Chyngyz Eshimbekov appointed Consul General of Kyrgyzstan in Chicago - | 24.KG
Chyngyz Eshimbekov has been appointed Consul General of Kyrgyzstan in Chicago, USA. The presidential press service reported. Sadyr Japarov signed the corresponding decree. Previously, this position was held by Bolotbek Borbiev, brother of the famous singer Bek Borbiev. He was relieved of his post l»»»
85 UN Member States Condemn Israeli Expansion in West Bank
Eighty-five countries have signed on to a Palestinian-led joint statement condemning the recent Israeli security cabinet decisions aimed at tightening the occupation’s control of the West Bank. “We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s unlawful prese»»»
Emirates NBD clears path for India expansion with RBL Bank merger
Dubai: Emirates NBD has approved a draft plan to merge its Indian branches with RBL Bank, subject to the acquisition of a majority stake, marking a key regulatory step in what would be the UAE lender’s largest international banking expansion. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Bal»»»
Starmer, Trump discussed Russia-Ukraine, Iran after Geneva Talks, Downing Street Says
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to US President Donald Trump on Tuesday night about US-mediated Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Geneva, as well as talks between the US and Iran on their nuclear dispute, a Downing Street spokesperson said. Starmer also discussed Gaza with Trump and str»»»
Kyrgyzstan to spend $60 million to improve air quality - | 24.KG
The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan announced measures to improve air quality, develop climate policy, and implement waste management systems. According to the ministry, as part of efforts to improve air quality, Cabinet of Ministers’ Decree No. 221 a»»»
Ukraine Geneva peace talks positive but make no concrete progress
US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington had made “meaningful progress” in negotiations on a potential Ukrainian settlement after a first day of trilateral talks in Geneva on February 17 involving US, Ukrainian and Russian representatives. »»»
Ukraine Geneva peace talks positive but make no concrete progress
US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington had made “meaningful progress” in negotiations on a potential Ukrainian settlement after a first day of trilateral talks in Geneva on February 17 involving US, Ukrainian and Russian representatives. »»»
Makkah Gears Up for Ramadan with Tourism Drive, Record Hospitality Growth
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has raised the readiness of Makkah’s hospitality sector to its highest level ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, stressing that serving pilgrims and visitors remains a top national priority. Makkah is preparing to receive worshippers and visitors amid a marked exp»»»
Indian Idol goes global with shoot at Yas Island: Judges share expert tips on how to make it big
Dubai: After 20 years of discovering singing talent across India, Indian Idol, the iconic music reality show has finally packed its bags and gone international, and Gulf News was given exclusive access to it. The reality show cast and crew landed in Abu Dhabi earlier this week to film special episo»»»
Israeli Far-Right Minister to Push for ‘Migration’ of West Bank, Gaza Palestinians
Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he would pursue a policy of "encouraging the migration" of Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, Israeli media reported Wednesday. "We will eliminate the idea of an Arab terror state," said Smotrich, speaking at an event o»»»
UAE to add 390,000 new homes by 2030 — What it means for prices, rents
Dubai: The UAE is set to add around 390,000 new homes by 2030, marking one of the largest residential expansion cycles in recent years, according to a new industry report. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The first-ever Alpen GCC Real Estate 2026 report by Alpen Capital»»»
Meeting between President Nicusor Dan and leaders of governing coalition at Cotroceni Palace
The meeting between President Nicusor Dan and the leaders of the governing coalition, which took place on Tuesday at Cotroceni Palace, has ended.The meeting was called for 3:00 p.m., a day after the coalition leaders established several budgetary measures.Furthermore, the meeting at Cotroceni Palac»»»
President Dan: We believe it is in Romania's interest to participate in the Board of Peace as observer
President Nicusor Dan believes it is in Romania's interest to take part in the Board of Peace as an observer.The head of state told Radio Romania Actualitati that the organisation has a Charter already signed by member states, which contains provisions that conflict with international commitments u»»»
First phase of technical study assessing existing damage to Zumurrud Mall project completed
Al-Bunyan Engineering Consulting Company reported last Monday (16 February) that over the past few months it had completed the first phase of a technical study assessing existing damage at the Zumurrud (Emerald) Shopping Mall Investment Project. The project is part of the Tripoli Gate (Bab Trabulus»»»
How to win 100,000 Miles without breaking the bank: Emirates Skywards' launches Ramadan draw
Dubai: Emirates Skywards is marking Ramadan with a major rewards campaign, giving members the chance to win a share of 2 million Skywards Miles. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.In a statement issued on February 18, a day after Ramadan was announced in the UAE, the loya»»»
eNovate, Cobi launch large-scale AI-powered digital payment infrastructure
Dubai: eNovate, a subsidiary of eFinance Investment Group, and Cobi, a UAE-headquartered AI-native customer intelligence platform, today announced the integration of Cobi’s AI-powered intelligence infrastructure across its digital payment ecosystem to redefine how young people across Egypt engage w»»»
EU in worst crisis ever – Fico
The EU is facing the deepest crisis in its history, with economic problems compounded by a lack of leadership and long-term vision in Brussels, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has warned. Fico made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at a conference on affordable rental housing in country’s cap»»»
Government scraps plans to end free access to Koufonissi beaches
Authorities have scrapped plans to lease the two main sand beaches on the tiny island of Ano Koufonissi to businesses that planned to set up sun loungers and umbrellas there, ending their free and unrestricted use by the public. The Finance Ministry, which is responsible for leasing Greece’s once p»»»
Tripoli Port receives Kone Crane-type grab from Turkish branch of Portunus
Tripoli Port reported yesterday that a joint technical team from the Libyan Ports Company’s head office and its Tripoli Port branch, led by technicians from the Turkish supplier, Portunus, begun assembling and installing the new Kone Crane-type grab, which recently arrived from head office. The por»»»
Ukraine Geneva peace positive but make no concrete progress
US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington had made “meaningful progress” in negotiations on a potential Ukrainian settlement after a first day of trilateral talks in Geneva on February 17 involving US, Ukrainian and Russian representatives. »»»
Ukraine Geneva peace positive but make no concrete progress
US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington had made “meaningful progress” in negotiations on a potential Ukrainian settlement after a first day of trilateral talks in Geneva on February 17 involving US, Ukrainian and Russian representatives. »»»
Ministry of Economy invites Serbian companies to participate in 52nd Tripoli International Fair
The Tripoli based Libyan Ministry of Economy and Trade reported last Monday (16 February) that its Minister, Mohamed Al-Hwej, met with the Ambassador of Serbia to Libya, Dragan Todorovic, to discuss arrangements for the participation of Serbian companies in the. The fair will commemorate its Centen»»»
Rare genetic disorder named after UAE doctor: Story behind El-Hattab-Schmidts syndrome
A rare inherited disorder affecting brain development and muscle strength has been officially named after an Abu Dhabi-based specialist at Burjeel Medical City, marking a milestone for the UAE’s medical research community. The condition, now known as El-Hattab-Schmidts syndrome, was identified thro»»»
S. Korea seeks to reinstate no-fly zone under suspended 2018 inter-Korean military pact - UPI.com
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks to reporters at a press briefing on Wednesday. Photo by Yonhap South Korea will seek to reinstate a no-fly zone over the border with North Korea under the suspended 2018 inter-Korean military pact aimed at easing tensions, Unification Minister Chung Dong»»»
Ministry of Planning meets Libyan Industry Union to discuss support for nationally manufactured products
With the background of price rises in basic commodities, shortages of cooking oil, LC fraud and attempts to preserve Libya’s hard currency reserves, the Minister of Planning, Mohamed Al-Zaidani, met last Monday (16 February) with the Executive Director of the Libyan Industry Union (LIU) to discuss »»»
Dubai Gold Nears Dh600 Again. Buyers Watch Next Move
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai moved higher on Wednesday morning, though they remained below the closely watched Dh600 mark that continues to shape buying decisions across the local market. At 9:50 am, 24K gold stood at Dh594.50 a gram compared with Dh590.75 on Tuesday, while 22K rose to Dh550.50 from»»»
eVTOL aircraft, aka air taxis, face delays in the US: Here's why
Commercial "air taxi" service has been pushed back. Again. Reason: It's not because the technology doesn't work or is unproven. It's because US certification timeline for the next-generation electric vertical-landing-and-takeoff (eVTOL) aircraft — a new mode for human flight — poses complex challen»»»
Türkiye: Ocalan Announces ‘Integration Phase’
The jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, Abdullah Ocalan, has said that the Ankara-PKK peace process has entered its “second phase,” as the Turkish parliament sets the stage to vote on a draft report proposing legal reforms tied to peace efforts. A delegation from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' »»»
Awqaf Ministry honours winners of Institutional Motivation Awards
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs honoured the winning departments of its Institutional Motivation Awards for the second half of 2025 during a ceremony held under the patronage of Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanim. The event was a»»»
Russia Repeatedly Proved It Seeks Peace - Foreign Ministry on Geneva Talks
A new round of negotiations between Russia, the United States and Ukraine on the Ukrainian settlement is taking place in Geneva on February 17-18 at the InterContinental Geneva Hotel. Russia has proved many times that it wants peace, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wedn»»»
Ramadan 2026 in UAE: What to eat and avoid at iftar and suhoor
With Ramadan starting today, residents will fast from dawn to dusk – putting the body on reserve and making iftar and suhoor choices crucial for sustaining energy, focus and hydration. Nutritionists told Gulf News that balanced and well-timed meals can mean the difference between steady stamina and»»»
Libyan institutions explore how emerging technologies can strengthen education and scientific research
UNDP Libya reported yesterday that, as part of a series of introductory workshops, national Libyan institutions explored how emerging technologies can strengthen education and scientific research. In partnership with the Ministry of Planning and the Institute of Planning discussions held at the Ins»»»
Witkoff says 'meaningful progress' made as Ukraine talks enter second day
US special envoy Steve Witkoff said talks between Ukraine and Russia had "brought about meaningful progress" to end the war, as both sides prepared for a second day of negotiations in Geneva on Wednesday. "President Trump's success in bringing both sides of this war together has brought about meani»»»
Kyrgyzstan prepares for potential import of dangerous infections - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan is preparing for the possible importation of various infectious diseases into the country, Deputy Minister of Health and Chief State Sanitary Doctor, Ryspek Sydygaliev, said on Birinchi Radio. According to Sydygaliev, the Republican Center for the Prevention and Control of Especially Dan»»»
Nissan CEO to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Is ‘Golden Jewel’ Driving Regional Growth
Nissan Chief Executive Ivan Espinosa has singled out Saudi Arabia as a cornerstone of the automaker’s global ambitions, calling the kingdom and the wider Middle East a “golden jewel” in the company’s international portfolio, driven by strong brand equity, steady profitability, and a deep, loyal cus»»»
Emirates confirms CFO Michael Doersam will leave in 2026
Dubai: Emirates Group confirmed that its Chief Financial and Group Services Officer, Michael Doersam will step down from his role at the end of June 2026. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.In a statement to Gulf News, the company said, “We can confirm that Michael Doersa»»»
Echo plans Grzybowska tower
Echo Investment has applied to demolish the Pekao Tower at 53/57 Grzybowska Street in Warsaw, paving the way for a new office project on a site it owns. The demolition request was filed on January 30, 2026. The existing building — also known as the Marian Kantor Building — was completed in 1991 as »»»
EU backs Polish SAFE
EU member states have approved Poland’s participation in the €150 billion SAFE defense program, concluding the bloc’s review of Warsaw’s plan. Poland will receive €43.7 billion in low-interest loans to finance 139 military procurement projects, largely sourced from European manufacturers. The loans»»»
Russia, Ukraine seem to be 'putting up a performance for president Trump', analyst says
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators concluded the first of two days of US-mediated peace talks in Geneva on Tuesday, though neither side signalled they were any closer to ending Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, John Lough, Head of Foreign Policy at »»»
Who is Vladimir Medinsky, the nationalist historian leading Russia’s peace talks delegation?
Russia’s delegation to the latest round of US-brokered peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow in Geneva is once again being led by ultraconservative historian and presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky – a man who rewrote Russia’s history textbooks to justify Moscow’s all-out invasion of Ukraine. Vladimi»»»
First day of Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Geneva ends with no breakthroughs
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators wrapped up a first day of US-mediated peace talks in Geneva on Tuesday with no sign of a breakthrough. The nearly four-year war, Europe’s deadliest since World War II, grinds on as both sides signalled that they remain far apart on key issues like territory. »»»
Judge blocks deportation of Palestinian activist who led protests at Columbia
NEW YORK: An immigration judge has blocked the Trump administration from deporting Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian graduate student who led protests at Columbia University against Israel and the war in Gaza. Also Read: US expands visa curbs: 39 countries affected under new immigration policyIn a ruli»»»
First day of Ramadan sees heavy traffic and multiple road incidents across UAE roads
Dubai: Commuters faced significant delays on Wednesday morning as the first day of Ramadan brought heavy traffic and a series of incidents to the main arteries linking Sharjah and Dubai. The shift in traditional working hours and school timings, resulted in a concentrated surge of vehicles during t»»»
Ramadan 2026 UAE traffic guide: Peak hours, key roads and how to beat the congestion
Dubai: Today, the UAE marks the first day of Ramadan after the official moon-sighting committee confirmed the holy month will begin on Wednesday, February 18. The arrival of Ramadan brings one of the most significant shifts in daily traffic patterns seen all year. For the next 30 days, roads across»»»
4 dead, many hurt in crashes involving over 30 vehicles in 'brown out' conditions on Colorado interstate
PUEBLO, Colorado: Four people died in crashes involving over 30 vehicles, including six semitrailers, on an interstate in Colorado Tuesday after blowing dirt made it nearly impossible to see, authorities said. Dirt kicked up by heavy winds blew across Interstate 25 just south of Pueblo around 10 a.»»»
Foggy mornings, fair days as stable weather continues across UAE
Dubai: The UAE will experience fair to partly cloudy weather today, the first day of Ramadan, with humid conditions developing overnight and into Thursday morning, and a probability of fog or mist over some western areas, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). (Click here for the Ra»»»
The power of early conversations: Raising resilient, responsible children
In today’s fast-paced world, where children are exposed to information, opinions, and influences from every direction, one timeless practice remains deeply powerful - meaningful conversations at home. The foundations of character, resilience, and responsibility are not built in teenage years. They »»»
$198-million World Bank boost for India rooftop solar
Washington: India’s ambitious rooftop solar expansion plan on Tuesday secured a $197.67 million guarantee from the World Bank Group’s arm. The five-year backing supports refinancing of a $500 million World Bank loan to the State Bank of India for grid-connected solar systems serving commercial an»»»
Guatemalan troops deploy to gang-plagued capital
Heavily armed Guatemalan troops and military police deployed to the country's capital Tuesday, challenging street gangs blamed for killing 11 officers and sparking a major security crisis. President Bernardo Arevala ordered the "Plan Sentinel" operation to break the stranglehold of Barrio 18 and MS»»»
Israeli unilateral measures to change status of occupied Palestinian territory flayed
This decision also contradicts the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice regarding the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which stressed the illegality of measures aimed at altering the legal, historica»»»