Aster DM Healthcare recognized as Great Place To Work in UAE and other GCC countries
Dubai: Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the region, has once again been certified as a Great Place To Work in the UAE and across its regional markets – Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The recognition highlights Aster’s co»»»
Norway Plans to Ban Social Media Use by Children Under 16
Norway said on Friday it would present a bill in parliament by year-end to ban children from using social media until they turn 16, making technology companies responsible for the task of age verification. Several European nations seeking to rein in children's use of social media after Australia »»»
Norway to ban social media for under-16s
Oslo: Norway said Friday, April 24, 2026, it will present a bill this year making it the latest country seeking to ban social networks for under 16s, adding that technology companies will be responsible for verifying the age of its users. "We are introducing this legislation because we want a child»»»
Qatar payment systems hit 70.9 million transactions worth QR150.910bn in March
Doha, Qatar: Qatar witnessed a total value of transactions across various payment systems worth QR150.910bn with total number of transactions reaching 70.964 million in March 2026. The recent data from the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) highlights notable shifts in the country’s payment ecosystem, with s»»»
Abu Dhabi to Amman flights now easier with Air Arabia’s new service
Abu Dhabi: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of direct flights to Amman Civil Airport (ADJ) in Jordan, with the new service set to begin on May 1, 2026. The route will operate three times a week between Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Amman Civil Airport, offering passenger»»»
13 Elected MP Candidates Must Pick Constituency on Friday
The 13 candidates for Parliament, who stood simultaneously in two constituencies and were elected in both, have until Friday to determine the constituency which they will represent in the 52nd National Assembly, the Central Election Commission said. A total of 1,019 candidates ran in two constituen»»»
Yes, Bulgaria Pushes for Formal Coalition Agreement of Continue the Change and Democratic Bulgaria and Common Centre-Right Presidential Candidate
The National Council of the Yes, Bulgaria party, which is part of Democratic Bulgaria in its CC-DB coalition with Continue the Change, has adopted a decision tasking the party with proposing a formal coalition agreement to its partners in CC-DB, the party’s press office announced Friday. According »»»
Hezbollah says fired rockets at northern Israel
The Israeli army targeted Friday the southern villages of Touline and Kherbet Selem despite residents returning home to their southern towns and villages after a 3-week extension of the ceasefire. Hezbollah said on Thursday it fired rockets at northern Israel in response to the country's ceasefire »»»
Cybersecurity from Bahrain to the world
CTM360, a Bahrain-based cybersecurity company, showcased its global presence as a Platinum Sponsor at the FIRST Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) Conference 2026, held in Munich, Germany. The event, organized by the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), brought together leading cyber»»»
Large quantities of products without excise stamps discovered in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
The Tax Service officials in Kyrgyzstan have uncovered violations related to the illegal circulation of excisable products in Chui and Jalal-Abad regions. The agency’s press service reported. Tobacco products without excise stamps were found in a store in Kant town. More than 5,500 packs of cigaret»»»
ICC panel finds sufficient evidence to try former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte - UPI.com
A three-judge panel of the International Criminal Court has ruled there is enough evidence to try Rodrigo Duterte, seen here as the president of the Philippines in 2019, on charges of committing crimes against humanity. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo April 24 (UPI) -- A three-judge pa»»»
Al Rayyan clinch Gulf Club Champions League title
Doha, Qatar: Al Rayyan delivered a strong second-half performance to thrash Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab 3-0 in the final and lift the Gulf Club Champions League (GCCL) trophy at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium yesterday. David Garcia, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Roger Guedes scored in the second half to delight the»»»
Palestinian sources: Israeli occupation forces open heavy fire east of Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, torch a number of homes in the area - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Palestinian sources: Israeli occupation forces open heavy fire east of Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, torch a number of homes in th»»»
Iran National Unity Deals Major Blow to Enemy Front: Leader
Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran Ayatollah Sayyed Mujtaba Khamenei praised the powerful effect of national unity in the Islamic Republic, saying the Iranian nation’s solidarity has significantly undermined enemy ranks. “Due to the strange unity created among compatriots, a fracture has occu»»»
Middle East’s swift return to stability ‘in everyone’s interest’: Macron
NICOSIA: French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday it was in “everyone’s interest” for stability to return to the Middle East, as the spillover of the Iran war rattles the global economy. “It is in everyone’s interest for stability to return as soon as possible and for the world’s economies to b»»»
Trump says Lebanon and Israel agree to extend ceasefire by 3 weeks
U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah by three weeks after talks at the White House on Thursday. Trump said the meeting between the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon to the United States went "very well." The meeting was t»»»
‘WBCD crowns Qatar’s efforts in spreading knowledge and awareness’
Doha: The world marks World Book and Copyright Day (WBCD) on April 23, an annual observance established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) to celebrate books and authors and recognise their contribution to cultural progress, intellectual development, an»»»
MoI holds awareness exhibition to promote positive youth behaviour
Doha, Qatar: In line with its ongoing efforts to enhance community awareness and promote a culture of prevention, the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Juvenile Police Department, organised an awareness exhibition at Villaggio Mall. The exhibition aimed to instill positive behavioural values»»»
Supplies reach Afghans cut off for weeks by Pakistan war
Kamdesh,: Afghan villagers in isolated mountain areas, cut off from the world by the conflict with neighbouring Pakistan, finally saw relief this week after nearly two months without vital supplies. Some residents in the remote border village of Kamdesh, nestled in the peaks of Nuristan province, s»»»
Ex-Israeli DM Avigdor Lieberman: Once again, residents of the north are left to learn their fate through English-language news channels, the October 7 government has abandoned them - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Ex-Israeli DM Avigdor Lieberman: Once again, residents of the north are left to learn their fate through English-language news channels, th»»»
US Puts $10 Million Bounty on Iraq’s Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada Leader
The United States has placed a $10 million bounty on the leader of an Iranian-backed Shiite group in Iraq. The US State Department’s Rewards for Justice program issued a notice it sought the leader of Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada. It said Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji led the group, whose members “kill»»»
Ehsan expands reach and services to empower Qatar’s elderly community
Doha, Qatar: The Centre for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan) continues to advance its mission of empowering senior citizens across Qatar through an integrated vision focused on inclusion, accessibility, and active participation in society. In an interview with Qatar TV, Salem Hussein Al-»»»
Minister of Environment and Climate Change meets Georgia’s Ambassador
Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie met yesterday with Ambassador of Georgia to the State of Qatar H E Varlam Avaliani. During the meeting, they discussed opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the fields of environment, »»»
Joint Qatari, Egyptian exhibition opens in Doha
Doha: Al Markhiya Gallery has opened a joint exhibition featuring works by prominent Qatari artist Yousef Ahmed and late Egyptian artist Hazem El Mestikawy at the Fire Station: Artists’ Residence. The exhibition presents 15 works by Ahmed and 12 by El Mestikawy, with both artists drawing inspiratio»»»
Saudi scientists revive endangered fish after 30-year absence
RIYADH: After three decades of absence, the critically endangered Arabian Bream is being brought back from the brink through a joint breeding program between the National Center for Wildlife and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. The effort has achieved a 90 percent survival rate a»»»
J.P. Morgan and Bloomberg to include Saudi government sukuk on emerging market bond indices
RIYADH: Saudi riyal-denominated government sukuk is approved for inclusion in the J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Government Bond Index and the Bloomberg Emerging Market Local Currency Government Index. According to a statement, J.P. Morgan confirmed that Shariah-compliant bonds from the Kingdom will »»»
Interior Ministry's Acting Secretary General Says He Has Been Pressured
In a video message on Facebook, Interior Ministry's acting Secretary General Georgi Kandev said that he had been pressured. "Yesterday [Thursday], I received my own message: 'Go home!' Those who have long relied on silence and obedience are trying the same approach again - with the same words and t»»»
Awqaf Ministry strengthens human rights efforts, disability support in Q1 2026
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has reinforced its commitment to human rights and the empowerment of persons with disabilities through a comprehensive package of initiatives and streamlined measures implemented during the first quarter of 2026. This effort reflects the Minist»»»
My playlist: Rising Saudi hip-hop star Alshaikh selects favorite tracks
DUBAI: Abdullah Alshaikh (who goes by his family name only) is one of the rising stars of the Kingdom’s hip-hop scene. He released his debut EP, “Karma — The Rise of the Ascent,” on MDLBEAST Records on April 22. “I get my inspiration for my music from my city, Jeddah,” Alshaikh tells Arab News. “My»»»
Kuwait reopens airspace after 2-month closure
DUBAI: Kuwait reopened its airspace at Kuwait International Airport on Thursday night, as the fragile ceasefire between US-Israel and Iran appears to be holding following the outbreak of the conflict on Feb. 28 which forced a two-month closure of the facility. The reopening is part of a “phased pla»»»
Thai court accepts ethics case against opposition leader, MPs
BANGKOK: A Thai court decided on Friday to hear a case against 10 MPs, including the leader of the largest opposition party, for trying to reform the royal insult law, but refrained from suspending them. The progressive People’s Party, led by Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, came second in February’s gen»»»
ASEAN chair urges Myanmar to free more prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi
MANILA: The Philippines, this year’s chair of the regional bloc ASEAN, on Friday encouraged more prisoner releases in Myanmar, including ousted former leader Aung San Suu Kyi and described a recent amnesty as a positive step toward an inclusive national dialogue. “We reaffirm our commitmen»»»
Aspire Academy concludes European leg of Workshop Tour
Doha, Qatar: Aspire Academy has completed the European debut of its flagship “Aspire in the World Fellows – The Workshop Tour” in Bucharest, Romania, reinforcing Qatar’s growing role in global youth football development and international sports cooperation. The three-day programme, held from April »»»
Dollar poised for first weekly gain in three weeks amid Middle East uncertainty
Singapore: The US dollar was on track for its first weekly gain in three weeks on Friday, as persistent uncertainty following the collapse of US-Iran peace talks dampened expectations for a swift easing of Middle East tensions. The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of major »»»
Dubai’s Al Habtoor takes Lebanon to international court — here’s why
Dubai: Dubai-based Al Habtoor Group has initiated international arbitration proceedings against the Lebanese Republic, escalating a long-running dispute over its investments in the country. The UAE conglomerate said late last night that it has formally filed a Request for Arbitration with the Inter»»»
Middle East war live: Oil prices jump as tensions remain high in Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices rose on Friday as tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz despite a extended ceasefire between Iran and the US. Iran on Thursday released footage of commandos boarding a ship in the vital oil shipping route as Tehran’s air defences engaged “hostile targets”. Follow our liveblog for »»»
Qatar, Mauritania discuss cooperation
Minister of State for Interior Affairs H E Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al-Thani met with Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to the State H E Mohamed Mohamed Abdullah Bebane. During the meeting, cooperation between the two countries in the security fields were reviewed, an»»»
1,777 building permits issued in Q1 2026
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Municipality has released its latest statistics on building permits and technical affairs for the first quarter of 2026, highlighting sustained momentum across the construction and urban development sectors. According to the report, a total of 1,777 building permits wer»»»
Qatari investments support Syria’s economic reforms, says Syrian Minister of Finance
Damascus: Syrian Minister of Finance H E Mohammed Yasser Barnieh affirmed that cooperation with the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) in the project to assess the financial and banking sector represents an important strategic step in a qualitative transformation phase that the Syrian economy is wit»»»
Watch: Therapy animals bring smiles to Gaza children
Dubai: In a small art studio in the Gaza Strip, children are finding comfort and joy through an unusual form of therapy — interacting with animals. Rabbits, dogs, hedgehogs and birds are part of structured psychological support sessions designed to help children cope with stress. Project leader Ras»»»
Community College, Qatar Scientific Club sign MoU to advance expertise and innovation
Doha, Qatar: Reflecting a shared commitment to integrating the roles of academic and scientific institutions across Qatar, the Community College of Qatar (CCQ) and the Qatar Scientific Club (QSC) have signed a memorandum of understanding. It aims to strengthen joint collaboration in technical train»»»
On This Day, April 24: Benedict XVI becomes Roman Catholic pope - UPI.com
On April 24, 2005, Benedict XVI was installed in Rome as the 265th Roman Catholic pope. 1 of 4 | Pope Benedict XVI leads the beatification ceremony of Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's square in the Vatican on May 1, 2011. On April 24, 2005, Benedict XVI was officially installed in Rome as the 265th»»»
Manufacturers' new orders in Romania down 4.2pct two months into 2026
Manufacturers' new orders in Romania (domestic and foreign markets) decreased in nominal terms by 4.2% in the first two months of 2026, according to data published on Thursday by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).The negative trend was a result of decreases in the intermediate goods indust»»»
Sustainable Construction Barometer: 86% of Romanians familiar with sustainable construction concept; EU average 69%
The concept of sustainable construction is familiar to 86% of Romanians, well above the European average of 69%, according to the 2026 edition of the Sustainable Construction Barometer, published on Thursday by the Sustainable Construction Observatory by Saint-Gobain.Globally, awareness of the conc»»»
Gov't amends rules on access for foreign workers - national platform and list of labour shortage
The Government on Thursday adopted an emergency ordinance on access for foreign workers to Romania's labour market, Government spokesperson Ioana Dogioiu announced.The normative act aims to reduce illegal migration, protect foreign workers and safeguard the interests of Romanian workers, she told a»»»
Romanian defense minister, Greek ambassador discuss boosting defense cooperation
Minister of National Defense Radu Miruta met on Thursday with the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Romania, Evangelia Lili Grammatika, for discussions that focused on strengthening defense cooperation, the Ministry of National Defense said in a release.According to the release, the minister h»»»
A "ghost" company funded by the state: Petrotrans SA has not been operational since 2005, but costs tens of thousands of euros annually
Vice premier Oana Gheorghiu considers that the Romanian state continues to pay for destroyed infrastructure and a company which, in reality, has not existed for almost twenty years. She claims that the Romanian government pays nearly 28,000 euros annually for a pipeline that hasn’t carried anything»»»
Citigroup Warns Romania: Political Uncertainty Increases the Risk of Fiscal Slippage
Political uncertainties increase the probability of fiscal slippage with budgetary deficit over the announced target and put pressure on the Romanian-lei denominated bonds, warn the Citigroup analysts. The domestic government securities market is the main source of funding for the government’s borr»»»
EP JURI Commission approved report for lifting immunity for European deputy Diana Iovanovici-Sosoaca
The Commission for Juridical Affairs of the European Parliament favorably approved with 17 votes for and a single abstention, the report requesting that the immunity of European deputy Diana Ivanovici Sosoaca be lifted, Brussels sources declared. The report made by European deputy Dominik Tarczynsk»»»
Abrudan: Minority government the most readily available option at present
Senate President Mircea Abrudean said on Thursday that a minority government is "the most readily available option" at present, adding that if MPs from across parties can be found to support the reforms under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), it would not pose "a problem" for Romani»»»