Al-Shaibani says leaders’ meetings in the Gulf tour focused on boosting fraternal ties
Damascus, Apr. 22 (SANA) Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani said the Gulf tour led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, which included Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, focused on strengthening long-standing fraternal relations between Syria and those countries. Al-Shaibani said the»»»
Team Saudi steps onto the Asian stage at opening ceremony for 6th Asian Beach Games
RIYADH: Team Saudi took part in the official opening ceremony for the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, on Wednesday evening. Jiu jitsu athlete Mohammed bin Huraimel carried the Saudi flag to lead the team in the traditional parade of athletes. The evening also included a program of cultural p»»»
Swiss President Guy Parmelin visits Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Swiss president Guy Parmelin arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday for an official visit. He was greeted on arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the deputy governor of Makkah Region, and other officials.»»»
Brent crude climbs back above $100 as oil benchmarks rally late April 22
Brent crude returned to the psychologically important $100-per-barrel mark late Tuesday, underscoring renewed strength across global oil benchmarks as energy markets reacted to tightening supply expectations and geopolitical risk. A market snapshot taken at 8:21 pm GMT on April 22, 2026 showed Bren»»»
Saudi envoys to Doha and Sarajevo hold discussions with Spanish, Bosnian officials
Saudi Ambassador to Qatar Prince Saad bin Mansour bin Saad received Spain’s ambassador to Qatar, Alvaro Renedo Zalba, at his office. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as regional and international developments, Saudi Press Agency reported. Saud»»»
Pope Leo XIV speaks against inequality on visit to Equatorial Guinea - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Pope Leo XIV waves during a welcome ceremony upon his arrival Saturday at 4 de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda, Angola. On Wednesday, the pope spoke to officials in Equatorial Guinea, the last stop on his trip. File photo Jose Sena Goulao/EPA April 22 (UPI) -- On the final stop o»»»
Saudi, Dutch foreign ministers discuss regional developments
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met Tom Berendsen, the Netherlands’ foreign minister, in Riyadh on Wednesday. The parties reviewed areas of bilateral cooperation and discussed regional developments, reported the Saudi Press Agency. Berendsen reaffirmed Amsterdam’s c»»»
Report says US blocked $500 million cash shipment to Iraq over pro-Iran attacks
Washington: The United States blocked a plane carrying nearly $500 million in banknotes from delivering the cash to Iraq, US media reported on Tuesday, piling pressure on Baghdad to fight Iran-backed militant groups. The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington has suspended cash shipments to I»»»
How Dubai Metro Gold Line will reduce cut Red Line congestion, remove 40m road trips a year
Dubai: Dubai is planning its next metro expansion valued at Dh34 billion, the Gold Line, which will run from Al Ghubaiba to Jumeirah Golf Estates. The route passes through Mina Rashid, City Walk, Business Bay, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Nad Al Sheba, Meydan, Al Barsha South, and Jumeirah Village Cir»»»
Kuwait keeps schools online until further notice
Dubai: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education has confirmed that the learning process will continue remotely until further notice, stressing that no changes or new decisions have been issued so far. In a statement, the ministry said the measure is aimed at safeguarding students as well as teaching and admi»»»
Why oil will get costlier the more Hormuz disruption drags on amid war risks
Dubai: Oil prices are likely to remain elevated, and could rise further in the near term, as ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty surrounding the conflict involving Iran continue to tighten global supply conditions. Brent crude rose 1.7% to $100.16 per barrel on Wednesday, ref»»»
Developing countries must not bear climate burden alone, Central Asian leaders say
Leaders from Central Asia and neighbouring countries issued a stark warning on Wednesday that the global shift to a low-carbon economy risks deepening inequality unless it is managed fairly, with stronger support for developing countries that have contributed least to climate change but face some o»»»
How the Strait of Hormuz blockade could ground Europe’s airlines within weeks
LONDON: Europe’s commercial aviation sector is moving closer to a jet fuel crunch as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to choke off supplies from the Gulf, threatening summer travel plans for millions and forcing airlines and governments to weigh rationing, cancellations and emergency fu»»»
Trump’s Iran war a strategic ‘disaster,’ expert tells RT
The war with Iran has been a strategic disaster for the US, leaving President Donald Trump in a weaker position at home and damaging American credibility, Quincy Institute co-founder Trita Parsi has told RT. He added that the conflict, which he said Israel had pushed for, had not unfolded as Washin»»»
Earth Day: ‘Our power, our planet’
JEDDAH/RIYADH: International Mother Earth Day, which is observed annually on April 22, was established by a 2009 UN General Assembly resolution to recognize the planet as humanity’s shared home and to promote action on climate change, livelihoods, and biodiversity loss. This year’s theme, “Our powe»»»
Israeli forces trap 2 journalists in south, block rescue access, claim Lebanese authorities
LONDON: Lebanese authorities have accused Israeli forces of trapping two journalists in the southern town of Al-Tiri and blocking rescue teams from reaching the area after a drone strike nearby killed two people. Lebanon’s National News Agency said Israeli forces had prevented the Red Cross and the»»»
ISIS Shifts Priorities, Seeks to Raise Cost of Rule in Syria
Syria has moved since early this year from internal unrest in the northeast, the coast, and the south to relative calm and attempts to impose a new security and political order, most clearly seen in the security file and in an agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces. But the shift has set up an»»»
New Darb toll gates in Abu Dhabi: locations, fees, and who’s exempt
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has announced the introduction of two new gates to the Darb Toll Gate System in Abu Dhabi. This initiative aims to enhance traffic flow on major roads, improve the efficiency of the road network, »»»
UAE Embassy in Beirut warns public over scam messages posing as officials
The UAE Embassy in Beirut has urged the public to exercise caution over suspicious messages and calls requesting financial transfers, falsely claiming to be from the embassy or its staff. In a post on its official account on X, the embassy said all its services are provided exclusively through appr»»»
Sheikh Joaan attends opening ceremony of Asian Beach Games
Sanya: President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani attended the opening ceremony of the Asian Beach Games – Sanya 2026, which was held this evening at Yasha Park, in a vibrant celebratory atmosphere reflecting the rich cu»»»
Rehabilitated sea turtles return to sea in Fujairah
Fujairah: The Fujairah Environment Authority (FEA), in cooperation with the Fujairah Research Centre, has released a number of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) back into their natural habitat after rescue and rehabilitation. The turtles - of varying sizes and ages - were rescued across Fujairah b»»»
UAE and Syrian Presidents discuss bilateral relations
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Ahmed Al Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, who is on a working visit to the UAE. During the meeting, the two sides discussed fraternal relations and ways to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the development an»»»
Dh30m UAE Lottery: Winning numbers out – did you get lucky this time?
Dubai: In the Dh30 million UAE Lottery Lucky Day draw on Wednesday, a number of participants have walked away with cash prizes, while the top jackpot once again went unclaimed. In Draw No. 260422, the winning numbers in the Days section were 18, 9, 7, 29, 13, and 15, while the Months section winnin»»»
Gaza Prepares for First Local Elections in Two Decades
Deir al-Balah in central Gaza will hold the enclave’s first local elections in nearly two decades, with voting set to begin on Saturday alongside municipal polls in the occupied West Bank. A decree by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas designated Deir al-Balah as the only voting site in Gaza, citi»»»
JFK sees near miss of Air Canada, American Airlines planes - UPI.com
Two planes flew too close together at JFK International Airport on Monday. They were Air Canada and American Airlines flights. File Photo by Graham Hughes/EPA April 22 (UPI) -- The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday it is investigating a near miss between two planes landing in New York »»»
Peru election mired in crisis as ballot dispute delays runoff and topples electoral chief
Peru's general election, held on April 12, has produced what its fragmented political system reliably delivers: no first-round winner, a disputed count and a paralysed electoral authority. With no candidate near an outright majority, a runoff on June 7 is now certain. But who will face conservative»»»
COMMENT: Why China is hedging for now in the Middle East
As the US-Israel-Iran war enters its second month, one of the most consequential geopolitical actors has been conspicuous by its silence. China has not intervened, has not condemned, and has not chosen sides in any meaningful public way. But Beijing is not simply watching. It is calculating — and a»»»
Peru election mired in crisis as ballot dispute delays runoff and topples electoral chief
Peru's general election, held on April 12, has produced what its fragmented political system reliably delivers: no first-round winner, a disputed count and a paralysed electoral authority. With no candidate near an outright majority, a runoff on June 7 is now certain. But who will face conservative»»»
Latin America oils up as Hormuz crisis reshapes global energy supply
The conflict that has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for one-fifth of global crude and a significant share of gas supplies, has done more than spike oil prices. It has laid bare how dangerously concentrated energy supply had become around a single chokepoint, sending importers s»»»
Nigeria’s Dangote refinery to expand downstream petchem portfolio with major LAB facility
Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery is advancing plans to build a Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB) production facility with a capacity of 400,000 tonnes per year, marking a major expansion of its downstream petrochemicals portfolio. »»»
Latin America oils up as Hormuz crisis reshapes global energy supply
The conflict that has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for one-fifth of global crude and a significant share of gas supplies, has done more than spike oil prices. It has laid bare how dangerously concentrated energy supply had become around a single chokepoint, sending importers s»»»
Russian state agency warns Hungary's incoming government against reviewing Paks nuclear deal
An article by the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti takes a critical tone on the Paks nuclear project and cautions Hungary’s incoming leadership against revisiting the agreement, 444.hu writes on April 21. RIA ran the »»»
Putin's coal sector is running out of time and political cover
Russia's coal industry is heading toward a systemic crisis from which the Kremlin's patronage network can no longer shield it, according to a paper published this week by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The»»»
Borislav Sarafov Resigns as Acting Prosecutor General, Politicians React
After nearly 3 years in office, Borislav Sarafov resigned as Bulgaria's acting prosecutor general on Wednesday morning. His tenure was overshadowed by a lingering controversy over his legitimacy. A number of Bulgarian courts argue that, under Judicial System Act amendments effective January 21, 202»»»
Saudi Arabia, Ericsson explore deeper tech investment, 5G expansion
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha and President and CEO of Ericsson Borje Ekholm discussed expanding the company’s investments in the Kingdom and ways to strengthen collaboration across digital infrastructure, advanced 5G, cloud networks, artificia»»»
Sheikh Hamdan visits KHDA, commends education community
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said that the UAE’s education system, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President»»»
OCA President holds talks with Chinese officials on strengthening Asian sports cooperation
Sanya, China: President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, also the President of Qatar Olympic Committee, has met with State Councilor of the People's Republic of China HE Shen Yiqin. Director of the General Administration of Sport and President of the Chinese »»»
Syrian diplomacy gains momentum with al-Sharaa’s Antalya participation
Damascus, Apr. 22 (SANA) Director of Research and Studies at the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Obeida Ghadban, affirmed Wednesday that President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2026) marks a pivotal shift in Syrian foreign»»»
Vucic speaks with von der Leyen
BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday, and noted that the discussion, which addressed key issues of the Serbia-EU relationship, had been good and open and that he had highlighted Serbia's commitme»»»
Report: Lebanon remains part of US-Iranian discussions
The issue of the Israeli war against Lebanon remains a key topic in the U.S.-Iranian contacts and separating the Lebanese file from the Islamabad talks does not appear to be certain, informed sources told al-Akhbar newspaper. "This issue continues to exert pressure on the American side, which is at»»»
Albania’s PM Rama Meets Greek Counterpart Mitsotakis, Signals Push for Strategic Partnership
The Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama had a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during an official visit to Athens, where he is attending the Delphi Economic Forum. In a photo published by him shows the two leaders shaking hands, symbolizing what Rama described as a strong and evo»»»
UAE President receives Italian Defence Minister
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Guido Crosetto, Minister of Defence of the Italian Republic. During the meeting, the Italian Defence Minister conveyed the greetings of Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, and her wishes for the UAE’s continued security and»»»
Syrian president and Qatari emir discuss regional developments during talks in Doha
LONDON: The emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, discussed regional and international developments with Syria’s president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, on Wednesday. Al-Sharaa expressed solidarity with Qatar amid the Iranian attacks that have targeted the country and other states in the region, as w»»»
Syrian president reaffirms solidarity with Qatar over security threats
DAMASCUS: President of the Syrian Arab Republic HE Ahmed Al Sharaa has reiterated his country's solidarity with the State of Qatar regarding threats to its security and sovereignty. In a post on the social media platform X, the Syrian president said he held a "fraternal meeting" with HH the Amir Sh»»»
MWL chief meets Malaysian scholars in Kuala Lumpur
JEDDAH: Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa recently met in Kuala Lumpur with senior Malaysian scholars from across the country, led by Sheikh Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil, grand mufti of Malaysia. The meeting was followed by a discussion session on themes from Al-Issa’»»»
Vucic, Whitaker discuss regional security issues, Serbia-US relations
BELGRADE, April 22 (Tanjug) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker on Wednesday to discuss the most significant security and political issues in the region, especially noting that preservation of security for Serbs in the Autonomous Province of Kosovo-M»»»
Sheikh Joaan graces Asian Beach Games opening ceremony
SANYA: President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani has graced the opening ceremony of the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China. In a post on his X account, Sheikh Joaan said the opening of the Games marks an important mil»»»
Saudi Arabia gets its first W Hotel in Riyadh’s KAFD
RIYADH: The first W Hotel has opened in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, marking the entry of the chain into Saudi Arabia. KAFD said in a statement that the opening represents a significant step in strengthening the district’s hospitality offerings and cementing its status as a premier bu»»»
Sheikh Joaan meets with member of State Council of China
SANYA: President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani met with State Councilor of the People's Republic of China HE Shen Yiqin, in the presence of President of the Chinese Olympic Committee and Minister of Sport HE Gao Zhidan»»»