live Flights suspended after drone strike near Dubai International Airport - Middle East conflict on 16 March
Flights at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended on Monday (16 March) following a drone strike nearby, the emi...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 16 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Kazakh voters have overwhelmingly approved a new constitution, with exit polls indicating 87 per cent backing for reforms that analysts warn will allow President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to bypass his current 2029 term limit. The overhaul, which comes into effect on 1 July following the dissolution of the current parliament, condenses the legislature into a single chamber and dramatically expands the president’s power to appoint key officials. Whilst the 72-year-old leader insists he will step down at the end of his current term, the reintroduction of the Vice President post has sparked widespread speculation that he is quietly orchestrating a controlled succession plan or preparing to extend his grip on the nation of 20 million.
Commercial flights at Dubai International Airport were temporarily halted on Monday morning following a drone strike in the vicinity of the transport hub, as the Middle East conflict enters its sixteenth day. The United Arab Emirates’ National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority confirmed it was actively responding to a missile threat, whilst the Defence Ministry announced on social media that air defences were actively intercepting incoming Iranian drones and missiles aimed at the emirate.
One Battle After Another swept the 2026 Academy Awards with six wins, including Best Picture, Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, and Best Supporting Actor for Sean Penn. The ceremony was marked by historic milestones, notably Autumn Durald Arkapaw becoming the first woman of colour to win Best Cinematography for Sinners, which secured four awards overall, including a surprise Best Actor win for Michael B. Jordan. The night also featured a rare tie in the Best Live Action Short category—the first since 2013—whilst Netflix's global phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters took home Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
Twenty Thai crew members have safely returned to Bangkok after their cargo ship, the Mayuree Naree, was struck by projectiles whilst navigating the highly contested Strait of Hormuz last week. The Thai-flagged vessel was reportedly fired upon by Iranian forces, leaving three crew members still missing at sea. Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the rescued sailors are in good health but declined to provide further details regarding ongoing, high-level rescue negotiations with Omani and Iranian authorities due to the extreme sensitivity of the situation.
U.S. President Donald Trump is actively attempting to assemble an international naval coalition to force the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to reports from Axios. The critical maritime chokepoint, which usually handles approximately 20 per cent of the world's oil supply, has been effectively shut down by Tehran since the Middle East conflict erupted on 28 February. With multiple commercial vessels having already fallen victim to Iranian attacks in the past week. The White House is reportedly hoping to formally announce the joint international task force later this week.
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
The Academy Awards nominations have been announced, with the crime drama Sinners leading the race securing a record 16 nominations ahead of the ceremony set for 15 March. The event, which honours the film industry’s top achievements over the past year, will be hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien.
A sandstorm swept across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, worsening conditions for displaced civilians already living in fragile shelters amid the ongoing conflict, according to local reports.
Flights at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended on Monday (16 March) following a drone strike nearby, the emirate's authorities said. It comes as the Middle East conflict enters its 16th day.
Canada and the five Nordic countries have agreed to deepen cooperation in military procurement and other areas, in the latest push by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to build new global alliances.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Ukraine wants money and technology in return for helping Middle Eastern nations that have sought its expertise as they defend against Iranian kamikaze drones, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, after Kyiv sent specialists to the region.
French voters head to the polls on Sunday (15 March) to elect their mayors in a closely watched ballot seen as a test of the strength of the far-right and the resilience of mainstream parties ahead of next year's presidential vote.
Tens of millions of Vietnamese were voting on Sunday (15 March) to elect members of parliament from a list of candidates almost exclusively fielded by the Communist Party, ensuring the party's continued overwhelming dominance.
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