made in Nuclear Talks with US in Geneva
Iran and the United States reached an understanding on Tuesday on main "guiding principles" in talks aimed at resolving their longstanding nuclear dispute, but that does not mean a deal is imminent, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said. Oil futures fell and the benchmark Brent crude contract»»»
Hezbollah Rejects Disarmament Plan and Government’s Four-Month Timeline
Hezbollah rejected on Tuesday the Lebanese government's decision to grant the army at least four months to advance the second phase of a nationwide disarmament plan, saying it would not accept what it sees as a move serving Israel. Lebanon's cabinet tasked the army in August 2025 with drawing up an»»»
European Commission to investigate online retailer Shein - UPI.com
The European Commission has announced an investigation into online retailer Shein. File Photo by Hannibal Hanschke/EPA Feb. 17 (UPI) -- The European Commission announced Tuesday that it has opened formal proceedings against online retailer Shein "for its addictive design, the lack of transparency o»»»
Barcelona's Raphinha raises voice against officials after Girona defeat
Madrid: FC Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Raphinha has strongly criticized officials following his side's 2-1 defeat in Girona on Monday night, which saw them surrender leadership of La Liga to Real Madrid. Although Pau Cubarsi put Barcelona ahead just before the hour, Girona fought back with goa»»»
Fishery products trade balance records surplus of TND 283.8 million by end December 2025
Tunis, Feb. 17 (TAP)- The trade balance of fishery products recorded a surplus of TND 283.8 million by the end of December 2025, compared to TND 386.8 million in 2024, according to data from the National Agricultural Observatory (ONAGRI), published...»»»
Tunisian exports of phosphates recover by 15% in 2025
Tunis, Feb 17 (TAP) - Tunisian exports of phosphates and their derivatives posted a marked recovery in 2025, up by 15%, after a sharp decline of 26.3% in 2024 which weighed heavily on the country’s financial and trade balances, according to the...»»»
Russian scientists develop rapid device to detect early aging, cancer risk
Moscow: Scientists in Saint Petersburg, Russia, have developed a new high-precision device capable of rapidly detecting cellular damage associated with accelerated aging, cancer, and other diseases. According to the Russian Science Foundation, the device demonstrates accuracy 1.5 to 2 times greater»»»
Dh4.9m ruling upheld in Fujairah licence transfer case
The Fujairah Federal Court of Appeal has upheld a ruling requiring a company and its partners to pay Dh4,943,018 to an individual after failing to settle the remaining value of an agreement involving the transfer of a commercial licence and the right to use an industrial land plot in the emirate. T»»»
Jesse Jackson: A life in pictures
US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson has died aged 84. Jackson was a key figure during the US civil rights movement of the 1960s, and was known for being the first African-American to make the jump from activism to major-party presidential politics. Here, we take a look at his life in pictures. Cop»»»
Khalifa University expands master’s and PHD programmes
Khalifa University of Science and Technology has announced an expanded portfolio of STEM-based master’s and doctoral programmes, aimed at building national research capacity and developing future scientific talent across key sectors. The university said it now offers 20 PhD programmes across engine»»»
Cambodia records 1st newborn rare Mekong dolphin in 2026
Phnom Penh: A newborn Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphin was spotted on Tuesday, becoming the first newborn calf recorded in the country in 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) said in a news release. The latest-born dolphin calf was seen at the Kampi dolphin pool in northea»»»
Some TND 515.3 million in private investments approved in 2025 (APIA)
Tunis, Feb 17 (TAP) - Some TND 515.3 million in private agricultural investments were approved by the Agency for Agricultural Investment Promotion (APIA) in 2025, up 15.9% compared with 2024, according to APIA data published on Tuesday.Regional...»»»
Ramadan: OTIC urges moderation in shopping and avoiding overconsumption
Tunis, Feb. 17 (TAP) - President of the Tunisian Organisation for Consumer Information (French: OTIC), Lotfi Riahi, called on Tuesday for consumers to moderate their purchases and avoid overconsumption and shopping frenzies during the month of...»»»
UDST hosts Sustainable Mobility Symposium to advance decarbonisation, innovation in transportation
Doha, Qatar: The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) hosted the Sustainable Mobility Symposium, bringing together experts, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore pathways toward decarbonising transportation and advancing sustainable mobility solutions in Qatar a»»»
Strasbourg Court Says Bulgarian Regulations on Use of Informers Do Not Meet Minimum Human Rights Convention Safeguards
In a Chamber judgment on Tuesday in the case of Green Alliance v. Bulgaria (application no. 6580/22) the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) held, unanimously, that there had been a violation of Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life) of the European Convention on Human Rights, t»»»
Russia-US-Ukraine peace talks: Who is facing off in Geneva?
American, Russian, and Ukrainian delegations have arrived in Geneva for a crucial round of peace talks. After narrowly focused discussions in Abu Dhabi, several key moves from the Russians and Americans suggest that things will be more serious this time around, and that the time to strike a deal is»»»
Corruption watchdog urges return of €1.86 mln in irregular state benefits
Greece’s independent corruption watchdog said Tuesday it has discovered irregular state welfare payments worth a total €1.86 million made between 2020 and 2022, and urged authorities to recoup the money. The National Transparency Authority said its audit followed an internal investigation by OPEKA,»»»
MoPH announces updated working hours in government health sector during the holy month of Ramadan
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced updated working hours for the government health sector during the holy month of Ramadan, taking into account its special nature. The MoPH has stated that all emergency and inpatient services at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) hospitals»»»
Doha Metro and Lusail Tram announce operating hours in Ramadan
Doha, Qatar; Doha Metro and Lusail Tram announced revised operating hours for the holy month of Ramadan, with the new schedules taking effect from the first day of Ramadan, February 18, 2026, to accommodate changes in travel patterns during the fasting period. Under the updated timetable, Doha Metr»»»
US to Return to Nuclear Tests on Equal Basis, Without Atmospheric Explosions - State Dept.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The United States will return to nuclear testing on an equal basis without massive atmospheric explosions, Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Nonproliferation Christopher Yeaw said on Tuesday. “As the President has said, the United States will return to testing»»»
Bitcoin selloff exposes cracks in El Salvador's sovereign financing strategy
The deterioration in Bitcoin’s market price is feeding directly into El Salvador’s sovereign risk profile, exposing the fiscal and institutional trade-offs embedded in President Nayib Bukele’s flagship digital asset strategy. »»»
IRGC initiates live fire military drills as US-Iran talks in Geneva conclude
A second round of US-Iran negotiations in Geneva concluded after approximately three hours, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that the parties reached an understanding on several key principles. »»»
MARINS: What happens is the Iran-US Geneva talks to stave off war fail?
After the first meeting in Oman this month, about which very little is known, the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi are meeting in Geneva on February 17. »»»
Australia won't repatriate ISIS-linked citizens stuck in Syrian camps - UPI.com
1 of 3 | Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he will not allow Australians who moved to Syria to join an ISIS caliphate repatriate to Australia, even though they are mostly women and children and didn't choose to travel there. File Photo by Bianca De Marchi/EPA Feb. 17 (UPI) -- A group »»»
Where to watch the Ramadan iftar cannon in Fujairah this year
The General Command of Fujairah Police has completed preparations to fire the traditional Ramadan iftar cannon throughout the holy month, with the main launch taking place at Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah, alongside several key locations across the emirate. The initiative aims to revive one of Ra»»»
UAE leaders extend Ramadan greetings as holy month begins
Abu Dhabi: Leaders of the UAE have extended their congratulations to citizens, residents and Muslims around the world as Ramadan begins on Thursday, marking the start of a month of fasting, reflection and community. UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: “With the arriv»»»
Saudi Arabia announces start of Ramadan on Wednesday
Riyadh: For Muslims in Saudi Arabia the first day of Ramadan will fall on Wednesday, the kingdom's royal court announced. The holy month, during which hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world observe a fast from sunrise to sunset, traditionally begins with the sighting of the crescent moon.»»»
PHCC announces health centers' working hours in Ramadan
Doha, Qatar: The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) announced the working hours for its 31 health centers during the holy month of Ramadan. These centers will be open continuously from Sunday to Thursday. The PHCC indicated that 27 health centers namely, Al Wakra, South Wakra, Al Mashaf, Al Thu»»»
PHCC announces health centres' working hours in Ramadan
DOHA: The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) announced the working hours for its 31 health centres during the holy month of Ramadan. These centres will be open continuously from Sunday to Thursday. The PHCC indicated that 27 health centres namely, Al Wakra, South Wakra, Al Mashaf, Al Thumama, A»»»
Parliament Speaker receives Sudanese ambassador
Tunis, Feb 17 (TAP) - Speaker of the Assembly of the People's Representatives (ARP) Brahim Bouderbala on Tuesday received Sudan’s Ambassador to Tunisia Bukhari Ghanem Mohamed Effendi, underscoring the strength of relations binding the two...»»»
Opinion | Munich Security Conference 2026: A Report Framing Trump’s Bid to Unravel the Liberal International Order
In the halls of the Bayerischer Hof in Munich, where the 62nd session of the Munich Security Conference convened in February 2026, the atmosphere transcended that of a routine diplomatic gathering addressing scattered global crises. Instead, it felt like a direct confrontation with a profound histo»»»
Egypt updates drug control schedules following constitutional court ruling
Egypt’s Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar has issued a ministerial decree replacing the schedules attached to the country’s anti-drug law, implementing a recent constitutional court ruling on the legality of previous amendments. The Health Ministry said Decree No. 44 of 2026 follows a Feb. 16 ru»»»
The poster child of ‘post-politics’
He emerged from our screens. He’d be nothing without social media, without its ability to transform an absolute nothing into a famous nothing. His improvised videos were considered provocative at first. Provocation then brought attention, and attention brought voter interest. Who is this? Donald Tr»»»
Zelensky’s Ceasefire for Elections is Strategic Gambit, Not Democratic Move
Volodymyr Zelensky's reluctance to hold elections in Ukraine is multi-faced, according to Marco Marsili, geopolitical analyst at CESRAN International and former OSCE election observer. The Ukrainian politician is on thin ice despite optimistic polling numbers: "The reported approval ratings reflect»»»
Amir to receive Ramadan well-wishers on Wednesday
Doha The Amiri Diwan has announced that His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will receive well-wishers on the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan at Lusail Palace on Wednesday evening, the first day of the blessed month, immediately after Taraweeh prayers. M»»»