Pyramids and Flamengo clash for FIFA Challenger Cup, eye PSG final
Doha, Qatar: Egypt’s Pyramids FC and Brazil’s CR Flamengo meet at Al Rayyan’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium tonight with two rewards on the line: the FIFA Challenger Cup and a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 final against European champions Paris Saint-Germain. The trophy match promises a»»»
Sharjah court overturns death sentence, cites defendant’s severe mental illness
Sharjah: The Sharjah Court of Appeal has overturned a death sentence in a murder case, ruling that the defendant was suffering from a severe mental disorder that left him unable to understand or control his actions at the time of the crime. The court cleared the defendant of criminal responsibility»»»
Hezbollah MP Hits Back at LF Minister: Diplomatic Efforts Don’t Mean Justifying Israeli Attacks
Member of Hezbollah’s Loyalty to Resistance bloc at the Lebanese Parliament MP Hussein Al-Hajj Hasan responded to Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, who represents the Lebanese Forces (LF) in the Lebanese Government, stressing that diplomatic efforts don’t mean justifying the Israeli enemy at»»»
‘Leveraging private capital, AI key to future development gains’
Doha, Qatar: As governments and global institutions race to harness artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and innovation-driven investment, last week’s Doha Forum offered a pointed reminder that technology alone cannot close widening gaps in peace, climate resilience, and economic o»»»
Philippines says fishermen injured in China Coast Guard encounter
Manila: Three Filipino fishermen were injured when China Coast Guard vessels sprayed their boats with water cannons and cut their anchor lines in a disputed area of the South China Sea, Philippine authorities said Saturday. Beijing said Friday it had taken "necessary control measures" involving abo»»»
US Says Mexico Agrees to Water Treaty Obligations
The United States and Mexico reached an agreement on water-sharing on Friday, after President Donald Trump threatened new sanctions. Trump said Mexico owed 800,000 acre-feet of water to the US and demanded it release a quarter of this amount by December 31 or be hit with a new five percent tariff, »»»
Gaza: Occupation Forces Demolish Buildings Amid Artillery Shelling East of Khan Younis
The Israeli occupation army carried out building demolitions in the early hours of Saturday, alongside intense artillery shelling targeting areas east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Simultaneously, Israeli warplanes conducted a series of airstrikes on eastern Khan Younis, the city of Ra»»»
Operation to Secure and Tow Tanker Kairos Begins
The implementation of the approved operational plan for securing and subsequently towing the tanker Kairos has commenced, the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications reported on Saturday. The plan was jointly prepared by the Maritime Administration and the operation contractor, BMF TUG S»»»
Bulgarian National Bank Extends Cash Desk Hours Amid Strong Demand for Euro Starter Kits
The Bulgarian National Bank announced extended operating hours at its cash desks today and on Saturday, December 20, in response to heightened public demand. The increased interest is linked to the sale of starter kits containing euro coins featuring Bulgaria’s national design. The euro starter pac»»»
Experts explore governance through transformation
Doha, Qatar: Leading experts convened in Qatar as Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Public Policy (CPP) hosted the Annual Association for Middle Eastern Public Policy and Administration (AMEPPA 2025) conference. The two-day gathering themed ‘Governing Through Transformation: Public P»»»
Britain Imposes Sanctions on RSF Leaders, Including Hemedti’s Brother
Britain on Friday imposed sanctions on senior commanders of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accusing them of involvement in mass killings, systematic sexual violence and deliberate attacks on civilians in Sudan. The UK government said Abdul Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, the RSF’s deputy commander and br»»»
Bolivian Court Orders Ex-president Jailed for 5 Months on Corruption Charges
A Bolivian court on Friday ordered the country's former President Luis Arce to remain detained for five months while he awaits trial on corruption charges, the latest development in a case that threatens to exacerbate Bolivia's political tensions. Arce, 62, a leader from Bolivia’s Movement Toward S»»»
Bulgaria Opens New 3 km Section of Hemus Highway Near Dermantsi
Traffic is set to open around noon today on a newly completed 3-kilometre stretch of the Hemus highway, according to the Road Infrastructure Agency. The section runs from the Dermantsi substation to the temporary connection with the III-307 Lukovit–Ugarchin road at kilometre 103 of the highway and »»»
Partly cloudy weather, with slight rise in temperatures
Tunis, Dec. 13 (TAP) – The weather on Saturday will be locally foggy in the morning, then partly cloudy across most regions and at times densely cloudy over the eastern coastal areas, with some scattered rain, according to forecasts from the...»»»
Wilde and Waugh crowned T100 Triathlon World Champions in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde and Great Britain’s Kate Waugh were crowned T100 Triathlon World Champions after winning the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final in Lusail yesterday. Wilde capped a phenomenal season with his sixth victory of the year, completing a perfect campaign »»»
‘Digital cooperation key to bridging global AI gaps’
Doha, Qatar: Multilateral cooperation is now essential to promote digital development and ensure all countries benefit from technological and artificial intelligence (AI) advancements, the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has said. Deemah AlYahya made the remarks duri»»»
BilAraby awarded gold for best use of Arabic language
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby initiative, in partnership with BLJ Worldwide, a leading strategic communications and public relations firm, secured the Gold Award for Best Use of the Arabic Language in a Media Campaign at the MEPRA Awards 2025, held in Dubai. The MEPRA Awards are among th»»»
Before Megalodon, Researchers Say a Monstrous Shark Ruled Ancient Australian Seas
In the age of dinosaurs — before whales, great whites or the bus-sized megalodon — a monstrous shark prowled the waters off what's now northern Australia, among the sea monsters of the Cretaceous period. Researchers studying huge vertebrae discovered on a beach near the city of Darwin say the creat»»»
Iran Detains 18 Crew Members of Foreign Tanker Seized in Gulf of Oman
Iranian authorities detained 18 crew members of a foreign tanker seized in the Gulf of Oman on Friday that they said was carrying 6 million liters of smuggled fuel, Iranian media reported on Saturday, citing the Hormozgan province judiciary. It said those detained under the ongoing investigation in»»»
2 People Killed in Russia’s Saratov Region as Peace Talks Press On
At least two people were killed in a drone attack in Russia’s southwestern Saratov region and parts of Ukraine were without power, local authorities said Saturday, as US-led peace talks on ending the war press on. The drone attack damaged a residential building and several windows were also blown o»»»
UAE issues law to safeguard children without known parents
Abu Dhabi: The UAE Government has issued Federal Decree-Law No. (12) of 2025, amending provisions related to children of unknown parentage. The move underscores the nation’s commitment to child protection and places the best interests of the child at the centre of all decisions regarding care, cust»»»
Katara continues to shine with FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 events
Doha, Qatar: The events accompanying the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 continue at Katara Cultural Village, amidst a large and diverse public turnout from various nationalities and age groups. This reflects Katara’s status as a comprehensive cultural and tourist destination, successfully blending the ex»»»
MoC announces inscription of ‘Sadu Weaving’ on Unesco’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage
New Delhi: The Ministry of Culture (MoC) has announced the inscription of the art of ‘Sadu Weaving’ on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for 2025, in partnership with the State of Kuwait »»»
China to Boost Exports, Imports in 2026, Seeking ‘Sustainable’ Trade, Official Says
China plans to expand exports and imports next year as part of efforts to promote "sustainable" trade, a senior economic official said on Saturday, state broadcaster CCTV reported. The trillion-dollar trade surplus posted by the world's second-largest economy is stirring tensions with Beijing's tra»»»
Arab, Muslim States Say UNRWA Role is Indispensable
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye and Qatar on Friday rallied behind the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, stressing that its role in protecting Palestinian refugees and caring for their needs is both indispe»»»
North Korean Leader Kim Hails Troops Returning from Russia Mission, State Media Says
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a welcoming ceremony for an army engineering unit that had returned home after carrying out duties in Russia, the North's KCNA news agency reported on Saturday. In a speech carried by KCNA, Kim praised officers and soldiers of the 528th Regiment of Engineers»»»
EU Law Helps Protect Water and Biodiversity, Says Bulgarian Expert
European legislation helps Bulgaria achieve a clean environment, protect natural resources and preserve biodiversity, Irina Mateeva, European policy officer at the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB), told BTA, commenting on the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive. T»»»
On This Day, Dec. 13: U.S. troops capture Saddam Hussein - UPI.com
On Dec. 13, 2003, a bearded and apparently disoriented Saddam Hussein, the deposed Iraqi president, was captured by U.S. troops in a small underground hideout southeast of his hometown of Tikrit, ending an eight-month manhunt. 1 of 2 | On December 13, 2003, Saddam Hussein, the deposed Iraqi preside»»»
Geminid meteor shower set to light up night skies across the Arab world tonight
Abu Dhabi: Skywatchers across the Arab region are set for prime viewing conditions as the Geminid meteor shower reaches its peak this weekend. The Geminids, regarded as one of the most reliable and active meteor showers of the year, occur annually around December 14. This year, the best viewing win»»»
Messi to unveil 21-metre statue of himself on India 'GOAT' tour
Kolkata: Lionel Messi will unveil a 21-metre (70-foot) statue of himself in India on Saturday as he embarks on a three-day tour of the country that has sparked a fan frenzy. The iron sculpture in Kolkata, which shows Messi holding aloft the World Cup, is part of a so-called GOAT Tour that will take»»»
Israel Reinforces Separation between Negotiations with Lebanon, Strikes on Hezbollah
Israel sharply escalated its military campaign in Lebanon on Friday, carrying out air strikes north of the Litani River in southern Lebanon, including the Zahrani district about 40 km from the border, for the first time since civilian negotiations between the neighbors began two weeks ago, amid mou»»»
Thailand Continues Cambodia Strikes Despite Trump Truce Calls
Thailand said Saturday it was continuing military strikes against Cambodia despite US President Donald Trump saying the countries had agreed to stop fighting after calls with him. Renewed clashes between the Southeast Asian neighbors, which stem from a long-running dispute over the colonial-era dem»»»
Partial Rafah Rebuilding Risks Delaying Cairo Conference
Discussion has intensified over plans for partial reconstruction in parts of Gaza, even as official Arab statements insist that rebuilding must begin across the entire enclave. The debate comes nearly two weeks after the postponement of the Cairo Conference on Gaza reconstruction, intended to marsh»»»
WCM-Q hosts third alumni-run primary care conference
Doha, Qatar: The Division of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) recently hosted its third highly anticipated alumni-run conference on primary care. The conference is titled “Updates in Primary Care: Specialist-Led Case-Based Discussions Highlighting th»»»
Why a Russian base on Sudan’s coast spells trouble for Egypt
Cairo is watching in fury as Sudanese army authorities in Khartoum and their peers in Moscow dust off a 2020 agreement to turn Port Sudan into Russia’s newest naval outpost on the Red Sea, right on Egypt’s southern doorstep. For Sudan’s embattled army, the rush to animate the deal is understandable»»»
Vehicle trail links Crete businessman to murder plot
Investigators have uncovered business ties between a 48-year-old Crete hotel owner and a well-known shipowner, as police probe the May attempt on the life of Giannis Lalas in Ano Liosia. The hotel owner is among eight suspects, after anti-extortion officers traced vehicle transfers between companie»»»
Malaysia welcomes UNGA resolution on Israeli occupation obligations in Palestine
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (KUNA) -- Malaysia on Saturday welcomed a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution restating Israeli occupation obligations in the occupied Palestinian territory.In a press statement, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said that the resolution, led by a group of like-minde»»»
‘I thought it was a scam’: Dubai man misses winning call, then lands Dh100K Big Ticket prize
A long-time Dubai resident’s patience has finally paid off at the Big Ticket draw.Yahia Almasri, a Canadian expat who has lived in the UAE for 15 years, won Dh100,000 in Big Ticket’s Draw Series 281 held in Abu Dhabi. Also Read: Indian expat in Dubai wins Big Ticket prize twice in 2 days – after pi»»»
QCS, Acibadem strengthen international health collaboration
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Acibadem Healthcare Group in Istanbul, marking a significant step towards enhancing international collaboration and exchanging expertise in cancer awareness, prevention, and patient car»»»
HBKU hosts global conference on investment promotion, sustainable development
Doha, Qatar: The Unesco Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Law hosted the ‘International Investment Promotion and Facilitation in the Context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030’ conference. Held at the Qatar Natio»»»
Philippines Says Fishermen Hurt, Boats Damaged by China in South China Sea
The Philippine coast guard said on Saturday that three Filipino fishermen had been wounded and two fishing vessels suffered "significant damage" when Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannon in a disputed South China Sea shoal. Manila's coast guard said nearly two dozen Filipino fishing boats n»»»
QIAF 2025 concludes with resounding success
Doha, Qatar: The seventh edition of the Qatar International Arts Festival (QIAF) concluded yesterday, in Hall 12 at Katara Cultural Village, with a large turnout of artists, creators, and visitors. General Manager of Katara H E Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti toured the exhibition halls, vi»»»
QU concludes ‘Driving Change 2025’ regional conference
DOHA: Qatar University’s (QU) Department of Public Health at the College of Health Sciences, in partnership with the Global Implementation Society, concluded the ‘Driving Change 2025: Regional Conference on Health and Emerging Fields in Implementation Science.’ The conference brought together publi»»»
Gaza Amputees Struggle to Rebuild Lives as the Enclave Faces Shortages of Prosthetic Limbs
Sitting in her wheelchair, Haneen al-Mabhouh dreams of rebuilding her family, of cradling a new baby. She dreams of walking again. But with her leg gone, her life in Gaza is on hold, she says, as she waits to go abroad for further treatment. An Israeli airstrike in July 2024 smashed her home in cen»»»
Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Prepares to Switch Its Power Units to Electricity Generation Mode
SIMFEROPOL (Sputnik) - The repair campaign in 2025 at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant was necessary, among other things, to prepare for the switch of the nuclear power plant's power units to electricity generation mode, nuclear power plant spokeswoman Yevgenia Yashina told Sputnik. On Friday, th»»»
Witkoff Will Meet With European Leaders, Zelensky in Berlin This Weekend - Reports
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US special envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Berlin this weekend to discuss the Ukraine settlement, media reported, citing sources. The sources said French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor»»»
US to Purchase $40,000 Subscription to Data Analysis Service for Ukraine's NABU
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The US Embassy in Kiev plans to purchase a $40,000 annual subscription to a cloud-based data monitoring and analysis system for the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), Sputnik has learned from a US government document. "The Embassy of the United States of America i»»»
Rebuilding the Army: One of the Syrian Govt’s Greatest Challenges
When opposition factions in Syria came to power a year ago, one of their first acts was to dismiss all of the country’s military forces, which had been used as tools of repression and brutality for five decades under the rule of Bashar al-Assad and his family. Now, one of the biggest challenges fac»»»
Qatar’s growing artificial intelligence landscape creates new opportunities
Doha, Qatar: The next generation of artificial intelligence professionals will need more than technical know-how, and they must be critical thinkers who understand the social consequences of the tools they build, says a Qatar-based academic expert. By insisting on strong technical foundations, Gise»»»
UN: Israeli Settlements in West Bank Growing at Highest Level Since 2017
The expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank is at its highest level since at least 2017, when the United Nations began tracking such data, according to a report by the UN chief seen by AFP on Friday. In 2025, "plans for nearly 47,390 housing units were advanced, approved, or tend»»»