Hackers steal $2.5 mn from Sri Lanka finance ministry
Colombo, Sri Lanka: Cyber criminals hacked into the Sri Lankan finance ministry's computer system and siphoned off $2.5 million, the government said Thursday, the most amount of cash ever stolen by hackers from a state institution. The cyber attack is a major blow to Sri Lanka, which is recovering »»»
Syria’s economic prospects: priorities and challenges
Damascus, April 23 (SANA) After one year in power, Syria’s government is focusing on reintegrating the country into the global political and economic system, seeking to end decades of sanctions and isolation. While officials say the most difficult phase has passed, the country still faces deep stru»»»
S&P Warns African Sovereign Credit Rating Risks Likely to Worsen
S&P Global Ratings warned on Thursday that the risks to African sovereign credit scores were likely to worsen the longer the Middle East war drags on. The ratings agency said that higher fuel and fertilizer import costs would increase inflation and fiscal strains for countries, "potentially leading»»»
UAE flights disrupted: Where you can still travel today
Dubai: Air travel across the UAE continues to operate under strain nearly two months after the US-Israel-Iran conflict that erupted on February 28, with airlines relying on restricted air corridors, longer flight paths, and reduced schedules to maintain connectivity. The aviation sector has been am»»»
Salik partners with Valtrans to enable digital valet payments across UAE
Dubai: Dubai toll operator and DFM-listed Salik Company has signed a strategic agreement with Valtrans Transportation Systems and Services to roll out digital payment solutions for valet parking across more than 100 locations in the UAE. The partnership will allow customers to pay for valet service»»»
UAE crisis resilience sets global standard for stability
There is a unique sense of pride that comes from witnessing a nation transform challenges into a masterclass in stability. Over the past 50 days, as regional uncertainty dominated global headlines, I have watched the UAE once again demonstrate why it stands as a global standard for crisis managemen»»»
Five new sheep pox cases recorded in two weeks
Five new cases of the deadly livestock disease sheep pox have been recorded in the second fortnight of April, authorities said Thursday, while a total 486,666 animals have been culled since the epidemic started. The Rural Development ministry said 2,152 cases of sheep or goat pox have been recorded»»»
Indonesia Eyes Iran’s Strategy to Monetize Malacca Strait
Indonesia's Foreign Minister Purbaya Yudha Sadewa has floated copying Iran's tax on the Strait of Hormuz for ships sailing the Strait of Malacca—bordered by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Indonesia "is not a peripheral country. We sit on a strategic global trade and energy route. Ships pass wi»»»
Popovic, Grushko discuss further advancement of Serbia-Russia cooperation
BELGRADE - Serbian Minister for International Economic Cooperation Nenad Popovic met on Thursday in Belgrade with Russian Deputy FM Alexander Grushko, who is on an official visit to Serbia for a meeting of a Serbia-Russia intergovernmental committee on trade and economic and science and technical c»»»
UK agrees ban on cigarette sales for people born after 2008
London: Both chambers of Britain's parliament have approved a bill that would ban children aged 17 and under from buying cigarettes during their lifetime. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to stop anyone born after January 1, 2009 (now aged 17) from taking up smoking. Health minister Wes Streeting ca»»»
Gold Slips on Inflation Concerns as High Oil Prices and Stronger Dollar Weigh
Gold prices fell on Thursday, pressured by a stronger dollar and elevated oil prices that stoked inflation worries, as investors tried to assess the conflict direction from stalled US-Iran talks. Spot gold was down 0.9% at $4,696.71 per ounce, as of 1135 GMT. US gold futures for June delivery fell »»»
ADCB posts record Q1 profit as loan growth, diversification drive earnings
Dubai: Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank reported a record first-quarter profit, supported by strong lending growth, higher fee income and improved efficiency, as it navigated an evolving operating environment. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.Profit befor»»»
UAE to move 50% of government services to AI within two years
Dubai: The UAE will transform half of its government sectors, services and operations to autonomous artificial intelligence systems within two years, under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The major government shift was announced by His Highness Sheikh Mo»»»
Limited-edition gold coins inspired by UAE pride unveiled, supporting Dubai's Ferjan initiative
Dubai: Emirates Minting Factory has launched a limited-edition gold and silver coin collection in collaboration with Dubai Gold District, with proceeds set to benefit Ferjan Dubai, a social enterprise focused on community development across Dubai. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf »»»
After first disappearing, Hungarian minister Szijjártó speaks out, alleging foreign interference (11 days after the election)
Our weekly digest of Hungarian politics continues as we report on developments after the historic April election and on the formation of the Tisza government. This week we cover the following topics: After 10 days, outgoing foreign minister Péter Szijjártó has resurfaced. The newly-victorious Tisza»»»
Pentagon Says US Intercepted Majestic X Ship in Indian Ocean, Carrying Oil From Iran
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The US Armed Forces intercepted the Majestic X ship in the Indian Ocean, allegedly carrying oil from Iran, the Pentagon said on Thursday. "Overnight, U.S. forces carried out a maritime interdiction and right-of-visit boarding of the sanctioned stateless vessel M/T Majestic X tran»»»
Caution advised: Strong winds, dust and rain expected in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: Unsettled weather conditions featuring rain, thunder, and strong winds are expected to affect Qatar this weekend, stated the Qatar Meteorology Department. In its latest update on social media, the department stated that, today, Thursday, April 23, 2026, will see thundery rain accompani»»»
Fire breaks out aboard identity-fluid $8bn USS Zumwalt
Three sailors were injured after a fire broke out aboard USS Zumwalt while the stealth destroyer was sitting pierside at HII Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, undergoing a costly modernization meant to give the ship a whole new identity. One sailor was taken to a local hospital in st»»»
Trump says he is under 'no pressure' to bring an end to war with Iran - UPI.com
U.S. President Donald Trump insisted Wednesday there was no time pressure to end the war with Iran and no deadline for when American military action would resume in the absence of a deal, saying the Iranians were more fearful of the U.S. maritime blockade than they were of the bombing. Photo by Dan»»»
US-led Digital Neocolonialism Enslaves Millions Worldwide
While the colonialism of old involved “the looting of gold and silver and the ransacking of nations,” digital age neocolonialism is all about “forcing citizens and countries to use certain technology while extracting their personal data,” Facebook whistleblower and censorship expert Ryan Hartwig te»»»
What makes workplace stress dangerous? New report reveals nearly 900,000 deaths a year
Dubai: Workplace stress is no longer just a matter of fatigue or burnout. A new report by the United Nations' International Labour Organisation (ILO) has revealed that it is linked to nearly 900,000 deaths every year worldwide. The study entitled “The psychosocial working environment: Global develo»»»
Huge ancient statue possibly of Ramses II found by chance in Egypt
A massive granite statue discovered in Sharqia during residential excavation, believed to date to the era of Ramses II; transferred to San al-Hagar for examination and restoration near Tell el-Faraoun under strict legal supervision A massive ancient granite statue believed to date back to the era o»»»
Why viewers can’t ignore Anubhav Sinha’s disturbing thriller Assi out on Zee5
Dubai: Indian filmmaker Anubhav Sinha’s latest Hindi-language rape trial drama Assi is not an easy watch and it’s not meant to be. Starring Kani Kusruti, Tapsee Pannu, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, and Mohammed Zeeshan, the compelling and visceral courtroom procedural out on Zee5 now delves into sexua»»»
Cricket’s battle not to be overshadowed by the IPL
On April 25, the Indian Premier League will be halfway through its 19th edition. Coverage of it dominates the Indian-owned and based cricket media. Last week, Harsha Bhogle, one of its long-serving commentators and journalists, declared that the IPL “has to be one of the greatest sporting phenomena»»»
Iran war pushing more than 30 million back into poverty, UN development chief says
BANGKOK: More than 30 million people will be pushed back into poverty by the impacts of the Iran war including disruptions to fuel and fertilizer supplies just as farmers are planting crops, UN development chief Alexander De Croo said on Thursday. Fertilizer shortages — worsened by the blocking o»»»
Why trust in media matters most during times of crisis
At a forum celebrating powerful women, it was a man who chose to talk about the kind of leadership that rarely makes headlines. Speaking at the session Beyond the Headlines: A Trusted Voice in Times of Crisis, Mark Thompson, Editor-in-Chief of Gulf News, traced his understanding of leadership back »»»
Park Hotel Kyustendil Introduces New Therapies Aligned with Current Trends in Wellness Industry
Park Hotel Kyustendil offers opportunity for complete rest and recovery, due to its mineral water with proven therapeutic properties and its proximity to Hisarlaka Park. The hotel combines balneology traditions of the region with modern facilities and services focused on relaxation and health, Ange»»»
Nearly 180 migrants cross from Libya to Crete on Thursday
Authorities on Crete responded to three separate incidents involving nearly 180 migrants reaching the southern Aegean island by boat on Thursday morning, the state-run Athens Macedonian News Agency reported. The first incident involved a boat that was spotted by a Frontex EU border patrol vessel so»»»
New arrests for illegal power grid hookups
Seven people have been arrested for alleged power theft by illegally connecting their homes to the electricity grid following police raids on Roma camps in central Greece, authorities said Thursday. A police statement said Wednesday’s operation near Lamia was intended “to enhance the public’s feeli»»»
MOL plans to retain Pancevo refinery for long term if it acquires NIS
BUDAPEST - The Hungarian oil firm MOL said on Thursday it would retain the Pancevo oil refinery for the long term if it became the majority owner of the Serbian oil company NIS. MOL said the refinery had a very important strategic role in ensuring stable and uninterrupted energy supply. "MOL's obje»»»
Trump reportedly draws up NATO ‘naughty list’ after Iran war split
The White House has reportedly drawn up a NATO “naughty and nice” list, sorting member states into tiers as it considers how to reward countries that backed the US war against Iran and punish those that did not. According to Politico, the internal paper was prepared ahead of NATO Secretary General »»»
Ali Azaizeh shines for Al-Shabab to set international sights
BARCELONA: A feature of Jordan’s rise to footballing prominence over the past two years has been their fearsome attacking triumvirate. Stade Rennais’ Musa Al-Taamari might win all the plaudits but his partners in crime, Ali Olwan and Yazan Al-Naimat, scored the goals that delivered World Cup qualif»»»
Some 21.2% of Bulgaria's Population Lived below Poverty Line in 2025
In 2025, the national poverty line in Bulgaria was set at BGN 866.67 per person per month, with 1,368,700 people, or 21.2% of the population, living below it, according to data published on Thursday by the National Statistical Institute. Compared with the previous year, the poverty line increased b»»»
Moscow Contributing to Stabilizing Prices on Energy Markets Amid Hormuz Blockade - Kremlin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moscow is contributing to stabilizing prices on energy markets and minimizing the consequences of the crisis amid the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. "At the moment, you know, we are contributing to this price stabilization and »»»
US–Iran war clock: May 1 deadline puts Trump under pressure
As the United States edges closer to a critical May 1 deadline in its war with Iran, a decades-old law is quietly becoming one of the most consequential forces shaping the next phase of the conflict. Nearly eight weeks after Washington joined Israeli strikes against Iran, President Donald Trump fac»»»
GCC female workforce participation exceeds 39%, hits 7.3m
RIYADH: Female labor force participation across Gulf Cooperation Council countries climbed to 39.3 percent in 2025, as employment gains and falling joblessness signal steady progress in the region’s workforce diversification efforts. The number of employed women rose to 7.3 million in 2025 from 5.7»»»
The Israeli army is aware that Hezbollah carried out operations over the past two days but has not disclosed them publicly: Hebrew media - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe The Israeli army is aware that Hezbollah carried out operations over the past two days but has not disclosed them publicly: Hebrew media 23»»»
Haaretz: Prolonged War, Failing Command Drive Israeli Army Looting in South Lebanon
The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that regular and reserve soldiers in the Israeli army have been looting civilian property from homes and shops in southern Lebanon, with the knowledge of their commanders and without any prevention or accountability. Citing testimonies, the Israeli paper said »»»
US pushes Lebanon to rethink Israel Boycott law ahead of Washington talks
A new push in the US-backed diplomacy between Lebanon and Israel is beginning to take shape, with another round of talks expected in Washington later this week. According to Asharq News, sources say the US is preparing to press Lebanon to reconsider its law criminalizing contact with Israel, follow»»»
King Charles on US mission to bolster UK’s special relationship with royalist Trump
LONDON: Britain’s King Charles heads to the United States next week for the most high-profile trip of his reign so far, on a mission to shore up the future of the two allies’ “special relationship” which the Iran war has plunged to its lowest point in 70 years. The state visit marks the 250th anni»»»
Two men held in Germany suspected of sabotage plots
Berlin: German authorities said Thursday they had arrested a Ukrainian man and Latvian man on suspicion of planning acts of sabotage for a foreign organisation after "suspicious" items were found in their car. The men, aged 43 and 45, were found with fake identity documents, cameras, a drone, GPS t»»»
Catalin Albu (Publicis): “We are fundamentally changing our approach by moving from selling big ideas to an Outcome-First philosophy”
As part of BR’s new interview series with professionals in the Media & Marketing sector, we sat down with Catalin Albu, Associate Managing Director at Publicis Romania, and talked about the agency’s last year and the near future, AI implementation & trends, as well as what will impact the industry »»»
Ex-Philippine President to Face Trial on Crimes Against Humanity Charges
Judges at the International Criminal Court on Thursday confirmed crimes against humanity charges against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte for deadly anti-drugs crackdowns he allegedly oversaw while in office. A three-judge panel found unanimously there were “substantial grounds” to belie»»»
Egypt sets LE4 trillion revenue target in 2026/27 budget
Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk affirmed that the new fiscal year 2026/2027 budget aims to meet citizens’ basic needs, improve services, and support economic activity. During his presentation of the financial statement for the 2026/2027 draft budget before the House of Representatives on Wednesday,»»»
Lack of Young Professionals, Aging Infrastructure Among Most Pressing Challenges for Bulgaria’s Water Supply Sector
A shortage of young professionals, significant water losses, and aging infrastructure continue to be among the most pressing challenges for Bulgaria’s water supply sector, said Bulgarian Water Association Chair Ivan Ivanov on Thursday in Ruse during a professional competition for water utility empl»»»
Media Review: April 23
The results of the April 19 parliamentary elections and the resignation of acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov dominate Thursday’s news media. POLITICS & ELECTION RESULTS Dnevnik.bg has an article about the news members of Parliament who were elected on April 19. The 52nd National Assembly w»»»
Endowments ministry strengthens efforts to support human rights and empower people with disabilities
DOHA: As part of its firm commitment to human rights principles and its keenness to promote the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs continued to implement an integrated package of quality initiatives and programs, across its various»»»
Schneider Electric and Deloitte collaborate to drive AI-enabled digital transformation across industrial operations
Global energy technology leader Schneider Electric and Deloitte, a leading professional services organization, have announced a collaboration designed to help customers and clients — from manufacturers and industrial operators to data center and infrastructure leaders — modernize end-to-end process»»»
Organised crime turns UK mini-marts into drug trade hotspots
Dubai A shocking investigation by the BBC has uncovered how illegal drugs — including cocaine, cannabis, laughing gas and prescription pills — are being openly sold in mini-marts across UK High Streets, exposing what officials describe as a growing “cancer” of organised crime. Undercover reporters »»»
Al-Rahi says negotiations 'necessity not concession' after meeting Aoun
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi said Thursday that negotiations are a necessity, not a concession, after he met President Joseph Aoun in Baabda ahead of a second session of direct talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington. "Negotiations are the only path toward ending wars and destruction, »»»