NCM forecasts continued rain and falling temperatures across UAE
Dubai: The UAE is expected to see continued rainfall and strong winds through Friday, 19 December, as an active weather system continues to affect large parts of the country, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. Rain of varying intensity has fallen since Saturday night, 13 December, thr»»»
4.3-magnitude earthquake hits Saudi Arabia
Dubai: A 4.3-magnitude earthquake struck the eastern province of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported. The quake occurred at 2:11am UAE time, with a depth of 50 kilometers, according to the NCM. The tremor was not felt in the UAE and had no impact on the countr»»»
The dirt doesn’t stick: India's Gaurav Gogoi on Himanta Sarma, Rahul Gandhi and Assam’s battle ahead
Gaurav Gogoi, 43, is the deputy leader of the Congress in Parliament and the Assam state chief of the Congress, who will be taking on Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP Chief Minister of Assam, in a closely contested election early next year. Gogoi is poised, calm and steely, yet makes his points with a »»»
South Asia-linked terror risks flagged as US homeland threats
Washington: Senior US national security officials have told lawmakers that terrorist groups with roots in South Asia — particularly Pakistan- and Afghanistan-linked networks — continue to pose a direct and evolving threat to the United States. National Counterterrorism Centre Director Joseph Kent t»»»
'UAE's oldest pony' faces uncertain future as RAK shelter for 'the unwanted' horses fights to survive
Ras Al Khaimah: At the foot of Ras Al Khaimah's mountains, a white pony with black spots grazes quietly, oblivious to the fact that she may be the oldest pony in the UAE, if not among the oldest. Pebbles, who will turn 41 in January, has found a safe haven at Ride to Rescue, a sanctuary that saved »»»
Final U.S. pennies sell for $16.76 million in record auction - UPI.com
The last pennies ever put into circulation were auctioned off for more than $16 million. File UPI/Kevin Dietsch | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The final pennies minted in the United States were sold for more than $16.76 million in a special auction and set a record as the most valuable modern U.S»»»
Coming soon to Dubai: Fresh experiences at parks, public spaces plus Ramadan Souq
Dubai: Dubai's parks and public spaces are set for a major transformation with exciting new experiences on the horizon. From fresh entertainment programmes at neighbourhood parks and public spaces to a vibrant traditional Ramadan Souq planned for 2026, residents and visitors can look forward to a h»»»
US Senate examines Indian American participation in the SBA 8 program
Washington: Indian American-owned businesses are taking advantage of a federal initiative initially designed to help socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses, lawmakers have been told. Testifying before a Senate panel, investigative journalist Luke Rosiak said that while the 8(a) pr»»»
UAE resident sends Dh4,600 via remittance app, funds debited but never received
Dubai: He sent Dh4,600 through a remittance app. The money left his UAE bank account — and never arrived. At the time, Abhishek had no reason to think anything would go wrong. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.It was late November 2025, and like thousands of UAE resident»»»
Political tensions between Lebanon and Iran escalate – Ya Libnan
Share: Lebanon’s FM Youssef Raji, recently declined an invitation by his Iranian counterpart to visit Tehran . Iran’s absolute support for Hezbollah is the main problem for Lebanon . “as far as iran is concerned Hezbollah in Lebanon means iran in Lebanon“, a top Iranian cleric was quoted as saying »»»
Dashcam video: Married couple lauded for effort to thwart Bondi Beach shootings
A married couple killed in the mass shooting at Bondi Beach have been lauded for their bravery, after dashcam footage showed them wrestling with a gunman at the start of the attack. Sajid Akram and his son Naveed opened fire on people thronging the famous Sydney beach for the Jewish festival of Han»»»
Trump orders blockade of 'sanctioned' Venezuela oil tankers
US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday a naval blockade of "sanctioned oil vessels" leaving and heading to Venezuela, sharply escalating his pressure campaign against Caracas. The United States has for months been building a major military deployment in the Caribbean -- with the stated goal of»»»
MIT professor found dead; police open homicide investigation - UPI.com
Law enforcement said Tuesday they had opened an investigation into the death of a MIT professor found dead from gun shot wounds. File Photo Justin Lane/EPA-EFE Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Law enforcement officials announced Tuesday they had opened a homicide investigation after Massachusetts Institute of Tech»»»
Federal judge says he's inclined to deny preservationists' request to halt Trump's ballroom project
WASHINGTON: A federal judge said Tuesday he's leaning toward denying a preservationist group's request to temporarily halt President Donald Trump's White House ballroom project, saying the organisation failed to show that “irreparable harm” would be caused if the project moves forward. US District »»»
Roads or rice fields - Madagascar's highway dilemma
The red, wooden post hammered into the ground near the Malagasy village of Ambohidava heralds a change that will alter life here forever. Visiting on a gentle, sunny Thursday afternoon, the only things disturbing the 500 residents are the crowing of cockerels and the occasional rev of a motorbike e»»»
Dashcam video shows couple trying to stop gunman before being killed in Bondi attack
A couple killed in the Bondi Beach shooting tried to stop one of the alleged attackers by grabbing his gun, dramatic dashcam footage shows. Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife Sofia, 61, courageously stepped in to try and protect others before being shot themselves, their family said in a statement. Vid»»»
DOJ says Virgin Islands violates the 2nd Amendment - UPI.com
A federal lawsuit filed on Tuesday accuses the Virgin Islands government and police of violating the Second Amendment rights of people who apply for gun permits. File Photo by Molly Riley/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Justice Department on Tuesday sued the U.S. Virgin Islands, alleg»»»
Asia’s best retirement destination: Know the monthly cost
Manila: The Philippines has been named Asia’s Best Retirement Destination at the 11th TripZilla Excellence Awards, a recognition hailed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as proof of the country’s rising global competitiveness as a retirement haven. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco welcome»»»
Tesla shares close at record high $489.88 - UPI.com
The Tesla logo is on display at a Tesla dealership showroom on March 14 in New York City. The company closed at a record-high $489 on Tuesday. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Tesla shares closed at a record-high $489.88 on Tuesday, days after CEO Elon Musk announce»»»
Trump adds five countries to travel ban over screening concerns - UPI.com
President Donald Trump approved a new proclamation Tuesday that added five countries to his administration's travel ban. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Tuesday added five countries to his administration's travel ban and other entry restrictions, »»»
Dembele and Bonmatí win FIFA Best Awards in Doha; Wiegman scoops fifth prize
DPA Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Demele and Spain star Aitana Bonmati won the FIFA Best player awards for 2025 on Tuesday following a vote. France men’s international Dembele, who helped PSG to a treble including their first Champions League title in May, also won the rival Ballon d’Or award»»»
Registration for exhibitors at QF’s BilAraby gathering 2026 now open
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby initiative has announced the opening of registration for institutions and organisations to exhibit their innovative experiences and solutions at the BilAraby Gathering 2026. The event is scheduled to take place in Education City, in April, under»»»
Murder charges filed against Nick Reiner for allegedly killing parents
Prosecutors in Los Angeles have filed murder charges against a son of Rob and Michele Reiner, the Hollywood couple who were found dead in their home with multiple stab wounds on Sunday. Nick Reiner, 32, is facing two counts of first-degree murder and could be sentenced to life in prison if found gu»»»
QND reflects pride, unity and future vision, says Al Kaabi
QNA Doha Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi has said the country’s National Day is a moment that reflects “the highest meanings of pride, dignity and honor,” describing it as an occasion when Qataris draw inspiration from their history while looking ahead to the futur»»»
‘Judicial Code of Conduct shores up Qatar’s judicial independence, integrity’
President of the Judicial Inspection Authority at the Supreme Judiciary Council (SJC), Judge Ahmed Al Mansouri, has affirmed that the Judicial Code of Conduct, issued by SJC in Qatar, has reinforced judicial independence, integrity, and impartiality. He stressed that the code has effectively contri»»»
Qatar stresses need for UN reform as key to global peace
QNA New York Qatar has affirmed that effective global leadership for peace requires comprehensive reform of the United Nations system, fully consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, stressing that mediation remains an indispensable pillar for the peaceful resolution of dispute»»»
Training centre of UNODC Centre for Combating Cybercrime opens in Doha
QNA Doha Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, and Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), John Brandolino, officially inaugurated the new training premises of the UNODC Regional Centre for Combating Cybercri»»»
QND is a day to renew values of authenticity, loyalty: PHCC director
On the occasion of Qatar National Day 2025, the Director of the Primary Health Care Corporation, Dr Mariam Ali Abdul Malik, has emphasized that Qatar National Day represents an enduring national milestone where the people of Qatar reflect on the history of the state’s founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Moh»»»
Council of Ministers Secretariat General marks Qatar National Day
QNA Doha The Council of Ministers Secretariat General celebrated Qatar National Day during an event held on Tuesday for the auspicious occasion, through which the true meanings of loyalty, patriotism, and pride were embodied and deeply ingrained in the spirit of the people of Qatar. Minister of Jus»»»
MoPH holds forum to train healthcare professionals on care for older persons
Tribune News Network Doha The Ministry of Public Health recently organised the Regional Forum for Capacity Building for the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) programme. The ministry organised the programme in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and the WH»»»
Visit Qatar launches special song for Qatar National Day
Tribune News Network Doha Visit Qatar in collaboration with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra has released a medley of Qatari songs to mark Qatar National Day 2025, inspired by this year’s slogan, “We Rise with You and We Await Your Support.” The video serves as a National Day dedication from Visit »»»
Qatar Charity pledges $10 mn toGlobal Islamic Fund for Refugees
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Charity (QC) has pledged $10 million to the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees (GIFR), reinforcing the vital role of faith-based philanthropy in advancing sustainable solutions for displaced communities. The pledge was announced by Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, chief exe»»»
How a GU-Q professor is helping religion make sense
Tribune News Network Doha As the holiday season approaches, a new resource is helping to shed light on why religion matters today, and it comes from Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) Professor of Theology and Religious Studies, Dr. Patrick Laude. In his new book, ‘The Esoteric in Religious and »»»
'Instagram TV' debuts on Amazon - UPI.com
Meta will test an Instagram TV app on Amazon Fire TV in the United States aiming to expand the platform beyond phones and compete with rivals like TikTok and YouTube. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Meta-owned Instagram will now let users view Reels on larger screen»»»
Three Chinese-owned companies to pay $7.3M to settle PPP violations - UPI.com
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Three Chinese-owned companies agreed to pay $7.3 million to resolve allegations they submitted false claims to secure loans under a COVID-19-era program to help pay employees, the Justice Department said Tuesday. The companies, known collectively as the Greenland USA Entities, subm»»»
Security Council's European members praise Qatar's efforts to end Gaza war
New York: The five European countries serving as members of the United Nations Security Council praised the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, the United States, and Turkiye to achieve a ceasefire and advance the 20-point plan aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip. This was stated in a joint press releas»»»
National Day Parade set to begin at 9 am at Doha Corniche
Tribune News Network Doha As the dawn breaks over the Corniche on December 18, Doha will awaken to one of the most anticipated moments of the National Day celebrations — the National Parade. The Organising Committee for the National Day Celebrations has invited the public to take part in the occasi»»»
Global Security Forum 2026 to convene in Doha to explore ‘Collective Security and the Crisis of Legitimacy’
Doha, Qatar: Under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, the organizing committee of the Global Security Forum (GSF) has announced that Doha will host the 2026 edition of the forum, sc»»»
Donald Trump Jr. announces he's engaged to Bettina Anderson - UPI.com
Donald Trump Jr. announced his engagement to Bettina Anderson during a holiday party on Monday evening in Palm Beach, Fla. File Photo by Eduardo Barraza/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Donald Trump Jr. has a wedding in his near future after fiancé Bettina Anderson recently accepted his marriag»»»
No vote coming on extending healthcare subsidies, US House Speaker says
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has said he would not call for a vote to extend healthcare subsidies used by many low-income Americans that are set to expire at the end of the year. The decision means it is almost certain healthcare insurance premiums will increase for millions of Americans. Repu»»»
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute settles $15M suit with Justice Department - UPI.com
The Department of Justice announced Tuesday that the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has agreed to pay $15 million for allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by making false statements and certifications related to National Institutes of Health research grants. File Photo by Annabelle Gordo»»»
Former UN Chief calls for serious reforms at UNSC
NEW YORK, Dec 16 (KUNA) -- Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon called late Monday for serious reforms at the UN Security Council, warning of worsening global conditions if such a step was not considered.This call came during a UN open debate on "Leadership for Peace", in which Ban and several k»»»
Doha International Music and Marching Festival opens with distinguished international participation
DOHA: Under the patronage of Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the first edition of the Doha International Music and Marching Festival (Doha Tattoo) opened on Tuesday. The opening event was attended by Chie»»»
EU ends internal combustion engines ban, but restricts emissions - UPI.com
The European Union on Monday announced it is ending its 2035 ban on new vehicles powered by Internal combustion engines, but will continue to promote the production or electric vehicles, like the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT XX. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Officials in the»»»
Hegseth won't release video of strike on purported boat survivors - UPI.com
1 of 3 | Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (C) arrives to the U.S. Capitol for a briefing with congressional members Tuesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The Pentagon won't release the full video of the U.S. military's repeated strike on a suspected drug boat that kill»»»
Congo rebels agree to withdraw from Uvira after U.S. demand - UPI.com
Corneille Nangaa (C) leader of Congo River Alliance, and M23 President Bertrand Bisimwa (R_C) arrive to participate in a cleanup exercise of the city of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in February. Nangaa announced Tuesday that his rebels will withdraw from Uvira at the request of the Unite»»»
Obedient husband brings wife a Powerball ticket worth $50,000 - UPI.com
A Maryland woman sent her husband out to buy a lottery ticket and the Powerball ticket he returned with turned out to be a $50,000 winner. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- A Maryland woman sent her husband out to buy a lottery ticket and the Powerball ticket he brou»»»