Dubai: As the UAE enters its year-end slowdown, many employees, residents and travellers are searching for clarity on one key question: Is New Year a public holiday in the UAE? The answer is yes — but work arrangements vary between the public and private sectors. Also Read: New Year 2026 holiday an»»»

Bijagos Archipelago, Guinée-Bissau: Turquoise waves splash against the white sand beaches of the Bijagos Archipelago, where locals fear rising sea levels will swallow their islands whole. Off the Atlantic coast of tropical Guinea-Bissau, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to colonies of sea tur»»»

The global price of gold surged to a level not seen in 46 years, particularly since 1979, with an ounce reaching US$ 4,413. This surge was driven by expectations of a US interest rate cut, which boosted investor confidence in the precious metal as a safe haven. In the local market, the price of a g»»»

The slowing down of the economy, the political instability and the decrease of foreign demand influenced negatively some segments of the real estate market in Romania, while other areas, especially the industrial area, have surpassed the prognosis and head towards a possible record-level, according»»»

The preference for electric vehicles is dropping at world level, while more buyers return to internal combustion engines and re-evaluate owning an electric vehicle, according to EY Mobility Consumer Index (MCI), a global study analysing purchase attitude and intentions in the main automobile market»»»

Over 4 million mobile internet connections used 5G networks by mid-2025, representing one in five active connections and generating approximately 7% of total mobile internet traffic, according to a report on the telecom market for the first half of this year, published by the National Authority for»»»

Dubai: US authorities have confirmed that Dubai-based travel influencer Anunay Sood died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl and alcohol. The 32-year-old, known for his travel content and motivational posts, died on November 4 while visiting Las Vegas. Anunay was found unresponsive in his hotel»»»

Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake has mourned a Kenyan fan who died following a crush at his concert at a stadium in Nairobi. The victim, 20-year-old Karen Lojore, was reportedly crushed on Saturday near a gate into the Nyayo National Stadium amid long queues and delays worsened by heavy rain, with oth»»»

Romania will host a trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers from Bucharest, Kiev and Chisinau in the first quarter of 2026, Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu informed on Monday, while in Chisinau, during a joint press conference with her counterpart, Mihai Popsoi, transmitted online.She state»»»

Abu Dhabi: The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi hosted a special Christmas celebration at its premises, bringing together members of the Pakistani Christian expatriate community living in the United Arab Emirates. A large number of Pakistani Christian families attended the event, along with senior »»»

The US economy is expected to post another solid economic growth reading Tuesday, but the much-delayed figures likely will not settle debate on the labor market, AI and other variables. Forecasters expect Tuesday's third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) report to show 3.2 percent growth, accord»»»

Drivers faced widespread traffic disruptions across Greece as farmers continued their protests over delayed EU subsidy payments and other grievances on major highways ahead of the holidays, with authorities enforcing road diversions. Farmers said they intend to facilitate holiday travel by rearrang»»»

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday he will discuss Iran's nuclear activities during his visit next week with US President Donald Trump. Speaking at a joint press conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Jerusalem, Netanyah»»»

Doha, Qatar: For the second consecutive day, registration continued yesterday, for the 17th Qatar International Falconry and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2026) Championships, at the Qatar Falconry Association headquarters in the Katara Cultural Village Foundation (Building No. 33). The festival is held »»»

Doha, Qatar: The Middle East is rapidly positioning the region as a rising global nexus for AI data center investment and innovation, according to Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report, ‘AI Data Centers: An Opportunity in the Middle East’. As global demand for AI infrastructure accelerates, with dat»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Global Institute for Strategic Research (GISR), an interdisciplinary think tank at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), continues to advance its mission of shaping impactful policies through a series of strategic activities, including a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with th»»»

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a strategic agreement with Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health to become a host site support center for the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR) distance-learning programme, one »»»

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC), founded by Qatar Foundation, has concluded the ‘EmpowerAbility’ programme’s 2025 edition, which used Qatar National Day celebrations as a real-life training ground to support the integration of youth with disabilities into the world of work. The »»»

Doha, Qatar: In line with its commitment to supporting work–life balance and strengthening family-friendly workplace practices, the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), in cooperation with the Qatar Career Development Center, organised the “Junior Employee” initiative for the»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index gained for the second consecutive day this week, ending 0.79% higher at 10,801.39 points, yesterday. The index concluded Sunday’s trading at 10,716.39 points. During yesterday’s session the volume of shares traded stood at 94,895,985 from 78,183,932»»»

Doha, Qatar: The combined 10th Qatar International Weightlifting Cup 2025, Arab Championships, and West Asian Championships continued in Doha, with competitions running until December 27. Egypt’s Mohamed Metwally led the Arab Senior 71kg category, winning gold in the clean and jerk at 159kg and the»»»

This year brought major progress for CPI Romania, from large-scale upgrades across its retail and office assets to a strengthened tenant mix and sustained leasing activity. Country Manager Fulga Dinu talks to Business Review about the initiatives that marked 2025 and the priorities guiding the comp»»»

Abu Dhabi: International Holding Company has confirmed the appointment of the board of directors of 2PointZero, formalising the leadership structure of the listed investment platform and reinforcing its role within Abu Dhabi’s long-term investment strategy. Sign up for our daily business newsletter»»»

A young police officer who was shot in the head during the Bondi Beach attack has been released from hospital. Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert - who is just four months into the job - was patrolling a Hanukkah event when two gunmen opened fire, injuring over 40 people and killing 15. The 22-yea»»»

Doha, Qatar: Ash’al Al E’zz of Al Thamer Stud emerged as the Gold champion in the Senior Stallions Championship while Admiraal of Al Amer Stud won Silver and Arraab AlJassimya of AlJassimya Farm got Bronze in the 5th Doha International Arabian Horse Show hosted by Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QR»»»

An International Freeride Tournament will take place in Kyrgyzstan from January 15 to 17, 2026, at the site of the under-construction Ala-Too Resort ski complex. The press service of the state enterprise reported. Skiers and snowboarders from around 20 countries are expected to take part in the com»»»

Bishkek and Tokyo intend to establish a Kyrgyz-Japanese Digital University (K-JDU). A memorandum of trilateral cooperation was signed on the sidelines of Central Asia — Japan Business Forum. The High Technology Park reported. According to it, the initiative aims to develop partnership between the K»»»

KUWAIT, Dec 23 (KUNA) -- 1934 -- Kuwait Amir Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah signed an accord with Kuwait Oil Company (Limited). The company, registered in Britain, has been granted exclusive exploration concessions for natural gas, asphalt, ozokerite, crude oil and other types of underground fuels »»»

Doha, Qatar: Qatar is poised to reinforce its position as a global energy powerhouse in the coming year, as analysts note that a sharp increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production capacity comes on stream through the North Field expansion, strengthening export volumes, boosting market flexibi»»»

The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved a new resolution aimed at ensuring food security and stabilizing market prices. The document expands the list of goods exempt from VAT and extends the preferential regime. According to the resolution, two updated lists have been approved: — a list»»»

Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s capital continues to consolidate its position on the global urban map, with Doha’s performance in the World’s Best Cities Report 2026 highlighting the country’s sustained progress in economic resilience, infrastructure development and quality of life. Published by Resonance Con»»»

A K9 self-propelled howitzer is displayed during an Armed Forces Day media event in Gyeryong, South Korea, Sept. 29. File Photo by Yonhap News Agency Dec. 22 (Asia Today) -- South Korea's science ministry said Monday it has selected its 2025 "Top 100 National R&D Achievements," highlighting project»»»

Commuters can expect slower travel times during the morning rush hour, particularly on routes connecting Sharjah to Dubai, according to real-time Google Maps data. Traffic is building steadily across several key industrial, residential, and commercial areas. Also Read: Dubai reveals new plan to red»»»

AMMAN — Navigating the complexities of the European market requires a strategic shift towards sustainability, digital integration, and robust change management, according to Circular Economy and Sustainability Expert at Royal Scientific Society (RSS) Omar Saleh.Speaking on the evolving landscape of»»»

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán inaugurated a new 34-kilometre section of the M4 motorway between Törökszentmiklós and Kisújszállás, calling the project a major milestone in national development and proof that the government has a clear development strategy for the Great Hungarian Plain. Speaking at th»»»

Unification Ministry spokesperson Yoon Min-ho briefs reporters at the Government Complex Seoul on Dec 22 Photo by Yonhap News Agency Dec. 22 (Asia Today) -- South Korea's Ministry of Unification said Monday it has never reported to President Lee Jae-myung on reviewing constitutional amendments tied»»»

Nigerian authorities said Sunday they have secured the release of 130 schoolchildren abducted from a Catholic boarding school in Niger state, bringing the total freed to more than 200 after a mass kidnapping in November. The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty over the fate of students taken »»»

Lagos comes alive each December as "Detty December" turns Nigeria's capital into a nonstop festival of music, partying and extravagance. Locals take advantage of the festivities to forget their worries as those in the country's diaspora make their way home for the holidays.  The first winds of»»»

Bollywood’s top stars are driving production costs sky-high with private trailers, personal chefs and massive entourages, insiders say. The hefty fees are hiking up production costs and straining the Indian film industry's already fragile finances.  From fleets of private trailers to personal »»»

The two suspects behind the Bondi Beach shooting reportedly conducted "firearms training" in rural New South Wales before launching their December 14 attack on a Hanukkah celebration which left 15 people dead. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese apologised to Australia's Jewish community for the nation»»»

Snowfall across parts of Tabuk and the Trojena Mountains has transformed the regions into an unexpected winter playground, prompting residents to step outside to ski, play, and capture the rare icy scenes. Also Read: Snow blankets Saudi Arabia’s Trojena Highlands and TabukThe Trojena Highlands were»»»

Tokmok livestock market will be closed from January 1. The City Hall announced. The market operated commercially, but its owners failed to ensure the proper sanitary and technical conditions of the facility. The grounds for the closure were systematic violations of veterinary, sanitary, epidemiolog»»»

A festive Santa Run, one of the brightest sports events of the pre-New Year period, took place at Dair Asanov Victory Park in Bishkek. The press service of Bishkek City Hall reported. About 1,000 people participated in the run. Participants covered distances of 4 and 8 kilometers. Both professional»»»

Dubai: With Christmas just days away, shoppers across the UAE are making their final preparations, driving a steady rise in footfall at supermarkets and neighbourhood markets. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Demand is strongest for festive food, bakery items and home d»»»

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he convinced French President Emmanuel Macron to accept his demands on drug prices as he pushes for lower costs for Americans. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, the 79-year-old Republican told the story he had previously shared at a rally Fr»»»

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has announced a bold plan for the Navy to build a new, large warship that he is calling a “battleship” as part of a larger vision to create a "Golden Fleet." “They’ll be the fastest, the biggest, and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built,” »»»

Myanmar's junta is set to preside over voting starting Sunday, touting heavily restricted polls as a return to democracy five years after it ousted the last elected government, triggering civil war. Former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains jailed and her hugely popular party dissolved after »»»

Dubai: The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast a spell of unsettled winter weather across the UAE from today, Tuesday, through December 27, bringing humid mornings, shifting cloud cover, variable winds and the chance of light, intermittent rain in parts of the country. Also Read: Is C»»»

WASHINGTON: The Federal Communications Commission on Monday said it would ban new foreign-made drones, a move that will keep new Chinese-made drones such as those from DJI and Autel out of the U.S. market. The announcement came a year after Congress passed a defense bill that raised national securi»»»

Dubai: Gold’s historic rally in 2025 delivered record prices and strong returns, but its most lasting impact may be how it fundamentally changed the way consumers buy the metal. Across the UAE, higher prices have not pushed buyers out of the market. Instead, they have made them more deliberate, mor»»»