The Peninsula 5m

Myanmar sets late January date for final election round

Yangon: Myanmar's junta will stage the third and final round of its heavily restricted elections on January 25, a statement said Thursday, just days before polls open for the first batch of ballots. Democracy watchdogs say the junta-run vote is a charade to rebrand the rule of the military, which s»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Gulf News 33m

Last Christians gather in ruins of Turkey’s quake-hit Antakya

Antakya: Saint Peter’s, one of the world’s oldest rock churches, is a sacred rallying point for the isolated Christians still left in quake-hit Antakya in southeastern Turkey, the city known in ancient times as Antioch. “Since the earthquake, our community has scattered,” said worshipper Mari Ibri.»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 47m

Watch: Dubai's giant edible gingerbread houses spread Christmas joy

Dubai: This Christmas festive season in Dubai has reached new heights of sweetness with spectacular giant gingerbread houses including ones that visitors can actually step inside. These edible architectural and culinary wonders are turning heads, offering families and Christmas enthusiasts unique p»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 47m

Real-time DMS alerts make Dubai roads safer and faster

Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has hailed its Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) system as a key driver in making travel across the city smoother and safer. The system, which displays real-time messages to drivers, has helped reduce travel times by up to 20% on major roads. It also improve»»»

gulfnews.com
24 News Agency 1h

Attempted abduction of foreigner in Issyk-Kul: Suspect detained - | 24.KG

A man suspected of attempting to forcibly place a foreign national into a car has been detained in Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan, the Internal Affairs Department of the region reported. The incident came to light after a video circulated on Instagram on December 24, 2025, showing an attempt to for»»»

24.kg
24 News Agency 1h

EBRD to allocate €8.3M for rehabilitation of Osh wastewater treatment facilities - | 24.KG

On December 25, deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh considered an agreement between Kyrgyzstan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on the project «Expansion of Wastewater Treatment Facilities in Osh city.» It was noted that the EBRD has already implemented two phases of the «»»»

24.kg
Qatar Tribune 1h

Qatar condemns attack targeting police patrol in Pakistan

DOHA: The State of Qatar voiced its condemnation and denunciation of the attack that targeted a police patrol in the Karak district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northwestern Pakistan, claiming several lives. In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qa»»»

qatar-tribune.com
Bulgarian News Agency 1h

Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil Arrives on First Peaceful Visit to Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul

Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia Daniil arrived on his first peaceful visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul on Thursday. On the church delegation are metropolitans Anthony of Western and Central Europe, John of Varna and Veliko Preslav, Naum of Ruse, Cyprian of Stara Zagora,»»»

bta.bg
Al Awsat 1h

Mohammad Bakri, Renowned and Controversial Palestinian Actor and Filmmaker, Dies at 72

Mohammad Bakri, a Palestinian director and actor who sought to share the complexities of Palestinian identity and culture through a variety of works in both Arabic and Hebrew, has died, his family announced. He was 72. Bakri was best known for “Jenin, Jenin,” a 2003 documentary he directed about an»»»

english.aawsat.com
Qatar Tribune 1h

Municipality ministry organises inaugural National Forum on Public Cleanliness

DOHA: The Public Cleanliness Department at the Ministry of Municipality organised the first National Forum on Public Cleanliness Thursday, under the slogan 'Towards a Clean, Smart and Sustainable City,' with broad participation from government agencies, private sector partners, universities, academ»»»

qatar-tribune.com
Al Awsat 2h

Daughters of King Charles' Brother Andrew Join Royals for Christmas Service

Britain's Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie attended the royal family's traditional Christmas Day church service on Thursday, while their father Andrew, recently stripped ​of his titles over ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was absent. King Charles and Queen Camilla led senior royals t»»»

english.aawsat.com
Al Awsat 2h

'The Best Gift Ever': Baby is Born after the Rarest of Pregnancies, Defying All Odds

Suze Lopez holds her baby boy on her lap and marvels at the remarkable way he came into the world. Before little Ryu was born, he developed outside his mom’s womb, hidden by a basketball-sized ovarian cyst — a dangerous situation so rare that his doctors plan to write about the case for a medical j»»»

english.aawsat.com
Gulf News 2h

Fujairah Police unveil comprehensive security plan for New Year’s Eve

Fujairah: Fujairah Police have completed their security and traffic preparations for New Year’s Eve, announcing a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring the safety and smooth movement of residents and visitors across the emirate. Police said the comprehensive security readiness plan combines heighten»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 2h

Dubai strengthens film industry with new committee

Dubai: The newly established Dubai Film Development Committee, formed under the Dubai Media Council to drive growth in the emirate’s film sector, held its first meeting at the Council’s headquarters. The session focused on reviewing the committee’s mandate, discussing its operational framework, and»»»

gulfnews.com
Tanjug 2h

Djedovic Handanovic: Russian side in talks with MOL about NIS, has contacted OFAC

BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said on Thursday Russian shareholders in the Serbian oil company NIS were in talks with Hungary's MOL about exiting ownership of NIS and that they had contacted the US Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) to ensure the »»»

tanjug.rs
Al Awsat 2h

Coastguard Rescue 52 Migrants off Greece, Boy Missing

Greek coastguard were searching Thursday for a missing child off the island of Farmakonisi after rescuing 52 migrants in two separate incidents in the Aegean Sea, local media reported. They found 13 migrants who had arrived on the small, uninhabited island, but one boy was reported missing from the»»»

english.aawsat.com
The Peninsula 2h

Qatar condemns attack targeting police patrol in Pakistan

Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar expresses its condemnation and denunciation of the attack that targeted a police patrol in Karak District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, in the northwest of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which resulted in fatalities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the »»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Gulf News 2h

Dubai enacts new law to expand Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives

Dubai: Dubai has enacted a new law to formalise and expand the role of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), establishing a comprehensive legal and governance framework for one of the UAE’s largest humanitarian and development platforms. The law, issued by His Highness Shei»»»

gulfnews.com
MIA 2h

ESC: No agreement over minimum wage, Government not against increase while requiring economic justification, unions announce more radical actions

Skopje, 22 December 2025 (MIA) - The Economic-Social Council (ESC) did not reach a decision over an increase of the minimum wage at a session on Monday. The Government said it is not against an increase but asked for economic justification of the move, noting that economic parameters "show there is»»»

mia.mk
Sputnik 2h

Russia’s ‘Responsible Stewardship’ Led Ruble to Outshine Weaponized Dollar

Russia’s “conservative” policy has driven the ruble up 45% since the start of 2025, noted veteran financial analyst Paul Goncharoff, who is also the general director of Goncharoff LLC. This policy course by Russia explains why, despite sweeping Western sanctions, the ruble has outperformed every ma»»»

sputniknews.com
Gulf News 2h

Pakistani missions warn of visa scam stealing personal data

Dubai: The Consulate General of Pakistan in Los Angeles has issued a stern warning to international travellers after a fraudulent message claiming to be an “important notice” about Pakistan visas circulated online. Authorities confirmed that the message is part of a phishing scam aimed at stealing »»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 3h

Traffic alert: Partial road closure announced on key road in Sharjah

Sharjah: The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has announced a temporary partial closure of Sheikh Mohammed bin Musa Al Khwarizmi Street in the Al Juraina 1 area, near the House of Wisdom, as part of routine road maintenance works. The closure will begin on Friday, December 26, 2025, and»»»

gulfnews.com
Middle East Observer 3h

The 20 Most Promising Egyptian Start-ups

1- Instabug: It was founded by Moataz Soliman and Omar Gabr in 2013. Instabug gives app developers a tool to help them detect software glitches. Its customers include Yahoo, PayPal, Soundcloud, and Souq. In June 2016, Instabug founders raised $1.7 million in seed funding from Palo Alto, California-»»»

Novinite 3h

Snow and Ice Paralyze Roads Across Bulgaria, Traffic Incidents Reported Nationwide

Snow and ice are complicating traffic conditions across nearly the entire country, with multiple incidents reported and authorities urging drivers to exercise extreme caution. In the Vidin region, a truck overturned and another heavy vehicle ended up in a roadside ditch. Drivers report that both in»»»

novinite.com
Gulf News 3h

Pakistan leaders honour Christian community, reaffirm minority rights

Dubai: Pakistan’s political and military leadership on Thursday extended heartfelt greetings to the Christian community, celebrating their contributions to the country and reaffirming the nation’s commitment to equality, religious freedom, and national unity. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif »»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 3h

Rs5 for a thali promises dignity on a plate in India

In a city where a basic meal at a roadside dhaba can easily set you back hundreds of rupees, Delhi residents struggling to make ends meet were greeted on Thursday with an offer that sounds almost unreal: a wholesome thali for just Rs 5. On the 101st birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal B»»»

gulfnews.com
Dailynews Hungary 3h

Burning wreaths, deadly fires and animal rescues: Christmas Eve kept Hungarian firefighters on nonstop alert

Follow our Facebook page to get the latest news about Hungary! Follow our X (Twitter) page to get the latest news about Hungary! Subscribe to our Telegram channel to get the latest news about Hungary! whatsapp Subscribe to our WhatsApp channel to get the latest news about Hungary! ENITHRNLFRJARORUE»»»

dailynewshungary.com
Gulf News 3h

Last-minute UAE Xmas, New Year travel still possible with these hacks

Dubai: A Christmas or New Year getaway may still be within reach for UAE residents — even at the last minute — provided travellers are willing to be flexible on routes, airlines and departure points, travel agents say. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Planning a last-mi»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 3h

Sheikh Hamdan reveals stunning new artwork at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai

Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, shared a glimpse of a striking new art installation on his Instagram stories on Thursday. The piece, now adorning the Nad Al Sh»»»

gulfnews.com
BBC 4h

Pope Leo urges 'courage' to end Ukraine war in first Christmas address

Pope Leo has urged Ukraine and Russia to find the "courage" to hold direct talks to end the war during his first Christmas remarks to crowds in St Peter's square. He called for an end to conflicts around the world during his Urbi et Orbi address, which is traditionally delivered by the pontiff on C»»»

bbc.com
Naharnet 4h

2 killed in Israeli strike on van in Bekaa

Two people were killed Thursday in an Israeli drone strike on a van in the Hawsh al-Sayyed Ali area in the Bekaa. An Israeli drone strike had overnight targeted a car in the southern town of Jannata, wounding one person, with Israel claiming that it struck a Hezbollah member. Israel has kept up reg»»»

The Peninsula 4h

Southern California soaked by powerful Christmas storms

Los Angeles, United States: Flash flood warnings were in effect in Los Angeles and most of southern California on Wednesday as one of the worst Christmas storms in recent memory brought heavy rain and fears of deadly mudslides. Driven by an atmospheric river known as "the Pineapple Express," which »»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Al Manar 4h

Iraqi PM: Normalization Is Not in Iraq’s Dictionary

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani said the country does not need normalization, stressing that the term “is not in Iraq’s dictionary.” Speaking during Christmas celebrations at St. Joseph’s Church in Baghdad on Wednesday, Al-Sudani said Iraq’s position on what he described as “issues of »»»

Gulf News 4h

Dubai’s RTA makes visiting Hatta Festival easy

Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced special transport arrangements to ease travel for visitors heading to the Hatta Festival 2025. The authority said dedicated parking areas have been set up around the festival venue and near Wadi Hub. Shuttle buses will operate through»»»

gulfnews.com
Al Awsat 4h

Türkiye Begins Black Box Analysis of Jet Crash That Killed Libyan Military Chief and 7 Others

The technical analysis of the recovered black boxes from a jet crash that killed eight people, including western Libya’s military chief, began as the investigation proceeded in cooperation with Libyan authorities, the Turkish Ministry of Defense said Thursday. The private jet with Gen. Muhammad Ali»»»

english.aawsat.com
The Peninsula 4h

Bird flu case reported at poultry farm in Japan

Tokyo: Japan's Ibaraki Prefecture said Thursday that it has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a poultry farm, marking the tenth such case in the country this season. The eastern prefecture said that the outbreak in the farm in Shirosato will lead to the culling of about »»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Gulf News 4h

Tu Meri Main Tera movie review from UAE: Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday’s love story has zero spark or substance

Tu Meri MainTera Main Teri Tu MeriDirector: Sameer VidwansCast: Ananya Panday, Kartik Aaryan, Neena Gupta, Jackie Shroff★★Dubai: I went into Tu Meri, Main Tera, Main Tera, Tu Meri with the cautious optimism one reserves for Bollywood rom-coms. Maybe it would be frothy. Maybe it would be charming. M»»»

gulfnews.com
24 News Agency 4h

Implementation rate of People’s Kurultai delegates’ proposals reaches 71 percent - | 24.KG

Head of the Secretariat of the People’s Kurultai, Myktybek Abdyldaev, spoke about the number of appeals submitted by delegates and how they are being implemented. «Over 2023–2024, we processed 5,900 appeals received from delegates of the People’s Kurultai. Of these, 3,026 appeals were worked throug»»»

24.kg
The Peninsula 4h

Nvidia expands AI empire with Groq talent grab

San Francisco, United States: Nvidia has hired the leadership of a promising AI chip startup, a statement said Wednesday, as the artificial intelligence giant expands its tech empire. Chip maker Groq said the departure of its top executives was part of a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Nvidi»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Gulf News 4h

Ras Al Khaimah security: Police unveil 2026 New Year’s Eve plan

Ras Al Khaimah Police have announced their comprehensive security and traffic plan for the 2026 New Year’s Eve celebrations, in coordination with key government partners and strategic authorities across the emirate. The plan includes the deployment of more than 70 traffic patrols to ensure smooth t»»»

gulfnews.com
Sputnik 5h

Almost 40% of Ukrainians Believe Zelensky Part of Corrupt Scheme in Gov’t - Poll

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Over 90% of Ukrainians rate the level of corruption in the country as high, and almost 40% believe Volodymyr Zelensky was part of a corrupt scheme within his inner circle, a poll conducted by center for social and marketing research SOCIS showed. According to the poll, 54.8% of r»»»

sputniknews.com
Egypt Independent 5h

PM says Egypt aims for lowest public debt levels in 50 years

CAIRO, Dec 24 (MENA) – Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Egypt had begun a downward path in its debt indicators, noting that public debt had fallen to about 84 percent of GDP from 96 percent two years ago, and that the government was working to reduce it to levels not seen in five decades. Madbo»»»

egyptindependent.com
The Peninsula 5h

Bolsonaro hospitalized ahead of surgery

Brasília, Brazil: Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro, imprisoned for attempting a coup, has been admitted to hospital in Brasilia where he will undergo a planned surgery, his doctors said Wednesday. A convoy of black cars and motorcycles entered the parking garage of the DF Star hospital earl»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Gulf News 5h

Pakistan Association Dubai wins Gold at CDA’s Ethraa Awards

Dubai: Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) has been awarded Gold at the prestigious Ethraa Empowerment Program for Non-Profit Organisations, recognising its outstanding contributions to governance, service quality, and community impact. The award was presented by Hessa Essa Buhumaid, Director General »»»

gulfnews.com
BBC 5h

Turkey arrests 115 IS suspects 'planning New Year's attacks'

Turkish authorities say they have disrupted planned attacks on Christmas and New Year's events after arresting more than 100 suspected members of the so-called Islamic State group. Mass raids were carried out at 124 addresses across Istanbul, the capital's chief prosecutor said, with firearms, ammu»»»

bbc.com
Novinite 5h

Why Bulgarians Are Losing Money by Rushing to Exchange Leva For Euros

If someone decides to exchange Bulgarian leva for euros at a currency exchange office right now, the loss is noticeable. For every 100 leva, the difference compared to the official fixed rate amounts to around 1.70 leva, or about 0.88 euros, Radio Free Europe reports. After January 1, however, exch»»»

novinite.com
Gulf News 5h

Public release of Epstein records puts Maxwell under fresh scrutiny

New York: Days after Ghislaine Maxwell asked a judge to immediately free her from a 20-year prison sentence, the public release of grand jury transcripts from her sex trafficking case returned the spotlight to victims whose allegations helped land her behind bars. The disclosure of the transcripts »»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 6h

Southern California soaked by powerful Christmas storms

Los Angeles: Flash flood warnings were in effect in Los Angeles and most of southern California on Wednesday as one of the worst Christmas storms in recent memory brought heavy rain and fears of deadly mudslides. Driven by an atmospheric river known as “the Pineapple Express,” which moves heavy moi»»»

gulfnews.com
The Peninsula 6h

Doha Debates releases its first Latin America town hall

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation’s Doha Debates, in collaboration with Qatar’s Years of Culture, a national initiative that brings people together through cultural exchange, has released its first Latin America town hall, “How Should We Reinvent the City?” Held at Buenos Aires’ Usina del Arte, the eve»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com