Scientists and Data Explain Why Kenya’s Lakes Are Rising as Thousands Face an Uncertain Future
When Dickson Ngome first leased his farm at Lake Naivasha in Kenya’s Rift Valley in 2008, it was over 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from shore. The farm was on 1.5 acres (0.6 hectares) of fertile land where he grew vegetables to sell at local markets. At the time, the lake was receding and people were w»»»
On This Day, Dec. 22: U.S. military's 'don't ask, don't tell' policy repealed - UPI.com
2010, President Barack Obama signed into law the repeal of the ban on gays and lesbians from openly serving in the U.S. military. 1 of 5 | Active and non-active U.S. military personnel participate for the first time in San Diego's Gay Pride Parade on July 16, 2011. The group is reported to be the f»»»
Liwa International Festival 2026: Sand Dune Showdown concludes in style
The Sand Dune Showdown Championship wrapped up after two days of high-energy competition, featuring 67 competitors from the UAE and abroad. The event formed part of the Liwa International Festival 2026, which continues to offer a diverse programme of sports, cultural activities, and entertainment. »»»
The Wolf Theiss of Bucharest: Two decades of shaping Romania’s legal market
For nearly three decades, American lawyer Bryan W. Jardine has witnessed, and contributed to, Romania’s transformation. As Wolf Theiss marks 20 years locally, he reflects on legal reform, major deals, and the country’s evolution. By Mihai Cristea You first arrived in Romania in 1996. How would you »»»
Canada population drops 0.2% in third quarter
Ottawa, Canada: Canada’s population fell by 0.2% in the third quarter to stand at 41.6 million, marking the only quarterly decline on record outside the Covid-19 era and a dramatic shift from explosive post-pandemic immigration growth. The decrease was led by a record drop in non-permanent resident»»»
From hospital beds to virtual worlds, how a childhood illness sparked a Dubai startup
Dubai: When he was nine years old, Aggelos Ahuja spent weeks confined to hospital beds after being diagnosed with ANCA-associated vasculitis, a rare autoimmune condition that required chemotherapy. In those long hours of recovery, an unlikely escape became his lifeline, virtual reality. Sign up for»»»
Diabetes Qatar launches 26th edition of Al-Bawasil Camp
Doha, Qatar: Diabetes Qatar, in partnership with the official sponsor Ooredoo, has launched the 26th edition of Al-Bawasil Camp, which it organises annually for children diagnosed with diabetes aged 7 to 11. The camp brings together 72 children from 11 countries, in addition to participants from th»»»
QRCS enhances livelihoods for vulnerable Afghan families
Doha, Qatar: As part of its humanitarian and development efforts, Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS) has launched activities under the project to enhance livelihoods for poor families affected by conflicts and disasters in Afghanistan. This initiative is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Labou»»»
Rawda Award to offer QR2.7m annual prizes for social work excellence
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) unveiled yesterday the details of the Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work. This came during a press conference attended by a contingent of national leaders, representatives of public agencies, civil society institutions, and me»»»
China’s one-child policy fuels growing elder-care strain - UPI.com
Chinese men play a game of checkers on a sidewalk in Beijing on February 6, 2017. China made its first major change to its "one-child policy" in nearly 30 years to wrestle with a massive shift in its population toward the elderly, who cannot work and need support. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI |»»»
Indian sales manager in Dubai wins Dh100K Big Ticket after years of trying
Indian expat Rakesh Kumar Kodwani has struck luck in a Big Ticket draw, winning Dh100,000 consolation prize after years of hopeful attempts. Also Read: First-time lucky: Indian tailor in Dubai buys Big Ticket in his name, wins Dh100,000Kodwani, 37, has been living in Dubai with his family since 201»»»
Why Indian property developers are expanding into the UAE
Dubai: Indian property developers are expanding their presence in the UAE at a faster pace, drawn by regulatory clarity, strong demand from global buyers and a market structure that rewards execution over scale. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Executives from Indian re»»»
A memorial ends - but Bondi tragedy has left Australia reeling, again
As helicopters circled overhead, sirens descended on her suburb, and people ran screaming down her street on 14 December, Mary felt a grim sense of deja vu. "That was when I knew there was something seriously wrong – again," she says, her eyes brimming with tears. Mary - who did not want to give he»»»
MSDF unveils Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work
QNA Doha The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) unveiled the details of the Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work on Sunday. This came during a press conference attended by a contingent of national leaders, representatives of public agencies, civil society institutions, and media »»»
MSDF unveils Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work
QNA Doha The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) unveiled the details of the Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work on Sunday. This came during a press conference attended by a contingent of national leaders, representatives of public agencies, civil society institutions, and media »»»
QRCS enhances livelihoods for vulnerable Afghan families
Tribune News Network Doha As part of its humanitarian and development efforts, Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS) has launched activities under a project to enhance livelihoods for poor families affected by conflicts and disasters in Afghanistan. This initiative is implemented in partnership with the Minist»»»
Baraha Cinema upholds Msheireb’s legacy as Qatar’s first open-air cinema
Tribune News Network Doha Msheireb Properties is bringing back Baraha Cinema for its third edition, continuing a tradition that began in Msheireb more than half a century ago. From December 25 to January 3, 2026, Barahat Msheireb will once again host an outdoor cinema experience featuring family fi»»»
QU marks QND with cultural heritage activities
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar University (QU) celebrated Qatar National Day 2025 through a vibrant cultural and heritage event organised by the Communications and Public Relations Department in collaboration with several university departments, centres and student clubs. The celebration attracted»»»
How Manila-centric, elite kickbacks-driven development keeps the Philippines trapped
Manila: The Philippines’ dominant development model — over-centralised, elite-driven, and clientelist — often runs headlong into the country’s deep historical, geographical and cultural realities. Rather than aligning economic growth with broad-based institutional reform, this model reinforces old »»»
Iranians celebrate Yalda festival as economic woes bite
Tehran: Iranians of all religions and walks of life mark the ancient Persian festival of Yalda Sunday, though many say economic hardships fanned by international sanctions will put a damper on this year's celebrations. Yalda falls on the winter solstice and is characterised by family gatherings and»»»
Lebanon PM Publishes long-awaited banking law bill – Ya Libnan
Share: Photo: A damaged ATM machine is pictured in Beirut, Lebanon March 17, 2021. The financial collapse of Lebanon resulted in depositors largely being shut out of their savings and the local currency losing about 99% of its value . Poverty in Lebanon has more than tripled over the past 10 years,»»»
Tricked into war: A father speaks out as police probe alleged Zuma family links to Russian recruitment
South African authorities are investigating the whereabouts of around 20 African men who were allegedly misled into fighting for Russia in Ukraine. FRANCE 24 has reviewed a letter from former president Jacob Zuma, testimony from a father in Botswana and analysis from a defence expert to understand »»»
Phone chargers can trigger house fires, Sharjah Civil Defence warns
Sharjah: Leaving mobile phones charging overnight — a habit common in many households — could pose a serious fire risk, the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority has warned, urging residents to adopt safer charging practices to prevent avoidable incidents. The warning comes as part of the authority’s ong»»»
Greece Headed for ‘Record Year’ for Tourism, Says Minister
Greece is on track for "another record year" for tourism in 2025, despite ongoing labor shortages in a key sector of its economy, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said on Sunday. Between January and the end of September, the Mediterranean nation -- long beloved by tourists for its sunny islands a»»»
MSDF unveils details of Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work
DOHA: The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) unveiled on Sunday the details of the Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work. This came during a press conference attended by a contingent of national leaders, representatives of public agencies, civil society institutions, and media pro»»»
Safety alert: Abu Dhabi's winter heating guidelines to prevent fires
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police and the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority have urged residents to follow strict safety guidelines when using heating devices and firewood during the winter season, warning that improper use could lead to fires or dangerous cases of suffocation. The call comes as part of »»»
UAE strengthens position as global tourism and investment hub
Abu Dhabi: The UAE continues to make strong gains in the tourism sector, strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading travel destinations while attracting steady investment backed by high returns and a competitive business environment. These achievements are part of a long-term national»»»
'Complete impunity': Activists condemn Saudi Arabia's new record number of executions
Saudi Arabia has surpassed its record for the number of executions carried out annually for a second year in a row. At least 347 people have now been put to death this year, up from a total of 345 in 2024, according to the UK-based campaign group Reprieve, which tracks executions in Saudi Arabia an»»»
UAE jobs 2026: Top 10 Dubai government roles for expats paying up to Dh40,000
Dubai: Looking for a government job in 2026? Expat professionals have a growing range of opportunities in Dubai and across the UAE as the government expands roles in healthcare, technology, infrastructure, and education. Check out the latest jobs in the UAEWith federal vacancies set to rise and sev»»»
Australia observes moment of silence for Bondi Beach shooting victims
Australians held a moment of silence on Sunday in tribute to the 15 Bondi Beach shooting victims, marking one week since gunmen fired into Jewish crowds on one of the nation's darkest days. A father and son are accused of targeting the family-thronged Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach, a touris»»»
Msheireb Downtown Doha launches 3rd edition of Baraha Cinema Nights starting Thursday
DOHA: Msheireb Properties announced the launch of the third edition of Baraha Cinema, which will run from December25-January 3, which will include an outdoor cinema experience featuring family films, seasonal activities, and a movie-themed culinary programme. Baraha Cinema is part of Msheireb Downt»»»
Australia falls silent, lights candles for Bondi Beach shooting victims
Sydney: Australians fell silent in flickering candlelight Sunday to honour the Bondi Beach shooting victims, marking one week since gunmen fired into crowds at a Jewish festival. A father and son are accused of targeting the beachside Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people including children and H»»»
Bulgaria: Third March Registers as Party, Backs President Radev as Its 'Informal Leader'
The civic movement Third March (Treti Mart) has formally launched procedures to register as a political party, announcing its intentions at a meeting in Nessebar, Bulgaria. The decision was presented by the chairman of the movement, Tihomir Atanasov, who said an initiative committee has already bee»»»
How Israel's grassroots hostage families group became a powerful international force
In central Tel Aviv, the main stage has now been dismantled in Hostages Square, the focal point for the campaign over the past two years to bring back Israelis held in Gaza. Nearby, signs and posters have been taken down, and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum has vacated the offices that serv»»»
Qatar ranks third in MENA in Global Social Progress Index
Doha, Qatar: Qatar has emerged as a regional leader in social progress in the 2025 AlTi Global Social Progress Index, securing a place in Tier 2 among the world’s 170 assessed nations. With a score of 73.19 out of 100, Qatar is ranked third in the Middle East and North Africa and 50th globally, out»»»
US visa alert: Google, Apple warn H-1B employees to avoid international travel
Alphabet’s Google and Apple have advised some employees on US work visas to avoid international travel, warning that visa stamping delays of up to 12 months could leave staff stranded outside the country, according to reports. Also Read: US widens social media vetting for H-1B and H-4 visa applican»»»
Flooding dangers persist in the Pacific Northwest - UPI.com
Several areas of Oregon and Washington state have gone in and out of flood watches as the Pacific Northwest has been pounded with rain, including the Willamette Valley, where the Willamette River, pictured, is located. File Photo by Eitenne Laurent/EPA Dec. 20 (UPI) -- A flood watch is in effect in»»»
Lawh Wa Qalam: MF Husain Museum launches program to connect art, learning
Doha, Qatar: Lawh Wa Qalam: Maqbool Fida Husain Museum, established by Qatar Foundation, has launched a Learning and Outreach Program, beginning a new phase of educational programming following the museum's recent opening to the public. The Learning and Outreach Program will run from December 21-31»»»
Everything about Christmas, and How it Has Evolved into a Global Holiday
Christmas is a Christian holiday that observes the birth of Jesus. But did you know that the earliest followers of Jesus did not annually commemorate his birth? Or that Santa Claus is inspired by the acts of kindness of a fourth-century Christian saint? And have you heard about the modern-day Japan»»»
UAE cybersecurity boost: 5,000 Emiratis join private sector to combat threats
Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, announced that the strategic directions of the UAE Government have contributed to the appointment of approximately 5,000 Emirati men and women in the private sector in the fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. This»»»
Christmas Spirit Returns to Bethlehem after Ceasefire in Gaza
At midnight on Christmas Eve, the words of the traditional hymn “The Night of Christmas” will ring out in the tiny grotto in Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, built on the site where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born. “On the night of Christmas, war is buried, On the night of Christmas, lo»»»
Treti Mart Movement Takes Steps to Found Party, Plans to Run in Next Parliamentary Elections
The Treti Mart [March 3, Bulgaria's Liberation Day] Movement began the process of establishing a political party, with the establishment of an initiative committee for the founding of the Treti Mart Party here on Saturday. The movement's Chair Tihomir Atanasov told reporters that the initiative com»»»
Kerala expat in Dubai wins Dh100,000 Big Ticket – for the second time
Dreams do come true in Dubai… twice! Sanil Kumar, a 40-year-old accountant from Kerala, is over the moon after winning Dh100,000 in the Big Ticket draw – for the second time. Also Read: First-time lucky: Indian tailor in Dubai buys Big Ticket in his name, wins Dh100,000The long-time Dubai resident,»»»
UAE ramps up humanitarian efforts in Gaza during winter storms
Abu Dhabi: Operation Gallant Knight 3 has confirmed the continuation of its extensive humanitarian efforts to support residents of the Gaza Strip, providing urgent aid to displaced communities amid extremely challenging conditions. In a post on X, the operation shared the results of Week 110 of its»»»
Bulgaria: Budget Uncertainty Comes To An End (For Now)
After weeks of tension, public protests and shifting budget drafts, the immediate budget crisis has been resolved. For the fourth time since the pandemic, the country will begin the year operating under an extended budget framework. Given the initial proposals and the developments that followed, th»»»
Abu Dhabi man’s car breaks down in UAE rain – next day he wins a Mercedes
Amid the heavy rains sweeping parts of the UAE, luck shone brightly on three individuals who struck big during the latest Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise draw held at Dubai International Airport. And leading the pack of winners was an Emirati who went from car trouble to cruising in style. Also Rea»»»
Syria affirms commitment to fighting ISIS, calls on international coalition for support
Damascus, Dec.20 (SANA) Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed Syria’s commitment to combating ISIS and ensuring that the organization has no safe havens on its territory, calling on the US and member states of the International Coalition to join in supporting Syria’s efforts against »»»
Taiwan president vows full inquiry into deadly metro attack
Taipei: Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te pledged a full, public inquiry into a deadly metro attack as he visited hospitals on Saturday. A 27-year-old suspect set off smoke bombs in Taipei's main metro station during the Friday evening rush hour before launching into a stabbing rampage, according to »»»
Cabinet Chairman congratulates SCNS officers on professional holiday - | 24.KG
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev congratulated employees and veterans of the national security agencies on their professional holiday. In his address, he highlighted the key achievements of the agency in recent years. Fight against corruption and crime »»»
3 Killed in Taiwan Knife Attack, President Vows Full Inquiry
A man with at least one knife and smoke grenades attacked crowds indiscriminately in Taiwan's capital on Friday evening, killing at least three people and injuring 11 others, according to the national news agency and the city government. The suspect later fell to his death from a department store b»»»