Syria, Saudi Arabia discuss boosting cooperation in emergency response
Riyadh, Apr. 8 (SANA) Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed al-Saleh, began an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. The visit aims to cement bilateral cooperation in emergency response, disaster management, and the exchange of technical expertise between the two»»»
Artemis II crew prepares as spacecraft heads back from moon toward Earth for splashdown - UPI.com
1 of 5 | Earthset is captured through the Orion spacecraft window at 6:41 p.m. EDT Monday during the Artemis II crew's flyby of the moon. On Wednesday, the crew prepared for the return to Earth set for Friday. Photo courtesy of NASA | License Photo April 8 (UPI) -- On Wednesday, two days after thei»»»
BP announces new offshore gas discovery in Egypt’s Eastern Mediterranean
BP has announced a new gas discovery in the Eastern Mediterranean, offshore Egypt, following the successful drilling of the El-Dennis West-1 exploration well in the El-Tamsah concession area. The El-Dennis West-1 discovery is located approximately 70 kilometres offshore in water depths of around 95»»»
Fragile US-Iran ceasefire tested by early violations as Islamabad talks loom
A ceasefire between the United States and Iran has taken effect with broad international support, but early violations and continued hostilities are already casting doubt on its durability ahead of talks scheduled in Islamabad. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi hailed the announcement as “wel»»»
Housing Minister meets MPs to discuss citizens’ demands, development priorities
Egypt’s Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, Randa El-Menshawy, met with members of the House of Representatives to review citizens’ demands and discuss key development files, joined by senior ministry officials and affiliated executive bodies. The meeting reflects ongoing coordina»»»
Egypt urges global unity to confront antimicrobial resistance at One Health Summit
Egypt’s Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar called for stronger international cooperation to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), stressing that the challenge demands integrated action across health, environmental, and agricultural sectors. Speaking at a ministerial session of the One Health Sum»»»
Egypt’s Industry Minister discusses boosting competitiveness of handicrafts sector
Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem held an expanded meeting with Mohamed El-Sewedy, Chairperson of the Federation of Egyptian Industries, and members of the Handicrafts Chamber, headed by Mohamed Sakr, to discuss mechanisms to develop Egypt’s handicrafts and heritage industries and enhance their co»»»
Government addresses challenges with clarity, decisiveness: Minister of Planning
Ahmed Rostom, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, met with Chitose Noguchi, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Egypt, to explore opportunities for joint cooperation in energy, digital transformation, and data systems development in support of sustainab»»»
MSMEDA, Outreach partner to expand non-financial services for entrepreneurs under ‘Orange Corners’
In a move to strengthen cooperation between national development institutions and international partners, the Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) has signed a cooperation agreement with Outreach Egypt, the implementing partner of the Orange Corners Egypt initiative backe»»»
CBE bars credit facilities for unregistered entities
The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has instructed banks not to grant or renew credit facilities to non-banking credit providers unless they are officially registered, assigned a CBE code, and recorded on its information network as well as with the Egyptian Credit Bureau. In a circular addressed to ban»»»
EDECS, MEDLOG partner to build landmark Dry Port in 10th of Ramadan City
EDECS, a leading regional engineering and contracting group, and MEDLOG, the global logistics arm of MSC Group, have signed an agreement to launch a major dry port project in 10th of Ramadan City. Spanning 189,000 square meters, the facility will be delivered under a design-and-build contract cover»»»
UAE affirms importance of Iran’s adherence to cessation of attacks
The UAE is closely following the announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, and is seeking further clarification on the agreement’s provisions to ensure Iran’s full commitment to an immediate cessation of all hostilities in the reg»»»
Global Supply Chains Reshape, Focus Shifts to Saudi Arabia
At a time when global supply chains are being reshaped by rising geopolitical tensions and disruptions to key routes, led by the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a central player in redirecting trade flows. Leveraging a unique position linking East and West, and advanced logisti»»»
CBL Governor unveils package of measures to support dinar, regulate foreign exchange market, and inject $1.5 billion
A source has informed that Central Bank of Libya (CBL) Governor Naji Issa revealed a package of new economic and monetary measures aimed at supporting the value of the Libyan dinar and regulating the foreign exchange black-market. This announcement came on the sidelines of the conclusion of Article»»»
Two Palestinians, including journalist, martyred in Israeli airstrike on Gaza
Gaza: Journalist Mohammed Washah was martyred in the Gaza Strip, and another person was injured Wednesday evening, as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the vehicle they were traveling in in Gaza City. Qatar News Agency (QNA) correspondent, citing family sources, reported that journalist Washah wa»»»
Is Hamas Counting on Iran Talks to Resolve the Disarmament Crisis?
As Iranian officials link any halt in fighting with the US and Israel to all fronts of the so-called “axis of resistance,” with a focus on Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas and other Palestinian factions in Gaza are negotiating a disarmament plan while pushing to retain part of their arsenal. Israel and »»»
Prime minister, Turkish foreign minister discuss regional developments
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani received a phone call from Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Republic of Turkiye HE Hakan Fidan. During the call, they discussed the latest developments in the region in light of th»»»
Our Programme Focuses on Living Standards, Quality of Life, Says Progressive Bulgaria Leader Radev
At a meeting with the leadership of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria on Wednesday, Progressive Bulgaria coalition leader Rumen Radev said that the coalition’s programme is focused on the standard and quality of life of Bulgarian citizens – high and stable incomes and pensio»»»
Amir receives phone call from Turkish President
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a telephone call from his brother President of the Republic of Turkiye HE Recep Tayyip Erdogan. During the call, they reviewed regional developments, particularly the latest developments regarding the ceasefire agreement between the »»»
Five uncomfortable truths about audit quality
Audit quality is the lifeblood of financial integrity, yet few in the profession openly discuss its most uncomfortable realities. In boardrooms and audit committee meetings, the narrative often centers on improvements, innovations, and assurances but beneath this polished surface lies a set of trut»»»
Watch: Ostrich escaped cafe in Thailand, runs nearly 10 miles on highway - UPI.com
April 8 (UPI) -- An ostrich escaped from an animal cafe in Thailand and ran nearly 10 miles on a busy highway before being safely captured. Isara Boriboon, who owns a cat cafe in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, said one of his two ostriches, named B1 and B2, darted through an open gate Tuesday and followed»»»
To Overcome Statehood Crisis, Parliamentary Politics Must Follow Campaign Promises, Says Pavel Popov, Top-of-the-List Candidate of CC-DB for Varna 3rd Constituency
To overcome the statehood crisis, parliamentary politics must follow the commitments made during election campaigns, Pavel Popov, top-of-the-list candidate of Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) for Varna’s 3rd multi-member constituency, said during a meeting with citizens and support»»»
In Pernik, 100-Plus Business Execs Discuss Challenges to Economy at Event Initiated by Blue Bulgaria Coalition
The Blue Bulgaria Coalition organized a discussion with local business executives in Pernik on Wednesday, the coalition said in a press release. Taking part in the meeting were Dr Valentin Pavlov, a leading candidate in the Pernik constituency, Blue Bulgaria Chairman Peter Moskov, economist Nikola »»»
How connectivity is shaping the future of offshore workforce sustainability
Life at sea places people under a unique form of pressure, combining physical demands, emotional strain, and prolonged separation from family. Offshore assignments often involve long rotations, confined living conditions, and limited privacy, creating an environment that places sustained physical a»»»
Resilience in real time: Lessons from gold’s volatility
Gold is often described as a safe haven, but in practice it responds just as quickly as any risk asset when conditions shift unpredictably. Over the past 12 months, this has been particularly evident: after climbing from around $2,625 per ounce to a recent peak above $5,500 — a surge of more than 1»»»
Citizens Protest in Central Sofia Against Acting City Prosecutor Rusinova, Acting Prosecutor General Sarafov
Citizens gathered outside the Palace of Justice in Sofia on Tuesday to demand the launch of disciplinary proceedings against Emilia Rusinova and her dismissal as acting Sofia City Prosecutor. They also called for the resignation of acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov. The protest was organiz»»»
Qatar condemns Israeli airstrikes on wide areas in Lebanon
Doha: The State of Qatar condemned the series of heinous Israeli airstrikes that targeted wide areas in Lebanon and resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries. In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs deemed the strikes a serious escalation and a blatant violation of the sovere»»»
Rio police report largest-ever 48-ton marijuana seizure in Brazil - UPI.com
Rio de Janeiro's Military Police reported the seizure of approximately 48 tons of marijuana in the Nova Holanda community, in Complexo da Maré. Photo courtesy of Governo do RJ/X April 8 (UPI) -- Rio de Janeiro's Military Police reported the seizure of approximately 48 tons of marijuana in the Nova »»»
On This Day, April 7: Scandinavian Star ferry fire kills 159 - UPI.com
On April 7, 1990, arson fires aboard the ferry Scandinavian Star killed at least 159 people in Scandinavia's worst post-war maritime disaster. 1 of 6 | The MS Scandinavian Star is towed into Lysekil harbor in Sweden after a fire on board the ferry on April 7, 1990, killed 159 people. File Photo by »»»
Dh30m UAE Lottery: Draw results out – check if you’re among the winners
Dubai: In its first Wednesday show, a number of participants have walked away with cash prizes in the Dh30 million UAE Lottery Lucky Day draw. During Draw No. 260408, the winning numbers from the Days section were 4, 20, 17, 18, 9, and 19, while 1 was drawn as the winning number in the Months secti»»»
Police arrest 20 on Athens outskirts over power theft, traffic violations
A police operation carried out Tuesday in Fyli, on the northwestern outskirts of Athens, resulted in 20 arrests linked to electricity theft and road traffic violations, authorities said. During the operation, a crew from DEDDIE, the electricity distribution network operator, removed more than 2 kil»»»
BCT signs cooperation agreement with Central Bank of the Comoros
Tunis, April 8 (TAP) - The Central Bank of Tunisia and the Central Bank of the Comoros signed an institutional cooperation agreement on Tuesday in Tunis, aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two institutions in several areas of mutual...»»»
Difference between reacting and being ready
Uncertainty reveals what a business is genuinely made of. Across the region, recent developments have introduced pressure on supply chains and influenced how customers approach major decisions. But what we are witnessing is a recalibration. The fundamentals remain intact. Get updated faster and for»»»
Lebanon says reopening main Syria border crossing closed over Israeli threat
Lebanon announced the reopening of the Masnaa border crossing with Syria starting Wednesday evening, state media said, after it had been closed for several days due to an Israeli threat to target it. "The Masnaa crossing will be reopened as of 6:00 pm (1500 GMT) today, with strict measures in place»»»
Prime Minister receives phone call from Turkish Foreign Minister
Doha, Qatar: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a telephone call from Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Republic of Turkiye HE Hakan Fidan. During the call, they discussed the latest developments in the region in »»»
Ceasefire plan published by Iran not the one agreed by US: White House
A US official said Wednesday that a 10-point ceasefire plan published by Iran is not the same set of conditions that were agreed to by the White House for pausing the war. "The document being reported by media outlets is not the working framework," the senior official said on condition of anonymity»»»
Lebanon Rejects Iran Negotiating on Its Behalf
Lebanon was left outside contacts that produced a US-Iran ceasefire deal, despite reports it would be included and moves by Iran and Hezbollah suggesting otherwise. Hezbollah halted its military operations before the deal was announced early on Wednesday, while Lebanese officials scrambled to conta»»»
Israel pounds Lebanon with heaviest airstrikes of war despite ceasefire – Ya Libnan
Share: Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli strike in Beirut, Lebanon, April 8, 2026. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir By Nazih Osseiran, Alexander Dziadosz and Alexander Cornwell Summary Israel launches heaviest Lebanon strikes despite Iran ceasefire Hezbollah halts attacks as Israel presses campaign Leb»»»
BSP Will Be Represented in Next Parliament, Says Left-Wing Leader Zarkov in Targovishte
BSP will be represented in the next parliament, said left-wing leader Krum Zarkov during a visit to Targovishte. The chair of BSP’s National Council and of the BSP – United Left coalition commented on current political issues ahead of the snap parliamentary elections on April 19. Together with parl»»»
UN ‘Strongly Condemns’ Israeli Strikes in Lebanon
The United Nations "strongly condemns" Israel's latest wave of strikes across neighboring Lebanon, a spokesperson said Wednesday, lamenting the loss of civilian lives. "The United Nations strongly condemns the strikes by Israel across Lebanon that resulted in significant civilian casualties," said »»»
Trump Says US-Iran Talks Will Be Behind Closed Doors
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said talks on the Iran crisis would be held behind closed doors, and that "only one group of meaningful 'POINTS'" were acceptable to the United States, but gave no other details about the negotiations. "These are the POINTS that are the basis on which we »»»
Hezbollah Says Has Right to Respond After Deadly Israeli Strikes on Lebanon
Hezbollah said Wednesday it has a "right" to respond to Israel's deadly wave of strikes across Lebanon, which authorities said left at least 250 people dead and more than 720 wounded. "We affirm that the blood of the martyrs and the wounded will not be shed in vain, and that today's massacres, like»»»
Syrian defense ministry delegation visits Jordan to enhance military cooperation
Amman, April 8 (SANA) A delegation from the Syrian Ministry of Defense, headed by Chief of the General Staff, Major General Ali al-Naasan, visited on Wednesday the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Members of the Syrian delegation met with Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff, Major General Y»»»
Qatar condemns Israeli attacks on large areas of Lebanon
DOHA: The State of Qatar has condemned the series of brutal Israeli airstrikes that targeted wide areas in Lebanon, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries. Qatar considered these attacks a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of the sovereignty of the sisterly Republic of Lebanon, the»»»
US says Iran ceasefire doesn't apply to Israeli strikes in Lebanon
The U.S.-Iran ceasefire does not apply to Israel's strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Axios, contradicting statements from Iran and the Pakistani mediators. Israel's renewed attacks in Lebanon posed an immediate challenge to the stability of the »»»
Overall growth in MENAAP region expected to slow to 1.8% in 2026
Tunis, April 8 (TAP) - The overall growth in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP) region (excluding Iran) is expected to slow from 4.0% in 2025 to 1.8% for 2026. This forecast stands 2.4 percentage points below the World...»»»
Italy Summons Israeli Ambassador After Shots Fired at UN in Lebanon
Italy summoned the Israeli ambassador on Wednesday to demand an explanation over shots fired at an Italian convoy in a UN mission in Lebanon, the foreign minister said, warning Israeli forces had "no authority to touch" Rome's troops. The UN peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, is stationed in sout»»»
Live Updates: Iran claims Israel violating ceasefire as it appears to maintain control over Strait of Hormuz – Ya Libnan
Share: Iran continues to control Hormu despite the ceasefire . Iran’s Foreign Minister has declared that vessels seeking to transit the Strait must coordinate directly with Iranian armed forces, subject to unspecified “technical limitations” SUMMARY Iran is accusing Israel of violating the conditio»»»
Bahrain announces reopening of airspace: Civil Aviation Affairs
Manama: The Civil Aviation Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has announced the reopening of airspace over the Kingdom of Bahrain, following a temporary closure that was implemented as a precautionary measure in light of recent developments in the region. Civil Aviatio»»»