Top of the slop? The Sora slide could trigger an AI avalanche
OpenAI has unexpectedly shut down Sora, its generative AI video model. Despite a surge of initial popularity, the tech was dogged by controversy and copyright issues and proved prohibitively expensive. In a significant blow to OpenAI, a $1 billion December 2025 deal to allow Sora users to generate »»»
Iran’s $2b oil passage via Hormuz a ‘gift’ for Trump, but markets to see little relief
Dubai: Donald Trump described Iran’s decision to allow 10 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as a “gift” and a potential opening for negotiations. Oil markets, however, are measuring the move in scale rather than symbolism. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - sim»»»
Terror attack on bank thwarted by police in France - UPI.com
Bank of America's Paris headquarters was the site of a thwarted terror attack early Saturday morning after nearby police saw two people attempt to detonate an explosive device in front of the building. File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI | License Photo March 28 (UPI) -- Law enforcement in Paris arrest»»»
Experts highlight energy security and supply chain risks in post-war scenario
DOHA: Energy, economic, and geopolitical experts have underscored mounting risks to global supply chains and energy security amid escalating regional tensions, during a high-level panel discussion organized by Gulf Times in collaboration with the Qatar Press Center. Held under the theme “The Day Af»»»
Socialists Plan Nationwide Outreach Tour Following Closed-Door Meeting
Prime Minister Edi Rama held a several-hour closed-door meeting on Saturday with Socialist Party lawmakers and cabinet ministers at the Palace of Brigades, focusing on improving public services and advancing key development projects across the country. During the meeting, Rama instructed deputies a»»»
Egypt launches phase two of Ataba development to upgrade markets, infrastructure
Egypt has launched the second phase of the development of the Ataba area in Cairo, as part of a wider government strategy to modernise urban markets and upgrade infrastructure in key commercial districts. Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad announced that the new phase is fully»»»
413,793 KitKat Candy Bars Stolen en Route from Italy to Poland
Swiss food giant Nestlé says about 12 tons, or 413,793 candy bars, of its KitKat chocolate brand were stolen after leaving its production site in Italy earlier this week for Poland. The company, based in Vevey, Switzerland, said in a statement Friday that “the vehicle and its load are still nowhere»»»
Saudi East-West Pipeline is Pumping Oil at its Full Capacity
Saudi Arabia’s crucial East-West pipeline that circumvents the Strait of Hormuz is pumping oil at its full capacity of 7 million barrels a day, a person familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. The technical milestone is the culmination of the Kingdom’s longstanding contingency plan for keeping its»»»
Oil to get more expensive this week as Middle East tensions escalate
Dubai: Oil prices are expected to rise further in the coming week, supported by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and growing signs that supply risks are broadening beyond key transit routes. Brent crude traded above $112 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate hovered near»»»
Virus Kills Tiger Cubs in Indonesian Zoo
Two Bengal tiger cubs born in Indonesia's Bandung Zoo last year have died from a viral infection, a conservation official told AFP on Friday. The cubs, two males named Huru and Hara, were born last July to tigress Jelita, who remains in good health. According to the conservation agency of West Java»»»
EU Parliament endorses initiative to create ‘return hubs’ for illegal migrants
European lawmakers have endorsed the opening of talks with the EU Council on a controversial legal framework to establish block-wide mechanisms to expel illegal migrants, including the creation of ‘return hubs’ in third countries. The idea to create de facto detention facilities outside of the EU’s»»»
More than 3,000 No Kings events expected across globe Saturday - UPI.com
Thousands of protesters against the Trump administration policies rallied as part of the nationwide No Kings protest in front of City Hall in downtown Orlando, Fla., on October 18. No Kings organizers expect even more people to turn out for protests Saturday. File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License »»»
Ghana players’ luxury watches stolen in Vienna hotel
Dubai: Two Ghana national football team players had luxury watches stolen from their hotel rooms in Vienna ahead of a friendly match against Austria on Friday, according to local police. A Vienna police spokesperson said the stolen items included Rolex watches valued in the “low to mid five-figure »»»
Meet the Artemis Crew in NASA's First Astronaut Mission to the Moon in More than a Half-century
The four astronauts making NASA’s next lunar leap bear little resemblance to the Apollo era. The Americans who blazed the trail to the moon more than half a century ago were white men chosen for their military test pilot experience. This first Artemis crew includes a woman, a person of color and a »»»
Senegal parade AFCON trophy at Stade de France, despite being stripped of title
Paris, France: Senegal, who won the Africa Cup of Nations title in a controversial final against hosts Morocco in January, only to be stripped of their victory weeks later, paraded the trophy ahead of a friendly on Saturday against Peru at the Stade de France in Paris.Spectators gather ahead of the»»»
Trump’s Skepticism Shook NATO: Iran War May Shatter It
The US president “essentially views NATO as an obsolete relic of the Cold War,” and allies’ refusal to help in Iran demonstrates that the US-European defense dynamic as it has existed since the late 1940s “is no longer necessary,” says Joe Siracusa, dean of Global Futures at Australia’s Curtin Univ»»»
Abu Dhabi launches National First Line of Defense Forum, Dh100 million training grants to boost emergency readiness
Abu Dhabi: The 26th edition of the National First Line of Defense Forum officially commenced today in Abu Dhabi under the theme “Together for a Nation’s Readiness.” The forum is organised by the National Unified and Integrated Training System for Readiness and Response, under the supervision of the»»»
Hegseth’s ‘crusade’ and Netanyahu’s scripture: holy differences in the front against Iran (VIDEO)
Both the US-Israel tandem and Iran have offered religious reasoning for hostilities in the Gulf to go on, painting the conflict as an existential standoff. RT’s Oumaima Ichchar looks into the arguments the warring sides have been providing, which appear to go well beyond geopolitics. On Wednesday, »»»
Houthis launch first Yemeni strike in Iran war, target Israel - UPI.com
An Israeli air defense system intercepts projectiles over the West Bank city of Nablus, on Saturday. Israel said it detected missiles launched from both Iran and Yemen. Photo by Alaa Badarneh/EPA March 28 (UPI) -- The Iranian-backed Houthis launched missile strikes toward Israel on Saturday, markin»»»
Socialist Party Launches Nationwide Tour Ahead of Anniversary Milestone
Albania’s ruling Socialist Party convened a closed-door parliamentary group meeting on Saturday, where Prime Minister and party leader Edi Rama outlined a nationwide outreach initiative involving ministers and lawmakers. Dubbed “Works for Albania,” the tour will begin next week and run through June»»»
BSP - United Left Proposes New Model for Access to Healthcare - BSP Leader Zarkov
Chair of the National Council of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Krum Zarkov, told representatives of the social sector here on Saturday that the BSP is proposing a completely new model for access to health and social services, based on their reorganization and the prevention of abuse, the BSP»»»
Prosperity Impossible without Independence, Vazrazhdane Leader Kostadinov Says
Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov said in Blagoevgrad on Saturday that Bulgaria cannot be prosperous and its population cannot thrive without sovereignty and independence, which he described as the core of his party's doctrine. Speaking at a public meeting, Kostadinov presented the party's gov»»»
Tatyana Sultanova Is Top-of-the-List Candidate of Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria for Sliven 21st Constituency
BTA will publish the names of the top-of-the-list candidates of every party/coalition for all constituencies for the April 19 parliamentary elections. The information about the candidates is provided by the respective political entity, the candidates themselves and other official sources. Tatyana S»»»
A Year After Crown Prince’s Decisions, Riyadh Real Estate Exits Speculation, Transaction Values Down 64%
One year after a package of landmark decisions issued by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on March 29, 2025 to rebalance Riyadh’s real estate market, a new trajectory is taking hold across the capital, particularly in its northern districts. Data from the Real Estate Exchange showed a clear retreat»»»
Hampton submits application to UOKiK to take exclusive control over Murapol
Hampton, controlled by Maciej Dyjas and Nebil Senman, has applied to UOKiK for approval to take full control of Murapol. Hampton currently holds 16.9 percent of Murapol shares and plans to increase its stake, signaling a long term investment strategy. Following the announcement, Murapol’s share pri»»»
Report: most customers lose on forex, but earners have higher profits
According to a report by UKNF, 72.2 percent of retail investors lost money on the forex market in 2025, slightly more than 70.6 percent a year earlier. However, the average loss decreased from PLN 6.5k to PLN 5.2k. At the same time, the average profit for successful traders increased from PLN 6.5k »»»
Every third Pole planning renovation this year
According to data from BIG InfoMonitor and BIK, overdue debt in Poland’s woodworking sector exceeded PLN 155 mln, while furniture manufacturers’ liabilities reached nearly PLN 381 mln. Debt is rising despite a decline in the number of indebted firms, suggesting structural changes such as consolidat»»»
Polish airports want to be listed
Poland’s airport sector is investing about PLN 50 bln in expansion, including over PLN 8 bln by regional airports. With no more EU funding available, the industry must find new financing sources to support rapidly growing passenger traffic and continuous infrastructure development. Many regional ai»»»
Who are Yemen’s Houthis? Militants opening a new front in a dangerous escalation
Dubai: Yemen’s Iran-backed Al Houthi militants have opened a new front in the widening Middle East war, claiming their first missile launch toward Israel since the conflict began. The move marks a significant escalation, raising fears of renewed attacks on Red Sea shipping and deeper regional spill»»»
FII PRIORITY Miami Concludes with Focus on Investment Strategies and Critical Minerals
The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute concluded FII PRIORITY Miami 2026 with conversations about how the global economic outlook is being reshaped in real time by disruption, and how capital is adapting and reinventing itself accordingly. Across the day’s plenary sessions, speakers provi»»»
22 migrants die after six days at sea trying to reach Greece
Twenty-two migrants have died off the coast of Greece after spending six days at sea in a rubber boat, the Coast Guard said in a statement. Twenty-six people were rescued by a Frontex European border agency vessel off the island of Crete. “During the journey, the passengers (of the rubber boat) »»»
First-ever Libya use of SLB’s AI technology opens new horizons in Horizontal Drilling for Sirte Oil Company
Libya’s state National Oil Corporation (NOC) reported yesterday that its subsidiary, Sirte Oil Company, has begun integrating SLB’s (Schlumberger) artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into its field exploration operations. It reported that over the previous two days, the company executed its f»»»
VP of Impact Clean Power Tech: Europe is suffering consequences of China’s rise
Bartlomiej Kras, vice president of Impact Clean Power Technology, says China’s growing dominance is the biggest threat to European industry, more serious than labor or energy costs. He argues Europe outsourced technology and production for years and failed to react as China advanced, now offering c»»»
Borislav Petkov Is Top-of-the-List Candidate of Morality, Unity and Honour for Smolyan 22nd Constituency
BTA will publish the names of the top-of-the-list candidates of every party/coalition for all constituencies for the April 19 parliamentary elections. The information about the candidates is provided by the respective political entity, the candidates themselves and other official sources. Borislav »»»
Moody’s affirms ratings of four Tunisian banks with stable outlook
TUNIS, March 28 (TAP) – The American rating agency Moody's has affirmed the long-term deposit ratings of four Tunisian banks at Caa1 with stable outlooks. The banks concerned are Société Tunisienne de Banque (STB), Amen Bank, Banque Internationale...»»»
UAE air defences engaged 20 ballistic missiles, 37 UAVs
Doha, Qatar: The United Arab Emirates air defences systems on March 28, 2026, engaged 20 ballistic missiles and 37 UAVs launched from Iran. Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged 398 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,872 UAVs, stated the country's M»»»
“National unity and experience are needed to keep Hungary out of the war”, PM tells rally
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said national unity and experienced leadership are essential for Hungary to remain outside the war in Ukraine, speaking at a campaign rally in Győr following stops in Veszprém and other cities during his nationwide tour. Addressing supporters in Széchenyi Square, Prime M»»»
ITEC alumni reunion: Over 17,000 Indian nationals study in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
The annual ITEC alumni reunion, organized by the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, took place in Bishkek. During the event, it was noted that over 17,000 Indian students are currently studying in the country, demonstrating the dynamic development of educational cooperation between the two countries. Th»»»
Raiffeisen Bank reaches an agreement to acquire all entities of Garanti BBVA Romania group
The transaction will be completed upon obtaining all regulatory approvals. The closing of the transaction is expected for the fourth quarter of 2026. Until this process is finalized, the two entities will continue to operate independently, each functioning as before, with no changes to existing con»»»
What’s different about holy week preparations in the UAE this year
Dubai: As holy week begins tomorrow, many UAE residents are preparing in more subdued and reflective ways, with changes in routine shaping how the season is observed this year. Among the Christian community, the focus has shifted towards personal prayer, online gatherings and small, meaningful acts»»»
Sipan Hamo on integrating Kurdish units into the army
In Part 1, the Kurdish-Syrian leader Sipan Hamo spoke of his upbringing, politicisation, and participation in armed struggle, which led him to found the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), and to several periods of detention, both in Syria and abroad. Recognised as a hardliner and known as a f»»»
Libyan – Bosnian Business Forum – to be held from 29 to 30 March in Misrata
The Libyan – Bosnian Business Forum (First Edition) will be held in Misrata from 29 to 30 March. The organisers say this high-level economic forum brings together business leaders, investors, and decision-makers from Libya and Bosnia & Herzegovina. It is designed as a platform to build long-term ec»»»
Maersk Halts Operations at Oman's Salalah Port Due to Security Incident
Danish container shipping group Maersk has temporarily halted its operations at the Port of Salalah in Oman, it said, following a security incident that occurred early on Saturday. All Maersk crew were safe and accounted for, and no company cargo or vessels were affected, the shipping giant said »»»
Antonelli beats Russell to F1 Japanese GP pole
Suzuka, Japan: Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli will start from pole position for the second race in succession after beating teammate George Russell to top the qualifying for the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on Saturday. Antonelli looked quicker than Russell for most of the session, and his bes»»»
Israel-Hezbollah war: Latest developments
An Israeli strike targeted a car near Jezzine and a leaflet box hit a balcony in Jnah on Saturday after an overnight strike on Dahiyeh and air raids across south Lebanon. Reports said the strike on the car killed four people. Israel had also carried out dawn airstrikes on several towns in southern »»»
Trump says 'Cuba is next', denies losing MAGA support
Washington, United States: US President Donald Trump said Friday "Cuba is next" in his latest threat against the Caribbean island, as he dismissed concerns that recent American military actions would cost him political support. Cuba's communist government has faced mounting pressure from Trump, who»»»
Attempts at diplomacy as US troops build up in the Mideast
Pakistan said Saturday Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt will send their top diplomats to Islamabad for talks aimed at ending the Iran war. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said in a statement that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egypt's Foreign Min»»»
Gargash says UAE position misread by some media amid Iranian attacks
Abu Dhabi: Dr Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, said some media outlets had misinterpreted the UAE’s position and stressed the need to place it in its proper context, noting that the country has been facing Iranian aggression targeting its infrastructure and threa»»»
Sweet heist? Nestle says 12 tonnes of KitKat stolen
Geneva: A huge shipment of Nestle's crunchy KitKat chocolate bars was stolen in Europe, the brand said, warning that the heist risked causing shortages in stores right before Easter. KitKat, owned by Swiss food giant Nestle, confirmed in a statement sent to AFP on Saturday that "a truck transportin»»»
Sweet heist? Nestle says 12 tonnes of KitKat stolen
Geneva: A huge shipment of Nestle's crunchy KitKat chocolate bars was stolen in Europe, the brand said, warning that the heist risked causing shortages in stores right before Easter. KitKat, owned by Swiss food giant Nestle, confirmed in a statement sent to AFP on Saturday that "a truck transportin»»»