US Military Strikes Sink 3 Drug Trafficking Vessels - Command
The US military carried out new strikes against three vessels allegedly carrying drugs, as a result of which three "narco-terrorists" were killed, the US Southern Command said. "On Dec. 30, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted kinetic strikes »»»
The Year of the Family: Rediscovering the art of connection
2026 has been designated as the UAE’s Year of the Family — a clear invitation to pause in our busy lives and rediscover what it means to truly see, listen, and connect with those closest to us. In a world overflowing with distractions — where devices constantly compete for our attention — we are of»»»
Ras Al Khaimah shatters world record with massive 2,300-Drone New Year’s spectacle
Dubai: Ras Al Khaimah ushered in 2026 with a 15-minute New Year’s Eve spectacle featuring drones and fireworks that set a new Guinness World Records title for the largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by multirotor drones. 2,300 drones form phoenixThe centrepiece of the celebration was a large»»»
Gold soared 60% in 2025. What could drive prices higher or lower in 2026
Dubai: Gold heads into 2026 carrying the weight of an exceptional year. Gold remained on track for its strongest annual gain in over four decades, while other precious metals fell sharply as investors booked profits after a strong, record-setting rally. Gold has gained around 70% this year and silv»»»
Happy New Year from Gulf News and the end of the year of Labubus, Dubai chocolate and 6-7
Happy New Year to all of our readers, viewers, customers and followers. We're full of excitement as we move into 2026 on the back of an epic evening across the UAE. No-one does it better than our seven Emirates, right? Spectacular fireworks, complex drone shows, incredible crowds, stunning lights..»»»
Disney worker hurt stopping 400-lb fake boulder from hitting audience
A worker at Walt Disney World is "recovering" after being injured by a 400-lb (180kg) runaway fake boulder prop in an incident that was caught on video, the Florida theme park confirmed. The incident took place at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! during a live recreation of a famous scene »»»
World welcomes 2026 with fireworks after year of tariffs tit-for-tat and conflict, amid hope for peace, stability
Revellers around the world toasted the start of 2026, bidding farewell on Wednesday to a volatile year when temperatures soared, US President Donald Trump upended global trade, and the brutal conflict in Ukraine raged on. While a fragile truce took hold in devastated Gaza, violence in Sudan continu»»»
French government defends granting citizenship to George, Amal Clooney and their twins Ella and Alexander
PARIS: Actor George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney were granted French citizenship because “they contribute, through their distinguished actions, to France’s international influence and cultural outreach,” the French government said Wednesday, defending their naturalisation that was questioned b»»»
Buying, renting or investing? What 2026 looks like for Dubai homes
Dubai: Dubai is ending 2025 with record numbers on the board and a noticeably different mood among buyers. After a year of momentum-led decisions, the property market is heading into 2026 with a sharper focus on long-term usability. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Sale»»»
Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria: 2026 Can Be the Year of Real Turnaround for Bulgaria
Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria ranking members Ivaylo Mirchev hopes for 2026 to be the year when full euro integration and civic awakening change the country for the better. "Let 2026 be the year in which our full euro integration and civic awakening will change our country for the bette»»»
Trump drops National Guard deployment plans in Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland
US President Donald Trump has stepped back from plans to deploy National Guard troops in several large, Democrat-led US cities, he announced on Wednesday. The decision underscores the legal and political limits he has faced in using the military to support his tough-on-crime agenda during his secon»»»
Germany broadens definition of military conflict – Politico
The German military has characterized hybrid measures such as cyberattacks and so-called disinformation campaigns as preparatory stages leading up to a military conflict, Politico has claimed, citing a classified document. Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Berlin has pu»»»
Old Doha Port receives over 7 million visitors in 2025
Tribune News Network Doha Old Doha Port unveiled its key milestones in 2025, concluding an exceptional year across tourism performance and maritime operations, with record figures of more than seven million visitors across key indicators. During the year, the Port expanded its international presenc»»»
Qatar Museums honours patrons who helped shape the nation’s collections
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Museums (QM) has honoured the patrons whose generosity has enriched its collections and played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s cultural landscape. From families sharing treasured heirlooms and artists donating unparalleled works, to corporations and diplomatic»»»
House Judiciary Chair releases Jack Smith hearing transcript, video - UPI.com
The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday released the transcript and video of former special counsel Jack Smith's 8-plus hour closed-door testimony about his efforts to prosecute President Donald Trump. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Former special counsel Jack Smith de»»»
Condom tax and cheaper childcare: China's plan to boost birth rates
Chinese people will pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services will be exempt, as the world's second-largest economy tries to boost birth rates. An overhaul of the tax system announced late last year removes many exemptions that were in place since 1994, when Chi»»»
Sydney sends message of peace for New Year's after Bondi attack
Sydney has welcomed the New Year with a message of peace following the Bondi Beach mass shooting, as huge crowds gathered to watch the city's annual fireworks display. The words peace and unity were projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as thousands of heavily armed police officers patrolled th»»»
Outgoing PM Hails New Year with Bulgaria as Eurozone Member, Says It Brings Security, Financial Stability and More Opportunities
In a New Year address, published on the Council of Ministers’ Facebook page, Bulgaria's outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said: "We are welcoming the New Year 2026 as a member of the euro area – a strategic step that brings greater security, financial stability and more opportunities for bot»»»
GERB Leader Borissov: Eurozone Is Civilizational Choice
“I am convinced that the Eurozone is not just a change of currency, but a civilizational choice. This key decision required from the political class a clear choice - narrow party populism or statesmanship,” wrote GERB leader Boyko Borissov on Facebook. “For GERB, the choice was clear. This choice a»»»
What we know about the Saudi-led air strikes on ships in Yemen
Open-source imagery and data confirm that the vessels targeted by the Saudi-led coalition air strike on Mukalla, Yemen, on December 30, originated from the United Arab Emirates. The ships were carrying Emirati military vehicles used by a separatist group. Images of the air strike on Yemen’s port of»»»
Aid to Gaza under threat: Dozens of NGOs to be barred under new Israeli rules
Dozens of NGOs expect to see their licenses to operate in Gaza revoked on January 1 for failing to comply with Israel’s new rules for the Palestinian territory. Their expulsion comes as Gazans face harsh winter conditions and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Medical charity Doctors Without Bo»»»
‘Unity, strength, hope’: Macron calls for a fruitful 2026 in New Year’s address
French President Emmanuel Macron said in his New Year's address that 2026 "can be and must be a fruitful year" as he attempts to regain some momentum and launch the final projects of his second five-year term. Macron outlined his three wishes for the French people in his New Year's speech: unity, s»»»
Bulgaria joins the euro after rocky path to new currency
Bulgaria - the poorest country in the European Union - has become the 21st member of the eurozone - leapfrogging more obvious and prosperous candidates like Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. For mostly urban, young and entrepreneurial Bulgarians, it's an optimistic and potentially lucrative l»»»
President Radev in New Year's Address: We Must Not Waste Opportunity to Change Bulgaria
“To regain our democracy, we must not waste the energy and hope that were born in the squares, nor the opportunity to change Bulgaria,” said President Rumen Radev in a televised New Year’s address to the nation. “We are counting down the last minutes of the passing year. In the comfort of our homes»»»
Trump says he is withdrawing National Guard troops from some US cities
US President Donald Trump has said he is withdrawing National Guard troops from several US cities, including Chicago and Los Angeles, after a Supreme Court ruling last week undermined his authority to use troops for policing. "We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when c»»»
Australia welcomes new year with extra security, tribute to victims - UPI.com
1 of 2 | A menorah is projected onto the pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia, during a New Years Eve tribute to the victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting on Dec. 14. Photo by Dan Himbrechts/EPA Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Australia rang in 2026 with fireworks, solidarity, words of encou»»»
Sheikh Hamdan welcomes 2026, shares message of hope and ambition
Dubai: As the New Year rang in, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, marked the start of 2026 by sharing New Year wishes with the nation. Sheikh Hamdan poste»»»
Putin's 2026 New Year Address: Russia's Future is Determined by the Strength of Its People!
“In these moments, just before the New Year, we all feel the passage of time. Before us is the future. And how it will unfold largely depends on us,” President Vladimir Putin said as he addressed his fellow Russians in the final minutes of 2025. The president also said that:As Russians are always r»»»
Congress releases Jack Smith's testimony about Trump prosecutions
The US Congress has released the transcript of testimony by former Special Counsel Jack Smith, in which he defended his decision to lead two defunct criminal investigations into Donald Trump. The transcript, released on New Year's Eve by the House Judiciary Committee, is 255 pages. It features ques»»»
Trump media firm to issue new cryptocurrency to shareholders
The firm behind US President Donald Trump's Truth Social platform said it will issue a new cryptocurrency to its shareholders, marking the Trump family's latest foray into digital assets. The digital token from Trump Media and Technology Group will add to the Trumps' crypto ventures, which have gen»»»
Russian ambassador sends New Year’s message to ‘friendly’ Americans
The year has shown that there are still opportunities for restoring relations between Moscow and Washington, Russian Ambassador to the US Alexander Darchiev has said in a holiday message. ”The past year has been challenging, but it has also opened up opportunities for restoring Russian-American rel»»»
SNAP food restrictions go live in five states Thursday - UPI.com
SNAP users in 18 states will have new restrictions this year on what they can buy with their benefits. Some take effect Thursday. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo Dec. 31 (UPI) -- SNAP users in some states face additional limits on what they can buy that take effect Thursday. At least 1»»»
Socialist Leader Zafirov: Bulgarian Euro is Part of Our Civilizational and Conscious Choice
“Today, Bulgaria takes the final step on its long path of full European integration, a path laid out decades ago by numerous visionary politicians, many of whom were socialists. The Bulgarian euro is not just a currency. It is part of our civilizational and conscious choice, which we make every day»»»
Iran protesters try to break into government building as unrest continues
Protesters in Iran have tried to break into a local government building in the southern province of Fars, on a fourth day of demonstrations sparked by a currency collapse. Officials said three police officers were injured and four people arrested in the city of Fasa. Confrontations were also been r»»»
As a final "gift" of 2025 huge locusts have settled in Hungary
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Snap bans on candy, soda to start in five US states
Several US states are set to ban items like soda and candy for Americans who rely on government benefits to buy food. The bans will start New Years Day in five states - West Virginia, Utah, Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska - and will impact lower-income families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Ass»»»
Djedovic Handanovic: NIS has received OFAC operating licence until January 23
BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic announced on Wednesday the Serbian oil company NIS had received a licence from the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) that would enable it to continue operations until January 23. NIS is under US sanctions due to »»»
24.kg news agency wishes Kyrgyzstanis a Happy New Year! - | 24.KG
When festive lights shine outside the window and the peaks of our Ala-Too mountains glow under the winter moon, we feel especially keenly how important home comfort and the warmth of loved ones are. The year 2025 has given us many moments that have brought us closer together. And today, we just wan»»»
World Begins to Bid Goodbye to 2025 with Fireworks and Icy Plunges
10...nine...eight... As Wednesday turned to Thursday, people around the world said goodbye to a sometimes challenging 2025 and expressed hopes for the new year to come. Midnight arrived first on the islands closest to the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean, including Kiritimati (Christmas»»»
MECh Leader Vasilev: New Year Requires Character and Courage
“The New Year requires not words, but character and courage,” wrote MECh leader Radostin Vasilev on Facebook. “Bulgaria needs order, justice, and governance that serves the people, not the mafia. The people need the truth,” Vasilev added. “Our duty is to defend our sovereignty, protect the national»»»
Trump vetoes first bills of his second term
President Donald Trump has made the first vetoes of legislation since retaking the White House nearly a year ago, setting up a potential showdown with US lawmakers. The two bills he vetoed passed Congress with bipartisan support, meaning lawmakers could muster enough votes to override him in the ne»»»
Expo 2030 Riyadh Awards the Main Utilities and Infrastructure Works Package
In a step aimed at advancing construction activities, Expo 2030 Riyadh awarded its Main Utilities and Civil Works package to Nesma and Partners - marking a significant moment in the journey to bring to life one of the most ambitious global mega-events ever developed. The milestone demonstrates the »»»
Iran Government Building Attacked as Top Prosecutor Responds to Protests
A government building in southern Iran was attacked on Wednesday, authorities said, as the country's top prosecutor warned of a "decisive response" to any attempt to create instability after days of economic protests. Spontaneous protests, driven by dissatisfaction at Iran's economic stagnation, be»»»
Sharjah Police enforce safety measures against negative behaviour at public celebrations
Sharjah: Sharjah Police have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining safety and public order during celebrations and large gatherings, stressing that any negative behaviour will be addressed in accordance with clear legal procedures. Lieutenant Colonel Yousuf Al Mahmoud, Director of the Special »»»
UAE leaders share heartfelt New Year wishes for 2026
Abu Dhabi: With just hours remaining before the world welcomes 2026, UAE leaders have extended heartfelt New Year wishes, emphasizing hope, unity, and a shared commitment to continued progress. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan took to social media to express his best wishes»»»
Former Sen. John Kyl of Arizona announces dementia diagnosis - UPI.com
Former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, shown here in 2018, announced Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with dementia. File Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Former Sen. John Kyl, R-Ariz., announced Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with dementia and will step away from publ»»»
UN Makes First Visit to Sudan’s El-Fasher Since Its Fall, Finding Dire Conditions
A UN humanitarian team visited el-Fasher in Sudan’s Darfur region for the first time since a paramilitary force overran the city in October, carrying out a rampage that is believed to have killed hundreds of people and sent most of the population fleeing. The hours-long visit gave the UN its first »»»
Finnish police seize ship suspected of sabotaging undersea cable
Finnish police have detained a vessel suspected of damaging an undersea telecoms cable running from Helsinki to Estonia across the Gulf of Finland. The cargo vessel, the Fitburg, was sailing from St Petersburg to the port of Haifa in Israel, under the flag of St Vincent and Grenadines. All 14 crew »»»
High turnout at 3rd Souq Waqif Truffle Exhibition and Auction
DOHA: The 3rd Souq Waqif Truffle Exhibition and Auction, held in the eastern square of the market, is witnessing a large turnout of visitors and truffle lovers, following the outstanding success achieved by the exhibition over the past two editions, establishing a culture of buying this product in »»»
Israel to Ban 37 Aid Groups Operating in Gaza
Israel plans to ban 37 aid organizations from operating in Gaza from Thursday unless they hand over detailed information on their Palestinian staff, despite mounting criticism from the United Nations and the European Union. Several NGOs have told AFP the new rules will have a major impact on food a»»»