Two Sharjah parks temporarily closed
Sharjah City Municipality is busy preparing for outdoor events and activities that are set to take place in the first quarter of 2026. One reason is that in the UAE, the first few months of the year are perfect for outdoor adventurers looking to make the most of the cool weather. And it is for this»»»
Emirates LitFest 2026 opens in Dubai with global writers and local voices in focus
Dubai: The 18th Emirates Airline Festival of Literature opened on Thursday at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, marking what organisers describe as the strongest edition yet of the region’s flagship literary event. Now firmly established on the global cultural calendar, the Festival once ag»»»
$700 billion for Greenland? Trump's Arctic mega-deal or icy pipe dream?
US President Donald Trump has recently reignited a bold US push to acquire Greenland from Denmark. In media statements and socmed posts, Trump has asserted "no going back on Greenland" The White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, also stated that "all options are on the table", including militar»»»
Rights-based approach needs to address addiction
Doha, Qatar: Medical Director of Naufar Centre Prof. Dr. Jalal Al-Tawfiq stressed the importance of adopting a human rights–based approach to addressing drug use and addiction, with a particular focus on reducing stigma. Speaking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of the Fourth National Human Rights»»»
Qatar to set up Tamim Bin Hamad University for Military & Technology Sciences
Doha, Qatar: In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, and during the joint graduation ceremony of the military colleges, Qatar Armed Forces announced the establishment of Tamim bin Hamad University for Military and Technology Sciences, which w»»»
Al Attiyah, Al Rawahi spearhead Oman Rally challenge
Doha, Qatar: The three-day Oman International Rally gets underway from the Sohar Entertainment Centre today. Competitors from 10 nations will tackle 13 timed gravel special stages and 215.44 kilometres timed against the clock on this opening round of the 2026 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MER»»»
Multiple People Missing in New Zealand Landslips
A landslide smashed into a campsite in rain-swept northern New Zealand on Thursday, leaving multiple people missing under tons of mud. Mounds of earth buried a shower block at the site, which lies at the foot of extinct volcano Mount Maunganui. Voices were briefly heard calling for help from beneat»»»
Jebel Jais records the coldest UAE temperature this winter
Dubai: Temperatures in the UAE’s highest mountain, Jebel Jais, dropped to near-freezing on Wednesday, marking the coldest reading of the winter so far, according to local weather monitors. The mountain peak in Ras Al Khaimah recorded 0.2 degrees Celsius at dawn, the first time this season that temp»»»
Storms that killed two on the mainland head for the Aegean islands
Heavy rainstorms that struck most of Greece leaving two people dead and disrupting schools and transport were heading east Thursday towards the Aegean Sea islands, where gale-force winds are forecast. The northern Aegean islands have been declared in a state of alert. Meteorologist Dimitris Ziakopo»»»
Outrage after Indian man drowns in open pit after begging for help for hours
The death of a 27-year-old Indian IT professional after his car fell into an unmarked construction pit has raised questions around urban planning and road safety in India. Last Friday, at around midnight, Yuvraj Mehta was driving home in Noida, a suburb of the capital Delhi, through dense winter fo»»»
Naseeb Zakhir lands Mesaieed Cup in thrilling finish
Doha, Qatar: Naseeb Zakhir returned to the winner’s enclosure after producing a thrilling late charge to capture the day’s feature, the Mesaieed Cup, a Local Purebred Arabian Handicap over 1300m, prevailing by a head at Al Uqda Racecourse yesterday. Always prominent, the five-year-old grey unleashe»»»
Qatar claim mixed team trap gold as Asian Championship concludes
Doha, Qatar: Qatar yesterday wrapped up the Asian Shotgun Championship in style sealing the gold medal in the mixed team trap event on the final day at the Lusail Shooting Complex. Qatar's Mohammed Al Rumaihi and Kholoud Al Khalaf finished first after a strong contest against teams from Kuwait and »»»
Military Leader Survives Bombing in Aden
A car bomb explosion in Yemen’s Aden on Wednesday targeted the convoy of Brigadier General Hamdi Shukri Al-Subaihi, commander of the Second Division in the Giants Brigades, and one of the most prominent leaders whose forces contributed to imposing security in Aden. According to information, al-Suba»»»
Davos 2026: Sheikha Latifa says storytelling must be built on action
Davos: Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), participated in a panel discussion held as part of the World Economic Forum’s 2026 programme in Davos. The session, titled ‘Stories and Strength,’ examined how global narr»»»
Police seize over 2 kilograms of cocaine hidden in board games at Athens airport
Police seized more than 2 kilograms of cocaine hidden in board games at Athens International Airport, authorities said Thursday. The Narcotics Prosecution Subdivision discovered two parcels bound for Cyprus containing drugs concealed in makeshift nylon packages weighing 2.16 kilograms total, police»»»
US Congresswoman Luna Says She Regularly Communicates With Russia's Dmitriev
In late October, Kirill Dmitriev and Anna Paulina Luna met in Florida to discuss continuing Russia-US dialogue. Following the meeting, Luna said that it was productive and that they were able to identify common ground. US Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna told RIA Novosti that she maintains regular c»»»
Pakistan to Sign Agreement With Russia on Steel Plant During Sharif's Visit
Pakistan expects to sign an agreement with Russia on the restoration and modernization of the Karachi steel plant during Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Moscow, scheduled for March, Pakistani Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi told Sputnik. The Pakistani steel plant in Karac»»»
Rutte Did Not Offer Trump Compromises on Greenland's Sovereignty at Davos Meeting
US President Donald Trump said that thanks to his productive meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, a framework for a potential future agreement concerning Greenland and the broader Arctic region had been developed. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte did not offer US President Donald Trump »»»
SCNS returns 11 hectares of Karagachevaya Grove to state - | 24.KG
The State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS) announced the return of another illegally privatized asset to the state—a large plot of land belonging to the National Academy of Sciences. According to the state committee, as part of a criminal investigation into a crime under Part 1 »»»
AlRayan Bank reports net profit of QR1,530m for 2025
Doha, Qatar: AlRayan Bank released yesterday its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025 with net profit attributable to the equity holders of the bank of QR1,530m. The results issued are subject to Qatar Central Bank’s approval and endorsement by shareholders at the »»»
Camel crashes through car roof in Rajasthan: One dead, four injured
Camels and crashes aren’t so unusual in the Indian state of Rajasthan, but what makes the recent one more terrifying is that the animal got stuck inside the frame of the vehicle after the collision. NDTV reported the death one man and the injuries of four others on Saturday night when a speeding ca»»»
January bill freeze as government steps in on heating costs
The government is introducing a cost freeze on household heating bills for January. “The state will cover the additional heating consumption costs incurred by families in January,” prime minister Viktor Orbán announced on social media after the government meeting on Wednesday. In a video message, O»»»
Al Khor stun Al Rayyan in QSL Cup
Doha, Qatar: Al Khor yesterday stunned league leaders Al Rayyan 2-0 at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium in Round 10 of the QSL Cup, with substitute Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Harazi scoring both goals. Despite their first defeat in the tournament, Al Rayyan topped the single-stage league table with 25 points »»»
Aqarat addresses real estate sector challenges with developers
Doha, Qatar: The Real Estate Regulatory Authority – Aqarat held a session yesterday with the real estate developers to discuss the challenges facing real estate investment in Qatar. A comprehensive plan to regulate the sector, license developers and projects and enhance transparency was presented i»»»
Shell to showcase LNG leadership as principal sponsor at LNG2026
Doha, Qatar: Shell is proud to announce its principal sponsorship of LNG2026, one of the world’s most influential gatherings for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. Taking place in Doha from February 2-5, LNG2026 will explore the current and future state of LNG under the theme: Leading LNG: P»»»
Trump to Unveil 'Board of Peace' at Davos after Greenland Backtrack
US President Donald Trump will show off his new "Board of Peace" and meet Ukraine's leader at Davos on Thursday -- burnishing his claim to be a peacemaker a day after backing off his own threats against Greenland. Trump abruptly announced on Wednesday that he was scrapping tariffs against Europe an»»»
In-form Al Gharafa target Super Cup glory against Sharjah
Doha, Qatar: Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins has said winning the Qatar-UAE Super Cup will be important as his side hosts Sharjah for the prestigious title at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium. Today’s showdown is the first of four matches in the Qatar-UAE Super Cup, pitting clubs from the neighbouring count»»»
'Too Dangerous to Go to Hospital': A Glimpse into Iran's Protest Crackdown
Young protesters shot in the back, shotgun pellets fired in a doctor's face, wounded people afraid to go to hospital: "Every family has been affected" by the deadly crackdown on Iran's recent wave of demonstrations, said one protester. Speaking to AFP in Istanbul, this 45-year-old engineer who aske»»»
How Emirates plans to house 12,000 crew in a purpose-built community
Dubai: Emirates Airline is building what it describes as a fully integrated living environment for its cabin crew, with a new purpose-built village planned at Dubai Investments Park. The multi-billion-dirham development is designed to house up to 12,000 crew members and goes far beyond traditional »»»
Australia's opposition coalition splits after row over Bondi shooting reforms
Australia's Liberal-National Coalition, the country's main opposition, has split after a row over hate speech laws, casting the future of Liberal leader Sussan Ley into doubt. The centre-right Coalition, which has been on rocky ground since a resounding election loss last year, had been divided ove»»»
Police Academy affirms ability to supply security agencies with distinguished talent
DOHA: Legal Advisor to H E the Minister of Interior and General Supervisor of the Police Academy, H E Dr. Abdullah Yusuf Al Mal emphasised that, under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior (MoI), the Police Academy continues to perform its national mission of preparing qualified officers with»»»
Bulgaria's Borissov Rejects Ties to Peevski, Signals End to Budget Concessions and Criticises President Radev
GERB leader Boyko Borissov has said his party will not make further concessions on fiscal policy and will move back toward a conservative budget framework, arguing that the state should redistribute less than 40% of gross domestic product. In an interview with Capital.bg, conducted before President»»»
Egyptian Pres.: Palestinian cause core of regional stability
DAVOS, Jan 21 (KUNA) -- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said Wednesday that the Palestinian cause remains a top Middle East priority, representing the core of regional stability and a fundamental pillar for achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace. Presidential spokesman Ambassado»»»
Adylbek Kasymaliev meets with investors in energy sector - | 24.KG
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev held a meeting on the implementation of investment agreements in the energy sector approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. According to the ministry’s press service, the meeting was attended by the heads of more than 15 companies c»»»
Aibek Artykbaev relieved of his post as Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Mongolia - | 24.KG
Aibek Artykbaev has been relieved of his post as Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Mongolia. The presidential press service reported. According to it, Sadyr Japarov signed a decree. Photo Internet. Aibek Artykbaev By another document, the president relieved Aibek Moldogaziev of his post as Ambassador of »»»
See: Trees uprooted by fierce winds in the UAE
The mercury is falling this week across the UAE and the winds are getting fierce. Case in point: A clip by Storm_UAE shows the northwest winds on Daba fort and the eastern coast of the country uprooting trees. Have a look at the clip below to see the power of the wind. This morning, National Centre»»»
Death toll from southern Spain rail crash climbs to 43 - UPI.com
The Iryo high-speed train, that collided with an Alvia high-speed train after derailing, remains on the train tracks in Adamuz, Andalusia, Spain, on January 21, 2026. Photo by J.J. Guillen/EPA Jan. 21 (UPI) -- The death toll from Sunday's train crash in southern Spain rose to 43 on Wednesday when a»»»
Top 10 most polluted cities: Where air quality remains dangerously high
Dhaka, Bangladesh, has ranked on top of the world's cities with a "very unhealthy" air quality index (AQI) of 299, placing it in the purple category just below hazardous levels, according to the latest industry report. Delhi, India follows at 264, Lahore, Pakistan at 228, and Kolkata, India at 225 »»»
Kyrgyzstan attracts $50 million for construction of new schools - | 24.KG
A draft law ratifying the loan agreement between Kyrgyzstan and the Saudi Fund for Development for Public School Construction Project (Phase 2) has been submitted to the Zhogorku Kenesh (Parliament). The document provides for the approval of the contract signed on October 9, 2025, in Bishkek. Accor»»»
Fire breaks out in warehouse of Bishkek FEZ, foreigner killed - | 24.KG
A foreigner died in a warehouse fire in the capital. The press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported. According to it, the fire broke out in a warehouse in the Bishkek Free Economic Zone (FEZ) in Leninsky district. Five fire crews and staff of the emergency response center were d»»»
UAE workforce jumps 12.4% in 2025 as new firms surge, MoHRE says
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced that the UAE workforce recorded a growth rate of 12.4% in 2025, marking an increase compared to 10.9% in 2024. The Ministry also reported that the private-sector labor market saw a 7.8% growth in the number of companies in 2025, un»»»
Aziza Abdirasulova awarded Council of Europe Raoul Wallenberg Prize - | 24.KG
Kyrgyz human rights defender Aziza Abdirasulova has been awarded the Council of Europe Raoul Wallenberg Prize, the organization’s media department reported. The award recognizes her efforts «to protect fundamental human rights, with a particular focus on the rights of prisoners, freedom from tortur»»»
Texas jury clears police officer for Uvalde school shooting response
A Texas jury has found a police officer who responded to the 2022 mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, not guilty of child endangerment charges. Officer Adrian Gonzales was charged with failing to act during the fatal shooting at Robb Elementary School in May 2022, when an 18-year-old gunman shot dead 1»»»
Is Israel annexing more than half of Gaza?
Early in December, Israel’s military chief raised the alarm of the international community, saying the so-called yellow line in Gaza is the country’s new boundary with the enclave. “We will not allow Hamas to reestablish itself. We have operational control over extensive parts of the Gaza Strip, an»»»
Why Syrian army gains against the SDF unnerve Israel
The resumption of negotiations between Israel and Syria in Paris earlier this month didn't capture a lot of Israeli media attention at the time, but the issue has returned to the headlines in recent days, after the Syrian army's gains against the Syrian Democratic Forces and an agreement was reache»»»
In Davos, a tale of two speeches
DAVOS, Switzerland: Let’s get the headline out of the way first. After reading out a long speech from a teleprompter that listed out various domestic accomplishments without once mentioning his recent threats against Denmark, US President Donald Trump, ever the showman, realised what the hundreds o»»»
Slashed incomes and gamers go cold turkey - fallout from Uganda's internet shutdown
Mobile money agent Mirembe Tracy laments that her business in Uganda's bustling capital Kampala was paralysed when the government shut the internet during last week's fiercely contested general election. "All withdrawals were disconnected," she tells the BBC, adding that she gets nearly all of her »»»
Greenland government unveils new "crisis" handbook amid US threats
Greenlanders are expressing relief after Donald Trump said in Davos that he would not use force to take the semi-autonomous territory. But at the same time, they’re not letting down their guard. In fact, Greenland's government unveiled a new handbook on Wednesday offering advice to the population i»»»
New visa requirements: U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan provides clarifications - | 24.KG
The U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan has provided clarifications for applicants for B1/B2 tourist and business visas regarding the new rules and has urged them not to pay the visa bond in advance. According to information published on the embassy’s website, instructions on how to pay the bond will be pro»»»
Sharjah ramps up daily inspections to prevent industrial fires and hazards
The Sharjah civil defence authority continues to carry out its field inspection campaigns across various industrial areas in the emirate, as part of its ongoing efforts to protect lives and property and to enhance preventive preparedness within industrial and commercial facilities. The ongoing camp»»»