Dubai is experiencing an unexpected decline in visitors due to the war in Iran. Five-star hotels are offering very low prices to attract locals as tourists flee. Businesses are trying to fill the gap with free promotions, such as entry to the Miracle Garden. The city's atmosphere has changed dramatically, with empty spaces and reduced activities. There is a need to reassess the emirate's tourism industry.
A traffic accident occurred on Monday afternoon between the occupied villages of Ayios Symeon and Korovia. A 72-year-old driver entered the opposite lane and collided with a small bus. The elderly driver and six children aged 11 to 13 were injured in the crash. The injured were transported to a hospital in occupied Famagusta. The police are investigating the cause of the accident.
The British destroyer 'Dragon' has arrived in Cyprus after 21 days since its departure. The ship will integrate into the defense of the British bases on the island, focusing on protection against aerial threats. It features advanced air defense systems and will operate alongside allies. This comes in light of a recent incident that occurred at the British Base in Akrotiri. The Dragon is often deployed in strategic locations in the Mediterranean.
Vasiliki Chatzidiadou appeared on the podcast 'Winter@LIKE'. She talked about her childhood in Sotira and her relationships with her parents. She also discussed her student years, which were crucial for her future. Vasiliki shared the challenges she has faced, particularly regarding her health. The conversation also touched on her personal life and relationships.
Marios Karoyian will not run as a candidate in the 2026 parliamentary elections for the Democratic Party. This decision marks his withdrawal from the electoral race. Today, 56 candidates from the party were approved, and official announcements are expected. This development does not seem to provoke significant reactions. It paves the way for new faces in the political scene.
Axios reports efforts for a meeting between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad to find a diplomatic solution to the war. Despite Iran's denials, there are reports that a secret meeting took place between Ghalibaf and U.S. officials. Trump stated that there is alignment on key issues and that talks will continue. The situation indicates that both countries are trying to approach a peaceful resolution. Awaiting a possible in-person meeting, discussions are continuing over the phone.
Two women admitted to the charges of fraud related to properties in the occupied areas. They defrauded landowners of approximately €300,000 with false promises of compensation and sales. The defendants acknowledged their actions, leading the Prosecution to withdraw some charges. The victims, mostly relatives, paid money for supposed evaluation and sale processes. The case remains under investigation by the court.
Farmer Christodoulos Christodoulou expressed frustration over the situation regarding the destruction of animals, stating that the European Union demands a blanket culling. After meeting with the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, they raised concerns about compensation and the future of their profession. Christodoulou indicated that while he feels frustrated, he is prepared to allow authorities to carry out necessary procedures according to the law. He also mentioned a lack of trust in the system but will not obstruct sampling and vaccinations. Farmers continue to feel angry about their current circumstances.
The Administrative Court upheld the decision for the construction of four reservoirs for the storage of treated wastewater in Meniko. The community opposed the decision, citing the already burdened state of the area, which is affected by livestock facilities. Despite their concerns, the permit was granted based on a positive environmental assessment and necessary conditions. The Court concluded that the project's impacts would be manageable under specific terms. The community insists that alternative sites for the project were not considered.
Top chess player Koneru Hampi from India withdrew from the Candidates Tournament 2026 in Cyprus due to safety concerns. She expressed that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East made her feel unsafe. The tournament is scheduled to take place from March 28 to April 16 at the Cap St Georges Hotel in Paphos. Anna Muzychuk from Ukraine will replace her. A proposal by a German billionaire to move the tournament to Germany was rejected.
Leonid Radvinsky, owner of the OnlyFans platform, passed away at the age of 43 after a long battle with cancer. His death has raised concerns about the ownership future of the platform, which has achieved significant success in adult content. Radvinsky acquired a majority stake in the company in 2018 and played a role in its growth. He was recently in negotiations to sell 60% of the company to investors. His family has requested privacy during this period of mourning.
Johannes Hahn has resigned from his position as the EU's special envoy for Cyprus. His resignation was announced by the European Commission due to other commitments. The President of the Commission will decide on the next steps in due time. Hahn has been appointed as the new President of the Austrian National Bank's General Council. His new role will begin on January 1, 2026.
Oil prices dropped sharply following President Trump's announcement to postpone military strikes against Iran. Brent crude fell by over 8%, while West Texas Intermediate dropped by 9%. Trump highlighted that talks with Iran will continue, describing them as 'very good and productive'. Despite the decline, Brent prices remain up over 50% since February. The situation remains tense, with international markets concerned about inflationary pressures.
Justice Minister Kostas Fytiris aims to upgrade the prison system in Cyprus. He announced plans for new Central Prisons costing €350 million, with a capacity of 1,500 inmates. Existing prisons will be converted into detention spaces for pre-trial detainees. Additionally, a bill is being prepared to improve employment criteria for prison guards and to establish a training school for them. He emphasized the importance of maintaining human rights within prisons.
This morning, the meeting of the National Council concluded at the Presidential Palace. President Nikos Christodoulides informed the political leaders about the developments regarding the Cyprus issue and regional matters. The political parties exchanged views on the impact of geopolitical events on energy and the economy. Some parties also submitted proposals. The Ministry of Finance is considering measures to address the rising fuel prices.
The water storage situation in Cyprus' dams is significantly improving due to heavy rainfall. This March is recorded as the second best in the last 10 years for water inflow. In the past three days, there were 12.3 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to the annual production of a desalination unit. Authorities remain cautious due to climate uncertainties. However, the positive developments provide hope for the upcoming summer.
The case of the abuse of four children in Larnaca has developed, as the parents changed their initial plea from guilty to 'not guilty'. The accused now face 121 charges after withdrawing their previous confession. The trial is expected to be lengthy, with the children as key witnesses. Proceedings are held behind closed doors to protect the victims. The case came to light when one of the children disclosed the abuse at school.
In New York, an Air Canada Express plane collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and co-pilot. An audio recording reveals the tense communications among air traffic controllers following the incident. Thirteen people are hospitalized, including 11 passengers from the plane and 2 individuals from the truck. The airport remains closed after the accident. Reports indicate that the fire truck was staffed by police officers.
An unusual incident occurred at a foot-and-mouth disease checkpoint in Aradippou. An unknown individual entered a police vehicle and drove away, prompting a police officer to pursue him with his private vehicle. The suspect escaped on foot after the police vehicle ended up in a dead end. The police are investigating the case and the circumstances under which the vehicle was stolen. The motives of the suspect remain unknown at this time.
Maria Papa, the former Director of Civil Defense, blames the Ministry of Interior for not promoting her recommendations regarding the upgrading of shelters. In a Facebook post, she discusses the need for modernization and reinforcement of the shelter sector, highlighting the weaknesses of the current system. She explains that the issue of shelters is critical for the protection of the civilian population, especially in a country like Cyprus with geopolitical challenges. She details her interventions to the leadership of the Ministry of Interior and stresses the importance of policy preparedness. Her statement aims to clarify the facts surrounding the management of the shelter program.
According to the report by the Auditor General, candidates for mayor and deputy mayor have concealed electoral expenses through events and personal gatherings. These candidates exceeded the allowed financial limits for pre-election expenses, with some surpassing the amounts by significant percentages. Among them, Yiannis Armeftis reportedly spent over €61,000 instead of €30,000. This violation undermines the credibility of the electoral processes and raises transparency issues. The Auditor General specifically names candidates who did not adhere to the legislation.
A bomb explosion occurred at a reception center in Nicosia around 3:20 AM. The blast was caused by a detonated bomb, damaging the entrance of the building. Police and bomb squad members arrived at the scene for investigation. The area was cordoned off for further examinations. The Nicosia Crime Investigation Department is looking into the case.
Tensions in the Middle East are escalating with Donald Trump's new threats against Iran, while Iran responds with its own threats. Trump warns of total destruction of Iranian facilities, criticizing NATO countries for their inaction. In turn, Iran claims it will close the Strait of Hormuz and threatens to strike energy infrastructures in the region. Iran's capabilities are raising concerns as the U.S. and Israel appear to underestimate its potential. Additionally, questions arise about the effectiveness of Israeli missile defense systems.
The European Union is asserting a role in the negotiations regarding British bases in Cyprus, prompting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to contact President Christodoulides. Statements from London regarding the bases have changed over time, indicating a sensitive political situation. Cyprus emphasizes its importance as a stable partner in the region and seeks to strengthen cooperation with the UK. The contact between the two leaders has increased recently, reflecting existing concerns. Government circles see the EU's involvement as critical to the discussions.
Authorities are conducting a manhunt to contain the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Several cases of illegal animal movements have been identified, which pose a safety risk. The situation is particularly concerning in Lythrodontas, where five cases have emerged. Investigations have revealed a network of illegal activities, with animals found to be positive for the virus. Authorities are trying to control the situation using drones and other measures.
A fatal traffic accident occurred last night in Larnaca district, resulting in the death of 52-year-old Nikos Nicolaou. While driving on Greece Avenue, he collided with a vehicle driven by a 68-year-old. Emergency services responded to free him from the car, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital. The 68-year-old was taken for observation while a 34-year-old passenger was released. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident.
The International Energy Agency suggests measures to reduce oil demand, such as telecommuting and the use of public transport. These measures aim to alleviate the pressures caused by the current situation in the oil market. The conflict in the Middle East has caused serious disruptions in the supply chain, leading to rising oil prices. IEA member countries have initiated actions, but addressing demand is also necessary for an effective solution. The report emphasizes the need for immediate actions to ensure energy security.
The Larnaca Tourism Development and Promotion Company is investing in actions to enhance tourism despite challenges from regional instability. The ambitious Action Plan for 2026 focuses on leveraging the unique characteristics of the area. Actions include digital marketing and collaborations with internationally recognized figures. Promotion targets markets such as the UK and Eastern Europe. The program aims to highlight the quality and authenticity of Larnaca's tourism offerings.
According to the TALIS2024 international study, most teachers in Cyprus express high levels of self-efficacy regarding teaching and student management. Over 80% of teachers feel confident in providing alternative explanations and facilitating collaboration in multicultural settings. However, challenges remain, such as critically examining the curriculum to avoid reinforcing negative stereotypes. Self-efficacy is associated with teaching experience, as educators with more years in the field report higher confidence. The findings are expected to contribute to improving educational practices.
Property prices in Cyprus have increased significantly over the past ten years, with the apartment price index reaching a historic high. Specifically, prices have risen by 74.5% since 2015. The revival of construction activity does not meet the increasing demand, partly due to rising building material costs. Limassol shows the highest increase, with a price index of 150.1, which is 102.7% higher than in 2015. This situation makes housing an expensive pursuit for many citizens.