King of Bahrain, Indian Prime Minister review bilateral relations, regional developments by phone
Manama: HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Indian Prime Minister HE Narendra Modi discussed by phone on Friday the bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance and develop them across various fields, in addition to the latest regional developments. D»»»
Vucic: Measures for next several months prepared, gas price a bigger problem
BELGRADE - Speaking to reporters after a session of an extended National Security Council that addressed the energy situation, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Friday the current natural gas price of 735 euros per thousand cubic metres was an even bigger problem than the crude oil price, »»»
UAE President receives Turkish Foreign Minister
Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. Sheikh Mohamed and the Turkish Foreign Minister exchanged Eid Al Fitr greetings, conveying their best wishes for continued wellbeing and prosp»»»
Egypt, Turkiye warn of catastrophic repercussions of continued violence, escalating conflict in region
Cairo: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, warned in a phone call today of the catastrophic and dangerous repercussions of the continued cycle of violence and escalating conflict in the region, which threatens regional and international peace and secur»»»
UAE President, Turkish Foreign Minister discuss regional developments
Abu Dhabi: The President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Foreign Minister of Turkiye, HE Hakan Fidan met in Abu Dhabi on Friday to discuss the developments in the region. During the meeting, HE the Turkish foreign minister reiterated his country's condemnation of the Irani»»»
Amir receives phone call from UAE President
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a phone call today from his brother President of the United Arab Emirates HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. At the beginning of the call, HH the Amir and HH the UAE President exchanged greetings and congratulations on the occasi»»»
On First Day of Election Campaign, GERB Leader Visits New State Hospital under Construction in Yambol
GERB leader Boyko Borisov visited the new building of the state hospital under construction in the southeastern town of Yambol on Friday, the first day of the election campaign. "What we committed to back in 2018 is now 98 percent complete. In a few months, everything will be ready, and people will»»»
Dubai Miracle Garden revises free entry offer amid heavy rush
Dubai: Dubai Miracle Garden has updated its free entry policy from March 21 to help manage large visitor numbers at the popular attraction. The move is aimed at improving crowd control and ensuring visitor safety. In a statement, a park official said the free entry offer has been withdrawn due to h»»»
Eid Al Fitr travel: GDRFA chief reviews readiness at Dubai Airports
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai, has reviewed operational readiness at Dubai Airports ahead of the Eid Al Fitr holiday, emphasising the importance of smooth procedures and efficient passenger pr»»»
Turkiye is mobilising all resources to achieve peace, stability in the region: President Erdogan
Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that his country is harnessing all its resources to achieve peace and stability in the region. In remarks today, Erdogan added, "We, as the Islamic world, are trying to overcome a path fraught with obstacles, traps, and conspiracies. Wherever we»»»
Bulgaria Fully Applies Schengen Legislation, Shows Achievements across Cooperation Areas, EC Assessment Finds
Bulgaria fully applies Schengen legislation and has achieved substantial progress across key areas of cooperation, including external borders, return, internal security, visas and data protection, according to an assessment by the European Commission (EC), presented in Sofia by Olivier Onidi, Deput»»»
Iran Proposes Creating Middle East Security Structure With All Regional States - President
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iran proposes creating a Middle East security structure with the participation of regional countries, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday. "We are ready to resolve all problems with you. In order to ensure peace in the region, we propose to create a security struct»»»
Beijing-backed Brain Chip Firm Says it is 3 years behind Musk's Neuralink
Leading Chinese state-backed brain-computer interface (BCI) startup NeuCyber Neurotech said its most cutting-edge product is still three years behind Elon Musk's Neuralink, as Beijing races to expand clinical trials. Last week, China became the first country in the world to approve an invasive BCI »»»
UAE leaders receive Eid Al-Fitr greetings from leaders of Arab, Islamic states
Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received messages of congratulations on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr from Kings, Presidents, and Emirs of Arab and Islamic states. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE»»»
There’s a heretic in the heart of the EU and he wants to talk to Putin
Ideally, policy debates should serve to bring together the fullest information, the brightest minds, and the sharpest arguments in order to find solutions. That is, the optimum combination between what is best and what is feasible. In the real world, shaped by ordinary human fallibility and the ext»»»
Live updates: Iran attacks Gulf energy sites and Israel kills another Iranian IRGC official – Ya Libnan
Share: Ali Mohammad Naini, the spokesperson and deputy head of public relations for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has been killed in strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, Iranian state television reported on Friday. The U.S. is accelerating the deployment of thousa»»»
'Multiple factors' caused 2025 Spain and Portugal blackout, says report
A combination of factors triggered the unprecedented blackout that left Spain and Portugal without electricity for several hours last year, a new report has found. On 28 April 2025, shortly after midday, the Iberian peninsula's electricity supply was shut down, causing widespread chaos, cutting int»»»
Bulgaria’s PM Gyurov Urges Diplomacy to End Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Programs
Bulgaria's Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, noting to Euronews that the ultimate outcome remains uncertain. He emphasized that Europe should present a united stance and engage at the negotiating table to determine how the situati»»»
Damaged Russian Tanker Days away from Libyan Shores, Italian Official Says
A damaged Russian LNG tanker that has been drifting unmanned in the Mediterranean for more than two weeks, risking a major ecological disaster, is four to six days from Libya’s shores, an Italian official said on Friday. The Arctic Metagaz, carrying LNG from the Arctic port of Murmansk, has been un»»»
Senate to vote on DHS funding, secretary, SAVE Act - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-SD, speaks during a press conference after weekly Senate caucus luncheons at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Thune has said the Senate may delay its scheduled recess if it does not pass key legislation in the coming days. Photo by Bonn»»»
French FM Calls on Iran to Make 'Major Concessions'
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Friday on a visit to Israel that Iran must make major concessions as part of any long-term political solution following the Middle East war. "Whatever the outcome of the ongoing military operations, it must be complemented by a political solution that p»»»
President Iotova: Disputes over Gaza Peace Board Do Not Contribute to Bulgaria’s Image
The strong-worded exchange in relation to Bulgaria’s participation in the Gaza Peace Board do not contribute in any way to the country’s international image and authority, President Iliana Iotova said in Pernik on Friday. “I have always been against taking over domestic political disputes to the in»»»
Eid is my reward': How UAE families are celebrating with festive traditions, family games and togetherness
Happiness, and then some. Across the UAE, Eid Al Fitr is unfolding in moments both simple and celebratory, as families and friends come together to mark the occasion in their own ways. Dubai-based Anas can’t keep the joy out of his voice as he shares his plans. “There’s a lot of joy today,” he says»»»
Arab Interior Ministers Council condemns Iran’s repeated aggression against Gulf States
The General Secretariat of the Arab Interior Ministers Council expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the malicious and repeated Iranian aggression against Arab countries, as well as its deliberate hostile practices targeting civilian sites and vital energy and gas facilities in the »»»
Arab Interior Ministers Council Condemns Iran’s Heinous, Repeated Aggression Against Arab States
The General Secretariat of the Arab Interior Ministers Council (AIMC) condemned and denounced Iran’s repeated and unlawful aggression against Arab states, as well as its deliberate hostile actions targeting civilian sites and vital energy and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Ba»»»
Iran warns UK letting US use bases is 'participation in aggression'
Iran's foreign minister has warned the UK it views its choice to let the US use British bases as "participation in aggression," in a phone call with Yvette Cooper. In his account of the call with the UK foreign secretary, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said he had also criticised the "negative and biased" a»»»
Dubai Miracle Garden shuts gates amid heavy rush
Dubai: Dubai Miracle Garden announced on Friday afternoon that it has temporarily closed its gates to new visitors due to a surge in crowd numbers. In a statement shared on its official Instagram page, the attraction said it was not accepting any more visitors “at this time” to ensure the safety an»»»
UAE air defences engage 4 ballistic missiles, 26 UAVs
Abu Dhabi: The UAE air defence systems on March 20, 2026 engaged 4 ballistic missiles and 26 UAVs launched from Iran, announced the country's Defense Ministry. Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,740 UAVs.»»»
RAK Ruler receives Eid Al Fitr well-wishers
Ras Al Khaimah: His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, received Eid Al Fitr well-wishers today at the Khuzam Hospitality Majlis, in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah. The well-wishers»»»
Travelling on Emirates? Delays, routes affected, FAQs answered
Dubai: Dubai's flagship carrier Emirates is operating a limited flight schedule from Dubai to over 100 destinations destinations, prompting questions from passengers about affected routes, flight status, and connecting travel. Many travellers have questions such as “Which routes are affected?”, “Wi»»»
UAE says arrested 'financial' operatives linked to Iran, Hezbollah
UAE authorities have arrested at least five members of a "terrorist network" linked to Iran and Lebanese group Hezbollah, state media said Friday. The alleged network had "sought to infiltrate the national economy and carry out external schemes threatening the country's financial stability" as part»»»
Hungary's Orbán accused of disloyalty and blackmail over Ukraine loan veto
European Union leaders have accused Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of disloyalty and blackmail after he blocked a €90bn (£77bn) loan for Ukraine. "No oil = no money," Orbán said in a post on X after Thursday's summit in Brussels during which he refused to lift his veto, citing a feud over a »»»
Bulgaria: Peevski Blasts Caretaker Government over Board of Peace Participation
Delyan Peevski, chairman of the “DPS-New Beginning” party, issued a sharp statement criticizing Bulgaria’s caretaker government and Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov over the country’s position on the Board of Peace led by US President Donald Trump. Gyurov had previously described Bulgaria’s involvement»»»
Smiles and celebrations: UAE residents mark first day of Eid with unity and festive cheer
The first day of Eid brought smiles, laughter, and togetherness to residents across the UAE. Families and friends enjoyed the waterfront, children played in open spaces, and community members shared greetings and sweets. From the morning prayers to the festive gatherings at Buhaira Corniche, the fi»»»
Media Review: March 20
OVERVIEW The launch of the election campaign and the rising fuel prices are the dominant topics in the media on Friday. ELECTIONS In an interview for Bulgarian National Radio, Iva Lazarova, from the Institute for Public Environment Development, part of the Public Council of the Central Election Com»»»
EU Council meeting
EU leaders had a heavy agenda at a summit in Brussels on March 19. They had to deal with a mushrooming energy crisis, a Ukraine funding fiasco and the stalled passage of twentieth sanctions on Russia. Little progress was made on solving any of these issues. »»»
Europe Undermining Itself by Rejecting Russian Energy Resources – Kremlin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia should and will do what corresponds to its interests and benefits in terms of the energy issue, Peskov said. "Russia must and will do what best suits its interests and its benefits," Peskov told reporters, commenting on a statement by European Commission President Ursula v»»»
EU Council meeting
EU leaders had a heavy agenda at a summit in Brussels on March 19. They had to deal with a mushrooming energy crisis, a Ukraine funding fiasco and the stalled passage of twentieth sanctions on Russia. Little progress was made on solving any of these issues. »»»
MRF-New Beginning Leader Says PM Gurov's Comments about Bulgaria Not Joining Board of Peace Is “Media Smoke and Mirrors”
Delyan Peevski, leader of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) - New Beginning, has dismissed caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov’s comments about Bulgaria not joining the Board of Peace as “media smoke and mirrors.” “I want to remind this man [Gurov] that Bulgaria’s security and future can»»»
UAE air defences intercept 4 ballistic missiles and 26 drones
Abu Dhabi: The UAE air defence systems on 20th March 2026 engaged 4 ballistic missiles and 26 UAVs launched from Iran. Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,740 UAVs. These attacks have resulted in the marty»»»
EU envoy in Syria extends Eid al-Fitr greetings to Syrians
Damascus, March 20 (SANA) The European Union’s chargé d’affaires in Syria, Michael Ohnmacht, extended Eid al-Fitr greetings to the Syrian people on Friday, expressing hope for peace and stability across the country. In a post on X, Ohnmacht said the holiday offers an opportunity to promote values o»»»
10 smart ways to save money as oil prices surge above $100
Dubai: The International Energy Agency (IEA) has outlined 10 immediate ways households, businesses and governments can save money as oil prices surge above $100 per barrel following what it calls the largest supply disruption in global oil market history. The crisis stems from the US-Israel war on »»»
Rain, hail and strong winds to hit Abu Dhabi as NCM issues weather alert
The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast intermittent rainfall of varying intensity across Abu Dhabi, with some areas likely to experience hail and strong winds. In Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, rain may be accompanied by fresh to strong winds, causing dust and sand and reduci»»»
Qatari firms secure 11 spots on Forbes 2026 most valuable companies ranking
DOHA: Eleven Qatari firms were featured in the list of 100 most valuable companies in the Middle East by Forbes 2026 magazine. The following firms have made it to the ranking of most valuable companies in their respective categories in March issue of Forbes Middle East: QNB Group (Rank 11, market v»»»
Abu Dhabi Police arrest 109 for filming and sharing misinformation amid regional tensions
Abu Dhabi Police have arrested 109 individuals of various nationalities who filmed sites and events and shared inaccurate information on social media amid ongoing regional tensions. Authorities said these actions could stir public opinion and spread rumours among community members. The police have »»»
Progressive Bulgaria: Radev's Blueprint for Dismantling the Oligarchy
After weeks of calculated silence, Rumen Radev finally unveiled his political vehicle on the eve of Bulgaria's April 2025 election campaign. "Progressive Bulgaria" represents Radev's calculated response to a decade of political chaos, positioning itself as the force that will finally break the olig»»»
Standing together: Qatar and Sri Lanka in challenging times
DOHA: Sri Lankan Ambassador to Qatar H E Sithra Khan Azard, has expressed deep appreciation to Qatar’s leadership for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Sri Lankan community in the country during the ongoing tensions in the Gulf region. In a statement yesterday, the ambassador conveyed the g»»»
Avoid the Eid rush! Dubai RTA issues Metro and Tram travel advisory
As Eid Al Fitr festivities kick off across Dubai, residents are expected to hit the roads and public transport in large numbers. To ease the travel rush, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced extended operating hours for Dubai Metro and Tram, alongside convenient parking options at »»»
Discover why the UAE is still the happiest country in Arab world
Dubai: The World Happiness Report 2026 has once again placed the UAE as the happiest country in the Arab world, keeping its place on the 21st spot globally and ahead of countries such as the US and UK. The UAE has maintained its position from last year, achieving a score of 6.821 out of 10 based on»»»
Bulgarian PM Gyurov Says Board of Peace Membership Driven by “One Oligarch,” Not National Policy
Bulgarian caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov has clarified that the country’s participation in the Board of Peace, a controversial initiative led by US President Donald Trump, was not a government consensus but the result of “one oligarch’s decision,” in an interview with Euronews. Gyurov empha»»»