Al Awsat 11m

New York Subway Ends its MetroCard Era and Switches Fully to Tap-and-go Fares

When the MetroCard replaced the New York City subway token in 1994, the swipeable plastic card infused much-needed modernity into one of the world’s oldest and largest transit systems. Now, more than three decades later, the gold-hued fare card and its notoriously finicky magnetic strip are followi»»»

english.aawsat.com
Gulf News 33m

This Gulf country sets fuel prices for first quarter of 2026

Dubai: Kuwait will maintain fixed fuel prices through the first quarter of 2026, with premium petrol priced at 85 fils per litre, regular petrol at 105 fils, and diesel and kerosene each set at 115 fils, according to a senior oil source cited by Al Anba. The source said the state committee tasked w»»»

gulfnews.com
Novinite 1h

How Families in Bulgaria Can Help Children Understand the Switch to the Euro

Playing “shop” at home is among the most effective ways for parents to help young children understand the currency change Bulgaria will make on January 1, 2026. Setting up a small store using euros allows children to become familiar with the new coins and banknotes and to practise simple calculatio»»»

novinite.com
Gulf News 2h

Dubai Airport’s busiest travel day is December 28 - How not to miss your flight

Dubai: Dubai International Airport (DXB) is gearing up for its busiest travel day of the festive season, with December 28 forecast to be the peak, as passenger numbers surge past 300,000 travellers a day during the final stretch of the year. Dubai Airports said traffic begins to build in the first »»»

gulfnews.com
Sana 4h

Syria announces new currency framework, two-zero redenomination

Damascus, Dec. 28 (SANA) Syria’s central bank on Sunday announced the executive instructions for introducing a new Syrian currency, launching a monetary reform that includes removing two zeros from the pound and allowing a 90-day period of dual circulation. The announcement was made during a press »»»

sana.sy
Gulf News 6h

Brazil’s ex-president Bolsonaro treated for hiccups

Brasmlia: Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro underwent a medical procedure Saturday to treat recurrent hiccups he has been dealing with for months, according to his medical team. The 70-year-old ex-president, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence for an attempted coup, had been released f»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 6h

Zelensky looks to close out Ukraine peace deal at Trump meet

Palm Beach: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will sit down Sunday with Donald Trump and seek to secure the US president’s stamp of approval for a new proposal to end the nearly four-year conflict with Russia. The 20-point plan, which emerged from weeks of intense US-Ukraine negotiations, lack»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 8h

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 »»»

gulfnews.com
UPI 9h

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»»»

upi.com
Gulf News 10h

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»»»

gulfnews.com
The Peninsula 10h

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»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
The Peninsula 11h

Al Shahania shock leaders Al Gharafa in QSL

Doha, Qatar: Mohamed Bader Sayyar scored a brace as Al Shahania resumed the Qatar Stars League (QSL) in emphatic fashion, pulling off a major upset by thrashing table-toppers Al Gharafa 3-0 at Al Khor Stadium yesterday. Al Gharafa came into the match as firm favourites, aiming to extend their four-»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Jordan Times 14h

Lebanon's cabinet approves draft law on financial crisis losses

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Lebanon's government on Friday approved a draft law to distribute financial losses from the 2019 economic crisis that deprived many Lebanese of their deposits despite strong opposition from political and banking officials.The draft law is a key demand from the international commun»»»

jordantimes.com
BBC 16h

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»»»

bbc.com
BBC 18h

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»»»

bbc.com
Qatar Tribune 19h

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»»»

qatar-tribune.com
UPI 20h

Patel planning permanent closure of FBI's Hoover headquarters building - UPI.com

The J. Edgar Hoover Building will close permanently after the FBI moves its headquarters to the Ronald Reagan Building, FBI Director Kash Patel said on Friday. File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI | License Photo Dec. 27 (UPI) -- The FBI Hoover headquarters in Washington soon will be vacant as the»»»

upi.com
BNE 22h

Russia’s CBR outlines phased cryptocurrency regulation with limits for retail investors

The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has published a formal concept for regulating cryptocurrency within the domestic market, proposing differentiated access for retail and professional investors while reaffirming its stance that digital assets are high-risk financial instruments. »»»

intellinews.com
Gulf News 22h

UAE schools to reopen on January 5, 2026

Dubai: Students and teaching staff across the UAE will return to schools on January 5, 2026, under the Ministry of Education’s approved academic calendar for the 2025–2026 school year. According to the calendar, first-term results will be released between January 7 and 9, marking the official start»»»

gulfnews.com
Al Majalla 1d

Fresh UK sanctions on Syria send a message

As Syrians were celebrating the full repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, the United Kingdom announced a new round of sanctions—an unmistakable reminder that Syria’s reckoning with punitive measures is far from over. By targeting not only figures linked to the former regime but also »»»

en.majalla.com
Naharnet 27.12. 12:58

Paris lauds Lebanese govt.'s approval of financial gap bill

Lebanon's government on Friday approved a draft law to distribute financial losses from the 2019 economic crisis that deprived many Lebanese of their deposits despite strong opposition from political and banking officials. The draft law is a key demand from the international community, which has co»»»

Kathimerini 27.12. 12:50

Cypriot fishermen battle invasive lionfish and turn them into a tavern delicacy

LARNACA – Photis Gaitanos’ rough fingers adroitly untangle the venomous spikes of a lionfish from a net, throwing the exotic-looking creature into an ice-filled rubber bin along with other fish from the day’s catch. Unlike a few years ago when he would have mostly caught local staples as sea bream,»»»

ekathimerini.com
Egypt Independent 27.12. 11:16

Egyptian businessman proposes idea to solve nation’s domestic debt crisis

Egyptian businessman Hassan Heikal on Thursday proposed a “grand swap” as a solution to Egypt’s domestic debt woes. He explained that this solution involves transferring state investments to the sovereign wealth fund, with the state owning approximately 70 percent of it. Half of this stake would th»»»

egyptindependent.com
Al Awsat 27.12. 09:48

Cypriot Fishermen Battle Invasive Lionfish and Turn Them into a Delicacy

Photis Gaitanos’ rough fingers adroitly untangle the venomous spikes of a lionfish from a net, throwing the exotic-looking creature into an ice-filled rubber bin along with other fish from the day’s catch. Unlike a few years ago when he would have mostly caught local staples as sea bream, red mulle»»»

english.aawsat.com
Novinite 27.12. 09:01

Euro Transition Disruptions: List of Bulgarian Banks Halting Card Payments Around New Year

Bulgaria’s switch to the euro on January 1, 2026 will require a large-scale technical adjustment of banking systems, leading to temporary disruptions in card payments, ATM services and digital banking around the turn of the year, according to information published by commercial banks and summarized»»»

novinite.com
BBC 27.12. 08:54

Don't rule out EU customs union, TUC boss tells Starmer

The leader of the Trades Union Congress has called for "the closest possible economic and political relationship with the European Union". The UK's most senior trade unionist, Paul Nowak, told the BBC that he believed this would be "essential" to boost economic growth and warned that faith in mains»»»

bbc.com
France24 27.12. 08:16

South Korea to end overseas adoptions amid UN concern over human rights abuses

South Korea on Friday announced plans to end foreign adoptions over a five-year period, aiming for zero by 2029, as UN investigators raise “serious concern” over decades of abuses. Many adoptees were sent abroad with falsified records or suffered mistreatment, and critics say Seoul has failed to pr»»»

france24.com
Al Majalla 27.12. 07:21

How Israel's war on Gaza helped the Arab world rediscover its agency

The Gaza war has shattered illusions of regional stability and exposed the limits of Israeli and American dominance, but most importantly, it has hinted at what appears to be a rediscovery of Arab agency after decades of accumulated pressures, through the end of the Cold War and the Arab Spring 20 »»»

en.majalla.com
BBC 27.12. 02:53

India's first gene-edited sheep just turned one. How's it doing?

India's first gene-edited sheep recently turned a year old and researchers who developed it say it's doing well. Born on 16 December last year in Indian-administered Kashmir, the sheep has been named Tarmeem – the Arabic word for modification or editing. Tarmeem is housed in a private enclosure at »»»

bbc.com
BBC 27.12. 01:59

One general, one mathematician: The men competing for power in two African elections

On Sunday, citizens of Guinea and the Central African Republic (CAR) will go to the polls to elect their presidents for terms of office of seven years. Both contests could, in theory, go on to run-off ballots. Yet in both, the incumbents are strong favourites, with observers predicting they will cl»»»

bbc.com
BBC 27.12. 00:16

'We will vote but not with our hearts': Inside the election staged by Myanmar's military rulers

On a patch of rough ground near the Irrawaddy River, aspiring member of parliament and retired Lieutenant-General Tayza Kyaw tries to muster some enthusiasm from his audience with a speech promising them better times. He is the candidate for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), backed»»»

bbc.com
Dailynews Hungary 26.12. 21:17

Sharp cold snap to close the year in Hungary as arctic air sweeps in

Follow our Facebook page to get the latest news about Hungary! Follow our X (Twitter) page to get the latest news about Hungary! Subscribe to our Telegram channel to get the latest news about Hungary! whatsapp Subscribe to our WhatsApp channel to get the latest news about Hungary! ENITHRNLFRJARORUE»»»

dailynewshungary.com
RT 26.12. 19:43

Epstein and Bill Clinton visited Russian Far East – US files

Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein flew to Russia on at least three occasions in the early 2000s, including traveling to the Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk together with former US President Bill Clinton, files published by the US Department of Justice have revealed. Last week, the DOJ uploaded »»»

rt.com
UPI 26.12. 19:27

Milei’s government bill cuts state role in Argentina public education - UPI.com

Argentine President Javier Milei's administration is promoting a reform that seeks to redefine the role of the state in public education, curb direct government intervention and give families greater control over their children’s schooling. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo BUENOS AIRES»»»

upi.com
Al Awsat 26.12. 19:21

Midnight Hammer in 2025: Trump Ends Half Measures on Iran

With Donald Trump back in the Oval Office in early 2025, it took less than a year for his revamped “maximum pressure” campaign to set the pace for Iran. What began as an argument over reviving the nuclear deal quickly gave way to a far starker reality: war on Iranian soil, for only the second time »»»

english.aawsat.com
BNE 26.12. 18:42

Corruption scandal means Zelenskiy would likely lose a presidential election

The expanding Energoatom corruption scandal has hurt Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's popularity and if elections were held this weekend he would lose in the second round, according to a Socis poll. A majority of »»»

intellinews.com
BNE 26.12. 18:42

Putin could step down if a Ukraine peace deal is agreed at Mar-a-Lago meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy plans to meet US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 28 in what he is billing as a possible breakthrough meeting to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting comes as speculation swirls that Russian President Vladimir Putin may step down in favour of a»»»

intellinews.com
BNE 26.12. 18:42

Putin could step down if a Ukraine peace deal is agreed at Mar-a-Lago meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy plans to meet US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 28 in what he is billing as a possible breakthrough meeting to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting comes as speculation swirls that Russian President Vladimir Putin may step down in favour of a»»»

intellinews.com
BNE 26.12. 18:35

Corruption scandal means Zelenskiy would likely lose a presidential election

The expanding Energoatom corruption scandal has hurt Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's popularity and if elections were held this weekend he would lose in the second round, according to a Socis poll. A majority of »»»

intellinews.com
Al Awsat 26.12. 18:08

Lebanese Cabinet Approves Draft Law on Financial Crisis Losses

Lebanon's government on Friday approved a draft law to distribute financial losses from the 2019 economic crisis that deprived many Lebanese of their deposits despite strong opposition to the legislation from political parties, depositors and banking officials. The draft law will be submitted to th»»»

english.aawsat.com
UPI 26.12. 18:03

Maduro government announces release of 99 political prisoners - UPI.com

Congressman Tomás Guanipa (C) speaks during a press conference in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on Tuesday. Guanipa said Venezuelan prisons are holding people who have not committed crimes and were being detained for expressing dissent. Photo by Henry Chirinos/EPA Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Venezuela's government an»»»

upi.com
RT 26.12. 16:55

The American people will never get closure on the Epstein files

Across the United States, Democrats and Republicans are demanding that their leaders come clean with the Epstein files and the truth finally be told. What they are getting instead is a massive redaction campaign. Not since 1998 with the Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky show trial has the American p»»»

rt.com
The Peninsula 26.12. 16:14

Musona rescues Zimbabwe in AFCON draw with Angola

Marrakesh, Morocco: Veteran Knowledge Musona scored as Zimbabwe came from behind to draw 1-1 with Angola in Marrakesh on Friday as the second round of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group matches kicked off. Gelson Dala put Angola ahead midway through the first half and recalled Musona levelled deep»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Naharnet 26.12. 15:42

Salam vows accountability and full funds return as cabinet approves banks law

After Cabinet passed a long-awaited banking draft bill that would distribute losses from the 2019 economic crisis amid objections from nine ministers and modest protests, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam appeared a bit agitated as he answered journalists' questions. The law stipulates that each of the st»»»

Naharnet 26.12. 15:42

Cabinet approves banks financial gap law after long debate

Cabinet approved Friday a long-awaited banking draft bill that would distribute losses from the 2019 economic crisis. Thirteen ministers voted in favor of the financial gap law amid the objection of nine ministers: three Lebanese Forces ministers, two Hezbollah ministers, Kataeb minister Adel Nassa»»»

Sputnik 26.12. 15:19

Russia to Repurpose Burevestnik, Poseidon Materials for Civilian Use - Official

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia will repurpose advanced materials and alloys used in the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and Poseidon underwater drone for civilian use, including in the energy and space industries, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said. "Of course, we will leverage»»»

sputniknews.com
France24 26.12. 14:46

Former Malaysian PM Najib found guilty of money laundering in 1MDB corruption case

Malaysia's High Court on Friday found former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak guilty of all 21 counts of money laundering related to the sprawling corruption scandal involving Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). This conviction is likely to add years to the pri»»»

france24.com
Novinite 26.12. 13:59

22 Years After Karbala: How Bulgaria Continues to Honor Its Fallen Soldiers

Twenty-two years have passed since the deadly attack in the Iraqi city of Karbala that claimed the lives of five Bulgarian servicemen. A truck bomb rammed into Camp India, where the Bulgarian contingent was stationed, killing Georgi Kachorin, Ivan Indjov, Svilen Kirov, Nikolay Saryev and officer ca»»»

novinite.com
Naharnet 26.12. 13:53

Trump launched global tariff wars in 2025. Here's a recap of his trade actions this year

It's been a rollercoaster of a year for U.S. trade policy. President Donald Trump launched a barrage of new tariffs in 2025, plunging the U.S. into trade wars with nearly every country in the world. Volley after volley of threats and steeper import taxes often arrived erratically — with Trump claim»»»

Gulf News 26.12. 11:45

10 UAE projects that will improve quality of life for residents

Every few months, UAE gets a lifestyle upgrade. From new ways to commute to the office to flying by cab between cities, there’s a new innovation around every bend. As the Emirates races towards its aim to be the best in terms of digitally connected and quality of life, we look at the 12 cool projec»»»

gulfnews.com