Syria welcomes Lebanon ceasefire, reaffirms support for regional stability
Damascus, April 17 (SANA) Syria welcomed on Friday the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, describing it as an important step toward preventing further escalation in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said in a statement that Syria continues to support all efforts aimed at pres»»»
Big projects, bigger vision: UAE ramps up infrastructure in 2026
Abu Dhabi: Infrastructure development projects launched across the UAE in 2026 reflect a comprehensive national vision aimed at advancing development across sectors and enhancing quality of life for all residents. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.S»»»
Trump Hopes Lebanon's Hezbollah Will Act Nicely to Achieve Peace
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump expressed hope that the Lebanese Shia movement Hezbollah would act nicely and support the efforts to achieve peace. "I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time. It will be a GREAT moment for them if they do. No more ki»»»
Filipino billionaire Enrique Razon looks for new gas fields to power Philippines’ future
Manila: Filipino billionaire Enrique 'Ricky' Razon Jr.’s energy firm is pressing beyond the aging Malampaya gas field in a bid to expand the country’s long-term domestic gas supply and reduce reliance on imported fuel. Prime Energy Resources Development B.V., the Razon-led operator of Malampaya, sa»»»
A 10-day Ceasefire Agreed on By Israel and Lebanon Goes into Effect
A 10-day truce began in Lebanon on Friday that could pause fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group and boost attempts to extend the ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel after weeks of devastating war. US President Donald Trump announced the agreement as a ceasefire »»»
Jet fuel supplies are lagging: What it means for airlines and travellers
A looming jet fuel shortage across Europe and Asia, triggered by the Iran war and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, could disrupt global travel within weeks if oil flows are not restored soon. The pressure on supplies risks higher airfares and potential flight cancellations as the peak»»»
US issues text of Lebanon Israel ceasefire agreement – Ya Libnan
Share: THE US State Department revealed the following on Friday “The text of the following statement was agreed to by the Government of Israel and Government of Lebanon: ” Following productive direct talks on April 14 between the governments of the Republic of Lebanon (hereinafter “Lebanon”) and th»»»
UAE President receives credentials of newly appointed ambassadors
ABU DHABI: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday received the credentials of a number of newly appointed ambassadors to the UAE. During the credential presentation ceremony, His Highness welcomed the ambassadors and wished them success in strengthening cooperatio»»»
10-day Lebanon-Israel ceasefire begins after weeks of conflict
A ten-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel took effect on Friday as US President Donald Trump pushes for broader regional diplomacy, including a possible first-ever leaders’ meeting. The truce comes amid efforts to end wider conflict involving Iran and follows weeks of intense fighting and heav»»»
Breaking the negative narrative: How the Gulf changed the region’s story
The words we hear in our childhood rarely pass through our lives unnoticed. They linger like a cloud in the mind, reminding us — every time the rain of their conversations falls — of the thorns of negativity. For years, that narrative persisted in the minds of many across the region we share in lan»»»
UAE tax penalties cut, 5 key changes businesses need to know
Dubai: The UAE has introduced sweeping changes to tax penalties, cutting fines and revising how violations are handled, with the Federal Tax Authority positioning the move as a step towards easing compliance and encouraging businesses to correct past errors. Sign up for our daily business newslette»»»
Friday Sermon, April 17, 2026: 'Say: All praise belongs to Allah'
First Sermon (Khutbah One)All praise is for Allah, and again all praise is for Allah. O Allah, to You belongs all praise as befits the majesty of Your Face and the majesty of Your dominion. Glory be to You—we cannot enumerate praise of You; You are as You have praised Yourself. We bear witness that»»»
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation: Regional developments have no impact on private sector jobs
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has affirmed the continued stability of the labour market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the uninterrupted continuity of business operations despite ongoing regional developments. This reflects the strength and diversity of»»»
UN chief urges 'respect' for Israel-Lebanon ceasefire
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres welcomed the 10-day ceasefire announced Thursday between Israel and Lebanon, and urged "all actors" to fully respect the truce, his spokesman said. "The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, and commends t»»»
France finance minister says Hormuz must open, 'but not at any price' — G7 ready to mitigate war fallout
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure told reporters Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz needs to reopen "but not at any price," adding that G7 leaders stand ready to mitigate the war's economic fallout. Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of Seven advanced economies added i»»»
Iran war live: Lebanon truce begins at midnight as US blockades Iran for deal – Ya Libnan
Share: Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, Lebanon, March 10, 2026. REUTERS/Raghed Waked/File Photo Summary A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come into effect»»»
Stocks rise as optimism over Mideast war takes hold
Wall Street stocks ended higher Thursday (April 17), adding to records as investors greeted optimistic comments from US President Donald Trump about negotiations with Iran while shrugging off a jump in crude prices. After veering between gains and losses much of the day, all three major US indices »»»
Israel-Lebanon ceasefire takes effect: Live updates
The 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon entered into force on Friday, with US President Donald Trump insisting that Hezbollah is part of the agreement, although the armed group had boycotted peace talks with Israel as futile. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) renewed their operation in Lebano»»»
UAE welcomes lebanon-Israel ceasefire, laud US efforts
ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, and commended the diplomatic efforts led by President Trump in facilitating this agreement. Also Read: UAE President accepts US invitation to Board o»»»
Doha holds virtual draw ceremony for team sports of 4th GCC Games
Tribune News Network Doha The Organizing Committee of 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026 staged the official draw ceremony for the team sports competitions on Thursday via advanced virtual communication technology. Held at Lusail Hall at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters, the event brought together h»»»
QA to expand global network to over 150 destinations
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Airways is expanding its international flight network, with services to over 150 destinations from June 16, 2026, connecting passengers to more of the world this summer. The updated schedule, valid until September 15, 2026, introduces new routes and increased frequen»»»
Al Ghanim affirms Qatar’s continued mediation approach, issues call for emergency item to support peace
QNA Istanbul Speaker of the Shura Council HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim affirmed that the State of Qatar, under the leadership of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, will continue its steadfast approach based on dialogue, mediation, and preventing escalation, which contributes»»»
Shura participates in IPU Governing Council session, committee meet
QNA Istanbul The Shura Council participated in the 217th session of the Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), as part of the 152nd Assembly of the IPU, currently underway in Istanbul, Turkiye, on Thursday. The Shura Council was represented at the event by Deputy Speaker of the S»»»
Israel's Netanyahu says he agrees to a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he has agreed to a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon. In a video statement, Netanyahu said he was taking the step in an attempt “to advance” peace efforts with Lebanon.FRANCE 24's Noga Tarnopolsky reports from Jerusalem. FRANCE 24's Fraser Jackson r»»»
Israel, Lebanon agree to 10-day cease-fire - UPI.com
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a cease-fire for 10 days to allow for talks about ejecting Hezbollah from that country, which Israel said is its primary goal in strikes launched on its neighbor over the last six weeks. File Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI | License Photo April 16 (UPI) -- President Do»»»
Qatar welcomes ceasefire announcement in Lebanon
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar welcomes the ceasefire announcement in the sisterly Republic of Lebanon, considering it an initial step towards de-escalation. Qatar emphasizes the necessity of adhering to the ceasefire and building upon it urgently to solidify the truce and prevent the spread of te»»»
EU chief welcomes Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as 'a relief'
European Commission president Ursula Von Der Leyen welcomed a 10-day ceasefire declared Thursday between Israel and Lebanon that was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. "This is a relief, as this conflict has already claimed far too many lives," von der Leyen wrote on X, adding that it must l»»»
Netanyahu says Lebanon truce opportunity for 'historic peace'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that the ten-day ceasefire with Lebanon offered an opportunity for a "historic peace agreement" with Lebanon, but insisted that the disarmament of Hezbollah remained a precondition. "We have an opportunity to make a historic peace agreement wi»»»
Arsenal ex-goalkeeper Manninger dies after car struck by train
Vienna: Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who played for Austria at Euro 2008, died on Thursday after his car was hit by a train, his former club Red Bull Salzburg said. The 48-year-old died when a train hit his car while crossing the tracks in the Salzburg region, the Austrian news ag»»»
Trump says Iran agrees to hand over enriched uranium, believes deal 'close'
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran has agreed to hand over its store of enriched uranium and that the two sides were "close" to a peace deal to end the war that has engulfed the Middle East. The United States had earlier threatened to resume airstrikes on the Islamic republic and m»»»
UAE welcomes move to end hostilities between Lebanon and Israel
The UAE has welcomed the announcement by US President Donald Trump of a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, commending the diplomatic efforts that led to the breakthrough. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that the development would represent a positive step»»»
Sharjah Police add off-road Grenadier for fast response
Sharjah: In a move aimed at strengthening frontline policing, Sharjah Police has introduced the rugged “Grenadier” vehicle into its operational fleet, enhancing officers’ ability to respond swiftly and safely across challenging environments. Developed for endurance and reliability, the Grenadier is»»»
Trump says Iran to hand over uranium as ceasefire talks advance
Washington, United States: US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran has agreed to hand over its store of enriched uranium and that the two sides were "close" to a peace deal to end the war that has engulfed the Middle East. The United States had earlier threatened to resume airstrikes on t»»»
South Korea pet insurance market grows but uptake remains low - UPI.com
Pet insurance grows 3.5-fold in three years... insurance industry moves to boost awareness A chart shows the number of pet insurance policies in South Korea rising sharply from 51,727 in 2021 to 251,961 in 2025. Graphic by Asia Today and translated by UPI April 15 (Asia Today) -- South Korea's pet »»»
UAE has right to guarantees, compensation after Iranian aggression, says Gargash
Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, said the UAE has the right to seek guarantees to prevent the repetition of cowardly Iranian attacks and to be compensated after the Iranian aggression against GCC countries. “The Iranian regime has attacked everyone in the Gulf, ev»»»
Fine Arts Commission OKs Trump's arch project - UPI.com
1 of 4 | White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt holds an illustration on Wednesday of the proposed Triumphal Arch that President Donald Trump wants to build. Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI | License Photo April 16 (UPI) -- The Commission of Fine Arts voted Thursday to OK President Donald Trump's pla»»»
Shura Council participates in 217th Session of Governing Council, committee meetings of IPU in Istanbul
Istanbul: The Shura Council participated Thursday in the 217th session of the Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), as part of the 152nd Assembly of the IPU, currently underway in Istanbul, Turkiye. The Shura Council was represented at the event by Deputy Speaker of the Shura Co»»»
Iran deal ‘very close’: Trump hints at signing agreement in Pakistan
Washington, United States: President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States and Iran were "very close" to a peace deal and that he would consider going to Pakistan to sign an agreement. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump added that Tehran had agreed to hand over its store of»»»
GOP blocks House war powers resolution for second time - UPI.com
Republicans in the House of Representatives voted down a war powers resolution that would rein in President Trump's ability to wage war in Iran for a second time, although with just a one-vote margin this time. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 16 (UPI) -- Republican members of th»»»
Top schools honored by Sharjah EPAA for green efforts
Sharjah : Seventy schools and nurseries from across the UAE took part in the third edition of the “My Green Environment is My Future” initiative, it was revealed when the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah honoured winners during a closing ceremony at Al Dhaid Wildlife Muse»»»
What have Lebanon and Israel agreed to?
Lebanon and Israel have agreed to observe a 10-day ceasefire that begins at midnight Beirut time, the United States said. Below is the full text of the statement that was agreed to by the Government of Israel and Government of Lebanon, as published by the U.S. State Department: "Following productiv»»»
Libya, US Hold Talks on Money Laundering, Terror Financing
Anti-money laundering measures dominated talks in Washington between governor of the Central Bank of Libya Naji Issa and US officials, as prosecutors pursue corruption cases. The central bank said Issa outlined efforts to strengthen anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing systems, expa»»»
Cabinet Approves Reforms to Make Prosecutor General Investigation Mechanism Workable
The government has adopted a package of legislative amendments aimed at establishing an effective and functional mechanism for investigating the prosecutor general, the Council of Ministers reported on Thursday. The package introduces mandatory judicial review of decisions to terminate or suspend c»»»
Cabinet Approves Draft of New Counter-Corruption Act
The Council of Ministers on Thursday approved a draft Act on Tackling Corruption of Public Office Holders, the Government Information Service said in a press release. The new bill has been drafted implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and the recommendations of the European »»»
Chilean government offers reforms package to revive economy - UPI.com
Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast (C) arrives by car at the Metropolitan Cathedral to attend aass and a 'Prayer for the People of Chile and the New Government' in Santiago on Sunday. Photo by Allen Diaz/EPA SANTIAGO-Chile, April 16 (UPI) -- Chilean President José Antonio Kast announced a package »»»
Trump announces 10-Day ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel
Washington, April 16 (SANA) US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday an agreement for a ten-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. “I had excellent talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and they agreed that in order to achieve peace betwe»»»
Trump says Israel, Lebanon have agreed ceasefire, invites Aoun and Netanyahu to White House
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a ceasefire Thursday, and said he was trying to set up the first-ever meeting between the leaders of the two countries. Following what he called "excellent" phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Leb»»»
Pope Leo blasts 'handful of tyrants' ravaging world during Cameroon visit
Pope Leo XIV condemned "a handful of tyrants" that were ravaging the world with war on Thursday, calling instead for the billions spent every year on weapons to go instead towards healthcare and education. The pontiff's strident comments came during a visit to Cameroon's separatist west, where thou»»»
US Blockade of Iranian Waters Infringes Upon Iran's Sovereignty - Iranian Envoy to UN
UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - The ongoing blockade by the US Navy of Iranian waters is a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Iranian Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani said on Thursday. "The imposition of a maritime blockade announced by the United States constit»»»
Glimpses of Bush's Iraq debacle appear in Trump's foray into Iran
In a speech in Riyadh in May 2025, US President Donald Trump appeared to criticise his White House predecessors, including fellow Republican President George W. Bush, for invading Iraq in 2003, bringing down Saddam Hussein’s regime, and trying to rebuild the Iraqi state. Trump’s barb was at “so-cal»»»