Iraq’s Air Force should have 50 to 60 helicopters by the end of the year, including 28 new Russian aircraft, Iraq’s defence minister said on Saturday as he inspected two refitted Vietnam-era Huey helicopters in Baghdad.

Abu Dhabi’s gold industry sales fell 40 percent year-on-year in February as high prices dampened demand, Tushar Patni, the chairman of the emirate’s Gold and Jewellery Group, said on Saturday.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia’s king personally welcomed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad upon his arrival Saturday, a rapprochement many hope will help calm sectarian tensions threatening the Middle East.