'Undermining democracy': War Reporter Calls Out ‘French Justice’ And ‘Scandalous’ Novikova Case
French journalist Laurent Brayard, who met Anna Novikova in Donbass in 2022, has condemned her arrest as a politically motivated attack on humanitarian work. "Her goal was purely humanitarian," Brayard said. He noted that Novikova and several other French citizens — including Vincent Perfetti — wer»»»
Middle East tensions temper European stock gains despite tech rally
London, July 15 (SANA) European stocks were little changed on Wednesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East offset gains in the technology sector, where upbeat guidance from Dutch chip equipment maker ASML boosted investor sentiment. The pan-European STOXX 600 index edged down 0.1% to 641.07,»»»
Lebanon parliament to discuss sweeping amnesty bill
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s parliament commenced a legislative session on Wednesday to discuss and vote on several bills, including an amnesty law that could cover swathes of prisoners.More than 40 draft laws will be discussed and voted on in the two-day session, the most prominent being the abolition of the»»»
Lebanese parliament to discuss sweeping amnesty bill
Lebanon's parliament commenced a legislative session on Wednesday to discuss and vote on several bills, including an amnesty law that could cover swathes of prisoners. More than 40 draft laws will be discussed and voted on in the two-day session, the most prominent being the abolition of the death »»»
Fadlallah says Hezbollah pinning hope on Iran-US talks despite escalation
MP Hassan Fadlallah of Hezbollah on Wednesday noted that the latest Israeli war on Lebanon was “premeditated and planned” in advance, suggesting that Israel attacked south Lebanon to “occupy and destroy the area south of the Litani River, seize it, expel its inhabitants, and establish settlements, »»»
Local 'hero': Bellingham's hometown buzzing ahead of semi-final clash
Stourbridge, United Kingdom: As England gears up for the World Cup semi-final Wednesday, there will be one name on everyone's lips: Jude Bellingham, the star midfielder who powered the Three Lions through to the marquee clash against Argentina. In packed stadiums in North America and pubs back home»»»
Rain returns to UAE: NCM says more showers are on the way
Abu Dhabi: Rain fell over parts of the Al Ain–Dubai Road near Al Hayer on Wednesday afternoon as active winds swept through eastern areas of the UAE, in line with forecasts issued by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The NCM also issued a convective cloud alert covering parts of eastern Abu»»»
Her only crime? Helping struggling Donbass civilians— French reporter on jailed charity worker
French journalist Christelle Néant, reporting from Donbass, has sharply condemned the criminal case against SOS Donbass founder Anna Novikova and her colleague Vincent Perfetti, denouncing it as a "deeply political" prosecution. She also pointed out that French media have openly branded Novikova a »»»
Saudi coffee defies global price volatility as limited supply shields market
RIYADH: The recent surge in global coffee prices, driven by supply disruptions, rising production costs, and continued growth in global demand, has not impacted Saudi coffee to the same extent. Saudi coffee is classified as a limited-volume, high-value product, said Salman bin Ahmed Al-Malki, chair»»»
Flying from the UAE soon? Here's every airline update and travel warning you need to know right now
Dubai: Travellers flying to and from the UAE face a shifting picture this week, with a new mandatory health form for India-bound passengers, fresh flight cancellations in Saudi Arabia, and airlines across the Gulf and beyond continuing to adjust schedules amid ongoing regional tensions. Here's a fu»»»
Advanced Media Trading becomes the first SME to win Majra’s Impact Seal – Platinum Tier
Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, honored the winners of Majra – National CSR Fund’s the Impact Seal – Platinum Tier, recognising their outstanding contributions to creating sustainable impact. The Impact Seal is the UA»»»
Finance Minister Describes 2026 State Draft Budget as Bold but Not Reckless
Addressing Parliament during the first reading of this year’s State budget bill, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Galab Donev said that the 2026 budget is "bold but not reckless". The Minister said: "Despite all the accusations of a lack of vision, this budget actually demonstrates amb»»»
Various Institutions Take Part in Joint Exercise on Responding to Wildfires near Kazanlak
Representatives of various institutions took part in a joint tactical and specialized exercise on responding to forest fires at the Tyulbeto training area near Kazanlak on Wednesday. Participating were the General Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection, the Land Forces, the Air Force, the»»»
Meet the 17-year-old Indian-American leading 300 US cadets
Dubai: While most teenagers are still getting ready for school, 17-year-old Riddhi Chauhan is already on the drill field, commanding nearly 300 cadets through morning exercises. The Indian-American student from Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Queens serves as the Battalion Commanding Officer of »»»
Media Review: July 15
Media outlets on Wednesday comment on Prime Minister Rumen Radev's statement to the press in Paris that "Bulgaria's place is not in the Coalition of the Willing". He said Bulgaria is not providing financial or military aid to Ukraine because "the solution to this conflict does not lie in prolonging»»»
More health workers go on strike as confirmed Ebola cases in Congo top 2,000, including 754 deaths
BUNIA: Confirmed cases of Ebola in Congo have reached 2,011, including 754 deaths, according to government data released overnight in what authorities say is the fastest-growing outbreak on record. Health workers at the Bunia General Hospital went on strike on Wednesday, the latest group to have wa»»»
How Gulf allies shaped Trump’s dramatic Hormuz fee U-turn
Dubai: President Donald Trump’s abrupt decision to abandon his plan to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has highlighted the growing influence of Gulf allies over Washington’s approach to the Iran conflict. The reversal came just a day after Trump proposed charging commerci»»»
Hungarian MPs push through constitutional amendment removing President Tamas Sulyok
Hungary’s parliament approved the 17th amendment of the Fundamental Law (Constitution) with 139 votes in favour and six against, with no abstentions, on July 13, which effectively removes President Tamas Sulyok from his post, state news agency MTI reported. Under the amendment, Sulyok's mandate wil»»»
Radev’s Budget Heads to Parliament as Opposition Slams 5.7% DeficitOpinions
The National Assembly is set to hold the first reading of Bulgaria’s 2026 state budget, the first fiscal plan drafted by Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s cabinet. The proposal has already triggered strong criticism from opposition parties, largely because it projects a consolidated fiscal deficit of 5.»»»
'We don't have time': Montenegro's bird haven fading
Ulcinj, Montenegro: Every year, tens of thousands of birds glide over the rusting remains of one of the Mediterranean's largest saltworks, to rest in the rare paradise it left behind. But experts warn the sprawling salt flats of Montenegro's Ulcinj salina, a vital stop-off for migrating flamingos, »»»
UN warns of cracks in global immunisation system
Geneva: Global infant vaccination levels improved slightly last year, the UN said Wednesday, but warned that drastic funding cuts, conflicts and misinformation were deepening dangerous coverage gaps and allowing outbreaks to surge. In 2025, 90 percent of infants globally, or nearly 116 million, rec»»»
US says first day of new Lebanon-Israel talks was 'productive'
Lebanon and Israel concluded the first day of Washington-mediated talks in Rome on Tuesday, a U.S. official said, as Israel said it was ready to move forward with plans to withdraw from two parts of southern Lebanon. The U.S.-brokered negotiations took place in the Italian capital over a framework »»»
Democratic Bulgaria Calls for Urgent Changes to Crash Barrier Regulations
The opposition coalition Democratic Bulgaria (DB) calls for urgent amendments to a Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works regulation governing road safety barriers, arguing that the current rules are restrictive, anti-competitive, and compromise road safety. Speaking to reporters in parl»»»
Saudi inflation steady at 1.8% in June, despite rising rents: GASTAT
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation rate held steady at 1.8 percent in June, with housing rents and personal care costs continuing to drive price gains in the Kingdom, official data showed. According to the latest report released by the General Authority for Statistics, the Kingdom’s Consumer P»»»
Vazrazhdane: Credit for Dropping Russian Patriarch from Sanctions Package Should Go to the Vatican
In a declaration read from the parliamentary rostrum on Wednesday, Vazrazhdane MP Angel Georgiev said that while propaganda in Bulgaria is trying to give all the credit for the removal of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow from the 21st package of sanctions against Russia as an entirely Bulgarian achieveme»»»
16 Martyrs in Gaza as Israeli Aggression Escalates on 279th Day of War - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe 16 Martyrs in Gaza as Israeli Aggression Escalates on 279th Day of War 15-07-2026 10:51 AM A Palestinian child stands amid rubble in Gaza, »»»
Qatar embassies abroad express condolences on passing of Father Amir
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s embassies and diplomatic missions around the world have become focal points for expressions of sympathy following the passing of the Father Amir, H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Foreign governments, diplomats, senior officials, members of royal families, business leaders»»»
Investor confidence keeps realty market focused on key property segments
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s real estate market continued to demonstrate resilience and sustained investor confidence in 2025, with the vast majority of sales transactions concentrated in three core property categories which include vacant land, villas, and apartments. The data from the country’s real esta»»»
Balogun admits red card furore affected US World Cup team
Washington: Folarin Balogun admitted yesterday that the suspension of his red card in the World Cup after President Donald Trump intervened put added pressure on the US team. Balogun said in an interview with CBS he was “definitely in shock” when he was sent off for treading on the foot of a Bosnia»»»
Argentina and England collide with World Cup final spot at stake
ATLANTA: Lionel Messi’s Argentina clash with England in a marquee World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, with Spain lying in wait after shattering French hopes of a third triumph. The fixture between two of the big beasts of global football is mouthwatering enough but is given added spice by long-standi»»»
England seek return to final against Messi’s Argentina
Doha, Qatar: England will aim to end Lionel Messi’s bid for back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles and then charge their way into the final when they face defending champions Argentina in a heavyweight semi-final clash at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium today. The last-four showdown pits one of interna»»»
Nicusor Dan: Romania has conveyed a message of continued support for Ukraine
Romania has conveyed a message from Paris regarding continued support for Ukraine, Mayor Nicusor Dan stated on Tuesday."Yesterday, there was a sort of stock-taking meeting. Let me remind you that the goal of this coalition was to give substance to security guarantees for Ukraine as soon as the war »»»
Saudi Arabia travel warnings updated as airlines cancel Dubai and Sharjah flights from Abha for second day
Dubai: Passengers faced a second day of flight cancellations at Abha International Airport on Wednesday, with Canada, the UK and the US also warning against travel to parts of Saudi Arabia. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.At least 11 departures from Abha were listed as»»»
Fitch Warns Bulgaria’s 2026 Budget Reveals Fiscal RisksOpinions
Fitch Ratings has warned that Bulgaria’s 2026 state budget reflects growing risks for the country’s public finances and economy, pointing to a deterioration in the fiscal position in recent years, BTA reported. According to the international credit rating agency’s analysis, the expansionary fiscal »»»
Industry’s order books swell despite weak headline production figures
The volume of industrial production declined by 0.4%, while based on working-day adjusted data, production grew by 5.4%, year-on-year in May 2026. Compared to crude data, the significant difference is due to the fact that there were two fewer working-days in this month than in May 2025. Production »»»
Fighting in Yemen suggests a spillover from the US-Iran war
The renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran are causing deep concern in several Arab countries affected by this dispute, including Yemen, with sudden and unprecedented clashes. These have erupted south of Hodeidah governorate in the west along the Red Sea coast between militias loyal»»»
Trump to address defense technology gathering as the Iran war has reduced US weapon stocks
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump is headlining a defense summit at the US Army War College on Wednesday, planning to tout major investments in battlefield technology at a time when the war in Iran has reduced the US supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles and Patriot and THAAD interceptors. The gather»»»
McIlroy seeks end to British Open drought as out-of-sorts Scheffler defends title
SOUTHPORT, United Kingdom: Rory McIlroy has his sights set on a first British Open win since 2014 as world number one Scottie Scheffler tries to get his game back on track to defend the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale. McIlroy ended a long wait for his fifth major by winning the Masters last year to c»»»
US-Russian crew arrives at the International Space Station for 8-month mission
Moscow: A US-Russian space crew arrived Tuesday at the International Space Station after launching from the Russia-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click hereNASA astronaut Anil Menon and Russian crewmates Pyotr Dubro»»»
U.S. Navy inquiries open door for South Korean shipbuilders - UPI.com
Requests involving destroyers and fleet tankers could expand Seoul-Washington shipbuilding partnership under MASGA The USNS Wally Schirra departs Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard after completing approximately six months of maintenance work. Photo courtesy of Hanwha Ocean July 14 (Asia Today) -- The U»»»
Behind UAE’s famous breakfast buffets: How hotels reduce waste without cutting choice
The UAE hotel breakfast buffet is a feast designed to impress, with rows of pastries, displays, live cooking stations, international favourites and enough choices to satisfy every kind of traveller. But behind the endless spreads is also a concealed balancing act: How do hotels offer abundance with»»»
54 tremors: What is an 'earthquake swarm'? Why dozens of quakes are shaking Masbate, Philippines — what volcanologists say it means
Manila: A series of earthquakes off the coast of Claveria, Masbate has raised concerns among residents. Philippine volcanologists say the activity is consistent with an "earthquake swarm" — which they describe as a "natural phenomenon". Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app no»»»
26 Meta employees sue, alleging AI-driven layoff picks hit workers on medical and parental leave
A group of 26 Meta employees has sued the company, claiming it used artificial intelligence systems to select people for layoffs, disproportionately targeting those on medical, parental or family leave. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click hereThey are amon»»»
Iran's 'dark fleet' gears up as US reimposes naval blockade, maritime trackers explain evasion tactics
Iran appeared to be positioning vessels capable of evading sanctions just hours before the United States reinstated its naval blockade of Iranian ports on Wednesday, according to CNN and maritime intelligence firms that monitor global shipping. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf New»»»
Senate Democrats block $1 trillion defence bill in protest over Iran war
Washington: Senate Democrats blocked a $1 trillion annual defence bill Tuesday, refusing to advance the bipartisan package that would substantially increase Pentagon spending, including a pay raise for the troops, in protest of President Donald Trump's war against Iran. Senate Democratic Leader Chu»»»
Moody’s Sees Egypt’s Economy Growing but Reforms Slipping
By: Ahmad Abu el-Hamd March 29, 2017 CAIRO — The economic picture for Egypt is improving, ratings agency Moody’s said on Wednesday, but a public backlash will likely lead the Mideast country to slow reforms undertaken to secure a bailout from the international Monetary Fund. The group forecasts tha»»»
Fifty migrants feared lost in Mediterranean, 10 survive after boat capsizes, security sources say
BENGHAZI: At least 50 migrants, including women and children, were feared lost at sea, while 10 survived, after their wooden boat capsized on Tuesday in the Mediterranean Sea off the eastern coast of Libya, two security sources told Reuters. The survivors were rescued near El-Bardaa Island, some »»»
US-Russian crew arrives at the International Space Station for 8-month mission
MOSCOW: A US-Russian space crew arrived Tuesday at the International Space Station after launching from the Russia-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Russian crewmates Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina lifted off as scheduled at 7:47 p.m. (10:47 a.m. EDT, 1447 GMT) a»»»
Lebanon, Israel hold US-brokered talks in Rome to implement framework deal – Ya Libnan
Share: Illustration- Peace is the only choice for Israel and Lebanon Beirut / Rome Lebanon and Israel resumed talks on Tuesday in the Italian capital, with Beirut hoping for progress towards securing an Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon under a U.S.-brokered agreement, although expectations for»»»
Spain advances to World Cup final with 2-0 win over France
ARLINGTON, Texas: Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot after a heady play by teenager Lamine Yamal, Pedro Porro added another goal and Spain advanced to its first World Cup final since winning in 2010 with a 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday. A day after his 19th birthday, Yamal was denied»»»