Doha, Qatar: Qatar and Ukraine have signed a defence cooperation agreement, which includes the exchange of expertise in countering missiles and drone systems, according to Qatar’s Defence Ministry.
Stay tuned for more updates:
5:10pm Doha Time
Egypt to slow down large state projects amid rising energy costs
The economic crunch due to the ongoing war is reverberating across the region. Egypt has just said it will slow down large state projects involving high fuel and diesel consumption for two months to rationalise consumption.
This comes as the conflict has driven up energy costs and strained public finances, Al Jazeera reports.
Egypt’s debt servicing costs are set to rise by 5 percent in the next fiscal year, Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk said.
3:30pm Doha Time
Qatar, Ukraine sign defense cooperation agreement
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, HE Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, met with HE Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, and HE Lt. Gen. Andriy Hnatov, Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during their visit to the State of Qatar.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the latest regional security developments and discussed areas of defense cooperation and joint coordination in light of current circumstances.
A defense cooperation agreement was also signed between the Ministry of Defense of the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
The agreement includes collaboration in technological fields, development of joint projects, defense investments, and the exchange of expertise in countering missiles and unmanned aerial systems. Read more
3:08pm Doha Time
Iraq extends airspace closure
Iraq has extended the closure of its airspace to all flights for 72 hours, from Saturday to Tuesday, citing security concerns and regional developments.
2:55am Doha Time
UAE air defences engaged 20 ballistic missiles, 37 UAVs
The United Arab Emirates air defences systems on March 28, 2026, engaged 20 ballistic missiles and 37 UAVs launched from Iran.
Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged 398 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,872 UAVs, stated the country's Ministry of Defence. Read more
2:45pm Doha Time
Amir, Ukraine President discuss regional, international developments
The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and His Excellency Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly the escalating tensions in the region, including the ongoing Iranian aggression against Qatar and several other countries in the region, as well as the latest developments in the Ukrainian crisis. The meeting took place today at His Highness's office in Lusail Palace. Read more
12pm Doha Time
Egypt, Greece reaffirm support for de-escalation, regional stability
Egypt and Greece reaffirmed their support for de-escalation efforts and the need to prevent further instability in the region during a phone call between their foreign ministers on Saturday.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Greek counterpart Giorgos Gerapetritis discussed ongoing regional tensions and underscored the importance of advancing diplomatic solutions to contain the situation.
Abdelatty outlined Egypt's efforts to promote calm, reduce tensions, and prioritize diplomatic engagement as a means to address the evolving crisis.
The two ministers also reviewed developments in Libya, with Abdelatty reiterating Egypt's position in support of preserving Libya's unity and stability and advancing the unification of its institutions.
He stressed the need for a comprehensive, Libyan-led political settlement that safeguards the country's sovereignty and meets the aspirations of its people.
Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and consultation, particularly following the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.
11:45am Doha Time
Pakistan to host Saudi, Turkiye, Egypt for talks on Mideast war
Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt will meet in Islamabad for talks on the war in the Middle East, the government said on Saturday.
It said Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had invited his counterparts and that they would be in the Pakistani capital on Sunday and Monday.
"During the visit, the Foreign Ministers will hold in-depth discussions on a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region," a foreign ministry statement said. Read more
11:20am Doha Time
Ukrainian President arrives in Doha
President of Ukraine HE Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Doha on Saturday, March 28, 2026, on a working visit to the country.
His Excellency and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, and Ambassador of Ukraine to the State of Qatar HE Andrii Kuzmenko.
11:10am Doha Time
Drone attacks damage Kuwait Airport's radar system
Kuwait International Airport was subjected to several drone attacks, causing significant damage to the airport's radar system.
KUNA reported this quoting Civil Aviation spokesperson Abdullah Al-Rajhi that Kuwait International Airport was subjected to several drone attacks, but no injuries were reported.
The official further explained that the attack caused significant damage to the airport's radar system, and that emergency teams and relevant authorities immediately began dealing with the incident.
10am Doha Time
Thai PM says reached deal with Iran for vessels to transit Hormuz Strait
Thailand has reached an agreement with Iran to allow Thai oil vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the Southeast Asian nation's Prime Minister said on Saturday.
Iranian forces have effectively slowed shipping through the strait to a trickle during the Middle East war, which began late last month.
"An agreement has been reached to allow Thai oil tankers to transit safely through the Strait of Hormuz," Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said at a press conference, adding the development would alleviate concerns over fuel imports. Read more
9:45am Doha Time
One person injured in drone attack in Oman’s Salalah port
Citing a security source, Oman’s state news agency ONA said that two drones targeted the port of Salalah, the capital city of southern Dhofar province.
The incident resulted in moderate injuries to a foreign worker and minor damage to a crane in the port facilities.
9:30am Doha Time
Kuwait oil price rises to more than $118 per barrel: KUNA
Kuwaiti news agency KUNA reported that the price of a barrel of Kuwaiti oil rose by $8.10 to reach $118.93.
Oil prices have been rising since the start of the US war on Iran, as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been brought to a near halt by attacks – or the threat of attacks – from Iran.
9am Doha Time
Bahrain sounds sirens, urges residents to seek shelter
Ministry of Interior of Bahrain has urged citizens and residents to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place after warning sirens were activated.
It did not provide further details on the cause of the alert in a brief statement posted on X.
8:38am Doha Time
Washington, Tehran could hold talks this week, US Middle-East Envoy says
US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said today that the US and Iran could hold talks this week.
Witkoff did not provide further details on the potential meeting, but confirmed that Iran had received its 15-point plan, and that Washington was still awaiting Tehran's response. Read more
8:15am Doha Time
Five Indians injured by falling debris in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi authorities have announced that they dealt with two incidents of fire in the vicinity of Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) caused by falling debris following a successful interception of ballistic missile.
It further stated that this incident resulted in injuring five individuals of Indian nationality. "Authorities confirm that the incident has resulted in injuries ranging from moderate to minor sustained by five individuals of an Indian nationality," the Abu Dhabi media office stated.
