Indian rupee crashes again: UAE dirham now gets you ₹24.55, remittances surge
Dubai: The India-UAE remittance window has just opened again — and it’s rare. With the Indian rupee slumping to a fresh trough of ₹24.55 per AED and ₹90.15 per US dollar, many expatriates here will rush to send money home before the exchange rate improves. (Check live forex rates here.) On Monday, »»»
From horses to K9 demos: 300 students join Dubai Police winter forum
Dubai Police on Monday launched the 10th edition of its Winter Equestrian Forum, with 300 students enrolling in the two-week programme aimed at helping youth make productive use of their winter break while learning equestrian skills and national values. Organised by the Mounted Police Station, the »»»
New Cuban ambassador in Tunis presents FM with copy of credentials
Tunis, Dec. 8 (TAP) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad Mohamed Ali Nafti met Monday with Cuba's freshly appointed ambassador Orlando Requeijo Gual who presented him with a copy of his letters of credence.Minister Nafti...»»»
Ferry departs Lesvos empty after farmers block port access
A ferry has left Lesvos without passengers after local farmers blocked access to the island’s port as part of ongoing protests. The Blue Star Ferries vessel Diagoras set sail for Chios and Piraeus despite being unable to board any travelers, according to local news reports. Farmers had blocked the »»»
Germany industrial output jumps in boost for economy
FRANKFURT, Germany — German industrial production unexpectedly jumped in October, official data showed Monday, the latest sign that Europe's crisis-wracked top economy may be turning a corner.Factory output rose 1.8 per cent month-on-month, according to preliminary data from federal statistics agen»»»
Jordan, Japan mull over establishing joint business council
AMMAN — The Board of Directors of the Jordanian Businessmen Association met Monday with Japanese Ambassador Asari Hideki to discuss strengthening economic cooperation between Jordan and Japan, and the establishment of a joint Jordanian-Japanese Business Council. According to a statement issued by»»»
105 patents registered in 11 months — Ministry of Indusry
AMMAN — The number of patents registered from the beginning of 2025 until the end of November reached 105 patents, three of which were local.According to data released by the Industrial Property Protection Directorate at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply, the number of "registered" tradema»»»
Kuwaiti investment launches JD20m industrial project in Tafilah
AMMAN — A new industrial project, valued at JD20 million and backed by a Kuwaiti investor, has been launched in Tafilah Industrial City, named SASAM, the facility will produce electrical transformers. The SASAM project will begin with site preparation and infrastructure development, employing 50 w»»»
Jordan Phosphate Mines, Sudan discuss cooperation in fertiliser industry
AMMAN — CEO of the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) Abdel Wahab Rawad, met on Monday with the Sudan's Ambassador to Jordan Hassan Swar Dahab, to explore avenues for enhancing collaboration in the phosphate fertiliser sector.The discussions aimed to meet Sudanese market needs and strengthen ec»»»
BCT and Central Bank of Oman sign MoU
Tunis, Dec. 8 (TAP) - A memorandum of understanding was signed on Monday in Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, between the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) and the Central Bank of Oman, as part of efforts to strengthen Tunisian-Omani...»»»
Analysis: What is driving the conflict across Nigeria? - UPI.com
The inside of St. Francis Catholic Church after a gun attack on June 6, 2022. File Photo by Stringer/EPA Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Late last October, President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as "a country of particular concern" (CPC) under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act for "severe violations »»»
Trump White House to launch $12B farm aid package - UPI.com
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins (L) pictured in June next to U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, D.C. On Monday, Trump will unveil a farm aid package with Rollins and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rolli»»»
Jeddah schools switch to remote learning due to severe weather warnings
Dubai: Education authorities in Jeddah announced on Monday that all schools in the governorates of Jeddah, Rabigh and Khulais will switch to remote learning on Tuesday due to severe weather forecasts and a red alert issued by the National Center for Meteorology (NCM). Classes shift online for safet»»»
GERB Chair Borissov, US Official Christopher Smith Discuss Bilateral Agenda in Sofia
GERB Chair Boyko Borissov and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia Christopher Smith discussed key issues on the bilateral agenda at a meeting in Sofia, including energy, security, technology, economic cooperation and regional stability. Borissov said the talks highlighted »»»
U.N. agency: 3M Syrians return after Assad’s fall; more funding needed - UPI.com
Syrian army soldiers march during a parade marking the first anniversary of the ousting of the Bashar Al-Assad regime in Damascus, Syria, on Monday. Photo by Ahmad Fallaha/EPA BEIRUT, Lebanon, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- More than 3 million Syrians, who sought refuge abroad or were displaced internally during »»»
Cabinet Approves Draft Legislation on 2026 Budget of National Health Insurance Fund
The Council of Ministers adopted a decision approving the draft legislation on the budget of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for 2026, the press service of the Council of Ministers reported on Monday. Revenues and transfers of EUR 5.2885955 billion have been envisaged in the budget. Healt»»»
Nighttime temperatures forecast to range between 4°C and 15°C
Tunis, Dec. 8 (TAP)- The weather is partly cloudy in most regions with local fog late on Monday night in the north and central eastern regions. The wind is blowing west in the north and the midland and east in the south, light to moderate. The sea...»»»
EU to allow deportations to safe third countries with agreement - UPI.com
Refugees and migrants wait in the Tovarnik train station to board a train that will take them to Austria in 2015 in Croatia. Monday, the E.U. approved a plan to deport migrants to safe third countries. File Photo by Achilleas Savallis/UPI | License Photo Dec. 8 (UPI) -- The European Union will now »»»
Qatar, Saudi Arabia high-speed electric rail project strategic step to enhance cooperation: MoT
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Transport (MoT) said that the high-speed electric rail project for the transportation of passengers between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a strategic step as part of the two countries’ effort to enhance cooperation and developmental complementari»»»
'Will my Netflix UAE membership change?': 7 new viewer questions, answered
Dubai: Netflix’s planned $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. is one of the biggest entertainment deals ever announced. But for UAE viewers, the news raises immediate questions about content access, pricing, licensing and whether HBO favourites will finally appear on Netflix. Sign up for our dai»»»
X targets EU as tensions escalate
X has barred the European Commission from running advertisements on the platform, accusing the bloc’s executive arm of attempting to misuse its systems. The move is the latest step in the growing dispute between the EU and Musk’s microblogging platform. Brussels recently fined X €120 million (about»»»
Russia Will Do Everything to Strengthen CSTO - Putin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia will do everything to strengthen the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday. "We will certainly do everything to strengthen the organization," Putin said at a meeting with members of the Council of the CSTO Parliamen»»»
Tsunami warning after earthquake strikes off Japan
A major earthquake of 7.6 magnitude has hit Japan's north-eastern region, prompting tsunami warnings and orders to evacuate residents. The quake occurred at 23:15 (14:15 GMT) at a depth of 50km (31 miles), about 80km off the coast of the Aomori region, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, while wa»»»
Qatar launches national AI firm to advance digital transformation
Doha: Qatar has announced the launch of Qai, a national company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), aimed at developing advanced digital ecosystems to support innovation and contribute to sustainable development. The new company is part of Qatar's broader strategy to strengthen a knowledg»»»
Deputy Amir chairs second meeting of QU Board of Regents
Doha: The Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Chairman of the Board of Regents of Qatar University (QU), chaired the second meeting of QU Board of Regents for the academic year 2025-2026, held at the Amiri Diwan on Monday. At the beginning of the meeting, the Board of Regents rev»»»
BRIDGE Summit 2025: How real-time reporting and personality-led journalism are reshaping media
Abu Dhabi: At a time when news often breaks first on social platforms, BRIDGE Summit 2025 hosted a high-impact session examining how independent journalism is reshaping global influence. World-renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, who has over 70 million social media followers, joined moder»»»
Powerful 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Japan’s Northeast
A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake shook northeastern Japan late on Monday, prompting tsunami warnings and orders for about 90,000 residents to evacuate. The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami as high as 3 meters (10 feet) could hit Japan's northeastern coast after the earthquake struck of»»»
Morocco to Open Two Deepwater Ports in 2026 and 2028, Minister Says
Morocco will open a new deepwater Mediterranean port next year and another on the Atlantic in 2028, Equipment and Water minister Nizar Baraka said, as the North African country aims to replicate the success of Africa's largest port, Tanger Med. Nador West Med, under construction on the Mediterranea»»»
Zelenskyy Meets in London with European Allies on US Peace Plan and Security
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met French, German and British leaders in London on Monday amid what Kyiv’s European allies described as a “decisive time” in the US-led effort to end Russia's war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer held talks with Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron and G»»»
Serbia joins EU4HEALTH, EU's largest health care programme
BRUSSELS - Serbian Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar and EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Oliver Varhelyi signed on Monday in Brussels a document under which Serbia has joined the EU4HEALTH programme, formally becoming a full-fledged participant of the largest health care programme in EU hi»»»
Tsunami warnings follow 7.6 magnitude earthquake in northeast Japan - UPI.com
A television screen shows a news report from July by the Japanese Meteorological Agency in Tokyo, Japan. On Monday, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit northeast Japan in the evening hours. File Photo by Franck Robichon/EPA Dec. 8 (UPI) -- A preliminary 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit northeast Japan Monda»»»
China weighs in on Putin’s India visit
China said on Monday that good relations between Beijing, Moscow, and New Delhi are beneficial for global stability and prosperity. Responding to a query about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statement on ties between the BRICS countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said tha»»»
European leaders walk tightrope between backing Ukraine and keeping US on board
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has met key European allies as he faces US pressure to reach a swift peace deal with Russia. In London, Zelensky held talks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The meeting came amid U»»»
UK’s Hawkish Military Buildup in Limbo Over Funding Gaps
The UK has rolled out its new “Atlantic Bastion” plan — a slick name to build a hybrid navy mixing drones, autonomous boats, warships, and aircraft to guard undersea cables and pipelines. It will ostensibly allow the UK to "find, track and, if required, act against adversaries," said a Ministry of »»»
New US Strategy Removes Risk of War With China 'Over Trade Disagreements'
Under the auspices of the new US national security strategy, China is going to be regarded as more of a business rival than enemy, consultant on Asia-Pacific affairs and geopolitical commentator Thomas W. Pauken II tells Sputnik. “Trade tensions will continue; this strategy isn't going to fix all o»»»
Trump to unveil $12bn farm aid package
US President Donald Trump is set to unveil a $12bn (£9bn) farm aid package aimed at helping farmers impacted by low crop prices and the administration's ongoing trade wars. Most of the money - $11bn - is earmarked for one-time payments to farmers for row crops as part of the agriculture department'»»»
Perspective - Syria's transition from dictatorship 'will take decades': Journalist Arthur Sarradin
A leading French journalist who covered the fall of the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria a year ago has spoken to FRANCE 24 about the immense challenges the country faces. Arthur Sarradin is a regular contributor to Libération newspaper and Radio France, amongst others. He says the first thing he»»»
Focus - Syrian city of Homs trapped in cycle of sectarian violence
One year ago, Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad fled the country aboard a Russian military aircraft. Twelve months later, the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of more than a decade of conflict. The city of Homs was central to the Syrian revolution. But now, it appears trapped in a v»»»
Ex-Rep. Colin Allred drops Senate bid, to run for Texas' redrawn House seat - UPI.com
Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, speaks at the 2024 Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on August 22. He announced he's dropping his U.S. Senate bid and will instead run for a newly redrawn House district. File Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI | License Photo Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Former U»»»
Honduran ruling party wants presidential election results annulled - UPI.com
A supporter of the Libertad y Refundacion, or LIBRE, party participates in a demonstration in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on Sunday. A week after the general elections, the country still does not know the results, as the official count has not been updated since Friday increasing uncertainty and fueling»»»
Paramount mounts hostile bid to buy Warner Bros. from under Netflix - UPI.com
CEO of Paramount Skydance David Ellison arrives on the red carpet for the 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. The company launched a hostile bid to buy Warner Bros. Discovery Monday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Paramou»»»
Christmas tree myths: What really keeps your tree fresher longer - UPI.com
A customer carries their new Christmas tree to the car in St. Louis in 2023. A freshly cut tree can absorb about a quart of water per inch of trunk diameter every day during the first week, so trees may need to be watered multiple times a day, experts say. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | Licens»»»
Senators want Russia held accountable for abducting Ukrainian children - UPI.com
1 of 3 | Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Olga Stefanishyna said Russia seeks to erase the Ukrainian identities of abducted children while addressing Wednesday's Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing at the Capitol in Washington. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 3 (UPI) -»»»
Entre Nous - World-renowned pastry chef Pierre Hermé on his holiday creations
Pierre Hermé is a world-renowned French pastry chef and chocolatier. He has written a new book entitled "Dictionnaire amoureux de la pâtisserie", which translates to "A dictionary for lovers of traditional pastry". He tells us why he chose to write in that format and shows us some of his creat»»»
Louvre workers to strike over conditions and security after brazen jewel heist
Workers at the Louvre museum in Paris have voted to go on strike next week in protest at work conditions and security weaknesses exposed by a brazen daylight theft of jewels worth $102 million in October. Trade unions at the Louvre museum called on Monday for a rolling strike next week to demand ur»»»
Huge Rotating Structure of Galaxies and Dark Matter Is Detected
Scientists have observed the largest-known rotating structure in the cosmos - a gargantuan thread-like assemblage of hundreds of galaxies, gas and dark matter that makes up a filament in the macrostructure of the universe called the cosmic web. The filament, located about 140 million light-years fr»»»
Magnitude 7.6 Quake Triggers a Tsunami on Japan’s Northern Coast
A powerful 7. 6-magnitude earthquake struck late Monday off northern Japan, triggering a tsunami of up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) in Pacific coast communities and warnings of potentially higher surges, the Japanese Meteorological Agency said. Several people were injured, media reports said. The »»»
Amir leaves Riyadh
Riyadh: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on Monday departed Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. HH the Amir was seen off at King Khalid International Airport by HRH Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who led the farewell delegation. Also pre»»»
RAKGMO unveils immersive pavilion at BRIDGE Summit
Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office (RAKGMO) today unveiled its pavilion at the first BRIDGE Summit, held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre until December 10. The interactive showcase offers visitors a deep dive into the Emirate’s sustainable growth journey, media presence, and adoption of»»»
President al-Sharaa: Syrians have proven to world that victory is just the beginning
Damascus, Dec.8 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa said on Monday that the era of the deposed regime was a dark page in the history of our country, in which the tyrant held power for a time, but he soon fell, so that the lights of insight, good dialogue, and bridges of love and brotherhood could shin»»»