Trust remains ‘essential currency’ of effective mediation: Al Khulaifi
QNA Antalya Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi has underscored that trust remains the cornerstone of effective mediation, describing it as the “essential currency” required to advance peace efforts and resolve conflicts. Speaking »»»
16 Arab and Islamic countries condemn in the strongest terms Israel's announcement of the appointment of a diplomatic envoy to the so-called "Somaliland"
Doha, Qatar: The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of the Sudan, the State of Libya, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the People’s Democratic Republic of»»»
Joint statement on progress on protocol on humanitarian access and judicial protection between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the AFC/M23, the operationalization of the ceasefire oversight and verification mechanism, and the releas
Doha: The following statement was released by the Governments of the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement, on the meetings held Ap»»»
Qatar and other parties issue joint statement on progress made in humanitarian access, judicial protection protocol between DRC and M23 Movement
DOHA: The the governments of the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Congo River Alliance (March 23 Movement), have issued a joint statement regarding the meetings held from April »»»
Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu was tunned when Donald Trump “prohibited” strikes in Lebanon, Axios says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers were caught off guard and “stunned” when US President Donald Trump said he would not allow Israel to conduct further strikes in Lebanon, Axios reports, citing two people familiar with the matter. On Friday, Trump said the US had “prohibited»»»
Slovakia said it will sue the EU over a ban on Russian gas imports
Slovakia will file a lawsuit with the EU’s Court of Justice challenging the bloc’s decision to ban imports of Russian gas, Prime Minister Robert Fico has said. In January, the EU formally approved a plan to phase out Russian pipeline gas by 2027, overriding vetoes from Slovakia and Hungary. “We obj»»»
Ras Al Khaimah tragedy: Boy, 13, dies saving sister from sea
A 13-year-old Emirati boy has died after rescuing his younger sister from drowning at a beach in Ras Al Khaimah, in a tragic incident that has left the community in mourning. The accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at Flamingo Beach, behind the Saudi Institute, where the boy managed to save his »»»
Two Indian-flagged tankers fired upon in Strait of Hormuz as Iran asserts control over waterway
Two Indian-flagged vessels carrying crude oil came under gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday as Iran declared it would control traffic through the vital waterway in retaliation for an ongoing US naval blockade. Following the attack, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Iran’s am»»»
Heads up drivers, Khorfakkan Corniche closed Sunday morning
Drivers urged to reroute as Khorfakkan road shuts Sunday Sharjah: Sharjah Police has announced a temporary road closure along Khorfakkan Corniche Beach Street on Sunday, April 19, as part of traffic arrangements for a triathlon event. The closure will be in effect from 6:00am to 9:40am, covering bo»»»
Tunisia–Libya trade up 11% in 2025, economic partnership strengthens at Tripoli International Fair
Tunis, April 18 (TAP) - Trade between Tunisia and Libya posted an 11% increase in 2025 compared to 2024, reaching a total value of 2,892 million dinars, of which 2,469 million dinars represent Tunisian exports to the Libyan market, according to data...»»»
Transport Ministry issues circular announcing regulating vessel activities in waters of Al Safliya Island
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Transport issued circular announcing that it is activating a plan to regulate marine vessel activities within the waters of Al Safliya Island. The circular addressed “all parties concerned, owners, operators, lessees of marine vessels, and marina officials,” and comes a»»»
Egypt accelerates hospital upgrades, puts up urgent overhaul plan for Matrouh
Egypt is stepping up the pace of ongoing healthcare projects and has put up an urgent plan to upgrade hospitals in Matrouh ahead of the summer season, the Ministry of Health said. In a statement, the ministry said Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar met with representatives of the Interior Ministr»»»
Al Khulaifi meets officials on the sidelines of Antalya Diplomacy Forum
ANTALYA: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met separately on Saturday with officialson the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Dr Al Khulaifi met withMinister of Foreign Affairs of the Plurinational State of Bolivia HE Fern»»»
Pope Leo XIV flies to Angola, says he is not debating Trump - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Pope Leo XIV waves during a welcome ceremony at Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda, Angola, Saturday. The Pope is on an 11-day trip to Africa, with stops in Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. Photo by Jose Sena Goulao/EPA April 18 (UPI) -- Pope Leo XIV said h»»»
1 in 4 files online is exposing your data
Abu Dhabi: The Cyber Security Council (CSC) has warned that around 25 percent of publicly accessible files contain sensitive personal data, urging users to adopt secure practices when sharing files online. In its weekly message under the “Cyber Pulse” awareness campaign, the Council highlighted the»»»
Dh30m UAE Lottery: Draw results released – did your numbers come up?
Dubai: In Saturday’s Dh30 million UAE Lottery’s Lucky Day draw, many participants have taken home cash prizes. During Draw No. 260418, the winning numbers in the Days section were 17, 11, 1, 20, 15, and 3, while the Months section winning number was 12. Additionally, three residents have each bagge»»»
No permit, no Hajj: No matter the visa
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has introduced a strict set of measures ahead of this year’s Hajj season, warning that all visit visas, regardless of type, do not permit holders to perform the pilgrimage, as authorities intensify efforts to regulate access to Mecca and protect pilgrims. The Ministry of Interio»»»
Iran closes Hormuz Strait again over US blockade with ships mid-transit
Iran's military declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again on Saturday, its military command said, hours after reopening it and with more than a dozen commercial ships passing through the vital waterway. The toing and froing over the strait cast doubt on US President Donald Trump's optimism the day»»»
Hormuz domino effect: How the Middle East crisis affects food, flights and global supply chains
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz triggered by the war in the Middle East hasn't just affected oil prices. Despite a provisional reopening during the current 10-day ceasefire, global supplies of jet fuel, fertilisers, industrial CO2 and naphtha have already been affected, potentially leading to s»»»
Cameroon: Pope Leo XIV urges citizens to pursue peace
Charlotte Walker-Said tells #f24debate that #PopeLeo is putting his trust in the people to root out their nations’ tyrants.➡️ https://www.france24.com/en/live»»»
Pope vs Trump: Has the week of tension weakened the US president?
A week of escalating tensions has unfolded between Donald Trump and the Vatican, after Trump insulted the Pope on social media following remarks on peace in the Middle East. His behaviour shocked audiences worldwide and reignited debate over his mental health. The feud has further exposed divisions»»»
How Filipino workers in UAE can claim $200 financial assistance
Dubai: Filipino workers in parts of the UAE whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the ongoing situation in the Middle East are set to receive temporary financial relief, following a new advisory issued by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Under the programme, q»»»
A leader before his time, what British officials wrote about Sheikh Mohammed in the 1960s will surprise you
Dubai: Long before Dubai’s transformation into a global hub, British officials were already documenting the emergence of a young Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as a “born leader,” according to official records dating back to the late 1960s. The papers, produced by government departments in L»»»
Carney leads middle power coalition drive as CANZUK gains traction
Energy giant Canada has emerged as the leading driver of efforts to build a formal middle-power coalition among like-minded Commonwealth nations, with Prime Minister Mark Carney using his first year in office to push the long-dormant CANZUK concept and a broader variable-geometr»»»
Chile’s Kast pushes sweeping tax and spending overhaul
Chile’s President José Antonio Kast has unveiled an ambitious package of more than 40 economic and regulatory reforms aimed at breaking what he described as a decade of stagnation, but the proposal has already triggered political resistance and street protests as it moves towards Congress. »»»
Hezbollah Official Vows Response to Israeli Ceasefire Violations
BEIRUT (Sputnik) - The Hezbollah movement will not leave unanswered the Israeli strikes on Lebanon in violation of the ceasefire agreement, Mahmoud Komati, deputy head of Hezbollah's political council, said on Saturday. Since Friday, Lebanese media have reported multiple attacks by Israel on Lebane»»»
Israel launches first strikes on Lebanon since ceasefire to isolate 55 villages
The Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes and artillery bombardments on southern Lebanon on Saturday, marking its first such operations since a 10-day ceasefire took effect, citing the need to enforce a “Yellow Line” that isolates 55 Lebanese villages. In a concurrent blow to stability i»»»
Spain hosts Global South leaders to forge broad alliance countering Trump policies
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed 15 bilateral agreements as Spain opened a summit of approximately 12 heads of state and government to build a broad alliance countering the policies of United States President Donald Trump, according to Bl»»»
Arche investment in Otwock under pressure from critics
Photos of a redevelopment project by Arche in Otwock sparked controversy over new buildings surrounding the historic Dwór Bojarów. Critics argue the dense modern construction overwhelms the monument, calling it “overbuilt.” The developer responds that such development is necessary to finance the co»»»
Shura Council officials to QNA: Adoption of Qatar's emergency item at IPU reflects growing parliamentary diplomacy impact
Doha, Qatar: Officials and members of the Shura Council stated that the adoption of Qatar's emergency item at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reflects the growing impact of Qatari parliamentary diplomacy and its role in supporting national, Arab, and Islamic positions. They noted in statements »»»
Dubai’s resilience faces its toughest global test yet
Dubai: Dubai has, over the past two decades, demonstrated a consistent ability to navigate global financial crises and a pandemic. The current climate, however, feels distinct. There is a palpable gravity to today’s global headlines, yet on the ground in the UAE, the atmosphere remains one of focus»»»
Qatar does not view mediation as a matter of media visibility or international competition: Al Khulaifi
ANTALYA: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi participated in a high-level session on the sidelines of the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum titled 'Emerging Partnerships in International Mediation for Peace'. In his remarks during the session, D»»»
RT’s complete guide to the Bulgarian election
Bulgarians are about to vote in the country’s eighth election in five years. Unpopular caretaker governments have come and gone, and now victory looks almost certain for former president, Ukraine skeptic and left-winger Rumen Radev. Read more Battle for Bulgaria: The EU opens a new front in its ele»»»
Watch: “We love you” as Sheikh Mohammed surprises diners in Dubai
Dubai: Diners at Sushi Samba Dubai expected an evening of skyline views and Nikkei cuisine. What they did not expect was the quiet arrival of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the spontaneous swell of applause that followed»»»
Prime Minister meets Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity in Libya
Antalya, Turkiye: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met today with HE Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity of the State of Libya, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, on the sidelines of the fifth edition of the Antalya Diplomatic F»»»
Israel Launches Strikes on Lebanon After Ceasefire Takes Effect
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Israel has carried out several strikes on southern Lebanon since the ceasefire agreement came into effect, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Saturday. "Since the ceasefire came into effect, IDF soldiers south of the Yellow Line in southern Lebanon have identified in several»»»
When Does Peace become the Rule Rather than the Exception?
It has become common among analysts to say that the world has entered a new global order, where the logic of “might makes right” has replaced the “power of right,” and the old rules-based international system has faded. International relations are increasingly managed through power and influence ra»»»
Iran to Consider US Blockade of Strait of Hormuz as Violating Ceasefire - Security Council
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iran will view any US maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a violation of the ceasefire, the Supreme National Security Council of Iran said on Saturday. "As long as the United States intends to obstruct the passage of vessels using methods such as a maritime blockade, Ira»»»
Over 25,000 join ‘Your Nation Is Fortified’ race in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: More than 25,000 people from across society took part on Saturday in the “Your Nation Is Fortified” race in Abu Dhabi, in a strong show of unity, cohesion and social solidarity across the UAE. The race began at Wahat Al Karama and ended at Erth Abu Dhabi (Armed Forces Officers Club & Hot»»»
Strong Pressure on Hamas to Agree to Gaza Disarmament
Hamas is facing its strongest pressure yet from mediators and other parties to agree, even in principle, to the “Peace Council” document before negotiating its terms, particularly the plan to disarm factions operating in the Gaza Strip, especially its armed wing, the Qassam Brigades. Two Hamas sour»»»
Back to school mode on in the UAE: All the key updates
Dubai: As schools across the UAE reopen their doors, families are once again slipping into familiar routines, from early morning alarms to last-minute school shopping. The return marks a renewed sense of normalcy after nearly 50 days of distance learning mandated amid regional tensions linked to th»»»
No Date Set for Next Round of Iran-US Talks, Says Iran Deputy FM
No date has been set for the next round of Iran-US peace talks brokered by Pakistan following the failure of an initial round, Iran's deputy foreign minister said on Saturday. "Until we agree on the framework, we cannot set a date," Saeed Khatibzadeh told journalists on the sidelines of an annual d»»»
Daniel Kinahan arrested in UAE in major blow to global crime network
Dubai: Daniel Joseph Kinahan, one of the most powerful cocaine traffickers in the world, was arrested in the UAE yesterday, authorities said, a major step in a years-long effort to bring one of the continent’s most influential crime figures to justice. The Irish fugitive, widely identified by Irish»»»
School bus operations to resume in UAE
Doha, Qatar: School bus operations in the United Arab Emirates will resume starting Monday, April 20, 2026, for all public and private schools in the country. The country's Ministry of Education announced this stating that this decision comes following assessments conducted by the National Emergenc»»»
Global Village to reopen after temporary closure amid regional conflict: 'We've missed you too'
Dubai: Calling all fans of Global Village! After weeks of maintaining it would remain closed until further notice, good news finally landed on April 18, Saturday, with the popular destination set to welcome visitors again soon. It will open again on April 20th, 5pm. The attraction had remained shut»»»
Dubai announces return of school bus services from April 20
In line with ongoing assessments conducted by the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority, in coordination with the Ministry of Education, bus services for private educational institutions in Dubai will resume starting Monday, April 20, 2026, in accordance with the approved safety protoc»»»
Iran says no date set for next round of talks with US
No date has been set for the next round of Iran–U.S. peace talks brokered by Pakistan following the failure of an initial round, Iran's deputy foreign minister said on Saturday. "Until we agree on the framework, we cannot set a date," Saeed Khatibzadeh told journalists on the sidelines of an annual»»»
Qatar Fund for Development Highlights Youth Programs at ECOSOC 2026
New York: The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) participated in the 2026 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Convened under the theme "Innovate, Unite and Transform: Youth Shaping the Road to 2030," the Forum brought together youth, Membe»»»
UAE school reopening: Sharjah and Ajman confirm bus services resumption
School transport operations will resume across Sharjah and Ajman from Monday, April 20, 2026, following coordination between education and emergency authorities. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.In Sharjah, the decision was taken in light of an ass»»»
UAE’s Ghobash says Palestine cause faces global delay
Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) said that the Palestinian cause today faces a growing gap between the clarity of principle and the hesitation of international will to implement it, noting that this gap lies at the heart of the conflict as it reflects the disparity betwee»»»