‘Mothers are the first school’: UAE leaders mark Mother’s Day with messages of gratitude pride
Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that mothers are a source of lasting strength for the nation and society. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app now - it's completely free. Click here for Apple or here for Android. You »»»
Eid retail surge highlights shifting consumer spending patterns
Doha, Qatar: Retailers across Doha have noted a strong pickup in consumer spending, driven by discounting, promotional campaigns, and a seasonal rise during Eid Al Fitr. Malls and high streets are witnessing increased footfall, with industry players pointing to a concentrated surge in demand for fa»»»
UN Would Like to Contribute to Resolving Crisis in Strait of Hormuz - Secretary-General
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United Nations wishes to contribute to resolving the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. "My main objective is to see if it is possible to create conditions in the Strait of Hormuz similar to what [existed] in the past. Of course, it is»»»
Hamdija Alukić Arrested in the United States for Crimes Against Civilians Near Prijedor (PHOTO)
Hamdija Alukić (70) has been arrested in Alabama on charges that he committed war crimes against civilians in the Prijedor area in 1992. Alukić is accused of participating in attacks on two vehicles carrying civilians, as well as of setting fire to several houses while people were still inside them»»»
U.S. lends 45 million barrels from reserve to curb prices amid war with Iran
Washington, March 21 (SANA) The United States has lent 45.2 million barrels of crude oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to energy companies, aiming to ease price increases driven by the conflict with Iran. Reuters quoted the Energy Department as saying the initial batch represents about»»»
Sadyr Japarov: Nooruz has become a truly beloved holiday for our compatriots - | 24.KG
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov today took part in Nooruz celebration in Naryn’s central square. Congratulating the people of Kyrgyzstan on the spring equinox holiday, he noted that Nooruz is a symbol of renewal, creation, labor, and unity, a legacy inherited from our ancestors. «We are proud»»»
Israel Says Targeting Hezbollah in Beirut as South Lebanon Struck
The Israeli military said it launched a wave of strikes on Beirut claiming to target the Iran-backed group Hezbollah early Saturday, while Lebanese state media reported strikes in the country's south. Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel on Mar»»»
Models With Down Syndrome in Romania Strike a Pose for World Down Syndrome Day
Dozens of models with Down syndrome strutted down a catwalk at a fashion show in Romania’s capital for an evening celebrating style, “atypical beauty” and courage to mark World Down Syndrome Day. The SEEN Anonymous Seamstresses Gala in Bucharest brought together designers from across the country, w»»»
Report: Iran Ready to Let Japanese Vessels Transit Hormuz
Iran is ready to let Japanese-related vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies, Kyodo news reported, citing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Tehran has started talks with Tokyo, including with Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, about possibly opening»»»
‘Reliance on official, verified news crucial during regional tensions’
Doha, Qatar: During times of regional geopolitical tension, relying on official and verified news sources becomes essential not only for personal awareness but also for maintaining public order and responsible civic engagement, according to Lecturer at the College of Law at Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer»»»
After Pressure, Iraqi Factions Stop Attacks on US Embassy
Political parties in Iraq have carried out intense efforts over the past two days to contain the escalation in the country in wake of increased attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad by pro-Iran factions, sources told Asharq Al-Awsat. The efforts aim to also prevent Iraq from sliding into a broader c»»»
Trump’s Iran War Rattles US Swing Voters Ahead of Midterms
Donald Trump's war with Iran is weighing on independent US voters, a crucial bloc likely to determine if the president's Republican Party maintains control of Congress in the November midterm elections. At a breakfast diner in Pennsylvania, a swing state where voters often shift between parties, th»»»
Macron slams ‘unacceptable’ Israeli attacks on Lebanon
Israel’s ongoing military operation in Lebanon violates international law, French President Emmanuel Macron has said. Speaking at a European Council press conference in Brussels on Thursday, Macron also criticized the attacks on Israel being carried out by Lebanese-based militant movement Hezbollah»»»
Orbán: “We do not negotiate while being threatened and blackmailed”
Prime Minister Orbán resumed his nationwide tour with a stop in Szentendre, where he delivered a sharp message on energy security, the war in Ukraine, and Hungary’s position within the European Union. Speaking to supporters, the prime minister framed the current geopolitical situation as a decisive»»»
How did a small Eid bike ride grow into one of the UAE’s annual brotherhood event
Dubai: What started as a modest gathering of motorcycling enthusiasts has evolved into one of the UAE’s much-anticipated multi-club biking events, drawing hundreds of riders united by both passion and purpose. Amid the current geopolitical situation, the fourth edition of the “Biker Buddies Eid Bro»»»
Ministry of Transport issues urgent maritime safety advisory
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has issued an important advisory to owners of ships and maritime vessels, urging them to strictly follow instructions from competent authorities to ensure the safety and protection of life and property amid current developments. The Ministry emphasised t»»»
US green-lights delivery and sale of Iranian oil at sea
WASHINGTON , United States — The US Treasury on Friday temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto vessels, in Washington's latest step to stem a supply crisis over the Middle East war.The authorisation allows for the delivery and sale of Iranian crude oil and other petroleum p»»»
Orbán: “We have the right to block the €90 billion loan for Ukraine”
Following a tense and protracted EU summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that Hungary has both the legal and political grounds to block the €90 billion loan package intended for Ukraine. The prime minister described the negotiations as “combative” and underscored that Hungary succ»»»
US prosecutors investigate Colombia’s Petro over suspected ties to drug traffickers
Colombian President Gustavo Petro is being examined in criminal investigations by two US federal prosecutors' offices, according to a New York Times report published on Friday. Relations between Washington and Bogota entered a volatile phase after US President Donald Trump's return to office 14 mon»»»
Eid staycation demand lifts domestic tourism, hotel bookings
Doha, Qatar: Hotels across Doha are experiencing a notable surge in bookings for Eid Al Fitr holidays amidst ongoing tensions in the region, as citizens and residents increasingly opt for local staycations rather than travelling abroad. Industry experts say the combination of time off, competitive »»»
‘Joy of Eid’ initiative launched
Doha: The General Directorate of Endowments at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs launched the Joy of Eid initiative to celebrate Eid Al Fitr by distributing 5,000 gifts to children across 20 major Eid prayer mosques in different areas of Qatar. The initiative aims to spread happiness a»»»
Sadyr Japarov: Naryn's economy has more than doubled for five years - | 24.KG
In Naryn region, the gross domestic product (GDP) was 18 billion soms in 2020, and by 2025, it reached 40 billion. Thus, the growth rate is 224 percent, indicating that the figure has more than doubled. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov announced this during Nooruz celebrations. In the industri»»»
More than 40 parks and public gardens to be renovated and built in Bishkek - | 24.KG
The Bishkek City Hall plans to renovate and build more than 40 parks and public gardens in 2026, its press service reported. According to it, some of the parks will be renovated, while a significant number will be built from scratch. The work will be carried out by the municipal enterprise Bishkekz»»»
Israel Strikes Hezbollah’s Civilian as Well as Military Wings in an Attempt to Crush the Group
An Israeli strike on a health center in southern Lebanon instantly killed 12 medical workers, seriously wounded one and left four missing under the rubble for hours. The March 13 strike in the village of Burj Qalaouiyah, one of the single deadliest strikes in Lebanon since the latest Israel-Hezboll»»»
Streamlining the kill chain: how AI is changing modern warfare
The US-Israeli war with Iran has put AI use in defence systems in the spotlight like never before. AI's exact role in the military, its accuracy and possible repercussions are slowly beginning to emerge – but the extent of its use and role in the war so far still largely remain a mystery. The»»»
The World This Week - Iran: The ‘Mosaic Doctrine’, Zelensky V Orban, Hungary-splaining
In a week where assassinations have continued within the top ranks of Iran’s regime, the minister of intelligence, the commander of the Bases paramilitary and the powerful security chief Ali Larijani included, but a weakened government seems to have had little bearing on Tehran’s retaliation across»»»
Middle East war live: Trump mulls 'winding down' Iran war as US sends thousands more marines
US President Donald Trump suggested Friday he was considering “winding down” military operations against Iran even as US media reported Washington was sending three more amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 additional marines to the region. Israel continued to hit Tehran and Beirut with »»»
On This Day, March 21: Piccard, Jones are 1st to circle globe by balloon - UPI.com
On March 21, 1999, Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones landed near Cairo after becoming the first people to circle the globe by balloon. 1 of 3 | On March 21, 1999, Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones landed near Cairo after becoming the first people to circle the globe by balloon. UPI File Photo | Licen»»»
Airlines Suffer Losses Estimated at $53Bln Due to Middle East Conflict
On February 28, the United States and Israel began striking targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran has carried out retaliatory strikes on Israeli territory, as well as on US military targets in the Middle East. The damage caused by US and Israeli aggressi»»»
Ready to help keep Hormuz open? Who said what
European powers and Japan have changed their posture on the ongoing Middle East war, by prioritising energy security and avoiding being dragged by the US into the on-going war with Iran. Recent developments show the allies are preparing to act even without full US leadership. Some countries, such a»»»
Central Election Commission: Women at 30.1% of April Election Candidates
Women make up 30.1% of candidates for parliament in the April 19 elections, Central Election Commission Deputy Chair Rositsa Mateva said on Saturday. Their share is up 1.7 percentage points from the October 2024 vote. There will be 62 more women candidates for parliament in the upcoming elections t»»»
Citizens and residents mark Eid with resilience and unity amid regional crisis
Doha, Qatar: Eid celebrations across Qatar are unfolding in a spirit of resilience and unity, as citizens and residents come together to observe the festive occasion despite the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions. Eid prayers, held indoors yesterday at designated venues such as the Education Cit»»»
What you need to know about the Philippines’ 2-month toll relief amid fuel price surge
Dubai: The Philippines is introducing a temporary toll discount for public transport and freight services starting March 23 to offer a breathing space to the transportation sector, who is currently under pressure from rising fuel prices, amid the situation in the Middle East. In a statement, Philip»»»
Sharaa Says Working to Steer Syria Clear of Any Conflict
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stressed on Friday that he was working on steering the country clear of the war in the Middle East. “We are taking steps very carefully and working on keeping Syria out of any conflict,” he said after Eid al-Fitr prayers in Damascus. “We must remember that Syria had»»»
President Iotova to Visit Kyustendil for Spring Festival
President Iliana Iotova will visit Kyustendil for the city’s official holiday, the Kyustendil Spring Festival, the President’s press secretariat said on Saturday. She will be welcomed by Mayor Ognyan Atanasov outside the Kyustendil Municipality building and will greet residents and visitors during »»»
11 dead in South Korea car plant fire
Seoul: Rescuers combed the charred wreckage of a South Korean car parts factory for missing people after a fire killed at least 11 and injured dozens more, authorities told AFP on Saturday. Fire crews were initially unable to enter the factory in the central city of Daejeon due to the risk of the b»»»
11 dead in South Korea car plant fire
Rescuers combed the charred wreckage of a South Korean car parts factory for missing people after a fire killed at least 11 and injured dozens more, authorities told AFP on Saturday. Fire crews were initially unable to enter the factory in the central city of Daejeon due to the risk of the building»»»
EDB notes Kyrgyzstan’s progress in sustainable development - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan ranks 47th in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index and 78th in the Energy Transition Index (ETI), an index published annually by the World Economic Forum (WEF). These data are presented in a report by the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) in the section covering the energy sector »»»
Middle East crude surges toward $150 as global oil prices stage rebound
Dubai: Global oil prices rose again on Saturday, reflecting mounting geopolitical pressure on supply flows. Middle East crude led the move with a sharp spike. Murban crude, a key benchmark exported from the UAE, jumped 18% to $146.40 per barrel. That followed a 6% surge a day earlier, when prices h»»»
Philippine Airlines cancels Dubai, Doha flights until April 30: What affected passengers can do
Dubai: Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has temporarily suspended its flights between Manila and major Middle East destinations, such as Dubai and Doha, until April 30 amid the ongoing tensions in the region. In its latest advisory, PAL has noted that the suspension is a “precautionary measur»»»
Meteorological department warns of thunderstorms and strong winds
DOHA: The Meteorology Department has warned of expected thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds along the coast, and of thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and high waves offshore. It is forecast that the weather along the coast, until 6pm, will be partly cloudy to cloudy with suspended dus»»»
Iran's Foreign Minister Says Tehran Will Not Agree to Ceasefire With US, Israel
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East. Iran will not agree to a ceasefire with the United States and Is»»»
Arab Nations Condemn Israeli Strikes on Syria
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry condemned on Saturday Israel's strikes on Syrian army camps as "aggression", joining other Arab nations and Türkiye in calling on the international community to intervene. Israel's military said on Friday it had struck southern Syria in response to what it called att»»»
Jury finds Elon Musk misled investors during Twitter purchase
San Francisco: A jury has found Elon Musk liable for defrauding investors by deliberately driving down Twitter's stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company for $44 billion. But it absolved him of some fraud allegations, finding that he did no»»»
Trump Hints at Wind-Down of War as US Sends More Troops and Iran Threatens Tourism Sites
US President Donald Trump said he was considering “winding down” military operations in the Middle East even as the United States is sending three more amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 additional Marines to the region. Trump’s post Friday on social media followed an Iranian threat to atta»»»
Far from war, global fuel frustrations mount
LAGOS — Far from the Middle East war, fallout from oil disruptions is reverberating across the world, unsettling lives from Lagos to Manila as people adjust to fuel price hikes and gas shortages.Benchmark oil prices are hovering around $100, a surge of around 40 to 50 per cent since the war against»»»
US public opinion is decisively shifting against Israel
For decades, American support for Israel was one of the most durable constants in US foreign policy, to such an extent that successive administrations, whether Democratic or Republican, hardly needed to debate it. That truism no longer holds. A Gallup poll conducted between 2-16 February confirmed »»»
The global economy is paying the price for Epic Fury
Three weeks after the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran, the world has entered an exceptionally dangerous phase. The confrontation has expanded far beyond the bounds of a conventional military conflict. It has developed into a multi-layered war in which military fronts converge with immense ec»»»
Why modern-day wars can easily go regional
The world is now passing through an era of ‘strategic unravelling’, and its proportions are catastrophic. Conflicts no longer remain confined to their immediate geographies. With grim persistence, they expand into regional wars. Their prevalence stems from the breakdown of the post-1945 internation»»»
Chuck Norris, US action movie star whose toughness inspired endless memes, dies at 86
From one studio to another, Chuck Norris turned discipline into legend – a martial arts champion who became the iron-jawed face of "Walker, Texas Ranger" and a larger-than-life cultural myth. He died Thursday at 86. Chuck Norris, the martial arts grandmaster and action star whose roles in “Wal»»»