Asia

Business

China taxes condoms for first time in 30 years to boost births

The removal of a tax exemption reflects Beijing’s concerns over ageing, labour shortages, and slowing long-term growth.

02/12/2025

Silk Road Adventures

Uzbekistan’s Silk Road heritage

In partnership with Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Once a crossroads of empires and ideas, Uzbekistan remains one of the best-preserved witnesses to the Silk Road’s influence on architecture, learning and spiritual life.

02/12/2025

Cult

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi launches with immersive exhibits spanning Earth and space history

In partnership with Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has opened the Middle East’s largest Natural History Museum, unveiling an ambitious journey through 13 billion years of Earth and cosmic history with rare fossils, immersive experiences and major scientific collections.

02/12/2025

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Japan: Record-price yellowtail sells for over 22,000 euros at Ishikawa’s first winter auction

A Kirameki-branded winter yellowtail from quake-hit Noto fetched a record-tying 4 million yen at Ishikawa Prefecture’s first auction of the season.

02/12/2025

Qatar

Doha Forum 2025 aims to make justice more than a promise

The event in Qatar's capital is set to focus on turning commitments into impactful policies through open discussions on urgent issues, organisers said.

02/12/2025

Israel

Israel plans to deploy Iron Beam laser defence system by year-end

The first operational high-power laser beam will be deployed this year, providing a cost-effective and rapid solution for drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.

02/12/2025

Culture news

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi promises 'nature's greatest story'

The National History Museum Abu Dhabi is preparing to open its doors as the the latest addition to the Saadiyat Cultural District which is already home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat.

02/12/2025

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Sri Lanka: Aerial video shows extent of flooding with over 365 dead and 367 missing

Aerial footage shows severe flooding across Sri Lanka, where more than 365 people have died and authorities continue searching for hundreds still missing.

02/12/2025

Ecotech

Samarkand CITES summit showcases tech to save endangered species

Experts at the 20th CITES Conference reveal wildlife crime worth up to €22B annually, putting 40,000+ species at risk and boosting tech monitoring efforts.

02/12/2025

Lebanon

Pope Leo XIV urges unity and peace at interfaith gathering in Lebanon

The pontiff's message emphasised the importance of Lebanon and its Christian population to the Catholic Church.

02/12/2025

Sport

Arab Cup opens in Doha as Palestine claim win against hosts

The FIFA Arab Cup kicked off in thrilling fashion as Palestine defeated hosts Qatar with a stoppage-time winner, following an earlier Group A match in which Syria stunned Tunisia.

01/12/2025

Culture news

Kazakhstan joins global fight: 16 days to end gender-based violence

Landmark buildings across Kazakhstan were lit up in orange to mark the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

01/12/2025

Partner content

Central Asia and Azerbaijan: a shared cultural legacy for a shared future

Partner content presented by the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Culture is the memory of civilisation — a legacy that crosses borders, survives political change, and unites generations and nations.

01/12/2025

Partner content

Tracing the Edo Shogun Roads: Kanto’s highways of heritage and craftsmanship

Partner content presented by Japan National Tourism Organization

The Kanto region, defined by the expansive Greater Tokyo Area, is recognised for its dynamic modernity, towering architecture, advanced technology and bustling commerce.

01/12/2025

Economy

New investments push Trans-Caspian Corridor into its next phase

At the Tashkent Investors Forum, officials detailed new rail, port, and digital upgrades, stressing that coordinated reforms and harmonised border systems are essential for scaling the corridor.

01/12/2025

Uzbekistan

Central Asia’s education boom takes center stage at Tashkent QS forum

Leaders from across Central Asia gathered to discuss progress in universities, highlight new partnerships and explore how strengthened cooperation can improve academic quality and research opportunities.

01/12/2025

China

Hong Kong says netting on buildings that caught fire did not meet code

The fire, which broke out on Wednesday, burned through seven of eight apartment towers, home to some 4,600 people, and wasn't fully extinguished until Friday morning.

01/12/2025

Travel News

Reviving the Silk Road: Central Asia tourism surges

The 30th Tashkent International Tourism Fair highlights Silk Road tourism growth, driven by flights, multi-country routes, local crafts, and AI planning tools.

01/12/2025

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Hong Kong mourners queue to pay respects after deadly Tai Po fire

Thousands of Hong Kong residents formed long queues across Tai Po to pay respects to the victims of the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire, as memorials and tributes continued citywide.

01/12/2025

Bangladesh

Former UK MP sentenced to prison in Bangladesh corruption trial

In January, Siddiq resigned as a government minister following pressure because of her ties to her aunt.

01/12/2025

Partner content

Inside Uzbekistan’s drive to reclaim its heritage

Partner content presented by the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In central Tashkent, a bold new landmark symbolises Uzbekistan’s spiritual revival.

01/12/2025

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Indonesia floods cause severe damage to infrastructure

Floods in East Aceh’s Idi Town have caused major damage to roads and public facilities, leaving residents without electricity, water and internet while emergency aid remains limited.

01/12/2025

Indonesia

Death toll from Indonesian floods and landslides rises to 442

According to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), some 402 people were still missing after initial rescue efforts were hampered by a lack of heavy equipment.

01/12/2025

Sport

Judo: Spectacular Finish on Day 3 as Heavyweights Shine in Abu Dhabi

Day 3 delivered a powerful finale in Abu Dhabi. Lasha Bekauri dominated at -90kg, Anna-Monta Olek defeated Bellandi in a world-final rematch, and Arman Adamian returned to gold after two years. Mukonoki and Batkhuyag added impressive wins to close the 2025 Grand Slam.

30/11/2025

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Aerial footage shows destruction left by floods and landslides that killed over 400 in Indonesia

Rescuers in Indonesia are struggling to reach flood- and landslide-hit areas where more than 400 people have died.

30/11/2025

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North Korea leader Kim Jong Un and daughter mark air force anniversary

North Korea marked the 80th anniversary of its air force with an air show attended by Kim Jong Un and his daughter, displaying older jets, drones and surveillance aircraft.

30/11/2025