Iran launched a large-scale counter-attack targeting United States military bases across the Middle East, with several strikes also reported in the United Arab Emirates, triggering panic in major cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Explosions were heard in multiple locations on Saturday, prompting emergency responses and heightened security across the Gulf region. Authorities confirmed that precautionary evacuations were carried out in several high-profile locations, including the Burj Khalifa

The collapse of the Geneva nuclear talks on February 26, 2026, marked a decisive setback in months of diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the long-running dispute over Iran’s nuclear program. Mediators had earlier indicated that progress was being made, but negotiations ultimately failed after both sides refused to compromise on core demands. Officials confirmed that technical-level discussions were scheduled to continue in Vienna, though the situation deteriorated rapidly following milit

India's relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations is evolving into a major trade partnership. In 2024-25, the bilateral trade between India and the six-nation bloc reached a substantial $179 billion, driven by strong exports such as gems, metals, electronics, and chemicals. With an existing free trade pact with the UAE since 2022, and a recent agreement with Oman, India is now focused on formalizing a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) with the GCC. This new agreement

Saudi Arabia is deploying significant political influence and billions of dollars in financial support in an effort to stabilize Yemen and consolidate control over areas held by the internationally recognized government, marking a renewed regional focus after years of concentrating on domestic reforms. Officials familiar with the strategy say Riyadh aims to unify fragmented armed groups, strengthen state institutions and create conditions that could eventually pressure Houthi rebels into nego

Tensions between Iran and the United States intensified this week after the US military shot down an Iranian drone that it said approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in an aggressive manner in the Arabian Sea. The incident came as both sides exchanged sharp warnings and cautious signals about a possible return to nuclear diplomacy, underscoring the fragile balance between confrontation and negotiation in the region. According to US officials, the drone was intercepted

The Saudi-led coalition announced on Wednesday, Jan 7, that it had conducted what it described as limited pre-emptive military strikes in Yemen, citing concerns that escalating actions by UAE-backed secessionist forces could further destabilize the fragile security situation. Coalition officials said the strikes were aimed at preventing a wider confrontation and preserving the possibility of political dialogue amid renewed tensions in the country’s south. According to the coalitio

Despite stricter visa regimes, no-fly lists, and repeated warnings from both domestic and foreign authorities, thousands of Pakistani citizens continue to travel abroad or attempt to do so for the purpose of begging, particularly in Gulf nations. Recent disclosures to Pakistan’s National Assembly reveal the scale of the challenge, underscoring concerns about organised networks exploiting pilgrimage and tourist visas to reach foreign destinations. Saudi Arabia has deported approxim

Houston entered the week with unusually high temperatures that broke long-standing records and gave the city a summer-like feel despite being well into the fall season. On Sunday, temperatures climbed high enough to set new marks at both major airports in the area. The previous record of 85 degrees at one location was overtaken, while another reached 90 degrees, surpassing its earlier record of 86. These conditions were driven by strong high pressure that kept skies mostly clear and allowed heat

India has signed its first structured, long-term contract to import liquefied petroleum gas from the United States, marking what government officials describe as a major turning point in the country’s energy sourcing strategy. The announcement comes at a time when global energy markets remain highly volatile and nations are increasingly seeking diversified, stable supply lines. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the agreement will help safeguard India’s fuel supply du

Saudi Arabia has officially abolished the long-standing Kafala system, a major labour reform hailed as a landmark shift for millions of migrant workers across the Gulf region. The decision marks a new chapter in the kingdom’s ongoing transformation under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, an ambitious roadmap to modernize the economy, attract foreign investment, and improve the country’s global image. The Kafala system, which governed the relationship between empl

Houston continues to endure its classic end-of-summer weather pattern, with scattered storms, intense heat, and rising humidity marking the start of August. Wednesday brought the city its third 100-degree day this year, pushing temperatures just one degree short of the all-time record of 101 degrees set back in 2021. As the region settles into this late summer rhythm, forecasters are warning of more heat coupled with off-and-on rain chances heading into the weekend.

Houston is experiencing a dangerous heatwave this week, with forecast highs reaching close to 100°F by Wednesday. These temperatures are nearing the all-time record for this date, which stands at 101°F, set in 2018. Monday's high reached 98°F, and it looks like the heat will persist for several more days. Along with the high temperatures, the humidity is not letting up, keeping the heat index between 103°F and 106°F every afternoon thro

A missile strike launched by Iran on a US military base in Qatar has triggered widespread panic in Doha, the capital city, sending shockwaves across the region. A video showing chaos inside a popular shopping mall as explosions echoed nearby has gone viral, highlighting the intense fear and confusion experienced by civilians during the attack. The incident occurred on Monday when Iran fired ballistic missiles targeting Al Udeid Air Base, which houses American military personnel. T

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Air India has suspended all flights over the Gulf region following a missile strike by Iran on the US air base in Doha, Qatar. The national carrier also halted operations to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe, citing safety concerns due to the restricted airspace and regional instability. In a late-night statement, Air India confirmed the cancellation of

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran on Monday launched what its armed forces described as a “powerful and destructive missile strike” targeting the United States’ Al-Udeid Air Base located near Doha, the capital city of Qatar. The attack was a direct response to a recent U.S. military operation involving B-2 bombers and cruise missile strikes on Iranian nuclear development sites, carried out the previous Saturday. The Al-Udeid base is the largest Am

Pakistan has announced a significant 20% hike in its defence budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, marking the steepest increase in decades. This decision comes at a time when the country is struggling with a massive external debt of $274 billion and shrinking foreign reserves. Despite cutting its overall budget by nearly 7%, the government has allocated PKR 2.55 trillion approximately 14.5% of its total annual budget to the military. This reflects Pakista

The Middle East is rapidly positioning itself as a significant force in global technology, with countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar taking bold steps to attract international tech investors and build local capacity. These nations are not only signing multibillion-dollar deals but also enacting legal reforms, fostering startup ecosystems, and constructing the infrastructure needed to support advanced artificial intelligence systems and cloud-based technologies. Thi

In yet another shocking case of financial fraud in the UAE, Gulf First Commercial Brokers, a Dubai-based brokerage firm, has reportedly shut down overnight, leaving behind empty offices and millions of dirhams in vanished investor funds. Many of the victims, including Indian expats, are now demanding answers after being lured into the scheme through aggressive cold-calling and promises of secure returns on forex investments. The firm operated from two office spaces in Capital Golden