Al-Sarab at the Six Senses Southren Dunes resort presents a sunset dining experience inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. A contemporary tasting menu, live oud music, and desert views define the restaurant’s distinctive atmosphere.

The Strait of Hormuz crisis has grown into a global power struggle over control of energy and trade routes. Iran’s expanded maritime strategy and the competing approaches of the United States and China signal a reshaping of the international order.

Uzbekistan's National Investment Fund listing in London is a landmark step for Central Asia's integration into global markets. The offering tests whether investors are ready to see the region as a credible, growth-oriented destination rather than a risky frontier.

Mohammed Ali Hafiz, co-founder of Arab News and a pioneer of English-language journalism in Saudi Arabia, has died in Jeddah. He helped transform a small startup into a major regional media institution.

Ehud Olmert said a renewed nuclear deal between the United States and Iran is the only viable way to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions. He criticized Israel's reliance on military force, condemned settler violence in the West Bank and urged broader political solutions across the region.

More than 120,000 Syrian refugees have returned from Lebanon to Syria in early 2026 amid fragile regional ceasefires. Economic pressure and stricter residency rules in Lebanon are driving many to head home.

Iran held a constructive meeting with the world governing body for football to address preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Both sides expressed confidence in ensuring the team’s smooth participation in the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Wes Streeting has announced he will challenge Keir Starmer for the leadership of the Labour Party following recent electoral setbacks. His candidacy sets up a fierce internal contest as the party grapples with declining support and leadership controversy.

Javier Bardem said he is getting more work despite his criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza, citing a shift in public discourse. Speaking at Cannes, he said he feels free to express his views as he premieres his new film 'The Beloved.'

Lebanon’s worsening conflict has deepened its long running economic collapse, fueling job losses, inflation and widespread displacement. Businesses are shuttering, prices are surging and recovery prospects remain bleak amid continued instability.

Hezbollah said it targeted a military site in northern Israel with attack drones despite an ongoing ceasefire. The group also reported additional operations against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

Putin and the United Arab Emirates president discussed the Iran conflict and regional security in a phone call. They emphasized diplomacy and reviewed impacts on navigation, energy security, and the global economy.

Foreign-supplied drones have become the leading cause of civilian deaths in Sudan's war, striking hospitals, markets and other civilian sites. Analysts warn that increasingly sophisticated attacks are worsening the humanitarian crisis and undermining peace efforts.

The Pool Bar & Grill delivers Latin American flavors in a scenic poolside setting at Six Senses Southern Dunes. From smoky starters to grilled seafood and slow-roasted beef, the menu pairs vibrant dishes with sunset views and live music.

Pope Leo Fourteenth has formed a Vatican study group on artificial intelligence ahead of his first encyclical, which will focus on ethics and human dignity. The move signals a stronger church voice in global debates over technology, war, and regulation.

British Palestinians report rising fear and hostility over expressing their identity and opposing Israel's war on Gaza. Community leaders say many feel silenced, even as public solidarity and large marches continue across Britain.

An Iraqi man accused of aiding an Iran-backed militia has been charged in the United States with terrorism-related offenses. Prosecutors allege he supported multiple attacks targeting Americans and Jewish civilians in Europe and the United States.

Lebanon's prime minister said the country has had enough 'reckless' wars serving foreign interests, in an implicit rebuke to Hezbollah. He called for international support in negotiations with Israel and reaffirmed that only the national military should bear arms.

Pakistani activists have joined a new Gaza-bound aid flotilla weeks after Israeli forces intercepted a previous mission. The vessel carries humanitarian supplies and more than 500 activists amid continued controversy over Israel's blockade of Gaza.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will visit South Korea on May 19 for talks with President Lee Jae Myung. The leaders aim to strengthen ties amid shared regional security challenges despite longstanding historical tensions.

Muslim American groups say recent congressional hearings on sharia law unfairly target their community and fuel Islamophobia. Civil rights advocates report a rise in anti-Muslim incidents and rhetoric nationwide.

The United Kingdom and France are preparing a defensive naval mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions with Iran. Analysts say the effort may signal resolve but cannot reopen the vital waterway without a broader political deal.

Syrian authorities intercepted 142,000 captagon pills bound for Jordan using balloons equipped with tracking technology. The seizure highlights ongoing efforts to curb cross-border drug smuggling in the region.

Israel's defense minister accused Barcelona's Lamine Yamal of inciting hatred after he waved a Palestinian flag during title celebrations. Coaches and fans defended the player's right to express his views as debate over the Gaza war spreads into sports.

Saudi Arabia and Spain have strengthened ties by establishing a Strategic Partnership Council and signing a visa exemption agreement. Both nations pledged deeper cooperation on regional stability, economic collaboration, and support for Expo 2030 in Riyadh.

Lebanon is urging Israel to implement a ceasefire during high-level talks in Washington as cross-border fighting continues. The negotiations come amid mounting casualties and displacement, with both sides expanding their delegations in pursuit of a possible broader agreement.

Israel has designated more than 6,000 hectares of Palestinian-owned land near Jenin for military use until 2028. Village leaders plan a legal challenge, as settler violence and new European Union sanctions add to tensions in the West Bank.

Thousands of Israeli nationalists marched through Jerusalem's Old City to mark the capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war. Heavy security accompanied the parade, which Palestinians view as a provocation amid ongoing tensions over the city's future.

Pope Leo criticized Europe’s rising military spending as a betrayal of diplomacy and warned against calling rearmament defense. He also cautioned about the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare.

Lebanon and Israel will hold new talks in Washington as fighting intensifies along the southern border. Beirut is seeking to secure a lasting ceasefire while Hezbollah rejects negotiations and vows to continue its fight.

The United Arab Emirates has denied that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the country in March. Officials said no such visit or military delegation trip took place and described the reports as unfounded.

A Palestinian man was shot and killed by Israeli police while attempting to climb the barrier into Jerusalem to seek work. His family said he was trying to support his four children amid limited economic opportunities.

Malaysia says Iranian-linked oil transfers near its waters take place outside its jurisdiction, rejecting claims it is enabling sanctions evasion. Advocacy monitors report ongoing ship-to-ship transfers despite a recent blockade of Iranian ports.

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon has warned that rising Israeli and Hezbollah activity near its positions is endangering personnel. A series of drone explosions and crashes near its headquarters have damaged property but caused no injuries.

The Gaza ceasefire remains stalled as disarmament by Hamas emerges as the main sticking point, according to envoy Nickolay Mladenov. He warned that without progress, reconstruction and Israeli withdrawal will remain out of reach, raising fears of renewed conflict.

Vanuatu is urging the United Nations General Assembly to adopt a resolution reinforcing a landmark climate opinion by the International Court of Justice. The measure seeks to turn legal recognition of climate obligations into concrete global action.

Microsoft Israel’s general manager will leave after an internal probe found the company’s cloud platform was used by Israeli military intelligence to store intercepted Palestinian phone calls. The military’s access to the technology has since been revoked.

Pakistan has finalized contingency plans to evacuate Hajj pilgrims if regional conflict disrupts flights. Officials are also seeking to expand the Route to Makkah initiative and increase the country’s Hajj quota.

Trump minimized differences with Xi over Iran ahead of a Beijing summit, seeking to keep the conflict from derailing broader talks. Despite new sanctions and trade tensions, both sides appear eager to avoid further economic fallout.

An interfaith reflection on Eid Al-Adha highlights the shared story of Abraham in Islam and Judaism as a lesson in preserving life, not taking it. The author urges religious leaders to confront antisemitism and Islamophobia, calling moral courage the true test of faith.

Donald Trump said he does not need China’s help to end the war with Iran as tensions persist in the Strait of Hormuz. Rising oil prices, mounting war costs, and growing domestic political pressure add to the stakes of the ongoing conflict.

The global Palestinian population has reached 15.5 million, with more than half living outside their historic homeland. New figures were released as the community marked the anniversary of the Nakba amid continued conflict and displacement.

On the Beach lowered its annual profit outlook as the Iran war dampens British holiday demand. While bookings have recently improved, profits remain well below earlier expectations due to conflict-related cancelations.

Hezbollah’s leader said the group’s weapons will not be discussed in upcoming Lebanon-Israel negotiations. He warned that fighters would continue battling Israeli forces despite ongoing talks and a fragile ceasefire.

Lebanon's health ministry says 380 people have been killed by Israeli strikes since the April 17 ceasefire. Israel has continued air and ground operations under the terms of the truce.

Record numbers of migrants are dying or disappearing along global routes, leaving families without answers. Aid groups warn that conflict and tougher border policies are pushing people toward deadlier and less visible crossings.

Two Israeli soldiers were sentenced to prison after one was photographed placing a cigarette in the mouth of a Virgin Mary statue in southern Lebanon. The military said the act violated its values and followed other recent incidents involving damage to Christian symbols.

Four years after Shireen Abu Akleh was killed while reporting in the West Bank, no one has been held accountable. Her family and press freedom advocates are urging the United States government to provide updates and pursue justice.

An Israeli soldier was killed in combat near the Lebanon border, bringing Israel's military death toll to 18 since early March. Fighting with Hezbollah has continued despite a ceasefire.

The United Kingdom and France will convene defense ministers to plan a multinational mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes amid Iranian warnings and heightened naval deployments as global oil flows remain disrupted.

Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon have become shelters for thousands displaced by renewed fighting, even as their resources near exhaustion. Aid groups warn that prolonged conflict and funding shortages could collapse essential services and deepen instability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on citizens to cut petrol and diesel use amid supply disruptions caused by the Middle East war. He urged greater use of public transport, carpooling, and a return to remote work to conserve fuel and foreign exchange.

Israel's attorney general has urged the Supreme Court to block the appointment of Major General Roman Gofman as head of the Mossad. The opposition stems from a case in which a teenager secretly recruited by the military was later arrested for espionage and held for months before charges were dropped.

The death toll in Gaza has reached 72,737 since October 2023, with thousands more injured and widespread displacement. Violence has continued despite a ceasefire, while international legal and diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

President Donald Trump said the United States could strike all remaining targets in Iran within two weeks, claiming most objectives have already been achieved. He also criticized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for failing to assist in the campaign.

Iran's supreme leader received a military briefing and issued new operational guidance, according to a semi-official report. A top commander said the armed forces are ready to respond decisively to any action by American-Zionist enemies.

Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon killed at least nine people despite a three-week ceasefire with Hezbollah. The raids, among the most intense since the truce began, prompted retaliatory drone and rocket fire and raised fears of a renewed escalation.

Measles cases are rising sharply in conflict-affected countries across the Middle East and North Africa as war and aid cuts disrupt immunization programs. Aid groups warn that without sustained funding and access, preventable child deaths will increase.

Saudi Arabia and Turkiye are deepening ties through structured institutional mechanisms that strengthen defense, economic, and political cooperation. Growing regional instability is driving both countries toward a more resilient and strategically aligned partnership.

Israel's opposition is realigning ahead of a looming general election, with Bennett and Lapid forming a joint bloc to challenge Netanyahu. The prime minister's corruption trial and pardon request add further uncertainty to an already fluid political landscape.

A Syrian father and his 12-year-old daughter were killed in south Lebanon after an Israeli drone fired three missiles at them. Lebanon’s health ministry condemned the attack as a violation of international humanitarian law.

Prince Turki Al Faisal defends Saudi Arabia's cautious approach during the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. He credits Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with preventing escalation, preserving Gulf unity, and prioritizing regional stability through diplomacy.

The European Union has urged greater humanitarian access in southern Lebanon amid continued violence despite a ceasefire. Ongoing military activity and damaged infrastructure are preventing aid from reaching displaced communities.

Iran has confirmed it will play in the 2026 World Cup but is demanding guarantees from the United States, Mexico and Canada over visas, security and respect for its team. Tensions remain over potential entry restrictions linked to military ties.

The Palestine Marathon returned to Bethlehem, highlighting both movement restrictions in the occupied West Bank and a renewed sense of resilience. Recently released runner Mohamad Al-Assi finished second, dedicating his race to Palestinians still in detention.

Gazans who were outside the territory when the war began remain stranded in the West Bank, unable to return to homes that have largely been destroyed. Many live in makeshift conditions, separated from their families and struggling to rebuild their lives.

A Palestinian American developer is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit accusing him of aiding Hamas through his Gaza projects. Plaintiffs allege his properties concealed militant tunnels, while he denies any knowledge or support of terrorism.

The Pentagon has released a new batch of files on unidentified anomalous phenomena, including videos, military reports, and astronaut accounts. The disclosures follow renewed transparency efforts, though officials say no evidence of alien technology has been confirmed.

Arab nations secured strong representation on the executive committee of the International Federation of Journalists at its centenary congress in Paris. Saudi Arabia gained its first-ever seat, while the newly elected president pledged greater protection for journalists in conflict zones.

Landmark Retail and Landmark Arabia have been ranked among the best workplaces in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia for 2026. The recognition highlights Landmark Group’s continued investment in employee engagement, inclusion, and workplace culture across the region.

Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies are urging the United Nations to demand that Iran end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed resolution faces potential opposition from Russia amid rising global economic concerns.

Lebanon's health ministry said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 12 people, including two children and a paramedic, despite a ceasefire. The strikes targeted villages in the Nabatieh and Marajayoun districts.

Tensions are rising across Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza amid fears of renewed regional war and ongoing violence. Despite hardship and uncertainty, Palestinians remain resilient, and their silence should not be mistaken for surrender.

A Jewish man has been indicted for allegedly assaulting a Catholic nun in Jerusalem in what prosecutors describe as a religiously motivated attack. The incident follows a series of reported acts targeting Christian clergy and symbols.

Egypt's annual inflation slowed to 14.9 percent in April despite rising geopolitical tensions and higher energy costs. Net foreign assets recorded their sharpest monthly drop in years as investors retreated and import costs increased.

The 2026 Global Super League in Guyana will feature leading franchise champions, including the Desert Vipers. The tournament offers the Vipers a global stage to promote their sustainability-focused identity while competing against top international sides.

Emirati fighter Mohammad Yahya will headline the 'Pride of Arabia' event in Dubai on May 24. Competing close to home, he looks to revive his career while continuing to inspire the next generation of mixed martial arts athletes in the United Arab Emirates.

The residential property market in the United Arab Emirates remains resilient, with strong buyer interest despite rising supply and regional uncertainty. Most owners are holding assets, while buyers increasingly favor completed homes and expect price stabilization.

Bahrain and the United Kingdom reviewed their security partnership amid rising regional tensions. The talks emphasized expanded military cooperation and support for regional stability.

Japan fired a Type 88 missile during joint drills with the United States, Australia, and the Philippines in northern Philippine waters. The exercise comes as Tokyo and Manila discuss a potential defense equipment transfer amid rising regional tensions.

Saudi insurers delivered mixed first quarter results, with some firms posting strong profit growth while others reported declines or losses. Analysts cite solid structural support for the sector but warn that rising costs and geopolitical pressures are affecting profitability.

Cambodia says internal conflicts in Southeast Asia are hampering efforts to tackle a global energy crisis triggered by the Iran war. Disputes involving Thailand and ongoing unrest in Myanmar are testing regional unity ahead of a key summit.

Saudi Arabia led Gulf Cooperation Council dealmaking in 2025 as regional mergers and acquisitions rebounded strongly. Low insurance premiums and domestic-led growth supported a surge in high-value, cross-border transactions.

Peshawar Zalmi defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets to win the Pakistan Super League title in Lahore. Aaron Hardie starred with both bat and ball in the final.

Saudi fighter Ahmed Albrahim will make his professional debut against Egypt's Khaled Mahmoud at the Professional Fighters League Middle East event in Dubai. The welterweight enters the bout confident after months of preparation and a strong showing in his previous outing.

Police are investigating an arson attack at a former synagogue in east London amid a rise in antisemitic incidents. The prime minister has described the situation as a crisis and said authorities are examining possible foreign involvement.

Religious tourism in Najaf and Karbala has nearly collapsed after regional conflict halted the flow of foreign pilgrims. Hotel closures and mass layoffs threaten a key source of Iraq's non oil revenue.

Two Gaza-bound flotilla activists detained in Israel allege psychological abuse, threats and harsh prison conditions. Israeli authorities deny torture claims and accuse them of serious security offenses.

Heart patients in Gaza face worsening conditions as medical shortages and damaged hospitals limit life-saving care. Thousands are unable to access treatment or travel abroad, leading to rising deaths from heart disease.

Razane Jammal takes on her first lead role in an Arab film with the historical drama 'Asad,' directed by Mohamed Diab. The film will be released across the Middle East on May 21.

Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sparked fears of a historic global energy crisis and drawn comparisons to the Cuban Missile Crisis. As President Donald Trump escalates pressure, questions grow over whether either side will accept a compromise seen as a 'humiliating solution'.

Saudi Arabia's travel and tourism sector grew 7.4 percent in 2025 to reach $178 billion, outpacing global and regional averages. Strong investment and rising international and business travel spending are reinforcing the Kingdom's position as the Middle East's largest tourism market.

President Donald Trump announced that Project Freedom will begin Monday to help ships exit the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions with Iran. The move comes after renewed maritime incidents and ongoing disputes over control of the vital shipping route.

Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its full support for Bahrain's security measures, calling Bahrain's stability integral to regional security. The United Nations telecommunications agency also approved a resolution addressing the impact of Iranian attacks on Gulf telecommunications infrastructure.

Fouad Siniora says negotiating with Israel is a constitutional right and a national necessity for Lebanon. He blames Hezbollah for initiating conflict without state approval and calls for diplomacy, reform and stronger regional support to stabilize the country.

Women in Saudi Arabia are making significant inroads into the construction sector as national reforms expand workforce participation. Their growing presence is influencing project design, collaboration and leadership across major developments.