Sharjah boosts safety drive to prevent summer risks
Sharjah: With summer approaching, the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority has ramped up inspections and awareness campaigns across industrial and commercial zones, aiming to prevent accidents and strengthen public safety. The authority said the move is part of a proactive strategy focused on reducing r»»»
Macut lays wreath at Jajinci memorial park
BELGRADE - Serbian PM Djuro Macut laid a wreath at the Jajinci memorial park on Wednesday at a state ceremony that marked the Remembrance Day for the Victims of the Holocaust, Genocide and Other Victims of Fascism in WWII. "Macut emphasised that today we stand as guardians of the memory of tens of »»»
Palantir’s Technological Republic is a blueprint for digital tyranny
Walking through the glass-and-steel corridors of the modern tech-security apparatus reveals that the telescreen is a tireless processor of our very souls. Palantir Technologies’ vision of a “Technological Republic” arrives as a manual for the refinement of the boot, the one destined to remain on th»»»
In Gaza, first local vote in years offers gauge of Hamas popularity
GAZA: Palestinians in one of the only Gaza cities not overrun by Israeli ground forces during the war will vote this weekend in municipal elections that will feature some pro-Hamas candidates, offering a rare barometer of the militant group’s popularity. The vote in Deir Al-Balah is part of Palesti»»»
As internal divisions simmer, Lebanese see echoes of civil war
BEIRUT: An Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon, bombings in Beirut, massive displacement and rising sectarian friction. The year is 2026, but for those who lived through Lebanon’s civil war five decades ago, it may as well be the 1970s. Lebanese who fought in the 1975-1990 war or documented it as »»»
Israeli strikes kill 3 in Lebanon despite ceasefire
Israeli strikes killed three people in Lebanon on Wednesday, Lebanese state media said, despite an ongoing 10-day ceasefire, which an official said Beirut will request an extension for in the upcoming talks with Israel in Washington. Ahead of the talks on Thursday, Israel called on the Lebanese gov»»»
FNC condemns terrorist plot targeting UAE's security, stability
The Federal National Council (FNC) strongly condemned the terrorist plot that sought to undermine national unity and destabilise the country. The plot was uncovered and the terrorist cell responsible for planning it was apprehended. The council affirmed that the group harbored ill intentions toward»»»
Florida launches probe into OpenAI over ChatGPT’s alleged role in shooting
Florida has opened a criminal investigation into OpenAI following a deadly shooting in 2025 at Florida State University, Attorney General James Uthmeier said Tuesday. Authorities are looking into claims that the company's ChatGPT chatbot provided information to the suspect prior to the attack»»»
Second French peacekeeper dies after ambush blamed on Hezbollah
A second French soldier died on Wednesday from wounds suffered in a weekend ambush against U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon blamed on Hezbollah, President Emmanuel Macron said. A first soldier, staff sergeant Florian Montorio, was shot dead in the Saturday ambush, for which Hezbollah has denied respons»»»
Egypt’s Monetary Stability Strengthens as Reserves Rise and Energy Dues Cleared
Cairo — Egypt’s economic strategy is gaining renewed institutional and market confidence, supported by rising foreign reserves and the accelerated settlement of energy-sector obligations, according to official statements presented to Parliament and subsequent policy updates. Following an address by»»»
Dollar Gains as Iran War Keeps Central Banks in Wait-and-see Mode
The dollar edged up against the euro on Wednesday on lingering concerns about the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran, even after President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire to give Tehran more time to present a unified proposal for ending the conflict. Iran seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz »»»
Iran Seizes Ships in Strait of Hormuz after Trump Halts Attacks
Iran seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, tightening its grip on the strategic waterway, after US President Donald Trump called off attacks indefinitely with no sign of peace talks restarting. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency said the Revolutionary Guards had seized two ves»»»
Kalba families to receive support in rental dispute cases
Sharjah : Families in Kalba facing court rulings over rental disputes are set to receive targeted financial support under a new agreement between Sharjah Charity International and Kalba Municipality. The initiative centres on fast-tracking assistance to residents in financial distress, using a coor»»»
Sharjah Ruler launches Al Qawasim digital application, platform
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday morning launched Al Qawasim application and digital platform, dedicated to documenting the history of Al Qawasim family. The launch took place at Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre in the presenc»»»
Mexico explores new investments to expand presence in Cuba - UPI.com
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Cuba's decision to further open its economy to private sector participation could allow Mexican private and mixed-capital companies to expand operations on the island. File Photo by Ernesto Mastrascusa/EPA April 22 (UPI) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbau»»»
Cabinet Adopts Report on Implementation of 2026 Action Plan on Measures Arising from Bulgaria's EU Membership
By a decision of the Cabinet, a report was adopted on the implementation of the 2026 Action Plan containing the measures arising from Bulgaria’s membership of the European Union as at March 31, 2026. Out of a total of 100 measures with a deadline for implementation by March 31, 41 have been complet»»»
As internal divisions simmer, Lebanese see echoes of civil war
ISTANBUL: Sadri Haghshenas spends her days selling borek — a layered, savory pastry — at a shop in Istanbul, but her mind is on her daughter in Tehran. The family had to send her home to Iran after they ran into difficulties renewing her visa, despite fears that a shaky ceasefire could soon collaps»»»
Lebanon to Request One-month Truce Extension in Israel Meeting
Lebanon will request a one-month extension of the ceasefire during its meeting with Israel in Washington on Thursday, a Lebanese official told AFP. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity given the sensitive nature of the topic, said "Lebanon will request an extension of the truce for one»»»
Pages that remember, rooms that listened
In the 70s, 80s, and early 90s, a wedding album quietly claimed the room. When it appeared on the side table, roles were set: some turned the pages carefully, others recalled details the photographs could not. You weren’t just visiting — you were stepping into someone’s life, one frame at a time. T»»»
Political tribalism is blocking democratic progress - UPI.com
former Guatemalan President Vinicio Cerezo, a signatory of the Esquipulas peace accords, demonstrated how leadership can expand political space by prioritizing dialogue and regional peace over permanent confrontation. File Photo by Juan Pablo Pino/EPA April 22 (UPI) -- Latin America is moving throu»»»
Pakistan to cut car duties, open market by 2030
Dubai: Pakistan is set to roll out a sweeping new five-year auto sector policy in consultation with the International Monetary Fund, aimed at slashing import tariffs, restructuring duties and opening up the vehicle market by 2030, The News reported on Wednesday. Under the $7 billion Extended Fund F»»»
Oil Prices Rise despite US-Iran Ceasefire Extension
Oil prices edged higher Wednesday while Europe's main stock markets eased on uncertainty surrounding the prospect of resumed Mideast peace talks following an extension to the US-Iran ceasefire. Asian equities had a mixed trading day as investors wait for clarity but broadly expect that both US Pres»»»
dnata commits A$32 million to new Sydney cargo hub
Dubai: Dubai-based dnata will invest around Dh77 million (A$32 million) to build a new cargo terminal at Western Sydney International Airport, strengthening air freight capacity in Australia’s busiest logistics corridor. The global air and travel services provider said the purpose-built facility wi»»»
Watch: Dubai unveils new Metro project connecting 15 areas
Dubai has announced an ambitious new addition to its public transport network with the launch of the Gold Line metro project. Revealed on X by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai the Dh34 billion initiative will span 42»»»
How a Dubai teenager is tackling traffic and climate change with a no-app, free carpool idea this World Earth Day
Dubai: Anvith Yalamanchili, a 15-year-old student from Dubai, has developed a free ride-sharing platform that connects commuters travelling along similar routes, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and emissions this World Earth Day. In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Anvith said the idea, n»»»
US halts Iraq dollar cash shipment after militia strikes, sources say
BAGHDAD/DUBAI: The United States has halted a shipment of about $500 million in cash bound for Iraq and suspended parts of its security cooperation with Baghdad, in a move aimed at pressuring the Iraqi government over the actions of Iran-backed militias, Iraqi sources told Reuters. The measures wer»»»
Vietnam, South Korea sign deals on tech, nuclear power
Hanoi: Vietnam's top leader To Lam hosted South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Hanoi on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, announcing a dozen cooperative agreements including on tech innovation and development of nuclear power plants. South Korea is Vietnam's biggest source of foreign investment and one»»»
From survivor to supporter: Abu Dhabi-based expat offers free autism assessments to UAE families
Dubai: For many parents in the UAE, the first signs of developmental delay in a child can bring uncertainty and often, hesitation. This Autism Awareness month, Abu Dhabi-based Filipina expatriate Lilac Schonberg is working to remove that hesitation by offering free applied behaviour analysis assess»»»
Win-Win’ or ‘Sign of Weakness’? Experts Split on Trump's Ceasefire Move
Trump has given no indication of how long the extension will last. The US leader's ceasefire is therefore considered indefinite, ex-ambassador to Iran Asif Durrani points out. The second round of US–Iran talks in Islamabad did not take place, as the two sides failed to agree on preliminary conditio»»»
New UAE farming tech cuts energy by 60% and saves water
Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority has announced the adoption of the “Advanced Agriculture 4.0” system, as part of its efforts to support digital transformation in the agricultural sector. Officials said the system marks a shift from traditional farming methods to a more modern, data-d»»»
Kuwait sentences lawyer to 3 years over false social media posts on citizenship
Kuwait’s Court of Appeal has sentenced a lawyer to three years in prison with immediate effect after convicting him of posting misleading and false information via X platform that sparked public confusion over citizenship revocation cases. The State Security Circuit found that the defendant had exc»»»
Wedding tragedy in Kirkuk as house collapse kills woman and injures children
A 22-year-old woman was killed and four children seriously injured after part of an old house collapsed during a wedding gathering in Kirkuk, local authorities said. The incident occurred as guests were preparing to bring in the bride; a section of the ageing structure gave way, turning the celebra»»»
UAE Indian consular services to shift from BLS to Alhind from July 1
Abu Dhabi: Indians in the UAE will need to use a new service provider for passport renewals, visa applications, and other consular services from July 1, after tour and travel firm Alhind Tours and Travels won a three-year contract to replace the long-standing operator BLS International. The Embassy»»»
GDRFA Dubai meets workers, boosts on-site welfare checks
Dubai: The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) has stepped up efforts to enhance worker welfare, conducting a field visit to the Arab Construction Company site as part of its ongoing drive to improve living and working conditions across the emirate. The visi»»»
UAE President discusses bilateral relations, regional developments with Kenyan counterpart
Abu Dhabi: President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, with Kenyan counterpart, Dr.William Samoei Ruto, who is currently visiting Abu Dhabi, to discuss bilateral relations and opportunities for developing cooperation in various»»»
Makkah meeting reviews animal health risk plan for Hajj
MAKKAH: The National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases in Makkah held a coordination meeting and simulation to implement a hypothetical plan for reducing animal health risks ahead of the Hajj season. Hosted at the headquarters of the Saudi Arabia Project for t»»»
Owners have until June 15 to clear weeds, dry vegetation
Property owners have until June 15 to clear weeds and dry vegetation from their land or face fines, under new fire prevention rules that simplify requirements established three years ago. The obligation covers plots within city plans, open spaces, land within 100 meters of settlement boundaries, an»»»
Israel’s occupation of Lebanon likely to derail Beirut’s search for offshore gas
Israel’s latest land grab is dashing Lebanon’s hope of tapping offshore gas to solve its persistent energy shortage. Maritime energy prospects were the focus of a 2022 deal on a disputed border between the two nations. On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) published a map of a “forward defense»»»
CBUAE reports surge in Emiratisation across financial sectors, exceeding 2025 targets
Dubai: The Central Bank of the UAE reported significant progress in Emiratisation across the banking, financial, and insurance sectors, with employment targets exceeded and compliance rates nearing full alignment by the end of 2025. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - »»»
Iranian navy opens fire on international shipping near Strait of Hormuz - UPI.com
At least two cargo ships reported being fired on near the key Strait of Hormuz shipping lane where Tehran is once again jockying with the United States for control in a long-simmering dispute illustrated by this view of Iranian navy speed boats conducting military exercises off southern Iran back i»»»
Europe's €24bn energy shock: What the EU's emergency plan means for you
Dubai: The European Commission has launched a sweeping energy emergency package after the conflict in the Middle East pushed the bloc's fuel import costs up by €24 billion — without delivering a single additional unit of energy. The European Commission on Wednesday unveiled a broad package of emerg»»»
UAE’s real estate market thrives in Q1 despite Iran conflict
RIYADH: The UAE’s real estate sector remained resilient in the first quarter of 2026 despite conflict in the Middle East, while office markets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi remained tight due to limited new supply, according to CBRE. In its latest report, the real estate consultancy said that average offi»»»
New Dubai Metro Golden Line project announced
A new Dubai Metro line spanning 42km and connecting 15 key areas in Dubai was announced on Wednesday. In a post on X, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the Dh34 billion Golden Line project will benefit 1.5 milli»»»
More expensive flights ahead as Philippine fuel surcharge jumps levels
Dubai: Airfares have been expected to rise again, with authorities increasing fuel surcharges to near-maximum levels. The Philippine Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has raised the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge to level 19 for the second half of April. In an advisory released today, the CAB has n»»»
Israeli FM: Hezbollah Sole Remaining Obstacle to Normalization with Lebanon
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Wednesday described Hezbollah as the sole remaining obstacle to “peace” and normalization with Lebanon, calling on the Lebanese Government to cooperate in disarming the Lebanese resistance group. In remarks cited by Israeli media, Gideon Sa’ar said the Zioni»»»
PIF backs State Street’s new Saudi equity ETF in latest global market push
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has become an anchor investor in a newly launched exchange-traded fund by State Street Investment Management, one of the world’s largest asset managers. The newly launched ETF, State Street Saudi Arabia Enhanced Active Equity UCITS ETF, or SAQL, activel»»»
UAE President, Moroccan King hold phone talks on Middle East developments
Abu Dhabi: President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed in a phone call on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, with King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco the developments taking place in the Middle East and their serious implications for regional and inter»»»
OneClickDrive expands car rental marketplace across Morocco, including Marrakech
OneClickDrive, the mobility marketplace that has established a strong presence across the UAE and wider Middle East, has extended its platform to Morocco, offering travelers, residents, and tourists a structured way to compare and book vehicles across the country's major cities. The platform is now»»»
China Has Developed Into Indispensable Nation for Green Transition in World
In an era marked by ecological challenges, development dilemmas and geopolitical dynamics are increasingly intertwined. Through a series of innovative practices, Chinese modernization offers a "green solution" to some of humanity's pressing questions of survival and development. Rooted in the wisdo»»»
Saudi cabinet backs PIF strategy, approves tax pact and cross-border deals
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s cabinet backed the Public Investment Fund’s 2026–2030 strategy and approved a tax pact and cross-border deals, as non-oil exports rose 15 percent and digital readiness ranked first globally. The cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on April 21 on beh»»»