Middle East News

Kuwait modifies entry law for expatriates with GCC residency visa

Foreigners holding residency visas in any of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations can now enter Kuwait by simply securing a tourist visa at any of the country's entry points.11:02 AM on August 15

Libya, US sign bombing victims compensation deal

Libya and the US Thursday signed a deal to compensate victims of attacks initiated by both sides during the 1980s, paving the way for the full normalization of relations.8:01 AM on August 15

At least 20 killed in Iraq blast

At least 20 people were killed and 50 injured Thursday when two women suicide bombers in Iraq attacked pilgrims in Iskandariyah district, 40 km south of the capital, sources said.8:01 AM on August 15

Israelis believe Olmert cannot negotiate peace: poll

Most Israelis believe their Prime Minister Ehud Olmert lacks the mandate to negotiate a peace deal with the Palestinians, according to an opinion poll published Thursday.8:00 PM on August 14

Three killed in Iraq bomb attacks

Three people were killed and nine injured in separate roadside bomb attacks in the volatile northern Iraqi province of Diyala, the police said Thursday.5:32 PM on August 14

Indians in Gulf plan elaborate I-Day celebrations

Indian missions and expatriate Indian organisations across the Gulf are making elaborate preparations to mark the 61st anniversary of India's independence this Friday.2:31 PM on August 14

We're ready to face Jordan court: Danish cartoonist, editor

The Danish cartoonist who drew caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed three years ago which sparked worldwide protests by Muslims and a boycott of Danish products said he was ready to defend himself in an Amman court, Jordanian media reported Thursday.2:30 PM on August 14

Bahrain to seek India's help in micro-finance sector

Bahrain will seek India's help in setting up micro-finance schemes when its Minister for Social Development Fatima Al Balooshi visits India from Sunday.2:00 PM on August 14

Emirates airline offers special package for Ramadan

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) airliner Emirates is offering a special package to visitors to Dubai to mark the ensuing Islamic holy month of Ramadan.1:00 PM on August 14

Extinct mangrove species successfully replanted in UAE

Ecologists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have successfully replanted a species of mangrove a century after it had gone extinct from this Gulf nation's coastal waters.9:30 AM on August 14

Lebanon, Syria agree to establish diplomatic relations

Lebanon and Syria agreed Wednesday to establish diplomatic relations at the outset of a two-day summit in Damascus between Lebanese President Michel Suleiman and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.7:30 AM on August 14

Expat Indians eligible for British varsity's UAE campus scholarship

Students of schools affiliated to Indian boards are among expatriate students who will be eligible for a new scholarship to be offered by a British university's new campus in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).7:30 PM on August 13

British university to open new campus in UAE

Britain's University of Bolton has announced it will open a new branch campus in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).6:30 PM on August 13

Etihad Airways launches 'unaccompanied baggage' service

The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) national carrier Etihad Airways has launched a new service which allows passengers to send heavy or excess quantities of baggage before they fly.6:30 PM on August 13

New Dubai mall promises ultimate 'shoppertainment'

The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest malls being developed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based real estate major Emaar Properties, has unveiled what it calls the most sophisticated multimedia systems to be ever installed in a shopping mall.6:02 PM on August 13