Doctors called it a ‘life sentence’ - now this 63-year-old Filipino expat is running marathons in the UAE on dialysis
Dubai: When Carlo Bacalla laced up his running shoes at the start line of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon in December, it marked far more than another race finish. For the 63-year-old Filipino retiree living in the UAE, it was his first full marathon since beginning hemodialysis treatment and a powerf»»»
Trump says progress made in Ukraine talks but 'thorny issues' remain
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky said progress had been made to end the Ukraine war during Florida talks but the US president admitted the problem of territory remained "unresolved". While both the US and Ukrainian presidents described the talks as "great", Trump said "one or two very thorny iss»»»
Living in fear of Lakurawa - the militant group Trump targeted in Nigeria strikes
Deep fear has long pervaded the arid savannah plains and highlands of north-western Nigeria - even before the US air strikes on the Islamist militants who have made this area their base on Christmas night. The heavily armed jihadists, who dress in camouflage and wear vibrant turbans, have lived in »»»
Trump and Zelensky appear more upbeat - but show little evidence that peace is near
The much-anticipated talks lasted two-and-a-half hours, and that's an achievement in itself. Presidents Trump and Zelensky had never before spent this long in one room, negotiating. Afterwards, optimism was much on display at Mar-a-Lago. It was a "terrific meeting", according to Donald Trump. Volod»»»
9 travel trends UAE fliers will follow when holidaying in 2026
Dubai: Travel patterns are shifting again as UAE residents plan holidays for 2026, guided in part by insights gathered through Bloomberg Pursuits’ Two-Night Minimum city-guide series. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Industry data shows travellers are prioritising immer»»»
Kosovo's ruling party wins election after months of political deadlock
The Albanian nationalist Vetevendosje party has won a landslide victory in Kosovo's parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results. With 90% of the votes counted, the party, whose name means "self determination", was on 50.8%, meaning a third term in power for its leader, Albin Kurti. Th»»»
Why are young people leaving to work abroad?
With rising rents, a tough job market and pay cheques stretched to the limit, some young Britons are choosing to build their futures overseas. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 195,000 people under the age of 35 moved abroad in the year to June. So where are they going, what ar»»»
Toxic air, broken roads and unpicked rubbish - why India's big cities are becoming unliveable
"Want the royal charm of Jaipur? Don't come here, just buy a postcard," a local taxi driver quipped during my recent visit to the north-western Indian city. I had asked him why Rajasthan's amber-hued capital - thriving with tourists drawn to its opulent palaces and majestic forts - looked so ramsha»»»
'Superiority' concerns over 1996 royal yacht visit to Ireland
Concern was expressed about the image of "superiority" that would be conveyed by the royal yacht arriving into Irish harbours as part of a mooted visit in the summer of 1996. A possible three-day trip to Ireland by the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, was discussed by British and Irish o»»»
On the trail of poachers illegally trapping China's rare songbirds
Silva Gu's eyes dart back and forth across miles of tall grassland, scouring it for signs of life in the darkness. He speaks in less than a whisper as we try to find a spot to hide in the fields. Behind us, the vast metropolis of Beijing has yet to wake. As we wait, we hear only our own breath. And»»»
Chief of Staff of US Air Force visits Qatar Amiri Air Force
Tribune News Network DOHA Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force General Kenneth Wilsbach and his accompanying delegation paid an official visit to Qatar Amiri Air Force. During the visit, he met with Commander of Qatar Amiri Air Force Major-General (Pilot) Faisal Khalid Al Ghanim. The two s»»»
Carlsen, Goryachkina clinch Qatar 2025 FIDE World Rapid Championship titles
Tribune News Network Doha On a dramatic day of twists and turns, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen captured his sixth world rapid championship title on Sunday winning the Qatar 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship a full point ahead of the field with 10.5/13 . It’s the Norwegian’s 19th world champions»»»
MoL, MoEHE and QCDC launch ‘My Career – My Future’
Tribune News Network Doha 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 the Winter Edition of its job-shadowing programme ‘My Career – My Future,’ at »»»
Zelensky meets with Trump at Mar-a-Lago - UPI.com
Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday ahead of meeting with the Ukrainian president. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, pictured during a meeting at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump in August, arrived at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday morning to work on a proposed 2»»»
One dead after mid-air helicopter collision in New Jersey
One person has died and another suffered critical injuries after two helicopters collided mid-air on Sunday above a city in New Jersey, local police said. The Hammonton Police Department reported that one of the helicopters was engulfed in flames by the time it crash landed on the ground, and emerg»»»
Nine people, including five children, stabbed to death in Suriname
Nine people including five children have been stabbed to death on the outskirts of Suriname's capital, Paramaribo, police have said. Another adult and child were taken to hospital after sustaining serious injuries in the attack, city police said in a statement. Officers were called to an address on»»»
Trump says Zelensky and Putin 'serious' in war talks sprint
US President Donald Trump said Sunday he believed the leaders of Ukraine and Russia were serious about peace as he spoke with them both in what he called the final stages of his efforts to end the war. Trump, who had promised to finish the war on day one of his presidency, said he had no deadline b»»»
New York City to phase out MetroCard for public transit after 30 years - UPI.com
Starting January 1, New Yorkers will no longer be able to buy or reload MetroCards to pay fare on the city's subways and buses as the MTA moves fully to a tap-and-pay system called OMNY over the next six months. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo Dec. 28 (UPI) -- More than 30 years af»»»
Knife attack near Suriname capital kills at least nine, including children
Suriname: A knife attack outside Suriname’s capital, Paramaribo, killed at least nine people, including five children, police said Sunday. Officials confirmed that the victims included four of the attacker’s children and neighbours who came to their aid. A neighbour’s child was also among those kil»»»
Saudi Arabia denies claims of new MERS threat after misread WHO report
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has denied claims suggesting a renewed threat from Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, saying that recent online interpretations of an international health report were misleading and not supported by scientific evidence. Dr. Abdullah Asiri, the deputy minister of healt»»»
EU gas usage hit all-time record on Christmas Day – Gazprom
The EU withdrew a record quantity of gas from underground storage facilities on Christmas Day, Gazprom has reported, warning that low reserves mean supplies could prematurely run out. As of December 25, Europe had 66.3 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas in storage, down 9.9 bcm year-on-year, the com»»»
Jawad Developments appoints Eltizam Egypt to manage Val Plaza Mall in west Cairo
Jawad Developments has announced a partnership with Eltizam Egypt, a provider of integrated asset and facilities management services, to manage and operate the Val Plaza project in 6th of October City, west Cairo, ahead of the mall’s opening in the first half of next year. Commenting on the agreeme»»»
Myanmar hold first election since 2021 military coup - UPI.com
The three-part elections in Myanmar, which roughly half the country is expected to participate in, have been seen as an effort by Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's armed forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, to legitimize the military junta that has been running the country since its 2021 coup. Poo»»»
Egypt explores localisation of electrical equipment manufacturing with Chinese firms
Mahmoud Essmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, concluded his meetings and field visits during his current trip to China with a series of discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation and advancing the localisation of electrical equipment manufacturing in Egypt. The meetings brought »»»
UAE tops Arab region in food, beverage sector investment
Kuwait: The Arab Investment & Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman) revealed that the Arab region’s food and beverage sector attracted 516 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with Capex of $22 billion and 93000 jobs between January 2003 and December 2024. In its third sectoral report fo»»»
Hezbollah Chief Accuses Lebanese Authorities of Working ‘in the Interest of What Israel Wants’
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem on Sunday said moves to disarm the group in Lebanon are an "Israeli-American plan,” accusing Israel of failing to abide by a ceasefire agreement sealed last year. Under heavy US pressure and fears of expanded Israeli strikes, the Lebanese military is expected to complet»»»
New York Subway Ends its MetroCard Era and Switches Fully to Tap-and-go Fares
When the MetroCard replaced the New York City subway token in 1994, the swipeable plastic card infused much-needed modernity into one of the world’s oldest and largest transit systems. Now, more than three decades later, the gold-hued fare card and its notoriously finicky magnetic strip are followi»»»
Brazil's Bolsonaro undergoes medical treatment for hiccups
Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro has received a medical procedure to treat his chronic hiccups, his medical team has said. Saturday's treatment "went well", according to one of his doctors. Another, Claudio Birolini, added that the procedure - which he stressed was not a surgery - lasted fo»»»
This Gulf country sets fuel prices for first quarter of 2026
Dubai: Kuwait will maintain fixed fuel prices through the first quarter of 2026, with premium petrol priced at 85 fils per litre, regular petrol at 105 fils, and diesel and kerosene each set at 115 fils, according to a senior oil source cited by Al Anba. The source said the state committee tasked w»»»
Alcohol killing 800,000 Europeans annually – WHO
Alcohol use is contributing to around 800,000 deaths in Europe every year, accounting for one in every eleven deaths, according to a report by the World Health Organization. In a new fact sheet published this week, the agency said the continent has “the highest alcohol consumption levels globally,”»»»
Russia Sends 3 Iranian Satellites into Orbit, Report Says
Russia on Sunday sent three Iranian communications satellites into orbit, the second such launch since July, Iranian state television reported. The report said that a Russian rocket sent the satellites to circle the Earth on a 500-kilometer (310-mile) orbit from the Vostochny launchpad in eastern R»»»
How Families in Bulgaria Can Help Children Understand the Switch to the Euro
Playing “shop” at home is among the most effective ways for parents to help young children understand the currency change Bulgaria will make on January 1, 2026. Setting up a small store using euros allows children to become familiar with the new coins and banknotes and to practise simple calculatio»»»
US Replacing Ineffective UN on Peacemaking - Trump
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United States is replacing the United Nations with settlement efforts, as this organization offers no help in peacemaking, US President Donald Trump said on Sunday. "I am pleased to announce that the breakout fighting between Thailand and Cambodia will stop momentarily, and t»»»
WhatsApp enables display of contact information pages for group members
WASHINGTON: WhatsApp has announced a new feature that allows users to view a 'Contact Info' page for group members. This feature aims to facilitate interaction within groups and provide quick access to essential participant information. The new feature makes it easier for users to quickly access ba»»»
'Shivering from Cold and Fear': Winter Rains Batter Displaced Gazans
It only took a matter of minutes after the heavy overnight rain first began to fall for Jamil al-Sharafi's tent in southern Gaza to flood, drenching his food and leaving his blankets sopping wet. The winter rains have made an already precarious life worse for people like Sharafi, who is among the h»»»
20-year-old man killed in blast while carrying explosives on motorcycle
A 20-year-old man died in a powerful explosion while riding his motorcycle near Ramnagar village on the Ichhawar-Ashta road, around 55 km from Bhopal, in Madhya Pradesh, on Sunday morning. The victim, identified as Sukhram Barela, from Jamli village, was travelling from Ichhawar towards Ramnagar wh»»»
Dubai Airport’s busiest travel day is December 28 - How not to miss your flight
Dubai: Dubai International Airport (DXB) is gearing up for its busiest travel day of the festive season, with December 28 forecast to be the peak, as passenger numbers surge past 300,000 travellers a day during the final stretch of the year. Dubai Airports said traffic begins to build in the first »»»
Libya Mourns Military Chief Killed in Türkiye Plane Crash
Hundreds of people on Sunday mourned western Libya’s military chief and four others who were killed in a plane crash in Türkiye. The coffins of Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad and two others were brought into a stadium in the coastal city of Misrata, their hometown, for a funeral ceremony that in»»»
'Shivering from cold and fear': winter rains batter displaced Gazans
Khan Yunis, Palestinian Territories: It only took a matter of minutes after the heavy overnight rain first began to fall for Jamil al-Sharafi's tent in southern Gaza to flood, drenching his food and leaving his blankets sopping wet. The winter rains have made an already precarious life worse for pe»»»
Tragic fallout: Haunted by wife’s suicide, man flees 1,000 km and ends life
A 35-year-old Bengaluru resident, accused of abetting his wife’s suicide in a dowry harassment case, died by suicide in a hotel in the Indian city of Nagpur early Saturday, while his 60-year-old mother also attempted suicide but survived, police said. The incident has left both families devastated.»»»
Boy, 7, killed in accidental rifle firing while playing with other children
A tragic incident in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district claimed the life of a seven-year-old boy after he was accidentally shot while playing with other children, police said. According to IANS, the incident took place on Saturday night in Sanjay Nagar, Porsa town. The victim, identified as Rishabh T»»»
President of Madagascar to Asharq Al-Awsat: Three-Pillar Economic Plan to Revive the Country
President of Madagascar Michael Randrianirina said his country views Saudi Arabia as its “main partner” in the phase of “refoundation” and in building a new development model, revealing to Asharq Al-Awsat a three-pillar economic plan aimed at restoring political and institutional stability, activat»»»
Qatar Post issues commemorative stamp marking 75 years since its establishment
DOHA: Qatar Postal Services Company (Qatar Post) has issued a commemorative postage stamp to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of the establishment of Qatar Post. The stamp documents Qatar Post's journey since 1950 and reflects its national role in supporting the services of the State of Qatar and»»»
Chief of Staff of US Air Force visits Qatar Amiri Air Force
DOHA: Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force Gen Kenneth Wilsbach and his accompanying delegation paid an official visit to Qatar Amiri Air Force. 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 discu»»»
Spending New Year's Eve in Budapest? Brace yourself: the night is set to bring bitter cold and snow!
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Hungary introduces major tax breaks for young mothers: monthly gains could reach EUR 460!
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Missing Austrian man found dead weeks after disappearing in western Hungary
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Qatar post issues commemorative stamp marking 75 years since its establishment
Doha: Qatar Postal Services Company (Qatar Post) has issued a commemorative postage stamp to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of the establishment of Qatar Post. The stamp documents Qatar Post's journey since 1950 and reflects its national role in supporting the services of the State of Qatar and»»»
India: Pilot killed in Himachal paragliding crash, tourist injured
A tandem paragliding pilot died in a crash at the internationally renowned Bir Billing adventure sports site in Himachal Pradesh on Friday, officials said Saturday. According to a PTI report, the experienced pilot’s glider reportedly developed a technical fault shortly after take-off, lost balance »»»
French cinema actress Brigitte Bardot dies aged 91
French actress Brigitte Bardot, who revolutionised 1950s French cinema and became a symbol of sexual liberation, has died age 91. The cinema icon - BB as she was known in her home country - acted in almost 50 films, including And God Created Woman, but retired in 1973 to devote her life to animal w»»»