Hezbollah’s Sheikh Qassem Speaks Today
Hezbollah Secretray General Sheikh Naim Qassem is to deliver a televised address on Friday afternoon during a ceremony in triubute of martyred scholars who fell All the Way to Al-Quds and in “Formidable in Might” Battle. The ceremony kicks off at 14:30 (Beirut time), at late Hezbollah S.G. Sayyed H»»»
World Bank Forecasts 4.3% Growth for Saudi Economy, Supported by Non-Oil Activities
The World Bank affirmed on Thursday that Saudi Arabia's economy has gained significant momentum for 2026-2027, driven by robust non-oil sector expansion under Vision 2030. In a report titled “The Gulf’s Digital Transformation: A Powerful Engine for Economic Diversification,” the World Bank said gro»»»
Israel's Netanyahu picks military secretary as new Mossad chief
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has picked his military secretary, a general with no background in intelligence, as the next head of the country's foreign intelligence agency Mossad. In a statement Thursday, Netanyahu's office announced the decision to appoint Major General Roman Gofman a»»»
U.S. opens visa support desk for Korean investors after Georgia raid - UPI.com
South Korea and the United States on Friday officially launched a visa support desk at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. People waiting to receive visas lined up at the embassy on Friday. Photo by Yonhap South Korea and the United States on Friday officially launched a visa support desk at the U.S. Embass»»»
Social Spark Ignites in Bulgaria, Analyst Says President’s Role Could Be Decisive
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alexander Hristov, Chairman of the Center for Analysis and Crisis Communications, told Bulgarian National Radio that a decisive protest is already emerging in response to recent developments. He said the “spark” appeared quickly over a matter of weeks, fueled primarily by the new b»»»
Why the Putin-Witkoff meeting brought no ‘breakthrough’
US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner have met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow. The approximately five-hour session focused on a revised US peace proposal aimed at ending Russia’s nearly four-year war in Ukraine. »»»
What are freeze-dried sweets and why are they popular?
When Savannah Louise West first tasted freeze-dried gummies, she was intrigued. "I think the crunch is so satisfying, and I find it interesting to experience a candy I'm familiar with that has an entirely new texture," says the Toronto resident. Ms West is describing one of the main features of thi»»»
EU leaders fear US ‘betrayal’ on Ukraine peace talks – media
EU leaders "harbor profound distrust of" Washington’s attempts to help end the Ukraine conflict, Der Spiegel reported on Thursday, citing a transcript of their recent phone call that it obtained. On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a phone call with»»»
Cold and rainy weather on Friday
Tunis, Dec. 5 (TAP) – The weather will be heavily cloudy, on Friday, with scattered rainfall over the northern and central regions, according to forecasts from the National Institute of Meteorology (INM).The rainfall will be temporarily stormy and...»»»
Iraq stars look to make World Cup case
Doha: Against a familiar foe it was a solid start, as Iraq avoided the first-up FIFA Arab Cup jitters that have struck several heavyweights in Qatar to down Bahrain 2-1 in their Group D opener. In one sense, it’s the start of a possible half a dozen matches to clinch the regional title but in anoth»»»
Sudan show their resolve
Doha: Undoubtedly, facing the title-holders in a tournament opener is going to ramp up the pressure, and Algeria’s pedigree in African and Arab football, along with their impressive FIFA World Cup history, make them a complex challenge for any competitor. Nevertheless, it seems that Sudan were not »»»
IntelliNews Lambda: The cost of Russia’s iconic Olivier salad and the Borscht index both up as food inflation bites
The cost of Russia’s traditional Olivier salad has risen 4% ahead of the 2026 New Year holidays, according to new data published by TASS on December 5, citing research from financial services marketplace Sravni. The average price for an eight-serving portion of the salad now stands at RUB416 ($4.64»»»
Four EU states to boycott Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation
Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands have said they will boycott the next Eurovision Song Contest after Israel was cleared to take part. Earlier this year, several broadcasters urged contest organizers the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to bar Israel over alleged vote-rigging and the wa»»»
Russia Encouraged by Progress in Talks with US on Ukrainian Settlement - Kremlin Aide
NEW DELHI (Sputnik) - The Russian side is encouraged by progress in negotiations with the United States on a settlement in Ukraine, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said on Friday. "After all, in the main negotiations, in which our president [of Russia Vladimir Putin] is participating, in my opinion, we a»»»
Defense ministry launches probe into military propaganda unit over anti-Pyongyang leafleting - UPI.com
South Korea's Defense Ministry has launched an investigation into allegations that a military propaganda unit secretly sent anti-Pyongyang leaflets to North Korea, officials said Friday. This 2013 file photo shows balloons carrying flyers ready to be floated across the inter-Korean border by right »»»
Court rules National Guard may remain in D.C. for now - UPI.com
Members of the National Guard are seen patrolling the Metro Center station in Washington, DC on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Photo by Anna Rose Layden/UPI | License Photo Dec. 5 (UPI) -- National Guard troops stationed in Washington, D.C., as part of President Donald Trump's crime crackdown may re»»»
Al Ain court orders Dh20,000 compensation over rear-end crash
Al Ain: The Al Ain Civil, Commercial and Administrative Court has ordered a woman to pay Dh20,000 in compensation to another driver after causing a rear-end collision due to her failure to follow traffic signals and yield the right of way. According to Al Khaleej newspaper, the plaintiff filed a la»»»
Riyadh's Sports Boulevard.. Premier urban project improving quality of life
News report by Khaled Al-Shammari RIYADH, Dec 5 (KUNA) -- Launched as part of major projects by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud in 2019, the Riyadh Sports Boulevard in the Saudi capital is viewed as a premier urban project aimed at improving the quality for life of citizens and residents.Accordin»»»
Israel Meets Lebanon’s Diplomatic Overture with Strikes on the South
Israel on Thursday ended days of ambiguity over whether the recent “positive atmosphere” created by civilian negotiations with Lebanon might ease tensions. Instead, it launched four airstrikes targeting homes in South Lebanon, including one north of the Litani River. The attacks came less than 24 h»»»
Mother and son rescued after house fire on Chios
A 53-year-old woman and her 24-year-old son were rescued on the island of Chios, in the eastern Aegean, after a fire trapped them on a balcony amid heavy smoke. State broadcaster ERT reported that both victims had inhaled significant amounts of smoke and were in shock when firefighters reached them»»»
Confident Saudi Arabia take on Comoros; Morocco eye ‘crucial’ win against Oman
DOHA: An in-form Saudi Arabia side is aiming for a second consecutive victory in Group B of the FIFA Arab Cup as they face Comoros today, while Morocco look to maintain its place at the top of the group in a key clash against Oman. Saudi Arabia fought hard for a 2-1 victory over Oman in their thril»»»
Israel Cleared to Stay in Eurovision; Spain, Ireland and Others Quit in Protest
Israel was cleared on Thursday to enter the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest by the organizer, prompting Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia to withdraw over the Gaza war and plunging the competition into one of the biggest rows in its history. The broadcasters who had threatened to boycott th»»»
PM: Bulgaria's Economic Growth in 2025 Is Twice as High as European Average
This year Bulgaria has achieved economic growth that is twice the European average, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said during Parliament’s Question Time on Friday. He said that in response to a question by Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria MP Bogdan Bogdanov when he intended to resign ove»»»
Ministry of Finance plans loans of over 5.1 billion RON in last month of 2025
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) planned, in December 2025, loans from commercial banks worth 4.5 billion RON, to which 15%, respectively 675 million RON, of the nominal value awarded at the reference auctions, can be added, within the additional sessions of non-competitive offers.The total amount, of»»»
PartialLocalElectionPMB2025/ 17 candidates running for Bucharest general mayor
Ten representatives of political parties and seven independents, one supported by an alliance, have entered the race for the position of general mayor of the Capital in the election on 7 December.The seat at the General City Hall was left vacant by Nicusor Dan after he won the presidential election»»»
PM Bolojan: Romania bears primary responsibility of preventing illegal border crossings, duty it has fulfilled
Romania, as a border country of the European Union, bears the primary responsibility of preventing illegal border crossings, a duty it has fulfilled over the years, said on Thursday Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan."As far as combating illegal migration is concerned, Romania, as an EU border country, ha»»»
On This Day, Dec. 5: Black Americans declare boycott of Montgomery, Ala., buses - UPI.com
On Dec. 5, 1955, in one of the early civil rights actions in the South, Black Americans declared a boycott of city buses in Montgomery, Ala., demanding seating on an equal basis with white people. 1 of 6 | Rosa Parks sits up front of a Montgomery, Ala., bus with UPI reporter Nicholas Chriss on Dece»»»
Visa Relocates European Headquarters to London's Canary Wharf
Visa is relocating its European headquarters to London's Canary Wharf financial district, the Canary Wharf Group said on Friday. The firm is leasing 300,000 square feet on a 15-year term at One Canada Square, and is set to relocate from Paddington in the summer of 2028, the group added. Canary Whar»»»
40-story buildings from State Mortgage Company to be earthquake-resistant - | 24.KG
Forty-story buildings from the State Mortgage Company (SMC) in Bishkek will be earthquake-resistant. Gulzat Totubaeva, head of the Public Relations Department at the State Mortgage Company (SMC), announced at a briefing. According to her, construction of a residential complex at the intersection of»»»
Top UK women’s groups ban transgender members
Two of Britain’s biggest organizations for women and girls, Girlguiding and the Women’s Institute, have said they will no longer accept transgender members, citing a court ruling on biological sex. Girlguiding, Britain’s equivalent of the Girl Scouts, said in a statement on Tuesday that “trans girl»»»
Aoun says Israel talks 'positive', to resume December 19
President Joseph Aoun has said the next round of talks with Israel will begin on December 19, calling the reaction to initial negotiations this week "positive". "It is natural that the first session would not be highly productive, but it paved the way for upcoming sessions that will begin on the 19»»»
Doha College alumna elected President of the Oxford Union
DOHA: Doha College announced that alumna and former Head Girl, Arwa (pictured) (Class of 2024), has been elected President of the Oxford Union, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious debating societies. Her appointment places her among an influential group of past presidents, including form»»»
World Bank Raises GCC Growth Forecast
The World Bank has lifted its growth forecast for the Gulf Council Cooperation (GCC) to 4.5% for 2026, supported by structural reforms and rapid digital innovation. A WB forecast issued in October had projected 4.4% growth for 2026. In its latest edition of the Gulf Economic Update (GEU), the World»»»
Covoro YouCloud launches AI-driven E-invoicing solution at Dubai Tax Summit
Dubai: Covoro YouCloud, a strategic joint venture formed to accelerate digital tax transformation across the GCC, announced its participation as a Diamond Sponsor at the Tax Technology Summit, taking place on December 6, in Grand Millennium Hotel, Barsha Heights, Dubai. As the UAE moves toward its »»»
Severe weather warning issued, thunderstorms, flash floods and heavy rain likely next week in Saudi Arabia
Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology (NCM) is forecasting widespread thunderstorms across much of the country beginning Saturday, December 6, and continuing through Thursday, December 11, with several regions expected to see heavy rainfall and potentially hazardous weather conditio»»»
New Dh30m UAE Lottery rules: How to win jackpot, what are the odds, when top prizes won’t get you full amounts
Dubai: The UAE Lottery has announced new rules after transforming its Lucky Day draw with a new weekly format and refreshed prize structure, bringing players more frequent chances to win. The revamped game, which begins tomorrow, December 6, features a Dh30 million jackpot, an enhanced Dh5 million »»»
SONAX drives double-digit growth in GCC and Middle East with UAE partner RAMY Automotive
Dubai: SONAX GmbH, the global leader in car care solutions, has recorded consistent double-digit growth across the GCC and wider Middle East region, averaging between 10% and 20% over the past five years. This sustained expansion underscores the company’s strong foothold in the region and its posit»»»
Mbank, 7X revolutionise UAE's logistics and e-commerce payments with AE Coin integration
Abu Dhabi: Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank), the UAE’s first fully integrated digital bank, has announced a strategic collaboration with 7X, a leading trade, transport, and logistics group. The collaboration between both entities aims to enable blockchain-powered digital payments using AE Coin, the»»»
Loyola International School holds annual day 2025, releases Year Book
DOHA: Anandotsav 2025, Loyola International School’s Annual Day, held at the iconic QNCC conference hall, once again showcased why the school continues to earn the admiration of its parent community. Across its three sessions, the event unfolded as an immersive showcase of imagination, culture, and»»»
Association of Arab Universities names Dr. Al-Kawari as Personality of the Year
DOHA: The Second Forum for the Arab World’s International Day for Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development has named H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, as the 2025 Personality of the Year for Social Responsibility and Sustainab»»»
Ukraine Deputy FM thanks Qatar for efforts to reunite families
New York: Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations, H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani met with Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, H E Betsa Mariana at the Permanent Mission headquarters in New York. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and ways to support and»»»
Vodafone Qatar to give away over 100 prizes throughout FIFA Arab Cup
THE PENINSULA Doha: As the official Technology Sponsor of FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, Vodafone Qatar announced a dynamic lineup of tournament activations that will run across multiple venues, offering fans more than 100 prizes to be won throughout the competition. Renowned presenter Abdulrahman Al As»»»
Family of 6 refuses to pay Dubai hotel bill after staying for two years
Dubai: A civil court in Dubai has ordered an Arab family to vacate a hotel room they had occupied for two years without settling the full cost of their stay. The court also directed the family to pay Dh155,000 in outstanding dues and fees as of October 1, in addition to daily accommodation charges »»»
Grand jury reject's Trump's bid to re-indict NY AG Letitia James - UPI.com
A federal grand jury on Thursday turned aside the Trump administration's request to re-indict Letitia James, attorney general of New York. File Photo by Derek French/UPI | License Photo Dec. 5 (UPI) -- A federal grand jury has rejected the Justice Department's bid to re-indict New York Attorney Gen»»»
UAE firms face Dh108,000 fine for every Emirati they don’t hire under 2025 targets
Dubai: Companies operating in the UAE and subject to Emiratisation quotas will be required to pay Dh108,000 for every Emirati they fail to hire under their 2025 targets, with financial penalties taking effect in January 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced. The »»»
Police 'Recover' Faberge Egg Swallowed by Thief
New Zealand police have recovered a diamond-encrusted green Faberge egg after keeping a six-day watch over the thief accused of swallowing it. The 32-year-old allegedly gulped down the egg late last week from a store in the country's largest city, Auckland, but was arrested before he could flee. "P»»»
QFFD to launch humanitarian interventions in Sri Lanka, Vietnam
Doha: The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has declared the initiation of two emergency humanitarian interventions aimed at assisting communities that have been severely impacted by the recent floods and landslides in both Sri Lanka and Vietnam. These initiatives, executed in collaboration with Qa»»»
Iraq ‘Mistakenly Lists’ Iran Allies as Terrorists, Unsettling Coordination Bloc
Iraq on Thursday stunned observers by abruptly adding Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi movement to a terrorism list that triggers immediate asset freezes, only to retract the move within hours by claiming the two names had appeared in an “unedited list” slated for correction. The whiplash decision set »»»
MoJ graduates over 180 legal trainees as part of expanding national training effort
DOHA: Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has graduated 183 participants from a series of mandatory legal training programmes, marking a significant expansion in the country’s efforts to build a highly skilled national legal workforce. The ceremony, hosted by the Ministry’s Center for Legal and Judicial Stud»»»
40,000 apartments planned to be provided through State Mortgage Program in 2026 - | 24.KG
In 2026, the State Mortgage Company plans to provide 40,000 apartments in Kyrgyzstan. The head of the Public Relations Department of the State Mortgage Company (SMC), Gulzat Totubaeva, announced at a briefing. According to her, over the past two years, SMC has demonstrated record results in impleme»»»