Cabinet Unveils SIGMA AI Tool for Public Procurement
The Government presented on Tuesday the Integrated Civil Monitoring and Analysis System (SIGMA) - a new public tool for transparency in public procurement. The presentation was attended by Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation Ivan Vasilev. Radev explained»»»
Media Review: June 16
ECONOMY Citing estimates released by the National Statistical Institute on Monday, the Trud tabloid daily publishes an article titled “Services Fuel Record-High Inflation”. According to the publication, the sharp rise in service prices has become the main factor behind Bulgaria’s annual inflation r»»»
Meta launches AI tools for search, content editing on Facebook
Washington: Meta has officially announced the launch of an advanced package of artificial intelligence tools integrated into the Facebook, with the aim of transforming the platform into a smart search engine and a fully integrated content creation and editing tool. The new features are based on an »»»
Iran’s Araghchi: Any Israeli military attack on Lebanon or continued occupation of its territory would be deemed a breach of the MoU - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Iran’s Araghchi: Any Israeli military attack on Lebanon or continued occupation of its territory would be deemed a breach of the MoU 16-06-»»»
Solida Capital enters the Romanian market with a boutique project in Sector 1
Solida Capital has announced its first residential development in Romania, marking the company’s entry into the local housing market through a boutique project in Sector 1 of Bucharest. Located near the lakeshore, the development is being carried out in partnership with Romanian construction soluti»»»
MCIT officially launches new, enhanced ‘Hukoomi’ platform
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) today officially launched a new edition of the “Hukoomi” platform as part of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to advance digital transformation and achieve the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. The Ministry, in a statement»»»
Star cast set for Doha Diamond League meeting
Doha: Qatar's high jump legend Mutaz Barshim and India's Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra will headline a star-studded Wanda Diamond League meeting in Doha this week, with Olympic champions Marileidy Paulino and Soufiane El Bakkali also among the top attractions. The Road to the Final returns to Asia»»»
India blocks Telegram before retest exam to curb cheating
New Delhi: India blocked access to Telegram messenger on Tuesday ahead of a retest of a nationwide medical college entrance examination, after a scandal last month over a question paper leak. The failure of the hugely competitive exam, along with a separate marking fiasco in high school tests, spar»»»
A $112b global credit firm is setting up in DIFC after DFSA approval
Dubai: Dubai International Financial Centre has welcomed Oak Hill Advisors after the global credit-focused alternative investment firm received regulatory authorisation from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to establish in the emirate. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Bala»»»
Foxy, the one-flipper turtle rescued in Ras Al Khaimah, returns to the sea as Dubai releases 23 turtles
Dubai: On a warm Thursday morning, 23 sea turtles made their way back to the ocean from the Dubai coastline. The release happened on June 12, a few days ahead of World Sea Turtle Day on June 16, timed around the right tide and weather conditions. But the significance of the moment was 22 years in t»»»
Mubadala backs a UK-Ireland power link that can support 380,000 homes
Dubai: Mubadala Investment Company has acquired $200 million of Equitix’s stake in Greenlink, a subsea electricity interconnector linking Great Britain with Ireland, in a deal that expands the Abu Dhabi sovereign investor’s presence in European energy infrastructure. Sign up for our daily business »»»
India curbs Telegram use over medical exam fraud concerns
NEW DELHI: India has blocked the Telegram messaging app until June 22, saying the platform has been used to “defraud candidates” taking a national medical entrance examination, the Ministry of Education said in a statement on Tuesday. The government said it was restricting access to the Telegram pl»»»
Japan undecided on sending military to Hormuz
TOKYO: Japan said Tuesday it has not yet decided whether its military will join efforts to help the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after the US-Iran peace deal. US President Donald Trump said that the vital artery for oil and gas would be “completely open” from Friday but added»»»
Tourism: Foreign tourist spending in Romania exceeds 5 B euros in 2025
Foreign tourists' spending in Romania exceeded 5 billion euros in 2025, with visitors from the United States, Germany, United Kingdom and Italy making the largest contribution, according to an analysis published by real estate consultancy Colliers.Based on Eurostat data cited by Colliers, the analy»»»
SAFE-funded A8 Iasi - Border Crossing contract set for signing with Italy's Itinera Spa
The National Road Investment Company (CNIR) will sign with Italy's Itinera Spa the SAFE-funded contract for building Section 4 of National Road DN 24 (Iasi) - Border Crossing (Prut Bridge) of the A8 Union Motorway (Targu Neamt - Iasi - Ungheni), after the National Complaint Resolution Council (CNSC»»»
Real Estate: Number of completed homes rises by 8.34% in the first three months of the year
The number of dwellings completed nationwide increased to 11,876 units in the first three months of 2026, compared with 10,962 units in the same period of 2025, according to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).According to the official statistics, the majority of homes comp»»»
Henri Coanda Airport becomes the first in Romania to introduce coordinated arrivals and departures
The world's largest independent airport slot coordinator, Airport Coordination Limited (ACL), will provide full coordination services at Bucharest's Henri Coanda International Airport from the 2026-2027 winter season under a multi-year agreement that will come into force on October 25, 2026, the Na»»»
Infrastructure: TAROM and Etihad Airways sign codeshare agreement via Abu Dhabi hub
TAROM and Etihad Airways signed a commercial codeshare agreement linking passengers of the Romanian carrier with Etihad Airways' global network of destinations via its Abu Dhabi hub.The agreement was signed within the Annual General Meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) held»»»
TAROM has 930m lei in debt and estimated 186m lei losses in 2025
Romanian airline TAROM has financial debts of around 930 million lei, negative equity of 105 million lei and estimates losses of 186 million lei for 2025, interim Deputy Prime Minister Oana Gheorghiu said in a Facebook post .She also mentioned that the aircraft occupancy rate is below 70%, "well be»»»
New passenger car registrations up 7% in May; Electrified vehicles dominate the car market
New passenger car registrations increased by 7% in May this year compared with the same month in 2025, while registrations of "electrified" vehicles rose by 32%, according to data published by the Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Importers (APIA).According to data compiled from the Gener»»»
Cars: Rabla budget rises to RON 300 million;vehicles made in EU, EEA or Mediterranean Treaty states eligible
Vehicles manufactured in the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or countries party to the Mediterranean Treaty will be eligible under the Rabla programme, which has received an increased budget of RON 300 million this year, interim Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu announced on»»»
Agriculture: Slaughterings and meat output up in April for cattle and poultry
The number of slaughterings and meat production (carcass weight, ed.) increased for cattle and poultry, while it declined for pigs and sheep and goats in April 2026, compared with the same month of the previous year, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS) data.Thus, the number of c»»»
France seek revenge as Senegal target another World Cup shock
Doha, Qatar: More than two decades after one of the greatest upsets in FIFA World Cup history, France and Senegal are set to renew acquaintances when they launch their Group I campaigns at the New York-New Jersey Stadium today. For France, the memories are impossible to ignore. Back in 2002, Les Bl»»»
Iran’s Araghchi: Declaring end of war was the most important event in the deal’s first phase and was announced on Monday morning - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Iran’s Araghchi: Declaring end of war was the most important event in the deal’s first phase and was announced on Monday morning 16-06-2026»»»
Iran’s Araghchi: Ending the war in Lebanon is a binding condition for any end to the war with Iran - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Iran’s Araghchi: Ending the war in Lebanon is a binding condition for any end to the war with Iran 16-06-2026 10:27 AM Latest News Urgent N»»»
Bishkek hospitals may be transferred to investors along with land - | 24.KG
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov signed a decree expanding the transfer of state-owned properties to investors as part of the construction of a new administrative complex and a medical town. The document amends several presidential decrees and allows for the alienation of administrative buildi»»»
QF’s BilAraby Annual Gathering 2026 receives over 1,600 applications worldwide
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby initiative has opened ticket sales for its 2026 Annual Gathering. The event will take place at Multaqa (Education City Student Center) in Doha from September 19-20 under the theme ‘With Our Ideas, We Build’. With ticketing now open, the public can secure pla»»»
Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show 2026 draws 96,000 visitors, showcases world’s most expensive gold dress and first UAE gemstone
More than 96,000 visitors attended the 57th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show in Sharjah, a 6 per cent increase from the previous edition, underscoring the continued strength of the regional luxury jewellery market and the UAE’s growing position as a trading hub for the industry. The five-day ex»»»
India curbs Telegram use over medical exam fraud concerns
NEW DELHI: India has blocked the Telegram messaging app until June 22, saying the platform has been used to “defraud candidates” taking a national medical entrance examination, the Ministry of Education said in a statement on Tuesday. The government said it was restricting access to the Telegram pl»»»
Nearly half the world's children exposed to three or more climate risks: UNICEF
United Nations, United States: More than one billion children face at least three overlapping climate hazards, UNICEF warned Monday, while highlighting the disproportionate impact in some regions of the world. For the report, the UN agency cross-referenced data showing where the roughly 2.4 billion»»»
Al Hammadi meets Kuwait’s Ambassador
Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi met yesterday with Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the State of Qatar H E Ahmad Abdulrahman Al Shuraim. The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries, along with ways to support and»»»
Katara hosts Pakistani rice tasting event, showcases cultural heritage
Doha, Qatar: The Cultural Village Foundation, Katara hosted a Pakistani rice and traditional rice-based sweets tasting event yesterday in cooperation with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the State of Qatar. The event took place at Building 32 in Katara and was attended by Deputy »»»
US Embassy announces notice of funding opportunity to advance US-Qatar strategic partnership
Doha, Qatar: The US Embassy in Doha has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for proposals under the US-Qatar Strategic Partnership Initiative: Economic, Technology, and Security Cooperation (Freedom250 Commemorative). This funding opportunity seeks to support programmes that advance concrete »»»
China’s Xi says ‘firmly supports’ Myanmar in safeguarding sovereignty
BEIJING: Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged support on Tuesday for Myanmar in safeguarding its sovereignty, state media reported, as he met with President Min Aung Hlaing in Beijing. China is Myanmar’s most crucial ally and a rare enduring partner after Min Aung Hlaing’s 2021 coup ousted the elected»»»
Trump invites Iraqi prime minister to White House in July
DUBAI: US President Donald Trump has invited Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Zaidi to visit the White House in mid-July, as Washington and Baghdad seek to deepen political, security and economic cooperation. The invitation was conveyed by US Special Presidential Envoy Tom Barrack during talks with»»»
Saudi Arabia warns of five-year jail, SR5m fine for misuse of electronic transactions and signatures
Saudi Arabia's Public Prosecution has warned that the misuse of electronic transactions and electronic signatures is punishable by up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to SR5 million, as the Kingdom strengthens protections for digital dealings. The prosecution said criminal safeguards ar»»»
On This Day, June 16: Sara Jane Olson captured after 20 years on the run - UPI.com
On June 16, 1999, police arrested Sara Jane Olson, formerly known as Kathleen Ann Soliah, a member of the terrorist Symbionese Liberation Army that kidnapped newspaper heiress Patty Hearst. 1 of 3 | On June 16, 1999, police arrested Kathleen Ann Soliah, a member of the terrorist Symbionese Liberati»»»
El Niño 2026: Will UAE see hotter, more humid weather as NCM forecasts 98 per cent chance?
Dubai: A powerful climate phenomenon developing thousands of kilometres away in the tropical Pacific Ocean could soon influence weather patterns across the UAE, raising the prospect of hotter conditions, higher humidity and a more active autumn storm season. The UAE's National Centre of Meteorology»»»
Kyrgyz Sputnik OJSC renamed into Kyrgyz Asman OJSC - | 24.KG
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has renamed Kyrgyz Sputnik OJSC, established just four months ago, into Kyrgyz Asman OJSC. The decree was signed by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev. The document confirms the new name both for the company itself and for the previously a»»»
Lekhwiya, French National Gendarmerie hold first strategic meeting
Doha, Qatar: The Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and the General Directorate of the French National Gendarmerie held their first strategic meeting on internal security via videoconference. The meeting was held as part of the fourth round of the strategic dialogue between the State of Qatar and t»»»
Oil falls as markets weigh return of supply, US-Iran peace deal
SINGAPORE: Oil prices extended losses on Tuesday, as markets weighed prospects for a resumption of supply through the key Strait of Hormuz against shaky physical market drivers and a lack of details from a preliminary deal to end the Iran war. By 09:31 a.m. Saudi time, Brent crude futures were do»»»
Tunisia replace coach Lamouchi with Renard after World Cup thrashing: Federation
Los Angeles, United States: Tunisia have responded to their 5-1 World Cup thrashing by Sweden by sacking coach Sabri Lamouchi and replacing him with Frenchman Herve Renard, the federation announced on national TV on Monday. Renard coached Saudi Arabia to a shock win against eventual winners Argenti»»»
UN Chief Guterres welcomes US-Iran deal as ‘critical step’ toward ending conflict - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe UN Chief Guterres welcomes US-Iran deal as ‘critical step’ toward ending conflict 16-06-2026 09:47 AM Latest News Urgent News UN Chief Gute»»»
Thriller ‘Al Amir’ set to be shot in Riyadh
DUBAI: A new Arabic-language thriller filmed in Saudi Arabia is bringing together regional stars, international actors and a Hollywood director. Titled “Al Amir” (“The Prince”), the six-part series is directed by filmmaker Stephen Hopkins, known for his work on the television drama “24” and action »»»
Gulf Egypt unveils expansion strategy as it marks 50 years in Egypt Arab Finance For Information Technology
Arab Finance: Gulf Egypt for Hotels and Tourism (Gulf Egypt), a subsidiary of United Real Estate Company (URC), has announced a new expansion strategy as it marks 50 years of operations in Egypt, outlining plans focused on the development of integrated tourism destinations and sustainable hospitali»»»
10 Qatari firms among Forbes’ top 100 Arab family businesses
Doha, Qatar: Ten Qatari family businesses were featured in the list of Top 100 Arab Family Businesses in the MENA during the year 2026 by Forbes magazine. The following have made it to the ranking of top companies in their respective categories in June 2026 issue of Forbes Middle East: Power Intern»»»
Minister of Commerce and Industry inaugurates Doha Islamic Finance Conference today
Doha, Qatar: Minister of Commerce and Industry, H E Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, will inaugurated the 12th Doha Islamic Finance Conference today (June 16, 2026) under the theme ‘Islamic Finance in the Age of Agentic Systems’. Held under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister o»»»
Moody’s Ratings affirms QIIB’s long term ratings; outlook remains stable
Doha, Qatar: Moody’s Ratings has affirmed Qatar International Islamic Bank’s (QIIB) long-term issuer rating at (A2), while maintaining a ‘Stable’ outlook. Moody’s indicated that the affirmation reflects the resilience of the Bank’s financial performance and its continued ability to withstand evolvi»»»
Kyrgyzstan to provide free strong painkillers for terminally ill patients - | 24.KG
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved a procedure for providing palliative care and free access to narcotic and other strong pain-relief medications for patients in terminal stages of illness. The document was adopted to implement the Law «On Public Health» and is aimed at supporting »»»
British Ambassador welcomes agreement between US and Iran, praises Qatar’s efforts
Doha, Qatar: The British Ambassador to Qatar, H E Neerav Patel, has welcomed the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, describing it as an important step toward de-escalation and regional stability. In a statement, Ambassador Patel expressed the United Kingdom’s appreciation for the»»»