FinMin meets IMF officials: Commitment to macroeconomic and public finance stability
Skopje, 17 April 2026 (MIA) - The Government remains committed to maintaining the macroeconomic and public finance stability, fiscal consolidation, accelerated and sustainable economic growth. It closely follows developments amid the global uncertainty and undertakes measurds to manage the challeng»»»
Yemen: Houthi Infighting Exposes Deepening Fractures
Rising violence within Yemen’s Houthi movement is highlighting deep internal divisions, as competition over influence and resources intensifies amid growing isolation and public discontent, analysts and local sources say. Recent incidents point to a weakness in managing internal disputes, with clas»»»
Shtip's Faculty of Agriculture hosts 5th Agroscience and Practice conference
Shtip, 16 April 2026 (MIA) — Agricultural experts, professors and students from seven countries convened Thursday at Goce Delchev University for the 5th annual Agroscience and Practice international conference. At the conference, local attendees as well as participants from the Czech Republic, Croa»»»
Iran reimposes restrictions on Strait of Hormuz over US blockade: What to know
Iran has said it is reinstating strict controls over the Strait of Hormuz, reversing an earlier move to ease transit as tensions with the United States escalate over an ongoing naval blockade. Iran’s central military command said on Saturday it would return to “strict management” of the strategic w»»»
Trump says will bring Iran uranium 'back home to the USA'
U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States and Iran would jointly remove uranium from Tehran's nuclear sites with excavators under any peace deal, before the material is transferred to U.S. territory. Trump's comment came despite Iran's foreign ministry saying earlier that the I»»»
Iran command says has closed Hormuz again over US blockade
Iran's central military command announced on Saturday it would resume "strict management" of the Strait of Hormuz, reversing a decision to unblock the strategic channel as part of negotiations with Washington. In a statement shared on state television, the headquarters said Washington had broken a »»»
Nikoloski: Government softens crisis impact, no fuel supply interruptions
Skopje, 16 April 2026 (MIA) - The Government measures have managed to soften the impact of the crisis as much as possible, said Deputy PM and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski on Thursday. Deputy PM Nikoloski expressed hope that the crisis would soon end, considering the positive news coming »»»
Iran Command Says Has Closed Hormuz Again over US Blockade
Iran's central military command announced on Saturday it would resume "strict management" of the Strait of Hormuz, reversing a decision to unblock the strategic channel as part of negotiations with Washington. In a statement shared on state television, the headquarters said Washington had broken a »»»
Pakistan military chief, PM head home after Iran war diplomacy blitz
Pakistan's powerful military chief and prime minister on Saturday concluded separate visits aimed at ending the Iran war, with Field Marshal Asim Munir leaving Tehran and premier Shehbaz Sharif headed home from Turkey. Munir met Iran's top leadership and peace negotiators during a three-day visit t»»»
Hajj transport plan: Massive network ready for millions
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has activated its highest level of readiness across the transport and logistics system ahead of the 1447 Hajj season, mobilising air, land, rail and maritime networks to ensure the safe and seamless movement of millions of pilgrims. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics said t»»»
Al-Jadaan: Ending Conflicts, Securing Peace Are Essential to Sustainable Growth
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the global economy’s ability to withstand crises depends on adopting a “unified strategic vision and swift reforms,” warning that excessive market optimism may be masking serious geopolitical risks, particularly conflicts that threaten supply security.»»»
UAE’s push for homegrown tax experts gains pace with first phase rollout of Emirati Tax Agent Programme
Dubai: The UAE’s drive to develop homegrown tax expertise has gained momentum with the rollout of the first phase of the Emirati Tax Agent Programme, as authorities move to strengthen national capabilities in the sector supporting the country’s economy. The initiative, announced at the Emaar Square»»»
Iran Partially Reopens Airspace After Security Review
Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization has announced the partial reopening of the country’s airspace from 7:00 a.m. on April 18, following security and safety assessments. International transit routes through Iran's eastern airspace have now reopened, allowing foreign flights to pass through Iranian sk»»»
Turkiye says Israel using security as a pretext to acquire 'more land'
Antalya, Turkiye: Turkiye's foreign minister on Saturday accused Israel of using security as a pretext to acquire "more land". "Israel is not after its own security. Israel is after more land. Security is being used by the Netanyahu government as an excuse to occupy more land," Hakan Fidan told the»»»
Barzani Denounces ‘Suspicious Deals’ over Kirkuk Governorship
Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani on Friday rejected a recent political agreement in Iraq’s northern Kirkuk province that led to the appointment of a new governor, describing the process as the result of “suspicious deals”. Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), said the move amounted t»»»
Sharaa: Golan is Syrian Land, Any Other Status is Invalid
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said the Golan Heights are “occupied Syrian land” and that any recognition of Israeli sovereignty there would be “null and void,” stressing that the international community does not accept Israel’s claim. Speaking at the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Sharaa said Is»»»
Libya’s Ras Jedir crossing is a strategic crossing into the depth of African markets: Tunisia’s Chargé d'affaires
Speaking to Tunisian media last Tuesday (14 April), Mohamed Habib Sassi, Chargé d’affaires a.i. at the Embassy of Tunisia in Tripoli highlighted the strategic importance of the Ras Jedir crossing, as a pivotal crossing point as a transit corridor for transit towards the depth of landlocked Africa. »»»
No campus yet, AUS and Middlesex students stay online
Sharjah: The American University of Sharjah has announced that faculty and staff will return to campus from April 20, while classes and assignment submissions for students will continue online throughout the spring term, in a hybrid approach aligned with current sector flexibility. Middlesex Univer»»»
Explainer: What to know about Strait of Hormuz reopening?
Tehran: Although the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for the world's oil supply, has been declared fully open for commercial vessels, its operational status remains contested. Both Washington and Tehran confirmed on Friday that the strait had been completely open for all commercial vessels. Howe»»»
Australia, Japan ink multibillion dollar warship deal
Sydney: Japan agreed on Saturday on a deal to provide Australia's navy with the first of almost a dozen stealth frigates, part of a wider military build up by Canberra aimed at boosting its long-range firepower to deter China. Under the deal announced last year and billed as one of Japan's biggest »»»
Eid Al Adha 2026: Dhu Al Qadah crescent spotted in UAE daylight skies
The crescent moon marking the start of Dhu Al Qadah 1447 AH was photographed from Abu Dhabi on Saturday morning by the International Astronomy Center. The image was captured at 10:00am UAE time on April 18, 2026, from the Khatm Astronomical Observatory, with the moon located 11.7 degrees from the s»»»
Global Markets Regain Momentum after Strait of Hormuz Reopening Announcement
Global markets moved sharply on Friday after Iran said it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels, prompting investors to rapidly reassess geopolitical supply risks. Iran’s foreign minister said the strait was fully open to all commercial shipping for the duration of the ceasefi»»»
Dubai Police outline plans to strengthen financial efficiency
Dubai: Dubai Police has reviewed its financial sustainability plans as part of ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, strengthen governance and support long-term stability. The discussion took place during the second meeting of the Financial Sustainability Council, chaired by Dr Major General Ahmad»»»
Australia, Japan Sign Contracts to Start $7 Billion Warship Deal
Australia and Japan signed contracts on Saturday launching their landmark A$10 billion ($7 billion) deal to supply Australia with warships, Tokyo's most consequential military sale since ending a military export ban in 2014. Defense Ministers Richard Marles and Shinjiro Koizumi signed a memorandum »»»
Dubai Police distribute UAE flags to boost community spirit
Dubai: Dubai Police have launched a community drive to celebrate national identity by distributing UAE flags to residents across several neighbourhoods. The initiative is part of the “Proud of UAE” campaign, introduced under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice»»»
UAE announces resumption of school bus operations from Monday
The UAE has announced that school bus operations will resume across all public and private schools starting Monday, April 20, 2026. The decision follows ongoing assessments carried out by the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority in coordination with the Ministry of Education and local»»»
Will Israel Observe Ceasefire With Lebanon?
A 10-day ceasefire follows six weeks of fighting between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that has killed more than 2,000 people and displaced more than a million more from their homes in Lebanon. Much as the previous truce clinched in 2024, Israel can interpret or reinterpret the c»»»
Paramount's CinemaCon charm offensive gets lukewarm reception
Las Vegas: Paramount Skydance was on a charm offensive at CinemaCon this week, trying to convince theater owners that its megabucks deal to swallow Warner Bros. would be good for the industry. A glitzy promotional film narrated by Tom Cruise ended with the world's most bankable movie star sitting a»»»
Sadyr Japarov receives over 1,800 complaints in Osh region - | 24.KG
During President Sadyr Japarov’s visit to Osh region, he received over 1,800 complaints from residents. Their implementation has been taken under control, the Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the region reported. Following the visit, a meeting was held with the heads of law enforcemen»»»
Australia, Japan Sign Contracts to Start $7 Billion Warship Deal
Australia and Japan signed contracts on Saturday launching their landmark A$10 billion ($7 billion) deal to supply Australia with warships, Tokyo's most consequential military sale since ending a military export ban in 2014. Defense Ministers Richard Marles and Shinjiro Koizumi signed a memorandum »»»
On This Day, April 18: Patriot Paul Revere begins midnight ride - UPI.com
On April 18, 1775, U.S. patriot Paul Revere began his famous ride through the Massachusetts countryside, crying out "The British are coming!" to rally the minutemen. 1 of 5 | On April 18, 1775, U.S. patriot Paul Revere began his famous ride through the Massachusetts countryside, crying out "The Bri»»»
Pakistan PM, military chief complete three-country diplomatic tour aimed at Iran peace
Pakistan's powerful military chief and prime minister on Saturday concluded separate visits aimed at ending the Iran war, with Field Marshal Asim Munir leaving Tehran and premier Shehbaz Sharif headed home from Turkey. Munir met Iran's top leadership and peace negotiators during a three-day visit t»»»
Classroom return or remote learning? Inside Abu Dhabi’s school reopening plan
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has conducted extensive field inspections across private schools in the emirate to assess their readiness for either a return to in-person learning or the continuation of remote education. The move underscores the authority’s commitment to »»»
Two dead in apartment fire in Athens
A man and a woman have died in a fire at an apartment in the Athens district of Kolonos. The fire service said the fire broke out around 5.20 a.m. in a third-floor apartment on Argous and Platonos streets. Both were found inside the apartment by firefighters. Officials said two other women from a h»»»
Abu Dhabi green bus fleet crosses 1.3 million eco-friendly kilometres
As part of its ongoing efforts to advance a sustainable mobility ecosystem in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, announced that its green bus fleet has exceeded 1.3 million environmentally friendly kilomet»»»
Three remanded over death of 19-year-old woman in Kefalonia
All three men arrested in connection with the death of a 19-year-old woman in Kefalonia earlier this week were remanded in custody on Friday after testifying before an investigating magistrate. The suspects, aged 26, 23 and 22, were escorted out of the courthouse via a rear entrance to avoid contac»»»
Myanmar release of Suu Kyi top ally spurs small democracy hope
Yangon, Myanmar: The release of Myanmar's putsch-ousted former president has piqued speculation about the fate of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but little optimism among citizens and analysts watching for a democracy comeback. "I don't expect much from this release," said one 50-year-old Yangon»»»
Dubai Police issue urgent alert over fake QR code scams: What residents should know
Dubai Police have warned residents about a growing cyber fraud tactic involving fake QR codes being circulated through text messages, emails and even public spaces. Authorities said scammers are creating codes that appear legitimate, often luring users with offers such as prizes, discounts and excl»»»
One day, millions of journeys: Burj Khalifa lights up as Dubai marks transport day
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) marked World Public Transport Day with a special tribute, illuminating Burj Khalifa to highlight the role of public transport in building sustainable, connected cities. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.In»»»
Trump says Iran peace deal could be reached ‘soon’ after Tehran reopens Hormuz Strait
Tehran's announcement on Friday that the critical Strait of Hormuz was reopen to commercial shipping for the remainder of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was followed by a flurry of social media posts by US President Donald Trump suggesting that a peace deal could be reached "soon". But Iranian offici»»»
Spotlight - Tale of two truces: Lebanon 'steps up' alongside Israel as Tehran and Washington edge toward a deal
Gavin Lee is pleased to welcome Robert B. Murrett, retired Vice Admiral in the US Navy, Professor of Practice and Deputy Director of the Syracuse University's Institute for Security Policy and Law. The Israel-Lebanon and US-Iran ceasefires are at a critical juncture In the evolving geopolitical dyn»»»
Cisco to Asharq Al-Awsat: AI Boosts Wireless Network Value in Saudi Arabia
A new report by Cisco shows wireless networks in Saudi Arabia are no longer just a connectivity layer. They are a direct driver of performance and growth. The study draws on responses from 6,098 decision-makers and technical specialists across 30 markets, including 106 organizations in the Kingdom,»»»
Trump says US blockade of Iranian ports will 'remain' if no deal reached
Aboard Air Force One: President Donald Trump said late Friday he planned to maintain a US blockade of Iranian ports if a peace deal with Tehran is not reached, adding that he may not extend the ceasefire after its expiration. Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz on Friday in the wake of a ceasefire d»»»
Business - European airlines could run out of jet fuel 'in six weeks'
European airlines could run out of jet fuel in six weeks' time. That's the stark warning from the head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, who says passengers should expect fewer flights and higher prices. Carriers are already reducing their flight schedules ahead of the summer holiday»»»
Farmers, cheese-makers leave talks empty-handed
Livestock farmers and cheese producers from the island of Lesvos walked out of an emergency government meeting on Friday, furious over vague assurances as a foot-and-mouth disease crisis entered its second month with no clear resolution. Representatives of both groups had traveled to Athens to meet»»»
Meteorology forecasts relatively hot day, mild night on Saturday in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: The Department of Meteorology forecasts relatively hot conditions during the daytime, accompanied by some cloud cover over inshore areas until 6pm on Saturday. Conditions are expected to become milder by night. Offshore areas will experience occasional cloudiness. Winds inshore will be»»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»
Syria takes control of all former US military bases
Syrian government forces have taken control of Qasrak air base in the northeastern province of Hasakah following the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition, SANA reported on April 16 citing a statement issued by the Syrian defence ministry. »»»
Anthropic's Mythos AI model triggers crisis meetings among top global officials
A recently announced powerful AI model built by Anthropic has prompted emergency meetings among finance ministers, central bankers and Wall Street chief executives after it demonstrated the ability to discover and exploit cybersecurity weaknesses across major banking systems, operating systems and »»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»