North Korean soldiers crossed the inter-Korean land border 10 times in November, a South Korean lawmaker said Friday. In this April 2019 photo, South Korean soldiers walk alongside a barbed wire fence in the DMZ Peace Trail in Goseong. File Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI | License Photo North Korean s»»»

Dear readers. I hope this letter finds you safe and well at the end of a turbulent week in the UAE. I write this after a frantic 24 hours that has seen rain disrupting roads, flights and businesses, so I do hope that the rain is passing you by without too much trouble. We’ve also reported on the tr»»»

WASHINGTON, Dec 19 (KUNA) -- The US army said it has killed five people in renewed airstrikes on two vessels engaged in narco-trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific."On December 18, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted lethal kinetic st»»»

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), along with its partners Eni and PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP), has signed a structured financing agreement of up to 40.4 billion dirhams ($11 billion). The financing will be used to monetize future midstream gas production from the Hail and Ghasha pr»»»

The ISIS group said the killing of US Pentagon personnel in Syria's ancient city of Palmyra was a "blow" to US forces and Syrian armed factions opposed to it, in its first public comment on the incident. Two US Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed on Saturday when an attacker target»»»

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»»»

In 2025, a total of 2,088 foreign nationals were deported from Kyrgyzstan. Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security and Migration Bakyt Darmankul uulu said at a press conference. According to him, the deportation procedure is carried out through a filtration center operating at Manas International»»»

A man suspected in the fatal shootings at Brown University and of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor has been found dead in a New Hampshire storage facility after a five-day search that spanned several New England states, US authorities said Thursday. Claudio Neves Valente, 48, a for»»»

BT Properties marks its first year in the UAE with a high‑profile celebration at Coca-Cola Arena, shining the spotlight on the strong market response and it’s achievements to its flagship master community, WAADA, in Dubai South. The event was headlined by a live performance by the global pop sensat»»»

A husband and wife have died after being trapped in a private sauna room that caught fire on Monday in Tokyo’s Akasaka district, BBC reports. The victims, identified as Yoko Matsuda, 37, a nail artist, and her husband Masanari, 36, who ran a beauty salon, were found collapsed on the sauna floor and»»»

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»»»

Syrian, Kurdish and US officials are scrambling ahead of a year-end deadline to show some progress in a stalled deal to merge Kurdish forces with the Syrian state, according to several people involved in or familiar with the talks. Discussions have accelerated in recent days despite growing frustra»»»

On December 18, 2025, during investigative and operational measures, officers of the Main Internal Affairs Department of Chui region uncovered a stable network involved in the production of forged documents in Issyk-Ata district. It had been functioning from 2023 to the present. It was established »»»

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected “humiliating conditions” set by the US for resuming nuclear talks, warning against any attempts to exert coercion, bullying, or any process that undermines Iran’s military capacities in the face of Israel. At a meeting with a group of political elites, p»»»

Dubai: Dubai International Airport has issued a travel advisory urging passengers to plan ahead as unstable weather continues to disrupt flight operations, triggering delays, cancellations and congestion at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques»»»

A 23-year-old Indian tailor from Bihar is celebrating a dream come true in Dubai after winning Dh100,000 in the Big Ticket draw. Mohammad Kaimullah Nasir, who has lived in Dubai for the past two years, joined the raffle fun after watching his colleagues regularly try their luck. Also Read: After 5 »»»

A company associated with the Titan group is set to handle waste collection in half of Sofia’s districts, following decisions announced by the Sofia Municipality on Thursday, Radio Free Europe reported. The firm in question is BKS Chistota, whose ownership in the past was linked to Titan Internatio»»»

The widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is "likely" to displace people from jobs in a similar way seen during the Industrial Revolution, the governor of the Bank of England has said. Andrew Bailey said the UK needed to have the "training, education, [and] skills in place" so workers»»»

WASHINGTON, Dec 19 (KUNA) -- Troika Capitals on South Sudan called for stopping armed attacks, immediately returning to the ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian aid and operations by regional and international organizations in the country.In a joint statement adopted late Thursday, the Troika, which»»»

A simmering battle over the future of President Donald Trump's political movement exploded on one of the right's biggest stages Thursday, as prominent conservative influencers used Turning Point USA's annual youth conference to attack each other and their competing visions. The feuding threatened t»»»

Dubai: Heavy rainfall across the UAE has caused wadis to overflow, creating striking scenes captured in videos shared on social media. Click here to go to the live weather blog Mountain and valley areas, including parts of Al Ain, Tawiyin, Ras Al Khaimah, and the eastern region, are experiencing si»»»

In October 2025, Bulgaria recorded a current account deficit of 1.0646 billion euros, marking the largest monthly shortfall since September 2022, according to preliminary data from the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) on the country’s balance of payments. The trade deficit also widened sharply, reachi»»»

After two decades of stalled talks, Cyprus and Lebanon finally demarcated their offshore Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) on 26 November, in an agreement that caused few ripples, despite its sensitivity and importance. As the crow flies, the distance between these two Mediterranean nations is less th»»»

The fall of the Sudanese city of El-Fasher in November led to horrendous reports of mass killing. In recent days, British parliamentarians were told that at least 60,000 people are thought to have been murdered in the first three weeks after the city fell to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, »»»

Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai are once again brushing against record territory, testing the patience and budgets of jewellery buyers while reinforcing the appeal of bullion for long-term investors. Local retail rates firmed this week in step with global markets, with 24-karat gold trading at Dh522.25»»»

President Rumen Radev is scheduled to meet with representatives of the Velichie parliamentary group at 10:00 a.m. here on Friday. The meeting is part of the procedure for consultations with representatives of parliamentary groups in the 51st National Assembly following the government’s resignation,»»»

The State Committee for National Security (SCNS) of Kyrgyzstan has warned coal market participants against artificially increasing coal prices in Osh region. A meeting was held at the SCNS with representatives of coal mining companies, investors of Kyrgyzkomur OJSC, owners of fuel depots, intermedi»»»

KUWAIT, Dec 18 (KUNA) -- Qatari Ambassador in Kuwait Ali Al Mahmoud on Thursday commended firm fraternal relations between Qatar and Kuwait, along with political coordination and close cooperation covering various domains.Speaking to KUNA marking the National Day of the State of Qatar, the ambassad»»»

Keith Lee has won Creator of the Year at the inaugural TikTok Awards in the US. Hosted by TV personality La La Anthony at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, the fan-voted awards ceremony doled out logo-shaped trophies to content creators on the platform across fourteen categories, including St»»»

Parliament is scheduled to debate a bill to ratify the Contribution Agreement between the Republic of Bulgaria and the European Investment Bank (EIB) concerning the EU for Ukraine Fund, according to the legislature’s agenda for Friday, adopted by MPs. Bulgaria’s participation in the EU for Ukraine »»»

The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has amended several of its resolutions on taxation and import of goods. The corresponding resolution was signed by the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev. The document aims to increase excise tax revenues to the national budget, strengthen»»»

In Kyrgyzstan, material damage from emergencies, fires, and accidents has exceeded 25 billion soms over the past five years. The press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) reported. It is noted that during this period, rescuers saved 1,664 people. «Despite the increase in accidents»»»

A ceremonial opening of the city’s central square took place in Talas following its full reconstruction. At the same time, the main New Year tree was lit up. The square was equipped with new modern lighting, the City Hall’s press service reported. Residents and guests were congratulated on the open»»»

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk attends the EU Council Summit in Brussels, Belgium, Thursday. EU leaders are meeting to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine, the EU's next multiannual financial framework, the EU enlargement process, and the geoeconomic situation in the European Union. EPA/O»»»

Ras Al Khaimah: The Ras Al Khaimah Executive Council has announced that all employees across government departments, authorities, and institutions in the emirate will work remotely on Friday due to unstable weather conditions affecting the UAE. The council said the decision aims to protect public s»»»

The United Arab Emirates has an effective program known as government accelerators, which identify problems faced by people and help resolve them. In the past, Kyrgyz entrepreneurs spent days, months, and sometimes even years collecting the required documents. Now, identified issues are forwarded t»»»

Officers from the State Service on Drug Control of the Main Department of Internal Affairs of Bishkek have detained a suspect in the distribution of synthetic drugs. According to the agency, the state service received information that unknown individuals were selling synthetic drugs in Pervomaysky »»»

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized the EU’s planned 90-billion-euro support package for Ukraine for 2026–27, calling it “lost money” and arguing that future generations would bear the cost, Reuters reported. 📌 Key points from his statement: 🔹 It is “clear” Ukraine will not repay the E»»»

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The refusal to confiscate Russian assets is a victory for international law, and it avoided a dangerous precedent, Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever said on Friday. "I think also international law has won today. We avoided stepping into a precedent that risks undermining legal»»»

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has urged private schools and early childhood centres in Dubai to take extra precautions over the coming days as unstable weather is expected. Schools are advised to prioritise staff safety and, where possible, implement flexible or alternative w»»»

Over the past two — three years, Kyrgyzstan’s gross domestic product growth has not fallen below 9 percent. The task set by the President is to maintain these growth rates, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev said in an interview with state television channels. According to him,»»»

Marina Fedorova’s chrome-plated sculpture Starship will be unveiled at the official opening of the 4th edition of DIFC Sculpture Park on 26 November 2025 and remain on view through 31 May 2026. The work is part of the artist’s ongoing Cosmodreams project. The work began as an oil painting. Fedorova»»»

Blending centuries-old Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific innovation, Almora Botanica introduces a new era of mindful sophistication to Dubai’s wellness landscape. Founded by Ravi Prasad, a lifelong practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine, the brand redefines skincare that is pure, effective, and s»»»

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The European Union will provide Ukraine with a 90 billion euros loan ($105.5 billion), secured by the EU budget and potentially reimbursable from frozen Russian assets, European Council President Antonio Costa said on Friday. "In October, we decided that the European Union would »»»

Sharjah: The General Command of Sharjah Police has called on all employers and workers to exercise heightened caution at work sites due to current and expected adverse weather conditions. Authorities emphasised the importance of protecting the health and safety of workers, particularly at outdoor s»»»

The US Senate has confirmed Jared Isaacman, a billionaire private astronaut and close associate of SpaceX founder Elon Musk, as the new head of NASA. The measure passed by a wide margin on Wednesday. Isaacman, 42, financed and took part in two civilian crewed SpaceX flights, one of which featured a»»»

EU lawmakers have backed a bill for a “military Schengen area” that would eliminate the bloc’s internal borders for the purposes of rapid troop and materiel movements in the event of a conflict with Russia. Top EU officials have already used claims of an alleged threat from Russia to justify huge m»»»

Dubai: Unsettled weather is expected to continue across the UAE over the coming days, starting with a sharp drop in temperatures and widespread atmospheric instability on Friday, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has said. Friday is forecast to be partly cloudy to cloudy, with convective clo»»»

Dubai Police have urged motorists and road users to exercise caution as adverse weather continues across parts of the UAE. Rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, lightning, and occasional hail have reduced visibility on roads. Click here to go to the live weather blogFor minor accidents during rain, mo»»»

Dubai: On December 19, 1975, Dubai marked a defining moment in its infrastructure journey with the opening of the Shindagha Tunnel — the emirate’s first fixed underwater road crossing beneath Dubai Creek. Fifty years on, the tunnel stands as a lasting symbol of Dubai’s early ambition to modernise c»»»