US in discussions on holding second round of Iran talks in Pakistan – White House
The US is in discussions on staging a second round of peace talks with Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said. The first direct meeting between the sides since the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28 took place in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, at the weekend, but deliv»»»
Study: Pessimism is on the rise in Romania’s construction and installation market
The report highlights both operational pressures—particularly the shortage of skilled labor—and a shift in how companies plan their investments, with an increasingly clear focus on efficiency, infrastructure, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Long-term planning and the absorption of Euro»»»
More than a dozen killed in Russian attacks on Kyiv, other Ukrainian cities
More than a dozen people, including at least one child, have been killed in Russian missile and drone attacks on infrastructure and residential buildings in Kyiv and in other Ukrainian cities like Odesa and Dnipro overnight to Thursday. Several dozens of civilians were also injured in the assaults.»»»
NUQI GOLD and Mawarid Finance sign MoU to launch the GCC's first gold-backed co-branded card
Nuqi Gold, a DMCC-registered fintech entity, and Mawarid Finance, a UAE Central Bank–regulated institution, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch the GCC's first gold-backed co-branded card — a landmark step in ethical, asset-backed digital finance. The partnership brings togeth»»»
Amir, Pakistan Prime Minister discuss regional and international developments
Doha, Qatar: The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and His Excellency Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly those in the Middle East, during a meeting held today, April »»»
FM, US official discuss prospects of boosting strategic relations
Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee Brian Mast as part of a series of meetings he is holding with leaders and members of the US Congress during his visit to Washington. Abdelatty a»»»
Business - US urges IMF, World Bank to abandon climate finance goals
The climate-denialist Trump administration is pushing the World Bank and International Monetary Fund to stop focusing on clean energy development projects. We take a closer look. But first: Russia vows to make up for any shortfall in Chinese oil supplies due to the US-Israeli war on Iran, and crude»»»
Hopes for deal to end Iran war grow, but nuclear issues unresolved – Ya Libnan
Share: Israeli soldiers next to artillery vehicles near the Israel-Lebanon border, in northern Israel, April 15, 2026. REUTERS/Florion Goga Optimism grew on Thursday that the Iran war may be near an end, with a key Pakistani mediator having made a breakthrough on “sticky issues”, a source said, alt»»»
Park Hyatt Dubai to close for final renovation phase
Dubai: Park Hyatt Dubai Creek will temporarily close from May as it enters the final phase of a planned renovation, with the operator moving to upgrade the property ahead of its next reopening. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The Dubai Creek property, part of the wider»»»
Dh100m on the table: UAE launches empowerment fund for non-profit organisations
Dubai: The UAE has taken a significant step towards strengthening its non-profit sector with the launch of the non-profit organisations (NPO) empowerment fund, a Dh100 million initiative designed to support community-driven programmes across the country. The launch ceremony has been held today at t»»»
Live updates- Israel-Lebanon leaders will talk today, Trump says – Ya Libnan
Share: Photo- Israel claims killing a key member of Quds force in Lebanon. Iran’s IRGC is reportedly commanding Hezbollah war with Israel according to Lebanese government sources Lebanon earlier cast doubt on Donald Trump’s claim that the leaders were due to hold talks On Wednesday night in the US,»»»
UAE elected to World Food Programme Executive Board
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has been elected to the Executive Board of the World Food Programme (WFP) for the 2026–2028 term, at a time of escalating global food security challenges and mounting risks linked to disruptions in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, developments that could push tens of million»»»
Araghchi Thanks Pakistan for Hosting Iran-US Talks as He Receives Army Chief Asim Munir
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a social media post that he thanked Pakistan for its “gracious hosting” of the US-Iran dialogue as he received the country’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, in Tehran on Wednesday. Araghchi received Munir, who is heading a high-level political-security »»»
Anantara World Islands Dubai closes, operator resets focus
Dubai: Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort has ceased operations, bringing a pause to one of the more distinctive hospitality concepts within Dubai’s World Islands development. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Minor Hotels confirmed in a statement that the resort stoppe»»»
UAE details nuclear safety gains at IAEA meeting
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has presented its Tenth National Report at the Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS), held at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The UAE delegation presented the report as part of the review process under the Convention, h»»»
Israel says Netanyahu will call Aoun, Lebanon says 'not aware' of any upcoming contact
Lebanon is "not aware" of any upcoming contact with Israel, an official source told AFP, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the leaders of leaders of Lebanon and Israel would speak on Thursday. "We are not aware of any planned contact with the Israeli side, and we have not been informed of any »»»
China backs US-Iran ceasefire and talks
China's foreign minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that Beijing supported maintaining the ceasefire and negotiation momentum between Tehran and Washington during a phone call on April 15, China's foreign ministry said in a readout. »»»
China backs US-Iran ceasefire and talks
China's foreign minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that Beijing supported maintaining the ceasefire and negotiation momentum between Tehran and Washington during a phone call on April 15, China's foreign ministry said in a readout. »»»
Trump claims Israeli and Lebanese leaders will speak directly as IDF expands buffer zone
US President Donald Trump has claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak directly with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on April 16. Israel and Lebanon held their first direct bilateral negotiati»»»
Trump claims Israeli and Lebanese leaders will speak directly as IDF expands buffer zone
US President Donald Trump has claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak directly with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on April 16. Israel and Lebanon held their first direct bilateral negotiati»»»
China backs US-Iran ceasefire and talks
China's foreign minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that Beijing supported maintaining the ceasefire and negotiation momentum between Tehran and Washington during a phone call on April 15, China's foreign ministry said in a readout. »»»
China backs US-Iran ceasefire and talks
China's foreign minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that Beijing supported maintaining the ceasefire and negotiation momentum between Tehran and Washington during a phone call on April 15, China's foreign ministry said in a readout. »»»
China backs US-Iran ceasefire and talks
China's foreign minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that Beijing supported maintaining the ceasefire and negotiation momentum between Tehran and Washington during a phone call on April 15, China's foreign ministry said in a readout. »»»
Lebanon Ceasefire Deal Could Take Effect This Week - Reports
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Amid mounting US pressure to calm the Middle East, a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon could go into effect as soon as this week, Lebanese officials have told news outlets. A truce between Israel and the Lebanese-based movement Hezbollah could come into force once Israeli grou»»»
Trump bets on blockade to force Iran deal — will Tehran budge?
WASHINGTON: Donald Trump has pivoted from military escalation to economic warfare, betting that a sweeping naval blockade of Iran’s ports and shipping can succeed where weeks of US-Israeli strikes have not — forcing Tehran back to the negotiating table. The strategy is stark: Cut off Iran’s ability»»»
Crypto loses ground as UAE investors double down on gold and oil bets
Dubai: Retail investors in the UAE are turning towards commodities, with gold and oil emerging as the preferred assets in a period marked by geopolitical tension and market volatility. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Fresh data from eToro’s latest UAE Retail Investor B»»»
DIB launches “Standing Together with Our Heroes, as ONE” reaffirming commitment to the Nation
Dubai: DIB, the world’s leading Islamic financial group and the largest in the UAE, has launched a dedicated financial support initiative for the UAE’s frontline heroes, reinforcing its commitment to the nation and those who continue to serve at the forefront during critical times. Designed to deli»»»
US rejects Russian plan to take Iran’s enriched uranium, the Kremlin says
Russia’s proposal to host Iran’s enriched uranium remains on the table despite having been previously rejected by the US, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said. The issue of Tehran’s nuclear program has long been a sticking point in talks with Washington. US President Donald Trump has demanded t»»»
Trump claims Strait of Hormuz “open” while blocking Iranian trade
US President Donald Trump has said he is “permanently opening” the Strait of Hormuz, presenting the move as benefiting “China and the world” after claiming Beijing agreed “not to send weapons to Iran.” Trump’s remarks come as the US military claims American warships have effectively blocked Iranian»»»
S. Korea positively considering joining talks on naval mission for Hormuz led by Britain, France - UPI.com
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, seen here at a meeting with senior aides at the Blue House Thursday, is considering joining talks led by Britain and France over the Strait of Hormuz, his office said. Pool Photo by Yonhap South Korea has been positively considering joining talks led by Britain»»»
Baltic Firms Supplied Tens of Thousands of Drone Parts to Ukraine in Past Months
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Companies in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have delivered tens of thousands of drone components and assembled drones to Ukraine over the past months, Sputnik found after analyzing product-code databases. Lithuanian company UAB Tomiksas in the city of Kaunas supplies Ukraine with »»»
UAE tightens AML rules, banks face closer scrutiny on transactions and clients
Dubai: The Central Bank of the UAE has rolled out a fresh set of anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing guidelines, tightening expectations for banks and money transfer operators. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The update sets out clearer supervisory expec»»»
Aldar raises $1.36bn in new loan backed by 10 banks
Abu Dhabi: Aldar Properties has raised Dh5 billion through a new sustainability-linked revolving credit facility, giving the Abu Dhabi developer additional firepower to fund future projects. The five-year syndicated loan, backed by 10 UAE, regional and international banks, lifts Aldar’s total avail»»»
UAE labour market remains stable amid regional developments
Dubai: The UAE’s labour market continues to demonstrate resilience and stability despite ongoing regional developments, with businesses operating smoothly and workers receiving wages on time, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). In a statement issued on Thursday, »»»
Gaza's War Amputees Short of Prostheses under Israeli Restrictions
Fourteen-year-old Fadel al-Naji used to be a keen footballer but is now largely confined to his home in Gaza City since both legs were severed in an Israeli drone attack in September. He sits sullenly on a couch with one hollow pant leg dangling and the other tucked into his waist beside his 11-yea»»»
Iran Accuses US, Israel of Crimes Against Humanity Over Leadership Killing
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iran wants to hold the United States and Israel accountable for the assassination of the Iranian leadership, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told Sputnik. "We have to do this. And I think not only Iran, but the entire international community is asking for accoun»»»
Libya joins International Dates Council
Libya officially joined the International Dates Council (IDC) last Sunday (12 April). The IDC welcomed the accession of Libya as an official member, describing it as a qualitative addition that enhances the process of international cooperation in the date palm sector, and consolidates its position»»»
Dubai now has its own ‘Central Park’ - Here's where it is located
Dubai: Dubai now has its own ‘Central Park’, with Wasl Group opening a sprawling new green space at Wasl Gate in Jebel Ali. The developer is calling the park is one of the largest community parks within a residential development in the emirate. Spread across about 82,700 square metres, Central Park»»»
Trump Says Lebanese and Israeli Leaders to Speak, Pakistan Says Lebanon Peace Essential
US President Donald Trump said Lebanese and Israeli leaders will speak for the first time in decades on Thursday, while Pakistan said peace in Lebanon was essential for talks it is mediating between Washington and Tehran on ending the Iran war. The Lebanon conflict spiraled out of the US-Israeli wa»»»
Pallichattambi gets mixed reviews, but Tovino Thomas in terrific form in new political drama, out in UAE cinemas
Dubai: Tovino Thomas’ political drama Pallichattambi was UAE's Vishu release and naturally the expectations of a solid comeback were high. But if early reviews are anything to go by, this period drama isn’t exactly the rousing return fans were hoping for. He's in terrific form, but the story report»»»
Chinese automaker patents voice-activated in-car toilet
Shanghai: A Chinese automaker has patented a toilet concealed beneath a sliding car seat that can be operated using voice commands, according to a government database. Electric vehicle company Seres received patent approval for its mobile latrine earlier this month, public records show. Get updated»»»
Xi expresses ‘full confidence’ in China-Taiwan unity in meeting with opposition chief
Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated his opposition to Taiwanese independence during a meeting with Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's pro-Beijing opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party. Her official trip to Beijing, the first such visit in a decade, sparked controversy in the self-ruled»»»
EasyJet says first-half loss to deepen on Mideast war
London: British no-frills airline EasyJet on Thursday said it expects to post a deeper first-half loss compared with one year earlier after the Middle East war sent jet fuel prices soaring. EasyJet said it expected a headline loss before tax of between GBP540 million and GBP560 million ($733 millio»»»
Danish Refugee Council Warns 4 Million More Face Displacement as Aid Drops
Over 4 million people are set to be newly displaced around the world by the end of next year as donors step back from providing life-saving aid, the Danish Refugee Council said on Thursday. There are already some 117 million people forcibly displaced worldwide as the number of conflicts has surged »»»
Afghans comb riverbed in search of gold dust
Ghaziabad District, Afghanistan: In the jagged Hindu Kush in eastern Afghanistan, hundreds of men dug into the rocky bed of the Kunar River searching for a few grams of gold dust as an alternative source of income. At the foot of imposing peaks, some still covered in snow in April, they toiled near»»»
UAE postpones school bus operations
The Ministry of Education has announced the postponement of school bus operations for all public and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools across the UAE during the current phase. More to follow...»»»
UAE postpones school bus operations for public, private schools
The UAE Ministry of Education has announced the postponement of school bus operations for all public and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools across the UAE during the current phase, as part of the operational arrangements accompanying the resumption of in-person learning. “This will allow»»»
Tripoli follow-up meeting held on US State Department's Investment Climate Report on Libya - investment climate reform measures matrix reviewed
A meeting of the Tripoli Libyan government team tasked with following up on the US State Department’s Investment Climate Report was held in Tripoli last Monday, pursuant to Prime Minister’s Resolution No. (593) of 2025. The meeting was attended by the team leader and Minister of Economy and Trade, »»»
Oil Little Changed on Skepticism US-Iran Peace Talks Will Ease Hormuz Disruption
Oil prices were little changed on Thursday, reversing earlier declines, on skepticism that peace talks between the US and Iran will reach a deal to end the war that has bottled up oil output from the key Middle East producing region. Brent crude futures were down 26 cents to $94.67 a barrel at 0611»»»
US official says Trump welcomes end to Lebanon war but has not asked for it
A U.S. official says President Donald Trump would welcome an end to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict as part of a broader peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon but has not specifically asked for one. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the Trump administration’s position d»»»