Protecting the protectors: racing to save Philippine mangroves
Masbate, Philippines: Standing knee-deep in coastal waters, environmentalist Andrea Pimentel guides workers as they drive bamboo poles into the seabed to block sediment from choking the tidal channel sustaining a mangrove forest. Mangroves are a key natural defence against storm surges and coastal »»»
US-Iran war reignites: What you need to know this morning (July 9, 2026)
A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran appeared to collapse Thursday after Washington launched its largest military operation since the truce, striking about 90 military and strategic targets across Iran while Tehran retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. interests»»»
New Zealand may join Australia-Fiji defense pact: PM Luxon
WELLINGTON: New Zealand is considering joining a defense alliance signed by Australia and Fiji, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Thursday. The Ocean of Peace Alliance elevated Fiji to one of Australia’s few treaty allies and binds each nation to come to the other’s “mutual defense.” The pact c»»»
How a Palestinian town is defending itself from Israeli settler attacks
SINJIL: On a cool night in June, some 15 Palestinians from the town of Sinjil in the occupied West Bank gathered on a hilltop to watch the shadowed valleys below for any sign of movement that might signal an impending Israeli settler attack. They are part of a grassroots volunteer group — similar »»»
Wider war threatens as Iran says it struck U.S. bases - UPI.com
Hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered for the funeral procession carrying the coffins of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during a mass funeral march near Azadi Square in Tehran on Monday. Photo by Behnam Tofighi/UPI | License Photo July 9 (UPI) -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Cor»»»
Irish EU presidency should sit out talks on tax and digital files over ‘over conflicts of interest’, academics say
The Irish EU presidency should recuse itself from any legislative files on tax because of its “questionable track record regarding the protection of EU digital rights and the EU’s fiscal base,” a group of 60 leading academics urged on Wednesday (8 July). In a letter seen by EUobserver, the group of»»»
CENTCOM announces strikes on approximately 90 military targets in Iran
Washington: The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Thursday that it targeted nearly 90 Iranian military targets. An additional round of strikes against Iran was carried out last night, with the aim of further degrading its ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM s»»»
Geekay Group accelerates global esports ambitions with ten qualifications for the Esports World Cup 2026
Geekay Group, one of the Middle East's leading gaming and entertainment companies, today announced a major milestone in its esports journey as Geekay Esports secured qualification across ten titles for the Esports World Cup 2026. The achievement marks another significant step in Geekay Group's long»»»
Parliament to Hold Second Reading of Credit Institutions Act Amendments
Bulgaria's Parliament will hold a second reading of amendments to the Credit Institutions Act on Thursday as the first item on its agenda. The government-proposed amendments transpose two EU directives into national legislation. They introduce new sanctions that may be imposed on banks and financia»»»
Build it and they will come: V4 construction grows, but not all can keep up
The construction industry of the Visegrád countries (V4) is expected to continue growing, though each country faces different challenges. In Hungary, the sector’s development continues to be shaped by a lack of orders, while in the other three Visegrád countries the main constraint is capacity bott»»»
Trump’s plan for a triumphal arch in the nation’s capital is getting another review
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump’s plans to build a skyline-altering arch in the nation’s capital is getting another review from the federal commission whose approval he needs, but the agency’s staff says the project should be revised before it gets the go-ahead. The National Capital Planning Com»»»
An Italian region defies US pressure to end a Cuban doctors program
POLISTENA: Italy’s southern Calabria region is the rare place in Europe where Cuba sends medical professionals under a long-running program that the United States wants to stamp out. Cuba’s doctors for decades have worked in developing nations such as Gambia and Venezuela, skilled in providing care»»»
Inherited fiscal chaos: new government says true deficit hit 8.3%
This year's budget inventory has been completed; according to the schedule, the new deficit target will be set at the end of August and a comprehensive legislative amendment covering 2026 will be submitted, while the 2027 budget and a medium-term fiscal plan will be submitted by the end of October,»»»
Vitézy restores rail data his predecessor banned to hide delays
Real-time delay data is now available on a map in the MÁVPlusz application, Transport and Investment Minister Dávid Vitézy announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday. He stressed that they are continuing to restore to the public the railway information that had been banned by János Lázár, and to dev»»»
Russia Warns NATO Strategists to 'Stop and Think' Before Leading World to Disaster
NATO's existential confrontation with Russia is driving Europe toward resource depletion and military escalation, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has warned, urging alliance strategists to reconsider their course before it leads to global disaster. Speaking about the NATO summi»»»
Trump Links US Troop Presence in Europe to Greenland Outcome
President Donald Trump has signaled that the future of American military deployments in Europe will depend in part on the outcome of territorial negotiations over Greenland, linking US security commitments to the strategic status of the Danish territory. US President Donald Trump said that he had n»»»
Up to 47°C, then fog? UAE weather takes another turn next week
Dubai: Partly cloudy skies, fresh winds and milder sea conditions are expected across the UAE on Thursday, while humidity is set to build overnight in the coming days, bringing an increased chance of fog and mist in some coastal and internal areas early next week. According to the National Center o»»»
CENTCOM Confirms US Conducted Additional Strikes Against Iran
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the United States conducted additional strikes against Iran. Earlier in the day, Axios reported, citing a US official, that the United States was striking Iranian military targets in the Strait of Hormuz. "At the direction of the Commander in Chief, U»»»
US launches new strikes on Iran, Trump says they could get 'much worse'
The US military launched a new round of strikes against Iran on Wednesday, following President Donald Trump's assertion that the fragile ceasefire between the two countries was over. Trump warned that the attacks could get "much worse" if Iran perpetrated further attacks on ships in the Strait of H»»»
Philippines speeds up rooftop solar rollout with simpler rules, faster approvals — no need for Barangay permit — how it may work for you
Manila: The Philippine government has rolled out sweeping reforms aimed at making rooftop solar installations faster, cheaper and easier for households. The move forms part of the government's drive to ramp up renewable energy adoption and reduce electricity costs for consumers. And there's no need»»»
Trump tells Congress he intends to lift Syria's terrorism designation - UPI.com
President of Syria Ahmed al-Sharaa meets with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., on November 10, 2025. Trump on Wednesday announced that he was removing Syria from the state sponsor of terrorism list. File Photo by Syrian Presidency/UPI | License Photo July 8 (UPI) -- Pr»»»
Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait issue early morning warnings; Qatar later declares all clear
Doha, Qatar: Authorities in Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait issued warnings in the early hours of Thursday, July 9, 2026. In an alert sent to mobile phones at around 4am, authorities urged people to stay indoors, away from glass windows and avoid going outside. This was followed by a second message infor»»»
IRGC Aerospace site in Bushehr goes in flames following US strikes on Iranian targets
A massive fire was reported at a facility belonging to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force in Bushehr province after the United States launched a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets overnight, according to widely circulated videos and open-source intelli»»»
‘You give me a wall, and I’ll build a monument’: How Dubai entrepreneur beat the odds to build glass brand with brothers
‘You give me a wall, and I’ll build a monument,’ he says, beaming. Dubai-based Shabbir Mithaiwala smiles as he looks back at his own journey: From rebuilding his father’s struggling business to creating his own venture from scratch. Sometimes it’s joy, pride and a sense of amazement as he looks bac»»»
Iran will reopen Hormuz only under its own terms: Ghalibaf
Iran's chief negotiator Bagher Ghalibaf has said the Strait of Hormuz will reopen only under what he described as "Iranian arrangements," signaling that Tehran intends to retain significant control over commercial shipping despite mounting international pressure. The remarks by Ghalibaf, who is als»»»
Abu Qir Fertilizers Embarks on Green Transformation: Major Agreements to Propel Sustainability Efforts
In a strategic move aligning with global sustainability trends, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Eng. Karim Badawi, announced the signing of three pivotal agreements designed to elevate Abu Qir Fertilizers Company’s operational sustainability and energy efficiency. The agreement»»»
Wall Street still bets big on SpaceX, but IPO investors aren’t so sure anymore
Dubai: SpaceX has surrendered nearly all the gains made after one of the biggest stock market debuts in recent years, raising a fundamental question for investors: has the recent sell-off created a buying opportunity, or is the market beginning to question whether even one of the world’s most ambit»»»
Iran FM Araghchi thanks Iraq for Khamenei's funeral arrangements
Tehran [Iran], July 9 (ANI): Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday (local time) thanked Iraq's government, people and religious authorities for their role in the funeral ceremonies of former Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between»»»
How an Indonesian expat turned childhood hardship into success in the UAE
Dubai: Every grain of rice mattered in Bobby Sutanto's childhood home. Growing up in an underprivileged family in Indonesia, wasting food has never been an option. No one started eating until everyone has gathered around the table. Meals have been shared from dishes placed in the centre, leftovers »»»
IMF downgrades global growth forecast second time in a row – Statista
The IMF downgraded global growth prospects for the second time this year, saying it expects the global economy to grow by just 3 percent in 2026. In January, this projection had still stood at 3.3 percent, Statista reports. While the downgrade is slight, it still conveys the multiple risks to the g»»»
Greek shipowners earnt $4bn from Russian oil trade sanctions busting - FT
Greek shipping companies have earned at least $3.8bn transporting Russian crude oil since mid-2023, as a leading member of Russia’s shadow fleet, the Financial Times reported on July 7. Analysis by the FT found that Greek-owned tankers have remained among the largest carriers of Russian crude under»»»
30 projects, Dh1.8bn: Ajman’s big growth plan explained
Ajman: Ajman has launched an ambitious Dh1.8 billion development programme that will see 30 major urban projects rolled out over the next five years to improve roads, expand green spaces, enhance public facilities and make travel easier across the emirate. Launched by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nua»»»
Kuwait says responding to 'hostile' missile, drone attacks
Kuwait's air defences were intercepting "hostile missile and drone attacks", its military said early on Thursday. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here"The General Staff of the Army notes that any explosions heard are a result of air defense systems int»»»
When claiming your rights becomes a full-time job
The email arrived with the flat courtesy of all such messages. “Dear Customer,” it began, before announcing a change to the monthly Fall-Below Fee — the charge a bank applies when your balance slips beneath a required minimum — taking effect this September. Unremarkable, until it jogged loose somet»»»
Missile alerts sound in Bahrain and Qatar after US launches new round of airstrikes against Iran
DUBAI: Kuwait sounded its missile alert sirens early Thursday morning after Bahrain and Qatar, warning of an Iranian attack after the United States launched a new round of airstrikes targeting Iran. There was no immediate word of damage in the three Gulf Arab countries. Kuwait’s military said it wa»»»
India’s Modi to meet Australia’s Albanese with uranium, defense on agenda
SYDNEY: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Melbourne on Thursday, with the two leaders expected to discuss critical minerals, trade, defense and security cooperation. Modi, who previously visited Australia in 2023, touched down Wednesday n»»»
Platner drops out of Maine Senate race - UPI.com
A "vote here" sign is seen in November 2025. On Wednesday, Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner dropped out the race two days after a woman said he sexually assaulted her in 2021. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo July 8 (UPI) -- Graham Platner dropped out of the Maine Senate race on W»»»
Trump says he will allow Ukraine to make its own Patriot missiles
US President Donald Trump told his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the NATO summit Wednesday that the US would grant Ukraine a license to manufacture its own Patriot air-defence systems. Patriot interceptor missiles are the only tool in Kyiv's arsenal that can shoot dow»»»
Regime supporters and opposition share AI-generated images of Khamenei’s funeral
Both supporters of the Iranian regime and members of the opposition have been sharing AI-generated images of funeral services held in early July for Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – killed during a US-Israeli strike on February 28. Pro-regime Iranians flocked to se»»»
US says it's carrying out more strikes after Iran’s attacks in Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. carried out another round of strikes on Iran on Wednesday, hours after President Donald Trump said that recent Iranian attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz signaled the end of the ceasefire. Military officials said in a social media post that the strikes were intended to "further degrade" »»»
A propos - US says it's carrying out more strikes after Iran’s attacks in Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. carried out another round of strikes on Iran on Wednesday, hours after President Donald Trump said that recent Iranian attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz signaled the end of the ceasefire. Military officials said in a social media post that the strikes were intended to "further degrade" »»»
Karisma Kapoor on playing an alcoholic, pill-popping detective: 'She's just trying to cope'
Dubai: Karisma Kapoor has played glamorous heroines, royalty, romantics and some of Bollywood's most memorable leading ladies. But ask her about her latest role and she'll happily describe herself as "an alcoholic, a pill popper and a chain smoker." No, the Bollywood star hasn't suddenly embraced a»»»
Air raid sirens sound in Bahrain: interior ministry
Air raid sirens rang out in Bahrain on Thursday, the interior ministry said, after the Iran Revolutionary Guards vowed to respond to US strikes on the Islamic republic. "The siren has been sounded," the interior ministry said in a post on X. "Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head»»»
Eye on Africa - Egypt's World Cup dream fades after losing to Argentina
In tonight's edition, Egypt were seconds away from a historic triumph against Argentina, only to watch their dream vanish in the cruelest fashion. Also, media in Ghana claim the government has rebuffed Cyril Ramaphosa's request for a state visit over xenophobic attacks. And a single photograph»»»
Trump says the U.S. will give license to Ukraine to produce Patriot defense systems
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. will give a licence to Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air defense systems to help counter Russian missile attacks, a huge coup for Ukraine which has badly needed the technology for the war now in its fifth year. FRANCE 24's Emerald Maxwell reports»»»
Zelensky on Moscow trip: 'it's difficult, a lot of Ukrainian drones in the air'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, responding to a question from U.S. President Donald Trump about whether he would travel to Moscow for talks, joked that there were too many Ukrainian drones there. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security at the U»»»
Time for Lebanon’s Old Guard to Step Aside – Ya Libnan
Share: Illustration : Lebanon parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and former PSP leader Walid Jumblatt . Time to bid farewell and let go Leadership is measured not by how long one holds power, but by knowing when it is time to pass the torch. By: The Editorial Board, Opinion Many Lebanese believed that »»»
Saudi Arabia touts human capital investment as engine of industrialization at high-level UN forum
NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday told the United Nations that investment in human capital and the localization of knowledge are the foundation of sustainable industrialization, as the Kingdom presented its progress under Vision 2030 during a session on Sustainable Development Goal 9 — a global f»»»
Day 3: 'Stick to the evidence' — Senate judge slams both sides as Sara Duterte impeachment trial enters crucial stage
Manila: On Wednedsay (July 8, 2026), The third day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial shifted from dramatic witness testimony to increasingly contentious legal sparring. Senate presiding officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero admonished both prosecutors and defence lawyers to avoid turning»»»
Saudi UN envoy calls for accountability on sexual violence in war, condemns violations in Palestine
NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Abdulaziz Alwasil, told the Security Council on Wednesday that sexual violence continues to be used in armed conflicts as a weapon of oppression, intimidation, and forced displacement, targeting civilians, particularly women a»»»