NCM forecasts continued rain and falling temperatures across UAE
Dubai: The UAE is expected to see continued rainfall and strong winds through Friday, 19 December, as an active weather system continues to affect large parts of the country, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. Rain of varying intensity has fallen since Saturday night, 13 December, thr»»»
The dirt doesn’t stick: India's Gaurav Gogoi on Himanta Sarma, Rahul Gandhi and Assam’s battle ahead
Gaurav Gogoi, 43, is the deputy leader of the Congress in Parliament and the Assam state chief of the Congress, who will be taking on Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP Chief Minister of Assam, in a closely contested election early next year. Gogoi is poised, calm and steely, yet makes his points with a »»»
South Asia-linked terror risks flagged as US homeland threats
Washington: Senior US national security officials have told lawmakers that terrorist groups with roots in South Asia — particularly Pakistan- and Afghanistan-linked networks — continue to pose a direct and evolving threat to the United States. National Counterterrorism Centre Director Joseph Kent t»»»
'UAE's oldest pony' faces uncertain future as RAK shelter for 'the unwanted' horses fights to survive
Ras Al Khaimah: At the foot of Ras Al Khaimah's mountains, a white pony with black spots grazes quietly, oblivious to the fact that she may be the oldest pony in the UAE, if not among the oldest. Pebbles, who will turn 41 in January, has found a safe haven at Ride to Rescue, a sanctuary that saved »»»
Ethiopian PM, PM Modi renew 'avenues of cooperation', sign key agreements
Addis Ababa: Ethiopia and India have taken a significant step forward in strengthening their bilateral ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ethiopia was marked by a warm welcome at the National Palace, followed by productive talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The two leade»»»
Final U.S. pennies sell for $16.76 million in record auction - UPI.com
The last pennies ever put into circulation were auctioned off for more than $16 million. File UPI/Kevin Dietsch | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The final pennies minted in the United States were sold for more than $16.76 million in a special auction and set a record as the most valuable modern U.S»»»
US adds 7 more countries to travel ban, from January 1, 2026
Washington: The White House announced Tuesday that US President Donald Trump has significantly expanded America’s travel ban, barring citizens from seven additional countries from entering the United States starting January 1. In a statement, the White House said Trump signed a proclamation aimed a»»»
Coming soon to Dubai: Fresh experiences at parks, public spaces plus Ramadan Souq
Dubai: Dubai's parks and public spaces are set for a major transformation with exciting new experiences on the horizon. From fresh entertainment programmes at neighbourhood parks and public spaces to a vibrant traditional Ramadan Souq planned for 2026, residents and visitors can look forward to a h»»»
Police release new video in manhunt for Brown University attacker
Investigators searching for the killer who opened fire in a Brown University lecture hall have released new footage of a person they believe may be linked to the attack. Four days after the gunman killed two people and injured nine others officials have still not identified a suspect, leaving the c»»»
Trump accuses Venezuela of stealing US oil
President Donald Trump has announced a total blockade of “sanctioned oil tankers” entering and leaving Venezuela, dramatically escalating pressure on the government of Nicolas Maduro and intensifying already sharp tensions between Washington and Caracas. Trump announced the move in a Truth Social p»»»
UAE resident sends Dh4,600 via remittance app, funds debited but never received
Dubai: He sent Dh4,600 through a remittance app. The money left his UAE bank account — and never arrived. At the time, Abhishek had no reason to think anything would go wrong. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.It was late November 2025, and like thousands of UAE resident»»»
Political tensions between Lebanon and Iran escalate – Ya Libnan
Share: Lebanon’s FM Youssef Raji, recently declined an invitation by his Iranian counterpart to visit Tehran . Iran’s absolute support for Hezbollah is the main problem for Lebanon . “as far as iran is concerned Hezbollah in Lebanon means iran in Lebanon“, a top Iranian cleric was quoted as saying »»»
Blizzard bearing down on flooded Washington state - UPI.com
The National Weather Service on Tuesday issued wind and blizzard warnings for parts of Washington State amid flash flooding that has claimed at least one life. Image by the National Weather Service Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Officials are warning that conditions could worsen parts of Washington state already»»»
Trump orders blockade of 'sanctioned' Venezuela oil tankers
US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday a naval blockade of "sanctioned oil vessels" leaving and heading to Venezuela, sharply escalating his pressure campaign against Caracas. The United States has for months been building a major military deployment in the Caribbean -- with the stated goal of»»»
MIT professor found dead; police open homicide investigation - UPI.com
Law enforcement said Tuesday they had opened an investigation into the death of a MIT professor found dead from gun shot wounds. File Photo Justin Lane/EPA-EFE Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Law enforcement officials announced Tuesday they had opened a homicide investigation after Massachusetts Institute of Tech»»»
Federal judge says he's inclined to deny preservationists' request to halt Trump's ballroom project
WASHINGTON: A federal judge said Tuesday he's leaning toward denying a preservationist group's request to temporarily halt President Donald Trump's White House ballroom project, saying the organisation failed to show that “irreparable harm” would be caused if the project moves forward. US District »»»
Former Lebanese minister of economy released from detention on $100k bail – Ya Libnan
Share: The Indictment Chamber in Beirut, headed by Judge Kamal Nassar, approved the release of former Economy Minister Amin Salam on bail of 9 billion Lebanese pounds, equivalent to approximately 100,000 US dollars. The chamber overturned the decision of Beirut’s First Investigating Judge, Rola Oth»»»
Roads or rice fields - Madagascar's highway dilemma
The red, wooden post hammered into the ground near the Malagasy village of Ambohidava heralds a change that will alter life here forever. Visiting on a gentle, sunny Thursday afternoon, the only things disturbing the 500 residents are the crowing of cockerels and the occasional rev of a motorbike e»»»
DOJ says Virgin Islands violates the 2nd Amendment - UPI.com
A federal lawsuit filed on Tuesday accuses the Virgin Islands government and police of violating the Second Amendment rights of people who apply for gun permits. File Photo by Molly Riley/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Justice Department on Tuesday sued the U.S. Virgin Islands, alleg»»»
Asia’s best retirement destination: Know the monthly cost
Manila: The Philippines has been named Asia’s Best Retirement Destination at the 11th TripZilla Excellence Awards, a recognition hailed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as proof of the country’s rising global competitiveness as a retirement haven. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco welcome»»»
Tesla shares close at record high $489.88 - UPI.com
The Tesla logo is on display at a Tesla dealership showroom on March 14 in New York City. The company closed at a record-high $489 on Tuesday. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Tesla shares closed at a record-high $489.88 on Tuesday, days after CEO Elon Musk announce»»»
Trump adds five countries to travel ban over screening concerns - UPI.com
President Donald Trump approved a new proclamation Tuesday that added five countries to his administration's travel ban. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Tuesday added five countries to his administration's travel ban and other entry restrictions, »»»
Dembele and Bonmatí win FIFA Best Awards in Doha; Wiegman scoops fifth prize
DPA Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Demele and Spain star Aitana Bonmati won the FIFA Best player awards for 2025 on Tuesday following a vote. France men’s international Dembele, who helped PSG to a treble including their first Champions League title in May, also won the rival Ballon d’Or award»»»
First Doha Int’l Music and Marching Festival opens with wide participation
Tribune News Network Doha Under the patronage of Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the first edition of the Doha International Music and Marching Festival (Doha Tattoo) made its debut on Tuesday»»»
QND reflects pride, unity and future vision, says Al Kaabi
QNA Doha Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi has said the country’s National Day is a moment that reflects “the highest meanings of pride, dignity and honor,” describing it as an occasion when Qataris draw inspiration from their history while looking ahead to the futur»»»
Qatar stresses need for UN reform as key to global peace
QNA New York Qatar has affirmed that effective global leadership for peace requires comprehensive reform of the United Nations system, fully consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, stressing that mediation remains an indispensable pillar for the peaceful resolution of dispute»»»
Training centre of UNODC Centre for Combating Cybercrime opens in Doha
QNA Doha Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, and Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), John Brandolino, officially inaugurated the new training premises of the UNODC Regional Centre for Combating Cybercri»»»
Education-employment gap is among key challenges to youth development: NHRC chairperson
QNA Jeddah Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and Member of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) HE Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah emphasized that one of the most pressing challenges facing youth development is th»»»
How a GU-Q professor is helping religion make sense
Tribune News Network Doha As the holiday season approaches, a new resource is helping to shed light on why religion matters today, and it comes from Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) Professor of Theology and Religious Studies, Dr. Patrick Laude. In his new book, ‘The Esoteric in Religious and »»»
'Instagram TV' debuts on Amazon - UPI.com
Meta will test an Instagram TV app on Amazon Fire TV in the United States aiming to expand the platform beyond phones and compete with rivals like TikTok and YouTube. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Meta-owned Instagram will now let users view Reels on larger screen»»»
Security Council's European members praise Qatar's efforts to end Gaza war
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»»»
Donald Trump Jr. announces he's engaged to Bettina Anderson - UPI.com
Donald Trump Jr. announced his engagement to Bettina Anderson during a holiday party on Monday evening in Palm Beach, Fla. File Photo by Eduardo Barraza/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Donald Trump Jr. has a wedding in his near future after fiancé Bettina Anderson recently accepted his marriag»»»
No vote coming on extending healthcare subsidies, US House Speaker says
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has said he would not call for a vote to extend healthcare subsidies used by many low-income Americans that are set to expire at the end of the year. The decision means it is almost certain healthcare insurance premiums will increase for millions of Americans. Repu»»»
Erasmus scheme to return for UK students, BBC understands
The UK is set to rejoin the Erasmus scheme, the BBC understands, five years after announcing it would end its participation as part of a deal to leave the European Union. Through the scheme the EU provides funding for people to study, train or volunteer in other European countries for up to a year.»»»
Former UN Chief calls for serious reforms at UNSC
NEW YORK, Dec 16 (KUNA) -- Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon called late Monday for serious reforms at the UN Security Council, warning of worsening global conditions if such a step was not considered.This call came during a UN open debate on "Leadership for Peace", in which Ban and several k»»»
EU won’t succeed where Hitler and Napoleon failed – Italian deputy PM
The European Union will not succeed in bringing Russia “to its knees” where Adolf Hitler and Napoleon failed, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has said, arguing that sanctions meant to weaken Moscow have instead backfired on Western economies. Western governments have imposed sweeping s»»»
Doha International Music and Marching Festival opens with distinguished international participation
DOHA: Under the patronage of Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the first edition of the Doha International Music and Marching Festival (Doha Tattoo) opened on Tuesday. The opening event was attended by Chie»»»
EU ends internal combustion engines ban, but restricts emissions - UPI.com
The European Union on Monday announced it is ending its 2035 ban on new vehicles powered by Internal combustion engines, but will continue to promote the production or electric vehicles, like the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT XX. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Officials in the»»»
Hegseth won't release video of strike on purported boat survivors - UPI.com
1 of 3 | Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (C) arrives to the U.S. Capitol for a briefing with congressional members Tuesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The Pentagon won't release the full video of the U.S. military's repeated strike on a suspected drug boat that kill»»»
Congo rebels agree to withdraw from Uvira after U.S. demand - UPI.com
Corneille Nangaa (C) leader of Congo River Alliance, and M23 President Bertrand Bisimwa (R_C) arrive to participate in a cleanup exercise of the city of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in February. Nangaa announced Tuesday that his rebels will withdraw from Uvira at the request of the Unite»»»
Mexico confirms first case of so called 'super flu; variant - UPI.com
Mexican health authorities said detection of influenza does not represent a public health emergency, but confirms the variant is circulating in the country, File Photo by Ulises Ruiz Basurto/EPA Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Mexico has confirmed its first case of influenza A(H3N2) subclade K, a variant commonly»»»
Minnesota AG leads 35-state settlement with Hyundai, Kia - UPI.com
1 of 2 | South Korean Hyundai Motor Group during the 2025 International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo, Japan. A 2015 report found that just 26% of Kia and Hyundai cars sold in the U.S. had engine immobilizers, while other makers averaged 96%. Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Min»»»
Members and Supporters of Vazrazhdane Discuss Europe’s Demographic Challenges
Members and supporters of the Vazrazhdane party talked about Europe’s demographic challenges during a discussion held on Tuesday in Sofia under the title European Demography Roundtable: Dialogue on Europe’s Demographic Challenges and Opportunities. The forum was organized by the European party Euro»»»
How Saudi Arabia is building the future today: Why the world can't afford to ignore (or miss) the Kingdom
Across desert, coastlines and historic cities, Saudi Arabia is undertaking one of the most ambitious infrastructure transformations of the 21st century. Think boldness. And think vision, one that looks beyond years, into decades and scores Also In This Package Saudi Arabia partners with Archer to l»»»
Only some US lawmakers to see full video of controversial boat strike, Hegseth says
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said a group of US lawmakers will be shown the full, unedited video of a controversial September boat strike in the Caribbean. Hegseth told reporters after a classified briefing for Senators on Tuesday that appropriate congressional committees would be allowed to see »»»
Jim Gavin 'asked about rental dispute three times before selection'
A review into Fianna Fail's handling of its presidential election campaign has found its candidate Jim Gavin was asked three times about an issue with a former tenant before he was selected as the party's presidential candidate. The controversy surrounding the former tenant later led to Mr Gavin's »»»
Second doctor sentenced in Matthew Perry overdose death
A California doctor who sold ketamine to Friends star Matthew Perry has been sentenced to eight months of home detention and three years of supervised release, making him the second person to be sentenced in the actor's death. Dr Mark Chavez is among five people - including another doctor and a dea»»»
Former chancellor George Osborne joins OpenAI
Former chancellor George Osborne is joining artificial intelligence (AI) giant OpenAI. He will lead its "OpenAI for Countries" programme, which is aimed at helping governments increase their AI capacity. Announcing his new London-based role, Osborne said it was a privilege to be joining the company»»»
Bulgaria’s Socialists Face Internal Revolt as Executive Bureau Quits, Pressure Mounts on Zafirov
The Bulgarian Socialist Party is facing a deep internal crisis after the entire Executive Bureau submitted its resignation, while party chairman Atanas Zafirov chose to remain in office. The move affects the party’s closest leadership circle but does not include the chairman himself. The developmen»»»