Athens Crowned Cocktail City of the Year 2026, Beating Paris and New York
The 2026 Travel & Taste Awards have crowned Athens as the “Cocktail Culture City of the Year” after defeating top global destinations such as Paris, New York and Mexico City.
Regional News and Timely Insights
Stay informed with the latest political, economic, and social developments from the UAE and the Middle East—delivered with accuracy, depth, and context.
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Instagram Boss Warns Users Could Be “Overwhelmed” Without Algorithmic Curation
Instagram’s CEO has announced that users will find their experience worse without an algorithm, experience more brand-related content, and spend less time on the app. The Australian government is
Rescuers Race to Reach Burned Ferry as Vessels Deploy in the Philippines
The Philippines has sent coast guard, military and civilian ships to search for survivors on a smouldering passenger-cargo vessel off the western province of Palawan, where a fire killed at
South Korea’s Record Budget Earns Positive Outlook from Moody’s for Balancing Growth and Fiscal Health
South Korea’s next budget plan and economy as a whole got a positive rating from global credit rating agency Moody’s. The agency said it admired the country’s approach to successfully
US Military Destroys Additional Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Retaliatory Strikes
On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Defense has announced the destruction of five Iranian oil tankers. The American military response was in response to the recent attacks on its warships,
UK Defends Sanctions on Israeli Settlements Amid Domestic and Diplomatic Backlash
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has strongly denied the chief rabbi’s call for “special care” for British Jews, after a UK Government move to impose sanctions on Israeli settlements in the
Moldova Cities Enter Race for European Capital of Culture 2033
The national competition for the European Capital of Culture 2033 title is open to Moldovan municipalities, which will submit long-term urban cultural development plans before the application deadline on October
EU Weighs Social Media Age Limits as Privacy Concerns Grow
The European Union is about to unveil its strategy for protecting children online, but proposals to limit their access to social media and enforce age checks have been met with
South Korea Protesters Rally Against Involvement in Iran War
As the leaders of the protesters opposite the big US embassy in Seoul consider “contributions” to the waterway’s security, they wave signs that read “Do not join a war of
Poland Scrambles Military Aircraft in Response to Massive Russian Strikes on Ukraine
On the night of 9 September, Poland stepped up its military activity in its airspace in response to the increased activity of Russian long-range aviation, which launched aggressive strikes against
Oil Prices Hit Six-Week High After Houthi Attacks on Saudi Energy Infrastructure
Yemen’s oil prices reach new six-week peak on Tuesday as Houthis attack Saudi energy sites. Oil installations were set ablaze and over 70 people were injured in four southern Saudi
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Launches Latin American Tour to Cement Regional Influence
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has landed in Colombia at the start of a multi-nation Latin America tour. The diplomatic visit is designed to strengthen pro-US leaders and
Zamfara Airstrike Targets Terrorist Hideout, Many Reportedly Killed
Members of Operation FANSAN YANMA suspected of being terrorists have been killed in the Yankuzo community of Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA), by Nigerian troops, in Zamfara State. A
Museum of Islamic Culture and Art Opens in Sarajevo
The Museum of Islamic Culture and Art is officially opened in the City of Sarajevo and has thus become one of the most awaited cultural institutions in the region, dedicated
Double Explosion at Bolivian Military Base Leaves at Least 10 Dead and Dozens Injured
At least 10 people have been killed and dozens injured after two major explosions struck the military camp, RAM-2 “Bolivar”, in the town of Viacha. At least 10 people have
Thailand Presses On Against Cambodia Despite Trump Ceasefire Claim
The leader of Thailand pledged to continue fighting along the contentious border with Cambodia, with fighter jets hitting targets on 13th December, hours after the U.S. President Donald Trump announced
Trump Threatens Mexico With 5% Tariff Hike Amid Escalating Water Dispute
Mexico has failed to supply more water to aid farmers in the United States, so President Donald Trump is threatening to add another 5 percent tariff on Mexico on 8th
Lula Holds Talks With Maduro as U.S. Military Build-Up Raises Tensions
Last week, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) made a phone call to Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and discussed the military build-up of the US against the neighboring country.
Thailand Dissolves Parliament Amid Escalating Border Skirmishes With Cambodia
Thailand’s parliament is dissolved for new elections to be held early next year, as the country continues its cross-border skirmishes with Cambodia. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved the House
Putin Meets Indonesia’s Prabowo to Deepen Military, Energy Ties and Boost Wheat Exports
Russian President Vladimir Putin informed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday (Dec 10) that Moscow was happy with the emerging military relationship between the two nations and was willing to
Trump-Brokered Peace Tested as US Accuses Rwanda of Fueling Fresh Conflict in DRC
The US ambassador to the UN accused Rwanda, which is accused of supporting the M23 armed group in the conflict in eastern DR Congo, of taking the region towards war
Fighting Reignites in Congo Just Hours After Trump-Backed Peace Deal Ceremony
The battle in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo continued on 5th December, a day after President Donald Trump summoned Congolese and Rwandan leaders in Washington to sign new agreements that
Anti-Drug Push: Dominican Republic Confirms US Deal Will Take Effect by April
The scope of the deal was made clear by Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, saying on 1st December that a temporary agreement permitting U.S. staff to access restricted areas of
Taiwan Signals Fresh Start: Ready to Restore Ties with Honduras
Taiwan is set to rebuild relations with former ally Honduras and has been in contact with both the presidential candidates pandering to Taipei, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said on Wednesday
Diplomatic Push: China Urges France to Take Its Side in Japan Dispute
On 2nd December, Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated the Chinese stand on the comments made by the Japanese prime minister on Taiwan during their meeting with his French counterpart in
Putin Declares Full Control of Donbas Is Russia’s Goal — By Force if Needed
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a publicly proclaimed threat to seize the entire territory of the Donbas region in Ukraine with the use of military force, unless the Ukrainian
Trump’s Move to Scrap Somali Safeguards Sends Shockwaves Through Minnesota
The threat level of ending temporary legal safeguards of Somalis residing in Minnesota by President Donald Trump is causing panic in the deeply rooted immigrant populace of Minnesota, with apprehension
G20 South Africa Adopts Declaration Despite U.S. Boycott and Fierce Opposition
On 22nd November, with the object of the U.S., a group of 20 leaders went ahead with a declaration that covered the climate crisis and other global challenges, leading to
UN Security Council Endorses Trump’s Gaza Plan in Landmark Vote
The issues, which have been proposed by Donald Trump regarding a durable peace in Gaza and the application of an international stabilisation force and a potential road to a sovereign
Trump Insists: Ukraine Peace Plan “Not My Final Offer”
On 22nd November, President Donald Trump indicated that his peace proposal to Ukraine and Russia is “not my last offer”, informing reporters in response to one of his inquiries posed
Deadly Tanker Explosion in Southwest Cameroon Kills at Least Eight
In the early morning on 12th December, a fuel tanker crashed and exploded at Likomba, near Tiko, in southwestern Cameroon, killing at least eight people, the local authorities said. The
Nigeria’s Senate Backs Tinubu’s Troop Deployment to Benin Republic After Coup Attempt
The Senate of Nigeria on 9th December approved the action of President Bola Tinubu in deploying troops to the Benin Republic upon the request of the government of Benin to
Australia Awards First Contract for Six MQ-28 Ghost Bat Drones
On 9th December, Australia is expected to announce it is going to sign a A$1 billion (A$663.30 million) contract with Boeing Australia to take the “Ghost Bat” air drone to
Russian Bombers Force Chinese Air Patrol Away Near Japan as Tokyo–Beijing Tensions Escalate
As tension between Tokyo and Beijing increased, the Japanese defence ministry on 9th December said that jets have been scrambled by the Japanese to keep track of Russian and Chinese
Ukraine Hits Two Russian Vessels Carrying Military Gear in the Caspian Sea
The special forces of Ukraine announced that on 12th December, they carried out an attack with what they referred to as a local resistance movement in the goal of striking
Canada Joins EU’s Defense Spending Surge Initiative
Canada has agreed on the membership of the European Union Security Action of Europe (SAFE) program that will provide Canadian military companies with wider access to the European market, said
Fighting Reignites in Congo Just Hours After Trump-Backed Peace Deal Ceremony
The battle in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo continued on 5th December, a day after President Donald Trump summoned Congolese and Rwandan leaders in Washington to sign new agreements that
Ukraine Hits Key Pipeline Supplying Russian Oil to Hungary and Slovakia, Sources Say
Ukraine struck the Druzhba oil pipeline in the central Tambov area of Russia, a source in the GUR military intelligence of Ukraine wrote on 3rd December. The fifth Ukrainian attack
Russia–India Trade Booms as Putin and Modi Announce New Momentum
On 5th December, at an annual summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and agreed to diversify their bilateral economic relationships as the United States urges
Romania Says It Shot Down Maritime Drone Over the Black Sea
The Romanian military destroyed a maritime drone that was threatening shipping in the Black Sea, and the Ministry of National Defence announced the action on Dec 3, as the worry
China Deploys Military Ships in the Region in the Largest Military Showing Ever
According to various sources and intelligence reports analyzed by Reuters, China has positioned a colossal naval and coast guard force on the East Asian waters, and the number of ships
Germany Deploys Fighter Jets to Poland After Russian Drone Strikes
In response to the Russian drone invasion in the Polish town of Malbork in September, the German air force announced on 4th December that it has sent five German Eurofighter
Tensions in the Sky: Dutch Military Shoots Down Drones Over Volkel Air Base
The Ministry of Defense stated on 22nd November that the military of the Netherlands fired on drones above the Volkel Air Base in the eastern region of the country, but
Pakistani Forces Launch Fierce Border Raids, Leaving 23 Militants Dead
The Pakistani security forces stormed two Pakistani Taliban hideouts in the north west of the country close to the Afghan border, which led to fierce shootouts, annihilating 23 militants according
Tragedy in Western Ukraine: Children Among 26 Dead in Devastating Strike
Russian officials are quoted as saying that at least 26 people, including three children, were killed in a Russian missile and drone attack that hit two blocks of flats in
Explosion Rocks Nigeria’s Vital Escravos–Lagos Pipeline
Nigeria’s state oil company NNPC Ltd reported that on December 10, an explosion at its major Escravos-Lagos gas pipeline had affected the operations and had led to an emergency response.
22 Buildings Collapse in Morocco’s Capital Fez, Killing at Least 22 People
Two four-story buildings adjacent to each other in the Moroccan city of Fez collapsed overnight, and 22 people are dead, in the second time this year that buildings in the
Hidden Tunnel Sparks Surge as Scores of Migrants Cross from Belarus into Poland
On 12th December, the frontier guards said that over 180 migrants entered Poland through a tunnel concealed in a forest at the Belarus-Poland border. The Polish Border Guard said in
Russian Tanker Hit by Drone Attack Off Turkey’s Coast, Authorities Say
On 2nd December, a Russian-flagged tanker that was loaded with sunflower oil reported a drone strike on the Turkish coast, as its 13 crew members were safely unharmed, according to
Tragedy on the River: Deadly Peru Landslide Sweeps Away Two Boats
Peru Local media reports that at least 12 people are dead and about 50 more are missing after a landslide hit two boats that were docked at a river port
Cyclone Survivors in Sri Lanka Too Scared To Go Home, Trapped in Relief Centres
In central Sri Lanka, the Kithulbadde village residents claim that they have been left in the lurch following the fatal cyclone that occurred last week, and many are languishing in
Indonesia Ramps Up Rescue in Flood-Hit Sumatra as Death Toll Passes 860
The Indonesian military increased the relief in Sumatra in three provinces, which were destroyed by the catastrophic floods and landslides, and many of the people are still trapped without government
Tragedy in Bangladesh: 5.5 Quake Claims at Least 8 Lives
On 21st November, a powerful 5.5 magnitude earthquake caused fatalities and injuries to more than 300 people in central Bangladesh and killed at least eight people, according to the authorities
Bolsonaro Behind Bars: Ex-Brazil President Arrested Over Alleged Escape Plot
The federal police of Brazil on 22nd November arrested the former president, Jair Bolsonaro, on suspicion that he was planning his escape and avoiding a 27-year sentence for spearheading a
UK’s MI5 Warns Lawmakers of Escalating Chinese Espionage Threat
On 18th November, Britain, through its MI5 security agency, alerted members of parliament against efforts by Chinese agents to gather information and influence operations, which is contained in an email
Vietnam Floods Claim 41 Lives as More Heavy Rains Loom
State media on 20th November reported that the number of people who have died in a new wave of heavy downpour, flooding, and landslides in central Vietnam that followed the
Serbian Protesters Demand Accountability for Attacks on Students
On a peaceful march in the Serbian capital Belgrade on 22nd November, thousands of anti-government protesters, headed by students, demanded justice for those involved in the deaths of 16 people
Iran Confirms Seizure of Tanker Carrying Petrochemicals
On 15th November, Iran affirmed that the tanker carrying a cargo of petrochemicals bound for Singapore was captured by the Revolutionary Guards of Iran in the Gulf waters due to
South Africa Probes Mysterious Flight Carrying 153 Palestinians
South Africa will probe into the mysterious coming of 150+ Palestinians who were held on a charter plane at Johannesburg for 12 hours by the border police due to a
Tragedy in Kashmir: Police Station Explosion Leaves 9 Dead, Dozens Hurt
In Indian-controlled Kashmir, a cache of seized explosives exploded in a police station killing at least 9 people and injuring 32 others, police alleged on 15th November. The explosion took
RBI Cuts Rates, Boosts Liquidity to Keep India’s ‘Goldilocks’ Economy Just Right
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) slashed its key repo rate by 25 bps (basis points) on Friday (Dec 5) and did not rule out easing more while it took
Saudi Aramco and Sonatrach increase December LPG Prices by 3-5 percent
The official selling prices (OSPs) of Saudi Aramco and Algerian Sonatrach of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have increased by a rate of between 3.3% and 5.4% in December, traders added,
World Bank & ADB Launch First Pacific Projects Under New Partnership Initiative
The first two Pacific projects to be implemented today were announced by the World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda as part of
US and Saudi Arabia Showcase Bold New Business Deals at Major Investment Forum
On 19th November Saudi and US authorities boasted of billions of dollars in new investments and expanding financial relationships between the two nations as Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin
Central Bank to Launch $2 Billion Auction Sprint, Including Major Monday Repo Sale
On 21st November, the Brazilian central bank announced it will conduct up to two dollar auctions with repurchase agreements of up to $2 billion on Monday morning. According to a
Iran Signals Willingness for Nuclear Talks—But Stands Firm on Its Conditions, Adviser Warns
Iran is also ready to redo nuclear negotiations with the United States, provided they are respected by the Iranian government, a high-ranking Iranian official informed CNN on 18th November, but
Nokia Pledges $4 Billion to Boost U.S. R&D and Build AI-Ready Networks
On 21st November, Nokia, with the Trump administration, announced its intentions to increase its U.S. R&D and manufacturing capacity by investing in AI-ready mobile, fixed access, IP, optical, and data
Dutch Government Relinquishes Control Over Chinese Chipmaker Nexperia
The Dutch government announced it is abandoning control over Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia, ending a conflict between China and the Netherlands that could have disrupted semiconductor supplies needed in the world
Japan Unleashes 135-Billion-Yen Boost to Revive Its Sluggish Economy
On 21st November, the Japanese Cabinet passed a 21.3 trillion yen ($135.4 billion) stimulus package to aid in jump-starting the economy by means of expansionary government spending, as well as
Venture Global Seals 20-Year LNG Mega Deal with Japan’s Mitsui
Venture Global (NYSE: VG) has entered into a 20-year Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Japan-based Mitsui and Co, Ltd. to supply 1.0 million tonne per annum (MTPA) of liquefied
Cracking Down on Shein & Temu: EU Ministers Approve New Customs Fee on Chinese Parcels
The executive of the EU called on the finance ministers of the bloc, holding a meeting on 13th November, to introduce a fee starting next year on low-value orders originating
Government Bonds Tumble as Proposed Income Tax Rise Triggers Market Jitters: Reeves
On 14th November, the UK bond markets were scared as it was revealed that Rachel Reeves had abandoned her plans to make a manifesto-busting income tax hike at the autumn
IMF Forecast: Thailand’s GDP Set to Rise 1.6% in 2026
The Thai economy is estimated to increase at 2.1 percent in the current year and 1.6 percent in 2026 in the wake of escalating economic headwinds, as indicated by the […]
US Moves to Lift Select Tariffs on Argentina and Ecuador
The United States will lift tariffs on some of the food products, as well as other imports by Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala, and El Salvador in exchange for better access to
IMF Approves $24B Credit Line for Mexico, Marking a Smaller but Strategic Lifeline
On 14th November, the International Monetary Fund reported that its executive board had sanctioned a new two-year, $24 billion flexible credit line to Mexico, which the country could use as
Reddit Hit With £14M Penalty Over Major Child Age-Check Failures
The UK data watchdog has fined Reddit £14.47 million because the company was illegally processing the personal data of children. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) indicated that the site did
Indonesia Pushes Dangdut to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List
The Ministry of Culture assisted the Indonesian Association of Artists, Singers, Songwriters and Musicians (PAPPRI) in bringing the Indonesian music ecosystem together before the National Music Day 2026. According
Berlin’s 2036 Olympic Bid Stirs Debate Over Nazi Games Anniversary
In response to its president indicating his worry over Germany hosting the Olympics in 2036 on the 100th anniversary of the Berlin Games of the Nazi era, the head of
NASA Targets Early March Return of Humans to Lunar Orbit
NASA is aiming to send a crew around the moon in the first mission in over 50 years. The Artemis II mission will involve four astronauts travelling on a 10-day
Beyond Borders: Two Central Asian Nations Strengthen Cultural Ties and Creative Exchange
Central Asia is in a great cultural revival. In both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, large art institutions are being introduced at an unprecedented pace, and it is not only an investment
UK Cracks Down: Social Media Giants Given 48 Hours to Remove Extreme Content
The social networks working in the UK will be obligated to remove the offensive photos and videos within 48 hours of receiving a complaint; they may receive substantial fines or
The Six Most Anticipated Museum Openings of 2026
The next generation of iconic museums will be built in 2026 and will revolutionise skylines and cultural landscapes of diverse areas across the globe. Such mega projects as Los Angeles
Gabon Orders Suspension of Facebook and TikTok in Sudden Social Media Crackdown
In Gabon, Facebook and TikTok have indefinitely blocked communications following the claims of the Central African media regulation that social media platforms publish content that promotes conflict and division in
South Africa’s Pavilion to Stand Empty at 2026 Venice Biennale, Says Culture Ministry
In the next Venice Biennale, the South African pavilion will be vacant in 2026, a representative of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) of South Africa has informed
Meta on Trial: Mark Zuckerberg to Take the Stand in Addiction Lawsuit
Mark Zuckerberg will appear on the witness stand in one of the most closely followed and historic trials to determine the future of the legal and public discourse regarding the
From Ancient Rome to Modern Marvels: How Travertine Is Shaping a New Generation of Temples
As early as Romans had a desire to construct a new temple, they used to travel to a local quarries of Tivoli and hewn blocks of porous rock called lapis
Year of the Fire Horse Ignites Celebrations from Beijing to Bangkok
The Lunar New Year has brought about bright celebrations, family bonding and ancient traditions in millions of people in Asia and other parts of the globe as they celebrate the
Hidden Treasures Revealed: Over 250,000 Korean Cultural Artefacts Discovered Overseas
Korean historic artefacts, including those stolen by the Japanese during wars or other crises in the history of the country, are found abroad, most of them stored in Japan, as
“Ring of Fire” Eclipse Set to Dazzle Skies: What the World Needs to Know
A solar eclipse on 17th February will be a “ring of fire,” the first eclipse of 2026, although only approximately 2 per cent of the population of the world will
Paraguay Seeks UNESCO Heritage Recognition for Chipa and Nativity Scene Tradition
The Paraguayan government has formally made bids to have two of its most prized cultural traditions recognised and granted UNESCO heritage status. The National Secretariat of Culture declared the candidacies
