“No response”: Pope Leo XIV brushes off Trump, focuses on peace call
Dubai: Pope Leo XIV has declined to engage directly with criticism from Donald Trump, emphasizing that the Church’s stance on global conflicts is guided by moral responsibility rather than politics. Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria for his first visit to Africa as po»»»
Sobha Realty enters Abu Dhabi with large-scale housing project
Abu Dhabi: Sobha Realty has entered the UAE capital with the launch of Sobha City, a 38 million square foot residential development in Al Bahiya. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The project marks the developer’s first large-scale community in Abu Dhabi, expanding its f»»»
Indonesia can outlast MidEast conflict fallout to year end: minister
Jakarta: Indonesia's economy minister said Monday the Southeast Asian nation can outlast the impacts of Middle East conflict-fuelled oil price hikes for as many as 10 months without cutting fuel subsidies. Minister Airlangga Hartarto told foreign media in Jakarta his government "is ready for five, »»»
Abu Dhabi Judiciary records 8,886 civil marriage and will transactions
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has announced that it completed 8,886 civil marriage and will transactions during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting strong demand for its services. The figures, recorded between early January and March 25, were processed through the Civil Family Court and highlight»»»
Prime Minister receives phone call from Iranian Foreign Minister
Doha, Qatar: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, received a phone call from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran HE Dr Abbas Araghchi. During the call, the latest developments related to the ceasefire were»»»
NATO Allies Refuse to Join Trump's Strait of Hormuz Blockade
The United States' NATO allies said on Monday they would not get involved in President Donald Trump's plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, further ratcheting up tensions within the increasingly fragile alliance. Trump said the US military would work with other countries to block all maritime traf»»»
US Embassy welcomes signing of unified budget by the two split Libyan administrations
Following the of a Unified Development Programme (Unified Budget) by the two politically split Libyan administrations of western and eastern Libya last Saturday (11 April), the US Embassy in Libya congratulated Libya ‘‘on signing a unified national budget for the first time in more than 13 years, f»»»
Germany unveils 1.6 bn euro fuel price relief to tackle energy shock
Berlin: Germany on Monday unveiled 1.6 billion euros ($1.9 billion) in fuel price relief for households and businesses struggling with the energy shock unleashed by the Middle East war. The announcement came after oil prices surged again following the collapse of US-Iran peace talks and US Presiden»»»
What is ‘Drive Like Your Mum is in the Car’ campaign in Dubai
Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Dubai Police, has launched a new road safety campaign aimed at addressing everyday driving behaviours that contribute to congestion and road safety risks across Dubai. Rather than focusing solely on major traffic violations, the »»»
flyadeal launches Jeddah-Dubai flights, increases Riyadh services
Dubai: Saudi low-cost carrier flyadeal is expanding its UAE operations with the launch of new flights between Jeddah and Dubai, alongside the return of higher-frequency services from Riyadh, strengthening air links between two of the region’s busiest travel corridors. Sign up for our daily business»»»
Qatar Shura Council backs US-Iran ceasefire, advances key legislation
Doha, Qatar: The Shura Council held its regular weekly sitting on Monday at the Tamim bin Hamad Hall, under the chairmanship of HE the Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim. The Council welcomed a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, expressing its hope the deal underpin stabilit»»»
UAE President and King of Bahrain discuss fraternal relations
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain during a fraternal visit to the country. The two sides discussed the close ties and cooperation between the UAE and Bahrain, as well as ways to further strengthen relations in a»»»
UAE-China ties deepen with 24 agreements signed in Beijing
Dubai: The UAE and China have signed 24 agreements to expand trade, investment and sector collaboration, marking a further step in strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The agreements were announced during the UAE-China »»»
MedSky CEO foretells the resumption of direct Tripoli-London flights as an imperative on several levels
Following the announcement by Libya’s privately-owned MedSky airlines of the resumption of direct flights to and from Madrid from 21 April and the listing by Dusseldorf Airport of direct flights with Libya from 17 May, MedSky CEO, Siraj Furjani, has anticipated the resumption of flights to London. »»»
Strait of Hormuz: Between noise and the clarity of international law
The Strait of Hormuz has once again returned to the centre of regional and international attention, not only because of the renewed media debate surrounding its legal status, but also due to the broader geopolitical tensions shaping discussions around it. A key point of dispute remains the strait i»»»
UAE classrooms redefine ‘housewife’ as ‘leader of the home’
Dubai: Women’s roles within the home are being re-examined across the region, with schools updating Arabic language teaching to better reflect their influence in shaping both families and wider society. The change comes amid growing conversations in the UAE about recognising women not simply as “ho»»»
Dubai upgrades 5 marine stations with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and smart features
Dubai: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has upgraded five more marine transport stations across the emirate, bringing air-conditioning, digital amenities and improved accessibility to some of the city's busiest waterfront transit points. The second phase of the marine station upgrade programme»»»
Netanyahu Says Israel Supports Trump's Iran Naval Blockade
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel supports US President Donald Trump's decision to impose a naval blockade on Iran, adding that his government is in full coordination with Washington on the matter. "Iran violated the rules (of the peace talks in Pakistan), President Trump de»»»
Libya and Algeria agree resumption of flights
Libya’s Ministry of Transport reports that an air transport agreement between Algeria and Libya was agreed during a signing ceremony yesterday at the headquarters of the Algerian National Civil Aviation Agency, along with the signing of a memorandum of understanding regarding arrangements for resum»»»
Sharjah Islamic Bank posts 19.4% profit growth in Q1
Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) reported a strong financial and operational performance for the first quarter of 2026, posting a net profit after tax of Dh380.7 million, up 19.4 per cent from Dh318.9 million in the same period last year. Income from investments in Islamic financing and Sukuk rose by Dh1»»»
US says to begin blockade of Iranian ports
Tehran: The US military said it would begin a blockade of all Iranian ports Monday, after talks between the warring sides in Pakistan collapsed, and despite the Iranian military warning that it would treat any such action as an act of piracy. Trump had announced on social media he would blockade th»»»
Egypt launches five-year multi-entry visa allowing 180-day stays per visit
Dubai: The Egyptian Embassy in Algeria has announced the launch of a new long-term entry visa for Algerian citizens, aimed at facilitating travel and strengthening ties between the two countries. According to the announcement, the visa will be valid for up to five years and will allow multiple entr»»»
Jet fuel shortage explained: Why airfares rise when its supply tightens
Dubai: Jet fuel shortages are fast becoming one of the biggest hidden pressures on global aviation, affecting everything from airline profitability to the price travellers pay for tickets. While passengers may only notice the impact when fares suddenly rise, the causes run much deeper — from refine»»»
U.S. Navy to blockade Iranian ports on both sides of Hormuz Strait - UPI.com
U.S. warships were due to begin blocking vessels of all nations from leaving or entering Iran's ports on Monday in line with a blockade ordered by President Donald Trump in response to failed peace talks in Pakistan at the weekend. File Photo by MC3 Amber Smalley/U.S. Navy/UPI | License Photo April»»»
UAE ministry signs agreement to expand insurance coverage for housing loan beneficiaries
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has signed a new agreement to provide extended insurance coverage for housing loan beneficiaries, in a move aimed at strengthening support for citizens and improving access to financing. The agreement, signed through the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, is with »»»
Pope Leo in Africa: What this tour signals
Pope Leo XIV has begun an 11-day tour of Africa, a landmark visit that underscores the continent’s growing importance to the Catholic Church — even as it unfolds under the shadow of geopolitical tensions. The trip, covering Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, is the first major interna»»»
Tripoli Prime Minister Aldabaiba welcomes the signing of the Unified Public Spending Agreement
Tripoli based Libyan Prime Minister Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba welcomed last Saturday (11 April) the signing of the US-brokered (Unified Development Programme) between the two politically split Libyan western and eastern Libyan administrations. Aldabaiba said ‘‘After 13 years of political deadlock, we h»»»
Dubai Police seize vehicle after reckless Marina stunt goes viral
Dubai: Dubai Police have seized a vehicle after its driver was caught performing dangerous stunts and driving recklessly in the Marina, putting lives at risk and disrupting traffic flow. Brigadier Jumaa Salem bin Suwaidan, Acting Director of the General Department of Traffic, said the incident fall»»»
Mera Lyari: Pakistan’s response to India’s Dhurandhar, premiering in London
Dubai: After months of delays, ‘Mera Lyari’ is finally set for its global premiere, stepping into the spotlight as Pakistan’s response to India’s Dhurandhar films and their ‘negative’ portrayal of Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood. The sports drama will debut at the UK Asian Film Festival on May 2 at t»»»
Sadyr Japarov opens Public Service and Cultural Center in Gulcho - | 24.KG
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov opened a Public Service and Cultural Center in the town of Gulcho, Alay district. The presidential press service reported. The president participated in the ceremony and cut the red ribbon. The new three-story building is designed to provide state and municipal»»»
From Dh10 to gold delivery, e& money expands investing options
Dubai: UAE residents can now start investing in gold from as little as Dh10, as e& money rolls out a new app-based feature that allows users to buy and sell 24-karat gold instantly. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The offering, launched in partnership with SafeGold, en»»»
Qatar offers today: A smarter 5-minute system to find the right deal fast
Doha, Qatar: If you are searching for Qatar offers today, you are not looking for more noise. You are trying to make a fast, confident buying decision without wasting time on scattered flyers, endless tabs, and promotions that may not even apply to you. That is the real problem with modern deal hun»»»
Russia Offers to Take in Iran's Enriched Uranium
Russia is ready to take in Iran's enriched uranium as part of a future peace deal with the United States, the Kremlin said on Monday. Failed talks between Iran and the United States over the weekend dashed hopes of a swift deal to permanently end the war that has killed thousands and thrown the glo»»»
Lufthansa pilots strike for 2 days, flights severely hit
BusinessGermanyLufthansa pilots strike for 2 days, flights severely hitMark Hallam with AFP, dpaPilots who are members of the Vereinigung Cockpit trade union are striking on Monday and Tuesday. It's the fourth strike to hit Lufthansa and some of its subsidiaries this year, just days after cabin cre»»»
UAE residents can now get their credit reports from Al Ansari Exchange
Dubai: UAE residents can now obtain their personal credit reports directly from more than 285 Al Ansari Exchange branches across the country, the exchange house announced on Monday after expanding its partnership with UAE's Etihad Credit Bureau. The move, according to a company statement, gives ind»»»
UAE delivery market grows fast, but trust decides who wins
Dubai: Ordering food in the UAE has become second nature. With just a few taps, a meal is on its way a convenience people rely on every day. In a market where this ease is expected, trust is what defines the experience and determines whether it truly works. Sign up for our daily business newsletter»»»
Orban loses Hungary vote to pro-Europe newcomer Magyar
Budapest: Congratulations from across Europe poured in Monday for Hungarian political newcomer Peter Magyar, who defeated nationalist Viktor Orban in elections seen as a blow to right-wing populism worldwide. Orban, a self-described "thorn" in the EU's side and defender of "illiberal democracy", lo»»»
UAE Central Bank picks Dutch tech partner Vermeg for major debt market upgrade
Abu Dhabi: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has announced the appointment of VERMEG, a global provider of mission-critical technology solutions for Market Infrastructures, Collateral Management, and Asset Servicing, as the lead technology partner of a consortium supporting the establishment of a»»»
At least 5 killed in extensive Israeli strikes on south Lebanon
Lebanese official media reported extensive Israeli strikes across the country's south on Sunday as the health ministry said at least five people were killed and the war's overall toll rose to 2,055 dead. Israel says the fragile Middle East ceasefire does not apply to its battle with the Iran-backed»»»
Netanyahu claims visiting south Lebanon, says 'threat of invasion' removed
Jerusalem, Undefined 12/04/2026 - 20:31 (UTC + 3) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israeli forces had eliminated the threat of an invasion by Hezbollah fighters during an alleged visit to troops in southern Lebanon. His reported visit comes two days before officials from L»»»
Nusuk card for Hajj 2026: What it is and why every pilgrim must have it
Dubai: Hajj 2026 is weeks away, and for the millions of pilgrims converging on Mecca, one document is non-negotiable - the Nusuk card. Issued by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, it is the mandatory smart ID every registered pilgrim must carry from arrival to departure, granting access to »»»
Israeli Fire Kills Three in Gaza Following New Ceasefire Talks
An Israeli airstrike killed at least three Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Monday, health officials said, as mediators met leaders from Hamas in an effort to shore up a US-brokered ceasefire deal. Medics said the strike had hit a group of men outside a school in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza »»»
Philippines cuts tax on petroleum products to ease price shock
Manila: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said Monday excise taxes on LPG and kerosene would be trimmed to ease the fuel price shock wrought by the US-Israeli war on Iran. "We were hoping for a good outcome from the peace talks (between) the US and Iran, but it appears they were unable to strik»»»
UAE denies rumours of distance learning extension until May 1
Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Education has firmly denied rumours circulating on social media claiming that distance learning will be extended until May 1, 2026. Related Topics:Education»»»
China Urges Restraint Over US Blockade of Strait of Hormuz, Backs Talks
China urged calm and restraint by all sides on Monday, following US President Donald Trump's threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz after the failure of weekend talks in Islamabad aimed at ending the Iran war. Before the war, most Iranian oil exports were shipped to China, the top global importer »»»
Agricultural census completed in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
About 7,000 people, including approximately 4,500 census takers, were involved in the agricultural census in Kyrgyzstan. Zainidin Zhumaliev, Deputy Chairman of the National Statistical Committee, announced on Birinchi Radio. According to him, since March 20, census takers have covered 1,351,824 hou»»»
UAE rolls out new crypto rules, expands regulated activities
Dubai: The Capital Market Authority has introduced a new regulatory framework for virtual assets, setting out a broader and more structured rulebook for firms operating across the sector as activity continues to expand. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The framework bri»»»
Dubai teams up with HSBC to draw more global money, businesses and investors into emirate
Dubai: Dubai has signed a strategic agreement with HSBC Bank Middle East to attract more international companies, institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals to the emirate, as it steps up efforts to boost foreign capital inflows under its D33 economic agenda. The agreement, signed by th»»»
Pope Leo says he has ‘no fear’ of Trump, vows to keep speaking out against Iran war
Pope Leo XIV has pushed back against criticism from US President Donald Trump, saying the Vatican’s calls for peace are rooted in the Gospel and not political positioning. Speaking to The Associated Press aboard the papal plane, Leo said it was “not understanding what the message of the Gospel is” »»»
Why Orban lost: Hungary’s 16-year rule ends
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been ousted after 16 years in power, marking a dramatic political shift in one of Europe’s most closely watched elections. In a high-turnout vote, Orban conceded defeat to conservative challenger Peter Magyar, ending a long period of nationalist rule that h»»»