Dubai real estate sector saw over $31bn of transactions in Q1; rents surge with one neighbourhood seeing 26% price hike

The Israeli military admitted flaws in its initial accounts of troops' involvement in the killing of 15 people in Gaza, contradicting earlier claims with video evidence of clearly marked ambulances and a fire truck. International scrutiny followed, prompting a quicker response from the military. The Red Crescent Society accused Israel of war crimes for targeting medics, demanding an investigation, while the military's internal inquiry continues under the new chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir,...

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian dismissed his deputy Shahram Dabiri for taking a controversial trip to the South Pole during Persian New Year holidays, citing the economic pressure faced by Iranians. Dabiri’s leisure trip to Antarctica sparked outrage as the country's economic situation worsens, leading to calls for his resignation or dismissal. Pezeshkian's decree criticized Dabiri's actions as indefensible and inappropriate given the hardships faced by the Iranian people. Full Article

The project in Dubai involves constructing a 1,425-metre bridge with four lanes in each direction, costing AED786m ($214m), to improve traffic flow and connectivity. It will include a pedestrian and cycling track, elevators, and surface roads to connect Dubai Islands and Bur Dubai areas. Part of the Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project, it is expected to benefit one million people and reduce travel time significantly, contributing to an estimated saving of nearly AED45bn ($12.3) over...

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has put the Iranian military on full alert in response to US demands for negotiations over a nuclear deal. Despite rejecting direct talks with President Trump, Iran is willing to engage in indirect negotiations through Oman. The Iranian government is warning neighboring countries with US bases that they could be targeted if they get involved, emphasizing the importance of evaluating Washington's commitment to a political solution. Full Article

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Algeria for talks with Algerian officials to address political tension. Algeria and France expressed their commitment to revive dialogue after a phone call between Presidents Tebboune and Macron. Relations between the two countries have been strained since Algeria withdrew its ambassador from Paris last summer. Full Article

An Israeli drone attacked a car and bulldozer in southern Lebanon, violating a ceasefire agreement, with injuries reported near Zibqin in Tyre. The Israeli army confirmed targeting two Hezbollah operatives, despite the fragile ceasefire in place since November following months of cross-border conflict. Lebanese authorities documented over 1,384 Israeli violations, resulting in 117 fatalities and 366 injuries under the ceasefire agreement. Full Article