Finance Minister says Syria advances public wage reform funded by state resources
Damascus, March 25 (SANA) Syria’s Finance Minister Mohamed Yisr Barnieh said Tuesday the government is pressing ahead with a broad overhaul of public sector wages, emphasizing that the reforms are being financed through state revenues rather than borrowing or currency issuance. Speaking in an inter»»»
Read first, then react: Academic expert on combating disinformation
Doha, Qatar: In times of geopolitical crisis, information spreads at unprecedented speed, and the risk of disinformation taking hold has never been greater. According to Associate Professor of Media Analytics at Northwestern University in Qatar, Dr. Marc Owen Jones the problem is not just technolog»»»
General Tax Authority enables direct application of double taxation avoidance agreements
Doha, Qatar: As part of its ongoing efforts to develop the tax services ecosystem and enhance its effectiveness, the General Tax Authority announced the availability of the direct application of double taxation avoidance agreements service. The service aims to enable eligible entities to directly b»»»
45 Exoplanets Most Likely to Support Life
Astronomers have identified 45 planets that could be the best places to search for alien life. Scientists have found more than 6,000 exoplanets, or worlds outside of our own solar system. But many of them are inhospitable to any kind of life, because they are too hot, cold or otherwise dangerous. N»»»
Qatar property market expands as sales value climbs by 29%
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s real estate market recorded strong growth in last year with total sales value rising by approximately 29 percent year-on-year, reflecting increased activity and investor confidence across several property segments. According to Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat) data and»»»
Iran's Hormuz trap: What to know about IRGC's naval mines deployment
Nobody knows how many naval mines were deployed by Iran in the Hormuz Strait. One estimate puts the number to "at least a dozen naval mines, possibly fewer" placed at specific points IRGC elements know in the narrow waterway that carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil. What we know s»»»
Issa Ahmed called up to Qatar squad for World Cup camp
Doha, Qatar: Issa Ahmed has earned a call-up to Qatar’s national team training camp during the ongoing international break, as Al Annabi step up preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The inclusion comes as part of a 32-man squad named by head coach Julen Lopetegui, with the team set to assemble»»»
ACL Elite West knockouts moved to Jeddah as single-leg ties
Doha, Qatar: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) yesterday confirmed that all remaining knockout matches in its club competitions across the West Region will be played as single-leg ties at centralised venues, citing ongoing tensions in West Asia. The decision follows the temporary postponement »»»
Tiger Woods to return to action in TGL with Masters looming
Los Angeles: Tiger Woods will make a tentative return to competitive action when he plays yesterday in the TGL golf league, weeks after the 15-time major champion said that the Masters in April was not “off the table”. The 50-year-old underwent disc replacement surgery in October, the latest in a s»»»
Mbappe says injury is behind him and all systems go for World Cup
Paris, France: French superstar Kylian Mbappe says the knee injury that kept him sidelined for almost two months is “behind him” and there had never been a concern he would miss this year’s World Cup. The 27-year-old Real Madrid striker admitted he had not been at his best mentally during the 54-da»»»
Library Book Borrowed from Dudley in the UK Handed in Australia
It is not often that mystery surrounds the return of a library book. And at first glance, the return of one on loan from a library in the West Midlands would not seem something to cause a lot of fuss. The thing is, when the volume - borrowed from Dudley - was handed in, it was to a library 16,898 k»»»
Miami Hosts FII Summit on Wednesday, Eyes Role of Capital in Global Shifts
Miami will host the fourth FII PRIORITY summit from March 25 to 27 under the theme “Capital in Motion,” as global economic and geopolitical shifts accelerate and investments and ideas move faster across borders and sectors. More than 1,500 business leaders, policymakers and investors from the Unite»»»
Police Operation Against Election Law Violations Conducted in Montana Region
A new police operation targeting violations of election legislation and crimes against citizens’ political rights was carried out Tuesday, the acting Secretary General of the Interior Ministry, Georgi Kandev, said on Facebook Wednesday morning. Authorities are working on a tip-off that in the town »»»
Al Rayyan blank Al Shahania to reach QSL Cup semi-finals
Doha, Qatar: Ahmed Alaeddin fired a brace as Al Rayyan stormed into the QSL Cup semi-finals with a 3-0 emphatic victory over Al Shahania at Al Khor Stadium yesterday. Later, Umm Salal prevailed over Second Division side Al Bidda 2-0 to advance in the revamped tournament. Al Rayyan, led by assistant»»»
Lebanon: Arrest Warrants Issued for Hezbollah Members over Rocket Transfers
Lebanon’s military judiciary has shifted course in handling security cases involving Hezbollah members, with the military court in Beirut interrogating four suspects in a case tied to the possession and transport of rockets and military-grade weapons. On Tuesday, two Hezbollah members appeared befo»»»
SK hynix says is taking steps for listing on U.S. stock market - UPI.com
South Korean chipmaker SK hynix Inc. said Wednesday it has begun taking steps for listing on the U.S. stock market. This file photo, taken Jan. 29, 2026, shows the company's headquarters in Icheon. File Photo by Yonhap SK hynix Inc. said Wednesday it has begun taking steps for listing on the U.S. s»»»
UNHRC to hold urgent debate on Iran’s attacks on GCC states, Jordan
Geneva: The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) will hold an urgent debate today on Iran’s military attacks against Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, which have targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure and resulted in casualties. In a st»»»
‘Like a Threat’: What Gaza’s Latest Disarmament Proposal Includes
Sources from Hamas told Asharq Al-Awsat that its delegation received a proposal days ago to disarm the Gaza Strip, submitted by the executive body of the Board of Peace established by US President Donald Trump. A senior Hamas source based outside Gaza said that what was presented appeared to be a “»»»
Polish retail sales grow 5% y/y in February but still disappoint
Polish retail sales grew 5% year-on-year (y/y) in constant prices in February, picking up from a 4.4% y/y rise in January, the statistics office GUS said on March 23. The February reading disappointed, as it came in at bel»»»
The Philippines declares national energy emergency
The Philippines has declared a nationwide energy emergency. In doing so it becomes the first country in the world to take such a step in response to disruptions caused by the ongoing war in Iran, the BBC reports. »»»
The Philippines declares national energy emergency
The Philippines has declared a nationwide energy emergency. In doing so it becomes the first country in the world to take such a step in response to disruptions caused by the ongoing war in Iran, the BBC reports. »»»
The Philippines declares national energy emergency
The Philippines has declared a nationwide energy emergency. In doing so it becomes the first country in the world to take such a step in response to disruptions caused by the ongoing war in Iran, the BBC reports. »»»
Childbirths grow at fastest pace in 7 yrs in Jan. on increased marriages - UPI.com
The number of babies born in South Korea rose at the fastest pace in seven years in January, government data showed Wednesday. In this file photo, a nurse cares for a newborn at a hospital in Goyang on Dec. 26, 2025. File Photo by Yonhap The number of babies born rose at the fastest pace in seven y»»»
Has banning phones improved performance at Dutch schools?
Two years ago, Dutch schools banned smartphones to reduce distractions, enhance student concentration, and encourage better academic performance. Since then, mobile phones, smartwatches and tablets have been exiled from classrooms, corridors and canteens in schools across the Netherlands. Now the D»»»
Qatar: Focus on national security, no role in US-Iran talks
Doha, Qatar: Advisor to Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari has said Qatar is not involved in mediation between the US and Iran and is keeping focus on protecting its country. “Qatar’s position has been clear that this war mu»»»
Saudi ADES Suspends Some Offshore Rigs in the Gulf
Saudi Arabia’s ADES Holding Company announced it has temporarily suspended some of its offshore drilling rigs in the Gulf Cooperation Council due to ongoing regional tensions. ADES said in a statement that the suspensions are expected to be short-term. The group also said it is working closely with»»»
Kyrgyz dancers win 2 Grand Prix at International Dance Competition in Tashkent - | 24.KG
SeviM dance ensemble represented Kyrgyzstan with distinction at the Dance Fusion International Choreographic Art Competition, held in Tashkent, winning two Grand Prix. Ensembles from various countries participated in the competition, and the high score from the jury was a significant achievement fo»»»
'He liked the fear in our eyes', Epstein survivors tell BBC
Joanna Harrison never wanted to speak about the abuse she faced at the hands of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Like many survivors, she says Epstein's assault filled her with shame and embarrassment. But after her name was unintentionally made public in the release of millions of files by »»»
Philippines declares national energy emergency over war in Iran - UPI.com
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., seen here at the White House in July, has signed an executive order declaring a national energy emergcy over the threat posed to its fuel supply by the war in Iran. File Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo March 25 (UPI) -- President Ferdinand Marcos »»»
Orbán: A pro-Ukrainian government would take Hungary to war and give away Hungarians’ money
At the campaign rally in Nagykanizsa, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán warned that the upcoming election will decide whether Hungary remains on a path of peace and sovereignty or shifts toward what he described as a pro-Ukrainian direction that would bring war and financial burdens to the country. Addre»»»
Ministry of Labour e-services make changing employers in Qatar easier
Doha, Qatar: In a move to streamline labour mobility and enhance user experience, the Ministry of Labour Qatar has expanded its digital offerings, making it easier for workers to change employers through its integrated e-services platform. The Ministry said its Employer Change Service simplifies th»»»
South Korea Seeks Omani Support on Oil, LNG
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Tuesday asked his Omani counterpart for support on crude oil and LNG supplies, Cho's office said, due to shipment disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East. According to the Foreign Ministry, Cho made the request during a phone call with Om»»»
Cabinet Chairman of Kyrgyzstan to travel to Kazakhstan for EAEU meetings - | 24.KG
The Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Adylbek Kasymaliev, will make a working visit to Kazakhstan on March 26–27. During his visit, he will participate in narrow and expanded meetings of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council. The agenda includes trade and economic cooperation and»»»
Rate cut signals growth
The Monetary Policy Council cut the reference rate by 25 basis points to 3.75%, its first reduction since December, citing easing inflation and softer wage growth. January CPI slowed to 2.2% year-on-year, creating room for looser policy. Backed by updated National Bank of Poland projections and the»»»
Raben expands despite headwinds
Raben Group delivered solid growth in 2025 despite a difficult operating environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, rising costs, regulatory pressure, and labour shortages across Europe’s logistics sector. Revenues exceeded €2.3 billion, up more than 6%, while shipment volumes rose by 5.1%, under»»»
Mentoring program applications open
Applications are now open for the 13th edition of the FLB Mentoring Program, a 10-month development initiative aimed at leaders and professionals seeking to strengthen leadership skills, clarify career direction, and benefit from one-on-one guidance with experienced mentors. The application deadlin»»»
LOT suspends Middle East routes
LOT Polish Airlines has suspended flights to key Middle Eastern destinations amid escalating regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Tehran. Services to Dubai are halted until March 11, Riyadh until March 16, and Tel Aviv until March 23, after several countries closed airspace. The ca»»»
Israeli forces to control south Lebanon up to Litani river
Israel said on March 24 that its military would take control of south Lebanon up to the Litani River, around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border, as deadly strikes pounded the country. The day before, Israel's finance minister had said Israel should annex the region. This comes as Israel conti»»»
US 'shifts' towards diplomacy with Iran ahead of midterms
Hopes rose that the Iran war could begin winding down as U.S. President Donald Trump said that his government was holding productive talks with Tehran. Although this was denied by Iran, it is a further sign that the US is turning towards diplomacy to end a conflict that could drag on. FRANCE 24's P»»»
Trump's supposed talks with Iran: What do we know?
US President Donald Trump walked back his own deadline for escalating attacks on Iran on Monday, citing "productive" talks with Tehran – but Iranian officials deny those talks took place. So what is really happening? Here is a look at the facts and speculation. US President Donald Trump has execute»»»
Israel's occupation of South Lebanon 'way to pressure Lebanese government' over Hezbollah
The Israeli Defence Forces are setting a military zone in south Lebanon of about 30 kilometres between the border and the Litani river. The military also said it had destroyed a bridge across the river overnight, which it says was used by Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah "for transferr»»»
Israel and US interests diverge on possible negociation for end of war
While U.S. President Donald Trump projects optimism that an end to the war with Iran can be negociated soon, Israel seems determined to keep up the fight. The possibility of the US ending or even withdrawing from the conflict poses a significant risk to Israel's own goals.»»»
Is Iran's parliamentary speaker Ghalibaf negotiating with the US?
US President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that the United States had been negotiating with an unnamed Iranian leader whom he described as a "top person". Media reports have since speculated that the Iranian interlocutor could be 64-year-old pilot and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher G»»»
Saudi leader said to be pushing Trump to continue war in Iran, New York Times reports
The New York Times reports on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been pushing President Trump to continue the war against Iran, arguing that the U.S.-Israeli military campaign presents a “historic opportunity” to remake the Middle East. FRANCE 24's Ho»»»
Pakistan’s prime minister says his nation is ready to facilitate talks to end Iran war
Pakistan’s prime minister says his country is ready to “facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks” to end the Iran war. Pakistan is one of the countries pushing diplomatically for talks between Iran and the United States after President Donald Trump said Monday there were ongoing negotiations betw»»»
US to deploy elite army brigade to Middle East: reports
The United States is planning to send some 3,000 soldiers from the elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East to support operations against Iran, US media reported Tuesday. They would join thousands of Marines due to arrive in the Middle East by Friday, the latest deadline set by President Don»»»
US proposes 15-point plan as Iran opens Hormuz to 'non-hostile' oil vessels
Donald Trump said Tuesday he had sent a peace plan to Iran, expressing cautious optimism about ending nearly a month of war even as fresh violence underscored the fragility of the moment. In a potential sign of de-escalation, Tehran announced it would allow “non-hostile” vessels to pass through the»»»
Rupee weakens to 25.57 vs dirham, more pressure ahead
Dubai: The Indian rupee slipped further against the UAE dirham on Wednesday morning, adding to a steady stretch of weakness that is beginning to reshape remittance value for UAE residents. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.At around 9:12 am, Dh1 was valued at 25.57, mark»»»
Fresh wave of heavy rain, possible hail expected to hit UAE
Abu Dhabi: A new wave of rainfall moving in from Al Dhafra and the Arabian Gulf is expected to spread across most parts of the UAE in the coming hours, with heavy showers and possible hail forecast in some areas. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the unstable weather conditions»»»
A strike on a health care centre in Sudan killed at least 64 people, WHO says
At least 64 people, including 13 children, were killed when a strike hit a hospital in Sudan’s East Darfur state, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Saturday. The total number of people killed in attacks on health care during Sudan's civil war has now surpassed 2,000, noted WHO chief Tedros A»»»