Author: Gulf News Week

Main rival Jamaat-e-Islami challenges “integrity of the process” in election that barred ousted premier Hasina’s party from polls. Dhaka, Bangladesh – The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has declared a resounding victory in the country’s first general election since the 2024 uprising, positioning its leader, Tarique Rahman, to become the next prime minister. However, the main opposition coalition has rejected the preliminary results, alleging serious irregularities in the vote-counting process. While the Election Commission has yet to release final official figures, local media projections on Friday painted a picture of a decisive mandate for the BNP. Broadcasters estimated the party had secured…

USS Gerald R. Ford rerouted from Caribbean to join USS Abraham Lincoln as Trump warns Tehran of ‘traumatic’ consequences without nuclear deal WASHINGTON – The United States has ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East—positioning two carrier strike groups in the region as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Iran to reach a nuclear agreement. The move, confirmed by a person familiar with the plans speaking on condition of anonymity, follows Trump’s warning Thursday that failure to strike a deal with his administration would be “very traumatic”…

Hollywood star samples corndogs and Nutella-Biscoff pancakes; opens up about grief for late co-star Andre Braugher DUBAI – Terry Crews is no stranger to the UAE. But his latest visit came with extra toppings—and a touch of heartache. The ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ star was spotted enjoying a relaxed family evening at Global Village, Dubai’s sprawling cultural destination, sampling street food and soaking in the atmosphere with his wife and daughters. A video posted by his daughter Tera Crews has since gone viral, capturing the actor in full deadpan charm. Crews bites into a Jinju corndog, arches his eyebrows—that signature expression fans know…

British raiders The Fingal Raven and Hawksbill face draw tests; Chantal Sutherland makes emotional comeback aboard Laasudood DUBAI – The world’s richest race, the $20 million Saudi Cup, commands global attention in Riyadh on Saturday. But first, Friday night at Meydan delivers its own compelling drama—one built on Dubai Racing Carnival ambitions, transcontinental rivalries, and a jockey’s remarkable return from career-threatening injury. With several Saudi contenders expected to reroute to Dubai for the 30th anniversary of the $12 million Dubai World Cup on March 28, the Carnival rolls on with an eight-race Longines-sponsored card. Racing fever is tangible, and Meydan is…

Qi2 wireless pads, retractable-cable wall chargers, and travel-ready power banks roll out across UAE and Saudi Arabia SHARJAH – UGREEN has expanded its charging accessory portfolio across the Middle East, positioning itself to capture surging demand from consumers who now routinely power multiple devices—smartphones, tablets, earbuds, smartwatches, and laptops—simultaneously. The rollout arrives ahead of the anticipated launch of Samsung’s next-generation flagship smartphones, a peak period for accessory upgrades. Industry analysts note that professionals and frequent travelers in particular are driving demand for higher-output, multi-device charging solutions that do not compromise on safety or portability. What’s New UGREEN’s latest regional lineup spans…

Gen. Kabroun tells Arab News claims that army concealed weapons in humanitarian shipment are ‘completely false’ and a bid to deflect from RSF ‘atrocities’ RIYADH – Sudan’s defense minister has vehemently rejected as “completely false” reports attributed to the country’s intelligence service alleging that a convoy struck in North Kordofan was covertly transporting weapons under the guise of humanitarian aid. Gen. Hassan Kabroun told Arab News that the purported intelligence document is a fabrication, politically motivated, and designed to distract from what he termed a “heinous crime” committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The controversy erupted following news reports citing…

Regulated digital currency enters live operation on Abu Dhabi’s ADI Chain, targeting institutional payments and treasury settlement ABU DHABI – A consortium led by International Holding Company (IHC), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), and Sirius International Holding has received final approval from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) to launch DDSC, a UAE dirham-backed stablecoin now entering its operational phase. First announced in April 2025 as a joint initiative between IHC and FAB, DDSC will operate on ADI Chain, an institutional Layer-2 blockchain developed by Abu Dhabi’s ADI Foundation. Sirius International Holding has joined the consortium to support deployment, integration,…

West Indies storm to top of Group C after 30-run thrashing, leaving England reeling in third MUMBAI – Sherfane Rutherford smashed an unbeaten 76 off 42 balls, clubbing seven sixes, as West Indies overpowered England by 30 runs in a commanding T20 World Cup Group C display at Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie then delivered the knockout blow, claiming 3-33 as England were strangled by spin and bundled out for 166 with an over to spare. The victory is West Indies’ second consecutive win, propelling the twice champions to the top of the group. England slip to third…

Victory sets up high-stakes India clash after government clears Sunday’s marquee tie COLOMBO – Sahibzada Farhan struck a career-best 73 and Usman Tariq claimed three vital wickets as Pakistan secured a emphatic 32-run win over the United States in the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, exacting revenge for one of the tournament’s greatest upsets two years ago. Pakistan posted a commanding 190-9 after being put in to bat at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club, powered by Farhan’s 41-ball blitz and a fluent 46 from Babar Azam. In response, the USA kept pace early but unravelled against Pakistan’s spinners, with Tariq (3-27) and…

President Prabowo’s White House visit next week expected to cement Jakarta’s role in proposed stabilisation force JAKARTA – Indonesia has signaled it is prepared to deploy up to 8,000 troops to Gaza as part of a proposed international stabilisation force (ISF) linked to the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan—making it the first country to publicly pledge personnel. The world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation is considering sending a brigade, estimated at 5,000 to 8,000 soldiers, to focus on humanitarian aid and infrastructure reconstruction. However, Indonesian army chief of staff General Maruli Simanjuntak stressed the plan remains tentative. “Nothing…