A nation at the crossroads: Why the Hungarian election is so dramatic
Viktor Orban will most likely win the upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary on April 12; however, for the ruling party, this will be an extremely difficult and hard-fought victory. The issue is not the loss of charisma by the bright and skillful long-standing leader of Fidesz, nor even the 25»»»
Orbán era is over, as Tisza scores historic victory in Hungary
The centre-right opposition Tisza Party of Péter Magyar won the parliamentary election in Hungary with a two-thirds majority, while prime minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz suffered a devastating defeat. With more than 50 percent of votes counted, Tisza had already secured 136 out of 199 seats in parli»»»
Hungary's Viktor Orban concedes election loss after 16 years as prime minister - UPI.com
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R), pictured speaking with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in front of his office last week during Vance's two-day trip to Hungary, is projected to lose his re-election campaign and has already conceded the race. Photo by Akos Kaiser/EPA April 12 (UPI) -- Hungari»»»
Who is Péter Magyar – the ex-regime insider who crushed Orbán?
Just over two years ago, he was an unknown figure in Hungarian public life. Out of nothing, he built the largest opposition party, which, after 16 years, defeated Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz, long considered unbeatable.Magyar had always aspired to wield significant influence, but it took a long time befo»»»
Gas prices may stay high until November midterm elections: Trump
Washington: US President Donald Trump said Sunday that oil and gasoline prices could remain elevated through November's congressional midterm elections, amid ongoing tensions linked to the conflict with Iran. Speaking to reporters, Trump said prices may "stay the same or rise slightly" in the comin»»»
QNB Group maintains strong strategic momentum in Q1 2026
Doha, Qatar: QNB Group, a leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, today issued its Q1 2026 Strategic Progress Update, highlighting continued execution across capital markets development, digital ecosystem expansion, international operations, and sustainability integration. Thes»»»
UAE's Ministry of Defence launches 'Leadership Competency Assessment'
The Ministry of Defence has announced the launch of the “Leadership Competency Assessment,” targeting male Emirati high school students for the 2025–2026 academic year. This initiative forms part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to develop a specialised training ecosystem that meets the highest st»»»
Syria concludes Agro Syria exhibition in Damascus with broad participation
Damascus, April 12 (SANA) – The fourth Syria International Exhibition for Agricultural Mechanization, Livestock and Agricultural Production Supplies, “Agro Syria,” concluded Sunday evening at the Damascus Fairgrounds with the participation of more than 120 local, Arab and international companies. T»»»
The View Hospital performs first augmented reality knee replacement in the Middle East and Africa
Doha, Qatar: The View Hospital in affiliation with Cedars-Sinai performs the first total knee replacement using Augmented Reality (AR) technology and Patient-Specific Instrumentation successfully in the Middle East and Africa. Led by Dr. Mohamed Al-Ateeq, a senior consultant orthopedic & knee surge»»»
One dead, several injured in shooting at New Jersey Chik-fil-A - UPI.com
One person was killed and five others were injured Saturday night during a shooting a Chik-fil-A restaurant in New Jersey. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 12 (UPI) -- At least six people were shot, and one killed, after several people wearing masks entered a Chik-fil-A restauran»»»
UAE launches the national program to train surgeons
The UAE National Program for Readiness and Response, Jahiziyah, on Saturday launched the country’s first specialised national program to train surgeons in emergency management and disaster preparedness. This strategic initiative reflects the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to strengthening nationa»»»
Sahar Nasr, the American educated Egyptian woman steering the Egyptian investment drive
It was one of the first lectures of my American professor at the American University in Cairo when he said: “I am here, teaching you because I failed to be a media professional, as no media professional would choose to teach rather than being out there in the field.” Since then my professor imprint»»»
Turkey opposition figure arrested in graft probe
A regional head of Turkey's main opposition party was arrested Sunday as part of a corruption investigation, local media reported. Umit Erkol, chair of the Ankara provincial branch of the Republican People's Party (CHP), was taken into custody along with eight other people as part of a graft invest»»»
Any Foreign Military Vessel Approaching Hormuz Under Any Pretext ‘Will Be Dealt With Severely’: IRGC
The Strait of Hormuz is “under reasonable control and management” and open to passage by civilian vessels “in compliance with specific regulations,” the IRGC’s public relations department has announced. This provision does not apply to military vessels, whose approach of the Strait “under any prete»»»
Trump says U.S. Navy will block Strait of Hormuz after peace talks fail - UPI.com
President Donald Trump on Sunday said that the U.S. Navy would block the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Iranian ships from transiting it unless Iran opens the Strait and agrees to a peace deal with the United States. File Photo by Ali Haider/EPA-EFE April 12 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Sunday s»»»
Cuba's President Warns US Against Attacking Island or Trying to Depose Him
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said the US has no valid reason to carry out a military attack against the island or to attempt to depose him. Speaking in an interview on NBC News’ Meet the Press program, the president said an invasion of Cuba would be costly and affect regional security. But sho»»»
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince begins state visit to China
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, on Sunday arrived in Beijing at the start of an official visit to China, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation across key priority sectors. The vi»»»
Syrian-Jordanian Joint Statement outlines roadmap for Amman meeting outcomes
Amman, Apr. 12 (SANA) Syria and Jordan affirmed on Sunday their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and advancing a comprehensive strategic partnership, following the second session of the Higher Coordination Council held in the Jordanian capital. The session was co-chaired by Minister of»»»
Small developers struggling to go it alone
Mergers and acquisitions are expected to accelerate in Poland’s residential real estate sector, driven by market fragmentation, rising land costs, stricter regulations, and succession challenges. Deals such as acquisitions by Dom Development and Develia show how companies can quickly expand scale, »»»
Companies are focusing on IT and people, but risks are emerging
Polish companies plan to focus in 2026 on digitalization and human capital, with 43% intending to increase spending on IT and 39% on employees. Equipment purchases rank third at 36%, followed by investments in new products, expansion, and R&D. Most firms, however, aim to maintain current investment»»»
I accidentally landed an exclusive with a Hungarian minister at my polling station
In the highly orchestrated world of Hungarian politics, where government ministers rarely stray from the safety of state-controlled media, reality sometimes bypasses the gatekeepers. On election day, while waiting in line to vote with my family, I found myself standing just paces away from Gergely »»»
Qatar Football Association concludes third referees course
Doha: The Qatar Football Association (QFA) Refereeing Department announced the conclusion of its third internal course for new referees for the 2025-2026 season. The course was held as part of QFA's strategic plans to develop Qatari refereeing personnel and nurture promising talent. Sixteen male an»»»
Arab Parliament says execution law for Palestinian prisoners threatens global justice system
Cairo: The Arab Parliament announced on Sunday that it launched a broad international campaign across parliamentary, human rights, and international levels to confront the so-called execution law for Palestinian prisoners approved by Israel's Knesset. In a statement, the Arab Parliament stressed th»»»
UAE President receives Indian Minister of External Affairs
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India. During the meeting, Dr Jaishankar conveyed to His Highness the greetings of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, and his wishes for the »»»
The MEO publishes the broad highlights of the new Investment law referred to the Egyptian parliament for approval
Foreign investors will have the right to transfer their profits abroad and liquidate their activities in accordance with the regulations set by the Central Bank of Egypt Foreign investors shall have the right of residence in Egypt during the duration of the project. The goods and materials exported»»»
Russia's Space Potential Increasingly Contributing to Economy, Security - Putin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's space potential has been increasingly contributing to the national economy, security and sovereignty, President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday. "Russia's space potential has been increasingly benefiting the economy and the quality of life, security and national sovereignt»»»
Saving a centuries-old Japanese confection from extinction
Kyoto: Near the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden lies the traditional Japanese sweets shop Suhamaya. In the shop’s display window facing Marutamachi Street, passersby can see a confection known as "suhama,” which has a unique design inspired by the shape of a beach. Suhama is said to have originated in »»»
Russia to establish national shipbuilding research center
Moscow: The Russian government has approved the creation of a national research center dedicated to shipbuilding, as part of the effort to strengthen coordination in maritime research, according to an official statement released on Sunday. The center will be formed through the reorganization of the»»»
China's Wuhan launches direct passenger route to Jakarta
Wuhan: A new direct air route linking central China with Southeast Asia was launched on Sunday, with the inaugural flight departing from Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province, to Jakarta. The route marks the first direct connection between the two cities. Flight MF8683, carrying more than 150 passengers»»»
Putin Offers to Mediate Peace in Call with Pezeshkian, Tehran Says 3,375 Killed in US-Israel war
Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday that he was ready to help mediate efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, the Kremlin said, AFP reported. "Vladimir Putin emphasized his readiness to further facilitate the search for a political and dipl»»»
Trump Renews Threat to Destroy Iran Energy Infrastructure as IRGC Warns of ‘Deadly Hormuz Vortex’
US President Donald Trump on Sunday reiterated his threat to destroy Iran's power plants and other civilian energy infrastructure if no deal is reached to end the conflict in the Middle East. "I could take out Iran in one day," Trump told Fox News show "Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo."»»»
Irish ministers to hold emergency meet over fuel cost protests
London: The Irish government was on Sunday due to hold an emergency cabinet meeting to sign off on measures aimed at ending fuel cost protests that have endangered the functioning of the country's emergency services. Hauliers and agricultural contractors began a series of protests on Tuesday over s»»»
Hearing Aids Can Seem Like a Big Step. This NYC Ballet Principal Dancer Doesn't Regret Taking It
Sara Mearns was missing her cues. She couldn't hear what her dance partner was saying from across the studio. She was late for her entrances because the music sounded too soft. Without telling anyone, she finally made an appointment to get her hearing checked. Mearns learned that she had hearing lo»»»
World urges respect for Iran-US truce, Putin says willing to mediate
Iran and the United States failed to strike a deal Sunday to end the war in the Middle East, but there was no immediate return to hostilities and world leaders quickly urged both sides to pursue the diplomatic route to peace. U.S. Vice President JD Vance left Pakistan after the talks -- the highest»»»
Hezbollah denies link to cell accused of planning Damascus attack
Hezbollah denied on Sunday any link to a cell accused by Syrian authorities of planning an attack on a religious figure in Damascus, saying it conducts no activity in the country. Syria's interior ministry said Saturday that security forces had arrested a woman attempting to plant an explosive devi»»»
Abu Dhabi Police urge public not to hold celebratory parades without authorisation
The Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters has called on the public not to organise any celebratory marches or gatherings unless they are pre-approved by the relevant authorities. The force emphasised the importance of adhering to applicable laws and regulations to safeguard public safety and preven»»»
Prof. Schlevogt’s Compass No. 52: High time to come back – why MNCs belong back in Russia
There is a time for goodbye – and a time for reunion. When foreign companies beat a hasty retreat from Russia in 2022 amid the Ukraine conflict, they framed their departures as a moral necessity. In truth, for many, it was a costly act of panic: Abrupt, politically driven, and strategically short-s»»»
Golden Eagle Soars over England’s Skies after Century and a Half of Absence
Golden eagles could return to England’s skies after an absence of more than 150 years, according to a study that identified eight areas capable of supporting populations of the species. The government has allocated about £1m for a reintroduction programme, according to The Guardian. “The world is g»»»
Bahrain offers public schools choice between in-person classroom and remote learning
Dubai: Bahrain’s Ministry of Education has announced that students in public schools will be given the option to continue remote learning or return to in-person classes from April 19. The decision applies to all educational stages, with schools set to contact students and parents this week to confi»»»
[Interview] Hungarian journalist on life in Orbán’s media: ‘The moment they told me what I couldn’t ask, I knew it wouldn’t last’
Alinda Veiszer is a Hungarian television editor, presenter, journalist, and author. She became known at a time when she was working in Hungarian public media. In recent years, she has run her own channel on Patreon, where she publishes conversations with some of the best-known figures in Hungarian »»»
800 ships stranded in Hormuz, Al Jaber flags supply risk
Dubai: Fresh figures shared on Sunday by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber point to a sharp escalation in disruptions across the Strait of Hormuz, with at least 22 ships attacked, 10 crew members killed and close to 800 commercial vessels now stranded, including almost 400 oil tankers. Sign up for our daily»»»
New Iraqi president officially assumes office
Baghdad: New Iraqi President Nizar Amidi officially assumed office today. The Iraqi Presidency stated in a press release that President Amidi officially assumed his duties as President of the country during a presidential ceremony held at Baghdad Palace. The statement added that following the offic»»»
Kuwait adds 25 names to terror list, bringing total to 219
Dubai: Kuwait has added 25 new names to its national terrorism list, including 24 citizens and one non-Kuwaiti, bringing the total number of individuals and entities designated to 219. According to Al Rai Arabic daily, the move was announced by the Special Committee tasked with the implementation o»»»
Israeli Strike Kills Infant Girl in South Lebanon during Father's Funeral
Wrapped in bloodied bandages, Aline Saeed, seven, barely survived the Israeli strike on her home in south Lebanon last week. She was there to bury her father as hopes of a truce spread across the region, but a new strike killed her infant sister and other relatives. The strike on the Saeed family h»»»
Trump Says US Naval Blockade in Strait of Hormuz Will Begin Shortly
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the United States would soon start the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Iran from using what he described as "extortion." "The Blockade will begin shortly. Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade," Trump w»»»
Trump Threatens Strait of Hormuz Blockade after US-Iran Ceasefire Talks End without Agreement
President Donald Trump on Sunday said the US Navy would “immediately” begin a blockade to stop ships from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, after US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement. Trump sought to exert strategic control over the waterway responsible for the transpo»»»
Ben Gvir, Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday morning with a group of settlers, under the protection of Israeli police. The Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) reported that “during the incursion, settlers performed Talmudic prayers in the courtyards of»»»
US mine-clearing operation in Strait of Hormuz: How it works and why it matters
Dubai: The United States has begun a high-stakes operation to clear suspected Iranian sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, deploying warships, underwater drones and specialised helicopters to reopen one of the world’s most critical energy routes. Two US Navy guided-missile destroyers — the USS Frank »»»
Saudi Energy Companies in 2025: Billion-Dollar Profits Defy Market Volatility
In 2025, the Saudi energy sector demonstrated a superior ability to fortify its financial gains and navigate global market fluctuations, achieving a net profit exceeding $92.5 billion (347.2 billion riyals). Despite pressures imposed by the global supply-and-demand equation and supply chain disrupt»»»
'Our Life in the UAE' forum gets 31 million views
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of the Watani Al Emarat Foundation, praised the pivotal role played by influencers, content creators, and podcasters in conveying the noble message of the “Our Life in the UAE” forum to audiences bo»»»