Asia

Philippines

France and the Philippines stage joint naval drills in South China Sea

The countries' military exercises last week are likely to displease China, which claims ownership over most of the South China Sea.

24/02/2025

Culture news

Syria's iconic Queen Zenobia faces removal from school curriculum

Syria's Ministry of Education has announced sweeping changes to the school curriculum, including the removal of any reference to symbols of the former regime, including the national anthem. Syrian Queen Zenobia is also one of the casualties.

23/02/2025

Gaza

Hamas releases six last hostages in first phase of ceasefire agreement

The six included three Israeli men seized from the Nova music festival and another taken while visiting family in southern Israel when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border in the 7 October, 2023, attack that triggered Israel’s 16-month bombing campaign in Gaza.

22/02/2025

The Dialogue

Nasser Al-Khori leverages the power of sport to shape the leaders of tomorrow

In partnership with Media City

Nasser Al-Khori is the driving force behind Generation Amazing, the foundation is a legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

22/02/2025

Destinations

I found crowd-free onsen and artisan masters in Japan’s Gifu province

It is now easier to reach Gifu prefecture from Europe with direct flights from Helsinki to Nagoya.

22/02/2025

Business

China's Alibaba sees revenue surge on back of AI and e-commerce

Chinese e-commerce firm Alibaba Group Holding posted its fastest revenue growth in more than a year, beating analyst expectations as it capitalises on the artificial intelligence boom in China.

21/02/2025

Israel

Body of Shiri Bibas not among returned hostages, Israeli military says

Hamas claimed it released the bodies of four hostages on Thursday, including a mother and her two sons.

21/02/2025

Israel

Authorities suspect explosions in Israeli city may be 'terror attack'

Israeli police say that several explosions targeted empty buses in the central city of Bat Yam on Thursday evening, in what they are labelling a “suspected terror attack”.

20/02/2025

No Comment

Train collides with elephants in Sri Lanka, causing derailment and animal fatalities

A train derailed in Sri Lanka after colliding with a herd of elephants, killing six of them. No passengers were injured, while two elephants are being treated.

20/02/2025

China

China starts repatriating citizens freed from scam centres in Myanmar

Around 7,000 rescued workers are waiting to be moved across the border to Thailand, says Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

20/02/2025

Gaza

Hamas releases bodies of Israeli hostages, including the Bibas family

The Bibas family include a mother and two children whose whereabouts were widely speculated on.

20/02/2025

No Comment

Beauty knows no age: Japan's seniors embrace glamour in a growing mark

In Japan, seniors are embracing beauty routines through Shiseido’s makeup courses, as the country's ageing population becomes a key market for fashion and wellness.

19/02/2025

Focus

Global leaders chart future of AI and governance at World Government Summit 2025

In this episode of Focus, we take you to the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai, where global leaders, policymakers and experts gathered to shape the future of governance. From the integration of AI and digital transformation to public-private partnerships, the summit tackled key challenges.

19/02/2025

Qatar 365

Qatar from the Sky, Sand and Sea: Winter Tourism at its Best

In partnership with Media City

Join Qatar 365 on hot air balloons, desert glamping and cruise ships – there’s no shortage of activities in Qatar in winter. Walk around the rejuvenated Old Doha Port, go for an adventure the wildlife reserve of Ras Abrouq, or relax in the serene surroundings of Sealine.

19/02/2025

Modern Nomads

Meet the rising stars of Kazakh ballet taking centre stage in Astana

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of Modern Nomads, we meet Kazakhstan's brightest ballet stars, who are blending classical techniques with Kazakh traditions and making Astana a global hub for the art form.

19/02/2025

Destinations

Where was The White Lotus season 3 filmed?

Follow in the footsteps of The White Lotus cast and experience Thailand’s pristine beaches, lush jungles, and buzzing cities.

19/02/2025

China

US accuses China of 'dangerous' helicopter moves near disputed island

The Philippines said China's crew flew within 3 metres of its plane in the airspace above Scarborough Shoal on Tuesday.

19/02/2025

Culture news

Is the Great Wall of China 300 years older than previously thought?

A newly uncovered section of the Great Wall of China in the late Western Zhou Dynasty, dating back nearly 3,000 years, suggests the structure's origins are three centuries older than previously thought.

19/02/2025

Green News

Why mosquito hunters are rewarded with cash in this Asian village

Addition Hills in the Philippines has put a bounty on the heads of mosquitoes taking up residence in the village.

19/02/2025

Gaza

Mixed feelings for hostages' family members ahead of next release

After Hamas said it will release six living Israeli hostages and return four bodies, family members expressed both happiness and grief ahead of the release, while Palestinians in Gaza maintain hope that the ceasefire will hold.

19/02/2025

Culture news

Khashoggi widow urges UK architects to push Saudis over his murder

Hanan Khashoggi, widow of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has asked UK architects working in Saudi Arabia to remind the country’s rulers about the "unfinished business" of her husband's death.

18/02/2025

Gaza

Hamas to release six hostages and hand over four bodies this week

Hamas to release six more hostages and return four bodies, ending the first phase of the ceasefire. The next exchange will include hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

18/02/2025

Iran

Iran charges British motorcycling couple with espionage

Craig and Lindsay Foreman were on a round-the-world motorbike tour when they were arrested by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

18/02/2025

Home

Huawei launches the first tri-foldable smartphone. But it's not cheap

The Chinese tech giant launched the device, which is priced at over €3,000, on the global market against the backdrop of tense Sino-American relations.

18/02/2025

Lebanon

Israel keeps some troops in Lebanon after truce withdrawal deadline

Hezbollah says the move breaches the ceasefire they signed with Israel in late November.

18/02/2025

Saudi Arabia

US and Russia to 'normalise' relationship and start Ukraine talks

Russian and US officials spent four hours in Saudi Arabia in talks delegations described as "positive" and a "first step", despite criticism from Ukraine and Europe over their lack of involvement.

18/02/2025