Akakus Oil Operations exceeds production target, achieving over 325,000 barrels per day
Akakus Oil Operations announced today that it has succeeded in exceeding its production target of 320,000 barrels per day, having reached approximately 325,796 barrels per day as of 30 December 2025. The company said this achievement comes as part of its strategic plans to increase production rates»»»
BCT confirms pro-investment monetary policy with key rate cut to 7%
TUNIS, Dec. 31 (TAP) – The Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) has lowered its key interest rate by 50 basis points, from 7.5% to 7%, effective January 7, 2026. The move reflects the BCT’s commitment to a flexible monetary policy that encourages...»»»
The Lev’s Final Chapter: The Story of Bulgaria’s National Currency Before the Euro Takes Over
On January 1, 2026, Bulgaria will officially adopt the euro, completing a process of European integration that began with EU membership in 2007. With this step, the Bulgarian lev will exit circulation after nearly a century and a half, closing a chapter that began shortly after the country’s libera»»»
U.S. Ambassador wishes Kyrgyzstan Happy New Year - | 24.KG
U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Lesslie Viguerie and his wife wished the people of Kyrgyzstan a Happy New Year. The Ambassador wished that the coming year bring memorable moments, a spirit of optimism, and peaceful skies above. His spouse called for all children to be safe and surrounded by »»»
Bangladesh mourns ex-PM Khaleda Zia with state funeral
Dhaka: Bangladesh bid farewell on Wednesday to former prime minister Khaleda Zia in a state funeral that drew vast crowds mourning a towering leader whose career defined the country's politics for decades. Zia, the first woman to serve as prime minister in the South Asian nation of 170 million peop»»»
Oman tightens entry rules for expatriate workers, warns of crackdown on forged qualifications
Dubai: Oman has tightened pre-entry requirements for expatriate workers under its professional accreditation system, requiring expatriates to verify their academic and professional qualifications before entering the country, while warning of strict penalties for forged certificates, local media rep»»»
Aljeel Aljadeed launches its ‘‘Oil Fields Connectivity Project’’ to over 200 vital sites
The state Aljeel Aljadeed Technology Company, part of Libya’s telecoms holding company LPTIC, announced yesterday, in cooperation with Hatif Libya Company (Libya Phone Company), the launch of its Oil Fields Connectivity Project. The company says the project is part of its new Digital Transformation»»»
Watch: N.Y. police rescue deer with bag stuck over its head - UPI.com
Dec. 30 (UPI) -- A New York police department came to the rescue of an unusual "masked suspect" found wandering loose in a town -- a deer with its head stuck in a bag. The Town of Ramapo Police Department said on social media that officers "responded to a report of a masked suspect roaming the area»»»
Kang says Poland Chunmoo deal advances push for top-four arms rank - UPI.com
Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff who also serves as a special envoy for strategic cooperation, speaks at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, South Korea, 30 December 2025, after returning from his trip to Poland to attend a signing ceremony for Hanwha Aerospace's export deal»»»
New Year 2025: Abu Dhabi announces free parking, toll gate timings
Abu Dhabi authorities have announced that public parking under Mawaqif will be free on Thursday, 1 January 2026, resuming at 8:00 am on Friday, January 2, 2026. The waiver also applies to the Musaffah M-18 truck parking lot during the holiday. In addition, the Darb toll gate system will be free of »»»
Things to do this weekend in Qatar (January 1-3, 2026)
Doha, Qatar: As Qatar prepares to welcome 2026, the country offers a rich mix of celebrations, heritage festivals, sporting events, and cultural experiences. From a spectacular New Year’s Eve countdown at Lusail Boulevard to desert traditions, equestrian competitions, and seasonal exhibitions, resi»»»
Dense fog cripples Delhi-NCR, grounds dozens of flights
DUbai: The final morning of 2025 began on a harsh note for residents of Delhi-NCR, as dense fog, severe cold and hazardous air quality combined to disrupt normal life across the region, severely impacting road, rail and air travel. A sharp drop in temperatures, extremely low visibility and poor pol»»»
New Year's Eve: New Zealand's Auckland kicks off 2026 celebrations with fireworks
Auckland rang in 2026 with a downtown fireworks display launched from New Zealand's tallest structure, Sky Tower, making it the first major city to greet the new year amid rainy weather. South Pacific countries are the first to bid farewell to 2025. Clocks struck midnight in Auckland, a city of 1.7»»»
The wealthiest Hungarian appears to be spending New Year’s Eve in Hawaii – photos
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US stock market ends 2025 on a high note after volatile year
It's been a roller-coaster year for financial markets - but US stock investors are heading into 2026 on a high note. US President Donald Trump's global trade tariffs sent shockwaves through markets in the spring. But by summer, the US saw record highs fuelled by strong company profits and confidenc»»»
Russian Troops Strike Energy Facilities Used by Ukraine's Military-Industrial Complex in Past Day
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian forces have hit energy facilities used in the interests of the Ukrainian defense industry, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. "Operational-tactical aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile forces and artillery of groups of the armed forces of Russia have d»»»
Russian Oreshnik Strike in 2024 Destroyed Yuzhmash Plant in Minute – Lukashenko
MINSK (Sputnik) - A strike by the Russian Oreshnik mobile ground-based missile system in 2024 destroyed the Ukrainian state-owned aerospace and defense plant, Yuzhmash, in a minute, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Wednesday. "A huge enterprise, it was the most unique in the Soviet»»»
Hadhramaut Governor to Asharq Al-Awsat: UAE Has Started Withdrawing its Forces, Door Still Open to STC
Hadhramaut Governor Salem Ahmed al-Khanbashi called on Wednesday inhabitants of the governorate who are involved with the Southern Transitional Council to "return home" and join their "brothers in the National Shield Forces". In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he pledged that they will be welcomed in t»»»
Iran Prosecutor Pledges ‘Decisive’ Response if Protests Destabilize Country
Iran's prosecutor general said on Wednesday that economic protests that had gripped the country were legitimate, but any attempt to create insecurity would be met with a "decisive response". "Peaceful livelihood protests are part of social and understandable realities," Mohammad Movahedi-Azad told »»»
Elsewedy Electric Accelerates European Renewable Deployment with 2026 Project Pipeline
Elsewedy Electric, Egypt’s leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate (SWDY), has announced plans to invest in at least two new renewable energy projects in Europe during 2026, as part of a broader strategy to expand its diversified clean-energy portfolio across the continent. The company revea»»»
No more fingerprint failures? What changes in Pakistan’s biometric system
Dubai: Pakistan’s federal government has amended the National Identity Card (NIC) Rules to formally recognise facial and iris scans as valid biometric identifiers, expanding the definition of biometrics beyond fingerprints, the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) said on Wednesday.»»»
BCT cuts key interest rate by 50 basis points to 7%, effective January 7, 2026
Tunis, Dec. 31 (TAP) – The Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) decided, during its meeting held on December 30, 2025, to cut the key interest rate by 50 basis points, bringing it down to 7%, effective January 7, 2026.Accordingly,...»»»
Servier Romania: Healthcare innovation with a long-term view
2025 was an important year for Servier Romania, as the company continued to strengthen its leadership in cardiology and venous disease, expanded access to oncology treatments, and advanced major public health initiatives. Under the leadership of General Manager Dr. Jan-Frederic Kesselhut, Servier R»»»
General Tax Authority announces tax return filing period for the financial year ending December 31, 2025
Doha, Qatar: The General Tax Authority (GTA) has announced that the tax return filing period for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, will commence on January 1, 2026 and continue until April 30, 2026. This comes in compliance with the provisions of Income Tax Law No. (24) of 2018, its Execu»»»
The QF Generation: People and their stories
Doha, Qatar: As Qatar Foundation marks its 30th anniversary, it has launched The QF Generation, an immersive storytelling initiative that brings together 30 individuals whose lives have been shaped by QF. Through personal reflections, they share their journeys and highlight how they are now contrib»»»
Karachi revives double-deckers after more than six decades to ease traffic woes
Dubai: Double-decker buses have returned to Karachi after more than six decades, marking a significant moment for public transport in Pakistan’s largest city as authorities seek to ease chronic mobility problems for its growing population. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Wednesday inau»»»
Sofia Public Transport to Run Overnight on New Year’s Eve With Special Schedule
Public transport in Sofia will remain operational through New Year’s Eve, with a special night schedule in place between 23:30 on December 31, 2025 and 04:30 on January 1, 2026. During these hours, selected tram, trolleybus, bus and metro lines will run at extended intervals to serve residents and »»»
Germany bank heist nets about 30mn euros in cash, valuables: Police
Berlin, Germany: Robbers used a large drill to break into a German savings bank's vault room and steal cash, gold and jewelry worth some 30 million euros ($35 million), police said Tuesday. The heist in the western city of Gelsenkirchen saw the thieves break into more than 3,000 safe deposit boxes,»»»
General Tax Authority announces tax return filing period for the financial year 2025
Doha, Qatar: The General Tax Authority (GTA) has announced that the tax return filing period for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, will commence on January 1, 2026 and continue until April 30, 2026. This comes in compliance with the provisions of Income Tax Law No. (24) of 2018, its Execu»»»
Iran’s biggest protests in three years: What’s driving the unrest — and why it matters
Dubai: Iran is once again facing a moment of deep uncertainty as economic collapse, public anger and regional tensions converge. In recent days, the country has seen its largest protests in three years, sparked by a sharp fall in the national currency and a steady erosion of living standards. While»»»
S. Korea to prioritize confirming fate of separated families' kin in N. Korea - UPI.com
South Korea's Unification Ministry said Wednesday it would prioritize confirming the fate of separated family members in North Korea if inter-Korean relations improve. In this February 2021 photo, visitors look at ribbons wishing for Korean Unification near the DMZ. File Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI»»»
World Bids Farewell to 2025, a Year of Trump, Truces and Turmoil
New Year's Eve revelers celebrated the end of 2025 on Wednesday, waving goodbye to 12 months packed with Trump tariffs, a Gaza truce and vain hopes for peace in Ukraine. It was one of the warmest years on record, the stifling heat stoking wildfires in Europe, droughts in Africa and deadly rains acr»»»
On This Day, Dec. 31: Brexit trade agreement goes into force - UPI.com
On Dec. 31, 2020, the historic Brexit trade agreement with the European Union entered legal force in Britain just hours before the official end of the transition period. 1 of 5 | British Prime Minister Boris Johnson returns to No.10 Downing St after attending debate at the Houses of Parliament rega»»»
Somali President Warns Israeli Recognition of Somaliland Could Fuel Gaza Displacement Plan - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Somali President Warns Israeli Recognition of Somaliland Could Fuel Gaza Displacement Plan 31-12-2025 09:58 AM Somali President Hassan Shei»»»
MH370 search resumes in Indian Ocean nearly 12 years after plane's disappearance
Nearly 12 years after Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 vanished with 239 people on board, a renewed search has begun in the remote southern Indian Ocean, as investigators deploy advanced deep-sea technology in a fresh bid to solve one of aviation’s most enduring mysteries. Nearly 12 years after Malay»»»
Emomali Rahmon wishes Sadyr Japarov and Kyrgyzstanis Happy New Year - | 24.KG
Leader of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon wished President Sadyr Japarov and the people of Kyrgyzstan a Happy New Year 2026. The presidential press service reported. «I wish you and your family good health, happiness, and prosperity, and to the fraternal people of the Kyrgyz Republic—peace, stability, an»»»
Israeli occupation force infiltrated into Lebanese territory, blew house in the tow of Houla: Al-Manar correspondent in south Lebanon - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Israeli occupation force infiltrated into Lebanese territory, blew house in the tow of Houla: Al-Manar correspondent in south Lebanon 31-12»»»
Dubai investor loses Dh1 million in crypto scam; court upholds jail term
The Dubai Court of Appeal has upheld a lower court ruling sentencing two Asian men to three months in prison and ordering them to jointly repay Dh1.098 million, after convicting them of defrauding a European investor in a sham cryptocurrency transaction. The court also ordered their deportation aft»»»
UAE petrol, diesel prices for January 2026 announced
Dubai: The UAE fuel price committee on Wednesday announced petrol and diesel prices for the month of January 2026. Super 98 petrol will cost Dh2.53 a litre, compared to Dh2.70 a litre in December, while Special 95 will cost Dh2.42 a litre, compared to Dh2.58 a litre the previous month. Also In This»»»
Tehran shopkeepers shut stores over economic conditions
TEHRAN — Some shopkeepers in Tehran shut their stores for the second day in a row Monday in protest against economic hardships and sharp swings in Iran's embattled currency, media reports said.The rial has hit new lows on the unofficial market, with the US dollar trading at around 1.42 million rial»»»
Ukraine in Scramble to Fix Diplomatic Storm After Drone Attack on Putin’s Residence
Once Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the United Arab Emirates’ foreign ministry, among other countries, denounced the “deplorable attack” on the Russian President's residence, Ukraine has been scrambling to contain the “diplomatic fallout,” writes t»»»
Vladimir Putin wishes Sadyr Japarov and people of Kyrgyzstan Happy New Year - | 24.KG
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent New Year’s greetings to Kyrgyzstan’s leader Sadyr Japarov and the people of the republic. The president’s press service reported. The congratulatory telegram notes that the strategic partnership and alliance between Russia and Kyrgyzstan are at a high level. Ac»»»
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»»»
‘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 »»»
Customs brings over 156 billion soms to Kyrgyzstan’s budget - | 24.KG
Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev congratulated the employees and veterans of the Customs Service of Kyrgyzstan on their professional holiday. The congratulatory message noted that customs authorities play a key role in ensuring the country’s economic security, protecting national interests, and »»»
Planning year-end gold shopping? Dubai prices stabilise after a volatile December
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai were unchanged on Wednesday, holding firm after a volatile December that saw prices surge to record highs before easing toward month-end. As of 8.40 am, 24-karat gold was priced at Dh525 per gram, while the 22-karat variety stood at Dh486.25. (Check latest UAE gold price»»»
Chinese leasing firm CALC orders 30 Airbus A320neo planes
PARIS — China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings (CALC) and Airbus said Tuesday that the Hong Kong-listed firm had placed an order for 30 A320neo family aircraft.The firm order, the fifth that CALC has placed with Airbus, brings the total number of aircraft it has ordered from the European aircraft ma»»»
FDI inflows to Kingdom rise 27.7% to $1.5b in first three quarters of 2025
AMMAN — Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to Jordan reached approximately $1.525 billion during the first three quarters of 2025, up from $1.194 billion in the same period of 2024, marking a 27.7 per cent increase, according to a preliminary balance of payments data.Arab countries accounted f»»»
China's BYD poised to overtake Tesla in 2025 EV sales
NEW YORK — Growing Chinese auto giant BYD stands poised to officially surpass Tesla as the world's biggest electric vehicle company in annual sales.The two groups are expected soon to publish their final figures for 2025, and based on sales data so far this year, there is almost no chance the Ameri»»»
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»»»