Gulf News 2m

Emirates issues urgent warning for post-New Year travellers in Dubai

Dubai: Emirates is warning passengers of a major rush at Dubai International Airport from January 2 to 5, with high volumes of departures and arrivals expected to create gridlock on roads, packed car parks and longer queues inside the terminal. The airline recommends arriving four hours before depa»»»

gulfnews.com
Al Awsat 10m

Lebanon Voices Official Anger at Hamas over Refusal to Hand over Weapons

As the Lebanese army presses ahead with efforts to seize weapons inside Palestinian refugee camps across the country, a key question remains unresolved: what will become of Hamas’s arsenal in Lebanon, as the group continues to defy a government decision and a Lebanese-Palestinian agreement requirin»»»

english.aawsat.com
24 News Agency 16m

National Bank lays legal foundation for transition to digital som in 2025 - | 24.KG

In 2025, the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan strengthened financial protection for citizens and laid the legal foundation for the transition to digital som. Melis Turgunbaev, the National Bank Chairman, posted on Facebook, summing up the results. He also noted the introduction of a self-ban procedure f»»»

24.kg
The Peninsula 20m

MoCI participates in ‘Little Employee’ initiative

Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) participated in the “Little Employee” initiative in cooperation with the Qatar Career Development Center, hosting 50 children of its employees at the Ministry’s headquarters. The initiative aims to give children the opportunity to spend an i»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
The Peninsula 20m

Qatar’s robust digital ecosystem fuelling innovation

Doha, Qatar: Qatar is witnessing rapid development in the information technology sector and is among the top 20 countries globally this year which demonstrates the robust business environment in the country. Qatar has achieved a remarkable advancement in the 2025 World Digital Competitiveness Ranki»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Al Awsat 22m

Saudi Arabia: AlUla Showcase its Environmental Diversity on Gulf Wildlife Day

Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Governorate showcased its environmental wealth and natural diversity during its participation in Gulf Wildlife Day, highlighting its status as one of the Kingdom’s key regions rich in biodiversity and geology, featuring unique landscapes that include volcanic mountains, valleys»»»

english.aawsat.com
Al Awsat 22m

New Evidence Bolsters Theory of Mossad Role in Abduction of Retired Lebanese Officer

A growing body of evidence from Lebanese security and judicial investigations is strengthening suspicions that Israel’s Mossad intelligence service orchestrated the luring and abduction of retired General Security captain Ahmed Shukr, whose disappearance nearly two weeks ago has raised alarm within»»»

english.aawsat.com
24 News Agency 29m

Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Ministry clarifies new entry requirements for Georgia - | 24.KG

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan clarified new entry requirements for foreigners entering Georgia. Effective January 1, 2026, new entry regulations will apply to all foreigners: they must have valid health and accident insurance for the entire period of their stay in Georgia. This requ»»»

24.kg
The Peninsula 32m

‘Cultural and Artistic Transformations: Beyond the Oil Drop’ exhibition opens at Katara

Doha, Qatar: The "Cultural and Artistic Transformations: Beyond the Oil Drop" exhibition was recently inaugurated by Director General of the Katara Cultural Village Foundation Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti at Katara. The exhibition, which is being held in collaboration with the Qatar »»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
The Peninsula 32m

Turning Qatar’s oil rigs into thriving marine habitats

Doha, Qatar: In the Arabian Gulf, some of the region’s richest pockets of marine life are forming in unexpected places: around the steel legs of offshore oil platforms. And according to Director of Research and Policy Development at Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future, Dr. Ra»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Al Majalla 37m

Will the Gaza ceasefire make it to phase two?

US President Donald Trump warmly greeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida this week as the two leaders put on a public display of unity on multiple fronts—from Gaza to Iran to Netanyahu’s legal and political challenges at home. This meeting came after week»»»

en.majalla.com
Al Awsat 47m

Yemeni Presidential Adviser to Asharq Al-Awsat: Serious Efforts Underway to Enforce Rule of Law

Engineer Badr Basalmah, an adviser to the Yemeni president, said Yemen is entering a decisive phase in which the state is attempting to reclaim control of the political landscape through what he described as a process of “reverse engineering,” backed by close regional support and aimed at restoring»»»

english.aawsat.com
The Peninsula 56m

Qatar’s startup initiatives fuel GDP growth

Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s startup ecosystem has gained significant momentum in 2025, with government-led initiatives and private sector programmes driving entrepreneurship, job creation, and broader economic growth. Recent reports indicate that these efforts are helping to diversify the economy and boos»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
BNE 1h

Japan turns sustainable finance ambition into delivery

Japan’s sustainable finance agenda moved from vision to execution in 2025, marking a year in which policy intent, market standards and capital mobilisation began to align at scale, Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) writes. What had previously been framed as aspiration increasingly took on the cha»»»

intellinews.com
BBC 1h

Thailand releases 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July

Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers that were captured in July during deadly border clashes. The release was part of a deal signed on Saturday by both countries, where Thailand had agreed to the release if a truce held for 72 hours. But this was delayed by nearly a day after Thailand accuse»»»

bbc.com
The Peninsula 1h

Coordinated strategies to drive sustainable growth

Doha, Qatar: The launch of numerous national and sectoral strategies in 2025 marked a pivotal moment in Qatar’s development journey, reflecting a strong commitment to long-term, coordinated planning. These strategies, introduced by various ministries and entities, were designed to translate the obj»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
The Peninsula 1h

Qatar’s digital entrepreneurship ecosystem shows appreciable growth, says report

Doha, Qatar: In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, nations around the world are racing to build robust Digital Entrepreneurship Ecosystems (DEEs) that can drive economic growth, foster innovation, and ensure global competitiveness. Qatar has emerged as a notable player in this arena, a»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Jordan Times 1h

57% of investors expect better economic conditions in 2026 - survey

AMMAN — Nearly 57 per cent of investors in Jordan expect economic conditions to improve over the coming year, while 23.2 per cent believe the current economic situation in 2025 is better than a year earlier, according to the thirteenth round of the Investor Confidence Survey conducted in early Dece»»»

jordantimes.com
France24 1h

Jailed Turkish Kurd leader Ocalan calls on govt to broker deal for Syrian Kurds

Jailed Turkish Kurd leader Abdullah Ocalan on Tuesday implored the Turkish government to broker a "crucial" peace deal between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and the Damascus government Jailed Turkish Kurd leader Abdullah Ocalan said in a message published Tuesday that it was "crucia»»»

france24.com
France24 1h

Situation in Gaza is 'catastrophic’, foreign ministers from 10 countries warn

A group of 10 countries, including France, warned on Tuesday that the situation in Gaza was "catastrophic" due to the "renewed deterioration of the humanitarian situation" in the Palestinian enclave. They called on Israel to allow greater access for NGOs and to lift restrictions on import»»»

france24.com
France24 1h

Congo president Sassou Nguesso to seek re-election in March 2026

Congo is heading towards another tightly watched presidential race after the ruling Congolese Labour Party confirmed it will again back veteran leader Denis Sassou Nguesso, extending the 82-year-old’s decades-long grip on power into a 2026 election already drawing opposition scrutiny. Congo’s Presi»»»

france24.com
France24 1h

French ban on ‘forever chemicals' in cosmetics and clothes to enter into force

A French ban on the production and sale of PFAS chemicals – known as 'forever chemicals' as it takes them so long to break down – comes into effect on Thursday. The ban targets a wide range of cosmetics and clothes and will also require French authorities to regularly test drinking water »»»

france24.com
France24 1h

Why China is bringing out the big guns for military drills around Taiwan

China stepped up its military drills around Taiwan with live-fire exercises on Tuesday, the second day of an operation dubbed “Justice Mission 2025". The massive show of force comes at a crucial time as Beijing seeks to capitalise on domestic political tensions&nb»»»

france24.com
Gulf News 1h

Al Ain court orders clinic to pay doctor Dh236,000 in unpaid commissions

The Al Ain Court for Civil, Commercial and Administrative Claims has ordered a medical clinic to pay a doctor Dh236,282, representing his share of net income for a four-month period, ruling that commissions were due in line with the established practice between the two parties. The court heard that»»»

gulfnews.com
Sputnik 2h

Russian Chief of Staff Inspects Sever Battlegroup

Valery Gerasimov, the Chief of the General Staff, has inspected the Sever battlegroup, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Valery Gerasimov pointed out the Sever battlegroup's successes in establishing a security zone in the Sumy and Kharkov regions. According to Gerasimov, Russia’s Presiden»»»

sputniknews.com
France24 2h

Eurostar resumes service through Channel Tunnel after suspending all trains

The Channel Tunnel operator said traffic should return to normal overnight on Tuesday after Eurostar was forced to suspend trains between London, Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels due to a power supply issue. Some journeys were able to resume in the late afternoon, but many passengers were left strande»»»

france24.com
France24 2h

Russia offers no proof that Ukraine targeted Putin residence in drone attack

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that it could not prove its claim that Ukrainian drones targeted one of President Vladimir Putin's residences because the drones were all "shot down". Moscow accused Ukraine of launching 91 long-range drones at Putin's home in the Novgorod region in what it called a»»»

france24.com
Gulf News 2h

Philippines: Kill ₱1,000 and ₱500 bills to stamp out corruption? Lessons from India's demonetisation

Manila: Picture this: crooked officials stuffing suitcases with crisp ₱1,000 bills from the flood scam — poof, gone like rain in a drought. Should the Philippines demonetise ₱1,000 and ₱500 bills to flush out corruption amid the widespread tongpats (kickbacks) and ghost flood control projects? The »»»

gulfnews.com
24 News Agency 2h

EAEU extends registration of medical devices under national rules - | 24.KG

The countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have signed a protocol amending the agreement on unified principles and rules for the circulation of medical devices (medical products and medical equipment) within the Union, the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) reported. The document extends t»»»

24.kg
BNE 2h

Hanoi cracks down on gold and FX trading

Vietnam is tightening oversight of gold and foreign currency trading, unveiling a new decree that sets out tougher penalties across the monetary and banking sector as regulators seek to curb speculative activity and improve compliance, Viet Nam News (VNN) reports. »»»

intellinews.com
BNE 2h

Kazakhstan set to climb gallium production ranking after ERG, Mitsubishi deal

Kazakhstan is set to become the number two producer of critical mineral gallium globally, according to a deal announcement from Eurasian Resources Group (ERG). ERG said it inked a long-term deal to supply gallium to Mitsub»»»

intellinews.com
BNE 2h

Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power acquires wind energy projects in China totalling 1,250 MW

Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power received notification from ACWA Power China regarding entry into purchase agreements to acquire several wind energy projects in China, the company stated on Tadawul on December 30. The projects in»»»

intellinews.com
BNE 2h

Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power acquires wind energy projects in China totalling 1,250 MW

Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power received notification from ACWA Power China regarding entry into purchase agreements to acquire several wind energy projects in China, the company stated on Tadawul on December 30. The projects in»»»

intellinews.com
BNE 2h

Kazakhstan set to climb gallium production ranking after ERG, Mitsubishi deal

Kazakhstan is set to become the number two producer of critical mineral gallium globally, according to a deal announcement from Eurasian Resources Group (ERG). ERG said it inked a long-term deal to supply gallium to Mitsub»»»

intellinews.com
BNE 2h

Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power acquires wind energy projects in China totalling 1,250 MW

Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power received notification from ACWA Power China regarding entry into purchase agreements to acquire several wind energy projects in China, the company stated on Tadawul on December 30. The projects in»»»

intellinews.com
BNE 2h

Kazakhstan set to climb gallium production ranking after ERG, Mitsubishi deal

Kazakhstan is set to become the number two producer of critical mineral gallium globally, according to a deal announcement from Eurasian Resources Group (ERG). ERG said it inked a long-term deal to supply gallium to Mitsub»»»

intellinews.com
BNE 2h

Munich prosecutors close another investigation into Russian billionaire Usmanov

The Munich II Public Prosecutor's Office has announced the termination of an investigation against sanctioned Uzbek-Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov over suspected violations of Germany's foreign trade law related to EU sanctions imposed on him in 2022. The closure marks another legal victory fo»»»

intellinews.com
BNE 2h

Russia extends mechanism for Belarusian Eurobond coupon payments through 2026

Russia's Central Bank (CBR) extended the mechanism enabling receipt of coupon income on Belarusian Eurobonds and bond redemption presentations, the regulator stated on December 30. Russia and Belarus maintain close economi»»»

intellinews.com
BNE 2h

KYIV BLOG: Did Ukraine attack Putin’s residence?

Following the failure to make a breakthrough in the Mar-a-Lago peace talks Russia accused Ukraine of firing 91 drones at president Vladimir Putin’s official residence and vowed a retaliation and to toughen its conditions for a ceasefire. »»»

intellinews.com
BNE 2h

Russia extends mechanism for Belarusian Eurobond coupon payments through 2026

Russia's Central Bank (CBR) extended the mechanism enabling receipt of coupon income on Belarusian Eurobonds and bond redemption presentations, the regulator stated on December 30. Russia and Belarus maintain close economi»»»

intellinews.com
BNE 2h

Munich prosecutors close another investigation into Russian billionaire Usmanov

The Munich II Public Prosecutor's Office has announced the termination of an investigation against sanctioned Uzbek-Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov over suspected violations of Germany's foreign trade law related to EU sanctions imposed on him in 2022. The closure marks another legal victory fo»»»

intellinews.com
BNE 2h

Former Ukrainian commander-in-chief Zaluzhnyi to quit his job as London ambassador and return to Kyiv in time for possible presidential elections

Former Ukrainian commander-in-chief and current London ambassador, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, will reportedly quit his job and return to Kyiv in January in time for possible presidential elections, , NV.ua reports. A peace deal to»»»

intellinews.com
Sputnik 2h

Xi, Putin Exchange New Year: Russia, China Support Each Other

Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on New Year, saying that he is ready to maintain contact with the leader of Russia and to guide bilateral relations to achieve new results. Xi and Putin exchanged New Year's greetings on December 31. "I am ready to main»»»

sputniknews.com
Gulf News 2h

50 days to go: Countdown begins for Ramadan 2026

Dubai: The countdown has officially begun across the Arab and Islamic world to welcome the holy month of Ramadan 2026, with around 50 days remaining until its anticipated start. According to specialised astronomical calculations, Wednesday, 18 February 2026, is expected to mark the first day of Ram»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 3h

Should the Philippines kill ₱1,000 and ₱500 bills to stamp out corruption? How would it work?

Manila: Picture this: crooked officials stuffing suitcases with crisp ₱1,000 bills from the flood scam — poof, gone like rain in a drought. Should the Philippines demonetise ₱1,000 and ₱500 bills to flush out corruption amid the widespread tongpats (kickbacks) and ghost flood control projects? The »»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 3h

New Year’s Eve weather alert: Rain, strong winds and very rough seas across UAE

Dubai: Scattered rainfall is expected to continue affecting several parts of the UAE as the country heads into New Year’s Eve, bringing cooler temperatures, strong winds and hazardous sea conditions, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). Further cooling is expected today, New Year’»»»

gulfnews.com
BBC 4h

Gold and silver see rollercoaster end to blockbuster year

Gold and silver have seen a rollercoaster end to a year in which their prices are on track to record their biggest annual gains since 1979. The price of gold soared by more than 60% this year to hit a record high of more than $4,549 (£3,378) an ounce before slipping after Christmas to stand at abou»»»

bbc.com
UPI 4h

HHS freezes Minnesota child care payments amid fraud accusations - UPI.com

Dec. 30 (UPI) -- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officials have frozen federal child care funding to Minnesota amid accusations of fraud in that state and others. HHS officials announced the action on Tuesday and credited a viral video that suggests rampant fraud is occurring at Minnes»»»

upi.com
BBC 4h

Made in space? Start-up brings factory in orbit one step closer to reality

It sounds like science fiction - a factory, located hundreds of kilometres above the Earth, churning out high-quality materials. But a Cardiff-based company is a step closer to making this a reality. Space Forge have sent a microwave-sized factory into orbit, and have demonstrated that its furnace »»»

bbc.com
Gulf News 4h

The world’s largest firework? Inside RAK’s massive plan to break the internet this NYE

Dubai: Ras Al Khaimah is preparing to stage its most spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display to date, with a main show that will run for 15 minutes and feature one of the largest fireworks displays in the world. As the clock strikes midnight, the show will reach a dramatic finale with the laun»»»

gulfnews.com