EU Committed to Sudan’s Territorial Integrity, Rejects Parallel Governance
The European Union has hinted at imposing additional sanctions aimed at Sudan’s war economy, and rejected what it called “parallel governance” in the country. A statement issued by the High Representative on behalf of the EU reiterated the European Union’s “commitment to Sudan’s unity, sovereignty »»»
Lyrid meteor shower 2026: How stargazers in UAE can catch April’s shooting stars
Want to catch some “shooting stars”? Tonight (April 24, 2026) may be your best chance. That's when the Lyrid meteor shower, the springtime celestial event, turns up. They can be seen from skies above the UAE, though visibility depends heavily on atmospheric conditions. Each year in mid-April, Earth»»»
Kuwait probes worker gathering, flags possible trafficking and labour violations
Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower has launched an urgent investigation into a group of workers who gathered outside its headquarters, referring the case to the General Department of Criminal Investigation amid indications of possible human trafficking and labour violations. In a statement, the»»»
Iran fires on 3 ships in the Strait of Hormuz as US maintains blockade and diplomacy stalls
DUBAI: Iran fired on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz and seized two of them Wednesday, intensifying its assault on shipping in the key waterway. The attacks came a day after US President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire while maintaining an American blockade of Iranian ports.The standoff betwe»»»
Saudi Arabia limits Mecca entry to permit holders, six groups eligible via Absher
Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has announced that six categories of eligible individuals can obtain permits to enter Mecca during the Hajj season through the Absher Individuals platform. The categories include Premium Residency holders, investors, GCC citizens, non-Saudi mothers of»»»
SFDA warns of jail and SR10m fines for food violations during Hajj
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has reinforced a strict ban on manufacturing or storing food products without proper licensing during the 2026 Hajj season, warning that violators could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of SR10 million. In a statement, the authority said all food fact»»»
China quietly tightens its regional grip across Southeast Asia
Beijing and Hanoi are stepping up co-operation centred on internal security, in the process offering a preview of how China may deepen ties across south-east Asia despite longstanding differences with several countries in the region. »»»
China quietly tightens its regional grip across Southeast Asia
Beijing and Hanoi are stepping up co-operation centred on internal security, in the process offering a preview of how China may deepen ties across south-east Asia despite longstanding differences with several countries in the region. »»»
China quietly tightens its regional grip across Southeast Asia
Beijing and Hanoi are stepping up co-operation centred on internal security, in the process offering a preview of how China may deepen ties across south-east Asia despite longstanding differences with several countries in the region. »»»
China quietly tightens its regional grip across Southeast Asia
Beijing and Hanoi are stepping up co-operation centred on internal security, in the process offering a preview of how China may deepen ties across south-east Asia despite longstanding differences with several countries in the region. »»»
China quietly tightens its regional grip across Southeast Asia
Beijing and Hanoi are stepping up co-operation centred on internal security, in the process offering a preview of how China may deepen ties across south-east Asia despite longstanding differences with several countries in the region. »»»
China quietly tightens its regional grip across Southeast Asia
Beijing and Hanoi are stepping up co-operation centred on internal security, in the process offering a preview of how China may deepen ties across south-east Asia despite longstanding differences with several countries in the region. »»»
China quietly tightens its regional grip across Southeast Asia
Beijing and Hanoi are stepping up co-operation centred on internal security, in the process offering a preview of how China may deepen ties across south-east Asia despite longstanding differences with several countries in the region. »»»
China quietly tightens its regional grip across Southeast Asia
Beijing and Hanoi are stepping up co-operation centred on internal security, in the process offering a preview of how China may deepen ties across south-east Asia despite longstanding differences with several countries in the region. »»»
China quietly tightens its regional grip across Southeast Asia
Beijing and Hanoi are stepping up co-operation centred on internal security, in the process offering a preview of how China may deepen ties across south-east Asia despite longstanding differences with several countries in the region. »»»
China quietly tightens its regional grip across Southeast Asia
Beijing and Hanoi are stepping up co-operation centred on internal security, in the process offering a preview of how China may deepen ties across south-east Asia despite longstanding differences with several countries in the region. »»»
China quietly tightens its regional grip across Southeast Asia
Beijing and Hanoi are stepping up co-operation centred on internal security, in the process offering a preview of how China may deepen ties across south-east Asia despite longstanding differences with several countries in the region. »»»
China quietly tightens its regional grip across Southeast Asia
Beijing and Hanoi are stepping up co-operation centred on internal security, in the process offering a preview of how China may deepen ties across south-east Asia despite longstanding differences with several countries in the region. »»»
China quietly tightens its regional grip across Southeast Asia
Beijing and Hanoi are stepping up co-operation centred on internal security, in the process offering a preview of how China may deepen ties across south-east Asia despite longstanding differences with several countries in the region. »»»
China quietly tightens its regional grip across Southeast Asia
Beijing and Hanoi are stepping up co-operation centred on internal security, in the process offering a preview of how China may deepen ties across south-east Asia despite longstanding differences with several countries in the region. »»»
China quietly tightens its regional grip across Southeast Asia
Beijing and Hanoi are stepping up co-operation centred on internal security, in the process offering a preview of how China may deepen ties across south-east Asia despite longstanding differences with several countries in the region. »»»
UN chief candidates vow reforms to restore trust, revive global role
Candidates for the top job at the United Nations pledged on Wednesday to pursue reforms to revive the body, while reaffirming its core role in peacemaking and development. Four contenders aim to succeed Antonio Guterres next year, following hearings with member states and civil »»»
Iranians Have Long Sought Work and Relative Stability in Türkiye. The War Could Force Some to Return
Sadri Haghshenas spends her days selling borek — a layered, savory pastry — at a shop in Istanbul, but her mind is on her daughter in Tehran. The family had to send her home to Iran after they ran into difficulties renewing her visa, despite fears that a shaky ceasefire could soon collapse. For yea»»»
Judge blocks results of Virginia referendum on new congressional map - UPI.com
A judge in Virginia on Wednesday blocked the results of the state's Tuesday referendum that approved lawmakers to redraw its congressional map. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 22 (UPI) -- A judge in rural Virginia on Wednesday blocked the results of Tuesday's state referendum, b»»»
UAE to see light rain, cooler weather and dusty winds this week
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast partly cloudy to cloudy skies across the UAE today, with a chance of light rainfall over islands and some coastal and eastern areas, alongside a further drop in temperatures. Winds are expected to be light to moderate, freshening at times and ca»»»
Ukraine reopens Russian oil pipeline, clearing way for €90 billion EU loan after months-long 'blockade'
Ukraine has resumed pumping Russian crude through the 5,500 km Druzhba oil pipeline into Hungary and Slovakia after months of halted transit caused by war-related damage. The move immediately broke a political deadlock over a €90 billion (≈ $106 billion) European Union (EU) loan seen as vital finan»»»
UK, France agree on three-year deal to curb Channel migrant crossings
Britain and France agreed a three-year plan to curb irregular Channel crossings, a French interior ministry roadmap showed on Wednesday. France will boost coastal policing by over 50% to 1,400 officers by 2029, while Britain will provide up to 766 million euros in funding, partly conditional on res»»»
Middle East war updates: Iran blames US for stalled talks and Israel kills Lebanese journalist – Ya Libnan
Share: The late Amal Khalil, a Lebanese journalist working for the pro-Hezbollah daily Al Akhbar newspaper, reports near a destroyed bridge in Qasmiyeh, Lebanon, on March 22, 2026 [Mohammed Zaatari/AP Photo] Senior Iranian officials have blamed Washington for stalled peace negotiations due to the U»»»
Venezuela presses IMF to unfreeze $5bn in assets as Chavista ranks show strain
Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez has formally asked the International Monetary Fund to release nearly $5bn in frozen assets, testing the limits of a diplomatic rapprochement that has forced the country's ruling Chavista movement to abandon decades of ideological hostility towards the Wa»»»
Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 concludes
ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival (ADGEF) 2026 concluded after three days, bringing together government entities, investors and entrepreneurs, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global hub for innovation. The event featured over 300 speakers, workshops and high-level se»»»
GCC statistics highlight women’s key role in health, education, tourism
MUSCAT: The Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) affirmed on Wednesday that Gulf women continue to strengthen their presence in the development journey of GCC countries, supported by a young population base and growing participation in the lab»»»
UK, France agree 3-year deal to stop migrant crossings
Britain and France have agreed a new three-year deal to stop undocumented migrants making the risky journey across the English Channel, according to a French interior ministry roadmap seen by AFP Wednesday. Under the deal, France pledged to increase law enforcement on the coast by more than half to»»»
Florida probes ChatGPT and OpenAI over mass shooting
Florida has launched a criminal probe into OpenAI and ChatGPT over a shooting spree at Florida State University, which the perpetrator planned with the help of the AI chatbot. The incident occurred in April 2025, when the suspect allegedly killed two and injured six people. He was subsequently inju»»»
‘Qatar’s diplomacy helps contain escalation, ensures int’l stability’
Khaled Al Hameidi Doha In the midst of one of the most volatile regional crises in recent years, Qatar has emerged as a central diplomatic actor, deploying coordinated political, strategic, and economic efforts aimed at de-escalation, preserving the ceasefire, and ensuring the continued flow of glo»»»
Cabinet commends Amir’s efforts to de-escalate regional tensions
QNA Doha The Cabinet has commended the efforts of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in working to de-escalate tensions, promote peace, and prioritize diplomacy and dialogue as the primary means of resolving disputes. During its weekly meeting, chaired by Pr»»»
Al-Shaibani says leaders’ meetings in the Gulf tour focused on boosting fraternal ties
Damascus, Apr. 22 (SANA) Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani said the Gulf tour led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, which included Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, focused on strengthening long-standing fraternal relations between Syria and those countries. Al-Shaibani said the»»»
Airlines cancel flights amid Iran conflict
WASHINGTON: Global air travel remains severely disrupted, with many people unable to fly as planned to destinations after the Iran war forced the closure of major Middle Eastern hubs, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. Below is the latest on flights, in alphabetical order: Greece’s largest carri»»»
Saudi, Dutch foreign ministers discuss regional developments
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met Tom Berendsen, the Netherlands’ foreign minister, in Riyadh on Wednesday. The parties reviewed areas of bilateral cooperation and discussed regional developments, reported the Saudi Press Agency. Berendsen reaffirmed Amsterdam’s c»»»
How Dubai Metro Gold Line will reduce cut Red Line congestion, remove 40m road trips a year
Dubai: Dubai is planning its next metro expansion valued at Dh34 billion, the Gold Line, which will run from Al Ghubaiba to Jumeirah Golf Estates. The route passes through Mina Rashid, City Walk, Business Bay, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Nad Al Sheba, Meydan, Al Barsha South, and Jumeirah Village Cir»»»
Kuwait keeps schools online until further notice
Dubai: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education has confirmed that the learning process will continue remotely until further notice, stressing that no changes or new decisions have been issued so far. In a statement, the ministry said the measure is aimed at safeguarding students as well as teaching and admi»»»
Trump says Iran will not execute eight women after his request
WASHINGTON: Donald Trump on Wednesday said Iran had halted alleged plans to execute eight women arrested over anti-government protests, after he urged Tehran to release them to help peace negotiations.Iran's judiciary, however, described the US president's claims as "false news," saying they had ne»»»
Why oil will get costlier the more Hormuz disruption drags on amid war risks
Dubai: Oil prices are likely to remain elevated, and could rise further in the near term, as ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty surrounding the conflict involving Iran continue to tighten global supply conditions. Brent crude rose 1.7% to $100.16 per barrel on Wednesday, ref»»»
Venezuela presses IMF to unfreeze $5bn in assets as Chavista ranks show strain
Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez has formally asked the International Monetary Fund to release nearly $5bn in frozen assets, testing the limits of a diplomatic rapprochement that has forced the country's ruling Chavista movement to abandon decades of ideological hostility towards the Wa»»»
Developing countries must not bear climate burden alone, Central Asian leaders say
Leaders from Central Asia and neighbouring countries issued a stark warning on Wednesday that the global shift to a low-carbon economy risks deepening inequality unless it is managed fairly, with stronger support for developing countries that have contributed least to climate change but face some o»»»
How the Strait of Hormuz blockade could ground Europe’s airlines within weeks
LONDON: Europe’s commercial aviation sector is moving closer to a jet fuel crunch as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to choke off supplies from the Gulf, threatening summer travel plans for millions and forcing airlines and governments to weigh rationing, cancellations and emergency fu»»»
JD14.2m total net profit for electricity distribution — EDCO
AMMAN — The Electricity Distribution Company (EDCO) achieved a net profit of JD14.2 million for the fiscal year 2025, compared with JD15.4 million in 2024, the company announced on Wednesday.The reported earnings include revenues from EDCO's 55.5 per cent stake in the Irbid District Electricity Com»»»
Saud Abdulhamid’s form in Europe offers Saudi Arabia a boost ahead of World Cup
RIYADH: When Saud Abdulhamid made the move to Europe in 2024, signing for AS Roma from Al-Hilal, it signaled an exciting moment for the growth of Saudi footballers on the global stage. Just 380 minutes of playing time across eight appearances last season quickly caused that excitement to fade, howe»»»
The Observers - Mapping the environmental toll of the Middle East war
Oil refineries set ablaze, missiles hitting pesticide factories, an oil slick in the Strait of Hormuz... In under two months, the US and Israel’s war on Iran has inflicted a heavy toll on the environment, fuelling concerns over the public health impact on local populations. It’s too soon to evaluat»»»
New Darb toll gates in Abu Dhabi: locations, fees, and who’s exempt
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has announced the introduction of two new gates to the Darb Toll Gate System in Abu Dhabi. This initiative aims to enhance traffic flow on major roads, improve the efficiency of the road network, »»»
UAE Embassy in Beirut warns public over scam messages posing as officials
The UAE Embassy in Beirut has urged the public to exercise caution over suspicious messages and calls requesting financial transfers, falsely claiming to be from the embassy or its staff. In a post on its official account on X, the embassy said all its services are provided exclusively through appr»»»