Iran war: Will your internet slow soon? Hormuz tensions raise undersea cable risks
Dubai: Internet users in the United Arab Emirates are unlikely to face major disruptions despite rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, though speeds could slow if conflict damages subsea cables that carry global data traffic. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The wate»»»
Regarding the Ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan during Eid al-Fitr
We welcome that Afghanistan and Pakistan have responded positively to the calls made by Türkiye, Qatar and Saudi Arabia and declared a ceasefire during the period of Eid al-Fitr. Based on this decision, we hope that the ceasefire will be observed and pave the way to a process whereby lasting peace »»»
From Libya to Iran: Declining West Seeks to 'Re-colonize' Resource-Rich Nations – Expert
The US has destroyed resource-rich countries able to chart an autonomous political path – with Libya as a glaring example, Dr Alexis Habiyaremye, a visiting professor with the University of Johannesburg, tells Sputnik. "The US has never been interested in promoting real democracy," says Habiyaremye»»»
Five takeaways from Markwayne Mullin's Homeland Security confirmation hearing
Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin regretted calling Alex Pretti - a Minnesota resident killed by federal immigration officers in Minnesota earlier this year - a "deranged individual", he said on Wednesday. The senator's marks came as he was questioned by colleagues considering his nomination to lea»»»
Qatar condemns and denounces Iran's brazen targeting of Ras Laffan Industrial City
DOHA: The State of Qatar has expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the brazen Iranian targeting that struck Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing fires that resulted in serious damage to the facility, and considers this aggression a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of the»»»
Arab Parliament condemns continued Iranian attacks targeting UAE
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament, condemned the continued Iranian attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates, stressing that these aggressive practices constitute a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, and reflect a dangerous approach that disregards t»»»
Qatar condemns Iranian brutal attack on Ras Laffan Industrial City
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the brutal Iranian attack targeting Ras Laffan Industrial City, which caused fires resulting in significant damage to the facility. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that this assault a seri»»»
Forum on Healthcare Held in Sofia
A forum on healthcare, organized by the Bulgarian Medical Union, was held in Sofia on Wednesday, bringing together representatives of medical institutions and community to discuss key challenges and future policies in the system. The participants in the forum included President Iliana Iotova, caret»»»
Eid Al Fitr: Abu Dhabi issues guidelines for celebration over the long weekend
Celebrations and safety are the need of the hour, and Abu Dhabi Police and Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority are at the front lines of making sure this is exactly what happens over the course of the Eid Al Fitr holiday. To ensure this, they have issued certain guidelines: Remain attentive and reduc»»»
UAE keeps key interest rate unchanged amid Iran war, mirroring US Fed move
Dubai: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) announced late Wednesday it has decided to maintain the Base Rate applicable to the Overnight Deposit Facility (ODF) at 3.65%. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.This CBUAE decision was taken following the US Federal Reserve's de»»»
Hungary veto on Ukraine and carbon market to hijack EU summit
Hungary’s veto on money for Ukraine is to hijack the spotlight at Thursday’s EU summit in Brussels (19 March), alongside disagreements over Europe’s carbon market, overshadowing what was meant to be a key debate on turning Europe into a truly economic powerhouse. In draft conclusions, seen by EUobs»»»
How NATO Turned International Law Into Tool to Destroy Libya
Fifteen years ago, a UN resolution establishing a no-fly zone in Libya was twisted into a mandate to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi. "There is a date that scholars of international relations never forget, and it is March 17, 2011," Marco Marsili, associated researcher at the Centre for International Stu»»»
Dubai and Oman activate green corridor to speed up cargo movement
Dubai: Dubai Customs has announced the activation of a “green corridor” between the emirate and the Sultanate of Oman for sea and air shipments, in cooperation with Oman’s General Administration of Customs. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The initiative is designed to »»»
UAE rolls out up to 50% tax credit for businesses
Dubai: The UAE has launched the first phase of its Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentives Programme, offering businesses tax credits to encourage investment in innovation and technology. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Under Phase 1, companies can claim a non-re»»»
Fiscal Council Expresses Position on Parliamentary Groups' Proposed Revisions to Budget Extension Act
Bulgaria’s Fiscal Council Wednesday issued a statement to the media regarding the amendment proposals submitted by three parliamentary groups between the first and second readings of the 2025 Budget Extension Act. According to the Fiscal Council, the amendments proposed by GERB-UDF, MRF - New Begin»»»
Qatari Businessmen Association affirms investor confidence in Qatar’s economy
Doha, Qatar: The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) yesterday organized a roundtable meeting with heads of foreign chamber of commerce and international business councils operating in Qatar, in the presence of representatives from several affiliated companies. The meeting comes as part of QBA’s c»»»
UAE warns targeting energy facilities threatens global energy security
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has warned that targeting energy facilities linked to the South Pars gas field constitutes a serious escalation and poses a direct threat to global energy security. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said attacks on energy infrastructure associate»»»
Air India and Air India Express ramp up GCC operations with additional flights
Dubai: Air India and Air India Express are set to operate a total of 48 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the GCC countries on March 19, 2026. Alongside regular services, the airlines will operate 32 additional non-scheduled flights to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These flights are subje»»»
Report: Netanyahu offered a ceasefire, Hezbollah responded with shelling operation
The Lebanese state has no option left but to seek a humanitarian truce for Eid al-Fitr, after the failure of efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel is insistsling on Hezbollah's complete "surrender" before halting its operations in Lebanon, while the »»»
Which countries will celebrate Eid Al Fitr 2026 on Friday?
Several countries have confirmed Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Eid Al Fitr, following the completion of 30 days of Ramadan and the unsuccessful sighting of the Shawwal crescent. Countries confirming Eid on Friday include Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey, and Australia»»»
UAE announces first day of Eid Al Fitr 2026
Abu Dhabi: The UAE announced on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, that the first day of Eid Al Fitr will be observed on March 20, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted. Earier this month, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation h»»»
Eid Al Fitr: Park timings across Dubai
In the mood for some outdoorsy time with the kiddos over the Eid break? That’s perfect – there’s just about that lovely nip in the air that makes the shade perfect for some down time as you kid watch. Dubai Municipality has put out the timings of the parks and other recreational areas within those »»»
X is facing an outage in the UAE
If you are in the UAE and having trouble accessing your X account, do not be alarmed for you are not alone. Downdetector, the website that lets you know when services are down based on real-time reports, has confirmed that there has been a spike in complaints over the microblog this evening (March »»»
Report: Aoun won't cede negotiations file to Berri or Hezbollah
President Joseph Aoun will not accept that Hezbollah "seize control of the decision to make peace, dictating its form, conditions, and timing," after it had controlled the decision to wage war, informed official sources told the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper. "Baabda Palace is proceeding with contacts w»»»
Saudi Arabia announces first day of Eid Al Fitr 2026
Dubai: It’s official. Saudi Arabia announced today (March 18, 2026) that the first day of Eid al Fitr will fall on March 20, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted. The moon-sighting committee convened and verified the sighting of the new moon, marking the end of Ramadan after 30 days of f»»»
Americans concerned over AI amid cost-of-living crisis – poll
Americans increasingly view artificial intelligence as a threat to their livelihoods and believe the government should prioritize protecting workers over maximizing tech industry profits, polling data published by Blue Rose Research has indicated. The survey, conducted earlier this month with 2,716»»»
Dubai’s top court clarifies compensation rights in non-Muslim divorces
Dubai: Dubai Court of Cassation has issued a landmark ruling clarifying how compensation claims should be handled in divorce cases involving non-Muslim couples, drawing a clear line between personal harm and damages directly arising from divorce. In its latest judgment, the court ruled that claims »»»
How Sharjah is readying itself for Eid Al Fitr
Sharjah: Sharjah City Municipality has announced full readiness to receive Eid Al Fitr, launching intensive inspection and awareness campaigns targeting a wide range of establishments expected to see high public turnout during the holiday. The campaigns will cover food outlets, barbershops, beauty »»»
Eid Al Fitr 2026: Which countries will sight the Shawwal crescent tomorrow?
While a number of countries are getting ready to sight the moon and declare the first day of Eid Al Fitr on Wednesday (Mar 18, 2026), some nations will hold their moon-sighting moments a day later, on Mar 19. In many countries, the 29th of Ramadan will fall tomorrow and so Eid will fall on Friday o»»»
Germany warns of Mideast crisis of 'gravest order'
Germany and France on Wednesday called for de-escalation of the Middle East war with Germany's top diplomat warning of a "crisis of the gravest order" if global supply chains continue to be disrupted. "We must try to find a point where the military objectives (the United States and Israel) have set»»»
New Dubai law transforms police training with AI and VR
Dubai has taken a major step in advancing police education with the issuance of Dubai Police Academy Law No. (7) of 2026 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The new law reflects Dubai’s forward-looking vision to ele»»»
Arab Parliament reiterates strong condemnation of Iranian attacks on Arab countries
Cairo: The Arab Parliament reiterated its strong condemnation of the continued and repeated Iranian attacks targeting a number of Arab countries, stressing that the attacks disregard all rules of international law and the United Nations Charter, and constitute a serious and direct threat to peace a»»»
New boatload of migrants reaches Crete from Libya
A new group of 39 migrants who risked the popular but lengthy sea crossing from northern Africa in a small boat has been located on the southern coast of Crete, authorities said Wednesday. One of the men, a 20-year-old from South Sudan, was allegedly identified as the person who had piloted the boa»»»
Sharjah Police to confiscate noisy vehicles
Sharjah: Police have announced strict measures against vehicles and motorcycles causing noise and disturbance in residential areas and on public roads, as part of ongoing efforts to maintain public safety and community peace. The General Command of Sharjah Police said it has received multiple compl»»»
Kamal Haasan backs Pinarayi Vijayan ahead of polls, calls Kerala ‘my state’
Actor, producer and politician Kamal Haasan said he feels a deep connection with Kerala, even as some people see him as an outsider. In a post on X, Haasan wished Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan success in the upcoming elections. “I wish Comrade Pinarayi Vijayan all the very best,” he wrote,»»»
CBSE announces special assessment scheme for Class 10 students in UAE, Middle East
Dubai: India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Wednesday announced a special assessment scheme for declaring Class 10 results across Middle East countries, after several board examinations were cancelled due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war. The board had scrapped the Class 10 main »»»
ANAX Holding partners with Emirates Red Crescent to boost Eid charitable efforts
Dubai: This Eid, ANAX Holding, a Dubai-based investment firm, supported the noble initiatives carried out by the Emirates Red Crescent benefiting vulnerable families and individuals across the UAE. During a visit to the Emirates Red Crescent Dubai Center, Satish Sanpal, Founder and Chairperson of A»»»
UAE air defences intercepts 13 ballistic missiles, 27 drones
The UAE air defence systems on Mar 18, 2026 (today) 13 ballistic missiles and 27 drones launched from Iran. Since the onset of Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 327 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,699 drones. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of two members of t»»»
All Voting Machines to Undergo Software Check, E-Governance Minister Urges Voters to Use Machines
The software code of 100% of the installed voting machines will be verified for the upcoming elections, up from the previous 30%, caretaker Electronic Governance Minister George Sharkov, who is also coordinator of the election process, told a briefing here on Wednesday. To carry out the checks, the»»»
The US-Iran war confirms China’s four worst fears
When the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on 28 February, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and crippling Tehran’s military infrastructure, the world witnessed a dramatic reshaping of the Middle East’s power structure. Beijing’s public response—measured moral condemnations, an e»»»
France says it’s unreasonable to expect Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah amid bombing – Ya Libnan
Share: PHOTO- A person walks past debris at the site of an Israeli strike, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, Zuqaq al-Blat district in central Beirut, Lebanon, March 18, 2026. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi Beirut- It is unreasonable to expect th»»»
State Well-Stocked on Fuel, Holds 90 Days Reserve Buffer, Prime Minister Gurov Says
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said in an interview for Radio Free Europe that the state has fuel reserves at quite solid levels, as required by law. Gurov noted that all traders are currently maintaining the required reserve levels, explaining that under the Crude Oil and Petroleum Products»»»
Bahrain intercepts 130 missiles, 234 drones since start of Iranian attacks
Manama: The General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) said that its air defense systems have intercepted and destroyed 130 missiles and 234 drones since the start of the Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom. In a statement, the General Command stressed that using ballistic missiles and dr»»»
Eid in the UAE: A guide for a safe celebration this 2026
Dubai: As the UAE awaits for Eid Al Fitr, authorities have issued fresh guidance to ensure that residents and visitors alike can celebrate safely and with peace of mind. The Dubai Media Office has released a safety guide explaining what to do if you receive an emergency alert on your phone, which c»»»
On the ground as Orbán hits streets to shore up support in key seats, as Magyar maintains lead
The main square of the Hungarian city of Eger was filled on Tuesday (17 March) with people welcoming the prime minister like a star. But it was not only his supporters who turned up. Spontaneous chants of ‘Viktor! Viktor!’ greet me as I arrive at Viktor Orbán campaign rally, a good half-hour before»»»
Carrefour gets food stock inspection from UAE minister
Dubai: UAE officials conducted an inspection at a Carrefour distribution centre to review food supply, procurement and stock levels, as authorities monitor market stability and ensure continued availability of essential goods nationwide. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances»»»
When football meets geopolitics: The challenges facing World Cup 2026
When the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America on June 11, 2026, it will be the largest sporting event ever staged. Matches will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, involving millions of spectators and a global television audience expected to exceed five bi»»»
ParkinUAE announces free parking during Eid Al Fitr
Good news, people with cars. ParkinUAE has announced free parking over the Eid Al Fitr period. The parking solutions provider in the UAE tweeted that all public parking will be free, with the exception of multi-storey parking, between Thursday, March 19, and Sunday, March 22. We’ll be back to payin»»»
Dubai 24K gold dips below Dh600, weakest in a month
Dubai: Gold prices fell below the Dh600 mark on Wednesday afternoon, with the 24K rate dropping to Dh597 per gram at 3.40 pm from Dh601 in the morning, while 22K declined to Dh552.75 from Dh556.50, tracking a broader pullback in global markets. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices i»»»
Israel Says Killed Iran Intel Chief, Tells Military to Hunt Down Officials
Israel Says Killed Iran Intel Chief, Tells Military to Hunt Down Officials Israel said Wednesday its forces had killed another top Iranian official, Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, and said its military was authorized to kill any senior figure of the country in its sights. The announcement, th»»»