France24 1m

Iceland becomes fifth country to boycott Eurovision Song Contest over Israel

Iceland has become the latest country to boycott next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, its public broadcaster RUV announced Wednesday, joining a growing wave of withdrawals triggered by the decision to allow Israel to compete. Iceland is now the fifth nation to pull out, following Spain, the Netherl»»»

france24.com
Gulf News 2m

Sharjah Police help young man break free from drug addiction

Sharjah: Sharjah Police have helped a young man overcome drug addiction after his mother reached out in desperation, fearing for both his safety and her own. Brigadier Majid Al Asam, Director of the Anti-Narcotics Department at Sharjah Police, told Gulf News that the case began when the distressed »»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 4m

Manila’s mid-income condos are back — and they’re selling faster than you think

Manila: After years of sluggish sales, Metro Manila’s mid-income condo market is roaring back to life. This has caught both developers and buyers off guard. Strong new launches and brisk demand are signalling that this is no dead-cat bounce, but a full-scale comeback. Sweet spotBased on the latest »»»

gulfnews.com
Al Awsat 5m

US Weighs Hitting UN Palestinian Refugee Agency with Terrorism-related Sanctions

Trump administration officials have held advanced discussions on hitting UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA with terrorism-related sanctions, said two sources with direct knowledge of the matter, prompting serious legal and humanitarian concerns inside the State Department. The United Nations agen»»»

english.aawsat.com
BBC 9m

Panic in France as children fall victim to lethal violence of Marseille drug gangs

Warning: This article contains disturbing details from the start. A group of children spotted Adel's body on their way to school, just as his parents were heading to the police station to report him missing. A grotesque, charred silhouette, reclining, with one knee raised, as if lounging on one of »»»

bbc.com
24 News Agency 10m

Over 34 million soms spent on reconstruction of Kyzyl-Zhyldyz canal in Naryn - | 24.KG

The Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic reports that the Naryn Regional Water Management Department has successfully completed important reconstruction work on Kyzyl-Zhyldyz canal. As part of the project, 13,395 square meters of concrete canvas w»»»

24.kg
UPI 13m

South Korea apologizes to Jeju for honoring colonel linked to massacre - UPI.com

Several people preform a memorial service for their deceased family member before a tombstone in the Tombstone Park for the Missing with the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park, Jeju City, on April 3, 2023. Photo by Darryl Coote/UPI JEJU ISLAND, South Korea, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The South Korean government has apologi»»»

upi.com
The Peninsula 15m

Qatar allocates QR47.2bn for health and education in 2026 State Budget

Doha, Qatar: Minister of Finance, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, announced yesterday the details of the 2026 budget and revealed that the total expected expenditure stands at QR220.8bn and revenue amounts to QR199bn. The education sector is allocated QR21.8bn, and the health sector QR25.4bn, reflecti»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Gulf News 16m

Parvathy Thiruvothu Gulf News interview revisited after Dileep’s acquittal in Kerala assault case sends shockwaves across Malayalam cinema

Dubai: The Malayalam film industry woke up to a seismic jolt this week after actor Dileep was acquitted of all charges in the 2017 actress abduction and assault case — a case that had defined the #MeToo movement in Kerala, reshaped public debate around misogyny in cinema, and mobilised unprecedente»»»

gulfnews.com
Al Majalla 17m

China is redefining global trade dynamics in America’s backyard

When China’s President Xi Jinping inaugurated Peru’s Chancay megaport in November 2024, he was doing far more than opening a Chinese offshore project; he was executing a vision that has reshaped global power three times before and is poised to do so again. The $1.3bn deep-water facility, capable of»»»

en.majalla.com
Al Majalla 17m

French diplomat Sylvie Bermann: Trump won’t divide Russia and China

French diplomat Sylvie Bermann first encountered China as a young student at the twilight of the Cultural Revolution in 1976-77. Two decades later, she returned as her country’s ambassador to Beijing from 2011-14, before serving as the French envoy to London from 2014-17, and as ambassador to Mosco»»»

en.majalla.com
Al Awsat 17m

Trump Says the US Has Seized an Oil Tanker off the Coast of Venezuela

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela as tensions mount with the government of President Nicolás Maduro. Using US forces to take control of a merchant ship is incredibly unusual and marks the Trump administration’s latest pu»»»

english.aawsat.com
Gulf News 19m

Dana Gas announces new gas discovery in Egypt’s Nile Delta with up to 25 bcf reserves

Dubai: Dana Gas, the Middle East’s largest privately owned natural gas firm, has announced a new gas discovery at the North El-Basant 1 exploratory well in Egypt’s onshore Nile Delta. Initial results indicate reserves of 15-25 billion cubic feet (bcf) of natural gas, with production expected to exc»»»

gulfnews.com
BBC 27m

Hundreds in Japan get car driving licences suspended for drink cycling

Japanese police have suspended the car driving licences of nearly 900 cyclists after they were caught riding bicycles under the influence of alcohol, local media report. Authorities deemed that the offenders were "likely to pose a significant danger when driving a car". The number of suspended car »»»

bbc.com
The Peninsula 51m

Visit Qatar to host award-winning 'Mary Poppins' musical for first time in Doha

Doha, Qatar: Visit Qatar will bring the globally acclaimed musical 'Mary Poppins' to Doha for the first time, with performances scheduled from May 11-30, 2026. The production - inspired by the stories of PL Travers and the classic Walt Disney film - will be performed at the Al Mayassa Theatre in th»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
24 News Agency 58m

Kasymaliev calls for urgent protection of mountains amid climate threats - | 24.KG

Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev addressed citizens on the occasion of International Mountain Day, emphasizing the importance of protecting mountain ecosystems and strengthening the resilience of mountainous regions in the face of climate change. In his address,»»»

24.kg
The Peninsula 1h

Things to do this weekend in Qatar (December 11-13, 2025)

Doha, Qatar: As Qatar prepares for National Day next week, the celebrations are already beginning this weekend. An interactive cultural experience opened yesterday, December 10, 2025, at Darb Al Saai; the Arab Cup quarterfinals are taking place; Polo Al Marsa debuts this weekend; there is musical c»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
BBC 1h

Mexico approves up to 50% tariffs on China and other countries

Mexican lawmakers have approved a package of new tariffs, impacting hundreds of products, many of which come from China. The measures, which President Claudia Sheinbaum has said are needed to boost domestic production, were passed by the Mexican Senate on Wednesday. The levies are set to take effec»»»

bbc.com
Gulf News 1h

Dubai shoppers wake up to higher gold prices after a quiet week

Dubai Gold prices in Dubai moved higher on Thursday morning after holding steady for three consecutive sessions, in line with a broad rally in precious metals following the US Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate cut. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.In the emirate’s »»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 1h

Middle East gas sector eyes $200 billion investment to meet surging power demand

Dubai: The regional natural gas sector requires $200 billion of investment in the next four years to increase production by 30 per cent to meet rapidly growing demand for power, industry executives attending the Middle East Gas Conference in Dubai said on Wednesday. More than 150 executives from en»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 1h

Clean UAE drive rallies 1,900 volunteers in Sharjah for major environmental drive

Sharjah: The 24th cycle of the Clean UAE campaign made its third stop in Sharjah on December 10, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd. Organised by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) under the patronage of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the event was held in partnership with »»»

gulfnews.com
BBC 1h

Japanese chess player calls out association's pregnancy bias

A Japanese chess association has apologised to a prominent 'shogi' player who criticised a rule that bars pregnant players from title matches around their expected due dates. Under the current rules of shogi - a game similar to chess - such players are replaced, meaning they forfeit all competition»»»

bbc.com
Sputnik 1h

US Seized Tanker Near Venezuela Over Suspicions for Shipping Sanctioned Oil - Bondi

The United States has seized a tanker near the coast of Venezuela as the vessel was suspected of shipping sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, US Attorney General Pam Bondi said. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States had captured an oil tanker off the coast of »»»

sputniknews.com
24 News Agency 1h

Kyrgyzstan's international reserves exceed $8.2 billion - | 24.KG

Kyrgyzstan’s gross international reserves exceeded $8.2 billion. The National Bank provided the figures based on the results of November 2025. They have grown by more than $3.2 billion over the year. Gross international reserves at the end of November amounted to $8,269 billion. In October, they ma»»»

24.kg
France24 2h

Ukraine sends revised peace plan to US as Trump blasts Europe

A fresh rift opened between Washington and Europe on Wednesday after Ukraine delivered a new US-requested peace blueprint, prompting President Donald Trump to lash out at Kyiv and its allies as they push back against elements of the American plan. Ukraine has sent Washington an updated plan for end»»»

france24.com
Gulf News 2h

Breakout star: Teenage B-girl on mission to show China is cool

Flipping and spinning on a studio floor, 17-year-old Royal is a star in China's breakdancing scene and aiming for gold at the World Championships in Japan this week. Royal, real name Guo Pu, shot to fame when she won both the youth and adult Asian Championships in June. Also In This Package Watch: »»»

gulfnews.com
France24 2h

US forces seize oil tanker near Venezuela, Caracas condemns move as 'piracy'

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that US forces seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, marking his administration's latest escalation in its pressure campaign against President Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela's foreign ministry denounced what it called 'blatant theft' and 'piracy»»»

france24.com
France24 2h

US may require visa-free travellers to submit social media, family data

The US may soon require travellers from visa-exempt countries to provide extensive personal information, including social media activity, email accounts, and family history, before being allowed entry. Under the proposal, citizens of roughly 40 countries who currently travel through the Visa Waiver»»»

france24.com
France24 2h

A propos - Machado to come out of hiding after missing Nobel ceremony

Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado is set to address the world on Thursday, according to the Norwegian government, after the Venezuelan opposition leader was awarded the prestigious peace prize in her absence. FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks with Phil Gunson, Senior Analyst at International Cris»»»

france24.com
24 News Agency 2h

Constitutional Court rules reinstatement of death penalty impermissible - | 24.KG

The Constitutional Court of the Kyrgyz Republic on December 10, 2025 reviewed the president’s motion requesting a legal opinion on the draft law «On Amendments to the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic,» which proposes the possibility of applying the death penalty for child rape and murder accompa»»»

24.kg
Ya Libnan 3h

Bulgarian court rejects Lebanon’s extradition request over Beirut port blast – Ya Libnan

Share: Fi[e photo of Grechushkin owner of the ship that brought the deadly chemical to Beirut port No senior figure has been held accountable since the devastating explosion more than five years ago. By Caolán Magee and News Agencies A Bulgarian court has rejected Lebanon’s request to extradite Igo»»»

BBC 3h

Big tech bets big on AI - but can India keep pace in the global race?

This week, tech giants Amazon and Microsoft pledged an eye-popping $50bn-plus combined investment in India, putting artificial intelligence (AI) in the spotlight. Microsoft's Satya Nadella announced his company's largest investment ever in Asia - $17.5bn (£13.14bn) - "to help build the infrastructu»»»

bbc.com
Gulf News 3h

Severe storms to lash Saudi Arabia as NCM warns of flash floods

Dubai: Heavy rainfall is set to continue across most regions of Saudi Arabia, the National Centre for Meteorology said in its forecast. Moderate to heavy thunderstorms, capable of triggering flash floods and accompanied by hail and strong winds, are expected over parts of Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, R»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 3h

Google's reclusive genius Larry Page storms to No. 2 on the world's richest list for the first time ever

Larry Page has surged to No. 2 among the world’s richest for the first time. And for the first time, the Google co-founder overtook Oracle’s Larry Ellison to become the world’s second-wealthiest person. Page has an estimated net worth of $262 billion as of December 1 (up $30 billion a month earlier»»»

gulfnews.com
France24 3h

French far-right lawmaker sparks debate with proposal to reopen brothels

Jean-Philippe Tanguy, a lawmaker from Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN), plans to submit a bill that would allow "maisons closes" to reopen in France for the first time since 1946, albeit run as cooperatives by sex workers themselves. Prostitution is technically legal in France, al»»»

france24.com
Gulf News 4h

UAE set for days of unstable weather as rain and fog return

Abu Dhabi: The weather across the UAE is partly cloudy to cloudy today, with a chance of light rain over western and coastal areas if cloud cover continues to thicken. Humidity during the early morning hours may once again lead to fog or light fog forming inland and along coastal areas. Winds will »»»

gulfnews.com
BBC 4h

Exiled Hong Kong activist target of sexually explicit harassment campaign

A high-profile Hong Kong pro-democracy activist living in the UK has been the target of a campaign of harassment involving letters containing fake, sexually explicit images of her sent from China to her neighbours. Carmen Lau, 30, who fled Hong Kong four years ago, told the BBC she was "shocked" as»»»

bbc.com
Gulf News 4h

Nobel laureate Machado makes first public appearance in 11 months

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado greeted supporters from the balcony of her hotel in Oslo early Thursday, her first public appearance in 11 months. Arriving too late in Norway to attend the ceremony, Machado was awarded the prestigious peace prize in »»»

gulfnews.com
Al Awsat 4h

Lebanon Moves to Reset Syria Ties With Envoy Appointment

The appointment of Lebanese ambassador Henry Kastoun in Damascus, formalized Wednesday when he presented his credentials to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, signals a significant reset in relations between Lebanon and Syria. It ends a four year diplomatic vacuum and opens a new chapter in which bo»»»

english.aawsat.com
Gulf News 4h

DXB’s busiest travel day is coming – how to avoid peak prices and what to book now

Dubai: Dubai International Airport (DXB) is heading into what it calls its biggest travel day of the year, with passenger numbers expected to peak at 303,000 on Saturday, December 20 – a few days ahead of Christmas. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.That’s not all. The y»»»

gulfnews.com
BBC 4h

Venezuelan opposition leader makes first public appearance after months in hiding

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado appeared in Oslo, Norway after winning the Nobel Peace Prize, waving from the balcony of the Grand Hotel after months in hiding. Machado made the covert journey despite a travel ban, and has mostly laid low since Venezuela's disputed presidential el»»»

bbc.com
Gulf News 4h

European nations agree to consider weakening protections for migrants dating to WWII

BRUSSELS: Sympathy for immigrants is fading worldwide. On Wednesday, European nations agreed to consider changes. Rights advocates, however, warn these would weaken migrant protections. Such protections have shaped European law since World War II. Also In This Package Orban says immigration threate»»»

gulfnews.com
Al Awsat 4h

Washington Cool on Nuclear Talks, Tehran Signals Conditional Readiness

Washington’s silence toward Iran’s repeated calls to revive nuclear negotiations is not simply a lapse in diplomatic attention. For many analysts, it resembles a calculated test of nerves at a moment of exceptional sensitivity in Tehran. As the United States juggles a crowded foreign policy agenda,»»»

english.aawsat.com
Gulf News 4h

The year’s quiet imprint: A gentle reflection on how life reshapes us

Life writes its stories in the moments we least expect — in the twists, the falls, the quiet turns that shape who we are, leaving imprints that are nearly invisible at first, only revealing themselves when we pause, when we look back. As 2025 winds down, take a moment and ask yourself — did this ye»»»

gulfnews.com
BBC 4h

US seizes oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, Trump says

US forces have seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said, marking a sharp escalation in Washington's pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro's government. "We have just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela - a large tanker, very large, the largest one ever s»»»

bbc.com
Gulf News 4h

Trump tariffs risk losing India at pivotal moment, Democrats warn

Washington: Sharp political criticism dominated a major Congressional hearing, with Democrats warning that President Donald Trump’s tariff regime and confrontational approach toward New Delhi could inflict long-term damage on one of America’s most vital alliances. During a Congressional hearing by »»»

gulfnews.com
Al Awsat 4h

Anti-Hamas Groups Vow to Fight On as Movement Warns

Groups operating in Israeli controlled pockets of the Gaza Strip say they will press ahead with their fight against Hamas despite the killing of their most senior commanders, insisting that they have expanded their ranks with new recruits since the October ceasefire as they seek a foothold in Gaza’»»»

english.aawsat.com
UPI 4h

Watch: Firefighters rescue kitten trapped under car in S.C. - UPI.com

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bluffton Twp. Fire District (@blufftonfire) Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Firefighters in South Carolina came to the rescue of a kitten that darted out into the road in front of a vehicle and ended up jumping up to hide in the undercarriage. The Bluffton Township Fir»»»

upi.com
Gulf News 4h

Venezuelan opposition leader Machado to appear in public in around an hour: representative

Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado will make a public appearance "in about an hour," her former campaign manager said early Thursday. It will be her first public appearance in eleven months after going into hiding following a presidential election that »»»

gulfnews.com
BBC 4h

Trump launches $1m 'gold card' immigration visas

President Donald Trump has launched a scheme offering fast-tracked US visas to wealthy foreigners who can pay at least $1m (£750,000). The card will give buyers a "direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invalu»»»

bbc.com