Movement of Socialists proposes binding referendum on Serbia's EU path
BELGRADE - In a statement released after a session of its head committee, the Movement of Socialists proposed an urgent reshuffle of the Serbian government, the passage of a law granting Serbian citizenship to all Serbs in the territory of the former Yugoslavia, as well as a binding referendum on t»»»
Russia will send second ship with oil to Cuba: minister
Moscow: Russia will send a second ship carrying oil to Cuba as the island grapples with a US fuel blockade, Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev said Thursday. Cuba has been suffering from an energy crisis since January, when US forces abducted Venezuela president and Cuban ally Nicolas Maduro. His remo»»»
Israel slowly crawls into south Lebanon amid stiff resistance and occupation fears
A month into Israel's war against Hezbollah, invading Israeli troops are gradually advancing in south Lebanon, raising fears for the area's fate following the last Israeli occupation that lasted nearly two decades. Since war erupted last month, Israeli officials have said Israel intends to establis»»»
Filipino workers in UAE can now send money faster with du-GCash tie up
Dubai: Sending money home could soon become faster and more flexible for thousands of Filipinos living in the UAE. Digital wallet platform du Pay has partnered with GCash to improve cross-border transfers, aiming to make it easier for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to support families back home. »»»
Bangladesh hikes bottled gas as Mideast energy crisis deepens
Dhaka: Bangladesh on Thursday hiked prices of liquefied petroleum gas used for cooking and compressed natural gas in some cars by 29 percent, as the Mideast war worsens an energy crunch. The South Asian nation of 170 million people imports 95 percent of its oil and gas needs. With the latest price »»»
Regulator Won't Allow Unjustified Increases in Electricity, Heating Prices
The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) said in a statement on Thursday that it will not allow unjustified increases in electricity and thermal energy prices and that it will continue to apply a balanced and conservative approach in order to protect service consumers. On Thursday, it tran»»»
Gulf News Edufair returns to Abu Dhabi with expanded academic and career pathways
After drawing more than 8,000 visitors across its May and October editions last year, Gulf News Edufair returns to Abu Dhabi on May 16-17 at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche, bringing together a broader mix of universities and education providers. More than 25 higher education in»»»
Macron says military operation to 'liberate' Strait of Hormuz 'unrealistic'
Seoul, South Korea: French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that a military operation to liberate the Strait of Hormuz is "unrealistic", expressing frustration at US President Donald Trump's alternating statements on the Iran war. "There are those who advocate for the liberation of the St»»»
How Japan’s new shared custody law affects migrant lives
Dubai: Japan has introduced a major reform to its family law, allowing divorced couples to share custody of their children for the first time. The amendment to its Civil Code, which took effect starting this April, has marked a step away from the system that granted custody to only one parent after»»»
Uchkun to begin gradual issuance of all denominations of national currency - | 24.KG
Uchkun OJSC will gradually increase the production of Kyrgyzstan’s own banknotes: starting with 20 soms, followed by 50, 100, and 200 soms denominations. The full transition to domestic production of all denominations will allow the country to stop ordering banknotes from abroad and reduce costs. T»»»
Philippines' Pacquiao says Mayweather fight 'not an exhibition'
Manila: Manny Pacquiao's planned September fight with Floyd Mayweather will not be an exhibition, the Philippine boxing legend said Thursday, days after his fellow hall of famer said their bout would be strictly entertainment. Netflix last month announced a long-awaited rematch of the highest-gross»»»
UAE dismisses inaccurate residency claims, affirms Iranian community's valued role
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of the United Arab Emirates has issued a statement affirming that the country is home to a respected and valued Iranian community that forms an integral part of its social fabric and contributes to its diversity and openness. "The UAE is home to m»»»
Abu Dhabi issues traffic alert ahead of Saturday closures
The Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced temporary road closures in Mohammed bin Zayed City and Musaffah Shabiya, on Saturday, April 4, as part of traffic management measures. According to the advisory, closures will affect sections of Sheikh Najm Street and surrounding internal roads in Musaffah Shabi»»»
Umm Al Quwain Police crack down on kids riding illegal e-bikes
Umm Al Quwain: Umm Al Quwain Police General Headquarters has urged parents to prevent children from using unlicensed motorcycles and electric bikes in residential areas, citing rising safety risks and noise complaints. The Traffic and Patrols Department said reckless riding by untrained youngsters—»»»
The Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz crisis have severely impacted India’s condom industry, reports say.
India’s massive condom industry is facing major disruptions due to material shortages and soaring production costs linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East, local media reports, citing manufacturers. India produces over 6 billion condoms annually in a high-volume, low-margin market worth $860 m»»»
Nepal nearly doubles jet fuel prices ahead of busy tourist season
Kathmandu, Nepal: Nepal has nearly doubled aviation fuel prices as global energy costs surge during the Middle East war, officials said Thursday, raising fears of a fresh blow to its tourism-dependent economy. The landlocked Himalayan nation of 30 million relies almost entirely on India for its fos»»»
Hezbollah reports 26 precise strikes so far on Monday, targeting Israeli occupation army gatherings of vehicles and soldiers and key sites, settlements with guided missiles, rocket barrages, and attack drones in response to aggression against Lebanese areas: Military media statements - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Hezbollah reports 26 precise strikes so far on Monday, targeting Israeli occupation army gatherings of vehicles and soldiers and key sites,»»»
EU uses interest from frozen Russian funds for new Kiev aid package
The European Commission has announced a new financial aid package for the cash-strapped Ukrainian government using the revenue generated from frozen Russian assets. The sum of €1.4 billion ($1.63 billion) would largely be spent on covering Kiev’s debts to its Western backers, the statement said. Uk»»»
Egypt’s 4G licences to be internationally auctioned
The Bidding for Egypt’s 4th Generation telecommunication licenses has launched, with currently the state telecommunications company Telecom Egypt bidding for 7.08 billion EGP. This license is essential to Telecom Egypt as it will lead them into Egypt’s mobile market a long awaited move at there end»»»
Indian art record: Ravi Varma painting fetches $17.9m
Dubai: A 19th-century masterpiece by Raja Ravi Varma has sold for a record $17.9 million at an auction in Mumbai, setting a new benchmark for Indian art and underscoring its growing global value. The oil-on-canvas painting, Yashoda and Krishna, was auctioned by Saffronart on Wednesday, far exceedin»»»
Vucic invites political parties to consultations
BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has invited officials of political parties to consultations scheduled to begin on Friday. At the General Secretariat of the President of the Republic, Vucic will be holding consultations with the Movement of Socialists from 9 am, the Alliance of Vojvodi»»»
President Yotova Urges Bulgaria to Promote Itself as Safe Destination to Save Tourist Season
President Iliana Yotova has called for Bulgaria to be actively promoted as a safe and competitively priced destination in order to secure a strong tourist season, during a meeting with caretaker Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva. The discussion was part of a broader series of consultations initiated»»»
Azerbaijan upholds 9-year jail term for leading opposition figure
Baku, Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan's Supreme Court on April, 2, 2026, upheld a nine-year prison sentence slapped on leading opposition figure Tofig Yagublut for fraud and forgery that he and rights groups say is politically motivated. Yagublu, the deputy chairman of the anti-government Musavat party, was»»»
Nepal holds its first post-poll parliament session
Kathmandu, Nepal: Nepal's newly elected lawmakers met Thursday for the first parliamentary session since an anti-corruption protests toppled the government in September 2025 and left the old parliament building in flames. Lawmakers, elected in March, met within the new parliament building, with man»»»
Egypt Unveils Initiative to Simplify Banking for Citizens Abroad
In a groundbreaking move to support its diaspora, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), has announced a new initiative designed to streamline banking processes for Egyptians living overseas. This initiative enables expatriates to open bank accou»»»
Dr. Ahmed Kelani: EIPICO achieves the impossible equation in 2021
EIPICO was able to provide medicine to the Egyptian citizen at a fair price, as the average price of a package of EIPICO products is one of the lowest prices in the market with the highest international quality standards, this is in fulfillment of its social role, in addition to pumping investments»»»
King Charles III House in Viscri opens “Marie of Romania: Artist Queen. A Floral Conversation” exhibition
The King Charles III House in Viscri brings to Romania the exhibition of the Romanian Cultural Institute in London, ‘Marie of Romania: Artist Queen. A Floral Conversation,’ dedicated to the artistic universe of Queen Marie of Romania and her fascination with the flora of her adopted country. After »»»
Over EUR 20,000 and Campaign Materials Seized in Vote-buying Operation in Pomorie
More than EUR 20,000 and campaign materials were seized during an operation against vote-buying conducted in Pomorie on Thursday morning by officers from the Criminal Police and Economic Police departments of the Burgas Regional Directorate of the Interior Ministry, together with the Pomorie Police»»»
More questions than answers: What Trump left unsaid on Iran
President Donald Trump used his national address to project confidence in the US campaign against Iran — but left some of the most critical questions unanswered. While he spoke of military progress and suggested that objectives are “nearing completion,” the speech offered little clarity on what com»»»
Commemorative stamp marks 70 years of Tunisia-Japan relations
Tunis, April 2, 2026 (TAP) – To mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Tunisia and Japan, a special commemorative postage stamp has been issued through a collaboration between the Tunisian Embassy in Tokyo and the Japan Post.The...»»»
Paralyzed NATO 'Falling Apart' – Report
European leaders are mulling how to deal with US threats to pull out of NATO, US media reports. "It's pretty clear" that NATO is already disintegrating and its European members "can't wait for the alliance to be completely dead." European nations should urgently bolster their own defenses, one of t»»»
100 Digital Women Leaders of Kyrgyzstan program launched - | 24.KG
Training has officially begun within the 100 Digital Women Leaders of Kyrgyzstan educational program, aimed at developing the leadership potential of female executives. The project is being implemented as part of the state program to support women’s leadership. The National Commission on State Lang»»»
Syrian troops uncover tunnel network on Lebanon border
In rugged terrain along the Syrian-Lebanese border, yellow bulldozers raised earthen berms in front of armored vehicles while soldiers combed through tunnels they said were used by Hezbollah, as Syria reinforces its side of the border. Syria is seeking to stay out of the regional war, whose flames »»»
Hezbollah targets north Israel, troops in south Lebanon
Hezbollah said its fighters launched drones and rockets at northern Israel on Thursday, with the Israeli military's Home Front Command saying air raid sirens were activated across the border. In north Israel, Hezbollah targeted Even Menachem, Ga'aton, Wadi Hunin, Yir'on, Malikiyah, Avivim, Metula, »»»
Emirates NBD secures $2.25b in long-term financing amid strong global demand
Dubai: Emirates NBD has closed $2.25 billion in long-term financing, drawing strong participation from international lenders as it seeks to diversify funding and strengthen liquidity. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here. The transaction comprises a $1»»»
Prime Developments Ltd. announced as platinum sponsor for Investment Gateway Summit 2026
Prime Developments Ltd., a leading developer dedicated to infrastructure, sustainable projects, and community enhancement in St. Kitts and Nevis, proudly joins the Investment Gateway Summit 2026 as its exclusive Platinum Sponsor. "We are proud to welcome Prime Developments Ltd. as a Platinum Sponso»»»
Iran fires missiles at Israel and Gulf neighbors as Trump talks of winding down war
Iran fired more missiles at Israel and Gulf Arab states Thursday, demonstrating Tehran's continued ability to attack even as U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the threat from the country was nearly eliminated and predicted the war would end soon. Iran's strikes on its neighbors along with its cho»»»
Sweden to invest $900 mn on anti-drone systems
Stockholm, Sweden: Sweden's government announced on April, 2, 2026, that it was investing more than $900 million in air and drone defence capabilities. The investment would cover multiple systems, such as radar and anti-aircraft weapons systems as well as electronic warfare platforms. The 8.7 billi»»»
The 71% gap: Nearly every UAE driver knows this rule, so why aren’t they following it?
Dubai: Nearly everyone in the UAE knows seat belts save lives. About 95 per cent of residents, in fact. So why are only 24 per cent of rear-seat passengers actually wearing one? A new survey in the UAE has identified what it calls the single biggest opportunity to reduce road fatalities in the coun»»»
Gargash contrasts Iran’s hostility with UAE tolerance
Dubai: The northern Iranian coastline of the Arabian Gulf, once a hub of coexistence and shared prosperity among diverse communities, has been transformed by the Iranian regime into a platform for regional aggression, said Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President. He said»»»
Bulgaria Stays Out of Hormuz Military Operation, Backs Talks Instead
Acting Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynski has stated categorically that Bulgaria will not take part in any military coalition aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, citing the country’s limited capabilities. She emphasized that this position is clear and final, while noting that Sofia may still en»»»
Union of Brewers in Bulgaria Reports Record Investments in Beer, Malt Production in 2025
The Bulgarian brewing sector has consolidated its position as one of the most dynamically developing production branches in the country. With increased investments, innovations and adaptation to consumer attitudes, the industry has made a significant contribution to the economy, regional growth and»»»
Trump wanted to stop Iran's bomb — but left uranium behind
Dubai: US President Donald Trump’s claim that he no longer “cares” about Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile is raising fresh doubts about why the war was launched at all. For weeks, Trump had framed the conflict as an urgent bid to stop Tehran from building a nuclear bomb, warning Iran was ju»»»
Indian painting sells for record $17.9 million
Mumbai, India: An Indian oil painting by celebrated 19th century artist Raja Ravi Varma has sold for a record $17.9 million at auction in Mumbai, the highest price ever paid for a modern Indian artwork. Mumbai-based auction house Saffronart said the painting, "Yashoda and Krishna", depicting the Hi»»»
Alexandru Ștefan appointed Country Lead for Wolt Romania
Wolt, the local commerce platform connecting users with restaurants and shops, has announced a leadership restructure in Romania. Alexandru Ștefan, currently Head of Account Management, will take on the additional responsibility of Country Lead for Wolt Romania. The transition aims to ensure busine»»»
Land Forces Deputy Chief of Staff Atanas Georgiev Becomes Commander of 61st Stryamska Brigade
President Iliana Iotova has decreed that the Land Forces Deputy Chief of Staff for Resources, Colonel Atanas Georgiev, will be transferred to the position of Commander of 61st Stryamska Mechanized Infantry Brigade. The President promoted Georgiev to the rank of Brigadier-General at a ceremony on Th»»»
Tourism Sector Ready to Keep Summer Package Prices, Minister Georgieva Says
Talks with the tourism sector show readiness to maintain the prices of already agreed tourist packages for the summer season, provided there is no sharp increase in fuel and electricity prices, caretaker Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva told journalists on Thursday after a meeting with President Il»»»
Netizens in Qatar raise concern over misuse of national warning alert tone
Doha, Qatar: Social media users in Qatar have raised concerns over the use of the national warning alert tone as a mobile phone ringtone by some, as it causes confusion and alarm in public places. The issue gained attention after a post on X by Sheikh Salman bin Jabor Al Thani, who raised concerns »»»
Brnabic: SNS to speak with Vucic about his candidacy for PM
BELGRADE - Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic said on Thursday that, as always, President Aleksandar Vucic would call all political factors to social dialogue and that the leadership of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) would speak with Vucic to ask him to be its candidate for PM. In a»»»
Mecca airport, metro plans move forward, says Saudi official
Dubai: Plans to develop a new airport and metro system in Mecca are progressing, Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Mecca City and the Holy Sites, said in an interview with Harvard Business Review Arabia on March 25. He said detailed studies for a world-class airport in the holy city»»»