UAE's Red Rock Technology invests $10M in AI 'Brain' for global food security
Dubai: Red Rock Technology has committed a $10 million investment to develop Seedelligence, an artificial intelligence architecture designed to power the National Food & Seed Sovereignty Institute and its future global locations. Unlike conventional agritech systems, where artificial intelligence m»»»
Eid Al Fitr 2026 in UAE: Dubai announces family-only beaches, live performances at parks
Dubai: Dubai Municipality has designated several public beaches as family-only zones for the Eid Al Fitr holiday. The designated beaches are: Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah 2 (including the night beach), Jumeirah 3, Umm Suqeim 1 (including the night beach), and Umm Suqeim 2 beaches. As part of the Season of »»»
Dubai mosques to begin Dua Al Qunoot during Fajr and Maghrib prayers
Dubai: Dubai mosques will begin reciting Dua Al Qunoot during Fajr and Maghrib prayers starting Wednesday, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) announced, citing the Prophetic tradition observed during times of hardship. The department said the move comes as part of its »»»
Sharjah announces free public parking for first three days of Eid
Sharjah Municipality announces that public parking users will be exempt from fees on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days of Eid on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. This exemption does not apply to smart parking lots or zones that remain chargeable throughout the week and on public holidays. Related Topics:Eid»»»
Iran lashes out with attacks on Israel and Gulf neighbors
Iran lashed out following the killing of one of its top leaders in an airstrike with attacks on its Persian Gulf neighbors and Israel on Wednesday, using some of its latest missiles to evade air defenses and killing two people near Tel Aviv as the war in the Middle East showed no signs of slowing. »»»
South Korea Says it Secures Priority UAE Crude
South Korea has secured a pledge from the United Arab Emirates to supply 24 million barrels of crude oil, its presidential office said on Wednesday, as authorities roll out measures to cushion the economy from fallout from the Middle East conflict. Kang Hoon-sik, President Lee Jae Myung's chief of »»»
Dubai Ruler approves $1.4bn housing land allocation for Emirati citizens
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the allocation of 4,631 residential land plots for Emirati citizens in Dubai, valued at Dh5.3 billion. The land allocations cover more than 71 million square feet»»»
Eid shopping in 2026: What's changed this year
Dubai: As Eid Al Fitr fast approaches, residents and expatriates in the UAE have started their Eid shopping ahead, balancing great anticipation with practical planning to avoid last-minute crowds. From malls to neighbourhood markets, the spirit of the season remains visible amid ongoing development»»»
Remittances surge past $3b in January as Filipinos abroad send more money home
Dubai: Overseas Filipinos (OFs) have continued to contribute greatly to the Philippine economy, with cash remittances rising to $3.02 billion in January this year, a 3.5 percent increase from $2.92 billion recorded in the same month last year. The growth has highlighted the resilience of Filipinos »»»
LIVE UPDATES: Gulf countries continue intercepting missiles as regional tension enters 19th day
Doha, Qatar: Some Gulf countries have reportedly been attacked today morning, March 18, 2026. In Qatar, the Ministry of Defense announced interception of missile attack targeting the country. Similar reports of interception and destroying drones came from UAE and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Iran will »»»
Disneyland Abu Dhabi stays on course: Miral
Dubai: Plans to bring Disneyland to Abu Dhabi are moving forward, with Miral Group’s chief reaffirming commitment to the project in a public message that signals continued momentum on one of the region’s most closely watched developments. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balance»»»
Eid Al Fitr 2026: Where to go and what to do across UAE
The United Arab Emirates welcomes the blessed occasion of Eid Al-Fitr with a festive atmosphere filled with artistic shows, cultural festivals, and family-oriented activities across public spaces, shopping malls, and entertainment destinations. These venues have been beautifully adorned with lights»»»
ANNHRI discusses Iranian attacks on Arab nations
Doha, Qatar: The Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRI) convened yesterday its urgent General Assembly at its headquarters in Doha on the Iranian attacks on the Arab nations: human rights reading in violating the absolute ban on the use of force. The meeting, held virtually, c»»»
Eid Al Fitr: No Darb toll charges, free parking in Abu Dhabi
Dubai: Public parking fees under the “Mawaqif” system will be free from Thursday, March 19, until Sunday, March 22. Paid parking resumes on Monday, March 23. Truck parking fees at Musaffah M-18 will also be waived during the official holiday. Toll systemThe Q Mobility announced that Darb toll gate »»»
"No oil, no money," Orban tells Ukraine
“No oil. No money.” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban continues to take a hard line on dropping his veto on the disbursement of the €90bn EU loan agreed in December, as Brussels comes up with a face saving solution to end the impasse. »»»
Sri Lanka asks EV owners to unplug at night
Colombo: Sri Lanka has urged electric vehicle owners to stop charging their cars at night, saying the surge in demand is forcing the country to burn more coal and diesel to keep the power grid running. In an address to the nation, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said electric cars were adding an»»»
Gulf News Edufair returns for its 10th edition in Dubai
Gulf News Edufair is back for its 10th edition, bringing together leading universities, education institutions, and career experts. The three-day event will take place from May 8-10 at The H Dubai Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, giving students, parents, and professionals a practical platform to explor»»»
Hamas Holds Consultations in Cairo to Revive Gaza Agreement
Hamas Holds Consultations in Cairo to Revive Gaza Agreement With Israel preoccupied with the war on Iran, Hamas has kicked off consultations in Cairo to overcome obstacles in implementing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The second phase was supposed to start in mid-January, but ha»»»
Illinois primary: Lt. Gov. Stratton wins Democratic race for Senate seat - UPI.com
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (R) and Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (L) participate in the 52nd Chicago Pride Parade in Chicago, Illinois, on Sunday, June 25, 2023. Stratton won the Democratic Party's nomination Tuesday night. File Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI | License Photo March 18 (UPI) -- Il»»»
Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed offers condolences on passing of Alaa Nader Mushtaha
Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, has offered condolences on the passing of Palestinian national Alaa Nader Awni Mushtaha, who passed away following blatant Iranian aggressions on the UAE. »»»
We must choose a government that can say no, PM says
At a campaign rally in Eger, Prime Minister Orbán set out a clear message ahead of the election: Hungary’s future depends on preserving peace, supporting families, and maintaining economic stability in a time of growing external pressure. Reflecting on the past four years, the prime minister said t»»»
Middle East war: Iran confirms death of its security chief Ali Larijani
Iran's Supreme National Security Council late on Tuesday confirmed Israeli claims that the country's security chief Ali Larijani had been killed. Israel had previously announced that the top Iranian official was killed in an overnight air strike. Read our liveblog to see how the day's events unfold»»»
Press Review - 'Coalition of the unwilling': Allies refuse to clean up Trump's Strait of Hormuz mess
PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, March 17: Donald Trump has called on US allies to help the US secure the Strait of Hormuz as the energy crisis intensifies. But after those allies refused to help, Trump promptly threatened NATO. In the midst of the EU's energy crisis, Belgium's prime minister has sugge»»»
Who was Ali Larijani, Iran’s security chief killed in an Israeli air strike?
Iran's Supreme National Security Council late on Tuesday confirmed Israeli claims that the country's security chief Ali Larijani had been killed. Larijani, a long-time regime insider, rose to prominence after Ayatollah Ali Khamanei’s death, becoming one of the country’s key figures in the war again»»»
Guy Poran urges international community to demand Israeli govt end settler violence in West Bank
Eve Irvine is pleased to welcome Guy Poran, former Israeli Air Force Pilot, human rights activist and volunteer for Israeli peace activist group Mistaclim. According to Poran, the situation in the West Bank has entered a dangerous phase, following wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. He says the Israeli»»»
Dune Part Three teaser shows Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert stealing the spotlight
Dubai: The first teaser trailer for Dune: Part Three has finally landed, and if you are a fan of the franchise, it is very much worth a watch. Director Denis Villeneuve's concluding chapter in the trilogy is shaping up to be everything fans have been waiting for, and the opening shots alone are eno»»»
UAE announces Eid Al Fitr prayer timings across seven emirates
Dubai: The UAE has announced Eid Al Fitr prayer timings across the seven emirates, with prayers set to take place early in the morning on the first day of the holiday. According to official guidance, prayer timings will be 6:20am in Abu Dhabi, 6:18am in Dubai, 6:16am in Sharjah and Ajman, 6:12am in»»»
BR Exclusive | Cristina Iliescu (Colinele Transilvaniei) Cristina Iliescu on the future of Transylvania’s living landscapes
As experiential tourism gains momentum worldwide, regions that offer authentic cultural landscapes and meaningful engagement with local communities are increasingly capturing the attention of international travelers. Colinele Transilvaniei / the Transylvanian Highlands have emerged as one of Romani»»»
Dubai confirms successful air defence operations
Authorities in Dubai have confirmed that all air interception operations carried out earlier om Wednesday were successful, neutralising potential threats without causing any injuries. Dubai Media Office on social media said residents across the emirate reported hearing loud sounds, which officials »»»
Police Detain Three in Varna Vote-Buying Operation
A specialized police operation against vote buying is under way in Varna Region on Wednesday, with Gendarmerie units also taking part, checkpoints set up in the area, and three people detained so far. Chief Inspector Plamen Godemanov, head of the Fourth Regional Police Precinct, confirmed the detai»»»
Dubai gold down Dh40 from March peak, holds steady mid-month
Dubai: Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai edged higher on Wednesday morning, with the 24K rate at Dh601 per gram at 9.17am, up slightly from Dh600 a day earlier, while 22K climbed to Dh556.50 from Dh555.50, yet the broader trend shows prices have dropped Dh40 from this month’s peak on March 2, raising the»»»
Budget Extension Bill Heads for Final Debate in Parliament
Amendments to the budget extension law are expected to go to a second reading in the National Assembly chamber on Wednesday, before MPs leave for the election campaign for the April 19 parliamentary vote. National Assembly Chair Raya Nazaryan said Tuesday the budget extension bill and the legislati»»»
About 90 ships cross the Strait of Hormuz as Iran exports millions of barrels of oil despite the war
About 90 ships including oil tankers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the outset of the war with Iran and it is still exporting millions of barrels of oil at a time when the waterway has been effectively closed, according to maritime and trade data platforms. Many of the vessels that passed »»»
Tesla opens free charging network across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
Dubai: Tesla has activated free Supercharging across key locations in the UAE and wider Gulf, offering immediate relief to electric vehicle users navigating rising uncertainty across the region. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The move took effect at midnight local tim»»»
Business - Gulf states seek to bypass Strait of Hormuz for oil exports via pipelines
Iran sends drones to attack the UAE port of Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman, raising the stakes as Gulf states send their blocked crude through pipelines away from the contested Strait of Hormuz. We take a closer look. Also in this edition: central banks face a dilemma as high oil prices threaten to b»»»
Russian power entities appear plagued by financing troubles in Central Asia
An important revenue stream in Central Asia for Russia appears in danger of slowing to a trickle. The international power sector has long been lucrative for Russia, via projects developed by Rosatom, the state-controlled a»»»
Russian power entities appear plagued by financing troubles in Central Asia
An important revenue stream in Central Asia for Russia appears in danger of slowing to a trickle. The international power sector has long been lucrative for Russia, via projects developed by Rosatom, the state-controlled a»»»
Colombia-Ecuador relations hit new low over border bombing row
Colombia and Ecuador were plunged into a fresh diplomatic crisis after President Gustavo Petro accused Quito of conducting aerial bombings on Colombian soil, claiming security forces discovered the charred remains of 27 people near the border, an allegation flatly rejected by Ecuadorean President D»»»
Colombia-Ecuador relations hit new low over border bombing row
Colombia and Ecuador were plunged into a fresh diplomatic crisis after President Gustavo Petro accused Quito of conducting aerial bombings on Colombian soil, claiming security forces discovered the charred remains of 27 people near the border, an allegation flatly rejected by Ecuadorean President D»»»
Colombia-Ecuador relations hit new low over border bombing row
Colombia and Ecuador were plunged into a fresh diplomatic crisis after President Gustavo Petro accused Quito of conducting aerial bombings on Colombian soil, claiming security forces discovered the charred remains of 27 people near the border, an allegation flatly rejected by Ecuadorean President D»»»
The US military running into trouble in Iran as it does not have the "Command of the Reload"
The war in Iran is quickly showing it’s not about firing more sophisticated weapons at your enemy. It’s about the “Command of the Reload:” being able to reload with the same weapons and keep firing. The US and ISrael»»»
Straits of Hormuz partially open under the new friendly country permit system
Iran has reportedly mined the deeper waters in the southern stretch of the Straits of Hormuz to force traffic to sail close to the northern shore, as traffic partially resumes under an informal permit system. The mines hav»»»
What has Iran hit so far?
A quick overview of what we know Iran has actually hit in this war — and the strategy that appears to be emerging. Satellite imagery, official statements, and open-source analysis suggest strikes on at least 17 installatio»»»
The US military running into trouble in Iran as it does not have the "Command of the Reload"
The war in Iran is quickly showing it’s not about firing more sophisticated weapons at your enemy. It’s about the “Command of the Reload:” being able to reload with the same weapons and keep firing. The US and ISrael»»»
BEIRUTER: India–Israel ties highlight a shifting Middle East order,
When Narendra Modi addressed the Knesset on February 26, 2026, the visit symbolized more than a diplomatic gesture between India and Israel. It revealed the contours of a shifting geopolitical landscape in the region. Standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi highlighted de»»»
What has Iran hit so far?
A quick overview of what we know Iran has actually hit in this war — and the strategy that appears to be emerging. Satellite imagery, official statements, and open-source analysis suggest strikes on at least 17 installatio»»»
Straits of Hormuz partially open under the new friendly country permit system
Iran has reportedly mined the deeper waters in the southern stretch of the Straits of Hormuz to force traffic to sail close to the northern shore, as traffic partially resumes under an informal permit system. The mines hav»»»
Lebanon's Al-Qaa unveils 26-metre Christ statue on Syrian border as message of peace amid war
A 26-metre statue of Jesus Christ has been unveiled in the Lebanese border village of Al-Qaa, overlooking the Syrian frontier, in what its creator described as a message of peace at a time of escalating conflict across the region, local social media reported on March 17. »»»
BEIRUTER: India–Israel ties highlight a shifting Middle East order,
When Narendra Modi addressed the Knesset on February 26, 2026, the visit symbolized more than a diplomatic gesture between India and Israel. It revealed the contours of a shifting geopolitical landscape in the region. Standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi highlighted de»»»