Cabinet meeting urges faster delivery of major strategic projects
Tunis, Feb. 25 (TAP) - A small Cabinet meeting, held on Wednesday at the Government Palace in Kasbah, was devoted to monitoring the progress of several major strategic projects to be scheduled under the 2026–2030 Development Plan, according to a...»»»
US abstains from anti-Russia vote at UN
The US has abstained from a UN General Assembly vote on a Kiev-backed resolution condemning Russia’s actions in the Ukraine conflict. The resolution on Tuesday, delivered four years after the escalation of the conflict, urged an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire. In the UN General Assemb»»»
Sudan Health Minister: War Has Inflicted $11bn in Health Sector Damage
Sudan’s health system has suffered an unprecedented collapse since war erupted in mid-April 2023, with most hospitals in the capital, Khartoum, and other cities across several states turned into military barracks. A severe shortage of medical services has fueled widespread epidemics, disease outbre»»»
Sharjah Charity introduces six easy ways to pay Zakat Al-Mal
The Sharjah Charity International has announced six convenient and secure channels to enable donors to pay Zakat Al-Mal easily, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance charitable work and maximise the impact of donations for underprivileged families. The association said donors can now pay their »»»
Rushing to iftar? Sharjah Police remind drivers that safety comes first
Sharjah Police have called on motorists to reduce speed and drive cautiously in residential neighborhoods, especially during the period leading up to iftar, warning that rushing to reach destinations can endanger lives. Captain Manaa Al Naqbi, Director of the Security Awareness Branch at Sharjah Po»»»
Dubai court declares contractor’s director insolvent over Dh7.3 million debt
A Dubai civil court has declared a company director insolvent after ruling that he was unable to repay more than Dh7.3 million owed to two banks, liabilities that arose from personal guarantees linked to a struggling contracting firm. Court records show that the Arab national had signed joint and s»»»
Syria enters “accelerated recovery phase”, IMF mission reports
New York, Feb. 25 (SANA) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Wednesday that Syria has begun a period of rapid economic recovery, citing a fiscal surplus, falling inflation and renewed integration into the global economy. In a statement released on Wednesday following a mission visit to Damas»»»
Russia Calls on France, UK, EU, UN to Prevent Transfer of Nuclear Weapons to Ukraine - Appeal
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian State Duma lawmakers are calling on the parliaments of France, the United Kingdom, the European Parliament, and the UN to take emergency measures to prevent the transfer of nuclear weapons to Ukraine, Sputnik discovered on Wednesday after reviewing a draft appeal. Earlier»»»
Thirteen Iraqis killed in fiery crash near Fallujah
Thirteen Iraqis were killed and five others injured in a major traffic accident on the international highway near Fallujah, about 50km west of Baghdad, on Wednesday, local authorities said. Anbar’s Health Directorate said the emergency department at Fallujah Teaching Hospital received multiple casu»»»
U.S. Treasury Department sanctions ships, companies, people working with Iran - UPI.com
1 of 5 | French residents hold Iranian flags as they gather in support of the Iranian protests, in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris in January. The U.S. government sanctioned more than 30 businesses, vessels and people Wednesday for aiding Iran. File Photo by Maya Vidon-White/UPI | License Photo »»»
Colombia’s president formalizes request for constituent assembly - UPI.com
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has been the main advocate of the initiative to reform Colombia’s Constitution. He first raised the possibility of a constituent assembly nearly two years ago and revived the proposal in recent months. Photo by Ricardo Maldonado Rozo/EPA Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Colombian »»»
Yungblud festival goes international, but not everyone's convinced
Rock singer Yungblud is taking his music festival BludFest abroad, but the move has split fans. The third edition of the event is going to take place in the Czech Republic in June, after being held in Milton Keynes for the past two years. Some fans told BBC Newsbeat they are glad festival-goers in »»»
Sharjah announces two-day closure of key exit
Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority announced on social media today, Feb 25, that as part of the ongoing Etihad Rail infrastructure works, the exit coming from Maliha Road West towards Dubai Emirates Road will be closed for two days, starting from midnight on Saturday, Feb 28, until 5am on Monday»»»
UAE Stands with Türkiye: Condolences Over Military Aircraft Crash
The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity and sincere condolences to the Republic of Türkiye following the crash of a military aircraft, which resulted in the martyrdom of the pilot. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to»»»
Pope Leo to make his first papal trip to Africa in April - UPI.com
1 of 5 | Pope Leo XIV delivers on the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica the Urbi et Orbi message on Christmas Day in Vatican City. The pope will visit Africa in April. File Photo by Stefano Spaziani/UPI | License Photo Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Pope Leo XIV will make a 10-day trip through Africa visiting»»»
India’s Modi Visits Israel as US-Iran Tensions Mount
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday for a two-day visit that both countries have cast as a chance to deepen relations, as regional concerns mount over the risk of military conflict between the United States and Iran. In an address to the Israeli parliament, Modi told»»»
Doctor outlines four chronic disease categories in fasting risk classification
Doha, Qatar: The Primary Health Care Corporation reiterated the importance of individual medical assessments for patients with chronic diseases to determine their health capacity to fast during the remaining days of the holy month of Ramadan, particularly those with diabetes, heart, kidney, or resp»»»
Qatar participates in high-level segment of Conference on Disarmament
Geneva: The State of Qatar participated in the High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament held in Geneva. Qatar was represented at the event by Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva, Jawhara bint Abdulaziz Al Suwaidi. A»»»
Two Bears Complete Long Journey from Argentina Zoo to Belitsa Sanctuary in Bulgaria
Two bears from an Argentinian zoo successfully completed a long journey to the Belitsa bear sanctuary on Wednesday, to become the first bears ever flown from South America to Bulgaria, according to the Four Paws Foundation, which led the relocation project with support from Bulgarian and internatio»»»
Mexico threatens legal action against Musk
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced she is weighing a lawsuit against billionaire Elon Musk after he claimed she is controlled by drug cartels. Musk wrote the comment on Monday after Mexican authorities announced the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New»»»
Environment Day an opportunity to evaluate environmental work progress: Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Doha, Qatar: The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, HE Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie affirmed that Qatar Environment Day, observed annually on February 26, represents an opportunity to evaluate the progress of environmental work, review its priorities, and highlight the im»»»
US embassy to provide passport services at West Bank settlements
The US is preparing to start offering passport services in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank for the first time. A statement posted on Tuesday to the US embassy's X account said consular officers "will be providing routine passport services" to US citizens in the settlement of Efrat on »»»
Parliament Rejects President’s Veto on Election Code Revisions, Sparkling Intragroup Division
Parliament Wednesday rejected, 126-86 with 11 abstentions, President Iliana Iotova's veto on amendments to the Election Code, which limit to 20 the number of voting sections in Bulgarian elections in non-EU countries. The vote of the MPs from the Socialists' BSP - United Left group was critically i»»»
US slaps fresh sanctions on Iran on eve of Geneva talks, Hezbollah draws red lines
Dubai: The United States on Wednesday announced a new round of sanctions targeting Iran’s oil trade and weapons networks, intensifying what Washington calls its “maximum pressure” campaign even as Iranian negotiators travelled to Geneva for high-stakes nuclear talks. The US Treasury Department said»»»
18 Egyptians Missing after Deadly Boat Capsize Near Greece
Egypt said Wednesday that 18 of its citizens were still missing after a migrant boat capsized, killing four people, off the Greek island of Crete last week. The wooden boat was carrying 50 people, including four minors, when Greece's coast guard was alerted late Friday. Greek authorities then direc»»»
UAE expresses solidarity with Turkey over military aircraft crash
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity and sincere condolences to Turkey following the crash of a military aircraft, which resulted in the martyrdom of the pilot. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the f»»»
Geneva to Host US-Iran, US-Ukraine Talks on February 26 - Foreign Ministry
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Geneva will host US-Iran and US-Ukraine talks on February 26, and Swiss representatives will not participate in the meetings, Swiss Foreign Ministry Communications chief Nicolas Bidault told RIA Novosti on Wednesday. "Yes, that is correct," Bidault said, when asked if the confede»»»
Iraqi Justice Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: ISIS Prisoners Held at a Fortified Site, Escape Impossible
Iraqi Justice Minister Khaled Shwani told Asharq Al-Awsat that Iraq will not repatriate foreign prisoners affiliated with ISIS to their home countries if their involvement in crimes against Iraqi citizens is proven. He said a heavily fortified Iraqi prison currently holds thousands of ISIS members »»»
Driving Dubai-Sharjah while fasting? Expert warns of fatigue danger on the road
Long hours on the road while fasting during Ramadan can take a serious toll on drivers’ alertness, particularly during heavy traffic commutes such as the Sharjah-Dubai-Sharjah route, said UAE medical experts. Why fasting slows reaction timeDr Adel Al Sisi, Chief Medical Officer and Head of ICU at P»»»
Germany's Merz secures 120 aircraft Airbus deal in Beijing talks with Xi
China will buy up to 120 aircraft from European aviation giant Airbus, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said following talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday. Merz's visit comes as Berlin and Beijing seek to build on their decades-old economic ties to weather global uncertainty spa»»»
About Trump’s Complex Strategic Calculations on the Confrontation with Iran: Israeli Explainer
US President Donald Trump’s approach to a potential confrontation with Iran is driven by layered strategic calculations, senior researchers at the Zionist entity’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) found on Wednesday. In an article published in the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom on Wed»»»
Audit quality, a cornerstone for business success
In today’s complex business environment, the quality of an audit is more than a compliance requirement, it is a strategic asset. A good quality audit provides assurance that financial statements are accurate, supports tax and VAT compliance, fosters good governance practices, and empowers executive»»»
Ramadan staycations in UAE worth booking before suhoor
Ramadan in the UAE is a time for reflection, family and, let’s be honest, a well-timed reset. Whether you’re planning a desert retreat in Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter, a theme park-fuelled family break in Dubai or a beachfront golf escape in Ras Al Khaimah, there’s a staycation with your name on it. F»»»
West won’t deploy troops to Ukraine without Russian approval – Telegraph
Western European nations will not deploy troops to Ukraine without Russian consent, The Telegraph reported Tuesday, citing anonymous sources. The UK-French initiative to deploy troops to Ukraine has been promoted as a deterrent against Russia which could follow a potential peace deal. Russian Presi»»»
Egypt backs stability in South Sudan and urges Nile co-operation
Cairo: Egypt's foreign minister has reaffirmed Cairo's support for stability in South Sudan and called for closer co-operation among Nile Basin countries during talks with his South Sudanese counterpart in Cairo. Badr Abdelatty on Wednesday met Monday Semaya Kumba, who is currently visiting the Egy»»»
Why talent will define Abu Dhabi’s next decade of growth
Dubai: The UAE ended 2025 with clear evidence that economic diversification is no longer an ambition - it is a fact, and one that is occurring at an accelerated pace. Non-oil sectors continue to grow faster than the oil sector, and they now account for over 77 percent of GDP. This represents the hi»»»
US, Canada to Meet in Coming Weeks on Trade, Greer Says
US and Canadian trade officials spoke on Wednesday and plan to meet in coming weeks, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said, adding that the Trump administration was open to their ideas on how to reach an agreement, Reuters reported. "They have a few ideas on how they might want to have a deal»»»
Qatar participates in Arab meeting to adopt regional action plan for implementation of International Humanitarian Law 2026-2027
Cairo: Represented by the Ministry of Justice, the State of Qatar participated in the meeting of the Arab National Committees on International Humanitarian Law, which was dedicated to reviewing and adopting the final regional action plan for the application of International Humanitarian Law at the »»»
Bulgarian Town Pushes Back Against Government Refugee Center Plans
Simeonovgrad Municipality has formally opposed plans to construct a refugee center in the Bulgarian town. The proposal for the facility was approved last week during a Council of Ministers meeting, BGNES reported from Haskovo. Under the government’s decision, the State Agency for Refugees is to rec»»»
IAAPA and MENALAC to launch IAAPA MENA
IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has announced plans to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and North Africa with the launch of a new regional office and the creation of IAAPA MENA. The official launch will be celebrated during IAAPA Expo Middle East, with the new »»»
Samana Developers donates Dh15 million to Edge of Life campaign
Samana Developers has contributed Dh15 million to support the Edge of Life campaign to rescue five million children from hunger. Launched in Ramadan by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the campaign aims to raise a m»»»
Pope lines up trips to Central Africa, Algeria, Spain, Monaco
Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV will visit four African nations in April, the Vatican said Thursday, including Algeria -- the first time a pope will travel to the North African Muslim nation. The Vatican announced a series of international trips in the months ahead for the US pontiff, who was elected la»»»
New UK rules kick in, complicating travel for British dual nationals in UAE
Dubai: British citizens who also hold another nationality could be stopped from travelling to the UK from Wednesday under new border rules linked to the rollout of the country’s electronic travel authorisation system, complicating travel for British dual nationals in the UAE. Sign up for our daily »»»
No more UK visa stickers? What Pakistan travellers need to know
Dubai: Pakistani visitors heading to the UK — including those travelling from the UAE — can now use a new digital eVisa system instead of receiving a visa sticker in their passport, the British High Commission in Pakistan has announced. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.»»»
Dubai typing centre worker wins $1m in Dubai Duty Free draw
Dubai: An Indian expat from Kerala working at a Dubai typing centre has struck it rich, winning $1 million in the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw held at Concourse C of Dubai International Airport on Wednesday. Premadasan Makkalikkal, 47, won in Millennium Millionaire Series 537 »»»
‘Easy’ or ‘hard’? UAE students react to new CBSE Class 10 Science exam format
Students and educators across UAE schools have welcomed the revised pattern of the CBSE Class 10 Science examination, which for the first time introduced a strict section-wise split into Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Initial feedback suggests the paper was largely student-friendly, with most desc»»»
India’s Modi in Israel to ‘strengthen cooperation’
JERUSALEM Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday aimed at focusing on strengthening security, economic and technological cooperation between the two countries. The Indian leader stepped out of the plane beaming and descended the staircase to a big hug »»»
UK and French Elites Cynically Turning Europe Into Nuclear Testing Ground - Expert
The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said that the UK and France are preparing to transfer nuclear weapons to Ukraine. The UK and France’s plan to transfer atomic weapons to Ukraine is a blatant act of nuclear blackmail aimed at Russia, Alexander Stepanov, a military expert at the Institu»»»
Upgrades: Pakistan introduces major changes to ID cards, find out more
Dubai: In a landmark step toward a unified and digitally secure identity ecosystem, the Federal Government has formally upgraded Pakistan’s National Identity Card (NIC) and Pakistan Origin Card (POC) frameworks. The amendments introduce QR-based verification, enhanced biometric features, stronger f»»»
Petkovic meets with Sorensen
BELGRADE - The head of the Serbian government Office for Kosovo-Metohija Petar Petkovic met on Wednesday in Belgrade with the EU special envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Peter Sorensen and pointed out the scale of potential consequences for Serbs in the province in case Pristina started enf»»»