Doha, Qatar: Minister of Finance HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari met with Minister of Finance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HE Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Jadaan, who is visiting the State of Qatar. Talks during the meeting focused on bilateral relations, advancing cooperation in economic, investment, an»»»

Vatican City: The 2025 Jubilee year of Catholic celebrations drew over 33 million pilgrims to Rome, the Vatican said Monday, as the last of the faithful passed through the "Holy Door" of St Peter's Basilica. Pope Leo XIV will close the basilica's ornate bronze doors in a grand ceremony Tuesday, 12 »»»

Moscow: Three members of a family, including a child, have been injured by a polar bear in a rare attack in the far north of Siberia, Russian officials said Monday. Local police "received a report of a polar bear injuring people 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the village of Nosok" at a fishing spot,»»»

All 116 people injured in a bar fire at a Swiss ski resort have now been identified, officials have said. Forty people were killed when a fire tore through a busy venue in Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve, with victims' age ranging from 14 to 39 years old. While the dead had all previously been iden»»»

Greek authorities have set up a high-level special committee to determine the exact causes of last weekend’s disruption to air traffic control communications in the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR). The committee was established by decision of the Transport Ministry and will be chaired by Chr»»»

The region’s history is rich with stories of high-level betrayal—a mortal sin in the Catholic tradition when it involves betraying someone who entrusted you with their life, safety, or authority. Juan Peronlegendary ‘third way’ Argentinian politician overthrown in a coup in 1955betrayed by factions»»»

Eva Schloss, an Auschwitz survivor who spent decades educating people about the Holocaust and the stepsister of renowned diarist Anne Frank, has died aged 96, her foundation said Sunday. Her family mourned a “remarkable woman”, praising her tireless work for remembrance, understanding and peac»»»

As the UAE rolled out the second phase of its ban on single-use plastic products from January 1, retailers, manufacturers and consumers alike have embraced the shift towards sustainability with growing confidence. Announced by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), the expanded ba»»»

Abu Dhabi: The National Centre of Meteorology has forecast mostly clear to partly cloudy skies on Tuesday, with a chance of light rain in some eastern and western coastal areas, particularly over offshore islands. Low clouds are expected in these areas, while humid conditions overnight into Wednesd»»»

Egypt is to partake in the economic conference in St. Petersburg on June 16 Cairo held preliminary talks with Moscow over signing 4 executive agreements on Dabaa Nuclear Plant, and had other discussions with The Export-Import Bank of Korea’s delegation on granting $3bn funds to implement several pr»»»

The European Union's controversial new rules on polluting industrial imports have gone into effect on January 1, following a two-year transition period. Heavy goods such as steel, aluminium and cement are now subject to a new fee levied according to the amount of CO2 emitted during their production»»»

Dubai: The Reserve Bank of India has been sending repeated reminders to banks and ATM operators – more so in recent months – to increase the availability of smaller currency denominations in cash machines, introducing phased targets that will take effect from March, according to an official circula»»»

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has slammed the US attack on Venezuela and capture of Nicolas Maduro, calling them “hegemonic.” On Saturday, President Donald Trump announced that his administration will “run” the oil-rich South American nation, shortly after US forces swept into the country and abduct»»»

The death toll from the US raid to kidnap President Nicolas Maduro has risen to at least 80, which includes both soldiers and civilians, the New York Times reported on Sunday, citing a senior Venezuelan official. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez confirmed that US forces had killed»»»

Doha: The National Archives of Qatar and the National Records and Archives Authority of the Sultanate of Oman on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in the field of records and archives. The agreement reflects the deep fraternal relations between the»»»

A traditional Epiphany water blessing ceremony of the military colours and the sacred flags of the Bulgarian Army will take place in Sofia on Tuesday. The solemn ceremony in Sofia will begin at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier and will be attended by outgoing Minister of Defence Atanas Zapryanov»»»

BELGRADE - The head of the Serbian government Office for Kosovo-Metohija Petar Petkovic said on Monday Pristina's caretaker PM Albin Kurti was the biggest threat to regional stability and had been wreaking havoc in Kosovo-Metohija for years under the pretext of purported hybrid threats and conspira»»»

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which carried out the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, has in the past participated in the arrest and subsequent prosecution of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, Sputnik found after reviewing a»»»

The Correctional and Rehabilitation Policies Committee at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has approved a package of advanced technology projects supported by artificial intelligence, led by smart security systems for the management of Rehabilitation Centres, behavioural detection and rapid respon»»»

Dubai: Rama Duwaji didn’t just step into her role as New York City’s First Lady—she arrived, and she did it with a fashion choice that spoke louder than any inaugural soundbite. For her first official outing following the swearing-in of husband Zohran Mamdani as NYC’s new mayor, Duwaji skipped pred»»»

The United States has carried out repeated military interventions and major CIA operations across Latin America—from Guatemala and Cuba to Chile, Nicaragua, Panama, and beyond—for decades. On January 3, the US launched a major attack on Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cil»»»

PRETORIA (Sputnik) - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for respect for Venezuela's independence and territorial integrity following the US military intervention. "ECOWAS reiterates its solidarity with the people of Venezuela and urges all states to respect the indepe»»»

"I grew up with never-ending wars," said Dirk Frazier, a longtime Trump supporter in Florida who once set up a stand to sell hot dogs to other supporters on a bridge leading to the president's estate at Mar-a-Lago. But this time it's different, he adds. "Venezuela is closer to home." Frazier vividl»»»

Sion, Switzerland: The bodies of five of the six Italian nationals killed in the Swiss fire disaster in Crans-Montana were being repatriated on Monday, four days after the tragedy that claimed 40 lives. The teenagers' coffins were transported from a funeral centre in Sion, southwest Switzerland, to»»»

The exchange of leva for euro has begun in all post offices in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Post is doing well, outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Transport and Communications Minister Grozdan Karadjov told journalists here on Monday. He pointed out that new printers and counting machines were workin»»»

Tunis, Jan.5 (TAP) – The Exports Promotion Centre (CEPEX) is expected to unveil on January 7 its promotional programme for 2026 at a press conference in Tunis.CEPEX officials will outline the export promotion strategy as well as novelties and major...»»»

Ajman: A major road development project has opened in Ajman under the initiatives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking a significant addition to the UAE’s transport infrastructure and easing traffic movement for thousands of daily commuters. Implemented under the su»»»

Dubai: In a move aimed at boosting urban organisation and supporting Dubai’s sustainability goals, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the Al Ruwayyah Yard project, a dedicated parking facility for caravans, boats, trailers, and food vending vehicles. The initiative is designed to »»»

The Israeli enemy continues its aggression on Lebanese sovereignty with a series of aerial attacks and ground violations. Al-Manar’s correspondent reported that an enemy drone targeted a car on the main road in Biriqah, located in Nabatieh district. غارة للطيران المسير على طريق عام بلدة #بريقع مع ا»»»

Doha, Qatar: After dealing with unruly passengers and airport slot issues, an EasyJet flight finally took off after a 30-hour delay from Belfast International Airport to Hurghada, a popular resort city on Egypt's Red Sea coast. Flight EZY3077, that was due to depart at 12:55GMT on Saturday, January»»»

If you’re flying from the UAE to India, be aware that India’s aviation regulator has introduced new rules on power banks and lithium battery-powered devices to prevent fire hazards on board. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has banned the use of power banks during flights, including»»»

From this year, free vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is also available to girls aged 15 to under 18, after previously being limited to a lower age group, the Health Ministry said on Monday. The vaccine is provided as part of the National Programme for the Primary Prevention of Ca»»»

Hundreds of tourists are stuck on the Yemeni island of Socotra after flights were halted over clashes on the mainland, two officials and a travel agency told AFP Monday. The island's deputy governor for culture and tourism, Yahya bin Afrar, told AFP: "We have more than 400 foreign tourists... their»»»

Heavily armed federal law enforcement officers on guard Sunday outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores are being held after being seized from the presidential palace in Caracas at the weekend. Photo by Olga Fedorov»»»

Last year, more than 54,000 migrants were deported from Russia for violating the law, the Federal Bailiffs Service reported. «Over the first 11 months of 2025, 54,400 foreigners and stateless persons were forcibly deported from the Russian Federation,» the statement reads. According to the agency, »»»

Flutterwave, Africa’s largest privately held fintech company, has acquired Nigerian open-banking startup Mono in an all-stock transaction valued at between $25mn and $40mn, strengthening the group’s push into bank-based payments, data and identity infrastructure. »»»

Flutterwave, Africa’s largest privately held fintech company, has acquired Nigerian open-banking startup Mono in an all-stock transaction valued at between $25mn and $40mn, strengthening the group’s push into bank-based payments, data and identity infrastructure. »»»

Turkey’s consumer price index (CPI) inflation officially moved down from 31.07% y/y in November to 30.89% in December, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK, or TurkStat) said on January 5. On December 5, Turkey’s financ»»»

Turkey’s consumer price index (CPI) inflation officially moved down from 31.07% y/y in November to 30.89% in December, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK, or TurkStat) said on January 5. On December 5, Turkey’s financ»»»

Hungary will need a substantial fiscal adjustment equivalent to 1.7% of GDP in 2027 to return to the budgetary path agreed with the EU after consecutive budget overshoots, according to a report published by the three-member Fiscal Council, which includes Hungarian National Bank (MNB) governor Mihal»»»

The United States has granted a temporary licence allowing Serbia’s Russian-controlled oil refiner NIS to resume operations until January 23, easing supply pressures after sanctions halted crude imports late last year. NIS»»»

In Bulgaria, the cost of water is reaching record levels in certain regions, with residents of Silistra and Razgrad facing the highest prices in the country. There, water now exceeds 3 euros per cubic meter, making these areas the most expensive for water and sewerage services. Meanwhile, Targovish»»»

Dubai: The Ministry of Education has approved the timetable for announcing first term results for the 2025–2026 academic year, outlining a phased schedule that covers all school grades and allows students and parents to access results online in an organised manner. According to the ministry, the re»»»

The United States has granted a temporary licence allowing Serbia’s Russian-controlled oil refiner NIS to resume operations until January 23, easing supply pressures after sanctions halted crude imports late last year. NIS»»»

Romanian President Nicușor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan have pledged reforms to the justice system following investigative reports and public protests alleging abuses of power within the judiciary, but concrete steps and timelines remain uncertain. »»»

Paris, France: Staff at the Louvre voted for another day of strike action on Monday, union representatives told AFP in Paris, causing fresh disruption at the world's most-visited museum. Disgruntled staff stopped work for three days last month, causing a complete shutdown on one day and partial clo»»»

Recognition hits differently when it reflects years of quiet consistency, trust, and belief—and for Pluto Group, 2025 marked exactly that moment. At the Arabian Travel Awards, organised by Travtalk Middle East, Pluto Group was conferred with the title of “Most Promising Travel Company of the Year 2»»»

Dubai: Abu Dhabi will host the ADSW Summit 2026 in January, bringing together world leaders, investors and innovators to push forward coordinated action on energy, finance, food, water and emerging technologies at a time of rising global uncertainty. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Chequ»»»

The European Union said Monday that member states had made "progress" towards approving the bloc's trade deal with the South American bloc Mercosur and that it hoped to sign the agreement "soon". Diplomats have said the EU aims for a signature on January 12. European Commission chief spokeswoman Pa»»»

The Israeli army is preparing for fighting on four fronts -- Iran, Yemen, Lebanon and Gaza, an Israeli media report said. The report, published Monday in Maariv, claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held Sunday a security meeting that discussed Lebanon and the army's defense and a»»»