Center hosts Ramadan Forum for English speakers
Doha, Qatar: The Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center organised a lecture for English speakers titled “Ramadan: The Month of Mercy and Forgiveness.” The lecture was held on February 27, 2026, and was attended by more than 160 participants from non-Arab communities. The lecture»»»
Outreach programmes continue in multiple languages
Doha: The outreach programmes organised by the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center continued at several locations across the country, with hundreds of attendees from different communities of non-Arabic-speaking Muslims participating in the lectures. Key programmes Al Wakra Ho»»»
Natural increase negative in January; number of deaths twice as high as live births
The natural population increase remained negative in January 2026, with the number of deaths being twice as high as the number of live births, according to data published National Institute of Statistics (INS) on Friday.In January 2026, birth certificates were registered for 12,461 children, up by »»»
Average net salary down to 5,518 lei in January
The average net monthly salary stood at 5,518 lei in January 2026, decreasing by 396 lei (-6.7%) compared with December 2025, while the average gross monthly salary reached 9,220 lei, 648 lei (-6.6%) lower than the level recorded in December 2025, according to data published on Friday by the Nation»»»
Almost 4% drop in industrial output recorded in January 2026
Industrial production decreased by 3.9% in the first month of this year compared with January 2025, in unadjusted terms, according to data published on Friday by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).According to the official data, in January 2026 declines were recorded in manufacturing (-6.4%»»»
Vital sectors of Romanian economy affected by lack of foreign workers blocked in transit
Vital sectors of the Romanian economy such as construction, manufacturing and the hospitality industry are being directly hit by the massive air traffic disruption caused by the escalation of the conflict in the Gulf area, representatives of the Employers' Association of Labour Importers (PIFM) sai»»»
Annual inflation rate down to 9.31% in February
The annual inflation rate fell slightly to 9.31% in February, from 9.62% in January, as service prices increased by 11.37%, non-food goods by 9.41%, and food products by 7.89%, according to data published on Friday by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).'The consumer price index was 100.59% »»»
Analyst: Romania has taken almost no real measures against the rising fuel prices crisis
Romania has taken almost no real measures against the crisis generated by rising fuel prices, although it has the highest diesel fuel prices and the second highest gasoline prices in relation to the local purchasing power, according to chairman of the Smart Energy Association (AEI) Dumitru Chisalit»»»
PM Bolojan: We cannot cancel fuel price increases, but we can mitigate their impact
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said on Friday, during a visit to Bihor county, that the Government will monitor the development of fuel prices in order to "mitigate, in a certain way, their impact," but stressed that price increases cannot be cancelled.The Prime Minister added that, due to the conflic»»»
The President of Hungary , in Targu Secuiesc, to mark the Day of Hungarians Everywhere
Some thousand of people took part, on Sunday, to the events organized in Targu Secuiesc , Covasna county , on the occasion of the Day of Hungarians Everywhere, event whose guest of honour was the president of Hungary, Sulyok Tamas.In front of the people gathered in the central park, president Sulyo»»»
TransMin Serban, meeting with the US Ambassador to Romania, Darryl Nirenberg
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure encourages the growth of US investments in Romania and in the Central and Eastern Europe region, in a favourable context marked by administrative reforms, the accelerated development of infrastructure and progress towards accession to the Organisation fo»»»
DefMin Miruta meets new U.S. ambassador: Romania is firm promoter of strengthening transatlantic relationship
Romania is a "firm" promoter of the Strategic Partnership with the United States of America and of the consolidation of the transatlantic relationship, the Minister of National Defense, Radu Miruta said on Friday during the meeting he had with the new U.S. ambassador in Bucharest, Darryl Nirenberg.»»»
Her Majesty Margareta meets new US Ambassador Nirenberg; talks focus on Romania-US cooperation
Romania's Custodian of the Crown, Her Majesty Margareta, met on Friday with the new US Ambassador to Bucharest, Darryl Nirenberg, with whom she discussed Romanian-American cooperation in the areas of defence, economy, education, science and arts.The meeting, which took place at the Elisabeta Palace»»»
FinMin Nazare: With 2026 budget we're getting closer to exiting excessive deficit procedure
Through the 2026 budget we are taking the first decisive step towards exiting the excessive deficit procedure, and by the end of the year we will be on the trajectory agreed with the European Commission, of 6.2% of GDP, the Minister of Finance, Alexandru Nazare, informed on Thursday evening.'At the»»»
Grindeanu: We have decided to vote on the 2026 budget; however, we will support the changes we consider necessary
The Social-democrat (PSD) leader, Sorin Grindeanu, announced on Sunday in an open letter addressed to premier Ilie Bolojan that the Social-Democrats will vote the state budget law for 2026 but they will lodge amendments which they consider compulsory so that the budget contains their vision as ...»»»
Secretary-General of the OECD to meet President Nicusor Dan, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan in Bucharest
The Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Mathias Cormann, will be in Bucharest on Monday, during which he will meet President Nicusor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.According to the schedule announced by the Government's Press Office, the OECD»»»
Parliament: 2026 draft budget to be submitted for final vote on Thursday
The 2026 draft budget will be submitted for a final vote in the joint plenary sitting of Parliament next Thursday.The joint Standing Bureaus of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate approved on Friday the schedule for the debate and adoption of the draft laws on the state budget and social securit»»»
Romania, Ukraine commit to 'highest level of protection' for Romanian and Ukrainian minorities
Romania and Ukraine commit, through their bilateral strategic partnership, to enhance cooperation to ensure "the highest level of protection" of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities in both countries, with full guarantees of linguistic rights and the "full exercise of rights relat»»»
MApN: New drones detected in immediate vicinity of Romanian airspace
The National Defence Ministry (MApN) announced on Friday that new drones were detected in the immediate vicinity of Romanian airspace, with a second RO-ALERT message sent to residents in the Danube Delta area.According to a MApN release, on Friday, at around 11:55, two Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft »»»
LIVE UPDATES: Middle East Tensions Mount After Strikes on Iran – Day 17
The Middle East remains on edge as the conflict triggered by the February 28 US–Israeli strikes on Iran enters its 17th day. The attacks, which targeted multiple Iranian sites and killed senior Iranian officials, sparked a major regional escalation and a wave of retaliatory missile and drone operat»»»
Middle East war live: Flights suspended at Dubai airport after drone sparks nearby fire
Flights were temporarily suspended at Dubai's airport on Monday after a "drone-related incident" sparked a fire nearby, city authorities said. The Emirati defence ministry later said its air defence systems were intercepting a wave of Iranian drones and missiles, without specifying where. Follow ou»»»
GASTAT: Saudi Consumer Inflation Eased to 1.7% in February
Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation rate edged down to 1.7 percent in February, the lowest level since January 2025, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The consumer price index eased from 1.8 percent in January to 1.7 percent, GASTAT said Sunday. The data further show»»»
Over 100 non-Arab Muslims attend Itikaf activities
Doha, Qatar: The activities of the last ten nights Itikaf during Ramadan commenced at the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, with the participation of more than 120 non-Arabic speaking Muslims representing eight different communities. The Itikaf aims to educate and raise aw»»»
Qatar’s Ambassador participates in launch of urgent international funding appeal for Lebanon
Beirut: Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Lebanon H E Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has participated in the launch of an international appeal aimed at mobilising funding to address the country’s growing humanitarian needs. The appeal was held at the Grand Serail of Beirut (Government Palac»»»
MoI highlights public safety guidelines
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has confirmed that competent security agencies continue to perform their field duties around the clock within a fully integrated operational framework. These efforts are carried out in continuous coordination with all relevant entities, ensuring the highe»»»
Ministry of Awqaf receives QR400,000 endowment to support charity
Doha, Qatar: The General Directorate of Endowments at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has announced the receipt of a new investment cash endowment valued at QR400,000, donated by a generous benefactor under the supervision of the Directorate. The initiative reflects the deep-rooted cultur»»»
UDST introduces early acceptance opportunity for high-achieving students
Doha, Qatar: University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has announced the launch of its Early Acceptance initiative for the Fall 2026 semester, offering outstanding high school students the opportunity to secure a place at the University before completing their final examinations. Prospec»»»
Syria says Turkey will temporarily close border crossings during Eid al-Fitr holiday
Damascus, March 16 (SANA) Turkey will temporarily close all border crossings with Syria to passenger and commercial traffic during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, a Syrian border authority official said Sunday. Mazen Alloush, director of relations at Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, said »»»
Families encouraged to create calm environment to support mental well-being
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has called on the public to maintain psychological balance and deal calmly with current developments, emphasising the importance of following supportive mental health practices to navigate such circumstances with reassurance and stability. In a video mess»»»
PHCC advises public on how to cope with stress and anxiety
Doha, Qatar: The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) issues practical guidance to help the public manage anxiety and stress and protect mental health during challenging times. PHCC in a post on X said feelings of fear and stress are natural human responses, noting that while people cannot contro»»»
Thani Humanitarian distributes food baskets at several places
Doha, Qatar: The Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services continues its charitable initiative, “Iftar for the Fasting”, distributing food baskets and nutritious meals at multiple locations across Qatar. The project targets low-income workers as well as needy families, benefiting tens»»»
Qatar Press Centre condoles death of journalist Jamal Rayyan
Doha, Qatar: With deep sorrow and grief, the Qatar Press Centre (QPC) mourns the prominent journalist Jamal Rayyan, who passed away yesterday at the age of 73, after a distinguished media career spanning more than five decades, during which he left a lasting mark on the history of Arab television j»»»
Qatar sends relief aid to over 40,000 displaced families in Lebanon
Beirut: The aid, provided by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) through its partners Qatar Charity and the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) was sent to displaced families in Lebanon. The urgent relief aid to 40,500 displaced families in Lebanon has been sent, following the conditions they are e»»»
Government Service Centres deliver over 38,000 services in February
Doha, Qatar: Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB) on X announced that government entities operating through Qatar’s government service centres has completed 38,260 transactions in February 2026, highlighting continued efforts to improve service delivery and operational efficiency. »»»
Kahramaa urges drivers to avoid parking near transmission and distribution stations
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has issued a clear and urgent appeal to all motorists, reminding them not to stop or park vehicles in front of electricity transmission and distribution stations across the country. In an official advisory posted on its soc»»»
Weather expected overall warm with scattered rain
The weather will begin to break up Monday, with cloud cover gradually building up and scattered rain mostly in the west, while winds will pick up and temperatures will remain warm for the time of year. In the Greater Athens region, the temperature will range from 5 to 17 degrees Celsius, and from 4»»»
Dubai gold prices slip to monthly low amid global market swings
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai slipped to their lowest level this month on Monday morning, giving buyers a brief window of relief after several weeks of elevated prices driven by global market turmoil. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, »»»
Japan weighs options to protect vessels in Strait of Hormuz
Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s prime minister, said on March 16 that the government is considering measures within its legal constraints to ensure the safety of Japanese-linked vessels and their crews in the Middle East amid the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, Kyodo News reports. »»»
Japan ruling party urges caution over possible Middle East deployment
A senior figure in Japan’s ruling party has called for caution over any decision to deploy the Japan Self-Defense Forces to the conflict-hit Middle East to escort vessels and ensure safe passage, according to Kyodo News. T»»»
London Boasts 12 of Top 100 Cinemas in the World
The cinema might feel like a relic to some – a moment from before films were available at the press of a button at home – but those interested in cinemas never turn their back on an afternoon spent sitting in complete darkness with total strangers in front of a booming big screen. According to METR»»»
Rafah crossing to reopen from March 18
Gaza: Israeli occupation authorities announced yesterday the reopening of the Rafah land crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt in both directions, starting next Wednesday, for limited movement of people. The crossing will operate according to the mechanism in place before its closure. Traveller»»»
WHO slams targeting of health workers in Lebanon
Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) has denounced yesterday the killing of 14 health workers in southern Lebanon over the past 24 hours, demanding the necessity of protecting medical personnel and health facilities at all times. In a press statement, Director-General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros »»»
Egypt’s Trade Deficit Widens to $4.9bn as Imports Outpace Exports
Egypt’s trade deficit widened at the end of 2025 as import growth outpaced gains in exports, according to newly released data from Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). In its monthly foreign trade bulletin, CAPMAS reported that the country’s trade gap expanded 12.2% year-»»»
On This Day, March 16: Congress establishes West Point - UPI.com
On March 16, 1802, the U.S. Congress authorized the establishment of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. 1 of 5 | President George W. Bush watches the graduates throw up their hats at Michie Stadium for the 2006 Graduation Ceremony of the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., on May »»»
Drone strike temporarily suspends flights at Dubai International Airport - UPI.com
March 16 (UPI) -- Dubai officials temporarily suspended all flights at the city's international airport Monday morning, as the United Arab Emirates was defending itself against a barrage of Iranian drone and missile strikes. A drone fired by Iran caused a fire to erupt from a fuel tank in the vicin»»»
One killed after missile falls on civilian car in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi authorities have confirmed they are responding to an incident following reports of a missile falling on a civilian vehicle in the Al Bahyah district. The attack resulted in one fatality, identified as a Palestinian national. Also ReadAlso Read: Dubai International Airport gradually resume»»»
One-Bedroom or Two-Bedroom Apartment: Which Is More Liquid on the Market in 2026
In 2026 the Bulgarian residential market is shaped less by size and more by adaptability. Buyers increasingly evaluate how easily a property can later be sold or rented, not just whether it fits their two-bedroom apartmentcurrent lifestyle. That is why the classic dilemma — one-bedroom apartment or»»»
Fuel Price Surge Puts Bulgaria’s Transport Sector Under Pressure, Industry Warns of Possible Bankruptcies
International transport companies in Bulgaria are coming under growing pressure as fuel prices continue to rise following the outbreak of war in the Middle East. Representatives of the sector warn that if the conflict drags on, some smaller firms could be pushed into bankruptcy, while consumers may»»»
Prime minister, Saudi FM discuss military escalation in the region, ways to resolve disputes peacefully
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani held a telephone call with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia HH Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud. Discussion during the call focused on the developments »»»