The Winter at Tantora Festival launched yesterday in AlUla Governorate and will run until January 10, 2026, marking the beginning of the winter season with a rich program that celebrates the region’s deep-rooted agricultural and historical heritage. The festival derives its name from the Tantora, a»»»

UAE airport authorities cancelled or delayed dozens of flights and roads were flooded in major cities as the heaviest rainstorm in months lashed the desert nation on Friday. Dubai's Emirates airline axed 13 flights on Friday and there were also delays and cancellations at neighboring Sharjah's airp»»»

Syria's foreign ministry on Friday welcomed the permanent ending by the United States of the so-called Caesar sanctions, paving the way for the return of investment to the war-ravaged nation. The U.S. Congress on Wednesday permanently ended the sanctions imposed on Syria under Bashar al-Assad, who »»»

BEIRUT, Dec 19 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday said Lebanon hinges on the key political role played by Egypt in the Arab region and Cairo's support for Beirut under the current hard circumstances.The Presidency said in a statement that Aoun indicated, during his reception of the »»»

President Joseph Aoun on Friday emphasized “the priority of the return of the border villages’ residents to their villages, homes and land as a gateway for discussing all the other details” with Israel, after the U.S.-led Mechanism committee held a second meeting in the presence of Lebanese and Isr»»»

Lebanese Army chief General Rodolphe Haykal agreed to document the army's progress in disarming Hezbollah during talks Thursday with international envoys in Paris, the French foreign ministry said, as Beirut seeks to forestall expanded Israeli attacks. Israel and Hezbollah clashed for more than a y»»»

Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal met Thursday in Paris with French army chief Fabien Mandon ahead of a key meeting with U.S., French and Saudi officials to discuss ways of assisting the army in its mission to boost its presence in the border area. The Paris meeting will discuss reinforcing th»»»

RIYADH, Dec 19 (KUNA) -- Saudi Arabia welcomed Friday the US decision to lift the sanctions imposed on Syria pursuant to the Caesar Act, as contributing to supporting its stability, prosperity, and development.In a press release, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the significant and p»»»

Egypt has drawn explicit “red lines” regarding the conflict in Sudan, warning that any attempt to cross them would directly threaten Egyptian national security. Cairo signaled it is prepared to take all measures permitted under the Joint Defense Agreement between the two countries, a position analy»»»

Riyadh, Dec. 19 (SANA) The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomed on Friday the United States’ decision to lift sanctions on Syria imposed under the Caesar Act, saying the move would support stability, prosperity, and development in the country. In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said »»»

Dubai: After temporarily closing on Thursday due to heavy rain, Global Village reopened on Friday, December 19, from 4 pm, welcoming families, tourists, and local visitors back to the popular entertainment and cultural destination. Click here to go to the live weather blogGuests can once again enjo»»»

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ambitions for Israel hold a major key to what will occur in the Middle East in 2026. Photo by Abir Sultan/EPA BEIRUT, Lebanon, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- The conflict-ridden Middle East will stand at a critical juncture in 2026 after power shifts and unresolved war»»»

Dubai: After two days of postponement due to heavy rains, the traditional Simbang Gabi masses have resumed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oud Metha and St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jebel Ali. An official announcement from St Francis Assisi of Jebel Ali confirmed that the prayers, a nine-day pr»»»

Following the Royal Commission for Riyadh City’ s announcement of the results of the electronic draw for purchasing residential land through the Real Estate Balance platform, Asharq Al-Awsat learned that some of the plots allocated to eligible beneficiaries will be sold at prices below SAR 1,500 (a»»»

Dubai: Snowfall transformed parts of northern Saudi Arabia into an unexpected winter playground this week, drawing residents outdoors to ski, celebrate, and capture a scene rarely seen in the Kingdom. In the mountainous areas of Tabuk and Hail, particularly around Jabal Al Lawz near the Jordanian b»»»

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has temporarily suspended ferry services between Dubai and Sharjah due to ongoing adverse weather conditions. Passengers are advised to monitor official updates and consider alternative travel arrangements. The RTA thanked commuters for their understanding an»»»

Several meetings held by US Ambassador to Yemen Steven Fagin with the leadership of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) point to American attempts to reinforce the political and security partnership with the Yemeni government while containing internal divisions within the internationally »»»

Nolte FZE, Germany’s leading premium kitchen brand, concludes 2025 marked by strategic growth across the Middle East and key global markets. The company strengthened its position in the UAE, advanced large-scale initiatives in Saudi Arabia, expanded its dealer and project networks, and entered new »»»

Heavy rains have left several streets across Dubai waterlogged, causing travel disruptions and prompting authorities to urge motorists to drive carefully and avoid flood-prone areas. Emergency teams remain on standby as showers continue across the city. Click here to go to the live weather blog Dub»»»

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has activated its Silver Command Room and Joint Operations Room as part of an expanded emergency response to manage heavy rainfall and water accumulation across the emirate. Click here to go to the live weather blogThe authority’s integrated plan ensures »»»

Doha: The Katara Cultural Village Foundation concluded its events accompanying the Arab Cup, which were part of a comprehensive cultural programme that ran alongside the sporting event and reflected Katara’s vision of being a meeting place for cultures and a leading tourist destination in Qatar. Th»»»

As the UAE experiences heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, lightning, and occasional hail, several streets in Dubai and neighbouring emirates have become waterlogged, prompting travel disruptions. Authorities urge residents to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official instructi»»»

DOHA: Qatar is expected to be one of the fastest-growing economies in the region next year, with real GDP growth forecast to reach 5.2 percent, driven by rising liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity, stronger export performance, and sustained diversification-related investment, according to Fitch So»»»

A meeting held between France, the United States and Saudi Arabia in Paris on Thursday resulted in an agreement to hold a conference in February aimed at supporting the Lebanese army. Lebanese army commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal held meetings with French, US and Saudi officials to discuss ways of a»»»

Dubai: An HR executive who went viral globally after being caught on a stadium screen cuddling her boss at a Coldplay concert has spoken out about the fallout, saying the online abuse has been relentless and life-altering. In an interview that first appeared in The Times, Kristin Cabot broke her si»»»

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has suspended intercity bus services between Dubai, Ajman, and Sharjah until further notice due to ongoing heavy rainfall. Commuters are advised to avoid travel on these routes and follow official updates for service resumptions. Also Read: Dubai heavy rains:»»»

The Abu Dhabi City Municipality has announced that all parks and beaches under its management will remain temporarily closed due to expected unstable weather conditions, ensuring public safety. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid these areas until conditions improve and to follow official u»»»

Sharjah: Air Arabia has issued a travel advisory warning passengers of possible flight delays due to unstable weather conditions across the UAE. In a statement posted on its official social media channels, the low-cost carrier said flights to and from the UAE may be affected over the next 24 hours »»»

DOHA, Dec 18 (KUNA) -- Morocco's national football squad defeated Jordan 3-2 in an epic final of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 on Thursday night.The thrilling game, hosted at Lusail Stadium, went into extra-time after the original time ended in a 2-2 draw.Oussama Tannane put the Atlas Lions in the l»»»

DOHA: The football governing body FIFA has ruled that the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Third Place playoff between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates which was abandoned due to weather conditions on Thursday will be declared a draw and the prize money will be shared by the teams. In a statement,»»»

QNA DOHA Qatar is expected to remain under the influence of a low-pressure system until late Thursday night and the early hours of Friday, according to the country’s Meteorology Department. Director of the Meteorology Department, Abdulla Mohammed Al Mannai, said north-westerly winds would begin to »»»

Tribune News Network Doha The FIFA Arab Cup ended on the highest of notes as Morocco fought back to defeat Jordan 3-2 in a thrilling final in front of a capacity crowd at the Lusail Stadium on Thursday night. It was another spectacular decider at the venue which staged the epic FIFA World Cup Qatar»»»

Doha: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani attended the closing ceremony of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 at Lusail Stadium on Thursday evening. The closing ceremony was attended by HH Personal Representative of HH the Amir, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-»»»

Doha His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the closing ceremony of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 at Lusail Stadium on Thursday evening. The closing ceremony was attended by HH Personal Representative of HH the Amir, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, HH »»»

Doha: Coach Tariq Sektioui sank to his knees, bowing in prostration, while jubilant players clung to one another in a mix of relief and euphoria as Morocco clinched the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 title with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Jordan in a rollercoaster final. Hana Ramadan/The Peni»»»

DOHA: The FIFA Arab Cupended on the highest of notes as Morocco fought back to defeat Jordan 3-2 in a thrilling final in front of a capacity crowd at Lusail Stadium. It was another spectacular decider at the venue which staged the epic FIFA World Cup 2022final. Oussama Tannane gave Morocco the lead»»»

After Egypt’s Foreign Ministry launched a white paper outlining the principle of strategic balance in Egyptian diplomacy, Asharq Al-Awsat spoke to Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on a broad range of regional crises in which Cairo is engaged as a mediator, partner and diplomatic actor. Abdelatty des»»»

Saudi Arabia has achieved an unprecedented milestone, ranking second worldwide in the 2025 GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) released by the World Bank, covering 197 economies. The results were announced at a press conference in Washington on Thursday. According to the GTMI findings, Saudi Arabia excel»»»

Dubai: The UAE Football Association announced that the third-place playoff between the UAE national team and Saudi Arabia at the Arab Cup in Doha was officially cancelled on Friday by decision of FIFA, after severe storms and heavy rainfall left the pitch at Khalifa International Stadium unplayable»»»

Two of Italy’s top newspapers, La Repubblica and La Stampa, are likely to be sold to Greek media tycoon Theodore Kyriakou, whose political and business links abroad have sparked concern over editorial independence. The proposed sale, which involves foreign investment from Gulf allies and has drawn »»»

General Rudolf Heikal, the Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces, met with French Chief of Defence Staff Fabien Mandon on Thursday to discuss strategic security challenges as international powers move to formalise a mechanism for disarming Hezbollah. The meeting in Paris, attended by repr»»»

The final day of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 is here, featuring two decisive clashes as Saudi Arabia faces the UAE in the third-place playoff, before Jordan and Morocco battle it out under the lights in the grand final. Who will finish strong, and who will lift the trophy tonight at Lusail? ⚽⚽ Sta»»»

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ranked second globally in the Digital Regulatory Maturity Index 2025, placing just behind Germany among 193 countries, and maintaining its position in the highest “Leading” category of the global classifi»»»

Beirut: Israel launched several strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon on Thursday, Lebanese state media reported, as the Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure including a military compound. The attacks come as the committee monitoring the ceasefire, in effect since November 2»»»

Dubai: Burjeel Holdings has announced that its board of directors has approved the appointment of Dr Shamsheer Vayalil as chief executive officer, in addition to his current role as founder and chairman of the board. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The appointment is s»»»

The US Congress has voted to permanently repeal sweeping sanctions imposed on Syria under former leader Bashar al Assad, clearing the way for foreign investment and marking a significant shift in Washington’s policy towards the war-ravaged country following the rise of a new government. The US Cong»»»

Dubai: Finland’s Miss Universe delegate, Sarah Dzafce, has faced international criticism after a photo of her pulling the corners of her eyes went viral. Dzafce, 22, who has since been stripped of her Miss Finland crown, posted the image with the caption “eating with a Chinese.” The gesture, widely»»»

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri described Thursday a series of Israeli strikes on east and south Lebanon as a "message" to a Paris conference dedicated to supporting the Lebanese army. The meeting in Paris is taking place today with the Lebanese army chief and American and Saudi officials, at a time»»»

Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal met Thursday in Paris with French army chief Fabien Mandon ahead of a key meeting with U.S., French and Saudi officials to discuss ways of assisting the army in its mission to boost its presence in the border area. The Paris meeting will discuss reinforcing th»»»

Saudi Arabia's largest telecoms operator STC on Thursday announced a joint venture with the kingdom's artificial intelligence company Humain to develop and operate data centers. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the venture, in which Humain will hold a 51% stake, while»»»