Riyadh: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has commended the comprehensive developmental renaissance witnessed by the State of Qatar accross all fields, enabling it to realise distinctive civilizational achievements that are a source of pride and honour»»»

Police in London arrested two people who called for “intifada” during a pro-Palestinian protest, which followed a decision by authorities to toughen enforcement of hate speech laws after a deadly attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Australia. The arrests Wednesday came hours after police in London »»»

Dubai: Heavy rains sweeping the UAE have forced major food delivery apps to slow services, prioritising rider safety amid slippery roads and poor visibility. Talabat, Deliveroo and Careem flashed warnings to users on Thursday afternoon, with in-app notices citing "high demand" or outright unavailab»»»

Dubai: Dubai’s cargo security has been given a major upgrade, as Dubai Police will now be able to monitor and operate X-ray machines across dnata’s Dubai International Airport (DXB) warehouse from a single high-tech control room. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The new»»»

All eight F-16 Block 70 fighter jets under the first contract between Bulgaria and the United States are now at the air base, outgoing Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov said here Thursday. He was speaking at an official ceremony at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, where the aircraft were presented. Those a»»»

Thursday's news media are dominated by the topics of legal changes on Bulgarians' second pension and the extension of the 2025 state budget into 2026. ECONOMY 24 Chasa reports on its front page that Bulgarians' second pension will be increased by linking it to the minimum wage. Under amendments to »»»

The parliamentary group of Velichie on Thursday issued a declaration calling for the resignation of the Ombudsman and the Deputy Ombudsman. The statement was read from the rostrum of the National Assembly by Velichie MP Larisa Savova. The declaration is based on a series of verifiable facts which, »»»

Dubai: Dubai government employees will shift to remote working on Friday, December 19, following directives from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, in response to prevailing weather conditions. The decision applie»»»

Sohum Wellness Sanctuary is a luxury holistic wellness destination in the heart of Al Quoz, Dubai, offering transformative experiences that combine ancient wisdom with contemporary indulgence. From bespoke Ayurvedic rituals to world-class therapies, yoga, meditation, sound healing, and a curated ve»»»

Radostin Vassilev, leader of the parliamentary group “Morality, Unity, Honor” (MECH), argued during consultations with President Rumen Radev that the government resigned not due to parliamentary opposition, but because of widespread public protests. Speaking in Brussels, he said the cabinet led by »»»

Bulgaria has indicated that it will back the use of frozen Russian assets to fund a loan for Ukraine, provided that such a measure is agreed upon by other European Union (EU) countries. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov made the stance clear during remarks to journalists in Brussels on Wednesday. The»»»

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday evening the official approval of a major natural gas agreement with Egypt. During a press conference, Netanyahu stated: ‘We are actively extracting gas from our territorial waters, and our economy remains one of the strongest in the w»»»

Tonight, Sofia is set to witness two simultaneous protests in the city center, both aimed at voicing public dissatisfaction with the government. The demonstrations, officially registered with the Sofia Municipality and coordinated through social media, are expected to merge into a larger collective»»»

Dubai: India’s biggest carrier, IndiGo, on Thursday issued a travel advisory for passengers flying from UAE airports, cautioning that heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast across the region may cause intermittent disruptions to flight operations throughout the day. Sign up for our daily busines»»»

Dubai: In the high-profile 2017 Kerala actor abduction and sexual assault case, actor Dileep’s first wife, Manju Warrier, had alleged in court that Dileep was angry with the survivor. The trial court, however, dismissed these claims, citing a lack of corroborative evidence, according to reports. Re»»»

Dubai: Prepare for a wet and windy day. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has confirmed that the UAE is entering the peak of the 'Al Bashayer' low-pressure system today, Thursday, December 18. While parts of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah have already witnessed heavy downpours and hail this morn»»»

Abu Dhabi: All government departments and authorities in Abu Dhabi, in coordination with their partners, have announced heightened readiness and the mobilisation of emergency teams to deal with the expected weather conditions. Authorities affirmed that field teams are fully prepared to respond to a»»»

Gold prices were broadly steady on Thursday, supported by dovish Federal Reserve signals but restrained by a resilient dollar ahead of key US inflation data this week, while silver hovered near record highs. Spot gold fell 0.2% to $4,333.12 an ounce as of 0652 GMT, after rising more than 1% late on»»»

Two drill rappers from Liverpool who were seen carrying guns and parading with troops in Somalia during a cross-border clan conflict could be questioned by police upon their return to the UK, the BBC has learned. British citizens Abdifatah Gulaid, 31, and Noah Ihiekwe, 30, travelled to the north-ea»»»

The US Congress on Wednesday permanently ended sanctions imposed on Syria under ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, paving the way for the return of investment to the war-ravaged nation. President Donald Trump had already twice suspended the implementation of sanctions in response to calls from Saudi Ar»»»

Doha, Qatar: Qatar National Day is a revered day that stands as a timeless testament to the Nation’s sovereignty, unity, and the enduring vision that has guided Qatar’s journey toward progress, dignity, and purpose in the modern world, the Ambassador of Kenya H E Mohamed Nur Adan, has said. In his »»»

Israeli troops fired a mortar shell over the ceasefire line into a Palestinian residential area in the Gaza Strip, in the latest incident to rock the tenuous ceasefire with Hamas. Health officials said at least 10 people were wounded, and the army said it was investigating. The military said the mo»»»

Dubai: Worried the inclement weather may ruin your travel plans? Fortunately, flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah are running largely on schedule today (as of Wednesday, December 18 afternoon), except of a few non-rain-related sporadic delays. Still, residents are well placed »»»

Dubai: As weather alerts light up phones across the UAE and dark clouds gather over several emirates, one question is on everyone's mind: will Christmas arrive with rain this year? Right now, it certainly feels possible. Across the country, residents are bracing for heavy thunderstorms and rainfall»»»

DOHA: Each year, Qatar National Day serves as a moment to reaffirm national pride and collective identity. At Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education (PUE), the occasion was marked through thoughtfully designed learning experiences that engaged students in language, culture, and active particip»»»

The Trump administration has announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion that includes medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones, a move that is sure to infuriate China. The State Department announced the sales late Wednesday during a nationally televised a»»»

India has lodged a strong protest against what it has called the "deteriorating security situation" around its mission in Dhaka. On Wednesday, India's foreign ministry summoned Bangladeshi envoy Riaz Hamidullah to convey its concerns about the actions of some "extremist elements", the ministry said»»»

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»»»

Abu Dhabi: In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters and several strategic partners, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority has launched the “Winter Safety” campaign. The initiative aims to raise community awareness of seasonal accident risks and encourage safe practices during»»»

Outlook for next year’s business operations among South Korean small business owners, Dec. 16, 2025. Graphic by Asia Today and translated by UPI. Dec. 16 (Asia Today) -- Nearly half of South Korea's small business owners say policies to boost domestic demand and consumer spending are the most urgen»»»

Dubai: Dubai gold prices pushed toward record territory overnight, tracking a relentless global bullion rally that has non-yielding assets firmly in favour amid Fed rate bets and fresh geopolitical flares. For UAE jewellery shoppers and small investors, retail rates are now testing the highest leve»»»

WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion that includes medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones, a move that is sure to infuriate China. The State Department announced the sales late Wednesday during a nationally»»»

Paris will host a four party meeting on Thursday bringing together representatives of France, Saudi Arabia, the United States and Lebanon, amid fears that an Israeli escalation could upend a ceasefire agreement in place for more than a year. French officials say Paris senses an imminent threat faci»»»

Dubai: Walk into a high-end watch auction in Dubai today and one thing becomes clear almost immediately. Buyers are calm. Phones stay down. Bidding starts late. No one looks surprised when prices climb into seven figures. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.These rooms no »»»

MIAMI: Some oil vessels are diverting away from Venezuela after US President Donald Trump threatened a “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving the South American country, a dramatic escalation in the White House’s pressure campaign on leader Nicolás Maduro. Also Read: Tanker seized»»»

QNA Doha Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani stressed that the State of Qatar is marking this year’s anniversary of the founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, amid comprehensive achievements across all fields under the wise l»»»

Tribune News Network Doha Opportunity to contribute to society – from civic responsibility to advancing inclusion and accessibility and fostering a sense of national identity – is at the heart of a nation’s development. Every day across its 30-year lifespan, Qatar Foundation (QF) has been providing»»»

Police have arrested two people "for racially aggravated public order offences" after they allegedly "shouted slogans involving calls for intifada" at a pro-Palestinian protest in central London. Five people in total were arrested, including one for obstructing the arrests of people shouting slogan»»»

1 of 4 | FCC Chairman Brendan Carr testified during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation oversight hearing on the Federal Communications Commission at the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Chairman Brendan Carr said t»»»

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has said he won't release video of Caribbean boat strikes to Congress. The Senate just passed a funding bill that will reduce his travel budget if he doesn't. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 17 (UPI) -- The Senate on Wednesday passed the National Defe»»»

The European Union and the UK on Wednesday agreed to let British students rejoin the Erasmus+ programme in a symbolic step toward improving relations after Brexit.  The UK and the European Union agreed on Wednesday to allow British students to rejoin the bloc's popular student exchange program»»»

A woman shows coca leaves during an event for the National Day of Acullico (chewing of the plant) in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, in January. Then-Bolivian President Luis Arce said his countrymen have shown the world that the coca leaf 'is not cocaine, File Photo by Juan Carlos Torrejon/EPA Dec. 17 (UPI) -»»»

The Russia-Pakistan Eurasian Forum concluded in Moscow on Wednesday with organizers announcing a concrete plan to deepen ties, establishing a new strategic dialogue and working groups focused on media, education, economic projects and counterterrorism. Dr. Roxolana Zigon, a co-organizer of the foru»»»

More than 115 Argentine unions grouped under the 'Front of Struggle for Sovereignty, Decent Work and Fair Wages' march in June toward the Ministry of Deregulation and State Transformation. File Photo by Adan Gonzalez/EPA BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Argentina's government is pushing a labor refor»»»

In Sofia, citizens gathered in front of the Bulgarian National Bank to protest against the adoption of the euro. The demonstration is organized by the civil association Doyran 2025 and has been officially registered with the Sofia Municipality. Participants carried banners reading slogans such as “»»»

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is testifying before a Georgia state Senate committee Wednesday about her case against President Donald Trump. File Photo by Erik S. Lesser/EPA Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is facing a Georgia state Senate committee over he»»»

Currently, with intense diplomacy taking place to – perhaps – end the Ukraine conflict, questions surrounding Kiev’s domestic politics may seem secondary. However, in reality, they are as important as the search for peace. There are two reasons: First, Ukrainians have a right to finally be released»»»

Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, held a meeting with a group of investors to discuss opportunities to expand sustainable environmental investment in Egypt’s natural reserves and to promote eco-tourism. The meeting was attended by the Head of the Environm»»»

Doha: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani stressed that the State of Qatar is marking this year's anniversary of the founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, amid comprehensive achievements across all fields under the wise lead»»»

BusinessGlobal issuesWealthy nations curb labor migration as demand surgesNik MartinEven before Donald Trump returned to the White House, anti-immigration politics were reshaping migration flows to high-income countries. Borders have been tightened despite economies facing urgent labor shortages. h»»»