Author: Gulf News Week

Retailers struggle to absorb fuel surge amid regional conflict; Choithrams and Al Maya Group say margins under pressure but vow to protect key everyday items DUBAI – Major UAE supermarkets have warned that while they are working hard to absorb rising costs following a sharp surge in diesel prices, it is “not realistic” to fully shield consumers from the impact. The UAE hiked fuel prices for April, with petrol rising by Dh0.80 per litre and diesel jumping more than 70 percent – from Dh2.72 to Dh4.69 – driven by higher global oil prices amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. Higher diesel prices…

Powerful quake in Molucca Sea triggers panic, building collapse in Manado; dozens of aftershocks recorded as regional tsunami alert called off JAKARTA – A major 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Indonesia on Thursday, killing one person, damaging buildings, and sending terrified residents fleeing into the streets. A tsunami warning issued in the aftermath has since been lifted. The early-morning tremor in the Molucca Sea, between the Sulawesi and Maluku island groups, generated waves of up to 75 centimetres (2.5 feet) in some locations, according to Indonesia’s BMKG geological agency. The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) initially warned…

Gunners advance 3-2 on aggregate despite 1-0 second-leg loss; Bompastor sent off as late drama includes disallowed goal, hit woodwork, and 94th-minute strike LONDON – Reigning champions Arsenal secured their place in the Women’s Champions League semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea, despite falling to a 1-0 defeat in Wednesday’s quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge. Knowing they needed to overturn the deficit, Chelsea – who later saw manager Sonia Bompastor sent off in the dying moments – stormed out of the blocks at a furious pace. However, Arsenal quickly disrupted their rhythm, and the home side failed to…

It is about eliminating Palestinian existence in Palestine.On Monday, Israel passed a death penalty law allowing it to hang those convicted of “terror offences” within an accelerated 90-day period.The law is no surprise for Palestinians; it is only another step in a longstanding strategy of elimination. In the last two and a half years, at least 87 Palestinian detainees have been killed in what human rights organisations describe as a “network of torture camps” – the highest recorded number since 1967.While United Nations bodies and various states have expressed concern and condemnation, Palestinians understand this law for what it is:…

UAE air defences successfully engage projectiles; officials warn against rumours as regional tensions persist ABU DHABI – Authorities in Abu Dhabi have confirmed minor damage near the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad) following the successful interception of a missile by the UAE’s air defence systems. No injuries were reported. In a statement released in the early hours of Thursday, the UAE Ministry of Defence said its forces had responded to missile and drone threats, actively engaging multiple projectiles. The ministry did not specify the origin of the threats. Ministry of Defence: “UAE air defences… are actively engaging with missiles and UAV…

His father, Ali Khamenei, built the office of the supreme leader into an institution that does not depend on a single leader.When Mojtaba Khamenei’s elevation as Iran’s new supreme leader was announced, many observers treated it chiefly as a confirmation of a new hardliner order in Tehran. Subsequent rumours about his injury or even death, sparked by his disappearance from public view, have fuelled speculations of what that may mean for the Iranian regime.What many analyses fail to register is that the power consolidation under way in Iran is structural rather than personal. What the war has reinforced is a…

Actor from his latest directorial project files complaint alleging assault on film set; director faces multiple charges including wrongful confinement and obscene gestures. KOCHI — Prominent Malayalam filmmaker and producer Ranjith was arrested by Kerala police on Wednesday following a sexual assault complaint filed by a young actress who is part of his latest directorial venture, officials said. The alleged incident reportedly took place during the shooting of the film. In her complaint, the actress accused the director of attempting to assault her at the film location. Based on the statement, police registered a case under multiple sections of the Indian…

From the Apple II to the iPhone and Apple Watch, a look at the devices that didn’t just launch new categories—but rewired consumer behaviour for generations. CUPERTINO — Apple turns 50 on April 1, marking five decades of a company that has repeatedly changed what people expect from technology in their everyday lives. While it’s tempting to simply list product launches and keynote moments, the real story lies not in what Apple made, but in what those products made us do differently. From how we work and listen to music, to how we communicate and even wear technology, Apple’s biggest breakthroughs…

Analysts point to shifting macro landscape as rising US yields and hawkish rate expectations overshadow geopolitical tensions, sidelining gold’s traditional safe-haven role. DUBAI — Gold prices steadied in Dubai on Wednesday morning, consolidating after a volatile March that saw the precious metal lose nearly Dh73 per gram despite escalating conflict in the Middle East. According to data from the Dubai Jewellery Group, 24K gold was trading at Dh563.50 per gram, edging up slightly from Dh563.25 at Tuesday’s close. Other variants also saw marginal gains, with 22K at Dh521.75, 21K at Dh500.25, 18K at Dh428.75, and 14K at Dh334.50 per gram. The…

Long-term Golden Visa holders exempted from travel restrictions introduced amid escalating regional tensions. DUBAI — Iranian nationals are no longer permitted to enter or transit through the United Arab Emirates, Dubai-based carriers Emirates and Flydubai announced Wednesday, in a significant escalation of travel restrictions amid heightened regional tensions. The new policy, outlined on both airlines’ websites, bars Iranian passport holders from entering the UAE or using its airports as a transit point. However, Iranian nationals holding UAE Golden Visas are exempt from the restrictions and remain authorized to enter and transit the country, according to Flydubai’s advisory. The Golden Visa is…