Data centers boom under shroud of uncertainty, lax reporting standards - UPI.com
President Donald Trump displays a chart comparing the size of a data center to the Island of Manhattan during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 26. File Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Photo Dec. 29 (UPI) -- The proliferation of data centers»»»
Paris Metro Stabbing Suspect is French, Says Ministry
The suspect in the stabbing of three women in the Paris metro last week is French, the interior ministry said Monday, after previously saying he was an undocumented Malian ordered to leave the country. A source with knowledge of the case, requesting anonymity because not allowed to speak to the pre»»»
22 years at Dubai beach, fireworks and family reunions: UAE residents reveal unique New Year's Eve plans
Dubai: As New Year's Eve approaches, UAE residents are preparing to ring in 2026 in their own distinctive ways, from beach walks under fireworks to traditional home-cooked feasts and family reunions. For German artist Petra Kaltenbach and her family in Dubai, the tradition has remained unchanged fo»»»
UAE introduces landmark law to govern national school curriculum
Abu Dhabi: The UAE Government has taken a major step to strengthen its education system by issuing a Federal Decree Law on the Governance of the National Educational Curriculum. For the first time, the law provides a comprehensive framework regulating how the curriculum is designed, approved, imple»»»
Farmers renew road blockades in western Greece
Farmers and livestock breeders from Aetolia-Acarnania have launched a new blockade of the Ionia Odos at the Angelokastro toll station near Agrinio. Ionia Odos is the highway linking western Greece from the northern city of Ioannina to Patras. The blockade had been temporarily lifted on Christmas Ev»»»
Damascus sends condolences to Ankara over Yalova ISIS clashes
Damascus, Dec. 29 (SANA) The Syrian Ministry of Interior expressed its deep condolences and sympathy to the Republic of Turkey following the martyrdom of three Turkish police officers during clashes with the ISIS terrorist organization in Yalova, which also resulted in the killing of six ISIS membe»»»
China holds military drills in mock blockade of Taiwan - UPI.com
People gather to watch a jets take off and land, like this Taiwan Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter at an airbase in Hsinchu, Taiwan, Monday. China has begun live-fire drills around Taiwan as a warning. Photo by Ritchie B. Tongo/EPA Dec. 29 (UPI) -- China began holding live-fire military drills around »»»
Mindspace Romania marks six years of growth with strong demand for hospitality-led flexible offices
Mindspace, the global boutique flexible workspace provider, reports one of its strongest years in Romania since entering the market in 2018–2019, reinforcing its position as a trusted, hospitality-driven partner for companies navigating market entry, growth, and hybrid work models. Operating premiu»»»
Gaza death toll rises to more than 71,000: health officials
Gaza: The death toll from the Israeli offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023 has risen to at least 71,266, with 171,222 others injured, according to the Gaza health ministry. In its daily statistical report, the ministry said that one person was killed and three others wounded over the past 48 hours,»»»
Kremlin says it concurs with US President that Ukraine talks enter final stages
Moscow: The Russian presidency (the Kremlin) has affirmed that it concurs with US President Donald Trump's assessment that the parties are close to reaching a settlement in Ukraine. Moscow agrees with Trump's remarks on the parties being close to reaching a solution for the conflict and the negotia»»»
Hamas confirms death of spokesman Abu Obaida, other leaders
Doha: The Palestinian group Hamas has confirmed that its armed wing spokesperson, Abu Obeida, and then Gaza chief Mohammed Sinwar were killed Israel’s genocidal war earlier this year. The Qassam Brigades made the announcement Monday. It also confirmed the deaths of Mohammed Shabanah, the head of»»»
Trump reveals whether he anticipates a trip to Ukraine
US President Donald Trump says he has no desire to travel to Ukraine but may agree to do so if it helps end Kiev’s conflict with Russia. Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has been urging the US president to visit for months, suggesting that Trump’s sympathies could be swayed if he personally witne»»»
Putin–Trump Hotline: Dive Into World-Shaping Conversations
A new phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump will take place in the very near future, the Kremlin has just announced. The US and Russian leaders have spoken on the phone nine times before, each call tackling critical global issues. Putin and Trump la»»»
Qatar Stock Market closes higher
Doha: Qatar's stock market ended Monday's trading session higher, with the benchmark index gaining 34.87 points, or 0.32%, to close at 10,798.14, according to official figures. Trading volume during the session reached nearly 94.8 million shares, with a total value of about QAR 273.9 million, execu»»»
How Dubai Police are boosting traffic and security awareness in Al Ttay
Dubai Police organised a community awareness event in the Al Ttay area to promote security and traffic awareness among workers. The initiative was part of the Al Khawaneej Community Forum and carried out in cooperation with strategic partners. Also Read: Stay alert: Abu Dhabi Police educates worker»»»
Weather update: NCM warns of rain and dusty winds across UAE
Dubai: The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast unsettled weather across parts of the UAE in the coming days, warning of rainfall, falling temperatures and strong winds that may raise dust and significantly reduce visibility, particularly in northern and eastern regions. On Tuesday, De»»»
Health Insurance Fund Probes Suspect Hospital Stays after Revenue Agency Flags Gambling Visits
The National Health Insurance Fund is checking reports of incomplete or non-existent hospitalizations after a National Revenue Agency tip-off, the Fund’s press service said here on Monday. A preliminary NRA review of the first half of 2025 found more than 22,000 visits to gambling venues during rec»»»
€3.97 billion collected in state budget from taxes and contributions by Nov. 30
Skopje, 26 December 2025 (MIA) - By November 30, €3.97 billion has been collected in the state budget from taxes and contributions, an increase of €268 million compared to the same period last year, Public Revenue Office (PRO) Director Elena Petrova said Friday. According to Petrova, tax revenues h»»»
U.S., Ukraine close to agreeing on 'lengthy' security guarantees - UPI.com
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida on Sunday, ahead of key talks aimed at finalizing a plan to end the Ukraine war. Photo courtesy Ukrainian Presidential Press Office/UPI | License Photo Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Ukrainian President »»»
Bulgaria: Parking at the Seven Rila Lakes Jumps Overnight from 5 Leva to 5 Euros
Parking at the chairlift serving the Seven Rila Lakes will cost 5 euros from the New Year, replacing the current flat fee of 5 leva, regardless of how long vehicles remain there, the Municipality of Sapareva Banya confirmed to Bulgarian National Radio. The hourly rate in the town’s blue parking zon»»»
Second Term of 2025-2026 School Year Begins February 3
The second term of the 2025-2026 school year begins on February 3 for all students from first to 12th grade in the country, according to the schedule for the current academic year published on the website of the Ministry of Education and Science. The break between the two terms will last three days»»»
Bulgaria Faces Widespread Job Cuts Across 19 Regions, Over 3,500 Workers Affected
Bulgaria is facing widespread job cuts across 19 regions, with a total of 59 mass layoff notifications affecting 3,568 employees this year, according to the Employment Agency (EA). These notifications cover more than half of the country, creating significant pressure on local labor markets and prom»»»
What If Bulgaria Paid Its Debt Today? €11,200 Burden On Every Household!
Bulgaria’s public debt has reached 62,771,629,088 leva, and if it were to be settled immediately, each of the country’s 2.8 million households would need to contribute approximately 21,904 leva (around €11,200). This calculation comes from the ValueKeeper.bg platform, an online “Debt Calculator” th»»»
Boxer Anthony Joshua injured in Nigeria highway crash: media, police source
British boxer Anthony Joshua arrives for his non-title heavyweight bout against US boxer and influencer Jake Paul at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida on December 19, 2025. Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was injured in a fatal highway accident that killed two people on December »»»
Chinar Business Conference in Dubai boosts trade, investment ties
Dubai: Highlighting the growing role of overseas Pakistanis in strengthening economic relations between Pakistan and the UAE, Ali Zeb Khan, Trade and Investment Counsellor at the Pakistan Consulate General in Dubai, said that structured platforms like the Chinar Business Conference (CBC) are vital »»»
Tehran shopkeepers shut stores over economic pain, currency volatility
Tehran: Some shopkeepers in Tehran closed their stores on Monday in protest against economic hardships and sharp swings in Iran’s embattled currency, Iranian media reported, following similar demonstrations a day earlier. State news agency IRNA said some shopkeepers and traders at Tehran’s bazaar “»»»
China Stages Military Drills around Taiwan to Warn 'External Forces' after US, Japan Tensions
China's military on Monday dispatched air, navy and missile units to conduct joint live-fire drills around the island of Taiwan, which Beijing called a “stern warning” against separatist and “external interference” forces. Taiwan said it was placing its forces on alert and called the Chinese govern»»»
GERB Leader Hails Billions in New Recovery Plan Payment, Slams Opposition for Delays
GERB leader Boyko Borissov Monday hailed billions in a new National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) payment, claimed credit for all payments under this Plan and slammed the opposition for any delays. "The Bulgarian State’s portfolio for Bulgarian businesses is up by several billion levs," Boris»»»
How hospitals will operate during New Year holidays — Health Ministry - | 24.KG
The Ministry of Health told 24.kg news agency how hospitals will operate during the New Year holidays. According to the ministry, in order to ensure accessibility and continuity of medical care, all medical organizations across the country will switch to an enhanced work regime on December 30–31. O»»»
What If Bulgaria Paid Its Debt Today? €11,200 for Every Household!
Bulgaria’s public debt has reached 62,771,629,088 leva, and if it were to be settled immediately, each of the country’s 2.8 million households would need to contribute approximately 21,904 leva (around €11,200). This calculation comes from the ValueKeeper.bg platform, an online “Debt Calculator” th»»»
Report: Lebanon wants positive Israeli step in order to begin North Litani disarmament
Despite Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s announcement about the readiness to begin arms monopolization north of the Litani River, the Lebanese state has not taken such a decision in the current period, a media report said. “Not moving to cleaning out North Litani does not stem from a negative stance fr»»»
Aoun: Army is Lebanon's only savior
President Joseph Aoun on Monday hoped the new year will witness “a new birth of Lebanon, so that it becomes a state of institutions, away from the state of sects.” “History has proven that the Lebanese Army has saved Lebanon many times, and the future will prove that it is Lebanon's only savior, be»»»
Netanyahu to meet Trump in Florida for talks on Gaza, Iran
Palm Beach: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Donald Trump in Florida on Monday, with the US president pushing to move to the next stage of his fragile Gaza truce plan. Netanyahu is also expected to try to shift some focus onto Iran, amid reports he will call for more US strikes o»»»
Elderly woman seriously injured after being hit by truck in Athens suburb
A 74-year-old woman was seriously injured Monday morning after being struck by a concrete mixer truck in Nea Ionia, a northern suburb of Athens. The accident occurred at the intersection of Byzantio and Alamanas streets under circumstances that remain unclear. The woman was hit while crossing the r»»»
Cold wave, strong northwesterly winds to affect Qatar through midweek
DOHA: Qatar is set to experience a cold wave accompanied by fresh to strong northwesterly winds on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) has said. According to QMD, the northwesterly winds will lead to a noticeable drop in temperatures across the country and an increased fee»»»
IRGC Warns Adversaries against Miscalculation: Iran’s Brave Defenders Prepared to Confront Threats
The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) says it would stand firmly against any unrest or territorial aggression, warning adversaries against miscalculation. In a statement issued on Monday to mark the anniversary of the 2009 nationwide rallies in support of the Islamic Republic held on the 9th of»»»
NHRC to convene fourth national forum on drug enforcement in January
Doha, Qatar: National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) announced the convention of its fourth national forum titled "Human Rights at the Core of Combating Drugs: Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Solutions", to be held on January 20 and 21, 2026, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior. Th»»»
Al-Jouf Dry Free Port launched in Kufra
Al-Jouf Free Zone (Al-Joaf / Al-Jowf / Al-Jowfe / Al-Jawf) announced yesterday the start of operation of its Dry Port Free Zone based in the Kufra Municipality, deep in the southwest corner of Libya. It said this comes as part of improving infrastructure and improving logistics and transit trade be»»»
Saudi Industry Minister: Agreements reflect government commitment to investment opportunities
TUNIS, Dec. 29 (TAP) – Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef said that agreements and memorandums of understanding are not merely formal documents, but rather a clear government commitment to overcoming...»»»
Djokovic wins Globe Sports Award
DUBAI - Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic was honoured with the Globe Sports Award in Dubai on Sunday. Djokovic received the award from Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, Arabic-language media reported. The award, handed out by Globe Soccer Award, was introduced this year to recognise "exc»»»
NHRC to convene fourth national forum on drug enforcement in January
DOHA: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) announced the convention of its fourth national forum titled 'Human Rights at the Core of Combating Drugs: Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Solutions', to be held on January 20 and 21, 2026, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior. The f»»»
Egypt boosts overseas bond sale, plan as much as $11 billion
The government will start by issuing $2 billion to $2.5 billion, A marketing roadshow will run beginning on January 17, the government eyeing to $6 billion of sales in 2017. Egypt has been paying yields of about 20 percent on domestic T-bonds and T-bills since the central bank raised interest rates»»»
Consumer Protection and Tax Authorities Impose Sanctions for Unjustified Price Hikes
Meeting with outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov on Monday, the leaders of the Commission for Consumer Protection (CCP) and the National Revenue Agency (NRA) said the institutions act swiftly in cases of unjustified price hikes, imposing sanctions while ensuring strict compliance with the Act »»»
Sharjah sets Dh44.5 billion budget for 2026 with focus on jobs and growth
Dubai: Sharjah has approved a Dh44.5 billion general budget for 2026, setting out a measured but expansive spending plan that prioritises infrastructure, economic competitiveness and social stability, while responding to a more uncertain global backdrop of inflation, higher interest rates and geopo»»»
Boss of Everyman cinema chain departs weeks after profit warning
The boss of cinema chain Everyman has stepped down less than three weeks after the company warned trading had been weaker than expected. Everyman Media Group said on Monday that Alex Scrimgeour was leaving with immediate effect and would be replaced on an interim basis by non-executive director Far»»»
Egyptian activist sorry for violent posts after UK uproar
Political opposition leaders in the United Kingdom have called for a human rights activist to be stripped of his citizenship over past social media posts allegedly containing violent and antisemitic language within days of the dual national returning to Britain after years in Egyptian prisons. The »»»
RTA announces service timings for 2026 New Year holiday
Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the operating hours for all services during the New Year holiday on 1st January 2026. The announced timings cover Customer Happiness Centres, paid public parking facilities, public bus services, Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram services, ma»»»
From 2026, sweet drinks in the UAE will need sugar certificates or face higher tax
Dubai: From January 1, 2026, all producers, importers and stockpilers of sweetened drinks in the UAE must obtain a mandatory sugar conformity certificate — or risk their products being taxed at the highest excise rate, the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) confirmed Monday. Sign up for our daily business»»»
Bulgaria Continues to Lead EU Industrial Output Decline
Bulgaria has recorded the largest drop in industrial production within the European Union for the fifth month in a row, according to preliminary data from Eurostat. In October 2025, the country’s industrial output fell by 7.6 percent compared to the same month in 2024, a sharper decline than the 5.»»»
US ambassador meets with several Lebanese ministers
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa has met with a number of Lebanese ministers in recent days, the U.S. Embassy said on Monday. “Economic and financial reforms are critical – alongside peace and security -- to secure Lebanon’s stability and restore international confidence,” the Embassy said in»»»