By the Numbers: This year’s Ebola outbreak has spread faster than the worst on record
ABUJA: The Ebola outbreak in Congo has killed over 1,000 people, reaching the grim milestone nearly three times faster than the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic that is considered the worst on record. Data from Congo’s Ministry of Health shows that as of Tuesday, the current outbreak, declared on May 15, h»»»
'Incredibly dire': Nine months into Gaza ceasefire, conditions 'should have improved by now'
Alison Sargent is pleased to welcome Shaina Low, Communications Advisor for the Norwegian Refugee Council's Palestine mission. Despite the reduction in large scale hostilities Low argues that Gaza remains trapped in a state of structural emergency, where humanitarian actors are prevented from movin»»»
Guinea Bissau opposition leader leaves prison for treatment in Portugal
BISSAU: Guinea-Bissau opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira, who was being held in prison for alleged involvement in coup attempts, has been released for medical treatment in Portugal, judicial and security sources say. Pereira, leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cap»»»
New general education law approved by royal decree
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s General Education Law has been approved by royal decree. The new law overhauls how the sector is governed, provides the enablers needed to meet its objectives, and aims to raise the quality of the educational environment and its outcomes, spanning educational stages, the Gene»»»
GERB-UDF MP Petkova Says Progressive Bulgaria Must Apologize for 2026 Budget
Progressive Bulgaria should apologize to Bulgarian citizens for the 2026 State Budget Act, GERB-UDF MP and former finance minister Temenuzhka Petkova told reporters in Parliament on Friday. “A scandalous budget law with hugely inflated spending, a record deficit and EUR 10.1 billion in debt the gov»»»
CAS hearing of Senegal AFCON title appeal set for October 8
Lausanne: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced Friday that Senegal's appeal of the decision to strip them of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in favour of Morocco has been set for October 8. At the January 18 final in Rabat, Senegal won 1-0 thanks to Pape Gueye's extra-time goa»»»
Vazrazhdane MP Ganev Says Budget Returns Bulgaria to GERB Era
The 2026 State Budget takes Bulgaria back to the GERB era, Vazrazhdane MP Tsoncho Ganev told reporters on Friday after Parliament gave the budget final approval. Ganev said the budget froze all social benefits and shifted the main burden of what he called financial stability onto pensioners, mother»»»
EU accuses TikTok of failing to protect teens’ privacy, risking billion euro fine
The EU preliminarily found TikTok at fault in exposing minors to danger online on Friday (24 July), with issues with the Chinese social media giant’s account settings possibly to result in a fine. TikTok is under investigation for the privacy settings of its 13-18 year old users, with the European »»»
Real Madrid to face Ferencváros in August in Budapest
It has now been made official that the Groupama Arena will host a prestigious international pre-season fixture this summer, as Ferencváros welcome Real Madrid to Budapest on Saturday, 8 August. The encounter will form part of the Spanish giants’ Austrian training programme and is set to rank among »»»
Aoun: My meeting with Trump was fruitful, time has come to end war
President Joseph Aoun called Friday on the European Union to support the implementation of a framework agreement reached in late June with Israel. Aoun said Lebanon is committed to the path of reforms, despite being under Israeli attacks since October 2023, when Hezbollah joined the Gaza war in sup»»»
EU says TikTok failed to protect children's privacy under digital rules
Brussels: The European Commission on Friday said it found TikTok had not adequately protected children's privacy rights on its platform by allowing adults to view the accounts of minors. The action exposed children to cyberbullying, unwanted contact and predatory behavior, commission spokesperson T»»»
The US Aircraft Deployment in Bulgaria Has Been Delayed!
Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said the planned deployment of US military tanker aircraft at Bulgaria’s Bezmer Air Base has been delayed and is now expected to begin next week rather than as originally scheduled. Stoyanov made the announcement after meeting with mayors from municipalities in the»»»
Parliament Highlights Legislative Reforms, AI Modernization and Plans for New Building
The Speaker of Albania's Parliament on Friday presented a review of the legislature's work during the first two sessions of the 11th Legislature, describing the period as one of institutional reform and modernization aimed at supporting the country's goal of joining the European Union. Addressing t»»»
China Intends to Expand Strategic Partnership With Russia - Wang Yi
CHOLPON ATA, Kyrgyzstan, (Sputnik) - China intends to continue expanding its strategic partnership with Russia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday. "The current global situation requires us to answer the question - where is the world heading? Our answer is resolute: together with you, »»»
Deliveries begin for the first Cobra II vehicles manufactured entirely in Romania
The first Cobra II tactical armoured vehicles built entirely in Mediaș left the factory gates yesterday, bound for the Romanian Armed Forces. With serial production on schedule and deliveries under way, Otokar’s Automecanica Mediaș becomes the company’s production plant in Europe and its first manu»»»
Gaza faces ongoing food crisis despite ceasefire
More than nine months into the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, two-thirds of Gaza's population is still facing crisis levels of food insecurity, according to a new UN report released on Thursday. The report warns that recent gains could quickly be reversed unless humanitarian agencies continue »»»
Why Trump's 'forced labor' tariffs leave the world puzzled
TradeUnited States of AmericaWhy Trump's 'forced labor' tariffs leave the world puzzledNik MartinAfter the US Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump's emergency tariffs, the White House has turned to another trade law linked to alleged human rights abuses. DW explains the new tariffs and the debate»»»
EU agrees sweeping Russia sanctions after granting Greek LNG carve-out
The European Union has agreed its 21st sanctions package against Russia, targeting Moscow’s financial system, energy revenues and defence industry after granting Greece a renewable exemption allowing European companies to continue transporting Russian liquefied natural gas. The measures include 218»»»
Hydrogels emerge as next frontier in Saudi desalination
RIYADH: In a country where fresh water is manufactured rather than naturally abundant, every advance in desalination carries significant value. Saudi Arabia’s vast desalination network supplies millions of homes, businesses and industries every day, transforming seawater into one of the Kingdom's m»»»
Pope Leo shares how Christians can strengthen faith this summer
Dubai: As many people go for their summer holidays, Pope Leo XIV has encouraged Christians to use the season as an opportunity to deepen their faith through acts of mercy, simplicity, and service to others. In the July/August edition of the Italian magazine Piazza San Pietro, cited by Vatican News,»»»
How Gen Z and Millennials are redefining the purpose of the modern workspace
The corporate landscape is experiencing a structural realignment as companies navigate the complexities of modern working arrangements. According to a new report published by CBRE Romania, the prevailing narrative that professionals are inherently resistant to returning to physical offices is funda»»»
Indian activist ends 26-day hunger strike, though student protests continue
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Friday after talks with government ministers, but student-led protests over leaked medical entrance exam papers continued, with demonstrators demanding the education minister's resignation and wider reforms. Indian activist Sonam Wang»»»
UNESCO adds Lebanese castles to World Heritage List despite Israeli objections
A United Nations committee voted Friday to inscribe a major archaeological site in the West Bank and a set of castles in southern Lebanon as World Heritage sites, despite objections from Israel, which had urged the committee to reject the bids. The decision at a U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cul»»»
Media Review: July 24
The second reading of the draft state budget for 2026 and Parliament’s decision to authorize the deployment of US aerial refuelling aircraft at Bezmer Air Base dominate Friday’s news media. POLITICS Under the headline “With One Foot Out: Bulgaria’s Geopolitical Change under Radev,” Mediapool.bg wri»»»
Recharged Klopp back to turn Germany from doubters into believers
Berlin: Two years after stepping down from Liverpool citing a lack of energy, Jurgen Klopp has returned to the dugout to oversee the mammoth task of restoring German football to its former glory. Football's most decorated European nation, the once-formidable Germans have lurched from setback to dis»»»
UNESCO adds West Bank site and Lebanese castles to World Heritage List despite Israeli objections
SEOUL: A United Nations committee voted Friday to inscribe a major archaeological site in the West Bank and a set of castles in southern Lebanon as World Heritage sites, despite objections from Israel, which had urged the committee to reject the bids. The decision at a UN Educational, Scientific an»»»
Vojvodina lose, Partizan win in UEFA Conference League qualifiers first-leg matches
NOVI SAD/BELGRADE - Serbia's Vojvodina Novi Sad lost 4-1 at home to Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam and Partizan Belgrade beat Luxembourgish side UNA Strassen 4-0 at home in Thursday's first-leg matches of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round. At Novi Sad's Karadjordje Stadium, Davy Klaas»»»
Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak dreams of lifting Women’s AFCON trophy
CAIRO: Ghizlane Chebbak does not remember a time without a ball at her feet. Her late father, Larbi Chebbak, who helped guide Morocco to the Africa Cup of Nations title back in 1976, gave her a football when she was a little girl — and it was love at first sight. She would play in the streets of he»»»
Saudi Arabia’s total POS transactions at $3.5bn, as freight, courier sector gains
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s total point-of-sale transactions value reached SR13 billion ($3.5 billion) in the week ending July 18, with freight transport and courier services the sole gainer. According to the latest data from the Saudi Central Bank, this represented an 8.5 percent decline from the previ»»»
No Guarantees, No Deal: Iran Rejects US Ceasefire Proposal, Warns of Wider War
Iran has formally rejected a US-brokered ceasefire proposal delivered by Iraq’s Prime Minister, refusing to accept a temporary arrangement that lacks enforceable guarantees against further American aggression, according to a report by The New York Times. Citing Iranian and Iraqi officials, the news»»»
Thousands flee wildfires in southern Europe
Lège-Cap-Ferret, France: Luggage-clad residents and tourists fled a French peninsula by boat and the smell of smoke drifted into parts of Madrid on Friday as wildfires swept through parts of western Europe, triggering states of emergencies and calls for EU help. In France, fires raging near the cou»»»
Iraqi PM takes de-escalation initiative to Tehran
BAGHDAD: Iraq’s government spokesman said Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi carried an initiative to Tehran aimed at easing regional tensions, while Baghdad said it would not allow Iraqi territory to be used to threaten Iran. The remarks came during an official visit by al-Zaidi to Tehran, about a week a»»»
Flying through the Gulf? Europe's aviation regulator extends high-risk airspace warning
Dubai: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its safety advisory warning airlines against operating in the airspace over the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and parts of the Gulf of Oman until August 31, citing the continuing risk posed by military activity across the region. Si»»»
Continue the Change MP Tihomirov Calls for Assistance with Accommodation of Roma Families after Stara Zagora Demolitions
Continue the Change (CC) MP Marin Tihomirov called from the parliamentary rostrum on Friday for assistance from the competent institutions regarding a case involving Roma homes in Stara Zagora. In a declaration to Parliament, he said that, as a member of the Human Rights Committee, he had been info»»»
Assad loyalists, Syrian Hezbollah members eye return as Lebanon grows unsafe
DAMASCUS: Fearful of political and battlefield developments, former Assad-era officers, personnel and Syrian Hezbollah members who fled to Lebanon after the regime’s fall are searching for safer, more stable options. For some, returning to Syria is becoming “a viable choice.” “We go to sleep hearin»»»
Herbert leads with opening round 61 as DeChambeau chases 3 shots behind
ROCESTER: Lucas Herbert and Bryson DeChambeau picked up right where they left off at Royal Birkdale to sit first and second respectively after the opening round of LIV Golf UK on Thursday. Having finished tied sixth at the Open last weekend, Ripper GC star Herbert closed the day at the JCB Golf and»»»
Israeli Attack on Medical Personnel in Southern Lebanon Blatant Violation of Int’l Law: Health Ministry
Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health on Friday condemned renewed and unjustified Israeli attack targeting medical personnel in southern Lebanon, after an ambulance was hit in Nabatieh Al-Fawqa a day earlier, wounding two paramedics. In a statement, the ministry said the strike directly targeted “an »»»
UAE aid to Gaza reaches $3.12b under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3
Since the launch of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 on 5 November 2023, under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates has set a global benchmark for rapid humanitarian response and sustained support for the Palestinian people in the Gaza S»»»
Oscar-nominated Director Theodore Ushev to Present Aquanima Selection at 11th Burgas International Film Festival
Animation will be the focus of the fifth day of the programme at the 11th Burgas International Film Festival, the festival organisers said on Friday. For the fourth consecutive year, Oscar-nominated Bulgarian director and animator Theodore Ushev will present his Aquanima animation selection. This y»»»
Qatar payment systems hit 75.135 million transactions worth QR99.101bn in June
Doha, Qatar: Qatar witnessed a total value of transactions across various payment systems worth QR99.101bn with total number of transactions reaching 75.135 million in June this year. The data released by Qatar Central Bank (QCB) yesterday highlighted notable shifts in the country’s payment ecosyst»»»
REVIEW: Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer make brilliant besties in ‘Ride or Die’
DUBAI: Despite incorporating nearly every cliché in the spy-comedy playbook, “Ride or Die” succeeds thanks to one important ingredient: The irresistible chemistry between Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer. Their easy rapport transforms what could have been another formulaic action caper into a »»»
Ras Al Khaimah records its busiest first half as new hotels and Wynn advance
Dubai: More UAE residents chose Ras Al Khaimah for short breaks in the first half of 2026, helping the emirate welcome more than 670,000 visitors despite disruption to international travel across the region. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The visitor count was the emi»»»
Spain declares state of emergency and France seeks EU help as wildfires rage
Wildfires fuelled by extreme heat and strong winds swept across western Europe on Friday, forcing thousands to evacuate in France, triggering a state of emergency in Spain's Madrid region and prompting Paris to seek emergency assistance from the European Union. Wildfires fanned by scorching tempera»»»
Dubai taxi trips picked up in June after a difficult start to Q2
Dubai: Dubai’s taxi and limousine market began to recover in June after a difficult second quarter, with the year-on-year decline in trips narrowing to 11.2% from 36.7% in April. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The improvement came after weaker airport and tourism-rela»»»
UK PM Burnham heads north to kickstart English ‘devolution’ plans
LONDON: British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will open his newly created northern office on Friday, as he bids to launch his flagship policy of reversing decades of centralizing power over England in London. Ahead of officially opening his “Number 10 North” hub in Manchester, Burnham — who replaced »»»
US panel backs trendy peptides despite safety concerns
A US review panel on Thursday recommended loosening restrictions on multiple trendy peptides, endorsing proposals that specialised pharmacies be allowed to produce such substances despite alarm bells from medical experts over safety concerns. Get — updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf New»»»
U.S., Iran trade attacks; Trump says Iran to pay for ship damage - UPI.com
Cargo vessels are seen at one end of the Strait of Hormuz near the coast of Dibba Al Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, on Tuesday. President Donald Trump said Thursday that vessels damaged transiting the strait would be paid from frozen Iranian assets. Photo by EPA July 24 (UPI) -- The United States »»»
Ford and Geely to form joint venture at struggling Spain plant
ALMUSSAFES, Spain — US carmaker Ford and China's Geely will create a joint venture at Ford's troubled Valencia plant in eastern Spain, where they plan to produce four new models for the European market, the companies said on Thursday.Ford will hold a 66 per cent stake in the venture and Geely the r»»»
Dubai taxi trips rebound in June after Q2 profit drops 90%
Dubai: Dubai’s taxi and limousine market began to recover in June after a difficult second quarter, with the year-on-year decline in trips narrowing to 11.2% from 36.7% in April. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The improvement came after weaker airport and tourism-rela»»»
US is ready to help end the ‘senseless war’ in Ukraine but no quick deal ahead, Rubio says
MANILA, Philippines: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that the Trump administration is poised to help end the “senseless war” in Ukraine but acknowledged there is no quick path to a deal, saying diplomacy will require sustained effort and new ideas. Rubio, who held talks with his Rus»»»