Economic reforms boost ability to handle regional shocks, attract investment
Planning and Economic Development Minister Ahmed Rostom confirmed that economic reform has enhanced the state’s ability to manage the repercussions of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and stressed that the government is continuing reforms to achieve macroeconomic stability and development f»»»
Security lockdown in Islamabad, Rawalpindi as US-Iran talks expected
Dubai: Pakistan has placed its twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on high security alert, deploying tens of thousands of personnel and suspending transport services ahead of a possible second round of high-stakes talks between the United States and Iran, according to reports. More than 10,000 »»»
Video: Drone-led rescue saves stranded hikers in Hatta
Dubai: Dubai Police have successfully rescued two tourists who became stranded while hiking in the rugged terrain of Hatta, after suffering from severe exhaustion and fatigue. The incident occurred at approximately 11.30am last Tuesday, when the two women contacted the Command-and-Control Centre at»»»
13 new mosques open in Dubai, serving 10,000+ worshippers
Dubai: Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department has expanded the emirate’s religious infrastructure in the first quarter of 2026, with the opening of 13 new mosques at a total cost of Dh162 million, in an effortto meet growing demand in newly developed communities. The new mosques»»»
Representing the UAE abroad, new ambassadors sworn in
Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the swearing-in of a number of newly appointed UAE ambassadors. During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohamed wished the ambassadors success in carrying out their duties and in strengthening bilateral relations in line with th»»»
Gulf Cooperation Council reaffirms its commitment to promoting stability, development and resolving conflicts peacefully
ANTALYA:The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fostering a stable and secure environment and to pursuing constructive policies based on development and prosperity, rather than onwars and conflicts. This commitment aims to strengthen mutual trust with regional and»»»
Hormuz turns into gunboat bargaining table as escalation risks mount
Dubai: The Strait of Hormuz is no longer a shipping lane — it is now a gunboat-enforced negotiating table. What unfolded over the past 36 hours has stripped away any lingering illusion that the waterway is returning to normal. A brief window of optimism — sparked by Iran’s signal that the strait wa»»»
Jumhuria bank announces its Palm Payment service
Jumhouria Bank, Libya’s biggest bank, has announced its Palm-scan Payment service. The launch was announced during the bank’s participation at the 52 Tripoli International Fair, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Jumhouria bank said the launch comes as part of its wider policy and the Cent»»»
Hajj 2026: Kaaba works finished, first pilgrim flights land in Jeddah
Routine maintenance work at Islam’s holiest site has been completed to the highest international standards, Saudi authorities said, as the Kingdom simultaneously began welcoming the first wave of pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj season. The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the P»»»
Iran Stands Firm: No Concessions in War Talks, Sovereignty Over Hormuz Non-Negotiable
The Supreme National Security Council of Iran affirmed that Iran’s negotiating delegation will make no concessions in talks aimed at ending the war, underscoring its full commitment to safeguarding national rights and defending the interests of the Iranian people. In a statement, the council said T»»»
Iran says final deal still far off as Hormuz Strait shuttered
The strategic Strait of Hormuz was again closed on Sunday in the stand-off between Iran and the United States, with Iran's powerful parliament speaker signalling a final peace deal remained "far" off despite some movement in negotiations. As mediation efforts continued following high-level talks in»»»
Next generation shines as FEI Group VII Finals end
Doha, Qatar: The FEI Regional Group VII Finals for Juniors, Cadets, and Young Riders, featuring qualifiers from the 2025-2026 equestrian season, concluded with thrilling action at the Longines Arena in Al Shaqab after four days of competition. The event brought together more than 100 riders represe»»»
As Iran War Strains Ties with Trump’s US, UK Looks to Europe
Britain's government is set to announce legislation next month to move the country closer to the European Union, as the Iran war sours the UK's so-called special relationship with the United States. President Donald Trump's unpredictability and stream of insults towards America's historic ally is a»»»
Parents warned after toxic substance found in baby food
Vienna: Austrian police have found rat poison in a baby food jar, they said late Saturday, in a probe that has seen the supplier recall the line over suspected tampering. The Germany-based HiPP brand announced the recall at SPAR supermarkets in Austria late Friday over the possibility that "a hazar»»»
Governors of Central Bank of Libya and People's Bank of China agree to launch direct banking transactions
An agreement was reached by the Central Bank of Libya and the People’s Bank of China to link Libyan commercial banks to the Chinese Payments and Settlement System (CIPS), to will simplify and streamline financial transfer processes. The agreement came last Friday (17 April) on the margins of the IM»»»
Iran outlines four-stage plan to reopen airspace
Tehran: Iran is preparing to reopen its national airspace in a phased, four-stage plan following significant disruptions caused by recent regional conflicts, as reported by the Tasnim News Agency. Citing the deputy director of Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation, the report indicates that flight ope»»»
Apex Health Qatar leads with high readiness amid global shifts and targeted initiatives supporting mental wellbeing
The View Hospital Reinforces Its Standing Through Innovation and Human-Centered Care Doha, Qatar: In light of recent regional developments and the challenges faced across the region, Apex Health, the fastest-growing healthcare groups in the region, continues to reinforce its readiness and ability t»»»
Yemen’s Ansarullah Warns: “All Humans, Jinn Combined” Would Be Unable to Open Bab Al-Mandab Strait
Yemen’s Ansarllah revolutionary group has warned that Sana’a could move to shut down the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, declaring that such a move would be impossible for any force to reverse and urging an immediate end to US President Donald Trump’s policies undermining peace. In a post on X, Senior Ansaru»»»
Hessa Street Development Project cuts travel time from 15 minutes to just 4 minutes
Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened the completed Hessa Street Development Project, a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow across one of the city’s key arterial corridors. The project covers a 4.5-kilometre stretch b»»»
Iran says nuclear deal still ‘far off’ as Strait of Hormuz remains closed
Tehran: The strategic Strait of Hormuz was again closed on Sunday in the stand-off between Iran and the United States, with Iran's powerful parliament speaker signalling a final peace deal remained "far" off despite some movement in negotiations. As mediation efforts continued following high-level »»»
US Navy expands blockade operations in Strait of Hormuz
Washington: The US Central Command has said that the dock landing ship USS Rushmore is conducting blockade operations in the Arabian Sea. Earlier Saturday (local time), it was said on social media that a guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney is patrolling regional waters in support of the blockade »»»
Medicine as an art: Story of a Kyrgyz woman who built a career in Dubai - | 24.KG
Aesthetic medicine in the United Arab Emirates is one of the most competitive and strictly regulated markets in the world. Becoming a leader in Dubai requires not only impeccable skills but also extensive international experience. This is precisely the path taken by Gulzhan Saipova, a cosmetologist»»»
UNDP and the Ministry of Marine Resources sign MoU to advance Libya’s Blue Economy
The Ministry of Marine Resources and UNDP Libya signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Tripoli last Thursday (16 April) to advance Libya’s Blue Economy. The UNDP said with its extensive Mediterranean coastline, Libya is strategically positioned to diversify its economy, create employment, and ensu»»»
Pope Leo Downplays Feud with Trump, Says ‘Not in My Interest’ to Debate Him
Pope Leo sought to downplay his feud with US President Donald Trump on Saturday, saying reporting about comments he has made so far during his Africa tour "has not been accurate in all its aspects". Speaking to reporters in English aboard his flight to Angola for the third leg of his ambitious 10-d»»»
Iran Says Final Deal Still Far off as Hormuz Strait Shuttered
The strategic Strait of Hormuz was again closed on Sunday in the stand-off between Iran and the United States, with Iran's powerful parliament speaker signalling a final peace deal remained "far" off despite some movement in negotiations. As mediation efforts continued following high-level talks in»»»
Why Iran’s ‘Mosquito Fleet’ Remains a Potent Threat in the Strait of Hormuz
Iranian warships sunk by US and Israeli attacks litter naval harbors along the Gulf coast, but what is sometimes called a “mosquito fleet” lurks in the shadows. It is a flotilla of small, fast, agile boats designed to harass shipping, and it forms the heart of the naval forces deployed by the Irani»»»
Iran says final deal still far off as Hormuz Strait shuttered
Tehran: The strategic Strait of Hormuz was again closed on Sunday in the stand-off between Iran and the United States, with Iran's powerful parliament speaker signalling a final peace deal remained "far" off despite some movement in negotiations. As mediation efforts continued following high-level »»»
Qatar participates in IPU Assembly in Istanbul on peace, AI and reform
Istanbul: The 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has continued in its second day in Istanbul, with participation from the State of Qatar’s Shura Council. The Qatari delegation, led by Speaker H E Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, joined parliamentary leaders from around the »»»
Qatar stresses trust, dialogue in global mediation efforts at Antalya Forum
Antalya: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi participated in a high-level session on the sidelines of the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) titled, “Emerging Partnerships in International Mediation for Peace.” In remarks delive»»»
'Global South Pays the Price for Wars It Didn't Start' – Lula
During a speech at the 1st Progressive Mobilization Meeting in Barcelona, Spain, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the global order under US hegemony and its impact on the Global South, which he said is “treated as the backyard of the great powers.” He said that while "warlor»»»
Adoption of Qatar’s emergency item at IPU reflects growing parliamentary diplomacy impact
Doha, Qatar: Officials and members of the Shura Council stated that the adoption of Qatar’s emergency item at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reflects the growing impact of Qatari parliamentary diplomacy and its role in supporting national, Arab, and Islamic positions. They noted in statements »»»
Strait of Hormuz to Stay Closed Until Port Blockade Lifts, Iran Says
The crucial Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the United States lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports, Tehran said Saturday, as a top official warned that a final peace deal remained "far" off. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of the Iranian parliament, said in a televised address that th»»»
Sunny skies today, changes coming later this week
Abu Dhabi: Fair to partly cloudy skies are expected across the UAE on Sunday, with light to moderate winds and generally calm sea conditions, as stable weather settles over much of the country. According to the general outlook from the National Centre of Meteorology, temperatures will remain warm, »»»
Live Updates: Iran fires on ships in Strait of Hormuz as it closes the critical chokepoint again – Ya Libnan
Share: A French contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrols the area as displaced residents waving Hezbollah flags make their way back to their homes on a makeshift road on April 18, 2026.(photo credit: Mahmoud ZAYYAT / AFP via Getty Images). French president Macron b»»»
India to benefit from US extension of Russian oil waiver
The United States has opted to extend a waiver permitting limited transactions involving Russian oil, despite sustained political opposition from within Washington, Russia’s special presidential envoy for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries says. »»»
UAE raises AML compliance bar with tighter rules for banks
Dubai: The UAE has rolled out updated anti-money laundering and financial crime guidelines, tightening compliance expectations for banks and exchange houses, with a sharper focus on risk monitoring, customer verification and cross-border activity. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques »»»
French UNIFIL soldier killed in Lebanon, Hezbollah responsible, says Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the death of a French UN peacekeeping soldier Saturday following an attack that also left three people wounded in southern Lebanon, saying that "everything suggests" Hezbollah being responsible for the attack. The Iran-backed group denied involve»»»
Aqaba Railway project: a transformational venture for Jordan’s economy
AMMAN — Jordan’s ambitious Aqaba Railway is not just a transportation initiative, it is a defining moment in the country's future economic growth, experts said, highlighting the mega project’s pivotal role in Jordan's broader economic strategy.Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and UAE Vice President, Dep»»»
Mediation a responsibility and effective tool for conflict resolution: Dr Al Khulaifi
QNA Antalya Mediation is not viewed as a matter of media visibility or international competition, but rather as a responsibility and an effective tool for conflict resolution, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi has said. Speaking »»»
PM meets Turkish FM, head of Libya’s National Unity Govt, stresses positive response to mediation efforts
QNA Antalya Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye Hakan Fidan, on the sidelines of the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, on Saturday. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations a»»»
Adoption of Qatar’s emergency item at IPU reflects growing impact: Shura officials
QNA Doha Officials and members of the Shura Council stated that the adoption of Qatar’s emergency item at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reflects the growing impact of Qatari parliamentary diplomacy and its role in supporting national, Arab, and Islamic positions. They noted in statements to Q»»»
QFFD advances youth empowerment at 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum
QNA New York The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) participated in the 2026 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Convened under the theme “Innovate, Unite and Transform: Youth Shaping the Road to 2030,” the Forum brought together youth, Me»»»
Qatar strengthens global role through strategic diplomacy
Khaled Al Hameidi Doha In a period defined by geopolitical tension, shifting alliances, and complex security challenges, Qatar has emerged as a central diplomatic force guided by the vision and leadership of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Through calm d»»»
Qatar, others issue joint statement on DRC-M23 humanitarian access, judicial protection protocol
Tribune News Network DOHA The governments of the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Congo River Alliance (March 23 Movement), have issued a joint statement regarding the meetings »»»
Trust remains ‘essential currency’ of effective mediation: Al Khulaifi
QNA Antalya Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi has underscored that trust remains the cornerstone of effective mediation, describing it as the “essential currency” required to advance peace efforts and resolve conflicts. Speaking »»»
16 Arab and Islamic countries condemn in the strongest terms Israel's announcement of the appointment of a diplomatic envoy to the so-called "Somaliland"
Doha, Qatar: The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of the Sudan, the State of Libya, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the People’s Democratic Republic of»»»
Joint statement on progress on protocol on humanitarian access and judicial protection between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the AFC/M23, the operationalization of the ceasefire oversight and verification mechanism, and the releas
Doha: The following statement was released by the Governments of the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement, on the meetings held Ap»»»
Qatar and other parties issue joint statement on progress made in humanitarian access, judicial protection protocol between DRC and M23 Movement
DOHA: The the governments of the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Congo River Alliance (March 23 Movement), have issued a joint statement regarding the meetings held from April »»»
Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu was tunned when Donald Trump “prohibited” strikes in Lebanon, Axios says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers were caught off guard and “stunned” when US President Donald Trump said he would not allow Israel to conduct further strikes in Lebanon, Axios reports, citing two people familiar with the matter. On Friday, Trump said the US had “prohibited»»»
Slovakia said it will sue the EU over a ban on Russian gas imports
Slovakia will file a lawsuit with the EU’s Court of Justice challenging the bloc’s decision to ban imports of Russian gas, Prime Minister Robert Fico has said. In January, the EU formally approved a plan to phase out Russian pipeline gas by 2027, overriding vetoes from Slovakia and Hungary. “We obj»»»