Bulgaria's Progressive Party wins election amid fears of Russia meddling - UPI.com
Bulgarian Prime Minister-elect, Rumen Radev (C), leader of the Progressive Bulgaria coalition, addresses the media on Sunday night after the first exit polls indicated he was on track to win. Photo by Borislav Troshev/EPA April 20 (UPI) -- Former president Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria Party h»»»
IPU: Tunisia backs climate action, rights and international cooperation
TUNIS, April 20 (TAP) –A delegation from Tunisia’s Assembly of People's Representatives of (ARP) took part in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held in Istanbul from April 15 to 19.The participation concluded on Sunday, with...»»»
GCC Chief praises Qatar's role in passing IPU emergency resolution
Riyadh: The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council has praised the State of Qatar's efforts in securing unanimous approval of a key emergency resolution at an international parliamentary gathering. Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi commended Qatar, alongside several other countries, for its role »»»
Saudi FM attends Group of Eight ministerial meeting on Gaza in Antalya
ISTANBUL: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has participated in the ministerial meeting of the Group of Eight at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye. The meeting was also attended by foreign ministers and representatives of Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Turkiye, and the UAE, the Saudi Pres»»»
adidas and Saudia roll travel wear line across MENA
Dubai: Airlines are no longer just flying passengers — they’re now dressing them too. Sports apparel giant Adidas and Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Saudia have launched a new travel-focused clothing line across the Middle East and North Africa, starting April 20. The aim, according to the airline»»»
First ‘Itmam’ centre for judicial services opens Sharjah
Sharjah :The Sharjah Judicial Department has launched the first centre under its “Itmam” judicial services initiative, marking a key step in enhancing service delivery and improving access to judicial processes in the emirate. Announcing the launch, Judge Dr Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Chairman of the»»»
Dubai Police welcome students with UAE flags as schools reopen
Dubai: Dubai Police marked the return of in-person learning with a series of field events aimed at welcoming students and fostering national pride. Through the “School Security” initiative, officers distributed UAE flags to students across schools, reinforcing a sense of belonging and identity from»»»
Justice minister honours staff completing leadership programme
DOHA: Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs HE Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi honoured a cohort of ministry staff who successfully completed a leadership development program, in a move aimed at strengthening skills and enhancing government performance. Organised by the ministr»»»
New programme to turn 1,000 UAE families into entrepreneurs over 5 years
Dubai: The UAE is aiming to turn 1,000 Emirati families into entrepreneurs over the next five years, as part of a wider push to reduce reliance on state support and build a more self-sufficient economy. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Announced under the national campa»»»
Arrests made, UAE foils major terror plan
Abu Dhabi: UAE State Security authorities announced they have dismantled a terrorist cell and arrested its members over alleged involvement in covert activities aimed at undermining national unity and destabilising the country. According to the statement carried by Emirates News Agency (WAM), inves»»»
UAE forecast for Tuesday: Wind, dust and rain
Dubai: The UAE is set for a stretch of cooler and unsettled weather beginning Tuesday and continuing through the end of the week, with dusty conditions, shifting winds and intermittent chances of light rainfall, according to the latest forecast, according to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM)»»»
Lebanon condemns attempts to destabilize Syria, rejects citizen involvementlitics
Beirut, April 20 (SANA) Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned attempts to destabilize Syria and undermine public order, referring to a plot announced by the Syrian Interior Ministry on April 19. In a statement, the ministry expressed solidarity with Syria and rejected any involvement by Le»»»
UAE says it dismantled ‘terrorist group’ linked to Iran, arrests members
DUBAI: A “terrorist organisation” has been dismantled and its members arrested over alleged plans to carry out coordinated attacks aimed at undermining national security, authorities in Abu Dhabi said on Monday. The State Security Service said investigations found the group had links to Iran’s “Wil»»»
fydubai expands Thailand network with second destination
Dubai: UAE carrier flydubai has announced it will start daily flights to Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok from 1 July 2026, marking its second destination in Thailand after Krabi. The service will operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport and will strengthen travel links bet»»»
How Israeli strikes on paramedics are hindering rescue efforts in Lebanon
BEIRUT: Wael Mousawi, a 35-year-old Civil Defense responder in Tyre, says he has spent weeks moving “between death and death,” pulling bodies from the rubble of flattened homes in southern Lebanon as rescue teams struggled to keep pace with the scale of destruction. Paramedics and rescue workers ac»»»
How Bahrain is supporting private-sector workers as Gulf businesses feel Iran war strain
LONDON: Reverberations of the conflict in the Middle East are being felt across the region both physically and metaphorically. The booms and jolts of missile interceptions over Gulf cities and industrial sites may have halted since President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire on April 8, b»»»
Doubts over talks between Iran and US after violence flares in Strait of Hormuz
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan moved ahead Monday with preparations for a new round of talks between the United States and Iran days before a tenuous ceasefire is set to expire, even as renewed conflict around the Strait of Hormuz raised questions about whether the meeting would take place. Over the weekend, »»»
EU’s Costa told Jordan’s King Abdullah that Hormuz Strait must be re-opened
European Council President Antonio Costa told Jordan’s King Abdullah that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened, during a phone call between the two, said Costa on Monday. Costa wrote on X that he had held the call with King Abdullah on Monday. “In our call today, I reiterated that the EU st»»»
Saudi treasury holdings rise 19% to $160.4bn in February
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s holdings of US Treasury securities rose 19 percent in February to $160.4 billion, the highest level in recent years, as the Kingdom increased purchases of short-term debt, official data showed. The total was up from $134.8 billion in January and 26.9 percent higher than $126.»»»
Startup wrap — Early stage funding momentum, IPO plans continue in MENA region
RIYADH: Startups operating in the Middle East and North Africa witnessed multiple funding rounds across various sectors last week, even as the conflict in Iran continued to rattle the market. This momentum builds on the record $7.5 billion funding received by startups in 2025, representing a 225 pe»»»
Startup wrap — Funding momentum continues amid Iran conflict
RIYADH: Startups in the Middle East and North Africa region secured multiple funding rounds across different sectors across the beginning of April, despite ongoing market uncertainty caused by the conflict in Iran. This positive momentum continues from the record $7.5 billion raised by MENA startup»»»
Startups secure fresh funding as regional momentum builds
RIYADH: Global and regional startups continued to attract capital across fintech, healthtech, e-commerce, and proptech, as investors backed platforms focused on financial infrastructure, consumer services, and data-driven solutions. Saudi Arabia-based fintech Lean Technologies has received a major »»»
Algeria launches global bid round for oil, gas exploration across 7 fields
RIYADH: Algeria has launched a global bidding round for oil and gas exploration across seven fields, in a move that underscores the OPEC member’s efforts to boost production capacity and attract foreign investment amid a volatile global energy market shaped by the Iran war. Samir Bekhti, president »»»
Saudi Arabia backs stronger global action on illicit finance: SAMA governor
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia supports stronger global cooperation to combat illicit finance, central bank governor Ayman Al-Sayari said, highlighting the financial sector’s resilience at global financial gatherings in Washington. The comments came during the Financial Action Task Force ministerial meeting »»»
Western Policy Aimed at Deterring Russia, China Threatens International Peace - Moscow
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The policy of the West, which is aimed at deterring Russia and China, poses a threat to international peace and security, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Evgeniy Ivanov said on Monday. "If we talk about the external perimeter, then the main threat to international peace and secur»»»
Weekend deals Qatar: A ‘two-list’ system to save money without wasting your weekend
Doha, Qatar: Weekends in Qatar move fast. You sit down to plan one or two purchases… then the “quick check” turns into endless scrolling through Qatar offers, screenshots, and half-remembered messages. By the time you decide, you’ve either overpaid or you’re too tired to buy anything at all. A smar»»»
Klass Wagen opens its 12th local office in Romania at Târgu Mureș Airport
Klass Wagen continues its expansion strategy in the Romanian market by opening a new office in Târgu Mureș, near Transylvania International Airport, the investment being part of the company’s broader regional development plan. The decision comes at a favourable time for the local market, marked by »»»
EU hosts Palestinian leader in conference on security and peace in Gaza, West Bank
More than 60 nations sent representatives to Brussels Monday to discuss with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamed Mustafa stability, security and long-term peace in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, as global attention largely remains focused in the Middle East on the ongoing crises in Iran and Lebanon»»»
Lebanon President Says Israel Talks Aim to End Hostilities, Occupation
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Monday that planned talks with Israel aim to end hostilities and the Israeli occupation in the south, as he named an ex-ambassador to the United States to lead the delegation. "The choice to negotiate aims to stop hostilities, end the Israeli occupation of southe»»»
Look: Sheikh Hamdan back in Dubai skies
Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has taken to the skies again, jumping out of an aircraft over Dubai in a moment that signals the emirate's return»»»
Drivers urged visit Mushrif Mall to benefit from black point reduction initiative
Abu Dhabi Police have invited motorists to visit a dedicated service platform at Mushrif Mall to benefit from the black points reduction initiative over a one-month period. The initiative will run from April 20 to May 20, 2026, operating daily from 4pm to 10pm on the mall’s first floor, offering co»»»
Sharjah warns drivers to follow rules as schools reopen
Sharjah :Sharjah Traffic Prosecution has urged motorists and pedestrians to strictly follow traffic laws and road protocol, describing compliance as the first line of defence in protecting lives and property, particularly as students return to school. Focus on school rush hoursDr Saeed Abdullah Al »»»
Dutch unlock 950 mn euros to ease fuel price pain
The Hague: The Dutch government said Monday that it would allocate over 950 million euros ($1.1 billion) to help compensate businesses and individuals for the surge in petrol prices since the outbreak of war between the US and Iran. “Energy prices are expected to remain high for the time being, eve»»»
Iran claims drone strikes on U.S. Navy, peace talks hang in balance - UPI.com
The 965-foot-long Iranian container ship Touska, seen here in 2017 after it ran aground off Hong Kong's main island, remained in the custody of the U.S. Navy on Monday after it was boarded and seized by U.S. Marines. File photo by Jerome Favre/EPA April 20 (UPI) -- Iran said that it carried out dro»»»
Edi Rama on Kathimerini: Plato, Fortunes and the Chimarra
Edi Rama is already in his 13th year as prime minister, but some of the open questions in the relations between the two countries remain the same and unchanged. A few days before his arrival in Greece for the 11th Delphi Economic Forum (April 22-25), Rama spoke to "K" about Greek-Albanian relations»»»
Ajman bus route to Global Village resumes: What’s the new schedule?
The Ajman Transport Authority has announced the resumption of the dedicated bus service connecting Al Musalla Station in Ajman with Global Village in Dubai, aiming to improve transport options for visitors to the popular tourism destination. The move coincides with the reopening of Global Village, »»»
It’s back to school in the UAE—and the smiles say it all
1/12At Jumeirah International Nurseries, young learners trickled in under a staggered schedule, including siblings starting the day together.2/12Students at Al Khaleej International School in Dubai on Monday, April 20, as schools across the UAE welcome students back for face-to-face learning.Virend»»»
Investment minister, IFAD head discuss food security, agriculture
Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh said that Egypt is working to turn agriculture into a competitive export sector. During a meeting in Washington with President of the International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD), the two sides discussed cooperation to support fo»»»
ope Leo XIV downplays feud with Trump over Iran war remarks
Pope Leo has sought to downplay his public spat with US President Donald Trump, rejecting claims that he was trying to challenge the president with his criticism of the war in Iran and calls for peace. Speaking to reporters on a flight to Angola on Saturday, the US-born pontiff insisted that his re»»»
Tunisia, Libya sign MoU, twinning agreement on sidelines of Tripoli International Fair
Tunis, April 20 (TAP)- The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Northeast (Tunisia) and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Zliten, Libya, signed a memorandum of understanding on the sidelines of the 52nd edition of the Tripoli...»»»
Trump says US team heading to Pakistan for Iran talks, warns of strikes if no deal
The US negotiating team is heading to Pakistan for the next round of Iran peace talks on Monday, President Donald Trump has announced, while renewing his threat to strike Iran’s infrastructure if no deal is reached.In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump accused Tehran of violating the temporary ce»»»
Cost of war, case for peace: Why US-Iran deal is urgent
The confrontation between the United States and Iran is no longer a conventional political dispute; it has evolved into a multidimensional crisis with military, economic, security, and environmental ramifications that threaten not only the stability of the Arabian Gulf but also the broader internat»»»
Britain can’t locate 95,000 reservists on recall list – George Robertson
The UK has effectively lost contact with tens of thousands of reservists who would be called up in a national emergency, George Robertson, a former NATO secretary general and a lead adviser for the Strategic Defense Review (SDR), has said. Amid the broader Western militarization over a perceived Ru»»»
UAE schools reopen: Safety plans, roles of schools, students, parents outlined
Abu Dhabi/ Dubai: The Ministry of Education and the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council have outlined a comprehensive safety framework, detailing the roles of schools, teachers and parents, as students across public and private schools in the UAE returned to in-person cla»»»
Sustainability in crisis: The UAE’s blueprint in uncertain times
In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty, sustainability is no longer a theoretical construct or a distant set of development goals. It has become a practical framework for national resilience. And although I have spent years teaching the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in universities and s»»»
Iran MP plans for strategic management of Strait of Hormuz using the rial
The chair of Iran's parliamentary infrastructure commission has set out the detailed terms of a parliamentary proposal to manage transit through the Strait of Hormuz, including a complete ban on Israeli-linked shipping and tolls payable in rials. »»»
Iran MP plans for strategic management of Strait of Hormuz using the rial
The chair of Iran's parliamentary infrastructure commission has set out the detailed terms of a parliamentary proposal to manage transit through the Strait of Hormuz, including a complete ban on Israeli-linked shipping and tolls payable in rials. »»»
Iran MP plans for strategic management of Strait of Hormuz using the rial
The chair of Iran's parliamentary infrastructure commission has set out the detailed terms of a parliamentary proposal to manage transit through the Strait of Hormuz, including a complete ban on Israeli-linked shipping and tolls payable in rials. »»»
Iran MP plans for strategic management of Strait of Hormuz using the rial
The chair of Iran's parliamentary infrastructure commission has set out the detailed terms of a parliamentary proposal to manage transit through the Strait of Hormuz, including a complete ban on Israeli-linked shipping and tolls payable in rials. »»»