Sharjah Airport prepares for holiday surge with advanced check-in and new lounge
Dubai: Sharjah Airport has announced comprehensive preparations to accommodate the expected influx of passengers during the winter holiday season, rolling out enhanced operational measures to ensure seamless travel experiences. The airport is urging travellers to arrive at least three hours before »»»
Russia Extends Ban on Gasoline Exports Until February
Russia has extended the temporary ban on gasoline and fuel exports, including producers and intermediaries, until the end of next February, the Russian news agency Interfax said, citing a government website. “The new decree extended the temporary ban on the export of gasoline outside the country un»»»
Strong winds sweep northern Greece as colder weather sets in
Greece is facing strong to gale-force northwesterly winds on Sunday, particularly in northern regions and parts of the Aegean, according to a weather warning issued by the National Meteorological Service. Winds are expected to reach 8 to 9 on the Beaufort scale in central Macedonia, including the T»»»
Al-Alimi Says Will Not Allow Forceful Fait Accompli in Yemen’s Hadhramaut, al-Mahra
Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi on Saturday set out firm red lines against any attempts to impose a new military reality in the eastern provinces of Hadhramaut and al-Mahra, warning that developments there are not a political disagreement but a calculated course of »»»
Kuwait simplifies visa issuance and residency transfers for expatriates
Kuwait’s Interior Ministry has rolled out two new electronic services designed to streamline the issuance and transfer of Article 18 residency permits, Kuwait’s news agency, KUNA, reported. The services, launched by the ministry’s General Department of Information Systems in coordination with the G»»»
On This Day, Dec. 28: Indonesia AirAsia Flight 8501 crashes, killing 162 - UPI.com
On Dec. 28, 2014, Indonesia AirAsia Flight QZ8501 crashed into the Java Sea, killing 155 passengers and seven crew. 1 of 5 | On December 28, 2014, Indonesia AirAsia Flight QZ8501 crashed into the Java Sea, killing 155 passengers and seven crew. File Photo by Ahmad Yusni/EPA Dec. 28 (UPI) -- On this»»»
Oman announces tax and finance incentives to boost joint-stock companies
Dubai: Oman has introduced a new package of tax and financing incentives aimed at encouraging limited liability companies to convert into closed joint-stock companies, as part of efforts to deepen the capital market and strengthen corporate growth. The incentive package includes a two-year exemptio»»»
Andre Agassi to headline RTA’s Dubai Forum 2026
Dubai: Dubai will once again take centre stage in global project leadership as the 11th edition of the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF) convenes an influential line-up of more than 50 local and international speakers from January 12 to 15, 2026. Held under the patronage of Sheik»»»
German company to sell more refurbished appliances – DW – 12/28/2025
BusinessEuropeGerman company to sell more refurbished appliancesMathilda Jordanova-DudaThe second-hand smartphone market has grown significantly in recent years, but other, bulkier items like washing machines are less frequently refurbished and resold. That could soon be changing. https://p.dw.com/»»»
Weather update: Alert issued due to 7-foot waves off UAE coast; NCM warns of rough seas
Dubai: If you are planning a trip to the beach this Sunday, December 28, you may want to exercise caution. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a warning regarding rough sea conditions triggered by powerful winds across the UAE. Rough sea and high wavesOffshore conditions are expecte»»»
Polls Open for Myanmar's 1st Election Since Military Seized Power
Voters went to the polls Sunday for the initial phase of Myanmar ’s first general election in five years, held under the supervision of its military government while a civil war rages throughout much of the country. Final results will not be known until after two more rounds of voting are completed»»»
Rosatom Took Work to New Level After US Lifted Restrictions on Paks II Nuclear Plant Project - CEO
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The lifting of several US restrictions on funding for the Paks II nuclear power plant in Hungary has allowed Rosatom to take its work to a new level, including with Hungarian and European contractors, the Russian state corporation's CEO, Alexey Likhachev, told Sputnik. "We've now»»»
Farmers resume road blockades after Christmas pause
Farmers resumed nationwide road blockades after most protests were temporarily eased during the Christmas holiday period, escalating pressure ahead of a nationwide farmers’ conference expected in the coming days. The renewed actions have again disrupted key transport routes, even as divisions emerg»»»
How to get legally married in Abu Dhabi: A step by step guide
Abu Dhabi: Couples in Abu Dhabi can now complete their marriage contract entirely online, from submitting documents to receiving a legally certified certificate. Launched in October, the electronic marriage contract service is provided by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and is available via the e»»»
Awqaf Ministry launches new Endowment Award for imams, preachers
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has announced the launch of a new dedicated category of the Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani Endowment Award, exclusively for imams, preachers, and muezzins working at the ministry, in cooperation with the Department of Mosques. The announcemen»»»
‘Open Day’ initiative by MoPH supports health facility licensing
Doha, Qatar: As part of its ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and strengthen engagement with the healthcare sector, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has recently introduced a new “Open Day” initiative aimed at enhancing awareness, transparency, and direct communication in the licensin»»»
MoCI’s ‘Saif’ AI-assistant enhances access to patent rights information
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) is expanding the utility of its artificial intelligence-powered assistant, Saif, to help residents, inventors, businesses, and intellectual property stakeholders navigate the nation’s patent rights system with greater ease and clarity. The M»»»
All-new MG RX9 premium SUV available at MG showrooms in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: The all-new MG RX9 premium SUV combines elegant design, advanced technology, and powerful driving performance. It represents the next level of luxurious SUV experience, dedicated for modern lifestyle suitable for both city and outdoor use. The MG RX9 and the full line-up of MG cars are»»»
Abu Dhabi sets 42 violations for private schools with fines up to Dh150,000
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has introduced a detailed framework of administrative violations and financial penalties governing private schools and partnership schools, outlining 42 types of offences related to school policies, with fines starting at Dh5,000»»»
MoI integrates advanced tech to enhance Metrash services
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has adopted modern standards and advanced technologies in the development of the new Metrash application, marking a significant step toward enhancing digital government services and improving user experience through smart solutions, including artificial i»»»
Mortgage transactions value reaches QR3.760bn, reflecting market expansion
Doha, Qatar: The volume of mortgage transactions of Qatar’s real estate sector registered 115 transactions worth QR3.760bn in November this year. Doha Municipality registered the highest number of mortgage transactions with 45 (equivalent to 39.1 percent) of the total number of mortgaged properties»»»
Newly released Jordanian-British exchanges over the Iraq war are revealing
In the weeks leading up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the region stood on the cusp of a historic transformation. The invasion profoundly ruptured the Middle East's structure and fundamentally altered how the West managed its relationship with the region. Recently released British documents detai»»»
Global growth recovery reflects major economies’ resilience: QNB
Doha: QNB affirmed that the recovery in global growth forecasts for 2025 does not indicate a lack of risks as much as it reflects the ability of major economies to adapt to shocks in a world characterized by rapid change and rising uncertainty. It highlighted that forecasts were no longer on a fixe»»»
Iran Facing ‘Full-Scale War’ With US, Europe and Israel — Iranian President
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that Iran is fighting a “full-scale war” with the United States, Israel and Europe. “Western pressures aim to prevent Iran from rising, but the unity of the people is capable of thwarting conspiracies,” Pezeshkian said in remarks published on the»»»
Venezuela Reaffirms Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty
The Venezuelan government rejected Israel’s move to recognize Somaliland and backed Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, Foreign Minister Yván Gil said in a statement on Telegram. “Venezuela adheres to and supports the UN Security Council resoluti»»»
COMMENT: Myanmar’s 2025 vote - an election with the ending already written
Myanmar’s generals have finally produced the ballot box they have been promising since their 2021 coup. After five years of civil war, mass displacement of entire towns and villages and systematic repression across the country, the junta has staged the first part of what it calls a return to democr»»»
COMMENT: Myanmar’s 2025 vote - an election with the ending already written
Myanmar’s generals have finally produced the ballot box they have been promising since their 2021 coup. After five years of civil war, mass displacement of entire towns and villages and systematic repression across the country, the junta has staged the first part of what it calls a return to democr»»»
COMMENT: Myanmar’s 2025 vote - an election with the ending already written
Myanmar’s generals have finally produced the ballot box they have been promising since their 2021 coup. After five years of civil war, mass displacement of entire towns and villages and systematic repression across the country, the junta has staged the first part of what it calls a return to democr»»»
COMMENT: Myanmar’s 2025 vote - an election with the ending already written
Myanmar’s generals have finally produced the ballot box they have been promising since their 2021 coup. After five years of civil war, mass displacement of entire towns and villages and systematic repression across the country, the junta has staged the first part of what it calls a return to democr»»»
COMMENT: Myanmar’s 2025 vote - an election with the ending already written
Myanmar’s generals have finally produced the ballot box they have been promising since their 2021 coup. After five years of civil war, mass displacement of entire towns and villages and systematic repression across the country, the junta has staged the first part of what it calls a return to democr»»»
COMMENT: Myanmar’s 2025 vote - an election with the ending already written
Myanmar’s generals have finally produced the ballot box they have been promising since their 2021 coup. After five years of civil war, mass displacement of entire towns and villages and systematic repression across the country, the junta has staged the first part of what it calls a return to democr»»»
UPDATE – Taiwan, southwestern Japan hit by M7.0 earthquake
Taiwan and the southwestern islands of Japan have been hit by a major earthquake, initially reported as measuring magnitude 7.0 by Taiwanese authorities. Japanese government agencies meanwhile reported the tremor as a»»»
UPDATE – Taiwan, southwestern Japan hit by M7.0 earthquake
Taiwan and the southwestern islands of Japan have been hit by a major earthquake, initially reported as measuring magnitude 7.0 by Taiwanese authorities. Japanese government agencies meanwhile reported the tremor as a»»»
How much it costs to retire in this Asian country in 2026
Manila: As retirement destinations go, the Philippines is ramping up efforts to attract overseas retirees with its Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) — a residency programme that combines affordable long-term stay privileges with a tropical lifestyle and low cost of living. The visa, administer»»»
Fearing deportation, Hondurans in the US send more cash home than ever before
For over a year, Elías Padilla had been saving up to make the journey from Honduras to the United States as an undocumented immigrant. As an Uber driver in the snarled streets of the capital, Tegucigalpa, it hasn't been easy for him to put money aside. On bad days he makes as little as $12 (£9) in »»»
Why views and privacy now trump size in Dubai’s luxury home market
Dubai: Dubai’s luxury property market has entered a phase where square footage alone no longer explains price. Two homes with similar layouts, finishes and even locations can now sit millions of dirhams apart. The difference increasingly comes down to one factor that cannot be replicated or expande»»»
More US immigration proposals complicate life for expats worldwide
Dubai: The future of US immigration rules is again under debate, and this time the concerns are not only political — they are personal for thousands of expats in the UAE and elsewhere who either travel regularly to the US for work or have family members on H-1B visas. Sign up for our daily business»»»
Rich and voiceless: How Putin has kept Russia's billionaires on side in the war
During the war with Ukraine, the number of billionaires in Russia has reached an all-time high. But in the 25 years Vladimir Putin has been in power, Russia's rich and powerful - known as oligarchs - have lost almost all their political influence. All this is good news for the Russian president. We»»»
US air strikes in Nigeria targeted IS group fighters trying to enter from Sahel, govt says
US-backed air strikes in Nigeria targeted Islamic State group fighters who were attempting to enter the country from the Sahel region, according to the Nigerian government. US President Donald Trump said on his social media platform that the strikes were carried out on Thursday »»»
Trump’s team no longer trusts Netanyahu – Axios
Officials in US President Donald Trump’s closest circle no longer believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can be trusted to push forward with the Gaza peace plan, Axios reported on Friday, citing insiders. The future of Trump’s grand Gaza war settlement roadmap, unveiled in September»»»
War-torn Myanmar votes in widely criticised 'sham' election
Myanmar is going to the polls in an election widely dismissed as a sham, with major political parties dissolved, many of their leaders jailed and as much as half the country unlikely to vote because of an ongoing civil war. The military government is holding a phased ballot nearly five years after »»»
UK restricts DR Congo visas over migrant return policy
The UK is to impose visa restrictions against people arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo after its government failed to agree to measures allowing the return of illegal migrants and foreign national offenders. Ministers say the DRC has not made changes required under the toughening up of»»»
Ukraine's anti-corruption agency attempts raid of parliament in new graft probe
Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency said on Saturday that security services were blocking its attempt to raid parliament, as investigators alleged that sitting MPs were implicated in a new graft probe. The probe comes at a delicate time for President Volodymyr Zelensky, as he seeks better terms for Uk»»»
Italian authorities arrest 9 alleged Hamas fundraisers - UPI.com
Italian officials on Saturday announced the arrests of nine people who are accused of using charities to raise $8.2 million, most of which funded Hamas. File Photo by Mohammed Saber/EPA Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Nine people who are accused of raising more than $8 million in Italy to help fund Hamas have bee»»»
Awqaf ministry opens new branch of adjudicated Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al-Thani Waqf Award
QNA Doha The Department of Islamic Research and Studies at the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, in collaboration with the Mosques Administration, has launched a new branch of the adjudicated Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al-Thani Waqf Award, dedicated to imams, preachers and muezzins o»»»
OFIE-M wraps up 2025 with ‘Goes Classic’ gala, launches Habi Bayan
Darlene Regis The Overseas Filipino Investors and Entrepreneurs Movement (OFIE-M), in partnership with the Ateneo Alumni Association – Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (AAALSE) Qatar, capped off 2025 in style with “OFIE-M Goes Classic”, a gala night celebrating Filipino leadership, ent»»»
21 mn needy people in 70 countries gained from QC initiatives in a year
Tribune News Network Doha Powered by the generosity of Qatar’s donors, Qatar Charity (QC) has reached 21 million people in 2025 through humanitarian aid, development projects, and social care across nearly 70 countries, advancing its mission to ease suffering and build resilient, dignified lives. Q»»»
Three-day Chinese Film Festival concludes with focus on promotion of cultural diplomacy
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha A three-day 2025 Qatar-China Film Festival at the Katara Cinema in Doha concluded recently on a high note promoting cultural diplomacy between the two countries. This significant cultural event, hosted by the China Film Administration, was organised by the China Film Archive in»»»
North Korea ‘solidified’ ties with Russia by ‘sharing blood’ in Ukraine conflict – Kim
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sent New Year greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling the past year “truly meaningful” for Moscow–Pyongyang ties. In a statement carried by KCNA on Saturday, Kim said the relationship was further strengthened by “sharing blood” on the Ukraine confl»»»
Trump pours cold water on Zelensky’s ‘peace plan’
US President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky’s latest peace proposal to end the conflict with Moscow, arguing the discussions could move forward only with his blessing. Trump’s remarks come as he is expected to hold talks with Zelensky in Florida on Su»»»