Lebanon PM says government seeks to recalibrate ties with Syria
Beirut, Feb. 26 (SANA) Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Wednesday that his government is working to recalibrate relations with Syria, signaling a shift toward a relationship based on “mutual trust and respect.” Speaking at an iftar event in Beirut, Salam said the past year had seen notable»»»
90% of UAE workers now covered by Unemployment Insurance
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that 90 per cent of the targeted workforce has enrolled in the Unemployment Insurance Scheme as of the end of 2025. The Ministry said that more than Dh350 million in compensation has been paid to individuals who lost their jobs»»»
Digital becomes the default: Qatar accelerates its shift away from cash
How would you characterize the payments landscape in Qatar today, and what stands out most to you? Qatar’s payments landscape is clearly becoming more digital-first, with the shift away from cash becoming increasingly visible in everyday life. According to Visa’s latest Where Cash Hides report, aro»»»
Philippine Society for Quality launches first international chapter in Dubai
Dubai: The Philippine Society for Quality – Middle East (PSQ ME) has been officially launched this month, marking a historic first for the organisation outside the country. PSQ ME is the first international chapter of the Philippine Society for Quality, Inc., an institution established in 1969 that»»»
Viral macaque Punch is thriving as Zoo responds to hair loss concerns
Dubai: If you have spent any time online recently and have not yet encountered Punch, the seven-month-old Japanese macaque from Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo, then, you need to meet the internet's most beloved monkey that has all of our hearts captured. UAE brands have seem to taken on the trend wit»»»
Soccer club head jailed over fan violence at game
The chairman of a third-division Piraeus soccer club has been jailed for six months over fan violence during a match earlier this month, state ERT television said Thursday. The Ionikos Nikaias chairman was convicted together with two club supporters, and was sent to prison after the Piraeus court r»»»
Russia’s MinFin to tighten budget rule as oil revenues sink
Oil and gas revenues will account for less than 20% of Russia's budget this year, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told the Duma on February 26, as oil prices tumble and sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet become more effective. »»»
Russia’s MinFin to tighten budget rule as oil revenues sink
Oil and gas revenues will account for less than 20% of Russia's budget this year, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told the Duma on February 26, as oil prices tumble and sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet become more effective. »»»
Air Arabia rolls out daily flights on new European route from Sharjah
Dubai: Travellers from the UAE will soon have another low cost option to Europe after Air Arabia announced the launch of a new daily international route from Sharjah to Rome, strengthening connectivity and offering more affordable travel choices for residents. Sign up for our daily business newslet»»»
NKorea Warns it Could Destroy South if Threatened, Leaves Door Open for US Dialogue
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un claimed his nuclear-armed country could “completely destroy” South Korea if its security were threatened, reiterating his refusal to engage with Seoul, state media said Thursday. However, he left the door open to dialogue with Washington as he concluded a ruling part»»»
Kim Jong-un Vows 'Terrible' Retaliation for Any Military Acts Against North Korea
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has declared the country's military readiness to deliver merciless retaliation in response to any hostile military actions against the country. "Our army will deliver terrible retaliatory attacks to any forces the moment they commit hostile military acts of infringin»»»
UAE Foreign Minister Discussed Mideast Situation With US Vice President - Reports
On Monday, the UAE Foreign Ministry said Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan had a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which he stressed the importance of a successful outcome of US-Iran negotiations. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed the situat»»»
Zakat Department enhances readiness with integrated collection system
Doha, Qatar: The Zakat Affairs Department at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has announced the completion of its operational and technical preparations to receive zakat payments during the holy month of Ramadan 2026. The department confirmed that it has activated a comprehensive collectio»»»
Collecting donations in the UAE? You must hold a valid permit — or face legal consequences
The UAE Public Prosecution has clarified that calling for or promoting fundraising activities without obtaining the required license constitutes a criminal offence, warning that such conduct may result in legal accountability. In an awareness video published yesterday through its social media platf»»»
11 men face jail, 1.1 million fines after Dh600,000 robbery
The Sharjah Criminal Court has sentenced 11 men to three years in prison, fined each Dh100,000 and ordered their deportation after convicting them of robbing Dh600,000 from an employee transporting company funds in the Al Taawun area. Court records show the robbery targeted an Arab accountant who w»»»
Trump halts $250M in Medicaid payments to Minnesota over alleged fraud - UPI.com
Vice President JD Vance, seen here on January 9, 2026, announced on Wednesday that the Trump administration was suspending Medicaid payments to Minnesota over alleged fraud. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Feb. 25 (UPI) -- The Trump administration announced Wednesday it is pausing mor»»»
Collecting donations in the UAE? You must hold a valid permit — or face legal consequences
The UAE Public Prosecution has clarified that calling for or promoting fundraising activities without obtaining the required license constitutes a criminal offence, warning that such conduct may result in legal accountability. In an awareness video published yesterday through its social media platf»»»
Trump’s marathon State of Union: Big claims and the questions he left unanswered
US President Donald Trump used his annual State of the Union address on Tuesday to make truth-bending claims of domestic and foreign policy success but failed to confirm whether the US is planning a military strike on Iran or to mention the unfolding scandal surrounding late sex offender Jeffery Ep»»»
Dubai-based Yalla BB launches new app to simplify second-hand fashion in UAE
Dubai-based startup Yalla BB has launched a new mobile application aimed at simplifying how people buy and sell second-hand fashion in the UAE, offering a more structured and trusted approach to resale in a market that continues to grow in popularity. Built in Dubai, Yalla BB is a social recommerce»»»
Dubai gold eases Dh3.50 but global rally keeps buyers on edge
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai opened lower on Thursday morning, giving residents a brief respite after a volatile February that has kept jewellery buyers and investors on edge. At 8.30 am, the 24-karat rate stood at Dh624.75 per gram, down from Dh628.25 on Wednesday. The 22-karat variety slipped to D»»»
DR Congo govt forces launch attacks on multiple fronts against AFC/M23 troops
Kinshasa's forces launched attacks on several fronts against AFC/M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) on Wednesday, with drones striking the armed group near a strategic mining site, local and security sources told AFP on Wednesday. DR Congo government forces launched an at»»»
Saudi Arabia revises labour penalties, sets SR10,000 fine for hiring foreign workers without permits
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has amended its schedule of labour violations and penalties, introducing updated fines including a SR10,000 penalty for employing a non-Saudi worker without a valid work permit. The decision was issued by Ahmed Al Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, as par»»»
Kyrgyzstan abstains from UN vote on resolution on peace in Ukraine - | 24.KG
On the fourth anniversary of the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in support of peace. The organization’s website says. The document was supported by 107 states, 12 voted against, and 51, including Kyrgyzstan, the United States, and China, abstained. »»»
ERG has reportedly restarted Kazakh iron ore shipments to Russia’s MMK
A first consignment of iron ore supplies from Kazakhstan’s Sokolov-Sarbai Mining and Processing Plant, part of Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), was reportedly dispatched on February 23 to Russia’s Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) following a four-year suspension on deliveries, the TradingShar»»»
US formally warned Kyiv over attacks on Russia that damage American oil majors’ interests, says ambassador
The US issued a formal warning, or demarche, to Kyiv over damage suffered by American commercial interests caused by Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure used by Kazakhstan for most of its crude oil exports, according to Ukraine’s ambassador to Washington, Olha Stefanishyna. »»»
Here's where Dubai and Sharjah traffic stood still this morning
Dubai: Commuters travelling between Dubai and Sharjah endured a slow Thursday morning as accidents and peak-hour congestion backed up several key roads across both emirates. Crashes compound Emirates Road rushThe worst of the disruption centred on Emirates Road (E611), where multiple crashes near W»»»
Fog warning and rough seas: NCM issues weather alert for UAE
Dubai: Temperatures are set to fall across the UAE today, with a chance of fog in some areas and rough seas in the Arabian Gulf, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). In its weather bulletin, the NCM said conditions would be fair to partly cloudy, with a decrease in temperatures an»»»
Fog warning and rough seas: NCM issues weather alert for UAE
Dubai: Temperatures are set to fall across the UAE today, with a chance of fog in some areas and rough seas in the Arabian Gulf, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). In its weather bulletin, the NCM said conditions would be fair to partly cloudy, with a decrease in temperatures an»»»
UAE refutes false accusations made before Human Rights Council by warring party in Sudan
GENEVA: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has affirmed that it is exercising its right of reply in response to false and baseless accusations made earlier today by a party to the conflict in Sudan whose hands are stained with the blood of its own people. Also Read: UAE strongly condemns targeting of W»»»
Guarding the digital nation: How the UAE is confronting a new wave of cyber threats
The UAE has once again urged businesses, government entities, and the public to remain vigilant amid a rising wave of global cyberattacks. The warning, delivered through official channels this month, reflects a growing reality in that cyber threats are no longer abstract risks. They are immediate, »»»
Kerala to Keralam: UAE Malayalis split over state's name change proposal
Dubai: A proposal to rename the south Indian state of Kerala as “Keralam” has sparked debate among the UAE’s large Malayali community, with many welcoming the cultural assertion while others question its timing, practicality and global recognition. The discussion follows India’s Union Cabinet appro»»»
Why UAE travellers can get longer multiple-entry Schengen visas soon
Dubai: UAE travellers who regularly visit Europe could soon benefit from longer-valid Schengen visas and simpler digital travel procedures, as the European Union moves to modernise its visa and border systems. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.New measures under the Euro»»»
Thai Army reports border fire exchange
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (KUNA) -- The Royal Thai Army said Wednesday it exchanged fire with Cambodian forces along the shared border after a 40mm grenade was fired near a Thai patrol in the Plan Hin Pad Kon area on Tuesday.Army spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree said the incident took place wh»»»
US congratulates Kuwait on Nat'l Days
WASHINGTON, Feb 25 (KUNA) -- The United States on Wednesday congratulated the State of Kuwait, its leadership, government and people, on the 65th National Day and 35th Liberation Day anniversaries.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement, "On behalf of the United States of America, I c»»»
Watch: UAE Lottery Dh5m winner reveals number-picking secret, regrets Dh30m near-miss
Dubai: Wiping tears, then flashing a wide smile and jumping with joy as golden confetti rained down on him, UAE Lottery's first Dh5 million winner Murugananth Govinthan has shared a message for anyone who has ever struggled: one day, it can all turn around. In an emotional video interview posted on»»»
‘N-arms free M-E is a priority to boost regional security’
QNA Geneva The establishment of a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) remains an urgent priority to enhance regional security and stability, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Delegation of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva Jawhara bint Abdul»»»
Environment Day is an opportunity to evaluate work progress: Al Subaie
QNA Doha Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie has affirmed that Qatar Environment Day, observed annually on February 26, represents an opportunity to evaluate the progress of environmental work, review its priorities, and highlight the importan»»»
Cuban coast guard kills 4 gunmen on US-flagged speedboat
A group of armed men aboard a US-registered speedboat reportedly opened fire on Cuban border guard forces in the island’s territorial waters, escalating already strained relations between Havana and Washington. According to Cuba’s Interior Ministry, the incident occurred on Wednesday near the north»»»
Key components of major strategic projects in 2026–2030 Development Plan (Factbox)
Tunis, Feb. 25 (TAP) - A small Cabinet meetiing, held on Wednesday at the Government Palace in Kasbah, reviewed several major strategic projects scheduled under the 2026–2030 Development Plan, recommending that their impl loementation be...»»»
U.N.: Arab economies gradually recover despite conflicts, global risks - UPI.com
Saudi Arabia’s economic outlook remains robust despite declining commodity prices and the gradual end of OPEC+ production cuts, with real gross domestic product expected to grow an average of 3.3% between 2025 and 2027, according to a new U.N. report.File Photo by EPA BEIRUT, Lebanon, Feb. 25 (UPI)»»»
Cabinet meeting urges faster delivery of major strategic projects
Tunis, Feb. 25 (TAP) - A small Cabinet meeting, held on Wednesday at the Government Palace in Kasbah, was devoted to monitoring the progress of several major strategic projects to be scheduled under the 2026–2030 Development Plan, according to a...»»»
US abstains from anti-Russia vote at UN
The US has abstained from a UN General Assembly vote on a Kiev-backed resolution condemning Russia’s actions in the Ukraine conflict. The resolution on Tuesday, delivered four years after the escalation of the conflict, urged an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire. In the UN General Assemb»»»
Sudan Health Minister: War Has Inflicted $11bn in Health Sector Damage
Sudan’s health system has suffered an unprecedented collapse since war erupted in mid-April 2023, with most hospitals in the capital, Khartoum, and other cities across several states turned into military barracks. A severe shortage of medical services has fueled widespread epidemics, disease outbre»»»
Sharjah Charity introduces six easy ways to pay Zakat Al-Mal
The Sharjah Charity International has announced six convenient and secure channels to enable donors to pay Zakat Al-Mal easily, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance charitable work and maximise the impact of donations for underprivileged families. The association said donors can now pay their »»»
Rushing to iftar? Sharjah Police remind drivers that safety comes first
Sharjah Police have called on motorists to reduce speed and drive cautiously in residential neighborhoods, especially during the period leading up to iftar, warning that rushing to reach destinations can endanger lives. Captain Manaa Al Naqbi, Director of the Security Awareness Branch at Sharjah Po»»»
Dubai court declares contractor’s director insolvent over Dh7.3 million debt
A Dubai civil court has declared a company director insolvent after ruling that he was unable to repay more than Dh7.3 million owed to two banks, liabilities that arose from personal guarantees linked to a struggling contracting firm. Court records show that the Arab national had signed joint and s»»»
Syria enters “accelerated recovery phase”, IMF mission reports
New York, Feb. 25 (SANA) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Wednesday that Syria has begun a period of rapid economic recovery, citing a fiscal surplus, falling inflation and renewed integration into the global economy. In a statement released on Wednesday following a mission visit to Damas»»»
Russia Calls on France, UK, EU, UN to Prevent Transfer of Nuclear Weapons to Ukraine - Appeal
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian State Duma lawmakers are calling on the parliaments of France, the United Kingdom, the European Parliament, and the UN to take emergency measures to prevent the transfer of nuclear weapons to Ukraine, Sputnik discovered on Wednesday after reviewing a draft appeal. Earlier»»»
Thirteen Iraqis killed in fiery crash near Fallujah
Thirteen Iraqis were killed and five others injured in a major traffic accident on the international highway near Fallujah, about 50km west of Baghdad, on Wednesday, local authorities said. Anbar’s Health Directorate said the emergency department at Fallujah Teaching Hospital received multiple casu»»»
U.S. Treasury Department sanctions ships, companies, people working with Iran - UPI.com
1 of 5 | French residents hold Iranian flags as they gather in support of the Iranian protests, in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris in January. The U.S. government sanctioned more than 30 businesses, vessels and people Wednesday for aiding Iran. File Photo by Maya Vidon-White/UPI | License Photo »»»