Who was Alan Rumi? Expat father in UAE pays tribute to toddler son killed in Sharjah freak accident
Sharjah: Just like Alan Kurdi, the Syrian refugee toddler whose body on a Turkish beach in 2015 broke millions of hearts across the world, Alan Rumi's death has left a trail of grief stretching from a Sharjah neighbourhood all the way back to Kerala in south India. He was 22 months old. He had a si»»»
Feeling lonely this Ramadan in UAE? Doctors say you’re not alone this year
For Abdullah, a 28-year-old expat in Dubai, Ramadan last year was not just about fasting, it was about fighting loneliness. Living away from his family for the first time during the holy month, he struggled with disrupted sleep, low energy and an unexpected sense of isolation. “I thought being busy»»»
Dubai hits 4m residents while property deals cross Dh900b
Dubai: Dubai’s population has surpassed four million, a milestone that is already feeding directly into housing demand and reinforcing record activity in a property market that saw transactions approach Dh900 billion last year. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The emira»»»
US State Sec. highlights Vietnam, Indonesia Indo-Pacific security partnerships
WASHINGTON, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed the importance of strategic partnerships with Vietnam and Indonesia in supporting security and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific, a region Washington prioritizes amid intensifying geopolitical competition with China.Rubio made»»»
Indonesia, US sign bilateral trade deal, announce new strategic partnership
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- Indonesia officially signed a bilateral trade agreement with the United States on Friday, titled "Implementing the Agreement Towards a New Golden Era of the US-Indonesia Alliance," during a meeting between Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Donald Trump in Washington.Ind»»»
Trump plans new 10% tariff as Supreme Court rejects his global import taxes
US President Donald Trump has vowed to impose a new 10% global tariff to replace ones struck down by the Supreme Court, calling the ruling "terrible" and lambasting the justices who rejected his trade policy as "fools". The president unveiled the plan shortly after the justices outlawed most of the»»»
Cyberattack closes dozens of Mississippi medical clinics - UPI.com
Feb. 20 (UPI) -- The University of Mississippi Medical Center closed its 35 clinics throughout Mississippi on Friday after being targeted in a ransomware attack. Medical center officials also canceled all elective medical procedures that were scheduled for the day and rescheduled all but dialysis a»»»
Trump considers strike on Iran as Tehran says draft nuclear deal coming soon
US President Donald Trump on Friday said he was considering a limited strike on Iran as he sent a major naval buildup to the region with the goal of pressurising Tehran to cut a deal that would curb its nuclear programme. Iran's foreign minister said a draft proposal for an agreement with Washingto»»»
Can India rival US, China, UAE in AI after Google’s new undersea cables?
Dubai: Google’s decision to build new undersea internet cables linking India to multiple continents has raised a bigger question: can India realistically challenge the United States and China in artificial intelligence — and match the UAE’s rapid progress in AI adoption? Sign up for our daily busin»»»
UK agrees drone defence plan with four EU allies
Britain is to develop new air defence weapons alongside the EU's four biggest military powers, deepening ties with the European defence sector. The project will invite manufacturers in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Poland to submit plans to build low-cost missiles and autonomous drones. The al»»»
Trump painted rosy picture of Gaza future but on the ground, there's only despair
At the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington, President Donald Trump spoke of billions of dollars pledged to rebuild the Gaza Strip and a "new and harmonious" Middle East rising from the ashes of war. Videos aired at the meeting showed a future of gleaming high-rises and new soccer »»»
Syria Export Body hails Canada sanctions relief as recovery boost
Damascus Feb. 20 (SANA) — Canada’s decision to lift major economic sanctions on Syria—announced Wednesday by Foreign Minister Anita Anand, ending a blanket ban imposed since 2011—marks a positive shift that will empower legitimate trade and fuel rebuilding efforts, the Syrian Export and Local Produ»»»
Trump tariffs struck down: What's his plan now?
TradeUnited States of AmericaTrump tariffs struck down: What's his plan now? Timothy RooksThe US Supreme Court has ruled that most of the president's tariffs are unconstitutional because of how he implemented them. But the administration is prepared to reinstate them, starting with a 10% temporary »»»
Hungary blocks EU loan to Ukraine – FT
Budapest has imposed a veto on a €90 billion ($106 billion) EU loan for Ukraine agreed in December, Financial Times has reported. Hungary, along with several other EU members, had previously opted out of the scheme, which was expected to be covered through joint EU borrowing. The Hungarian represen»»»
President Hosts Iftar Dinner Marking Beginning of Ramadan
President Iliana Iotova hosted a traditional iftar dinner in Sofia on Friday marking the onset of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims. Addressing the guests at the fast-breaking evening meal, she said that the aspirations of the human heart are the same - both in joy and in worries, regardless of»»»
Diplomacy Is Still the Only Viable Path to Peace in Ukraine, UN Refugee Chief Barham Salih Says
There are many obstacles to a peace deal in Ukraine, but a diplomatic solution remains the only viable option, the newly appointed head of the UN refugee agency said Friday, warning that humanitarian operations are increasingly overstretched because of multiple global crises. Barham Salih, Iraq’s f»»»
Board-of-Peace : Trump says members have pledged $7bn to Gaza relief
Sinan Ciddi, expert on Turkish domestic politics and foreign policy, is our guest.»»»
Trump tariffs struck down: What's his backup plan?
TradeUnited States of AmericaTrump tariffs struck down: What's his backup plan? Timothy RooksIn a much-anticipated decision, the US Supreme Court has ruled that most of the president's tariffs are unconstitutional because of how he implemented them. But the administration is prepared to reinstate t»»»
Venezuela passes amnesty law but excludes opposition leaders
Venezuela's parliament passed amnesty legislation on February 19 by unanimous vote, potentially freeing hundreds of individuals imprisoned for political opposition to the regime of deposed president Nicolas Maduro. But the measure explicitly excludes those accused of promoting foreign military inte»»»
Iran’s Khamenei Faces Gravest Crisis of His Rule as US Strike Force Gathers
Ali Khamenei has crushed unrest and survived foreign pressure before but, with his envoys racing to avert threatened American airstrikes through ongoing talks, Iran's Supreme Leader faces the gravest crisis of his 36-year rule. An embittered population toils under a sanctions-hit economy. Huge prot»»»
Central Election Commission Chair: Active Preparations Underway for April 19 Elections
Central Election Commission Chair Kamelia Neykova told a briefing on Friday that CEC is actively preparing for the April 19 parliamentary elections, with an information campaign set to launch in the coming days. Neykova discussed the preparations with caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov, who also»»»
US Strikes on Iran Could Target Individual Leaders, Officials Say
US military planning on Iran has reached an advanced stage with options including targeting individuals as part of an attack and even pursuing regime change in Tehran, if ordered by President Donald Trump, two US officials told Reuters. The military options are the latest signs that the United Stat»»»
Trump tariffs struck down: What's his backup plan?
TradeUnited States of AmericaTrump tariffs struck down: What's his backup plan? Timothy RooksIn a much-anticipated decision, the US Supreme Court has ruled that most of the president's tariffs are unconstitutional because of how he implemented them. But the administration is prepared to reinstate t»»»
A rare 'no' for Trump, but not necessarily an end to tariffs
From tearing down the White House's East Wing to capturing foreign leaders, this is not a president who is used to being told "No". But the Supreme Court's ruling that President Donald Trump cannot legally use emergency powers to invoke reciprocal and country-specific tariffs derails his existing t»»»
Trump Says Weighing Strike on Iran as Tehran Says Draft Deal Coming Soon
US President Donald Trump said he was considering a limited strike on Iran after ordering a major naval buildup in the Middle East aimed at heaping pressure on Tehran to cut a deal to curb its nuclear program. The latest threat came after Iran's foreign minister said a draft proposal for an agreeme»»»
UAE, Bahrain jointly dispatch urgent 100 tonnes of aid to Gaza Strip
Abu Dhabi: In cooperation with ‘’Operation Chivalrous Knight 3’’ and the Emirates Red Crescent of the United Arab Emirates, the Royal Humanitarian Foundation of the Kingdom of Bahrain (RHF) has dispatched an urgent 100-tonne relief shipment to the Gaza Strip on the occasion of the holy month of Ram»»»
Fishing Vessel Found Sunk near Cape Maslen Nos Two Days after Disappearing
A Bulgarian fishing vessel which disappeared near Cape Maslen Nos on February 18 was discovered on February 20 sunk in that area off the southern stretch of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, the Defence Ministry said. The news was reported after Navy divers surveyed the place and found the vessel at a»»»
Supreme Court Blocks Trump’s Global Tariffs; President Calls Ruling a 'Disgrace'
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump on Friday called the recent Supreme Court ruling against his global tariffs a "disgrace" and said he has a backup plan in mind, CNN reported, citing people familiar with the remarks. The comments were made during a working breakfast with US governors»»»
US advised Ukrainian anti-corruption agents on busting Zelensky ‘allies’
Washington provided direct input to a Ukrainian anti-graft investigation that rocked Kiev last November, according to a report to the US Congress. Charges against businessman Timur Mindich over an alleged kickback scheme at the state nuclear firm Energoatom triggered a political uproar, forcing a c»»»
Trump sweeping tariffs struck down: What happens next?
TradeUnited States of AmericaTrump sweeping tariffs struck down: What happens next? Timothy RooksIn a much-anticipated decision, the US Supreme Court has ruled that most of the president's tariffs are unconstitutional because of how he implemented them. But the administration has a backup plan. htt»»»
Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman extend park hours for Ramadan nights
taking Dubai: Public parks, recreational facilities and paid parking systems across Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman have adopted updated operating hours for Ramadan 2026, as authorities adjust services to better suit evening activities and the rhythms of iftar and suhoor. Municipalities said the revised s»»»
Dubai police fine guardian Dh50,000 after child rides quad bike on road
Dubai: Dubai Police have warned parents against allowing children to ride recreational motorbikes or any vehicles on public roads, stressing that such behaviour poses a serious risk to both young riders and other road users. The warning came after traffic patrol officers stopped a child riding a re»»»
UAE sends 30 tonnes of food aid to Kenya as drought deepens food insecurity
Dubai: The UAE has dispatched 30 tonnes of food assistance to Kenya through the UAE Aid Agency, in support of families impacted by severe drought conditions and escalating climate challenges affecting the country. Kenya is currently facing intensified climatic impacts, including the “La Niña” pheno»»»
Saudi Arabia may have uranium enrichment under proposed deal with US
Saudi Arabia could have some form of uranium enrichment within the kingdom under a proposed nuclear deal with the United States, congressional documents and an arms control group suggest, raising proliferation concerns as an atomic standoff between Iran and America continues. U.S. Presidents Donald»»»
Trump says he is ‘considering’ limited strike on Iran
Washington: US President Donald Trump said Friday he is contemplating a limited military strike on Iran if a deal on its nuclear programme is not reached. Asked by a reporter whether he is “considering a limited military strike if Iran doesn’t make a deal,” Trump replied: “The most I can say – I am»»»
UAE President receives Hungarian Prime Minister’s Chief National Security Adviser
Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received Marcell Bíró, Chief National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of Hungary. During the meeting at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, Bíró conveyed to His Highness the greetings of His Excellency Viktor Orbán, Prime»»»
Turkiye ready to send troops to Gaza's ISF: Turkish FM
Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan said Turkiye is ready to send troops to Gaza as part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF). Speaking after attending the Peace Council meeting on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Fidan highlighted discussions on Gaza's reconstruction, »»»
RFK Jr.'s public health shakeups turning vaccine makers away - UPI.com
Shakeups in the United States’ top health agencies, led by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, are making the process of developing vaccines more difficult to navigate as some developers are reevaluating investing in late-stage trials. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Pho»»»
UK blocking US from using its bases to attack Iran – media
US President Donald Trump is frustrated with the UK over its reluctance to allow Washington to use its military bases for an attack on Iran, several outlets have reported. On Thursday, Trump set a ten-day deadline for Tehran to reach a nuclear deal with Washington, saying that “bad things happen” i»»»
Meet Punch: Lonely baby monkey clings to toy — the world can’t stop crying
A tiny Japanese macaque named Punch has captured hearts worldwide with his unlikely bond with a cuddly orangutan toy. Abandoned by his mother shortly after birth, Punch has become a symbol of resilience and warmth at the Ichikawa City Zoo, near Tokyo. Also Read: From anxiety to joy: How a rescue ca»»»
UAE tipping culture is changing fast: Cash tips go fully digital this Ramadan
Dubai: Tipping in the UAE has always been optional, fluid and driven more by courtesy than obligation. But in 2026, long-held customs are colliding with digital payments — transforming how residents and visitors show appreciation. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Offici»»»
DubaiNow hits 5.7 million payments in 2025 as 70 new services added
Dubai: The DubaiNow application completed around 5.7 million payment transactions in 2025 while adding more than 70 new digital services, bringing the total number of services available on the unified government platform to 370, according to Digital Dubai. Dr Mouza Suwaidan, Executive Director of t»»»
Step by step guide to buying Emirates NBD silver bars in UAE
Dubai: Emirates NBD has introduced branded silver bars, giving UAE investors direct access to physical silver through a bank-backed platform with transparent pricing, verified purity and secure custody. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The new offering follows the bank’»»»
UAE traffic: Friday evening gridlock builds across Dubai and Sharjah ahead of iftar
Friday evening traffic is intensifying across the UAE, with major roads in Dubai and Sharjah reporting slow-moving queues as motorists head home before Iftar at around 6:19pm. Also Read: Dubai's RTA issues Ramadan driving alert for taxi and delivery driversThe hour leading up to sunset is typically»»»
PM Gurov, CEC Chair Discuss Preparation for Upcoming Snap Parliamentary Elections
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said at the beginning of his meeting with the leadership of the Central Election Commission (CEC) that his cabinet is determined to conduct a very good process in the upcoming elections. Chair of the Central Election Commission, Kamelia Neykova also spoke, expr»»»
Latest EU regulation imposes new limits on heavy metals in seafood
The safety of fishery products is entering a new stage of regulation in the European Union. Through EU Regulation 2025/1891, which came into force on October 8, 2025, amending Regulation 2023/915, the EU imposes maximum limits for inorganic arsenic (I-As) in fish, crustaceans, bivalve mollusks, and»»»
EU calls emergency meeting after Hungary and Slovakia halt diesel supplies to Ukraine amid Druzhba pipeline dispute
The European Commission has convened an extraordinary meeting of its Oil Coordination Group for February 25, following a halt in diesel deliveries from Hungary and Slovakia to Ukraine and threats that they could cut off electricity and gas supplies if repairs to the Druzhba pipeline are not complet»»»
Trump praises Czech Foreign Minister Macinka for attacks on EU and US liberals
US President Donald Trump praised the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs and the leader of the anti-green and Eurosceptic Motorists for Themselves party Petr Macinka following Macinka’s participation at a debate at the Munich Security Conference where he provoked clashes with Hillary Clinton and his»»»
EU calls emergency meeting after Hungary and Slovakia halt diesel supplies to Ukraine amid Druzhba pipeline dispute
The European Commission has convened an extraordinary meeting of its Oil Coordination Group for February 25, following a halt in diesel deliveries from Hungary and Slovakia to Ukraine and threats that they could cut off electricity and gas supplies if repairs to the Druzhba pipeline are not complet»»»
Trump praises Czech Foreign Minister Macinka for attacks on EU and US liberals
US President Donald Trump praised the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs and the leader of the anti-green and Eurosceptic Motorists for Themselves party Petr Macinka following Macinka’s participation at a debate at the Munich Security Conference where he provoked clashes with Hillary Clinton and his»»»