Al Jaber flags risk to everyday costs if Hormuz tensions rise
Dubai: Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, speaking in Washington, said tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are already translating into higher costs for households globally. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Speaking at the Middle East Institute’s 80th anniversary gala, where he»»»
Dubai issues over 10,700 building permits in Q1 2026
Dubai: Dubai recorded strong growth across its construction sector in the first quarter of 2026, with more than 10,700 building permits issued and a sharp rise in total built-up area, according to Dubai Municipality. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The municipality iss»»»
Bus sinks in Bangladesh river, at least 18 dead, many missing
DHAKA, Bangladesh: A bus carrying about 50 people plunged into a major river in central Bangladesh as it was driving onto a ferry, leaving at least 18 people dead, authorities said on Thursday. The bus plunged into the River Padma Wednesday afternoon in Rajbari district, about 84 kilometers (52 mil»»»
Sheibani, an Iranian Diplomat with Intelligence Clout
Only weeks after Iranian diplomat Mohammad Reza Sheibani returned to Beirut as ambassador, his name has become the focus of a diplomatic crisis. Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry withdrew its approval and declared him “persona non grata”, reflecting rising tensions between Beirut and Tehran and drawing re»»»
UNHRC adopts resolution on impacts of Iranian attacks on GCC states, Jordan
Geneva: The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) condemned yesterday Iran’s attacks on its Gulf neighbors, urging it to quickly provide compensation to all its victims. The 47-member council endorsed a resolution put forward by the six GCC states and Jordan condemning Iran’s moves to close the Strait of»»»
Local agricultural produce markets resume
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Municipality has announced the resumption of operations at local agricultural produce markets, providing residents with renewed access to fresh, high-quality Qatari farm products. According to the Ministry, Al Mazrouah Market at Umm Salal Central Market will operate dai»»»
Students, faculty showed remarkable commitment to in-person classes
Doha, Qatar: The attendance statistics for the period following the resumption of in-person classes showed an outstanding level of commitment among students and faculty members, who have resumed their academic and administrative duties, which reflects the strength of the educational system and the »»»
Jury finds Meta, YouTube liable in landmark social media addiction case - UPI.com
A Los Angeles County jury on Wednesday found Meta and YouTube liable in a social media addition case. File Photo by Adam Vaughn/EPA March 26 (UPI) -- A California jury has found Meta and YouTube liable for negligently designing addictive social media platforms that harm children, in a landmark verd»»»
INSAIT to Unveil Next-Generation AI for All Bulgarians
The Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT), part of the St Kliment Ohridski Sofia University, will present a next generation AI model for all Bulgarians on Thursday, the Education and Science Ministry announced. BgGPT 3.0, designed to act as a state-of-the-a»»»
Oldest dog DNA suggests 16,000 years of human companionship
The discovery of the oldest ever dog DNA suggests they have been our best friends for nearly 16,000 years -- 5,000 years earlier than had previously been thought, new research said Wednesday. Despite being ubiquitous in the homes, backyards and hearts of people across the world, surprisingly little»»»
17.4 million soms returned to state budget for land damage in Issyk-Kul region - | 24.KG
The prosecutor’s office of Issyk-Kul district uncovered large-scale violations of land and forestry laws in Toru-Aigyr-Tamchi aiyl okmotu and the local forestry enterprise. The oversight agency’s press service reported. Prosecutors found that responsible individuals failed to pay compensation in a »»»
Vladimir Putin signs decree restricting export of cash rubles to EAEU - | 24.KG
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree introducing restrictions on the export of cash rubles to EAEU member states. The document was published on the legal information portal. Starting April 1, individuals will be able to export amounts over $100,000 in cash rubles only through airport ch»»»
Online registration for first grade to begin in Kyrgyzstan on April 1 - | 24.KG
The Ministry of Education of Kyrgyzstan approved a regulation on the digital technology system Electronic Enrollment of Children in State and Municipal General Education Organizations by its order. Children over 8, or those who do not have documents confirming the identity of the child or parent/le»»»
MPs ask to simplify tests for migrant children after taking them themselves - | 24.KG
Speaker of the Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan Marlen Mamataliev arrived in Russia on an official visit at the head of a parliamentary delegation. The delegation was welcomed at the airport by State Duma Deputy Speaker Anna Kuznetsova. The press service of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan reported. On th»»»
Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy soldiers at the Marj site for the third time with a rocket barrage: statement 80 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy soldiers at the Marj site for the third time with a rocket barrage: state»»»
Reconstruction of Naryn River bridge approved: President ratifies agreement - | 24.KG
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov signed a law ratifying the exchange of notes between the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of Japan on the project «Reconstruction (construction) of a bridge over Naryn River on Bishkek—Osh road to improve connectivity with the Tran»»»
Three Kyrgyz boxers enter updated World Boxing rankings - | 24.KG
Three athletes from Kyrgyzstan have been included in the updated global rankings released by World Boxing ahead of the new World Cup season. Photo Munarbek Seitbek uulu Munarbek Seitbek uulu (60 kg) is ranked third with 975 points, a result boosted by his silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games. Ph»»»
Presidential business council formed
President Karol Nawrocki has launched a Presidential Business Council to advise on legislation and help Poland overcome the “middle-income trap.” He said the body will support closer cooperation between entrepreneurs and the state while offering formal opinions on economic policy. Nawrocki highligh»»»
Fuel shock hits fares
A surge in jet fuel costs—up over 90% in Poland since February—will push airfares higher despite Orlen’s recent wholesale price cuts. Global Jet-A1 prices jumped 83% in March, according to International Air Transport Association, driven by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Fuel accounts for up »»»
Polish firm targets US defense
VIGO Photonics, via its US subsidiary, has acquired assets of Florida-based InfraRed Associates, a long-established developer of cooled infrared detectors serving industry, science, and military clients across global markets. The move is aimed at deeper entry into the US defense sector, where local»»»
Why Europe’s response to the Iran war is so disjointed
Ever since the United States and Israel began bombing Iran on 28 February 2026, Europe has appeared sidelined and divided over a conflict that could shape the international balance of power in the years ahead. As might be expected, differing approaches by its 27 member states show that the European»»»
Through crises and calm: What keeps OFWs in the UAE despite global challenges
Dubai: For many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) living in the UAE, moments of crisis have only strengthened their decision to stay. From the Covid-19 pandemic to the current geopolitical situation, residents have noted that the country’s steady governance, accessible services, and strong communiti»»»
Iran Allows Passage Through Hormuz for Friendly Countries — Araghchi
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to friendly states, including Russia, China, Pakistan and Iraq, while closed to its adversaries. “The Strait of Hormuz… is closed only to our enemies… But it’s free for everyone else,” Araghchi said in a TV interview.He a»»»
India Turns to Non-Dollar Payments for Russian Oil Amid Rising Tensions — Reports
Indian refiners are increasingly using currencies other than the US dollar to pay for Russian crude, Bloomberg reported, as New Delhi moves to reduce exposure to shifting US policy and growing geopolitical uncertainty. Bloomberg reported that the transactions are being structured through special ov»»»
PM: British military authorized to seize board shadow-fleet tankers - UPI.com
The United States, with the support of Britain, seized Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions in January. Britain said that following this operation, it developed plans of its own to board ships of Russia's shadow fleet. File Photo counrtesy U.S. European Command/UPI | License Photo March 26 (UPI»»»
Zayed Sustainability Prize backs finalists as 2027 applications open
Innovators taking part in the Zayed Sustainability Prize are now receiving support even if they do not win, as the global award continues to expand its focus on helping ideas move from concept to real-world impact. Organisers confirmed that in the latest cycle, 33 finalists were selected across cat»»»
U16 Football Talents Cup in Bishkek: Kyrgyzstan’s team takes second place - | 24.KG
The U16 Football Talents Cup was held in Bishkek on March 20-24. The youth teams of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan participated in the international tournament. The Kyrgyz Football Union (KFU) reported. The competition took place on the field of the KFU National Football Academy»»»
Kyrgyzstan’s national football team loses to Equatorial Guinea - | 24.KG
The national football team of Kyrgyzstan played a match against Equatorial Guinea in Antalya, Turkey, on March 25. The Kyrgyz Football Union reported. The match ended 1-0 in favor of the African team. The goal was scored from a penalty kick in the 40th minute. This was the first match for the Kyrgy»»»
Kim Jong-un Welcomes Alexander Lukashenko in Pyongyang
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a welcoming ceremony for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at Kim Il Sung Square on March 25, KCNA reported. The ceremony featured a 21-gun salute, honor guard review and national anthems, as Kim Jong-un warmly greeted Lukashenko and senior Belarusian of»»»
UAE flights and airport updates: Airlines issue travel advisories amid unstable weather
Dubai: Travellers flying from the UAE are being urged to plan ahead as unstable weather continues across parts of the country, potentially affecting airport operations and flight schedules. Airlines including Emirates, Flydubai, Air Arabia and Etihad Airways, along with airport authorities, have is»»»
Tax Service implements monitoring system in gold mining industry of Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
The Chairman of the State Tax Service of Kyrgyzstan, Almambet Shykmamatov, held a working meeting with the management of SICPA SA, a Swiss technology company specializing in the development of security solutions and product traceability systems. The agency’s press service reported. The meeting was »»»
Russia engaged in water issues dialogue with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan - | 24.KG
At Tashkent Water Week 2026 International Forum in the capital of Uzbekistan, it was noted that Russia is actively engaged in a dialogue on water resources issues with Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, despite the lack of shared transboundary rivers. Maxim Korolkov, Deputy Minister of Natural»»»
Why UAE residents are buying board games alongside first-aid and essentials: Retailers share insights
A little ice-cream doesn’t hurt anyone. Dubai-based Aayati Manchanda admits that during the first few days of crisis, she would sneak in an ice-cream along with essentials of bottled water and vegetables. “I was trying to think practically, but also I’m human. I need to comfort myself,” she notes. »»»
A propos - Oil, stock trading spikes before Trump's Iran remarks spark insider trading suspicions
Thousands of oil contracts -- a far higher volume than normal -- were traded 15 minutes before Trump pledged to halt strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, sending prices tumbling. Traders who bet on prices dropping ahead of the announcement would likely have profited from Trump's sudden reversa»»»
Residents of Jalal-Abad region renounce Yakyn-Inkar ideology - | 24.KG
An awareness-raising and preventive campaign was conducted for active members of Yakyn-Inkar religious extremist movement in Jalal-Abad region. The press center of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) reported. According to it, 27 members of the Yakyn-Inkar religious extremist movement »»»
Safe here, anxious there: An expatriate’s life in the shadow of war
The current escalation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States is not just another distant war. For many of us living and working in the Gulf, it is a reminder that conflict now travels across borders, screens, and emotions, collapsing the distance between “here” and “there”. The present scen»»»
US‑Israel war with Iran, Day 27: What you need to know
UAE schools are preparing to reopen with strict safety protocols as missile and drone threats continue, prompting active air defence responses. While education plans remain cautious, authorities ensure food supplies stay stable despite tensions. Broader concerns grow over regional water security, a»»»
Foreign Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan discuss regional issues - | 24.KG
Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbek Kulubaev had a telephone conversation with his Uzbek counterpart, Bakhtiyor Saidov. The Foreign Ministry’s press service reported. According to it, the two sides noted the steady development of friendly and partnership relations between the two countries. «Par»»»
Sadyr Japarov meets with CEO of Swiss company SICPA SA - | 24.KG
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov met with Philippe Amon, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of SICPA SA. The presidential press service reported. The discussion focused on the implementation of joint projects, including the prospects for introducing innovative solutions and exchanging »»»
SCNS detains wanted CEO of Orgtekhstroy OJSC - | 24.KG
As part of a criminal investigation into fraud on an especially large scale, I.K.M., the CEO of Orgtekhstroy OJSC and a subject of an international arrest warrant, 58, has been detained. The press center of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS) reported. According to the pr»»»
Saudi defences intercept, destroy 17 drones in Eastern Region
RIYADH: Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defence Major General Turki Al-Malki stated that 17 drones were intercepted and destroyed in Eastern Region. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app - it's completely free. Click here for Apple or here for Android. You can a»»»
U.S. kills 4 in strike on alleged drug boat in the Caribbean - UPI.com
March 25 (UPI) -- U.S. Southern Command said it killed four men in a strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean on Wednesday, the latest attack by the Trump administration in its aggressive crackdown on narcotics trafficking. The Trump administration has killed at least 163 people »»»
California jury finds Meta, YouTube liable in landmark social media trial
A California jury found both Meta and YouTube liable for $3 million in damages in a landmark lawsuit that aimed to hold social media platforms responsible for harm to children using their services. The case, along with several others, has been randomly selected as a bellwether trial, mean»»»
UAE braces for rain, strong winds as weather set to ease soon
Dubai: The UAE is set to experience continued unstable weather, with rainfall, strong winds and reduced visibility expected across parts of the country before conditions gradually ease into the next week, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). In its latest bulletin, the NCM said th»»»
Live updates: Iran dismisses US ceasefire plan, issues its own counterproposal – Ya Libnan
Share: File – Iran FM Abbas Araqchi Major developments we’re following: Iran on Wednesday dismissed an American plan to pause the war in the Middle East, issuing its own counterproposal instead, as it launched more attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab countries. Two officials from Pakistan described the»»»
Tajikistan adapting its approach on Afghanistan
A flare-up in violence along Tajikistan and Afghanistan’s winding 854-mile (1,374-kilometre) border in recent months has helped spur shifts in Tajik foreign policy. Earlier in March, the Tajik parliament approved a deal un»»»
Haiti violence kills over 5,500 in ten months, UN says
More than 5,500 people were killed in Haiti between March 2025 and mid-January as gang violence and security operations against armed groups ravaged the Caribbean nation, the United Nations said on March 24, calling for stronger action against corruption and impunity. »»»
Venezuela's two most powerful women pitch competing visions to investors
Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez is due to address an international investment summit in Miami on March 25, a day after opposition leader María Corina Machado made her own appeal to the energy industry at a separate conference in Houston, throwing into sharp relief the struggle for inve»»»
US quietly ships 30,000 barrels to Cuba's private sector as state blockade holds
The United States has exported roughly 30,000 barrels of fuel to Cuba's private sector since early February, Reuters reported, disclosing for the first time the scale of a carve-out that allows private Cuban firms to receive American energy supplies even as Washington maintains a strict oil blockad»»»
Venezuela's Rodríguez woos Washington in push to free frozen IMF reserves
Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez is seeking to unlock roughly $4.9bn in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) held by the country at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), frozen since 2019 amid a dispute over the country’s political recognition, Spanish newspaper ABC reported. »»»