Dubai’s Burj Al Arab to close for first-ever 18-month refurbishment amid tourism slowdown
Dubai’s most iconic hotel, the Burj Al Arab, is set to close for the first time since opening in 1999 as it begins an extensive 18-month refu...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
As the Middle East conflict enters its eleventh day, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Washington will strike Iran "20 times harder" should Tehran disrupt global oil flows through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Despite the aggressive rhetoric, international oil prices fell sharply following a telephone call between Mr Trump and Vladimir Putin, which sparked cautious optimism for a rapid diplomatic settlement. However, the regional fallout continues to widen; Egypt has been forced to hike domestic fuel prices by up to 17 per cent, a drone has struck near the UAE consulate in Erbil, and U.S. Democratic senators are demanding urgent public hearings to scrutinise the Trump administration's widely unpopular military campaign.
Beijing has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their escalating border dispute through diplomacy, as violent clashes between the two neighbours enter their eleventh day. Following a meeting with the Afghan Foreign Minister in Kabul, China's special envoy stressed the need to maintain regional stability, echoing similar mediation offers from both Türkiye and Russia. The fighting, which erupted following Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory, has exacted a severe humanitarian toll, with the United Nations reporting that at least 56 civilians have been killed and over 16,000 families displaced across eastern Afghanistan.
A telephone call between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has failed to bridge a growing diplomatic rift over the ongoing military campaign against Iran. The conversation follows a week of highly publicised criticism from Mr Trump, who accused the British government of providing insufficient support and mockingly stated that Sir Keir was "no Winston Churchill". Whilst Downing Street maintains its refusal to participate in offensive operations without a clear legal mandate and defined strategy, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the Prime Minister's stance, reiterating that the UK will restrict its involvement strictly to defensive support from British airbases in Cyprus.
Iran's political and military establishments have publicly closed ranks behind the country's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, pledging their loyalty amidst a highly fraught transition of power. President Masoud Pezeshkian hailed the appointment as the dawn of a "new era of dignity", whilst the armed forces swore their unwavering obedience to their new commander-in-chief. Meanwhile, as mass funerals were held in Tehran for civilians killed in the ten-day conflict, Iranian officials launched blistering verbal attacks on the international community, condemning the U.S.-Israeli strikes on energy infrastructure as "chemical warfare" and accusing the United Nations of prioritising the global economy over human lives.
A preliminary round of Lebanon-Israel talks has concluded in Washington, marking a tentative diplomatic step as regional tensions rise. The development comes as the United States launches a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Greenland’s prime minister has appointed his predecessor to oversee foreign affairs, as pressure from Washington intensifies over the Arctic island’s future.
Spain’s plan to grant legal status to hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants is facing early resistance, with immigration officers warning they may strike over a lack of preparation and resources.
The U.S. and Iran could resume peace talks over the next couple of days, U.S. President Donald Trump has said. Talks between Israel and Lebanon were held in Washington yesterday. Fuel prices have dropped below $100 a barrel. U.S. blockade on Iranian ports completes first day.
An Indian healthcare provider plans to invest $50 million in diagnostic and pharmaceutical projects in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region, aiming to expand access to advanced medical services between 2026 and 2028.
France is set to vote on a controversial law targeting what it calls “new forms” of antisemitism, sparking sharp divisions and raising concerns over free speech, criticism of Israel and the protection of Jewish communities.
Hungary’s election winner, Péter Magyar, said on Wednesday his cabinet could be sworn in by mid-May, with Magyar taking office as prime minister, and pledged swift action to unlock billions in suspended European Union funding.
A former NATO chief and senior figure the UK's ruling Labour Party has launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing his government of failing to adequately fund defence.
Russia has signalled it is ready to increase energy supplies to China, underscoring deepening ties between the two powers ahead of an expected visit by President Vladimir Putin.
Germany has announced an additional €20 million in humanitarian support for Sudan as Berlin hosts a major international conference aimed at raising more than $1 billion to address one of the world’s most severe and increasingly overlooked crises.
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