QCDC launches ‘My Career – My Future’ Winter Edition
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC), founded by Qatar Foundation (QF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour (MoL), and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), launched yesterday the Winter Edition of its job-shadowing program ‘My Career – My Future,’ at Multa»»»
‘Childhood obesity is societal issue, not a personal choice’
Doha, Qatar: Childhood obesity in the region, including Qatar, is widely misunderstood as a matter of individual discipline or quick policy solutions, according to a Doha-based health expert. However, it is a long-term challenge shaped by biology, economics, urban design, and social norms, one that»»»
Regional airline boom boosts Qatar’s role as global hub
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s aviation sector is set to benefit from a strong regional airline boom, as Middle East carriers are projected to lead global profitability in 2026, reinforcing Doha’s position as a major international aviation hub. Driven by rising passenger demand, expanding route networks and »»»
Qatar Amiri Air Force hosts Chief of Staff of US Air Force
Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, Gen Kenneth Wilsbach and his accompanying delegation paid an official visit to the Qatar Amiri Air Force during his visit to the State of Qatar, where he met with the Commander of the Qatar Amiri Air Force, Maj Gen (Pilot) Faisal Khalid Al-Ghanim.»»»
Aiperi Medet kyzy named Kyrgyzstan’s best female athlete of 2025 - | 24.KG
Aiperi Medet kyzy has been named Kyrgyzstan’s best female athlete of 2025 by the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports. The announcement was made during the Olympic Ball that took place in Bishkek. Aiperi Medet kyzy was recognized as the top female athlete in Olympic sports. She was the only»»»
Five-year-old boy dies after getting caught in Japan ski travelator
A five-year-old boy in Japan has died while on a ski holiday with his family after his arm caught on a travelator. On Sunday morning Hinata Goto was about to step off the travelator at a Hokkaido resort's ski slopes when he fell down and his right arm became trapped in the machinery, Japanese media»»»
Qatar advances AI leadership through key digital milestones
Doha, Qatar: Qatar has been at the forefront of digital transformation over the past decade, enhancing its economy and services through significant investments in technology infrastructure and various initiatives that foster the adoption of digital technologies. In 2025, key milestones advanced Qat»»»
Dubai gold slips from record highs after strong December run. Is it time to buy?
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai edged lower on Monday morning, easing back from a record-setting rally that’s been driven by a global surge in precious metals. The 24-karat variety stood at Dh542.75 per gram at 8:45 am, while 22-karat gold was Dh502.50. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside pri»»»
Kamchybek Tashiev presents apartment to single mother of six in Karakol - | 24.KG
Kamchybek Tashiev, Chairman of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS), presented the keys to a three-room apartment to Elza Tyuregeldieva, a 51-year-old Karakol resident and mother of six. The state committee’s press center reported. Elza Tyuregeldieva, a single mother of si»»»
Resuming Trade With Russia to Open Great Opportunities for Both Countries - Trump
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago that restarting trade with Russia could be highly advantageous for both nations, and he also expressed regret that Washington and Moscow were not able to have normal trade relations before. "We [the US and Russia] weren't»»»
This board game could save lives in one the world's most disaster-prone nation
Manila: In a library in the Philippines, a dice rattles on the surface of a board before coming to a stop, putting one of its players straight into the path of a powerful typhoon. The teenagers huddled around the table leap into action, shouting instructions and acting out the correct strategies fo»»»
'Not a Ceasefire' - Trump Understands Russia's Position
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – US President Donald Trump stated that he understood Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stance on rejecting a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict as a prerequisite for a peace deal. "That's one of the points that we're working on right now. No, not a ceasefire. He [Putin] feels »»»
Arab food, beverage sector attracts $22 billion in foreign investment over two decades — report
AMMAN — The Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman) said the food and beverage sector in the Arab region attracted 516 foreign direct investment projects with a total value of nearly $22 billion between 2003 and 2024, generating approximately 93,000 jobs.In its third sector»»»
Silos, Supply Company posts JD2.4m net profit in 2024
AMMAN — Jordan Silos and Supply General Company (JSSGC) recorded net profits of approximately JD2.4 million in 2024, according to the Audit Bureau’s latest report.The report, based on the company’s audited budget and financial statements, described the results as positive.In a statement carried by »»»
Investor confidence in Jordan rises amid economic optimism — JSF
- Over 23% of investors believe economy is better than last year- 57% of investors expect the economy to improve in 2026- Around 47% of investors believe country is moving in right directionAMMAN — Amid growing regional and global uncertainty, investor confidence in Jordan has shown a “notable” inc»»»
ASE index breaks 3,600 points for first time since 2008
AMMAN — The Amman Stock Exchange’s general index surpassed the 3,600-point threshold, reaching its highest level since 2008, marking a significant milestone for the market.The historic rise reflects improved market performance and increased trading activity, supported by higher trading volumes and »»»
UAE traffic alert: Morning delays on E11 and E311 between Dubai–Sharjah today
Dubai: As of Monday morning, December 29, 2025, motorists traveling between Dubai and Sharjah are experiencing significant congestion across the major arterial networks. Real-time data from Google Maps and Waze highlights a heavily congested morning rush hour, with travel times nearly doubling on s»»»
Deadly clashes break out in Syria after Alawite mosque bombing
At least four people were killed and dozens more injured during demonstrations staged by members of the Alawite minority in Syria on Sunday. The rare protests followed Friday’s deadly bombing at an Alawite mosque in the city of Homs. Clashes broke out on Syria’s coast between protesters from the Al»»»
Niger junta orders 'general mobilisation' in fight against jihadists
Niger's military junta has declared a general mobilisation and requisition of people and resources to combat jihadist insurgents, a government statement said Saturday. The measure requires citizens to comply with call-up orders to contribute to national defense as the junta faces growing militant a»»»
French cinema legend Brigitte Bardot dies at 91
French film legend Brigitte Bardot has died at 91, the Bardot foundation announced on Sunday. Bardot starred in more than 50 movies during her career before leaving the film industry to concentrate on animal rights activism. Bardot became a controversial figure in her later decades, with publi»»»
Bardot leaves controversial legacy of activism for France’s far right
French cinema legend Brigitte Bardot, whose death at 91 was announced on Sunday, was well known for her status as a 1960s sex symbol. In later decades, Bardot became a militant animal rights activist and then veered to the far right, making disparaging remarks about the LGBTQ+ community, Musli»»»
Myanmar junta stages first election since seizing power
Voters headed to the polls Sunday for the first round of Myanmar's heavily restricted election that campaigners, Western diplomats and the UN's rights chief have all condemned. The Southeast Asian nation is riven by civil war, and residents were not able to cast ballots in areas controlled by »»»
China conducts large-scale Taiwan drills amid rising tensions
China mobilised army, naval, air force and artillery units around Taiwan on Monday for its "Justice Mission 2025" exercises. Taipei responded by deploying troops to rehearse repelling a potential Chinese attack, underscoring the island's commitment to defending democracy amid escalating regional te»»»
Trump hails ‘terrific’ meeting with Zelensky on peace talks at Mar-a-Lago
US President Donald Trump on Sunday hailed his meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida as “terrific”. Trump said that although “one or two” thorny issues still remain in getting a peace deal in place, Russia and Ukraine are getting closer on Donbas territory status.&nbs»»»
Russia’s hybrid-warfare attacks in Europe dropped this year, but could they pick up in 2026?
Hybrid-warfare operations dominated European headlines in 2025 – be it sabotage, drone incursions or assassination attempts – even though the number of incidents fell compared to the previous year. Does the drop signal that the Kremlin is taking a tactical pause or just changing strategy ahead of 2»»»
At least 13 dead, 98 wounded in Mexico train derailment
Mexico City, Mexico: Officials said a train accident in southern Mexico killed at least 13 people and injured dozens, halting traffic along a rail line connecting the Pacific Ocean with the Gulf of Mexico. The Interoceanic Train linking the states of Oaxaca and Veracruz went off the rails Sunday as»»»
Iran deploys three indigenous satellites via Russian Soyuz launch
Iran successfully launched three domestically built satellites, Paya (Tolou‑3), Zafar 2, and an upgraded Kowsar, into low Earth orbit at roughly 500 kilometres on December 28 from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome, using a Russian Soyuz rocket, IRIB News reported. »»»
Iran deploys three indigenous satellites via Russian Soyuz launch
Iran successfully launched three domestically built satellites, Paya (Tolou‑3), Zafar 2, and an upgraded Kowsar, into low Earth orbit at roughly 500 kilometres on December 28 from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome, using a Russian Soyuz rocket, IRIB News reported. »»»
Tech billionaire Durov’s claim of fathering “hundreds” is a genetic time bomb experts warn
Russian tech billionaire and Telegram messaging service founder, Pavel Durov, claims to have fathered “hundreds of children” through sperm donation. He now plans to fund in-vitro fertilisation for single women using his own genetic material in a move that geneticists is a potential “gene pool timeb»»»
Fresh corruption scandal erupts in Kyiv, as NABU targets Zelenskiy's MPs and friends in vote-selling corruption
A fresh major corruption scandal has erupted in Kyiv, putting more pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, just as he arrives in Mar-a-Lago for crucial peace deal negotiations with US President Donald Trump on December 28. »»»
Vetevendosje leads Kosovo snap election with over 50% of the vote
Kosovo’s left-wing Self-Determination Movement (Vetevendosje) led by acting PM Albin Kurti is leading in the snap parliamentary election held on December 28, securing 50.2% of the vote after 87.5% of polling stations had been counted, according to preliminary data from the state election commission»»»
Fresh corruption scandal erupts in Kyiv, as NABU targets Zelenskiy's MPs and friends in vote-selling corruption
A fresh major corruption scandal has erupted in Kyiv, putting more pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, just as he arrives in Mar-a-Lago for crucial peace deal negotiations with US President Donald Trump on December 28. »»»
My Business: How a long search for a home in Dubai sparked the idea behind Mifta
Dubai: When Natalia Dobrynina moved to Dubai, she found herself navigating a rental process dominated by WhatsApp messages, repeated agent calls and conflicting advice on basic requirements such as Ejari. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.“It took me more than six months»»»
Part of Bishkek to have no cold water on December 29 - | 24.KG
Drinking water supply to residential buildings, schools, preschools, healthcare, and other social and industrial facilities in Altyn Ordo residential complex will be stopped from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on December 29. The Bishkek City Hall’s press service reported. The water outage is due to pipeline re»»»
An orphan's brutal murder shines a spotlight on child abuse in Somalia
A woman is currently awaiting execution in Somalia after being convicted of killing a 14-year-old girl in her care. The murder of orphan Saabirin Saylaan in November, and the horrific details that emerged about the circumstances surrounding her death, sparked protests near her home in Galkayo, alon»»»
China to hold military drills around Taiwan as warning to 'separatist forces'
China has announced it will hold military drills around Taiwan simulating the seizure and blockade of the island's key areas, as a warning against "separatist forces". The army, navy, air force and rocket force would be dispatched for the drills scheduled for Tuesday, which include live-fire exerci»»»
Founder of Kyrgyz Zhol Kurulush company detained - | 24.KG
Mirlan Isagaliev, founder of IS-Sabi Holding LLC, who is also the founder of Kyrgyz Zhol Kurulush LLC, has been detained. The press center of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) reported. It is noted that Mirlan Isagaliev was detained on suspicion of abuse of authority during the const»»»
La Romana expands UAE footprint with 90th global store opening at Yas Mall
Gelateria La Romana dal 1947 has expanded its UAE footprint with the opening of its newest outlet at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi, marking a significant global milestone as the brand celebrates its 90th store worldwide and eighth location in the United Arab Emirates. Founded in Rimini, Italy, in 1947, Gelat»»»
UAE to experience for unsettled weather with rain, strong winds expected over coming days
Dubai: The UAE is set to experience unsettled weather conditions on Monday, with cloud cover, gusty winds and a chance of rainfall in parts of the country, according to the National Center of Meteorology. In its daily weather bulletin, the centre said conditions are being influenced by an extension»»»
Mexico train crash kills 13 and injures almost 100
At least 13 people died and almost 100 were injured after a train derailed in Mexico's south-western Oaxaca region, the Mexican navy said. The train, which was travelling between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, was carrying 241 passengers and nine crew members. A total of 98 were injured,»»»
Doctors called it a ‘life sentence’ - now this 63-year-old Filipino expat is running marathons in the UAE on dialysis
Dubai: When Carlo Bacalla laced up his running shoes at the start line of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon in December, it marked far more than another race finish. For the 63-year-old Filipino retiree living in the UAE, it was his first full marathon since beginning hemodialysis treatment and a powerf»»»
Trump says progress made in Ukraine talks but 'thorny issues' remain
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky said progress had been made to end the Ukraine war during Florida talks but the US president admitted the problem of territory remained "unresolved". While both the US and Ukrainian presidents described the talks as "great", Trump said "one or two very thorny iss»»»
Living in fear of Lakurawa - the militant group Trump targeted in Nigeria strikes
Deep fear has long pervaded the arid savannah plains and highlands of north-western Nigeria - even before the US air strikes on the Islamist militants who have made this area their base on Christmas night. The heavily armed jihadists, who dress in camouflage and wear vibrant turbans, have lived in »»»
Trump and Zelensky appear more upbeat - but show little evidence that peace is near
The much-anticipated talks lasted two-and-a-half hours, and that's an achievement in itself. Presidents Trump and Zelensky had never before spent this long in one room, negotiating. Afterwards, optimism was much on display at Mar-a-Lago. It was a "terrific meeting", according to Donald Trump. Volod»»»
9 travel trends UAE fliers will follow when holidaying in 2026
Dubai: Travel patterns are shifting again as UAE residents plan holidays for 2026, guided in part by insights gathered through Bloomberg Pursuits’ Two-Night Minimum city-guide series. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Industry data shows travellers are prioritising immer»»»
Kosovo's ruling party wins election after months of political deadlock
The Albanian nationalist Vetevendosje party has won a landslide victory in Kosovo's parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results. With 90% of the votes counted, the party, whose name means "self determination", was on 50.8%, meaning a third term in power for its leader, Albin Kurti. Th»»»
Why are young people leaving to work abroad?
With rising rents, a tough job market and pay cheques stretched to the limit, some young Britons are choosing to build their futures overseas. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 195,000 people under the age of 35 moved abroad in the year to June. So where are they going, what ar»»»
Toxic air, broken roads and unpicked rubbish - why India's big cities are becoming unliveable
"Want the royal charm of Jaipur? Don't come here, just buy a postcard," a local taxi driver quipped during my recent visit to the north-western Indian city. I had asked him why Rajasthan's amber-hued capital - thriving with tourists drawn to its opulent palaces and majestic forts - looked so ramsha»»»
'Superiority' concerns over 1996 royal yacht visit to Ireland
Concern was expressed about the image of "superiority" that would be conveyed by the royal yacht arriving into Irish harbours as part of a mooted visit in the summer of 1996. A possible three-day trip to Ireland by the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, was discussed by British and Irish o»»»
Trump urges release of Epstein files to ‘embarrass’ Democrats
US President Donald Trump has urged the Justice Department (DOJ) to make documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein public, calling for the disclosure of the names of Democrats he claims were connected to the late financier. Last week, the department uploaded thousands of documents under the Epstein Files»»»