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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
‘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 »»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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 »»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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 »»»
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»»»
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. »»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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. »»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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 »»»
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’»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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 »»»
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»»»