AI-powered personalisation: How is it transforming everyday banking?
We are entering a transformative era in banking, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), which is profoundly impacting financial entities’ ability to hyper-personalise their customer offering. Banks are harnessing AI to deliver meticulously tailored experiences that meet the unique needs and prefer»»»
Calm weather holds across UAE, light rain possible in parts
Dubai: Saturday is expected to be mostly calm but slightly unsettled across the UAE, as a weak low-pressure system from the east interacts with higher pressure from the west. The weather will bring a mix of sunshine, passing clouds and the chance of light rain in some areas. According to the Nation»»»
Flying without delays: The most punctual airlines, airports revealed
Dubai: For travellers and businesses alike, punctual flights and efficient airports aren’t just convenient — they cut stress, save time and improve productivity. In an increasingly disrupted travel world, punctuality is a key driving reason for choosing travel partners. Sign up for our daily busine»»»
Luigi Mangione seeks dismissal of the death penalty charge - UPI.com
Accused murderer Luigi Mangione wants two firearms-related charges dismissed, including one that might trigger the death penalty, but a federal judge for the Southern District of New York on Friday did not rule on the matter. Pool Photo by Curtis Means/UPI | License Photo Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Accused mu»»»
'An attack on women's dignity': Walls whitewashed after silhouettes defaced in Indian city
A recent viral video of defaced artwork on a public wall in the central Indian city of Gwalior has led to outrage on social media and among activists. The video, shared by a school student on Instagram last week, showed scratches and marks made around where the genitals would be on female silhouett»»»
Why it now feels like peak travel season all year round in the UAE
Dubai: If you travelled in 2025 and felt airports were constantly busy, you weren’t imagining it. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.New regional data shows the Gulf has quietly entered a new travel era — one where “off-season” is fading, and demand now stays high for muc»»»
South Africa's strained ties with US face new test - war games with China, Iran and Russia
The participation of warships from China, Iran and Russia in military exercises hosted by South Africa could further strain the country's relationship with the US, which are already at an all-time low. A News24 report suggesting South Africa is hoping to persuade Iran to become an observer rather t»»»
Romance and parenthood feel remote in Ukraine: 'I haven't had a date since before the war'
Sitting in a wine bar in Kyiv on a Saturday night, Daria, 34, opens a dating app, scrolls, then puts her phone away. After spending more than a decade in committed relationships she's been single for a long time. "I haven't had a proper date since before the war," she says. Four years of war have f»»»
Reporters - Egypt, from debt to prison: Women in financial difficulty face double penalty
Egypt is one of the last countries in the world to impose prison sentences for debt. The main victims are "Gharimat": women in financial difficulty who have been forced into debt. Faced with the exploitation of these women – who are often widowed or single mothers – by unscrupulous credit»»»
From JVC to Dubai South: These areas saw the biggest price and rent gains in 2025
Dubai: Dubai's property market closed 2025 with steady price gains across apartments and villas, as new supply finally matched robust buyer demand in affordable and mid-range segments. Bayut and Dubizzle reports show average sale prices per square foot rising by 9-29% for apartments and up to 28% f»»»
Photo of the day
Kuwait Air Force takes part in a joint areal parade as part of the Gulf Shield 2026, which highlights the high level of operational harmony and integration among GCC armies.»»»
Pres. Trump pledges to protect US investments in Venezuela's energy sector
WASHINGTON, Jan 9 (KUNA) -- US President Donald J. Trump met with executives of major US oil and gas companies at the White House on Friday to reassure them about the safety and security of their investments in Venezuela.The discussions focused on "how these great American companies can help rapidl»»»
Gulf Shield '26 exercise highlights integration among GCC armies
KUWAIT, Jan 9 (KUNA) -- The Air and Air Defense Forces of Kuwait Army on Friday concluded their participation in the Gulf Shield 2026, hosted by the Kingdom Saudi Arabia since Sunday, January 4. The exercise, which gathered armed forces from Gulf Cooperation Council member countries and the Joint G»»»
Accused D.C. pipe-bomber enters not guilty plea in federal court - UPI.com
Accused Capitol riot pipe-bomber Brian Cole Jr. in federal court on Friday pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of planting two pipe bombs outside of respective political party headquarters in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Jan. 9 (UPI) -- »»»
Saied receives Court of Auditors Report for 2025
Tunis, Jan 9 (TAP) - President Kais Saied on Friday afternoon received First Vice President of the Court of Auditors Fadhila Gargouri, who submitted the Court’s Annual General Report for 2025, along with several sector-specific audit reports,...»»»
Court records suggest ICE agent in Minnesota shooting was dragged by car in June
US court records have offered leads to the identity of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Federal officials have not publicly named the agent, but said he was injured in another case in June, when he was»»»
Trump says US needs to 'own' Greenland to prevent Russia and China from taking it
President Donald Trump says the US needs to "own" Greenland to prevent Russia and China from doing so. "Countries have to have ownership and you defend ownership, you don't defend leases and we'll have to defend Greenland," Trump told reporters on Friday. We will do it "the easy way" or "the hard w»»»
Trump, oil and gas execs discuss $100B investment in Venezuela - UPI.com
1 of 4 | President Donald Trump meets with oil and gas executives at the White House on Friday to discuss a proposed $100 billion investment in the Venezuelan oil and gas industry. Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/UPI | License Photo Jan. 9 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump and executives for several U.S. oil »»»
France, Britain and Germany condemn killing of protesters in Iran
Three major European powers, France, Britain and Germany condemned the killing of protesters in Iran and urged Iranian authorities to refrain from violence, the three governments announced late on January 9. "The Iran»»»
Trump's Venezuela oil meeting starts with few concrete promises
US President Donald Trump met with oil executives in Washington on Friday, as he pushed for major investments in Venezuela. But no major financial commitments were immediately forthcoming from the meeting, with the head of ExxonMobil warning the South American country was currently "un-investable".»»»
'I feel free': Australia's social media ban, one month on
For the first time in years, Amy feels free. One month since Australia's teen social media ban kicked in, she says she is "disconnected from my phone" and her daily routine has changed. The 14-year-old first felt the pangs of online addiction in the days after the ban started. "I knew that I was st»»»
1,012 bald eagles descend on Missouri refuge, shattering the record - UPI.com
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge counted 1,012 bald eagles during a bird survey on December 30. The previous record was 833 eagles. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo A record-setting wave of bald eagles descended on a small area of northwestern Missouri right before the start o»»»
4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturns conviction of accused terrorism recruiter - UPI.com
Jan. 9 (UPI) -- A man convicted of encouraging Muslims to fight overseas after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks engaged in lawful free speech, a federal appellate court ruled Friday. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' three-judge panel in Virginia vacated Ali al-Timimi's convictions after »»»
Tunis Court of Appeal adjourns "Instalingo" case to January 13
Tunis, Jan 9 (TAP) - The Criminal Division of the Tunis Court of Appeal has decided on Friday evening to adjourn the hearing in the “Instalingo” case to January 13, 2026, to allow defence lawyers to present their arguments, following the...»»»
FM Araghchi: Iran’s and Hezbollah’s Military Capabilities Can Deter War
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with Al-Manar channel that “the situation in Iran is generally good, but there are also problems that are a result of sanctions and economic weaknesses.” He added: “There are some protests and demonstrations in Iran, which is a normal thi»»»
What can Trump offer Big Oil to bring US capital back to Venezuela?
US President Donald Trump has openly set his sights on Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, claiming Friday that US oil giants were going to invest upward of $100 billion in the country’s gutted industry. But analysts warn that relaunching Venezuela’s oil production could cost dearly in both time and mon»»»
Britain hit by snow, ice and wind from Storm Goretti - UPI.com
1 of 2 | People cross Millennium Bridge as Storm Goretti brings strong gusts and rain to London Friday. Met Office yellow and amber warnings for ice, snow and wind remain in effect across much of Britain after Storm Goretti, the first named storm of the year, brought heavy snowfall and strong winds»»»
Excitement continues in the competitions of second round of HH The Father Amir’s Prix
DOHA: Competitions of the second round of the HH The Father Amir’s Prix continued on Friday at the Longines outdoor and indoor arenas in Al Shaqab— a member of the Qatar Foundation. Competitions of10 different rounds for the Star, Three Stars, and Five Stars categories were held at varying heights,»»»
Lebanese min.: Army resolute in restoring state monopoly of weapons
BEIRUT, Jan 8 (KUNA) -- Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos affirmed on Thursday that the army is proceeding with implementing the plan of confining weapons and placing them under the state's control without any delay.The statement came after the cabinet had held its meeting at the Republican»»»
PSG wins French Super Cup following penalties
KUWAIT, Jan 8 (KUNA) -- Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday managed to win the Trophe Des Champions for the 14th time as they secured a 4-1 penalty score against Marseille.The match was held at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium for the first time as the match full-time ended with a 2-2 draw, as extr»»»
Kuwaiti min. extolls Crown Prince for attending French super cup
KUWAIT, Jan 8 (KUNA) -- Minister of Information and Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi spoke highly of the attendance of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sab»»»
Briefing of KUNA main news for Thursday until 00:00 GMT
3269854 KUWAIT -- Foreign Ministry: The OIC foreign ministers strongly condemn the visit by Israeli occupation official to Somaliland region of Somalia. 3269834 CAIRO -- EU High Representative affirms that Egypt is "an indispensable partner" to the EU. 3269810 GAZA -- At least three Palestinians ar»»»
Yemeni STC leader says group dissolved; others dispute announcement - UPI.com
Some officials for Yemen's separatist Southern Transitional Council on Friday said the council has been dissolved, but others deny the claim and say the STC is still active in southern Yemen. Photo by Najeeb Mohamed/EPA Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Some leaders of the Southern Transitional Council in Yemen anno»»»
Trump cancels ‘second wave’ of attacks on Venezuela
US President Donald Trump has cancelled his “second wave of attacks” on Venezuela, saying Washington and Caracas were cooperating now, including on the rebuilding of the South American country’s energy infrastructure. Last Saturday, American commandos conducted a raid on the Venezuelan capital, Car»»»
Al Noor Center for the Blind unveils interactive Braille mural in Downtown Doha
DOHA: Al Noor Center for the Blind, one of the centers affiliated with the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, has unveiled an interactive Braille mural in M7 Square in the Msheireb area, coinciding with the 'Akhlaquna - Thank You Campaign'Initiative. The event comes as part of the center’s efforts t»»»
Syrian, Jordanian foreign ministers discuss security, stability
Damascus, Jan.9 (SANA) Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani received Friday a phone call from Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi. During the call, the two ministers discussed recent developments in Syria. Minister Safadi reaf»»»
Video filmed by ICE agent who shot Minneapolis woman emerges
A video filmed by the US immigration agent who fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday has emerged, showing the moments before gunfire rang out. The 47-second footage, obtained by Minnesota-based outlet Alpha News, shows Renee Nicole Good sitting behind the wheel of her car and speaking to»»»
Sudanese army announces destruction of over 240 RSF combat vehicles
Khartoum: The Sudanese army announced Friday that its air and ground units launched intensive airstrikes on Rapid Support Forces (RSF) positions in Darfur, Kordofan, and along roads near the Libyan border. In a statement, the army said the airstrikes resulted in the destruction of over 240 combat v»»»
Watch: 50 sheep escape shepherd, walk into grocery store - UPI.com
Jan. 9 (UPI) -- A flock of about 50 sheep escaped from their owner while being herded and took a shopping trip to a nearby supermarket in Germany. A video taken at the Penny supermarket in Burgsinn, Lower Franconia, shows dozens of sheep flooding into the store through the front doors, causing chao»»»
More economical to demolish East Wing than renovate, White House says
White House officials have said it was more economical to demolish the East Wing for President Donald Trump's new ballroom than to renovate it, citing structural issues. Josh Fisher, director of the White House Office of Administration, told a planning commission that the wing had "significant defi»»»
U.S. seizes another oil tanker leaving Venezuela - UPI.com
The U.S. seized the Bella-1, an oil tanker suspected of carrying Venezuelan oil on Wednesday. On Friday, it had seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean. Photo courtesy U.S. European Command | License Photo Jan. 9 (UPI) -- The United States on Friday seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea»»»
Araghchi to Al-Manar: Security weaknesses and other vulnerabilities were identified and addressed. We also learned about our enemies’ strengths and weaknesses, and we planned and strategized accordingly - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Araghchi to Al-Manar: Security weaknesses and other vulnerabilities were identified and addressed. We also learned about our enemies’ stren»»»
When does the Nasa Moon mission launch and who are the Artemis II crew?
The first crewed Moon mission in more than 50 years could be launched by Nasa as soon as the first week of February. The Artemis II mission, which will last about 10 days, could take its astronauts further into space than anyone has been before. It aims to set the stage for an eventual human landin»»»
Venezuela announces start of 'diplomatic process' with United States - UPI.com
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said talks with Washington are intended to address the consequences of what the government described as the “abduction” of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, File Photo by Miguel Gutierrez/EPA Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Venezuela said Friday it has begun an "explor»»»
UAE stresses importance of protecting diplomatic buildings
Abu Dhabi: The UAE stressed the importance of protecting civilian and diplomatic buildings, as well as the residences of embassy staff, in accordance with the norms and conventions governing diplomatic relations, following damage to the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, »»»
Syrian, Turkish foreign ministers discuss Aleppo, reaffirm bilateral cooperation
Damascus, Jan.9 (SANA) Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani received Friday a telephone call from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss the latest developments in Aleppo. During the conversation, the ministers reaffirmed Syria’s sovereignty and territorial »»»
Patra suburban railway section halted by ‘infrastructure failure’
A train operating on the Patra suburban railway in western Greece came to a halt on Friday afternoon as it was entering Agios Andreas station due to an “infrastructure failure,” according to operator Hellenic Train. As a result, rail services on the section between Agios Andreas and Kaminia are bei»»»
Lebanese Pres. urges EU to help halt hostile acts of Israeli occupation
BEIRUT, Jan 9 (KUNA) - Lebanese Joseph Aoun stressed the need of applying pressures on the Israeli occupation forces to honor their obligations under the ceasefire agreement, halt their attacks on Lebanon and pull out from the southern parts of the country.Instability on Lebanon could have negative»»»