President Rumen Radev described Bulgaria’s decision to adopt the euro as a strategic move taken at a highly contentious moment, speaking in his New Year’s address shortly before the country entered 2026. According to the head of state, the change of currency marks the final stage of Bulgaria’s inte»»»

Abu Dhabi Police have recognised an Asian expatriate resident for his honesty and integrity after he handed over a sum of money he had found. The award was presented by Brigadier Dr Hamad Abdullah Al Neyadi, Director of the Criminal Security Sector at Abu Dhabi Police, who also gave him a gift to a»»»

Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City just after midnight Thursday, taking the oath of office at an historic, decommissioned subway station in Manhattan. Mamdani, a Democrat, was sworn in as the first Muslim leader of America’s biggest city, placing his hand on a holy Quran as he took his oa»»»

The Audit Bureau’s Annual Report for 2024, issued yesterday, revealed a decline in total oil revenues recorded in the books during 2024 by approximately 31.8 billion Libyan dinars compared to the 2023 fiscal year. The report indicated that oil revenues, taxes, and royalties amounted to 89,810,095,2»»»

With the adoption of the euro, Bulgaria affirms its place at the heart of the European Union, facilitates travel, business, and investment, and contributes to stability and confidence in the common European economy, the Foreign Ministry said on Facebook. As of January 1, Bulgaria is the 21st member»»»

As Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, replacing the leva (BGN) at a fixed exchange rate of 1.95583 BGN = 1 EUR, the country faces a complex landscape of price adjustments across various sectors. This comprehensive analysis examines which prices are rising, which are falling, an»»»

Israel said on Thursday that 37 international NGOs operating in Gaza had not complied with a deadline to meet "security and transparency standards," in particular disclosing information on their Palestinian staff, and that it "will enforce" a ban on their activities. "Organizations that have failed»»»

Beside the railroad tracks of Copenhagen’s train station, right in the heart of the Danish capital, stands a red-brick building with an ornate façade and a copper-clad cupola still turning green over time. When it opened in 1912 as the Central Post Building, its grandeur echoed the booming postal a»»»

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Thursday vowed to defend the self-ruled island’s sovereignty in the face of China’s “expansionist ambitions,” days after Beijing wrapped up live-fire military drills near its shores. “In the face of China’s rising expansionist ambitions, the international communi»»»

Starting in January, passengers holding long-term public transport subscriptions in Sofia will have the option to add an extra card covering all night lines, the Central Transport Authority announced. The additional card will be valid for night routes N1, N2, N3, and N4. It will be available at a c»»»

Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe West Bank: Israeli occupation forces abduct dozens of Palestinians during an ongoing wide-scale detention campaign in the town of Jaba’, so»»»

The Trump administration in recent months has latched onto news of a large-scale public benefit fraud scandal to carry out immigration raids and harsher policies targeting Minnesota’s large Somali migrant community. An influencer's video on the subject ignited conservative circles this weekend and »»»

Thousands of documents and interviews with Assad-era officials reveal how the Syrian regime worked to conceal evidence of its atrocities during the civil war, according to a report published by The New York Times. The heads of the security agencies arrived in convoys of black SUVs to Bashar al-Assa»»»

Dubai: A lethal mix of sewage and drinking water triggered a public health disaster in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore — India’s cleanest city — killing at least seven people and hospitalising over 200, as investigations revealed shocking lapses in civic infrastructure and official coordination. According »»»

Dubai: Friday sermons and prayers across the UAE will be held at 12.45pm from tomorrow, under a nationwide schedule announced last month by religious authorities. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat said the change, effective from tomorrow—the first Friday of the new year»»»

Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab has warned the remnants of the former regime against efforts to lead chaos, killing, and destruction as his ministry announced the arrest of several people in Latakia and Tartus for involvement in war crimes and instigations that threaten civil peace. Khattab s»»»

This is our story, Mohammed. We fell in the trap early. We were lured by the beautiful, but deceitful, ink. We chose a thorny profession. We chose a long tunnel. No breaks and no truces. It is the hot pursuit of the news that takes up most of our lives. The reader is insatiable. The journalist purs»»»

Europe’s decision to mobilise a €90 billion EU-backed loan to keep Ukraine financially afloat marks one of the most consequential—and revealing—moments of the war. Beyond the complex night-long diplomacy that sealed the deal in Brussels, the key strategic question now confronting European capitals »»»

Thailand and Cambodia on Saturday signed a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending weeks of armed clashes along their disputed border, following a renewed escalation in early December. The ceasefire came into force around noon local time, calling for an immediate halt to military movements by both side»»»

Veteran Egyptian screenwriter and director Daoud Abdel‑Sayed has died in Cairo at the age of 79, bringing to a close one of the most intellectually influential careers in Egyptian and Arab cinema. Born on 23 November 1946, Abdel-Sayed emerged as a leading figure of Egyptian neo-realism, renowned fo»»»

Egypt has taken a significant step in modernising its healthcare supply chain with the launch of a new unified digital portal by the Unified Procurement Authority (UPA), bringing together procurement, logistics, and medical technology management into a single national platform for the health sector»»»

The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has confirmed that the countercyclical capital buffer for credit risk exposures in Bulgaria is set to remain at 2 percent in the first quarter of 2027. This decision, announced by the BNB Governing Council, aims to strengthen banks’ ability to absorb potential loss»»»

Doha, Qatar: ROBOTECH 26 will position Qatar as a regional hub for advanced technology investment as the country is focusing on digital transformation as a fundamental sector for developing the digital economy, enhancing long-term capabilities in artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging tech»»»

Doha, Qatar: QNB Group proudly announces a year of outstanding progress in talent development, professional learning, and capability-building achievements throughout 2025. In alignment with one of the Bank’s core values—Fostering Career Development—QNB continues to champion a culture of continuous »»»

Dubai: Sovereign wealth funds globally amassed a record $15 trillion in assets under management in a year when many deepened their technology investments and profited from buoyant markets, according to a new report by Global SWF. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Overall»»»

Doha, Qatar: As part of its continued commitment to excellence, WWICS successfully conducted its Annual Immigration Conference on 26th December 2025, where 300+ aspirants attended and interacted with immigration experts during free one-on-one counseling sessions. WWICS Group is the world’s largest »»»

On Jan. 1, 1890, the first Tournament of Roses parade took place in Pasadena, Calif. 1 of 8 | Volunteers use thousands of flowers and other plant material to prepare floats for the 136th annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on December 30. The Rose Parade will be televised live on»»»

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has received messages of congratulations from presidents, kings and princes of world countries on the occasion of the New Year 2026. Also ReadAlso Read: UAE leaders share heartfelt New Year wishes for 2026 Also Read: UAE leaders e»»»

Mohammed al-Shafei, one of Asharq Al-Awsat's most prominent journalists, passed away at 74 on Wednesday, leaving behind a career that spanned over 40 years during which he tackled the thorniest and most complex files. Al-Shafei specialized in extremist groups and was among the first journalists to »»»

Hamas has undergone a series of leadership changes in the Gaza Strip following the assassination of several senior figures during the two-year Israeli war, increasing the influence of individuals close to the movement’s former leader, Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in clashes with the Israeli army in»»»

Zelensky needs the proxy war in Ukraine to continue because “peace will bring to light all his highly detrimental decisions and rampant corruption,” writes Tuomas Malinen, a professor at the University of Helsinki, in an article on Substack. Volodymyr Zelensky knows full well he is doomed once the »»»

Dubai: UAE motorists are heading into 2026 with fuel prices finally moving in a friendlier direction after a year marked by sharp swings at the pump. January opened with noticeable cuts across petrol and diesel grades, offering some relief after months of volatility and raising expectations that th»»»

In Bulgaria, the maximum value of food vouchers is set at 102.26 euros following the currency conversion, without any increase in the nominal amount. Tanya Obushtarova from the Association of Food Voucher Operators explained that for digital vouchers, this change is purely technical. The associatio»»»

Dubai: Mandatory premarital medical examinations came into force on Thursday, January 1, 2026, for all Omanis intending to marry, following a royal decree in a move the authorities say is designed to strengthen family health and curb the spread of genetic and infectious diseases. According to local»»»

Greece and Cyprus are starting 2026 by turning down the volume. The countries’ capital cities, Athens and Nicosia, have traded the familiar whizz, crackle and boom of window‑rattling fireworks for spectacle without the shock wave, opting for low‑noise pyrotechnics, light shows and drone displays. T»»»

New York: Zohran Mamdani, young upstart of the US, was readying yesterday to take over as New York mayor for a term sure to see him cross swords with President Donald Trump. After the clocks strike midnight, bringing in 2026, Mamdani will take his oath of office at an abandoned subway stop, taking »»»

On January 1, 2026, Bulgaria marks one year since becoming a full member of the Schengen Area. On December 12, 2024, the Council of the European Union decided to lift checks at the land Schengen borders of Bulgaria and Romania. Bulgaria and Romania had waited to accede Schengen since 2010, when the»»»

In his year-end interview on M1 television, Prime Minister Orbán delivered a sobering message: Europe has chosen war, and Hungary must now decide whether to join or remain on its own path. “To stay out or not to stay out—this was the question in 2025,” he declared, saying that next year’s parliamen»»»

London: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes his side are starting to see the benefits of their hard work as the Gunners head into 2026 at the top of the Premier League. Tuesday’s emphatic 4-1 win at home to title rivals Aston Villa left Arsenal five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, »»»

Madrid: Real Madrid yesterday said that Kylian Mbappe (pictured) had suffered a knee sprain, delivering a blow to their bid to reel in Liga leaders Barcelona. “After the tests carried out today on our player Kylian Mbappe by Real Madrid’s medical services, he was diagnosed with a sprain in his left»»»

Finnish authorities seized a vessel on Wednesday, suspected of sabotaging an undersea telecommunications cable in the Baltic Sea.  Finnish police seized on Wednesday a ship sailing from Russia suspected of sabotaging an undersea telecoms cable running from Helsinki to Estonia across the Gulf o»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has officially announced its comprehensive calendar of sports events and competitions for 2026. The calendar features 83 championships, including 39 international events, 16 world championships, 10 Asian tournaments, three GCC competitions, one Arab ch»»»

Casablanca: Sudan must face 2022 champions Senegal in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations after losing 2-0 to Burkina Faso in their final group game yesterday, while Algeria beat Equatorial Guinea 3-1 at the same time. Lassina Traore’s early strike put Burkina Faso ahead at the Mohammed V Stad»»»

Doha, Qatar: The prestigious H H the Father Amir Equestrian Prix 2026 will open the 2026 Doha Equestrian Tour, featuring wide international participation and a total prize pool exceeding €3.3m. The Organizing Committee of the 2026 Doha Equestrian Tour has announced its readiness for the inaugural H»»»

The second-highest annual number of migrants arrived on UK shores in small boats since records were started in 2018, the government was to confirm Thursday. The tally comes as Brexit firebrand Nigel Farage's anti-immigration party Reform UK surges in popularity ahead of bellwether local elections i»»»

Three drones struck a cafe and hotel in the Kherson Region, with preliminary data showing 24 people killed and over 50 injured, Governor Vladimir Saldo said on Thursday. "Tonight, the enemy carried out a targeted drone strike on a place where civilians were celebrating New Year. Three drones hit a »»»

Dubai: The United Nations begins 2026 with a regular budget of $3.45 billion as the Organisation confronts strained finances and prepares to shrink its workforce by 19 per cent. The General Assembly approved the spending plan after weeks of negotiations, signing off on an amount that slightly excee»»»

Doha, Qatar: Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Ghanem bin Shaheen Al-Ghanem together with Ministry’s Undersecretary Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Thani and a number of Ministry officials held a meeting at the Ministry’s headquarters with the supervisors of the smart fatwa platform Fatwa»»»

Paris, France: France will make a fresh attempt to protect children from excessive screen time, proposing a ban on social media access for children under 15 by next September, according to a draft law seen by AFP. The initiative is backed by President Emmanuel Macron, who said earlier this month th»»»

Doha, Qatar: Sheikh Talal Nasser Al-Thani-owned Jalila Alghania, ridden by Gavin Matt Ryan, delivered a commanding performance to secure the End Of Year Cup at Al Uqda Racecourse yesterday. The four-year-old filly remained steady throughout the 1300m Local Purebred Arabian Graduation feature before»»»