The pull of home can be strong – even when it is a place you can't remember. That is how it is for Ahmed, 18. He emerges from a mosque in the heart of Gaziantep in south-east Turkey - not far from the Syrian border - wearing a black T-shirt with "Syria" written on the front. His family fled his hom»»»

In Plovdiv, students at Tsar Simeon the Great Secondary School are learning about the euro and how to handle money ahead of Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone. Special interactive lessons have been prepared for the fourth-graders, combining theory with practical exercises. Presentations introduce t»»»

In 2026, Kyrgyzstan’s economy will maintain its regional leadership in GDP growth, reaching approximately 9.3 percent. The forecast was prepared by the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB). Analysts note that this growth will be driven by increased investment in transport, energy, water supply, and hous»»»

Doha, Qatar: A recent tourism market analysis by Mordor Intelligence highlights Qatar’s travel sector as a key driver of economic diversification, projecting ongoing expansion in visitor numbers and tourism infrastructure through 2026, supported by strategic marketing and enhanced connectivity. The»»»

The man who disarmed one of the gunmen who killed 15 people at a Jewish event at Bondi Beach has revealed his thoughts in the moments before his heroic actions. In verified footage, Ahmed al Ahmed - a Sydney shop owner born and raised in Syria - tackled one of the two shooters from behind, wrestlin»»»

Qatar Amiri Air Force as part of his visit to Qatar. During the visit, he met with Commander of Qatar Amiri Air Force Maj Gen (Pilot) Faisal Khalid Al-Ghanim. During the meeting, the two sides discussed topics of mutual interest and ways to enhance and develop them. During the visit, the Chief of S»»»

Doha, Qatar: The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has received full accreditation from the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) for its Diploma in Information Technology (Dip IT) and Diploma in Information Systems (Dip. IS), offered through the College of Computing and»»»

Doha, Qatar: For the young musicians of Qatar Music Academy, a one-week camp at the Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid offered far more than intensive training – it was a transformative experience that boosted confidence, broadened horizons, and opened new pathways for the future. In the month w»»»

Dubai: A five-year-old boy has died at a Japanese ski resort after his arm became trapped in an outdoor moving walkway, prompting an investigation into why the machine’s automated safety systems failed to engage. Hinata Goto, a kindergartner from Sapporo, was visiting the Asari Ski Resort in Otaru,»»»

The UN is experiencing a financial crisis due to unpaid contributions from several countries, including the largest payer and, by extension, the largest debtor - the US, which owes over $3 billion. The UN is barely involved in resolving most of the world's conflicts today and must regain this role,»»»

Dubai: New car prices across the Gulf have held broadly steady this year, although affordability still varies sharply between markets, with Saudi Arabia remaining the most cost-effective place to buy a mass-market vehicle and the UAE at the other end of the scale. A new comparative pricing study co»»»

A professional cycling team, Lokomotiv Manas, has been formed in Kyrgyzstan. The Cycling Federation reported. The new professional road cycling team Lokomotiv Manas will represent the country at international competitions. The team has already obtained a UCI continental license and plans to compete»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has underscored the increasing role of Al Sudan Bus Station within Qatar’s integrated public transport network, reaffirming its capacity, service readiness and alignment with the country’s sustainability objectives. In a post on its official X account ye»»»

Doha, Qatar: Reinforcing its commitment to supporting local production and food security, LuLu Hypermarket Qatar, in cooperation with the Agricultural Affairs Department under the Ministry of Municipality, officially launched the ‘Made in Qatar – Qatari Products Our First Choice’ campaign at LuLu H»»»

The Syrian Defense Ministry announced on Sunday the deployment of military forces in the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartus in wake of an armed attack against security forces and civilians during recent protests. Syrian television said the deployment was happening after "outlawed groups" carried »»»

Twenty-six MPs from the 51st National Assembly, or around 11% of the total 240, have been reprimanded in 2025. Three of those 26 have also received censure, according to data from the National Assembly website. According to article 154 of the Rules of Organization and Procedure of the National Asse»»»

A man was beaten in Bishkek. Four suspects have been detained. The press service of the Internal Affairs Department of Leninsky district reported. According to police, on December 28 at 1:48 a.m., a call was received by the 102 service reporting that a group of individuals was beating a man lying o»»»

Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi was named President of the Year at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai yesterday, leading a night of major honours for the French champions. PSG collected seven awards in total after completing a historic 2025 season, capped by victory over Flamengo in »»»

Doha, Qatar: Paris Saint-Germain were honoured at the Globe Soccer Awards ceremony, held annually in Dubai yesterday. With seven awards won, the entire Parisian team was recognised, reflecting the work carried out at all levels throughout this historic year. Less than two weeks ago, Paris Saint-Ger»»»

Doha, Qatar: Mohammed Saleh struck deep into stoppage time to rescue Al Rayyan from defeat as they drew 2-2 with Al Arabi in a Qatar Stars League clash at Al Thumama Stadium yesterday. Al Rayyan had looked set to leave empty-handed despite scoring first, but Palestine international Saleh surged in »»»

Doha, Qatar: Norwegian maestro Magnus Carlsen underlined his dominance of elite chess by winning the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha yesterday, finishing a point clear of the field with 10.5 points from 13 rounds. At Qatar University’s Sports and Events Complex, the world No. 1 cla»»»

Dubai: A 70-year-old man has died and more than 150 passengers narrowly escaped after fire tore through two air-conditioned coaches of the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Junction Super-Fast Express near Visakhapatnam in the early hours of Monday. The deceased was identified as Chandrasekhar Sundar, a resident»»»

Azat Mirakhimov has been named the best coach of the year 2025 by the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports of Kyrgyzstan. The announcement was made during the Olympic Ball that took place in Bishkek. Azat Mirakhimov has been coaching the Kyrgyz national freestyle wrestling team since the en»»»

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC), founded by Qatar Foundation (QF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour (MoL), and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), launched yesterday the Winter Edition of its job-shadowing program ‘My Career – My Future,’ at Multa»»»

Doha, Qatar: Childhood obesity in the region, including Qatar, is widely misunderstood as a matter of individual discipline or quick policy solutions, according to a Doha-based health expert. However, it is a long-term challenge shaped by biology, economics, urban design, and social norms, one that»»»

Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, Gen Kenneth Wilsbach and his accompanying delegation paid an official visit to the Qatar Amiri Air Force during his visit to the State of Qatar, where he met with the Commander of the Qatar Amiri Air Force, Maj Gen (Pilot) Faisal Khalid Al-Ghanim.»»»

Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s aviation sector is set to benefit from a strong regional airline boom, as Middle East carriers are projected to lead global profitability in 2026, reinforcing Doha’s position as a major international aviation hub. Driven by rising passenger demand, expanding route networks and »»»

Valentina Shevchenko has been named by ESPN the best female fighter of 2025. The publication summarized the results and identified the top contenders. Valentina Shevchenko, the current flyweight champion, was named the best athlete in women’s MMA. As a reminder, the native of Kyrgyzstan defeated Ch»»»

Aiperi Medet kyzy has been named Kyrgyzstan’s best female athlete of 2025 by the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports. The announcement was made during the Olympic Ball that took place in Bishkek. Aiperi Medet kyzy was recognized as the top female athlete in Olympic sports. She was the only»»»

A five-year-old boy in Japan has died while on a ski holiday with his family after his arm caught on a travelator. On Sunday morning Hinata Goto was about to step off the travelator at a Hokkaido resort's ski slopes when he fell down and his right arm became trapped in the machinery, Japanese media»»»

Doha, Qatar: Qatar has been at the forefront of digital transformation over the past decade, enhancing its economy and services through significant investments in technology infrastructure and various initiatives that foster the adoption of digital technologies. In 2025, key milestones advanced Qat»»»

BUENOS AIRES (Sputnik) - Thirteen people were killed and 98 injured in a train derailment accident in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, Mexico’s Navy Secretariat said. On Sunday, a train carrying 241 passengers and nine crew members derailed near Nissanda. The ministry previously reported 20 injured peo»»»

Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai edged lower on Monday morning, easing back from a record-setting rally that’s been driven by a global surge in precious metals. The 24-karat variety stood at Dh542.75 per gram at 8:45 am, while 22-karat gold was Dh502.50. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside pri»»»

Kamchybek Tashiev, Chairman of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS), presented the keys to a three-room apartment to Elza Tyuregeldieva, a 51-year-old Karakol resident and mother of six. The state committee’s press center reported. Elza Tyuregeldieva, a single mother of si»»»

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago that restarting trade with Russia could be highly advantageous for both nations, and he also expressed regret that Washington and Moscow were not able to have normal trade relations before. "We [the US and Russia] weren't»»»

Manila: In a library in the Philippines, a dice rattles on the surface of a board before coming to a stop, putting one of its players straight into the path of a powerful typhoon. The teenagers huddled around the table leap into action, shouting instructions and acting out the correct strategies fo»»»

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – US President Donald Trump stated that he understood Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stance on rejecting a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict as a prerequisite for a peace deal. "That's one of the points that we're working on right now. No, not a ceasefire. He [Putin] feels »»»

AMMAN — Jordan Silos and Supply General Company (JSSGC) recorded net profits of approximately JD2.4 million in 2024, according to the Audit Bureau’s latest report.The report, based on the company’s audited budget and financial statements, described the results as positive.In a statement carried by »»»

AMMAN — The Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman) said the food and beverage sector in the Arab region attracted 516 foreign direct investment projects with a total value of nearly $22 billion between 2003 and 2024, generating approximately 93,000 jobs.In its third sector»»»

- Over 23% of investors believe economy is better than last year- 57% of investors expect the economy to improve in 2026- Around 47% of investors believe country is moving in right directionAMMAN — Amid growing regional and global uncertainty, investor confidence in Jordan has shown a “notable” inc»»»

AMMAN — The Amman Stock Exchange’s general index surpassed the 3,600-point threshold, reaching its highest level since 2008, marking a significant milestone for the market.The historic rise reflects improved market performance and increased trading activity, supported by higher trading volumes and »»»

Dubai: As of Monday morning, December 29, 2025, motorists traveling between Dubai and Sharjah are experiencing significant congestion across the major arterial networks. Real-time data from Google Maps and Waze highlights a heavily congested morning rush hour, with travel times nearly doubling on s»»»

At least four people were killed and dozens more injured during demonstrations staged by members of the Alawite minority in Syria on Sunday. The rare protests followed Friday’s deadly bombing at an Alawite mosque in the city of Homs. Clashes broke out on Syria’s coast between protesters from the Al»»»

Niger's military junta has declared a general mobilisation and requisition of people and resources to combat jihadist insurgents, a government statement said Saturday. The measure requires citizens to comply with call-up orders to contribute to national defense as the junta faces growing militant a»»»

French film legend Brigitte Bardot has died at 91, the Bardot foundation announced on Sunday. Bardot starred in more than 50 movies during her career before leaving the film industry to concentrate on animal rights activism. Bardot became a controversial figure in her later decades, with publi»»»

French cinema legend Brigitte Bardot, whose death at 91 was announced on Sunday, was well known for her status as a 1960s sex symbol. In later decades, Bardot became a militant animal rights activist and then veered to the far right, making disparaging remarks about the LGBTQ+ community, Musli»»»

Voters headed to the polls Sunday for the first round of Myanmar's heavily restricted election that campaigners, Western diplomats and the UN's rights chief have all condemned. The Southeast Asian nation is riven by civil war, and residents were not able to cast ballots in areas controlled by »»»

China mobilised army, naval, air force and artillery units around Taiwan on Monday for its "Justice Mission 2025" exercises. Taipei responded by deploying troops to rehearse repelling a potential Chinese attack, underscoring the island's commitment to defending democracy amid escalating regional te»»»

A fire at a nursing home on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi late Sunday killed more 16 people and injured three, a local official said. "There were 16 deaths; three (people) had burn injuries," local fire and rescue agency head Jimmy Rotinsulu told AFP on Monday. Firefighters received the report »»»

US President Donald Trump on Sunday hailed his meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida as “terrific”. Trump said that although “one or two” thorny issues still remain in getting a peace deal in place, Russia and Ukraine are getting closer on Donbas territory status.&nbs»»»