US, Canada to Meet in Coming Weeks on Trade, Greer Says
US and Canadian trade officials spoke on Wednesday and plan to meet in coming weeks, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said, adding that the Trump administration was open to their ideas on how to reach an agreement, Reuters reported. "They have a few ideas on how they might want to have a deal»»»
Qatar participates in Arab meeting to adopt regional action plan for implementation of International Humanitarian Law 2026-2027
Cairo: Represented by the Ministry of Justice, the State of Qatar participated in the meeting of the Arab National Committees on International Humanitarian Law, which was dedicated to reviewing and adopting the final regional action plan for the application of International Humanitarian Law at the »»»
Bulgarian Town Pushes Back Against Government Refugee Center Plans
Simeonovgrad Municipality has formally opposed plans to construct a refugee center in the Bulgarian town. The proposal for the facility was approved last week during a Council of Ministers meeting, BGNES reported from Haskovo. Under the government’s decision, the State Agency for Refugees is to rec»»»
IAAPA and MENALAC to launch IAAPA MENA
IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has announced plans to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and North Africa with the launch of a new regional office and the creation of IAAPA MENA. The official launch will be celebrated during IAAPA Expo Middle East, with the new »»»
Samana Developers donates Dh15 million to Edge of Life campaign
Samana Developers has contributed Dh15 million to support the Edge of Life campaign to rescue five million children from hunger. Launched in Ramadan by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the campaign aims to raise a m»»»
Pope lines up trips to Central Africa, Algeria, Spain, Monaco
Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV will visit four African nations in April, the Vatican said Thursday, including Algeria -- the first time a pope will travel to the North African Muslim nation. The Vatican announced a series of international trips in the months ahead for the US pontiff, who was elected la»»»
New UK rules kick in, complicating travel for British dual nationals in UAE
Dubai: British citizens who also hold another nationality could be stopped from travelling to the UK from Wednesday under new border rules linked to the rollout of the country’s electronic travel authorisation system, complicating travel for British dual nationals in the UAE. Sign up for our daily »»»
No more UK visa stickers? What Pakistan travellers need to know
Dubai: Pakistani visitors heading to the UK — including those travelling from the UAE — can now use a new digital eVisa system instead of receiving a visa sticker in their passport, the British High Commission in Pakistan has announced. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.»»»
Dubai typing centre worker wins $1m in Dubai Duty Free draw
Dubai: An Indian expat from Kerala working at a Dubai typing centre has struck it rich, winning $1 million in the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw held at Concourse C of Dubai International Airport on Wednesday. Premadasan Makkalikkal, 47, won in Millennium Millionaire Series 537 »»»
‘Easy’ or ‘hard’? UAE students react to new CBSE Class 10 Science exam format
Students and educators across UAE schools have welcomed the revised pattern of the CBSE Class 10 Science examination, which for the first time introduced a strict section-wise split into Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Initial feedback suggests the paper was largely student-friendly, with most desc»»»
India’s Modi in Israel to ‘strengthen cooperation’
JERUSALEM Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday aimed at focusing on strengthening security, economic and technological cooperation between the two countries. The Indian leader stepped out of the plane beaming and descended the staircase to a big hug »»»
UK and French Elites Cynically Turning Europe Into Nuclear Testing Ground - Expert
The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said that the UK and France are preparing to transfer nuclear weapons to Ukraine. The UK and France’s plan to transfer atomic weapons to Ukraine is a blatant act of nuclear blackmail aimed at Russia, Alexander Stepanov, a military expert at the Institu»»»
Upgrades: Pakistan introduces major changes to ID cards, find out more
Dubai: In a landmark step toward a unified and digitally secure identity ecosystem, the Federal Government has formally upgraded Pakistan’s National Identity Card (NIC) and Pakistan Origin Card (POC) frameworks. The amendments introduce QR-based verification, enhanced biometric features, stronger f»»»
Petkovic meets with Sorensen
BELGRADE - The head of the Serbian government Office for Kosovo-Metohija Petar Petkovic met on Wednesday in Belgrade with the EU special envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Peter Sorensen and pointed out the scale of potential consequences for Serbs in the province in case Pristina started enf»»»
When control replaces trust: Why smart organisations lose good people
Problems in well-run organisations rarely stem from incompetence. In fact, intelligence often creates confidence — confidence that systems are sound, risks are contained, and decisions are well thought through. Yet many workplaces struggle not because leaders are careless, but because some choices »»»
Dubai Police mobile Iftar cannon travels across Dubai, Hatta
Dubai Police’s mobile Iftar cannon, Al Rahal, has continued its Ramadan tour across the emirate, welcoming community members at Al Meydan hotel on the 9th and 10th days of Ramadan before heading to Hatta dam from the 10th to the 12th day of the holy month. The initiative gives citizens, residents, »»»
Ala-Too Resort to build four more cableways in Jyrgalan with Doppelmayr - | 24.KG
Ala-Too Resort and Doppelmayr have signed a contract to build four more cableways at Jyrgalan resort. The document was approved by Valery Yashin, Head of Doppelmayr Russia and CIS Division, and Zharkynbek Maksutov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of JSC. The new contract continues a large-scale »»»
Caretaker Minister Okoliyski Reports Significant Overpricing in Two Public Procurement Procedures at Health Ministry
Speaking at a news briefing at the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, caretaker Health Minister Michail Okoliyski said that significant overpricing had been identified in two public procurement procedures at the Ministry of Health. The minister said that both finalized public procurement procedures»»»
Dubai Police get 8,263 emergency calls during heavy fog
Dubai: Dubai Police handled 8,263 emergency calls through the 999 hotline during heavy fog that blanketed parts of the emirate early this week, authorities said. The calls were received between 3am and 10am on Monday and Tuesday, as reduced visibility prompted heightened operational readiness and i»»»
Dubai International Holy Quran Award honours Sheikh Al Husary as Global Quranic Personality
Dubai: The Dubai International Holy Quran Award announced the selection of the late reciter Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al Husary, as the Global Quranic Personality for its 28th edition. This recognition comes in appreciation and gratitude for his enduring scholarly Quranic legacy, which left a profound »»»
Flying via DXB soon? You can carry 15 phones — but only if you follow this rule
Dubai: Passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport may be surprised to learn that they can carry up to 15 mobile phones in their luggage — but only under strict conditions. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Moreover, as passenger numbers continue to rise — »»»
Dubai opens public vote to choose most beautiful Quran recitation
Dubai: The Dubai International Holy Quran Award announced the opening of public voting for participants who qualified for the final stage of its 28th edition for the year in search of the most beautiful Quran recitation for 2026. Following two qualifying rounds, the judging panel has selected the t»»»
Seven killed in Ukrainian drone attack on Russian factory
A fertiliser plant in western Russia has come under attack by Ukrainian drones, killing seven people and injuring at least ten. Russia's Investigative Committee said 30 drones had struck the plant in the region of Smolensk, around 290km (180 miles) from the border with Ukraine. Regional governor Va»»»
Sheikh Hamdan marks son Mohammed's birthday with a journey through time
Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, known the world over as Fazza, marked a deeply personal milestone today as he celebrated his son Mohammed's third birthday. »»»
Ramadan in the UAE: Why begging surges and how to give responsibly
Dubai: As Ramadan begins, the UAE is defined by a spirit of compassion. Mosques fill, communal tables are set, and charitable giving reaches its annual peak. However, authorities warn that this surge in generosity, driven by the obligations of Zakat and Sadaqah (charity), is increasingly being targ»»»
Etihad’s most luxurious flying experience is heading somewhere new
Dubai: Etihad Airways will introduce its flagship Airbus A380 on its Abu Dhabi to Bangkok service from October, marking the aircraft’s debut in Thailand and adding significant capacity ahead of the winter travel season. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The double-decker»»»
Berri reportedly reassures Aoun that Hezbollah won't join Iran war
The Lebanese Presidency has not received any warnings suggesting that Israel will attack Lebanon’s infrastructure if Hezbollah backs Iran militarily, a minister close to President Joseph Aoun said. “The Lebanese Presidency received reassurances through Speaker Nabih Berri that Hezbollah will not in»»»
HSC’s proposals to reform Libya’s economy include abolishing proposed taxes, suspending development spending, prioritising imports, monitoring LCs
In a session held yesterday, the High State Council (HSC) proposed the following measures to address Libya’s : – The Central Bank of Libya should abolish taxes and fees without on basic commodities, given their role in driving up prices and eroding purchasing power. – Parallel exchange rates for th»»»
Fact-checking Trump's longest ever State of the Union
President Donald Trump delivered his longest speech to Congress - lasting one hour 47 minutes - and told US lawmakers that the "country is winning again" as he touted his administration's achievements. The US economy and affordability were key themes in the address - which was the longest in decade»»»
Things to do this weekend in Qatar (February 26-28, 2026)
Doha, Qatar: This Ramadan, a vibrant lineup of activities is set to enrich both your health and spiritual wellbeing. As the weekend approaches, there is something for everyone to experience the essence of the holy month of Ramadan such as engaging community gatherings and energising wellness sessio»»»
Capital.com reports strong 2025 growth, trading volume reaches $3.42 trillion
Dubai: Capital.com, a global fintech group operating in the regulated online trading sector, today published its 2025 trading platform activity summary, reporting $3.42 trillion in client trading volume for the year. The group reported that the Middle East accounted for approximately 50% of total a»»»
Brega starts second phase of cooking gas cylinder distribution with two million cylinders ordered - recent fuel shortage due to bad weather
The Chairman of Brega Oil Marketing Company, Fouad Balrahim, announced the resumption of registration for the second phase of the cooking gas cylinder distribution system. Citizens can register for a new gas cylinder after they register using their National ID Number which must be linked to their m»»»
Al Ansari Exchange celebrates 60 years of growth and innovation
Dubai: Al Ansari Exchange, a leading outward personal remittance and foreign exchange company in the UAE and a subsidiary of Al Ansari Financial Services, marked its 60th anniversary during Ramadan, celebrating six decades of financial leadership and regional expansion. The milestone was commemorat»»»
Vucic, Sorensen discuss course, resumption of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue
BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met on Wednesday in Belgrade with the EU special envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Peter Sorensen to discuss the current course of the dialogue and its resumption with more active EU engagement, with special focus on the position of Kosovo-Metohi»»»
Russian Intel’s Exposure of Plans to Give Ukraine Nuclear Arms Prevented Catastrophe — Expert
The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said that the UK and France are preparing to transfer nuclear weapons to Ukraine. The release of information by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) regarding the potential transfer of nuclear weapons to Ukraine should nullify even the very i»»»
Bath kits, dry fruits, bedsheets: Scindia calls BSNL director visit arrangements ‘unacceptable’, orders action
Dubai: Indian federal Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has ordered action against a Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) Director after an internal office order detailing elaborate protocol arrangements for his proposed visit to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh triggered a controversy. Governm»»»
‘My brain is full of chaos’: Fear and fatigue grip Iranians ahead of crunch talks
DUBAI As Washington amasses formidable military firepower across the Middle East and a crucial round of nuclear talks in Geneva, anxiety is once again threading through daily life in Iran — not only in political corridors, but around kitchen tables, shop counters and sleepless bedrooms.\ Iran and t»»»
Zelensky Announces Ukraine-US Talks in Geneva Thursday
Lead Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov will meet with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday, Kyiv has announced, ahead of fresh trilateral talks with Russia expected in early March. The meetings are the latest round of negotiations spearheaded by US President Donald Trump that so far have f»»»
Aston Martin to cut 20% of workforce, sell F1 branding rights amid tariff hit
Dubai: Aston Martin Lagonda said on Wednesday it will cut up to 20% of its workforce and has agreed to sell the branding rights to its Formula One team, as the British luxury carmaker grapples with mounting losses, US import tariffs and weak demand in China. Sign up for our daily business newslette»»»
Media Review: February 25
HOME SCENE Bulgarian National TV (BNT) reported on Tuesday that the Sofia City Prosecution Office has ordered a preliminary check into the actions of caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev following three reports alleging pressure on investigators working on the Petrohan–Okolchitsa case, the prose»»»
Egypt’s Launch of Futures Trading Signals Structural Shift — But Liquidity Will Be the Real Test
Egypt will enter the derivatives arena on 1 March 2026, as the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) begins trading futures contracts tied initially to the EGX30 index. The move marks the most significant structural reform of the country’s capital markets in years, expanding beyond cash equities into leveraged, »»»
Western Troops Won't Step Into Ukraine Without Russia's Approval - Report
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said earlier that the presence of NATO allies' troops on Ukrainian soil would be a threat to Russia, and that Moscow would not accept it under any circumstances. President Vladimir Putin warned that foreign forces in Ukraine would become legitimate targets for»»»
Modi's Israel visit to test India's priorities in the Middle East
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Israel for a two-day visit, his first since the war in Gaza began. Modi is expected to address Israel's parliament, the Knesset, and hold meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. There is no meeting with Palestinian »»»
Entrepreneur Raul Țărnaru acquires 80% stake in Novarion DMX Construction, eyes listing on Bucharest Stock Exchange
Novarion DMX Construction, a Sibiu-based company with over 11 years of experience in construction and general contracting and a portfolio of 150,000 square meters built, announces the entry of Novarion Holding SRL into its shareholding structure. The company, controlled by entrepreneur Raul Țărnaru»»»
UAE Central Bank launches world’s first sovereign financial cloud platform
Dubai: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has partnered with Core42, a G42 company, to develop what it describes as the world’s first sovereign financial cloud services infrastructure dedicated to the financial sector. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The new platform,»»»
UAE Lottery announces Indian expat as first Dh5 million winner
Dubai: The UAE Lottery on Wednesday revealed the full identity of its first-ever winner of the Dh5 million second prize in the new format of the Lucky Day draw launched in December 2025 with a Dh30 million jackpot. Indian expat Murugananth Govinthan was announced as the winner of the life changing »»»
Industrial AI: Germany's best chance to take on US, China?
TradeGermanyIndustrial AI: Germany's best chance to take on US, China?Nik MartinGermany is already harnessing AI for smarter production — with virtual factories, robot fleets and its newly launched Industrial AI Cloud. Can this edge overcome stagnation and let the country truly take on its rivals? »»»
GERB-UDF Says Support for Ukraine Is Investment in Europe’s Security
According to a declaration by GERB-UDF, presented by MP Georg Georgiev on Wednesday, support for Ukraine is not an act of momentary solidarity but a strategic investment in Europe’s security and in preserving the international order. Georgiev marked four years since the start of the Russian Federat»»»
This new Spotify product promises music beyond the grave
Dubai: Music may follow you everywhere in life. Spotify now wants it to follow you into the afterlife. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The streaming giant has partnered with beverage brand Liquid Death to launch what they describe as the world’s first music-streaming u»»»
UAE cracks down on illegal domestic worker recruitment, shuts 12 offices
Dubai: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has shut down 12 offices found to be illegally recruiting domestic workers without the required licences and referred their cases to the Public Prosecution in coordination with economic development authorities nationwide. Also Read: UAE shuts»»»