Abu Dhabi: Free shuttle service now connects mall to zoo and resort
Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Park Zoo and Resort (EPZR) has launched a complimentary shuttle service from Al Wahda Mall, aimed at making visits more convenient for families, residents and tourists.The initiative comes as part of a year-long partnership between the zoo and the mall. Operating every Friday, »»»
GERB Chair Borissov Warns of Severe Consequences from Budget Extension
In a video address released on Wednesday, GERB Chair Boyko Borissov said that the consequences of an extended budget would be severe. He confirmed GERB-UDF Deputy Floor Leader Denitsa Sacheva's words, who earlier Wednesday said that GERB-UDF would only back the budget extension in Parliament. Boris»»»
Weather alert: Dubai Police urge caution on rain-soaked roads
Dubai Police have urged motorists to drive with extreme caution during periods of unstable weather and rainfall, warning that such conditions pose serious risks to road safety and traffic flow. Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said re»»»
Pakistan again extends ban on Indian aircraft over its airspace
Dubai: Pakistan on Wednesday has again extended restrictions on Indian aircraft flying through its airspace until January 23, a week before the previous ban was set to expire on December 24, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). “Pakistan airspace will remain closed to Indian-register»»»
Ajman Police launch one-step disabled parking permit service via smart app
The General Headquarters of Ajman Police has introduced a simple, one-step service for obtaining a parking permit for People of Determination through the Ajman Police smart app, as part of its zero-bureaucracy initiatives and efforts to streamline government procedures. Colonel Abdullah Humaid Al M»»»
From fireworks to festivities: 9 must-visit venues for Qatar National Day celebrations
Doha, Qatar: With the Qatar National Day holidays just around the corner, the country is gearing up for a long weekend of celebration. Here are some must-visit venues where you can fully enjoy the Qatar National Day festivities. Doha CornicheThe National Day Parade will kick off on December 18, 202»»»
Chinese slowdown is threatening global growth
by Maye Kabil Fears of a China-led slowdown in global economic growth are leading financial markets, two weeks after the Chinese decision to devaluate the Yuan. Shares are falling across the globe on increased signs of China’s economic troubles, which have spurred competitive devaluations in emergi»»»
Drone attacks on Anti-Security Threats Agency after seizure of boats designated for illegal migration and death of criminal militia leader ‘‘Al-Amu’’ during its security counter-operation
The Anti-Security Threats Agency reported yesterday that it was subjected to drone attacks last Monday (15 December) in the city of Sabrata by an unidentified party. The attack targeted seized boat exhibits of the Illegal Migration Prosecution housed within its Sabratha Camp. The Anti-Security Thre»»»
Geagea urges boycott of legislative session, accuses Berri of blackmail
Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea on Wednesday called on all MPs to boycott Thursday’s legislative session, while accusing Speaker Nabih Berri of “blackmailing the North’s MPs over the Qoleiat airport clause.” Geagea also urged voters “who want expats to vote for the 128 seats at their places of r»»»
Things to do this weekend in Qatar (December 18-20, 2025)
Doha, Qatar: On this week’s Things To Do This Weekend, a selection of events taking place across Doha this weekend was highlighted, as residents and citizens enjoy a splendid long weekend marked by the Qatar National Day holiday on December 18. Qatar comes alive with cultural festivities, family-fr»»»
QMC CEO meets General Director of Gulf Radio and Television Corporation
Doha, Qatar: CEO of the Qatar Media Corporation HE Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulaziz bin Jassim Al-Thani received today in his office Director General of the Gulf Radio and Television Corporation HE Majri Al Qahtani. During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance media integration and cooperation amo»»»
TISP Warns Against Election Code Changes Before Upcoming Elections
There Is Such a People (TISP) Floor Leader Toshko Yordanov said here on Wednesday that making changes to the Election Code shortly before elections is extremely harmful, as parties tend to pull the rules in their favor. He spoke to journalists at the President's administration following consultatio»»»
Russia Ready to Help Iran Find Solutions to Nuclear Program Crisis - Lavrov
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia is ready to assist Iran in the search of a suitable settlement of the crisis connected with its nuclear program, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday. "Russia reaffirms its readiness to help our Iranian friends to find acceptable solutions to resolve th»»»
Donation to pay rent for struggling families facing eviction in Dubai
Dubai: A Dh3 million donation from the Tarahum Charity Foundation will help struggling families and individuals in Dubai clear outstanding rent dues and avoid the risk of eviction, following support extended to the Rental Disputes Center (RDC). The contribution will be used to settle rental obligat»»»
U.S. Backs Bulgaria-North Macedonia Dialogue but Won’t Mediate
The United States will support dialogue between Bulgaria and North Macedonia but will not act as a mediator, U.S. Ambassador to Skopje Angela Aggeler confirmed in an interview. Speaking on North Macedonian television channel Sitel, Aggeler emphasized that while the U.S. welcomes progress, it will n»»»
Prime Minister Attends EU–Western Balkans Summit in Brussels
The Prime Minister Edi Rama is in Brussels today to take part in the EU–Western Balkans Summit, bringing together leaders from the Western Balkans and senior representatives of the European Union. Rama was received in a meeting by the President of the European Council, António Costa. The Albanian p»»»
Students Demand Higher Scholarships and Fair Elections
Representatives of the STOP student initiative called for higher academic scholarships, fair elections with machine voting, and amendments to the Election Code at a press conference in Sofia on Wednesday. The topic of the public discussion was Stop and Restart of the State and Higher Education. The»»»
Bulgarian Orthodox Church Donates to Children's ENT Department at Sofia's ISUL Hospital
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC) presented a donation to the Children's ENT Department at University Hospital Tsaritsa Yoanna-ISUL here on Wednesday. The donation was handed over by Patriarch Daniil and Metropolitan Gavriil of Lovech, head of the BOC’s Cultural and Educational Department. A cere»»»
Dubai New Year 2026: Unified media strategy for festivities
Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Community Happiness at Dubai Police, chaired a key coordination meeting of the Joint Media Team for Dubai’s New Year 2026 celebrations. The session brought together representatives from government, semi-government, and private»»»
Ras Al Khaimah Courts launch new civil marriage service at Wasetak Centre
Ras Al Khaimah Courts have introduced a new civil marriage contract service at the Wasetak Centre for Transaction Clearance and Translation, allowing couples to complete marriage procedures remotely and receive officially attested contracts on the same day. The service was inaugurated in the presen»»»
Felony charges filed over 4-ton cocaine seizure aboard fishing vessel
Greek prosecutors have filed felony charges against an alleged Greek cocaine trafficker and four others in connection with the drug-laden fishing vessel Ourania, authorities said. The alleged ringleader appeared at the prosecutor’s office wearing a bulletproof vest, while investigators believe the »»»
Donations Exceed BGN 240 Mln in 2024
Companies, foundations and individuals donated more than BGN 240 million in 2024, Bulgarian Donors’ Forum (BDF) Executive Director Teodora Bakardzhieva said on Wednesday, while presenting information collected from the National Statistical Institute, the National Revenue Agency, municipalities and »»»
Global recognition: Dubai Police named World's Most Agile Force by BAI
Dubai Police has been officially recognised as the world’s most agile police force, receiving accreditation from the Business Agility Institute (BAI) for excellence in organisational agility. The accolade follows a thorough assessment of leadership capabilities and the maturity of Dubai Police’s ec»»»
Paddy Power Betfair to pay £2m over problem gambling failings
Paddy Power Betfair has agreed to pay £2m for failing to step in quickly enough when customers appeared to be problem gambling. The Gambling Commission identified instances where the bookie did not intervene soon enough to customers engaging in harmful gambling behaviour, including when one custome»»»
Qatar, US sign letter of intent, joint statement to advance security partnerships
DOHA: Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani received Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and her accompanying delegation. During the meeting, both sides reviewed avenues for enhancin»»»
Tunisia, Qatar seek to exchange expertise in infrastructure projects
Tunis, Dec. 17 (TAP) - The exchange of expertise between Tunisia and Qatar in infrastructure projects was the focus of a meeting held between Minister of Public Works and Housing Slah Zouari and President of Qatar’s Public Works Authority...»»»
Two 15-year-olds arrested after motorcycle chase and crash
Two 15-year-olds were arrested on Tuesday afternoon in the Stavroupoli neighborhood of Thessaloniki, northern Greece, after fleeing police on a motorcycle and crashing during a pursuit, authorities said. Police said the teenagers ignored orders to stop for a check and attempted to escape, colliding»»»
Protests Clearly Frighten Ruling Coalition, So They Refuse to Discuss Draft 2026 Budget, CC-DB MP Mirchev Says
Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) MP Ivaylo Mirchev told journalists on Wednesday in the parliamentary lobby: “They were obviously frightened by the protest we organized, and Peevski's ruling coalition, the curator of the Museum of Socialist Budgets, immediately voted in the opposit»»»
Where to buy Christmas trees in UAE? Prices, origins and real vs artificial debate
As the festive season approaches, homes across the UAE are beginning to sparkle with lights, ornaments and Christmas trees – a tradition embraced by the Christian community in the country and increasingly by local retailers catering to every budget and taste. From hypermarkets and home stores to va»»»
Malayalis in UAE split on watching Dileep’s comeback film ‘Bha Bha Ba’ after acquittal ahead of release
Dubai: When the name Dileep hits the headlines in Kerala today, it rarely comes without controversy. The actor, once celebrated for his charm and box-office draw, is now the center of a moral and cultural debate that spans the Malayali diaspora. His upcoming film Bha Bha Ba, released after his rece»»»
Bulgaria's Borissov Warns of Severe Fallout as Parliament Moves Toward an Extended Budget
GERB leader Boyko Borissov warned that prolonging the existing budget framework would have serious social and financial repercussions. In a video statement from the party headquarters, he reiterated the position earlier voiced in parliament by GERB deputy group chair Denitsa Sacheva: in the plenary»»»
Amir meets US secretary of homeland security
DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, met on Wednesday in his office at Lusail Palace with Secretary of Homeland Security of the United States of America, Kristi Noem, and her accompanying delegation, who are visiting the country. The meeting discussed »»»
Trump orders blockade of 'sanctioned oil tankers' bound for Venezuela
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the US will impose a blockade on all “sanctioned oil tankers” entering or leaving Venezuela, dramatically escalating his administration’s campaign against President Nicolás Maduro. The move follows the recent seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coa»»»
MoI calls for safe, law-abiding celebrations during Qatar National Day
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior has emphasized the importance of ensuring that all celebrations reflect the authentic values of Qatari society and present a civilized image of the State of Qatar, on the occasion of the National Day of the State. The event embodies the values of loyalty and na»»»
EU postpones decision on opening Cluster 3 with Serbia, calls for continued reforms
BRUSSELS - EU member states have postponed the opening of Cluster 3 (Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth) in Serbia's EU accession talks. In conclusions on enlargement, the Presidency of the Council of the EU said the Council would "revert to the issue of the opening of Cluster 3 in line with the »»»
Inside Dubai Metro’s Blue Line: 12% complete and accelerating toward 2029
Dubai: Construction of the Dubai Metro Blue Line has reached 12 per cent completion, with more than 3,500 personnel now deployed across 12 active sites to ensure the project meets its 2029 deadline. The progress update followed a meeting of the Dubai Metro Blue Line Forum, chaired by Mattar Al Taye»»»
UAE weather forecast: Brace for heavy rain, dust storms from Thursday until weekend
Dubai: Residents and travellers in the UAE are experiencing atmospheric instability as the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts a mix of heavy rainfall ,duststorms, and shifting winds. A significant shift in the UAE's weather pattern is currently underway as a deep low-pressure system mov»»»
Gaza families struggle to recover from days of torrential rains that killed 12 people
Deir Al Balah: Palestinians in Gaza struggled to recover Tuesday from torrential rains that battered the enclave for days, flooding camps for the displaced, collapsing buildings already badly damaged in the two-year war and leaving at least 12 dead, including a two-week-old baby. The downpour, whic»»»
Wizz Air to launch Skopje-Prague flight
Skopje, 15 December 2025 (MIA) - Wizz Air is set to launch the Skopje-Prague flight at the Skopje International Airport on Monday. Deputy PM and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski announced the flight over the summer, alongside the airline's other destinations that were set to launch by the en»»»
ADNOC’s XRG gets near-total control of Covestro AG after Dh63b takeover
Dubai: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s investment arm, XRG P.J.S.C., has secured near-total control of Covestro AG, holding about 95.10% of the company’s voting rights, according to recent regulatory filings in Germany. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The disclosures,»»»
Deputies elect three Vice Speakers of Parliament of Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
Deputies of the 8th convocation of Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan elected three Vice Speakers today at their first meeting. MP Chyngyz Azhibaev became First Deputy Speaker. Zhyldyz Taalaibek kyzy and Karim Khanjeza were also elected Vice Speakers. Photo Chyngyz Azhibaev 82 deputies voted for Chyngyz»»»
Spanish Police Evict Hundreds of Migrants from Squat Deemed Safety Hazard
Police in northeastern Spain carried out eviction orders Wednesday to clear an abandoned school building where hundreds of mostly undocumented migrants were living in a squat north of Barcelona. Knowing that the eviction in the middle of winter was coming, most of the occupants had left to try to f»»»
Over two thirds of Romanian consumers do not return to brands for a second purchase – White Image analysis
White Image, Romania’s longest-established email marketing company, has launched the Customer Loyalty Index, a large-scale analysis based on aggregated data from campaigns run for brands in retail, financial services, e-commerce, and B2B. The index analyses post-purchase consumer behaviour in Roman»»»
UAE hotels hit 90% occupancy as families chase beach escapes amid soaring flight prices
Dubai: Dubai’s beachfront resorts are heading for sell-out status this New Year’s Eve, as UAE residents rush to lock in last staycation deals under Dh1,000 before they disappear. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.With room rates driven up by record visitor arrivals and s»»»
Truth or Fake - Lumpy skin disease: Storm-1516 spreads disinformation about French farmers’ protests
As France battles an outbreak of lumpy skin disease among livestock, some farmers are protesting government measures such as the culling of entire herds. Videos claiming to support them have gone viral online, but some are AI-generated. In this edition of Truth or Fake, we take a closer look at how»»»
Louvre to partially reopen after vote to extend strike over working conditions
The Louvre Museum will partially reopen on Wednesday after staff voted to extend a strike over pay and working conditions, according to union representatives. Frustrations at the world's most visited museum were further sharpened by fallout from the theft of crown jewels during a daylight robbery t»»»
What are the 'ghost ships' Venezuela is using to evade oil sanctions?
In a further escalation of tension between the United States and Venezuela, President Donald Trump has ordered a naval blockade to stop sanctioned oil tankers from entering and leaving the South American country. Venezuela - which has the world's largest proven oil reserves - is highly dependent on»»»
Military Operation Goals Will Certainly be Achieved - Putin
The Russian armed forces are demonstrating high military efficiency, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday."In such difficult conditions, our troops are demonstrating high combat effectiveness," Putin said at an expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board.The capabilities of»»»
German and French Ambassadors Defend Bulgarian Judicial Chief Amid Cybersecurity Controversy
In an unusual diplomatic move, the ambassadors of Germany and France, H.E. Irene Plank and H.E. Marie Dumoulin, personally met with Galina Zakharova, chairwoman of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), to express support for the independence of Bulgaria’s judiciary. The joint statement from the two e»»»
Ariane 6 Lifts Off with 2 European Navigation Satellites
A European Ariane 6 rocket blasted off from France's Kourou space base in French Guiana early Wednesday, carrying two Galileo global navigation satellites, according to an AFP correspondent. Lift-off was at 2:01 am local time (0501 GMT) for the fourth commercial flight of the Ariane 6 launch system»»»