Legislative Changes for Ski Lifts and Technical Snow Crucial, Says Samokov Mayor
It is important that legislative changes related to the construction of ski lifts and technical snow facilities, which have already been initiated, take place, said Samokov Mayor Angel Dzhorgov during the BG Tourism – Winter 2025/2026 forum held in Pamporovo on Saturday. The forum is organized by B»»»
Chepelare Mayor: Tourism Is Made by Hotels Owners Who Invest in Their Property
Chepelare, Samokov, Vitosha, and Bansko have introduced the necessary legislative changes to free up business and encourage investment, because tourism is driven by the hoteliers who invest in their property, Chepelare Mayor Boran Hadzhiev said here on Saturday. He was speaking at a forum on BG TOU»»»
Qatar PM says Gaza truce incomplete without 'full withdrawal' by Israel
The nearly two-month-old ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will not be complete until Israeli troops withdraw from the Palestinian territory under a peace plan backed by Washington and the U.N., mediator Qatar's prime minister said Saturday. "Now we are at the critical moment... A ceasefire cannot be com»»»
11 killed as gunmen storm hostel in Pretoria, South Africa
Eleven people, including a three-year-old boy, were killed when gunmen stormed a hostel in the early hours of Saturday in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria. Police say the attack took place at an illegal shebeen inside the Saulsville Hostel, where a group had gathered to drink. According to the Sout»»»
Sheikh Hamdan visits Alserkal Avenue, highlights Dubai’s creative growth
Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, visited creative and cultural institutions in Al Quoz, where Alserkal Avenue has emerged as one of the city’s foremost cultural de»»»
Outgoing NYC mayor bans anti-Israel boycotts ahead of Muslim successor
Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams has signed executive orders that oppose divestment from Israel initiatives and ban protests at houses of worship. He is set to be succeeded by the city’s first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, who will assume office on January 1, openly holds pro-Palest»»»
Air India, Air India Express cap fares amid IndiGo flight disruption
Dubai: Air India and Air India Express have confirmed that, since December 4, economy class fares on non-stop domestic flights have been proactively capped to prevent spikes caused by demand-and-supply systems. The grounding of IndiGo flights created an immediate seat shortage, triggering sharp las»»»
Balneology and SPA Are Investment in Bulgaria’s Workforce and Future, Says BUBSPA Ambassador
Balneology and SPA are not only a form of tourism but an investment in the workforce and in the future of the country, said Meglena Plugchieva, Ambassador of the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism (BUBSPA), during the BG Tourism – Winter 2025/2026 forum held in Pamporovo on Saturday. The»»»
Amir meets several Heads of State and Government participating in Doha Forum
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met at the Sheraton Doha Hotel Saturday morning with several heads of state and government from brotherly and friendly nations participating in the Doha Forum 2025. The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met separately with the President»»»
Amir receives Bill Gates
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, received on Saturday co-founder of Microsoft, HE Bill Gates, on the occasion of his visit to the country to participate in the Doha Forum 2025, currently underway at the Sheraton Doha Hotel. During the meeting, they reviewed prospects for de»»»
Manila set to file malversation case vs London ex-chambermaid-turned-contractor
Manila: Malversation charges are set to be filed against Sarah Discaya, dubbed as the Philippines' queen of "flood control" projects, and others linked to scam projects, a senior official told local media. The charges are linked specifically to a controversial Davao flood control project, which was»»»
Qatar at Doha Forum: Justice for Palestine, Sudan key to regional stability
DOHA, Dec 6 (KUNA) -- Qatar said Saturday that the suffering of the Palestinian people under grave violations of international law, and the atrocities in Sudan, show that justice and protection of rights are essential to preserving the region's stability and preventing its fragmentation.The remarks»»»
BG TOURISM - WINTER 2025/2026 Forum Opens in Pamporovo
The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) organizes a forum entitled "BG TOURISM – WINTER 2025/2026" on Saturday at the Perelik Hotel in the resort town of Pamporovo. The discussion was opened by BTA Director General Kiril Valchev. The forum is organized in partnership with the Municipality of Chepelare, the»»»
Abu Dhabi opens new recreational fishing platforms at Al Bateen and Arabian Gulf Park
Abu Dhabi City Municipality, in cooperation and partnership with Abu Dhabi Maritime, inaugurated two dedicated platforms for recreational fishing enthusiasts at Al Bateen Beach and Arabian Gulf Park in Abu Dhabi. The inauguration was attended by Ahmed Fadel Al Mehairbi, Acting Director General of A»»»
At least 11 killed in South Africa mass shooting
At least 11 people have been killed in a mass shooting at a hostel in South Africa. Fourteen others were wounded when gunmen stormed the venue in Saulsville township, west of the capital Pretoria, early on Saturday. A three-year-old is among the dead. "At least three unknown gunmen entered this hos»»»
BTA Director General: Bulgaria’s Winter Tourism Messages Focus on Euro Introduction, Safety and Natural Conditions
Bulgaria’s messages for the new winter season focus on the introduction of the euro, safe holidays and natural conditions, said Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Director General Kiril Valchev, who Saturday opened the BG TOURISM – WINTER 2025/2026 forum in Pamporovo. The forum is organized by BTA in part»»»
Tourism Minister: 2026 Is Turning Point for Bulgarian Mountain Tourism
Speaking at a tourism forum here on Saturday, Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh described 2026 as a turning point for Bulgarian mountain tourism. Borshosh noted that the Ministry's goal this year was to develop strategies for how mountain tourism could be practiced year-round. The forum, titled BG»»»
UAE’s 54th National Day: GDRFA Dubai processes 145,000 travellers at Hatta crossing
Dubai: The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) processed 145,265 travellers through the Hatta border crossing between November 25 and December 2. The spike in movement coincided with the UAE’s 54th National Day and Oman’s 55th National Day, highlighting th»»»
NCSA president meets Belgian Minister of the Interior
Doha, Qatar: President of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), HE Eng. Abdulrahman Ali Muhammad Al Farahid Al Malki met with Minister of Security and the Interior of the Kingdom of Belgium, HE Bernard Quintin, during his visit to Doha. They discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of»»»
Kuwaitis top GCC real estate holdings across UAE, Bahrain and Saudi
Dubai: Kuwaitis have emerged as the leading Gulf nationals in property ownership across three GCC countries, according to new data from the GCC Statistical Center. The report, part of the Gulf Common Market assessment, shows that Kuwaitis hold the largest share of Gulf-owned properties in the UAE, »»»
Vintage charm: Sharjah's classic cars steal the show at Mille Miglia Rally 2025
Sharjah: The Sharjah Old Cars Club made a striking appearance at the 2025 Mille Miglia Rally, held across the UAE, with a standout Corvette C2 attracting significant attention among a field of distinguished classic vehicles. The participation highlighted the club’s growing presence on the internati»»»
UNESCO nod for Fujairah: How it’s shaping a knowledge-driven future
Fujairah has officially joined UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), becoming one of 72 new members from 46 countries recognised for advancing lifelong learning and education for all. The network, launched in 2013, now includes 425 cities across 91 countries, collectively supporting ne»»»
US puts normalizing relations with Russia among ‘core interests’
The US has placed the restoration of normal ties with Russia and a rapid end to the Ukraine conflict at the center of its newly released National Security Strategy, presenting both aims as among America’s core interests. The 33-page report outlining President Donald Trump’s foreign-policy vision wa»»»
US accuses EU of ‘attack on American people’ after fine on X
The US has accused Brussels of an “attack” on Americans after the EU fined Elon Musk’s social media platform X €120 million ($140 million) for violating the bloc’s content-moderation rules. The European Commission announced the decision on Friday, noting that it is the first time a formal non-compl»»»
Scope Ratings Agency Confirms Bulgaria's "A-" Credit Rating, Outlook Stable
The Scope Ratings European Rating Agency has concluded the monitoring of Bulgaria's credit rating and confirms the country's long-term A-/Stable ratings, the rating agency said on its website. The country's short-term ratings are S-1/Stable. Bulgaria’s A-/Stable ratings are underpinned by the follo»»»
Why EU Overestimates Its Ability to Confiscate Frozen Russian Assets
The EU’s ongoing attempts to seize frozen Russian assets could lead to a decline in global trust in the European financial system, making it more difficult for states to engage with the EU in the future, Syrian political analyst Assaf Malhem told Sputnik. Russia also holds frozen assets belonging t»»»
Dubai court orders Dh1.443 million payment in failed car purchase agreement
Dubai: A commercial dispute between two men involved in car-purchase deals has ended with a ruling from the Dubai Civil Court ordering one of them to pay Dh1.443 million as the first instalment of a larger financial claim. The case, according to Emarat Al Youm, centred on allegations that substanti»»»
Abu Dhabi court orders renter to pay Dh105,000 after verbal deal claim rejected
Abu Dhabi: A young man who claimed he had negotiated a verbal agreement to rent a car for Dh350 per day instead of the Dh750 stated in his written contract has been ordered to pay more than Dh105,000 after the Abu Dhabi Commercial Court found no evidence supporting his claim. The dispute, according»»»
West Bank Sees Surge in Israeli Raids and Settler Violence
Israeli occupation forces escalated raids across the West Bank and Jerusalem beginning overnight Friday, carrying out widespread arrests amid clashes. The operations coincided with a reported increase in attacks by Israeli settlers targeting Palestinian agricultural activity in multiple areas. Occu»»»
Egypt urges resumption of IAEA-Iran nuclear talks
CAIRO, Dec 6 (KUNA) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty underlined Saturday the significance of resuming dialogue to reach a comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear program, taking all parties' interests into consideration.The minister made the remark in a call with Director-General »»»
Brigitte Macron Visits an Old Friend in China: Giant Panda Called Yuan Meng
French first lady Brigitte Macron caught up with an old friend — a giant panda born in France — at the tail end Friday of a visit to China with President Emmanuel Macron. At a panda reserve in southwest China that Yuan Meng now calls home, the first lady marveled at how big he has grown. She helped»»»
President Sadyr Japarov meets with heads of United World Wrestling - | 24.KG
On his birthday, December 6, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov met with Nenad Lalovic, President of United World Wrestling, and Mohammed Al-Awamleh, President of United World Wrestling — Asia Council. The presidential press service reported. Sadyr Japarov noted their contribution to th»»»
Electronic Governance Minister in Brussels: Cyber Threats Spilling over into Real World
Cyber threats are no longer virtual; they spill over into the real world, disrupting hospitals, transportation systems, factories, and public services, Bulgarian Electronic Governance Minister Valentin Mundrov said in Brussels on Saturday. "The question is not whether, but how societies can be resi»»»
Russia Strikes Ukrainian Military-Linked Energy Facilities, Ports
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces, in response to Ukraine's terrorist attacks on Russian civilian targets, have carried out overnight strikes on Ukrainian military-linked energy facilities and ports, including with the use of the hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, Russia's Defense Ministry said»»»
Special Envoy of Minister of Foreign Affairs meets Special Representative of President of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan
Doha, Qatar: The Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab, met with the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan, HE Dr. Ismatulla Irgashev, on the sidelines of the Doha Forum 2025. During the meeting,»»»
10 tragic stories from UAE in 2025 that shook our readers
Tragedy and shock hit the UAE this week, with multiple heartbreaking incidents leaving communities reeling. From fatal road accidents claiming lives in Khor Fakkan and Dubai, to sudden deaths of young Indian expats in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and shocking murders in Karama and Ras Al Khaimah, the news »»»
Qatari Prime Minister: Syrian people are moving toward a path in hope for recovery
Doha, Dec.6 (SANA)Under the patronage of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and with the participation of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, along with a number of heads and representatives of states, regional and international organizations, the 23rd edition of the Doha Forum kicked off S»»»
President al-Sharaa meets Emir of Qatar on the first day of Doha Forum 2025
Doha. Dec,6 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa met Saturday, Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the first day of the 23rd edition of “Doha Forum2025”. Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, attended the meeting. The Forum is held under the theme “Justice in Action: B»»»
Kallas: US Remains Biggest Ally and Europe Should be More Self-confident
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Saturday that the United States remains Europe's biggest ally, after the Trump administration said in a major strategy document that Europe faces "civilizational erasure" and may one day lose its status as a reliable ally. The new US National »»»
Uzbekistan to begin funding construction of Kambar-Ata 1 next year - | 24.KG
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received the Minister of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic Taalaibek Ibraev. The press service of the Ministry of Energy reported. They discussed issues of further strengthening Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan relations of friendship, good-neighborliness»»»
Electronic Governance Minister in Brussels: Cyber Threats No Longer Virtual, Spilling over into Real World
Cyber threats are no longer virtual; they spill over into the real world, disrupting hospitals, transportation systems, factories, and public services, Bulgarian Electronic Governance Minister Valentin Mundrov said in Brussels on Saturday. "The question is not whether, but how societies can be resi»»»
South Africa hostel shooting leaves 11 dead: Police
Johannesburg, South Africa: Gunmen stormed a hostel in South Africa's capital Pretoria on Saturday, killing 11 people including a three year old child, police said. The attack is the latest in a string of mass shootings that have shocked the country of 63 million people. "I can confirm that a total»»»
Weekend Digest: UAE VAT update, Big Ticket win, new GCC aviation authority and more
From major economic shifts to life-changing lottery wins, this week’s headlines capture the UAE at its most dynamic. A new federal decree will update VAT rules from January 1, 2026, while a Dh25 million Big Ticket prize has gone to an Indian expat working in Saudi Arabia. Government services contin»»»
ECB's Rehn Sees Downside Risks to Inflation, Urges Action on Ukraine Funding
Inflation in the euro zone faces downside risks in the medium term, even as price growth has returned to the ECB's 2% target, European Central Bank policymaker Olli Rehn said, according to a report in a magazine on Saturday. The sharp drop from the October 2022 peak of 10.6% to around 2% currently »»»
Kyrgyzstan and Russia to sign agreement on travel rules for their citizens - | 24.KG
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has signed an order approving an agreement with Kyrgyzstan on the travel regime for citizens of the two states. The document was published on Russia’s official legal information portal. «Accept the proposal of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, agreed »»»
Benefits for jewelers, garment makers, vehicle sales: President signs decree - | 24.KG
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov has signed a decree «On Measures to Support Certain Sectors of the Economy». The presidential press service reported. The Cabinet of Ministers has been instructed to submit to the Zhogorku Kenesh within one month a draft law to support jewelers. In particular, »»»
Amir inaugurates Doha Forum 2025
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani inaugurated the 23rd edition of the Doha Forum 2025, held under the theme ''Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress'' at the Sheraton Doha Hotel on Saturday morning. The opening ceremony was attended by a number of their highnesses and»»»
Florida Kicks Off 1st Black Bear Hunt in a Decade, Despite Pushback
For the first time in a decade, hunters armed with rifles and crossbows are fanning out across Florida's swamps and flatwoods to legally hunt the Florida black bear, over the vocal opposition of critics. The state-sanctioned hunt began Saturday, after drawing more than 160,000 applications for a fa»»»
UAE chosen as headquarters for new GCC-wide civil aviation body
Dubai: Gulf countries have agreed to set up a joint GCC Civil Aviation Authority and selected the UAE as its headquarters. The move is aimed at tightening coordination across one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation regions. The decision, adopted by the GCC Supreme Council, is intended to “harmo»»»
No Reason for BSP-United Left to Reconsider Participation in Cabinet at This Stage - Deputy PM Zafirov
Approached by reporters in Nikolaevo (Central Bulgaria) on Satuday, Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov and leader of the BSP - United Left coalition said: "Everything we agreed on with our social partners and the public is included in the new draft state budget, so at this stage there is no reaso»»»