Fake goods worth Dh1.8m seized in Abu Dhabi crackdown
Abu Dhabi: More than Dh1.8 million worth of counterfeit and non-compliant goods were seized in Abu Dhabi during 2025, according to the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), the arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) responsible for developing and regulating the business »»»
Foreign Leaders Congratulate Rumen Radev on Election Victory
Rumen Radev on Monday received congratulations from foreign leaders on his Progressive Bulgaria coalition winning the April 19 snap parliamentary election. Congratulations were cabled by European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary Gen»»»
Exhibition Dedicated to 150th Anniversary of April Uprising Opens at National Library
An exhibition “For the Freedom of a People”, dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising, opened at the National Library on Monday. President Iliana Iotova attended the event. She said the venue is symbolic and that it would be difficult to find a more suitable space for such an exhibi»»»
A Top Paramilitary Commander Defects to Sudan’s Military as War Enters 4th Year
A high-profile paramilitary commander in Sudan has changed sides and joined the country’s army in a move welcomed by army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan shortly after the war entered its fourth year. Burhan on Sunday welcomed Maj. Gen. al-Nour Ahmed Adam, who defected earlier this month from the Ra»»»
Firefighters battle forest blaze in Thessaly
Dozens of firefighters assisted by water-dropping planes battled a forest blaze that broke out in central Greece Monday, as authorities said a total 52 wildfires erupted over the weekend in various parts of the country. The fire service said the fire broke out in the afternoon in a forest near Neoc»»»
Did the Pope change — or did the world finally listen?
Luanda: And in Africa, the lion roared. There is a case to be made that Pope Leo XIV, the careful, reserved, Midwestern Augustinian, found his voice on his epic trip through Africa, blasting the “handful of tyrants” and “chains of corruption” that have held the continent hostage for centuries. But »»»
Hungary’s Magyar Says Would Carry Out ICC Warrant Against Netanyahu
Hungary's incoming prime minister Peter Magyar said Monday the country will execute International Criminal Court warrants against anyone, after he invited Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu -- wanted under just such a warrant -- to Budapest later this year. In 2024, the ICC issued an arrest warrant »»»
EU to Gauge Member States’ Willingness to Punish Israel
The EU's top diplomat said Monday the bloc will gauge the willingness of member states to take measures against Israel, after Spain re-upped demands to suspend a cooperation deal. Foreign ministers from the 27-nation bloc are expected to discuss the matter at a meeting in Luxembourg Tuesday after a»»»
France's Macron Urges Iran, US to De-Escalate Amid Hormuz Tensions
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for the United States and Iran to de-escalate amid increased tensions over the weekend over the Strait of Hormuz. "Our position remains the same. We need to settle things through diplomacy. Everyone must calm down," Macron said during a joint p»»»
World Bank backs Syria’s recovery efforts after Washington talks
WASHINGTON: The World Bank has backed the Syrian Arab Republic’s ongoing recovery efforts following talks with Syrian officials on the sidelines of the IMF (International Monetary Fund)-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington. The discussions, led by Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh and Syri»»»
Who will make up Magyar’s new Hungarian government? Meet the team shaping up to be Tisza’s first cabinet
Originally published at Napunk The soon-to-be-formed Tisza government in Budapest will differ from Viktor Orbán’s governments not only in personnel but also in structure. Over the four terms since 2010, Viktor Orbán has repeatedly reshaped his governments, abolishing traditional ministries and fold»»»
Saudi–China talks signal urgent push to contain escalation,secure global shipping lanes
Riyadh, April 20 (SANA) Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, spoke by phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Monday to discuss regional developments.According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the two sides reviewed the current situation and its security and economic repercussions at both r»»»
Rosatom to Restart Work at Iranian Bushehr Nuclear Plant Once Peace Returns – CEO
TASHKENT (Sputnik) - Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom plans to resume construction of new units at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran as quickly as possible once peace is restored, the company's CEO Alexey Likhachev said on Monday. "Our most important task, once peace is restored in t»»»
Kosovo deadly attack trial nears end, defence rejects charges
Pristina: The trial in Pristina over an alleged secession attempt in northern Kosovo entered its final phase Monday, April 20, 2026, with the defence rejecting charges against three Serbs accused of "terrorist acts". In September 2023, a group of dozens of heavily armed men led by Serb Milan Radoic»»»
US Navy fires at and boards Iranian-flagged cargo ship (VIDEOS)
US Central Command (CENTCOM) has released a video showing a US warship firing at an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel that was later seized by US Marines. According to CENTCOM, the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the M/V Touska in the Gulf of Oman as it attempted to breach the US naval»»»
UAE threatens to ditch petrodollar for yuan in currency swap talks – WSJ
The United Arab Emirates has warned the US Treasury that it could be “forced to use Chinese yuan” in oil trade, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama delivered what the newspaper described as an “implicit threat” against the dollar’s dominant po»»»
Romanian PM Congratulates Rumen Radev on "His Clear Victory in Bulgaria's Elections"
In a post on X on Monday, Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan congratulated Rumen Radev, who won the snap parliamentary elections in Bulgaria on Sunday, and stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation, according to Ziare. Bolojan said he looked forward to further strengthening the strategic p»»»
How Global Village is keeping you safe
After a month-long closure triggered by the Iran–Israel–US conflict, Global Village has reopened with renewed energy, and a sharpened focus on safety. As we are told by security, the priority is clear: Keep calm, stay alert, and protect every visitor who walks through the gates. We have to be calm.»»»
IMI appoints Nakhle Elhage as chief transformation officer
LONDON: IMI has appointed Nakhle Elhage as chief transformation officer as the UAE-based media group pushes ahead with efforts to sharpen its news brands and deepen its digital reach. Elhage, who helped build some of the Arab world’s best-known news operations, will oversee the transformation of IM»»»
Iran Says 'No Decision' Yet on Joining New Round of US Peace Talks
Iran said it had yet to decide whether to attend a new round of peace negotiations with the United States on Monday, casting uncertainty on a push to stop the Middle East war from resuming. US President Donald Trump said he was sending negotiators to Pakistan for talks on ending the war that engulf»»»
RAKBANK posts record Q1 profit of Dh1 billion on strong lending, one-off gains
Dubai: The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (RAKBANK) reported a record quarterly profit after tax of Dh1 billion for the first quarter of 2026, marking a 43% increase year-on-year, driven by strong balance sheet growth and a one-off gain from a business divestment. Get updated faster and for FREE: »»»
Peru to confirm Keiko Fujimori runoff rival by mid-May - UPI.com
Peru’s Fuerza Popular party's Keiko Fujimori reacts after casting her vote in Lima on April 12. She now awaits finding out who her opponent will be in the June 7 presidential runoff. Photo by Renato Pajuelo/EPA April 20 (UPI) -- Peru's National Jury of Elections, known as Jurado Nacional de Eleccio»»»
Bulgaria's Progressive Party wins election amid fears of Russia meddling - UPI.com
Bulgarian Prime Minister-elect, Rumen Radev (C), leader of the Progressive Bulgaria coalition, addresses the media on Sunday night after the first exit polls indicated he was on track to win. Photo by Borislav Troshev/EPA April 20 (UPI) -- Former president Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria Party h»»»
Global Village Season 30 reopening: New attractions, expanded spaces, and upgraded experiences
Global Village has officially reopened its door today continuing its milestone 30th season, and it's bringing more than just nostalgia. Since first welcoming visitors in 1997, the beloved shopper's attraction has grown into one of the UAE's most beloved destinations, drawing a record-breaking 10.5 »»»
One in 11 Greater Athens motorists stopped by police gets fined
Greater Athens traffic police have stopped more than 44,000 motorists in the past five days under an unprecedentedly long and effective road safety campaign, fining roughly one in eleven for breaching the beefed-up new driving code. A police statement said 4,132 fines were issued between Thursday a»»»
Residents return to ravaged homes months after Hong Kong fire
Hong Kong: Hong Kong residents who lost their homes in a massive fire at an apartment complex last year began returning on Monday for the first time to collect what is left of their belongings. The city's deadliest fire in decades killed 168 people when it ripped through seven of the eight apartmen»»»
Ancient pond in northern Saudi Arabia fills with water after heavy rains
RIYADH: An ancient pond that served as a source of water for travelers along the Hijaz-Iraq trade route has been filled with water following the recent rainfall in northern Saudi Arabia. The Al-Jumaimiyah pond, which is a historic feature of the Northern Borders Province, has been filled to a level»»»
EU Proposes Full Resumption of Syria Cooperation Accord
Brussels on Monday proposed EU states fully restart the bloc's cooperation agreement with Syria, in the latest step to help bolster the country after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The deal -- which abolishes customs duties on imports of most industrial products from Syria -- was partially suspende»»»
Business tariff refunds set to begin; $166 billion to be refunded - UPI.com
1 of 2 | President Donald Trump announced global tariffs more than a year ago, saying they would drive revenue and reset global trade more favorably for the United States. The revenue generated by those tariffs will be refunded with interest. File Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/UPI | License Photo April 20»»»
Lucic: Telekom Srbija's 2025 revenues at record-high 2.3 bln euros, profit at 1.3 bln
BELGRADE - Telekom Srbija registered record-breaking business results in 2025, with revenues totalling 2.3 bln euros and an operating profit of 1.3 bln euros, the company's CEO Vladimir Lucic said on Monday, adding that a full abolition of mobile roaming charges with the EU was possible as early as»»»
EU proposes full resumption of Syria cooperation accord
Brussels, Belgium: Brussels on Monday, April 20, 2026, proposed EU states fully restart the bloc's cooperation agreement with Syria, in the latest step to help bolster the country after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The deal -- which abolishes customs duties on imports of most industrial products »»»
IFAD to Asharq Al-Awsat: Repercussions of Hormuz Closure Trigger Global Food Security Shock
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) said the repercussions of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have triggered a global food security shock, warning that disruptions to fertilizer and fuel supplies, rising input costs, and declining purchasing power are threatening producti»»»
MWL chief launches global Qur’an science council in Malaysia
RIYADH: The head of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars inaugurated a new body, the Global Council for Scientific Miracles in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah, on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur. MWL Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa took part in the even»»»
Civil Defense urges caution as thunderstorms sweep Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid flood-prone areas as thunderstorms are forecast to continue affecting much of the country through Friday, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Citing projections from the National Center for»»»
Graphic storytelling gains attention in Saudi creative scene
DAMMAM: Saudi comic writer Abdullah Al-Otaibi outlined the fundamental differences between graphic novels and traditional fiction during a public discussion hosted at the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Dammam on Sunday. The session, part of the Literary Partner initiative launched by»»»
OCA President Sheikh Joaan meets with His Majesty the King of Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Olympic Council of Malaysia President Dr. Norza Zakaria warmly welcomed HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani, President of OCA and President of NOC Qatar, on a one-day working visit to Malaysia on Monday, April 20. Dr. Norza, Vice President of the OCA for the Southeast Asia Zo»»»
Dubai Police welcome students with UAE flags as schools reopen
Dubai: Dubai Police marked the return of in-person learning with a series of field events aimed at welcoming students and fostering national pride. Through the “School Security” initiative, officers distributed UAE flags to students across schools, reinforcing a sense of belonging and identity from»»»
India, South Korea to cooperate on energy supply chains amid Iran war
NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced on Monday new partnerships in energy supply chains and critical technologies to address global trade fallout from the US–Israeli war on Iran. Lee arrived in India as the war, which started on Feb. 28, »»»
New programme to turn 1,000 UAE families into entrepreneurs over 5 years
Dubai: The UAE is aiming to turn 1,000 Emirati families into entrepreneurs over the next five years, as part of a wider push to reduce reliance on state support and build a more self-sufficient economy. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Announced under the national campa»»»
Arrests made, UAE foils major terror plan
Abu Dhabi: UAE State Security authorities announced they have dismantled a terrorist cell and arrested its members over alleged involvement in covert activities aimed at undermining national unity and destabilising the country. According to the statement carried by Emirates News Agency (WAM), inves»»»
UAE forecast for Tuesday: Wind, dust and rain
Dubai: The UAE is set for a stretch of cooler and unsettled weather beginning Tuesday and continuing through the end of the week, with dusty conditions, shifting winds and intermittent chances of light rainfall, according to the latest forecast, according to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM)»»»
UAE says it dismantled ‘terrorist group’ linked to Iran, arrests members
DUBAI: A “terrorist organisation” has been dismantled and its members arrested over alleged plans to carry out coordinated attacks aimed at undermining national security, authorities in Abu Dhabi said on Monday. The State Security Service said investigations found the group had links to Iran’s “Wil»»»
BPI Real Estate Poland acquires Poznań site for next Panoramiqa phases
BPI Real Estate Poland has acquired a site of nearly 13,000 sq m on Wągrowska Street in Poznań's Rataje district to deliver the next two phases of its Panoramiqa residential scheme. Panoramiqa 2 and Panoramiqa 3 together will add more than 600 flats and over 32,000 sq m of net saleable area, with c»»»
fydubai expands Thailand network with second destination
Dubai: UAE carrier flydubai has announced it will start daily flights to Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok from 1 July 2026, marking its second destination in Thailand after Krabi. The service will operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport and will strengthen travel links bet»»»
How the US-Israel-Iran conflict may impact the Global South’s harvest season
LONDON: For much of the Global South, the US-Israel-Iran war is no longer a distant geopolitical crisis. It is showing up in farm budgets, fuel queues and food markets, as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz drives up costs and strains already fragile economies. Iran’s blockade of Hormuz has rattled»»»
Iran accuses US of ceasefire breach, vows retaliation over attack on ship
TEHRAN/WASHINGTON: Iran’s top joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya, accused the US of violating a ceasefire by firing at one of Iran’s commercial ships in the Gulf of Oman, vowing to retaliate. State media quoted a Khatam Al-Anbiya spokesperson as saying early on Monday that the vess»»»
China's Xi insists Strait of Hormuz must remain open to navigation during call with Saudi crown prince
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday during which they discussed efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, and the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to navigation. During the call, the leaders discussed "»»»
How Bahrain is supporting private-sector workers as Gulf businesses feel Iran war strain
LONDON: Reverberations of the conflict in the Middle East are being felt across the region both physically and metaphorically. The booms and jolts of missile interceptions over Gulf cities and industrial sites may have halted since President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire on April 8, b»»»
Doubts over talks between Iran and US after violence flares in Strait of Hormuz
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan moved ahead Monday with preparations for a new round of talks between the United States and Iran days before a tenuous ceasefire is set to expire, even as renewed conflict around the Strait of Hormuz raised questions about whether the meeting would take place. Over the weekend, »»»
Iran executes two men convicted of links to Israel’s spy agency
TEHRAN: Iran executed two men on Monday convicted of having links to Israel’s spy agency, the judiciary said, the latest in a string of executions since the outbreak of war with Israel and the United States. “The death sentences of Mohammad Masoom-shahi and Hamed Validi were carried out at dawn tod»»»