A UN expert claimed Israel was systematically torturing Palestinians on a scale "that suggests collective vengeance and destructive intent", in a report released to media on Friday. Francesca Albanese, the UN's special rapporteur on the rights situation in the Palestinian territories occupied since»»»

Jinja, Uganda: Giggles and songs ripple across a field in rural eastern Uganda where elderly women swing cricket bats as a way to reshape what ageing, health and sports can look like in later life. The so-called "cricket grannies" are bound together by a growing love of a game they initially knew n»»»

A Russian drone attack on the city of Zaporizhzhia killed at least two people, a Ukrainian official said, ahead of expected US-Ukraine talks. Zaporizhzhia regional head Ivan Fedorov said a man and a woman were killed and two children wounded when a Russian drone hit a private house on Saturday morn»»»

Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has directed the Community Development Authority to replace the title “housewife” with “Generations Shaper”, in a symbolic m»»»

Two people were killed in a Russian drone attack on a home in the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, local authorities say. Two children, 11 and 15, were also injured in the attack which took place on the eve of new talks between Ukrainian and American negotiators in the US. Negotiations on ending the»»»

Dubai: The Filipino Social Club (Filsoc) in Dubai is set to host a special gift-giving programme on March 22. Titled as “Filsoc Free Diaper Gifts,” the initiative aims to recognise the everyday sacrifices of mothers within the community. “It is a time to honour the incredible strength of mothers. W»»»

Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that mothers are a source of lasting strength for the nation and society. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app now - it's completely free. Click here for Apple or here for Android. You »»»

Dozens of models with Down syndrome strutted down a catwalk at a fashion show in Romania’s capital for an evening celebrating style, “atypical beauty” and courage to mark World Down Syndrome Day. The SEEN Anonymous Seamstresses Gala in Bucharest brought together designers from across the country, w»»»

Dubai: What started as a modest gathering of motorcycling enthusiasts has evolved into one of the UAE’s much-anticipated multi-club biking events, drawing hundreds of riders united by both passion and purpose. Amid the current geopolitical situation, the fourth edition of the “Biker Buddies Eid Bro»»»

Doha, Qatar: Hotels across Doha are experiencing a notable surge in bookings for Eid Al Fitr holidays amidst ongoing tensions in the region, as citizens and residents increasingly opt for local staycations rather than travelling abroad. Industry experts say the combination of time off, competitive »»»

Doha: The General Directorate of Endowments at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs launched the Joy of Eid initiative to celebrate Eid Al Fitr by distributing 5,000 gifts to children across 20 major Eid prayer mosques in different areas of Qatar. The initiative aims to spread happiness a»»»

Doha, Qatar: Eid celebrations across Qatar are unfolding in a spirit of resilience and unity, as citizens and residents come together to observe the festive occasion despite the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions. Eid prayers, held indoors yesterday at designated venues such as the Education Cit»»»

Head of State Sadyr Japarov will arrive in Naryn region today on a one-day working visit, his press service announced. As part of the visit, the president will take part in ceremonial events dedicated to Nooruz, an ancient holiday symbolizing the spring renewal, unity of the people, and the continu»»»

From one studio to another, Chuck Norris turned discipline into legend – a martial arts champion who became the iron-jawed face of "Walker, Texas Ranger" and a larger-than-life cultural myth. He died Thursday at 86. Chuck Norris, the martial arts grandmaster and action star whose roles in “Wal»»»

A court in France has sentenced jihadist Sabri Essid for his part in "the genocide perpetrated by the Islamic State group" against Iraq's Yazidi minority, in the first French trial of its kind. Essid is presumed to have been killed in 2018, but without proof of his death he was tried and convicted »»»

It's Saturday night in Tbilisi. A crowd is gathering outside the city's State Concert Hall, chatting among themselves. For some, the gathering offers a brief respite from the exhaustion of prolonged demonstration. For others, it is an act of defiance against a government that opposition figures, We»»»

ABU DHABI: Public parks across Abu Dhabi have transformed into vibrant hubs of cultural exchange as citizens, residents, and tourists gather to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr. These green spaces currently reflect the emirate's social vitality, hosting a rich tapestry of traditions and languages that undersc»»»

When her seven-year-old daughter was told to learn a poem about Russia's "glorious army" for a school event, Nina from Moscow thought it was too much. She has struggled to shield her daughter from an ever-increasing number of "patriotic" activities and lessons. That ramping up of war propaganda dir»»»

The White House Friday released a legislative framework for artificial intelligence. File Photo by Fazry Ismail/EPA March 20 (UPI) -- The White House released a new legislative framework for artificial intelligence creating a federal policy to prevent states from making their own laws about it. "Th»»»

Tributes have been pouring in from around the world to US martial artist and Hollywood action star Chuck Norris, who died aged 86. "He may have a warrior exterior, but his heart was so full of love," his daughter Danilee Norris said. Swedish actor and martial artist Dolph Lundgren - who starred alo»»»

Dubai: Dubai Miracle Garden has updated its free entry policy from March 21 to help manage large visitor numbers at the popular attraction. The move is aimed at improving crowd control and ensuring visitor safety. In a statement, a park official said the free entry offer has been withdrawn due to h»»»

The State Agency for Child Protection (SACP) urged adults on its website not to involve children in political campaigning, as the upcoming snap election campaign marked its official start on March 20. "Children's rights and best interest are every adult's responsibility," said SACP Chairperson Teod»»»

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a message on the occasion of the Persian calendar New Year. In a message on Friday, Ayatollah Khamenei congratulated both the Eid of Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr, which have coincided this year, to the Iranian nation and to the»»»

By Wade SheridanMuslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Muslims offer prayers as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr outside a mosque in Cairo, Egypt, on March 20, 2026. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI License photo | Permali»»»

A pregnant Syrian woman and her five young children died when a fire ripped through containers housing agricultural workers near the southwestern Antalya resort, the governor and media reports said Friday. DHA news agency said the 27-year-old mother was seven months pregnant, with her husband fight»»»

Doha, Qatar: The General Directorate of Endowments at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs launched the Joy of Eid initiative to celebrate Eid Al Fitr by distributing 5,000 gifts to children across 20 major Eid prayer mosques in different areas of Qatar. The initiative aims to spread happ»»»

PRESS REVIEW – Friday, March 20: Donald Trump is turning to "online diplomacy" to defend his actions in Iran and lambast his critics on Truth Social. The Times of London looks at how Monica Witt, a US servicewoman-turned-spy for Iran, could play a crucial role in the war. Also: a Belgian court»»»

Happiness, and then some. Across the UAE, Eid Al Fitr is unfolding in moments both simple and celebratory, as families and friends come together to mark the occasion in their own ways. Dubai-based Anas can’t keep the joy out of his voice as he shares his plans. “There’s a lot of joy today,” he says»»»

The first day of Eid brought smiles, laughter, and togetherness to residents across the UAE. Families and friends enjoyed the waterfront, children played in open spaces, and community members shared greetings and sweets. From the morning prayers to the festive gatherings at Buhaira Corniche, the fi»»»

Forced by yet another war in Lebanon to flee his home for the second time in just two years, and mourning lost relatives and friends, Hassan Kiki said he feels much older than 16. "War has aged us... We have lived through what no one else has," the tall teen from south Lebanon told AFP in Beirut. "»»»

For three millennia, nothing has stopped the Persian New Year, called Nowruz. Not the Arab conquest of Persia in the seventh century, not the Mongol destruction of entire cities, not the eight-year war with Iraq, not the Islamist revolutionary fervour of 1979. Every March, Iranians celebrate, »»»

Forced by yet another war in Lebanon to flee his home for the second time in just two years, and mourning lost relatives and friends, Hassan Kiki said he feels much older than 16. "War has aged us... We have lived through what no one else has," the tall teen from south Lebanon told AFP in Beirut. "»»»

DOHA: GCC National Human Rights Institutions held an emergency meeting yesterday to discuss the Iranian attacks on the Gulf states and their repercussions on the human rights situation. The meeting, convened at the initiative of the Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), was attended by re»»»

In 2025, Allianz-Țiriac paid nearly RON 1.7 billion to insured clients and third-party claimants in compensation for covered events, 12.7% more than in 2024. On each working day of the past year, around 900 customers benefited from insurance coverage, with Allianz-Țiriac covering their costs. Total»»»

Eid Mubarak. I hope you and your loved ones are safe and well in these unprecedented times. This is definitely a holiday with a difference. No-one in the UAE has asked for or wants this uncertainty, but perhaps it reinforces what is so special at this time of year: Being with loved ones, enjoying t»»»

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, performed the Eid Al Fitr prayer on Friday at Sharjah Mosque. Also Read: Sharjah ruler receives Eid Al Fitr well-wishersThis came in the presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Cr»»»

Dubai: As Eid 2026 arrives, many UAE residents are embracing a quieter, more meaningful way of celebrating, one that is shaped by reflection, resilience, and a deep sense of gratitude to the country they call their second home. Across communities, the focus has shifted from large gatherings to inti»»»

Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that the UAE will continue to advance towards a peaceful and prosperous future, through its strength, resilience, and the loyalty and unity of its people. In a statement published on his official X account, Sheikh Moh»»»

Giggles and songs ripple across a field in rural eastern Uganda where elderly women swing cricket bats as a way to reshape what ageing, health and sports can look like in later life. The so-called "cricket grannies" are bound together by a growing love of a game they initially knew nothing about bu»»»

Dubai’s Event Security Committee have finalised their comprehensive security arrangements for the Eid Al Fitr holiday, following a coordination meeting chaired by Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs and Chairman of the Events Security Committee»»»

On March 20, 1995, 12 people were killed, and more than 5,000 made ill in a nerve-gas attack on the Tokyo subway system. A 13th victim died a day later and a 14th in 2008. 1 of 7 | A photo taken on June 16, 1995, shows Aum Shinrikyo cult founder Shoko Asahara (C, back), born Chizuo Matsumoto, being»»»

Israel launched a new wave of strikes on Tehran on Friday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran was being "decimated", and as Gulf nations faced a fresh set of attacks. The Iranian capital, under near daily bombardment since a joint US-Israeli attack started the war on February 28, was »»»

President Iliana Iotova extended her greetings to Bulgarian Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, the President’s press office announced on Friday. “In today’s divided and conflict-ridden world, the tradition of Eid al-Fitr reminds us of the power of sharing, compassion, and a helping hand. It re»»»

At a campaign rally in Dunaújváros, Prime Minister Orbán said the upcoming election will decide whether Hungary can remain outside the war, protect its economic achievements, and preserve national sovereignty. Reflecting on the past four years, the prime minister argued that Hungary’s stability—fro»»»

Residents across the UAE were seen exchanging warm Eid Al Fitr greetings, visiting family and friends, and celebrating the festive occasion with joy and togetherness. From mosques to neighbourhoods, the spirit of Eid was visible everywhere, with communities coming together safely to mark the end of»»»

In the early hours of Friday, residents across the UAE gathered at mosques to offer Eid Al Fitr prayers, marking the end of Ramadan and the start of festive celebrations. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app now - it's completely free. Click here for Apple or here fo»»»

Since 2015 and the outbreak of war between the Houthis, who control the north of Yemen, and the internationally recognised government in the south, the country's education system has been steadily collapsing. According to UNICEF, nearly 4 million Yemeni children are currently out of school, amounti»»»

A Paris appeals court on Thursday rejected a bid by the French government to suspend Chinese e-commerce platform Shein after a consumer watchdog found items listed for sale on the site including sex dolls resembling children and banned weapons. The government request went to appeal after being deni»»»

A Yazidi woman held as a sex slave by the Islamic State (IS) group recounted her harrowing ordeal before a French court Thursday, detailing her abduction, repeated rapes and forced sales. The trial of French jihadist Sabri Essid, prosecuted in absentia for genocide and crimes against humanity, mark»»»

⁠The Iranian women's ​football team crossed the Turkish border into Iran on Wednesday to complete a fraught ​return journey from Australia, after five members withdrew asylum claims they had lodged there. The Iranian women's football team, whose plight has become embroiled in the Middle East war, r»»»