Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends in green at 10,985
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Wednesday, gaining 3.26 points, or 0.03 percent, to close at 10,985.56. The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR5.30 billion ($1.41 billion), as 119 of the listed stocks advanced, while 135 retreated. The MSCI Tadawul Index also»»»
Latvian PM candidate warns current spending is unsustainable
Latvia’s prime ministerial candidate Andris Kulbergs says the country’s budget must be urgently reassessed amid mounting economic pressures, warning that current spending levels are unsustainable, Latvia’s national broadcaster LSM.lv reported on May 19. A drone crash in Latvia triggered the resigna»»»
Hungary aims to revive V4 cooperation, Peter Magyar says in first foreign trip to Poland
Hungary wants to revive and strengthen the Visegrad Group cooperation based on the long-standing friendship between Hungary and Poland, Prime Minister Peter Magyar said in Krakow on May 19, after his delegation arrived in Krakow. In the campaign, Magyar said his first official visit would lead»»»
Qatar and European Union hold talks on energy cooperation
DOHA: The State of Qatar and the European Union have discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector during high-level virtual talks held on Wednesday. Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi met European Union's Commissioner for Energy and Housing HE Dan Jor»»»
Amir sends condolences to Amir of Kuwait
DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sent a cable of condolences to HH Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, following the death of Sheikh Mohammed Faisal Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Malek Al Sabah.»»»
Germany: The shoemaker reshaping a traditional craft
Felix Pauschinger FrankfurtRichard is a custom shoemaker in Frankfurt and embodies a new vision of craftsmanship: sustainable, modern and personal. He talks about his journey to becoming a shoemaker and why a good pair of shoes can last a lifetime. https://p.dw.com/p/5D5plAdvertisementIn Frankfurt,»»»
EU takes steps to ratify the Turnberry Agreement on trade with U.S. - UPI.com
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers a keynote address at the European Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Children in Copenhagen, Denmark, May 12. Von der Leyen and President Donald Trump made a trade agreement in July at Turnberry, Scotland, and the EU on Tuesday began th»»»
UAE's Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 dispatches urgent humanitarian aid aircraft carrying 100 tonnes to Gaza
Dubai: A new UAE humanitarian aid aircraft departed this morning from Al Maktoum International Airport bound for Al Arish city in the Arab Republic of Egypt, in preparation for the delivery of its cargo into the Gaza Strip. The mission forms part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 and comes within th»»»
Tunisia marks World Metrology Day
Tunis, May 20 (TAP) - Tunisia is observing Wednesday World Metrology Day placed this year under the theme: "Building Trust in Policy Making" to shed light on the role which the science of measurement plays in devising policies...»»»
Interior Ministry Reports Results of Nationwide Special Police Operation
Fentanyl, other high-risk narcotic substances, and precursors for their production were seized by police during a special operation ordered by Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev a week ago, the Ministry said on Wednesday. Seized items included 1.78 kg of fentanyl, 9.27 kg of green plant material an»»»
Pressure mounts at United Nations for climate change ‘lifeline’
UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday considers a resolution reinforcing states’ obligations to combat climate change, a long-awaited move toned down under pressure from major greenhouse gas emitters. “We can’t take any more disaster and destruction. We all have a right t»»»
QIA, COFIDES launch joint investment fund to support Spain's green, digital transition
Doha Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and COFIDES, Spain's state-owned financial institution, announced an agreement to establish a joint EUR 300 million investment fund to invest in strategic projects across Spain, with a particular focus on financing the green transition, digital transformation a»»»
Vucic: Serbia to enable foreign students to get citizenship and work here
BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced on Wednesday Serbia would make it possible for foreign students to obtain Serbian citizenship to enable them to stay and work in the country after completing their studies. "I will do my best to ensure we enable those who have studied for seve»»»
Ajman ruler pardons 230 inmates ahead of Eid Al Adha
His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has ordered the release of 230 inmates who have demonstrated good conduct during their sentences in punitive and corrective institutions in the emirate, on the occasion of Eid Al Adha. This humanitarian gest»»»
Dubai Police honours 1,921 officers, staff in major Q1 awards ceremony
Dubai: Dubai Police honoured 1,921 employees and 28 work teams from police stations across the emirate for outstanding performance during the first quarter of 2026, recognising achievements in criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, administrative excellence and specialised police services. T»»»
Indonesia urges businesses to tap into Saudi market opportunities under Vision 2030
JAKARTA: The Indonesian government is urging local businesses to seize opportunities emerging under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and expand the presence of their products, especially consumer goods, in the Kingdom’s market. President Prabowo Subianto and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman agreed »»»
REVIEW: ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ has lots to offer on the big screen, but still feels hollow
DUBAI: With “Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu,” director Jon Favreau delivers a film that is undeniably charming on the surface. It is packed with adorable Grogu reaction shots, new creatures to enjoy, familiar and new planets, and just enough nostalgia to remind audiences why the galaxy far, far»»»
DR Congo Ebola risk high regionally, low worldwide: WHO
GENEVE: The deadly Ebola outbreak raging in central Africa probably began several months ago, the World Health Organization said Wednesday, deeming the risk high in the region but low worldwide. WHO experts said that investigations were under way into the origins of the outbreak, which was declared»»»
Cate Blanchett unveils Displacement Film Fund winners
DUBAI: Cate Blanchett returned to the Cannes Film Festival this week to unveil the second cohort of filmmakers selected for the Displacement Film Fund, a global initiative supporting stories shaped by migration, exile and forced displacement. The Oscar-winning actor and UNHCR Global Goodwill Ambass»»»
Tunisia lifts ban on prominent rights group
TUNIS: Tunisian authorities have lifted a ban on the local branch of prominent international NGO Avocats Sans Frontieres, the branch said on Wednesday without providing further details on the measure. ASF said in a statement it was “resuming activities starting May 20” after the ban, imposed on May»»»
Saudi minister visits tech firms in Jeddah to advance digital economy push
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha visited Salla and Classera in Jeddah as part of the ministry’s efforts to support the growth of national technology companies and enable smart solutions for key sectors, including Hajj and Umrah services. »»»
Watchdog urges release of journalists detained on Gaza-bound flotilla
LONDON: The Committee to Protect Journalists has urged Israeli authorities to immediately release journalists detained aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. Israeli forces began intercepting vessels from the flotilla in international waters near Cyprus on Monday, as the convoy attempted to r»»»
Iran ‘prefers diplomacy’ but if there’s a war, Tehran says it’s ready
Iran and the US traded threats as President Donald Trump warned of renewed strikes a day after he said he held off a major assault in hopes of a peace deal. Reporting from Tehran, FRANCE 24’s Reza Sayah says Iranian officials have maintained their position that “they prefer diplomacy. They don't se»»»
Race to contain ebola outbreak in war-torn DRC where weak infrastructure hampers response
Annette Young welcomes Julie Drouet, DRC Director for Action Against Hunger. She offers a sobering assessment of the early Ebola outbreak response in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Speaking from the frontline of a rapidly evolving health emergency, Drouet describes a humanitarian »»»
Spotlight - 'Crony capitalism and oligarchy': 'Remarkable correlation' between Adani's rise & Modi’s ascendancy
François Picard is pleased to welcome Paranjoy Guha-Thakurta, an Indian journalist, investigative author and filmmaker. He offers a sweeping critique of the nexus between oligarchic wealth, political power and weakened institutional accountability in contemporary India. Drawing on the allegations s»»»
DB Files Complaint with General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime on Peevski's Trips to Dubai, Public Procurement Influence
Democratic Bulgaria (DB) filed a complaint with the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDCOC), providing information that raises reasonable suspicion of possible improper influence in the awarding and execution of public contracts. The reason for the report is Delyan Peevski’s frequ»»»
Amir appoints President of Real Estate Regulatory Authority
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani issued on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Amiri Decree No. 25 of 2026, appointing HE Mohammed bin Hassan Al Malki as President of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority. The decision is effective starting its date of issue and is to be published in th»»»
Qatar and European Union hold talks on energy cooperation
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar and the European Union have discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector during high-level virtual talks held on Wednesday. Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi met HE Dan Jorgensen, the European Union's Commissioner for »»»
Bulgaria’s Justice Minister Moves to Fire Registry Agency Head Over “Shocking Practices”
Justice Minister Nikolay Naydenov announced that he has proposed the dismissal of Daniela Miteva as head of Bulgaria’s Registry Agency following what he described as years of “shocking and unacceptable practices” inside one of the country’s most sensitive administrative institutions. Speaking after»»»
BIRD.bg: Liechtenstein Files Allegedly Expose Peevski Financial NetworkOpinions
Investigative outlet BIRD.bg has published what it says are previously unseen official documents from the Financial Intelligence Unit of Liechtenstein, outlining an alleged complex financial structure involving concealed ownership and cross-border transactions. The reports reportedly place Bulgaria»»»
Bulgaria Is Overheating From Debt-Fueled Consumption, Not Real Growth, Economist SaysOpinions
Georgi Angelov, chief economist at the Institute for Market Economics, has warned that Bulgaria’s current economic expansion is being driven less by productive capacity and investment and more by a rapid increase in borrowing and household consumption, creating what he described as a risk of overhe»»»
Leader Marks Second Martyrdom Anniversary of Iran’s Raisi, Hails “School of Service and Resistance”
Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran Ayatollah Sayyed Mujtaba Khamenei issued a message on Wednesday marking the second martyrdom anniversary of former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, describing the occasion as a reminder of a long line of officials who “served the country with sincerity and w»»»
Oil, gold and global markets volatile amid uncertainty over Iran conflict
Capitals, May 20 (SANA) Oil prices, gold and global stock markets fluctuated this week as investors assessed uncertainty surrounding the conflict involving Iran, the security of the Strait of Hormuz and the outlook for inflation and interest rates. The S&P 500 closed down 0.1% on Monday, while the »»»
RTA Dubai launches AI powered marine network and here is everything commuters need to know
Dubai: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is transforming how it manages marine public transport through the expansion of its Seasonal Network initiative, a data-driven framework that uses artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to dynamically adapt services in response to shiftin»»»
Government Approves Draft EU-Mexico Strategic Partnership Agreement
At its regular meeting on Wednesday, the Council of Ministers endorsed the EU-Mexico Modernised Global Agreement (MGA), officially known as the Strategic Partnership Agreement on Political Affairs, Economic Relations and Cooperation. The deepening of EU-Mexico partnership would bring long-term bene»»»
Qatar Media Cooperation chairman meets ambassador of UK
DOHA: Chairman of Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) HE Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani met on Wednesday with Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the State of Qatar HE Neerav Patel. During the meeting, they discussed relations between the two countries in the media fields and ways to support and develo»»»
Qatar and Italy discuss regional security and efforts to reduce escalation
ROME: The State of Qatar and the Italian Republic have held high-level talks focusing on bilateral cooperation and regional security, including efforts to maintain the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and reduce tensions across the Middle East. Minister of State at the Ministry of Forei»»»
Abu Dhabi unveils Dh2 billion plan for sustainable city
Abu Dhabi-based BILDCO and Wujod Real Estate Development have signed a strategic partnership agreement to develop a large-scale sustainable urban community in Abu Dhabi, with first-phase investments estimated at Dh2 billion. The planned development will span an initial area of 10 million square met»»»
Dubai deploys 1,642 patrols to keep Eid celebrations safe
Dubai : With 1,642 security patrols, two helicopters, 160 ambulatory points and 208 Civil Defence vehicles deployed across the emirate, Dubai’s Event Security Committee has completed preparations to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow during the Eid Al Adha holidays. Major General Saif Muhair Al »»»
Cabinet Greenlights Transit of Industrial Gas Turbines to Russia for Caspian Pipeline Consortium
The government approved on Wednesday a draft decision to grant a derogation from Regulation (EU) No. 833/2014. This authorizes the transit of industrial gas turbines from the UK through the territory of Bulgaria to the Russian Federation, intended for the Russian section of the Caspian Pipeline Con»»»
Former Agriculture Minister Reports Suspected Illegal Logging in Smolyan
The Smolyan District Prosecutor’s Office has received an alert for illegal logging within the municipality’s territory, spokesperson Stancho Stanchev told BTA on Wednesday. The complaint was submitted by former acting Agriculture Minister Ivan Hristanov and forwarded by the Supreme Cassation Prosec»»»
Hezbollah says fierce resistance in Haddatha forced Israeli troops to retreat
Hezbollah said Wednesday its fighters were engaged in clashes with a force of Israeli soldiers that repeatedly tried to advance from the southern border town of Rshaf towards Haddatha. The group said in a statement that the Israeli force had tried to enter Haddatha three times in one week amid fier»»»
Qatar and Italy discuss regional security and efforts to reduce escalation
Rome: The State of Qatar and the Italian Republic have held high-level talks focusing on bilateral cooperation and regional security, including efforts to maintain the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and reduce tensions across the Middle East. Minister of State at the Ministry of Forei»»»
Vucic: Talks with MOL not going well, I am hoping for understanding from OFAC
BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday talks with Hungary's MOL about its acquisition of a Russian majority stake in the Serbian oil company NIS were not going well and that he was not too optimistic about a deal being reached by May 22 - a deadline set by the US Office of »»»
Colliers report highlights steady growth across UAE real estate sector
A report issued by Colliers, the diversified professional services and investment management company, on the performance of the UAE real estate market during the first quarter of 2026, revealed that the sector has entered a new phase of balanced and sustainable growth following the exceptional mome»»»
Nikoloski: Ryanair terms are impossible
Skopje, 17 May 2026 (MIA) — Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski said Sunday that the terms proposed by budget airline Ryanair to enter the Macedonian market were unrealistic. Nikoloski said the carrier requested a subsidy of EUR 25 per seat, which is more than double w»»»
Britain eases new sanctions on Russian oil as fuel prices surge over Iran war
The U.K. government has delayed some new sanctions on Russian oil in an effort to shelter Britons from the cost-of-living squeeze triggered by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the Iran war. A trade license that came into effect Wednesday permits the import of Russian oil that has be»»»
Italian PM says Israel's treatment of Gaza flotilla activists 'unacceptable'
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni slammed as "unacceptable" the treatment of Gaza flotilla activists detained by Israel, after an Israeli minister posted a video of them bound and forced to kneel. "It is intolerable that these protesters, among whom there are many Italian citizens, are subjecte»»»