World leaders salute Father Amir, architect of Qatar’s renaissance
Doha, Qatar: The passing of Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani prompted an outpouring of condolences and tributes from heads of state, royal families, and senior leaders across the world, who praised his enduring legacy and extended heartfelt sympathy to the leadership, people, and g»»»
Kuwait air defenses intercept hostile aerial targets
Kuwait: The General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army announced on Monday that Kuwait's air defense systems were engaging hostile aerial targets within Kuwaiti airspace. The blasts heard are the result of mid-air interception operations, said the General Staff in a statement, advising the public to abide b»»»
Ukrainian drone strikes kill at least 3, wound 5 in Moscow region
Drone attacks killed at least three people and injured five others in the Moscow region, governor Andrey Vorobyov said on Telegram Monday. Ukraine has been intensifying its strikes on Russia's energy targets in response to Moscow's barrages. Drone attacks killed three people and wounded five in the»»»
Top UN official accuses Hamas of Gaza aid obstruction
JERUSALEM: A senior UN official on Monday accused Hamas of interfering with humanitarian deliveries in Gaza and intimidating aid workers, warning that the group’s actions were making relief operations increasingly dangerous. Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas continues to control parts of Gaza, ev»»»
Saudi housing ministry signs $1.22bn in H1 contracts, offers 13k opportunities
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing announced the offering of over 13,000 investment opportunities through the “Fursah” portal for investment in Saudi cities during the first half of 2026. The total value of contracts signed through the portal exceeded SR4.6 billion ($1.22»»»
Philippine peso weakens against UAE dirham as Dh1 reaches 16.78
Dubai: Filipinos sending money home from the UAE are getting the strongest exchange rate in a month after the peso weakened to 16.78 against the dirham on Monday morning. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.One dirham bought 16.78 pesos at 9.51 am, placing the rate close t»»»
Real estate trading tops QR565m last week
Doha, Qatar: The value of real estate traded through sale contracts registered with the Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice totaled QR 482,772,733 during the period from June 28 to July 2. The total value of sale contracts listed in the real estate bulletin for residentia»»»
Ukraine war fatigue laid bare by anti-conscription riot in Lviv
Tensions are approaching boiling point in Ukraine after citizens rioted in a protest against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s compulsory conscription programme in the western city of Lviv on July 9. An anti-mobilisation demonstration turned violent after a large crowd of people attacked re»»»
Central Asia battles to stop fuel squeeze turning into supply shock
Central Asia is battling to prevent a fuel squeeze caused by sustained Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries from becoming a regional supply shock. The situation worsened on July 8 as Russia, facing domestic fuel shortages and price spikes in some regions, banned exports of diesel until the end o»»»
‘My Amir, my friend and companion’
Doha, Qatar: Former Prime Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the Father Amir, describing him as “my Amir, my friend and companion throughout our journey.” He said the late leader devoted his life, both publicly and privately, to the»»»
England, Argentina to renew bitter rivalry in semi-final
Los Angeles: England and Argentina will meet on Wednesday in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final infused with decades of bitter rivalry after they battled past Norway and Switzerland respectively in the quarter-finals. The South Americans and their talisman Lionel Messi must defeat England in Atlant»»»
Norway coach says ball hit camera cable for crucial England goal
Miami: Norway coach Stale Solbakken said Saturday he was convinced the ball struck an overhead camera cable before England scored a crucial equaliser in their World Cup quarter-final victory. While FIFA swiftly issued a statement after Norway’s 2-1 defeat in Miami to say that a chip sensor embedded»»»
On This Day, July 13: Live Aid concerts raise $125M for famine relief - UPI.com
On July 13, 1985, musicians and celebrities gathered at arenas in London and Philadelphia to hold a 16-hour Live Aid concert, raising more than $125 million in famine relief for Africa. 1 of 5 | Singer Bob Geldof, pictured in 2005 at the Live 8 Concert in Hyde Park in London, organized the benefit »»»
First Syrian-American Business Forum opens in Damascus to boost economic cooperation
Damascus, July 13 (SANA) The first Annual Syrian-American Business Forum opened in Damascus on Monday, bringing together government officials, business leaders and investors from Syria and the United States to explore opportunities to expand bilateral economic cooperation and attract investment. Th»»»
Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Makkah draws 17.5 million visitors to historical sites
RIYADH: The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites is implementing an integrated strategy to conserve historical and enrichment sites and transform them into sustainable cultural destinations, enhancing Makkah's position as a city of ancient heritage in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The com»»»
Who is Anna Menon? The astronaut married to NASA’s Anil Menon with a remarkable SpaceX journey
Before Dr Anil Menon prepares to make his first journey beyond Earth, his family already has a place in space history, thanks to his wife Anna Menon. The SpaceX engineer and astronaut became one of the few women to complete a commercial spacewalk when she flew aboard the historic Polaris Dawn missi»»»
‘Father Amir’s contributions will continue to shape nation’s journey and progress’
Doha: Qatar’s senior leadership paid heartfelt tributes following the passing of Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, remembering him as the architect of the nation’s modern renaissance whose vision, leadership and lasting achievements transformed the State of Qatar and strengthened i»»»
Audit Office Refers Four Conflict-of-Interest Cases for Asset Checks
The Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO) is referring four cases involving established conflicts of interest to the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Unlawfully Acquired Assets Forfeiture Commission (UAAFC) for further checks, the BNAO press office said on Monday. The cases concern Andriyana Tat»»»
A legacy of pride: Qatar’s sports family pays tribute to Father Amir
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s sports fraternity mourned the passing of the Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, paying tribute to a visionary leader whose legacy transformed the country into a global sporting hub. From successfully staging the Asian Games Doha 2006, the first major multi-sport»»»
Islamic University of Kerala pays tribute to Father Amir, honours his legacy
Doha, Qatar: The Islamic University of Kerala in India has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, describing him as an exceptional leader and visionary statesman whose lifelong commitment to education, humanitarian work and nation-buildi»»»
Father Amir’s legacy laid foundations for Qatar’s modern economy
Doha, Qatar: Chairman of Qatar Chamber, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, extended his deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, the Deputy Amir, the est»»»
Ukraine prime minister resigns as Zelensky shifts political strategy - UPI.com
Yulia Svyrydenko resigned Sunday as Ukraine's prime minister. File Photo by Teresa Suarez/EPA July 13 (UPI) -- Yulia Svyrydenko has resigned as prime minister of Ukraine, as President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that she would be assuming a new position amid a shift in the war-torn country's polit»»»
‘We are dismantling a regime, not persecuting people’: Hungarian minister defends constitutional changes
“We are not persecuting people but dismantling a regime while building a democratic one, legally and constitutionally,” the health minister said on Sunday in a Facebook post ahead of a vote on a constitutional amendment scheduled for Monday. Hegedűs: “We are dismantling a regime, not persecuting pe»»»
Disputes generated by ROBOR fines may exceed the value of sanctions applied to banks
The disputes that could be initiated by bank customers following the fines applied by the Competition Council in the ROBOR case could generate losses significantly higher than the amount of the sanctions, warns the National Bank of Romania (BNR) in the Financial Stability Report.According to the re»»»
Mandatory private pension plans had assets of RON 227.5 billion as of end-May 2026
Romania's mandatory private pension plans had assets worth RON 227.5 billion at the end of May 2026, up 37% year-on-year, according to statistics with the Financial Oversight Authority (ASF)."As much as 95% of the investments of privately managed pension plans were made in Romanian assets, most of »»»
PwC: Large taxpayers to submit annual transfer pricing documentation to ANAF from 2026
Large taxpayers will be required to submit their transfer pricing documentation electronically on an annual basis for transactions carried out in the 2026 tax year, under new orders issued by Romania's National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF), which also revise the rules governing Advance P»»»
ING Bank and Dedeman integrate RoPay into online shopping platform
ING Bank Romania and Dedeman have integrated RoPay into the retailer’s e-commerce platform, allowing customers to use the national instant payment service for online purchases on the Dedeman website. Customers can select RoPay at checkout and authorise the payment directly from their bank’s mobile »»»
BCR Co-Arranges Autonom’s €30M Sustainability Bond
Banca Comerciala Romana (BCR) acted as Co-Arranger in the EUR 30 million bond issue of Autonom Services S.A., Romania’s largest independent mobility services provider. The issuance was oversubscribed and is set to be listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, with the bonds carrying a five-year tenor »»»
Forvis Mazars analysis: What businesses need to know about the EU’s new tax simplification package
On 24 June 2026, the European Commission published its long-awaited EU tax simplification package, a major legislative initiative aimed at reducing complexity in EU direct taxation and supporting the competitiveness of businesses operating across the European Union. The package forms part of the Co»»»
Romania secures regional role in new international defence financing bank
Romania has joined the founding group behind the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, a Canada-led multilateral financial institution designed to mobilise public and private capital for defence, security and resilience projects. The joint declaration was signed on the sidelines of the NATO Summit»»»
No applause or standing ovation greeted President Ahmad Al Sharaa as he opened Syria's new parliament, in contrast with parliamentary sessions during the Assad era.
Dubai: Syria's newly formed People's Assembly convened for its inaugural session on Sunday, with lawmakers listening in silence as President Ahmad Al Sharaa delivered his opening address, without the applause or standing ovations that routinely accompanied speeches by former president Bashar Al Ass»»»
US pounds nearly 170 Iranian military targets in 48 hours as Gulf Conflict spirals, Hormuz flashpoint deepens
US Central Command (CENTCOM) has struck approximately 170 Iranian military targets in two consecutive nights, marking one of Washington's largest sustained military operations against Iran since the latest Gulf crisis erupted. The campaign underscores a shift from a limited retaliatory response tow»»»
Saudi Arabia has opened the kingdom's largest dancing fountain in Asir, with the 120-metre attraction set to become a major new tourism landmark.
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has opened the Kingdom's largest dancing fountain and the world's third tallest at a new tourism resort in the Asir region, as part of a major private-sector development aimed at boosting domestic tourism. The fountain, inaugurated at Al Wadi Resort, reaches a height of 120 metr»»»
Diplomats pay tribute to Qatar’s inspiring, visionary leadership
Doha, Qatar: The passing of the Father Amir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, prompted an outpouring of condolences from embassies and ambassadors accredited to the State of Qatar, reflecting the profound respect he commanded across the international community. In heartfelt messages,»»»
Infantino remembers Father Amir as mentor
Doha, Qatar: FIFA President Gianni Infantino paid an emotional tribute to the Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, describing him as a visionary leader, mentor and close friend whose influence would endure for generations. In a message posted on social media following the passing of H»»»
AFC President hails architect of Qatar’s sporting rise
Doha, Qatar: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has expressed his profound sorrow and deepest condolences to the Qatar royal family, the Qatar Football Association, and the people of Qatar following the demise of the Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Kh»»»
International migration has stabilised Romania's resident population
International migration has managed to stabilise Romania's resident population, given that the natural growth in the country was negative in the margin of 70,000 - 100,000, Chairman of the National Institute of Statistics (INS), Tudorel Andrei, said on Friday at a specialist event."Economic growth »»»
Romania's population expected to decrease to 15.633 million in 2080
Romania's population will shrink to 15.633 million in 2080, from 19.043 million on January 1, 2025, according to the latest projections made by the National Institute of Statistics (INS), published on Friday, ahead of the World Population Day, marked every year on July 11.The size of the resident p»»»
Romania's negative natural growth extends into May 2026
The natural population change in Romania stayed negative in May 2026, at minus 8,381, with the number of deaths being 1.8 times higher than that of live births, according to data published on Friday by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).In May 2026, 10,444 births were registered, down 2% fr»»»
Report on Romania's drug situation presented at Government meeting
The number of requests for assistance related to drug use decreased in 2024 compared to the previous year, with 2,260 such cases recorded?33.1% fewer than in 2023?according to a report presented at Thursday's government meeting.According to a statement by the Government, the National Agency for Coo»»»
Trade deficit falls 6.2% to EUR 13.5 billion in first five months of 2026
Romania's trade deficit (FOB/CIF) totalled 13.506 billion lei in the first five months of 2026, 889.8 million lei (6.2%) lower than in the corresponding period of 2025, according to data published on Friday by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).In May 2026 alone, the trade deficit stood at »»»
UniCredit: BNR could begin cutting monetary policy rate in 2027, amid easing inflation
The National Bank of Romania (BNR) could begin cutting the monetary policy interest rate in 2027, given that inflation is projected to fall to approximately 5.5% by the end of this year?down from nearly 10% currently?stated Eszter Gargyan, FX strategist for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) at UniCr»»»
UniCredit expects Romania's economy to grow 0.2 pct in 2026, as fiscal consolidation weighs on activity
Romania's economy is expected to grow by 0.2% in 2026, below the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) average, as fiscal consolidation weighs on activity, before accelerating to 2.3% in 2027, according to UniCredit's quarterly macroeconomic report released on Friday.CEE as a whole remains "one of Europ»»»
Romania has already secured half of the funding planned for 2026
Romania has secured 49% of the financing planned for 2026, and the developments in the national budget implementation have allowed to keep up a balanced pace of loans, without the need for the pre-financing used in previous years, according to acting Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare."Romania maint»»»
IntMin Predoiu:We're focusing on acquisition of autonomous maritime platforms with significant surveillance and monitoring capabilities
Acting Minister of Internal Affairs Catalin Predoiu stated on Friday in Constanta that the institution he represents is looking into acquiring autonomous maritime platforms to support surveillance and monitoring missions in the marine environment."We have a cooperation agreement with the company in»»»
Radu Miruta: The national defense industry needs as much funding as possible
Minister of National Defense Radu Miruta stated on Friday in Constanta that the national defense industry needs as much funding as possible, but if the money is allocated while the industry remains poorly managed, it will "leak away as if through a bag full of holes."Regarding the Bolojan Governmen»»»
PNL May Hold New Party Congress in August or September
Romania’s National Liberal Party (PNL) may organize a new party Congress in August or September, according to Daniel Fenechiu, the leader of the party’s senators. The current PNL leadership is considering convening a new Congress after a Romanian court sided with party members opposed to party lead»»»
AUR Deputy Chairman Dungaciu: Early elections are the only solution to rebalance Romania
First Deputy Chairman of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), Dan Dungaciu, argues that early elections are the only way to "rebalance" Romania and bring institutional political representation into "minimum concordance" with the citizens' options."We want early elections not because AUR i»»»
PSD urges speedy Gov't investiture to unlock Romania's access to SAFE funds
Romania is currently unable to approve the legal framework required to access European funds under the SAFE instrument because it does not have a fully empowered Government, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) said on Friday, urging political parties to urgently invest a new Cabinet."Political partie»»»
USR's Fritz: If a majority is not possible for a courageous government, let the Romanians decide
National leader of the Save Romania Union (USR) Dominic Fritz on Monday said that Romania needs a "courageous" government that delivers results for the citizens, and if it is not possible to outline a parliamentary majority to support it, perhaps the decision should belong to the public."We need a »»»