Author: Gulf News Week
The Middle East war, meanwhile, has shown that the world is as dependent as ever on “black gold,” with the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz When the international community agreed to transition away from fossil fuels at the 2023 COP28 global climate summit, some hailed the moment as the beginning of the end for oil. But little progress has been made since then, even though the vast majority of scientists agree there’s overwhelming evidence of global warming and that it is driven chiefly by the burning of fossil fuels. The Middle East war, meanwhile, has shown that the…
It must review and cancel the EU-Israel Association Agreement immediately over Israeli violations of the human rights clause.Preparations for the implementation of Israel’s new death penalty law have already begun. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has boasted that a new prison wing is under construction where the killings will take place, and new “red” uniforms for the Palestinian prisoners have already been ordered.Meanwhile, the global “condemnations” have ceased. Like others, the European Union, which prides itself on high human rights standards, continues to look away. This is despite the fact that its Association Agreement with Israel has a clear clause…
NewsFeedIran warns Hormuz will stay shut unless US lifts siege on its portsTehran is threatening to keep the Strait of Hormuz shut unless Washington lifts what it calls a ‘US siege’ on Iranian ports, halting most traffic through one of the world’s key oil chokepoints. Iranian gunboats and IRGC radio warnings have deterred commercial shipping, as overlapping ceasefires with Israel–Lebanon and the US edge towards expiry, raising fears of renewed escalation.Published On 19 Apr 202619 Apr 2026SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd media on Googleinfo
Beyond supporting de-escalation and peace, GCC states need to work towards joint defence, energy security and economic development.Amid the continuing escalation in the region, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pursues a balanced diplomatic policy grounded in calls for negotiation and support for political processes aimed at ending the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. GCC members stand by the principles of good neighbourliness and enhancing regional stability and are unified in their opposition to aggression and destabilisation.In the coming months and years, Gulf unity can be taken even further by pursuing regional security arrangements, establishing new energy routes…
The toing and froing over the strait cast doubt on US President Donald Trump’s optimism the day before that a peace deal to end the war was ‘very close’ Iran’s military declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again on Saturday, its military command said, hours after reopening it and with more than a dozen commercial ships passing through the vital waterway. The toing and froing over the strait cast doubt on US President Donald Trump’s optimism the day before that a peace deal to end the US-Israeli war with Iran was “very close”. Tehran had on Friday declared the strait,…
Authorities urge worshippers to keep travel documents ready, ensure visas are confirmed, comply with customs regulations, and avoid carrying restricted items Pilgrims have begun arriving in Saudi Arabia today, April 18, as preparations for the Hajj season get underway. Authorities have announced several key changes ahead of the pilgrimage. From April 18 to May 31, 2026, Umrah permits will not be issued through the Nusuk platform. According to operators, no one will be allowed to remain in Makkah without a valid Hajj permit after April 18. This comes as the Kingdom starts preparing for this year’s Hajj season, expected to take place…
Field Marshal Asim Munir held talks with Iran’s president, foreign minister, parliament speaker and the head of Iran’s military central command centre Pakistan’s powerful military chief and prime minister on Saturday concluded separate visits aimed at ending the Iran war, with Field Marshal Asim Munir leaving Tehran and Premier Shehbaz Sharif heading home from Turkey. Munir met Iran’s top leadership and peace negotiators during a three-day visit to Tehran, a Pakistani military statement said. The visit showed Pakistan’s “unwavering resolve to facilitate a negotiated settlement… and to promote peace, stability, and prosperity”, the military said ahead of expected US-Iran talks in…
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that this development will constitute a positive step toward fostering an environment conducive to regional stability The UAE has welcomed the announcement by US President Donald Trump of a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, and commended the diplomatic efforts led by Trump in facilitating this agreement. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed hope that this development will constitute a positive step toward fostering an environment conducive to regional stability and affirmed the importance of continued effective international coordination to prevent further escalation and mitigate the humanitarian and security repercussions…
His comments came after Iran said the Strait of Hormuz was open to all vessels following a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the naval blockade on Iran will “remain in full force” until a deal with Tehran is struck. “The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete,” he wrote on Truth Social in all caps. His comments came…
Dubai-based developer says construction work on all 48 projects remains on track, set to hand over six more projects in 2026 and another 11 in 2027 All projects will be delivered on time as construction work remains on track, said Imran Farooq, CEO of Samana Developers. “In 2026, Samana Santorini will be the first handover, followed by six other projects this year. Construction remains on track across all 48 projects, and we have no delays,” he said during an interview. Farooq made the remarks following the handover ceremony of Samana Santorini in Dubai Studio City, which was attended by Majid…