The US Department of State has maintained its Level 4: Do Not Travel travel advisory for Libya due to ongoing security risks throughout the country. The department advised US citizens not to travel to Libya due to the potential for crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping. It also pointed to the high prevalence of weapons and the potential for any time clashes to occur between armed groups and forces supporting the authorities. The State Department reports that kidnappings and assassinations have occurred in various regions of Libya, and criminal networks are engaged in drug, people and goods trafficking. US citizens could also be among those targeted for kidnapping, it warned. Read News: Libya’s Al-Menfi Rejects Prolonged Transition, Calls for Unified State Institutions The department also warned of potential terrorist attacks with no warning, and that demonstrations could become violent and interfere with transportation and essential services. Landmines and unexploded ordnance...

RIYADH, September 17, 2026: Condemnations have poured in following Saudi Arabia’s announcement that its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca, with the Saudi-led coalition warning that the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims is a “red line.” The Houthis have denied targeting Mecca, calling the Saudi account false. Saudi coalition spokesman Maj Gen Turki al-Maliki said the drone was intercepted on Tuesday evening before it entered the restricted airspace over Mecca. He described the incident as the second reported Houthi attempt to target the holy city, following a 2017 ballistic missile incident, and warned that the coalition would take necessary measures against further attacks. More News: US Warns Americans Against Libya Travel Amid Kidnapping, Terrorism and Civil Unrest The Houthis rejected the accusation. Hazam al-Assad, a member of the group’s political bureau, dismissed Riyadh’s claim as a “worn-out lie,” while a Houthi military...

Travel entry requirements differ from one country to another, but several destinations have introduced relatively straightforward procedures for eligible foreign visitors, including visa-free entry or longer permitted stays. Georgia, Serbia and Thailand are among the countries offering such arrangements, although the conditions and length of stay depend on the traveler’s nationality and the type of travel document held. Georgia Georgia offers visa-free entry to US citizens, allowing them to remain in the country for up to 365 days. The arrangement also permits eligible visitors to work and study during their stay. More News: Global Condemnation After Saudi Arabia Says Houthi Drone Targeted Mecca Despite the simplified entry process, travelers should meet Georgia’s other entry requirements. Tourists are required to have valid health and accident insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 Georgian lari, equivalent to roughly $11,000. For eligible visitors, entering Georgia is generally straightforward, with border authorities primarily checking...

WASHINGTON, September 17, 2026: US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose steep tariffs or restrict trade with the European Union if Brussels moves ahead with a proposal to make Canada the bloc’s first “associate member,” adding a new layer of tension to relations between Washington and Europe. Canada and Europe Seek Closer Ties Trade Relations Have Expanded Trump made the remarks after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen floated the proposal on the eve of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s scheduled address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Commenting on the plan, Trump told reporters that it was “ridiculous” and warned that if the European Union proceeded and he considered the move hostile, his administration could respond with “very severe tariffs” or halt trade with Europe, according to Agence France-Presse. Read More: Georgia, Serbia and Thailand Offer Simplified Travel Options for International Visitors Von der Leyen proposed elevating...

Standard Chartered has expanded its institutional Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) spot trading services to the United Arab Emirates through its Standard Chartered DIFC operations. The move makes Standard Chartered the first Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) to offer institutional spot trading of deliverable digital assets in the market. It also makes the bank the only global bank currently offering institutional digital asset spot trading in the region, according to the announcement. The new service expands Standard Chartered’s regulated digital asset offering in the UAE by adding trading execution to its existing digital asset custody services. Read More News: Israel Kills Seven Children a Day in Lebanon Since Invasion Eligible institutional clients can access deliverable Bitcoin and Ether spot trading through the bank’s electronic trading channels. The service is integrated with Standard Chartered’s existing platforms, allowing clients to trade digital assets through interfaces similar to those used for foreign exchange...

ABU DHABi, September 4, 2026 – UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has congratulated Ülle Madise on her election as President of the Republic of Estonia. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court also congratulated Madise, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM). Read More: Standard Chartered Expands Institutional Bitcoin and Ether Spot Trading in UAE On September 2, Estonia parliament, the Riigikogu, elected Madise, who won 71 votes in a secret ballot. She had to get at least 68 votes, which is a two-thirds majority of the 101-member parliament. There were 78 legislators who participated in the vote, and seven ballots were not marked. The election provides Madise with a five-year...