Awqaf organises ‘Knowledge Circles’ programme to equip students of Islamic studies with skills
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, represented by its Department of Da’wah and Religious Guidance, has organised the “Knowledge Circles” (Majalis Al Ilm) programme as part of the Da’wah and Islamic Sciences Institute’s training and qualification initiatives, aimed at equipping »»»
Analysis:Almost a quarter of Romania's elderly are at risk of poverty
Almost a quarter of Romanians over the age of 65 are at risk of poverty and social exclusion, with Romania being above the European Union average for this indicator, according to Eurostat figures for 2025, analysed by the Social Monitor, a project of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation."Almost one in fo»»»
EGA restarts Al Taweelah cells after March 28 Iranian attack
Dubai: Emirates Global Aluminium has restarted 89 reduction cells at its Al Taweelah site in Abu Dhabi, marking early progress in the restoration of one of the world’s major aluminium production complexes after it sustained significant damage in March. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Che»»»
Hot-favourites Spain wary of Austria threat
Doha, Qatar: Spain head into today’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Austria as overwhelming favourites, but the European champions are taking nothing for granted as they bid to extend their unbeaten run and book a place in the last 16. Luis de la Fuente’s side arrived in North America amo»»»
Balogun scores and sees red as US beat Bosnia 2-0
Santa Clara, United States: Folarin Balogun scored and was sent off as the United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to reach the last 16 of the World Cup on Wednesday. The co-hosts' first World Cup knockout victory in nearly a quarter-century -- and only their second ever -- sets up a clash wi»»»
From Kansas to New York, historic heatwave bakes US ahead of July 4 holiday
HILL CITY, Kansas/CHICAGO/NEW YORK: Record-breaking temperatures spread to the eastern US from the Midwest on Wednesday, putting tens of millions of people under heat warnings expected to last into the July 4 holiday weekend, when Americans will celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The extreme»»»
Developers lose confidence
Poland's residential property market is shifting in buyers' favor as developers become increasingly cautious about sales prospects and price growth. According to the latest Tabelaofert Developer Sentiment Index, expectations for sales momentum turned negative in June for the first time since Novemb»»»
US-Iran Qatar talks show progress, Trump says, as both sides set up hotline
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday indirect talks with Iran in Qatar were making progress, signalling diplomacy remained on track despite recent hostilities. Iran later said the talks had ended with agreement to establish a communication channel by Thursday to report and document violation»»»
How Flame Tree Season blooms into Dubai’s newest cultural tradition
Dubai: What was once simply a spectacular summer bloom has evolved into one of Dubai’s most distinctive cultural movements. Inspired by the vision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Co»»»
CIA to release more MKUltra mind-control files – GOP Rep.
The CIA is declassifying a new trove of documents relating to its ‘MKUltra’ program, Representative Anna Paulina Luna said on Tuesday. Nazi scientists were involved in the agency’s mind-control experiments. Last month, Luna ordered CIA Director John Ratcliffe to preserve 40 boxes of “JFK files and »»»
Balogun scores and sees red as US beat Bosnia 2-0
SANTA CLARA: Folarin Balogun scored and was sent off as the United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to reach the last 16 of the World Cup on Wednesday. The co-hosts’ first World Cup knockout victory in nearly a quarter-century — and only their second ever — sets up a clash with Belgium in Sea»»»
Breakthrough: Philippines hits upper-middle income club — what it means
Manila: The Philippines has officially achieved Upper Middle Income Country (UMIC) status, marking a major economic milestone after years of sustained growth and bringing the country into a new league of developing economies recognised by the World Bank. In its latest annual income classification r»»»
UAE fuel outlook: Will petrol prices keep falling after July's sharp cut?
Dubai: UAE motorists are seeing fuel prices move lower again after July's reduction, reflecting the easing in global oil prices following months of exceptional volatility triggered by the Middle East conflict. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.The U»»»
The US, Canada and Mexico begin bumpy negotiations to renew North American trade pact
WASHINGTON: Tourists from Chattanooga check into beach resorts in Cancun. Canadian auto parts feed factories in the American Midwest – and vice versa. Happy hour revelers raise glasses of Mexican tequila and mezcal at bars in Seattle. It adds up. The United States trades $1.9 trillion a year — $5 b»»»
Truth or Fake - Fact-checking Donald Trump's birthright citizenship claims
The US Supreme Court has dealt a major blow to Donald Trump's bid to end birthright citizenship, ruling children born in the US are citizens under the Constitution regardless of their parents' immigration status. The decision also casts fresh scrutiny on Trump's repeated claims about the policy, in»»»
Belgium stage stunning comeback to sink Senegal in extra time
SEATTLE: Youri Tielemans struck a 125th-minute penalty as Belgium rallied from two goals down and defeated Senegal 3-2 after extra time in their World Cup last 32 clash in Seattle on Wednesday to keep alive their title hopes that had looked dead and buried. Senegal’s Lamine Camara slid in on Tiele»»»
Venezuela earthquake death toll tops 2,300 as humanitarian crisis deepens, up to 50,000 still 'missing'
CARACAS: Authorities in Venezuela late on Wednesday said the death toll has risen to over 2,000 people as Venezuela marked a week since the deadly earthquakes hit the country. Venezuela's National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said on Wednesday that deaths had risen to 2,300, and more than 11,»»»
Crude oil extends post-war slump as Hormuz fears fade, prices sink below peak levels
Global oil prices extended their decline on Thursday morning (July 2, 2026, 8:12 am Tokyo time) as easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the gradual reopening of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continued to ease concerns over supply disruptions. According to OilPrice.com, West T»»»
Hormuz traffic rebounds slowly despite ceasefire, well below pre-conflict levels
Commercial shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz is gradually recovering, but traffic remains significantly below normal levels following the recent US-Iran conflict. According to MarineTraffic vessel-tracking data, 34 ships transited the strait on Tuesday, marking a modest impr»»»
IMF cuts Israel’s economic growth estimate to 3.5 percent in 2026
TEL AVIV: The International Monetary Fund lowered its estimate for Israel’s economic growth in 2026 to 3.5 percent from a prior 4.8 percent, it said on Wednesday citing regional tensions. In a report, the IMF also expects inflation to rise temporarily due to higher energy prices and supply constr»»»
QC equips sewing workshops in Mali to empower low-income communities
Tribune News Network Doha As part of its ongoing efforts to support livelihoods and promote economic development in vulnerable communities, Qatar Charity (QC), through its Mali branch, has implemented a qualitative project aimed at empowering 68 beneficiaries, including women, youth, and low-income»»»
China ethnic unity law comes into force despite overseas criticism
BEIJIN: A new ethnic unity law came into effect Wednesday in China despite warnings from Taiwan, the United Nations and rights groups that it could threaten freedoms, especially for minorities. The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress aims to forge a “shared” national identity among ethnic gr»»»
China ethnic unity law comes into force despite overseas criticism
BEIJIN: A new ethnic unity law came into effect Wednesday in China despite warnings from Taiwan, the United Nations and rights groups that it could threaten freedoms, especially for minorities. The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress aims to forge a “shared” national identity among ethnic gr»»»
Kane rescues England from DR Congo calamity to reach World Cup last 16
ATLANTA, USA: Harry Kane rescued England from a seismic World Cup shock with two late goals to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in Atlanta and secure a place in the last 16. Aiming to end a 60-year wait to win a major tournament, Thomas Tuchel’s men escaped humiliation and one of England’s»»»
Has the US-Iran war’s real cost been obscured by economic fallout?
ATLANTA: People living in Bahrain and Kuwait awoke to the sound of sirens on June 28, despite there being a ceasefire between the US and Iran. Two Iranian ballistic missiles were intercepted over Kuwait, and an Iranian drone struck a residential building in Bahrain. Although no casualties were repo»»»
Salam says framework agreement should lead to Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Wednesday defended the framework agreement that Lebanon has signed with Israel, saying that if it gets implemented, it should lead to an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. It would also "allow our displaced people to return to their villages and homes in a safe and digni»»»
Kane strikes twice as England beat DR Congo to reach World Cup last 16
Atlanta: Harry Kane rescued England from a seismic World Cup shock with two late goals to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in Atlanta and secure a place in the last 16. Aiming to end a 60-year wait to win a major tournament, Thomas Tuchel's men escaped humilation and one of England's worst»»»
TCHAKAROV: New shade of success? Think Uzbek green!
Uzbekistan is Central Asia's rising heavyweight, and its economic story is generally being told through the now-familiar lenses of macroeconomic reform, improving policymaking and an increasingly attractive investment climate. Yet one of the country's most important structural shifts has received f»»»
Ultra-conservative Catholic group defies pope, ordains four bishops - UPI.com
Pope Leo XIV (C) greets the people after presiding over a meeting June 7 in Madrid, Spain, 07 June 2026. An arch-conservative Catholic group on Wednesday consecrated four bishops without the pope's permission and despite his appeal to them. Photo by Fernando Villar/EPA July 1 (UPI) -- The Society o»»»
Business leaders gather in Damascus for Syrian-British conference on economic diversification
DAMASCUS: Business leaders and officials from Syria, the UK and other nations gathered in Damascus on Wednesday for an economic conference to discuss investment opportunities and development in Syria, as postwar recovery efforts in the country continue. The one-day event, organized by the Syrian-Br»»»
Arab Americans celebrate 250th Independence Day with pride despite challenges
CHICAGO: Arab American leaders are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence with pride despite concerns over continued discrimination and misunderstanding. Leaders of several Arab and Muslim organizations told Arab News that they have more freedoms in the US than anyw»»»
Uganda finds isolated Marburg virus case, Africa CDC says
NAIROBI: Ugandan health authorities have confirmed an isolated case of Marburg virus disease, a highly infectious hemorrhagic fever, while conducting surveillance for an Ebola outbreak, Africa’s top public health agency said on Wednesday. No contacts of the Marburg case have developed symptoms and »»»
IFC appoints Imad Fakhoury as MCA Regional Vice President
DUBAI, UAE — International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, announced today the appointment of Imad Fakhoury as the new Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Central Asia (MCA) region effective July 1, 2026.Based in Dubai, UAE, Fakhoury will lead »»»
Number of certificates of origin issued in April reached 1,587 — ICI
AMMAN — The value of certificates of origin issued by the Irbid Chamber of Industry (ICI) in April reached $129.2 million, marking a 28.5 per cent increase from $100.5 million in the same month last year.According to chamber figures, the number of certificates of origin issued in April reached 1,58»»»
Why is France betting on Oman amid the Hormuz crisis?
After months of crisis in the Middle East, France is looking to build its influence in the region by strengthening relations with Oman – a small country long seen as a quiet, neutral regional player. On his first state visit to France, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and French President Emmanuel Mac»»»
Despite agreement with Israel, situation in Lebanon remains unchanged
Despite a US-sponsored agreement paving the way for peace between Lebanon and Israel, the actual situation on the ground is unchanged. Israel continues to occupy southern Lebanon, and launched targeted strikes there over the weekend. Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu visited the occupied area and v»»»
Bayern sign Morocco midfielder Saibari on five-year deal
Munich, Germany: Bayern Munich on Wednesday announced the signing of Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven until 2031. The midfielder joins the German champions for a reported fee of 50 million ($57 million). An attacking midfielder with a goal threat, the 25-year-old will»»»
Press Review - 'Cloak of secrecy' surrounds plane that crashed into Beijing skyscraper
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, July 1: Papers discuss a story from China that has flown under the radar: a plane crashed into the tallest building in Beijing in unclear circumstances. Next: why was "controversial figure" Vadim Ermolaev targeted in Monaco? Also: could Ireland become the next summer holid»»»
Who is Ukrainian oligarch Vadym Yermolaiev, the suspected target of the Monaco bombing?
The explosion that wounded three people in Monaco Monday night is being treated as an “attempted murder”. So who was the target? While Monegasque authorities remain tight-lipped about the victims’ identities, media reports point to Vadym Yermolaiev, a Ukrainian-born oligarch sanctioned by Kyiv for »»»
“A Real Mayor Lives His City's Struggles”: Wladimir Klitschko Meets Sofia Mayor Terziev
Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev met with former heavyweight boxing champion Dr. Wladimir Klitschko during the Ukrainian legend’s visit to Bulgaria ahead of the European Boxing Championships, which will take place in Sofia from September 15 to 26 at Asics Arena. The tournament will bring together Europe’s»»»
Major Layoffs in Bulgaria as Bosch Ends Engineering Operations in SofiaOpinions
German technology company Bosch will wind down operations at its Engineering Center in Sofia, resulting in the layoff of around 670 employees, according to an official company announcement. The closure will be carried out in phases and is expected to be completed by mid-2027. The job cuts will begi»»»
Business Confidence in Bulgaria Drops in June Amid Industrial and Construction DeclinesOpinions
In June, Bulgaria’s overall business climate deteriorated, with declines reported in industry and construction, while retail trade and services registered improvements, according to the latest National Statistical Institute (NSI) survey. The composite business climate indicator fell by 1.3 points t»»»
COMMENT: Ukraine may take the war to Russian LNG
Ukraine’s widening drone campaign against Russian energy infrastructure raises the prospect that Kyiv could shift some of its focus from refineries and oil logistics to LNG assets, which have largely remained untouched. Kyiv has been intensifying attacks on Russian oil refineries in recent months, »»»
Xi looks beyond Putin as Beijing quietly prepares for post-Putin Russia
Chinese President Xi Jinping's latest summit with Vladimir Putin produced few headline-grabbing agreements. The biggest missing deal was an agreement to build the Power of Siberia 2 (POS2) gas pipeline. But analysts argue the visit revealed something potentially more significant: Beijing is quietly»»»
How QF is nurturing values of tolerance and respect in youth
Doha, Qatar: In today’s rapidly evolving world, the importance of emotional intelligence – empathy, mindfulness, self-awareness – is becoming a necessary skill. Recognizing this, Qatar Foundation’s (QF) education model places values and empathy at its core, and this is illustrated through initiativ»»»
IOC says it will not give Olympic team status to Greenland and Faroe Islands
LAUSANNE: Greenland and the Faroe Islands will not be recognized as separate and independent Olympic teams despite a request from Denmark’s parliament, the IOC said Wednesday. The Olympic Charter has for 30 years defined a country that can have an official team as “an independent state recognized b»»»
Bahrain seeks emergency UN Security Council meeting after Iranian attacks
NEW YORK: Bahrain on Wednesday requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council following Iran's recent attack on the kingdom, Arab News has learned. The meeting is expected to take place on Thursday, with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al-Zayani arriving in New York on W»»»
Von der Leyen’s party backs mapping ‘Islamist networks’ and scrapping key EU asylum protection
Broad swipes against asylum and Islam were issued in separate resolutions by the EU’s largest political force, the European People’s Party (EPP) on Tuesday (30 June). On Islam, the resolution claims the religion is being politically-exploited through entryism to undermine European democracy. The EP»»»
Can children bypass the UAE's social media ban with a VPN? Officials say no
Dubai: The UAE's new social media ban for children under 15 will make it much harder for kids to create underage accounts. Simply entering a false date of birth won't work, platforms are now required to use strict age-verification systems, including government IDs and AI models, to estimate a user'»»»
Israeli police fatally shoot Arab citizen in Lod
LONDON: Israeli police shot and killed a man in his twenties in the city of Lod, southeast of Tel Aviv, after an alleged attempted stabbing on Wednesday. The man was identified as Sami Ahmed Jasous, the sixth Palestinian citizen of Israel to be killed by Israeli police since January, according to t»»»