France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Monday said two French embassy officials had been subject to an “extremely serious act of intimidation” by Iranian security services in Iran the day before, having been held and interrogated for hours. One of them was also subjected to physica»»»

Doha: Qatar has emerged as one of the standout performers in the Gulf region, attracting a significant jump in foreign direct investment (FDI) last year, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2026. The report, titled International Inv»»»

The UAE has expressed its solidarity with the Republic of India over the victims of floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall, which resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries, as well as significant damage. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.In »»»

Romanian tourism is seeing a significant rise in visitors from the Anglo-Saxon region (the USA and the UK)?travelers who opt for longer stays, have high spending levels, and seek authentic experiences, particularly in Transylvania and Maramures to a Facebook post by the Romanian Hotel Industry Fede»»»

OMV Petrom and Romgaz have completed the installation of the offshore production platform for Neptun Deep, marking one of the most important stages in the development of Romania's largest natural gas project, which remains on schedule to begin production in 2027.According to an OMV Petrom press rel»»»

The annual inflation rate was estimated to have shrunk slightly in June, before posting a substantial decline in 2026 Q3, as previously anticipated, amid the fade-out of the direct effects from the removal of the electricity price cap and the increases in VAT rates and excise duties, according to t»»»

The evolution of ROBOR shows no significant anomalies, with the index level aligning with the monetary policy decisions of the National Bank of Romania (NBR) and inflation dynamics, according to an analysis by specialists from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (FSEGA) at Babes-Bo»»»

The President of the Chamber of Deputies, Sorin Grindeanu, the social-democrat ( PSD) president, proposed on Monday the establishment of a crisis committee for the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)-related laws, to operate until a government with full powers takes office."Romania must no»»»

President Nicusor Dan promulgated on Monday the law designating 2026 as the Year of the United States of America in Romania.The law allows the organisation of events aimed at strengthening the Romanian-U.S. strategic relationship and reaffirming Romania's commitment to the values of the free world,»»»

Modernising the Air Force represents a strategic priority for Romania, and major procurement programmes, as well as ongoing training activities, are increasing the operational capability of this branch of the armed forces and ensuring the integration of the latest capabilities, President Nicusor Da»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Municipality has made significant headway in expanding Qatar’s public green spaces and recreational infrastructure, completing the initial handover of 12 parks and five public plazas, according to the Ministry’s 2025 Annual Report, outlining the achievements of its Proj»»»

The Kyrgyz Ak Topozu (Kyrgyz White Yak) has officially been registered as a new animal breed in Kyrgyzstan. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, the order on the state registration of the new breed was signed on July 20 at Syrt pasture in Issyk-Kul regi»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Shura Council’s six permanent committees played a central role during the Council’s recently concluded 54th annual session, advancing legislative and oversight work through the review of draft laws, key policy proposals and public interest issues in support of Qatar National Vision»»»

Poland has assembled a 10-country coalition to press Brussels to slow the tightening of the bloc’s emissions trading system (ETS) and reconsider a carbon market for buildings and road transport, the country’s climate minister said on July 16. The initiative is backed by Italy, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the»»»

Serbia will begin producing Chinese-backed humanoid robots next month, President Aleksandar Vucic said on July 13, as Belgrade seeks to position itself as a regional hub for advanced technology, Beta reported. Vucic said that production at a plant in the western town of Šabac would start by the end»»»

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said on July 14 that his government would amend legislation governing protected areas to bring it into line with European Union standards, in a move welcomed by protesters who have opposed a controversial luxury tourism project linked to US investors. Speaking at a »»»

Most Nato summits end with a communiqué. This one ended with customs problems. As leaders prepared to leave Ankara this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented each visiting head of state with an engraved Turkish-made revolver complete with ammunition and cleaning kit — prompting a f»»»

Financial worries have risen in seven of eight countries surveyed year on year and now tie with health as the leading personal concern worldwide, German insurer Allianz reported on July 6. The findings, drawn from a survey of 10,000 people across 10 countries conducted with Ipsos between April and »»»

When Ali Cabuk spotted a washed-up military drone on a Turkish Black Sea beach, he did not reach for his phone to call the police, military or a bomb disposal unit. Instead, he consulted artificial intelligence. Reassured that the Russian drone was not packed with explosives, he then took it home. »»»

EZEIZA, Argentina: Thousands of fans braved the cold and rain Monday to give a rapturous welcome to the Argentine football squad who landed back home without star Lionel Messi, after their World Cup final loss to Spain. It was not the homecoming Argentines had hoped for, four years after millions c»»»

The body of a 24-year-old woman was found in Kara-Kuldzha district of Osh region. According to the regional police department, a report about the incident was received on July 18 from a local district inspector. It was established that the woman, 24, was found hanged in a shed in the yard of her ho»»»

Three children from the same family were killed in a road accident in Ton district of Issyk-Kul region. The crash occurred on July 19 at around 1:50 p.m. between the villages of Kara-Talaa and Shor-Bulak, at the 33rd kilometer of Balykchy—Bokonbaevo—Karakol road. According to police, five vehicles »»»

Abu Dhabi: ADNOC has approved a $6.2 billion investment to develop the Umm Shaif Gas Cap, a project expected to unlock gas volumes equivalent to almost 10% of the UAE’s current daily consumption. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The final investment decision covers the »»»

Work has started in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region to expand a section of the Almaty—Bishkek republican highway. The reconstruction will cover the road section from the 19th to the 27th kilometer, Tengrinews.kz reports. The project aims to modernize one of Kazakhstan’s busiest transport corridors, whic»»»

Doha, Qatar: Artificial intelligence (AI) is helping physicians at Sidra Medicine’s Pediatric Emergency Department (ED) diagnose children faster, reduce waiting times and strengthen collaboration between emergency physicians and radiologists, hospital officials have said. The AI-powered tool, which»»»

Abu Dhabi: Passengers travelling between the UAE and Kuwait continue to face disruption after several airlines cancelled flights, with Etihad Airways extending the suspension of selected Kuwait services until July 24. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & BalancesThe latest cancellat»»»

Abu Dhabi: Zeid Sinokrot had worked across agriculture, technology and industrial ventures when he encountered a problem that would eventually lead him to build a deep-tech company in Abu Dhabi. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Millions of date palms were being lost to »»»

Thunderstorms and strong wind are expected in Bishkek and the Chui Valley over the next three hours and throughout the day. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, westerly wind could reach 15-20 meters per second. Residents are urged to exercise caution and take possible worsening weath»»»

Kazakhstan’s authorities have responded to Kyrgyzstan’s request and decided to supply the country with 15,000 to 20,000 tons of fuel oil monthly. The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan reported. The fuel can be used as feedstock for deep processing at Kyrgyz oil refineries. It can be »»»

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, declaring that Canada has unfairly discriminated against American autos, alcohol and dairy products. The move, announced late on Monday (July 20) could unleash a new wave of economic chaos, with risks of higher inflation»»»

MOSCOW: Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s Belgorod border region killed six people on Monday, authorities said, while Kyiv reported eight deaths following Russian attacks. Russia has escalated its bombardment of Ukraine, killing dozens of people in missile strikes since the start of the month, and Kyiv»»»

Judit Polgár will not accept the offer to take on the position of President of the Republic. She wrote that she considers the invitation from those who put her name forward to be an honor of her life, and that she is deeply grateful for it. “I greatly appreciate the Prime Minister’s gesture in aski»»»

Legal protection for employees against gender discrimination, workplace violence, and sexual harassment has been strengthened in Kyrgyzstan. President Sadyr Japarov signed amendments to several laws. During recruitment, employers should not request information unrelated to a candidate’s professiona»»»

Manila: Philippine Airlines (PAL) has placed one of the largest aircraft orders in its recent history, committing to buy 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners with rights to purchase five more. The multibillion-dollar investment signals the flag carrier's confidence in the long-term growth of international »»»

The streets outside Parliament became the latest flashpoint in India’s growing NEET-UG controversy on Monday, as thousands of students took their protest to the capital. The ‘Chalo Sansad’ march, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), was held on July 20 as demonstrators demanded the resigna»»»

Iran has caused consternation after sending a civilian aircraft to collect and return Houthi officials for the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed on 28 February on the first day of the US-Israeli war again the Islamic Republic. The funeral ceremonies for Khamenei were on a scale»»»

The silly season appears to have come early for two right-wing celebrities, Britain’s Nigel Farage and the French politician Marine Le Pen. Both could take power in their respective countries, Le Pen as early as April next year, yet both have been mired in financial misconduct accusations. Farage i»»»

SINGAPORE, July 21 : Vessel crossings ‌via the Strait of Hormuz dropped further at the start of the week, shipping data showed, as ​caution grew following a fresh exchange of attacks between the United States and Iran.A total of four commodity vessels crossed the strait on Monday, mostly on the Ira»»»

Arab Finance: The Alexandria Port Authority and the Port Authority of Montenegro signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in maritime transport, port operations, and logistics, as per a statement. Chairman of the Alexandria Port Authority Ehab Salah and Acting Director o»»»

A suspect has been detained in Bishkek over a cryptocurrency exchange scam, in which a victim lost 82,550 USDT, the press service of the Main Department of Internal Affairs of Bishkek reported. According to police, the incident occurred on August 21, 2024, at the intersection of Abdrakhmanov and To»»»

TEHRAN: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Tuesday they hit US military targets including air defense systems in Bahrain and Kuwait, state news agency IRNA reported. The Guards said they struck two air defense systems and a radar installation at two different US outposts in Bahrain, as well as mis»»»

Kyrgyz singer Nurdoolot Derkembaev has become a prize winner at the Slavianski Bazaar International Festival of Arts in Belarus, taking third place in the Vitebsk 2026 International Pop Song Contest. A total of 19 performers from different countries competed for the festival’s top award, the Golden»»»

Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan, and other regional mediators presented a 10-day ceasefire proposal to the United States and Iran, Axios reported, citing sources. The administration of US President Donald Trump is reviewing the proposal and has urged Israel to avoid steps that could close the window for dip»»»

The US Central Command announced the completion of its latest wave of strikes against Iran. "U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) completed another round of strikes against Iran at 9 p.m. ET, July 20," the command said in a statement on Monday night. US forces reportedly struck Iranian military command c»»»

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile and drone strikes against a US long-range radar site, a communications center, satellite reception systems, and a missile defense radar in Kuwait, Press TV reported. The IRGC also struck a hangar for US MQ-9 Reaper drones at the Ali A»»»

New Delhi: Demonstrators remained at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday morning, continuing their protest a day after clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in Delhi during the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march. The clashes erupted on Monday when thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJ»»»

GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories: Eight-year-old Ruba Saadeh spends her days confined to the tent she shares with her family in Gaza, her body dotted with inflamed red blisters as chickenpox sweeps through overcrowded camps like the one they live in.Doctors and displaced families in Gaza say the »»»

Kuala Lumpur: A wave of political disinformation targeting Malaysia’s Rohingya population has raised alarm among rights groups that say it is fueling xenophobia and intimidation against the refugee community. AFP fact-checkers have debunked a torrent of falsehoods about the Muslim ethnic group on p»»»

TOKYO: Chinese and Russian naval forces conducted a joint live-firing exercise using machine guns within Japan’s exclusive economic zone, a sign of their deepening military cooperation, Tokyo said Tuesday. The incident on Sunday was the first time that Japan’s defense ministry has spotted a live-fi»»»

MANILA: A clash in the South China Sea threatened to overshadow a meeting of Southeast Asian nations on Tuesday as the United States condemned “dangerous” Chinese actions in the contested waterway. The US statement came minutes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in the Philippines, where »»»