Middle East

Syria

Syria says IS plotted New Year attacks on churches and gatherings

The interior ministry said it had information that the Jihadist group planned "suicide operations and attacks ... by targeting churches and civilian gathering spots," prompting security to be tightened.

01/01/2026

Israel

Israel says it 'will enforce' ban on 37 NGOs in Gaza

Israel will enforce a ban on 37 international NGOs in the Gaza Strip, citing failure to meet security and transparency standards.

01/01/2026

Destinations

Swap overtouristed Dubai for nature-rich Oman in 2026

Here’s how to discover Bedouin traditions in the desert, turtle sanctuaries on the coast, and treks through the mountains in Oman.

01/01/2026

Israel

Israel's Knesset votes down Beitar Illit annexation bill

The Israeli parliament voted against a bill to annex Beitar Illit, a large settlement in the West Bank. The vote took place on Wednesday, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting the US.

31/12/2025

Grand Voyager

Grand Voyager | Exploring Oman

In partnership with Media City

From ancient forts to turquoise wadis and coastal adventures, Oman blends history and nature. Join Lilly Douse as she explores the sites of Muscat, Nizwa, Wadi Shab and beyond.

31/12/2025

United Arab Emirates

Day two of World Sports Summit sees focus on athletes' well-being

Dubai Sports Council organised the event under the patronage of Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

31/12/2025

Cult

Doha becomes centre of FIFA football action over two months

In partnership with Media City

Doha has been buzzing with football over the past two months. The city hosted the U-17 World Cup, Arab Cup and Intercontinental Cup, drawing fans from across the region. Morocco’s thrilling 3-2 win over Jordan in the Arab Cup capped an exciting period of football.

31/12/2025

Earth News

Cypriot fishermen turn invasive lionfish into a delicacy

Consuming invasive species "can turn this challenge into an opportunity... and help limit the environmental threat," says the EU’s Fisheries Commissioner.

31/12/2025

Turkey

Turkey arrests scores in another country-wide raid on IS extremists

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the detention of 125 suspects in operations across 25 provinces against the so-called IS terrorist group.

31/12/2025

Sport

From Usyk to Infantino, Dubai summit draws hundreds of sports figures

The inaugural World Sports Summit in the UAE featured Usyk, Pacquiao, Infantino, and other top stars and decision-makers discussing athlete pressures alongside the sport's economic and social future.

30/12/2025

Gaza

Israel says it will halt operations of some aid groups in Gaza in 2026

Earlier this year, Israel changed its registration process for aid groups, which included a requirement to submit a list of staff, including Palestinians in Gaza.

30/12/2025

Syria

Syria unveils new banknotes removing al-Assad images from currency

President al-Sharaa introduced redesigned bills featuring agricultural symbols, such as oranges and olives, entering circulation 1 January.

30/12/2025

Turkey

Turkey detains 357 suspects in widening crackdown on Islamic State

The raids came a day after three police officers and six suspected Islamic State (IS) members were killed in a gunfight in northwest Turkey.

30/12/2025

Cult

Inside the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra

In partnership with Media City

With players trained in different musical traditions, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra is reshaping how orchestral music is performed and experienced in the region.

29/12/2025

No Comment

Heavy snowfall closes schools in 14 Turkish provinces

Heavy snowfall in Turkey closed schools in 14 provinces, turning the break into playtime for children, with some sledging on plastic bags.

29/12/2025

Turkey

Three Turkish police officers killed in raid on IS group militants

Another nine officers were injured in a shootout during a counter-terrorism operation in Yalova province, after Turkey arrested over 100 suspects allegedly plotting holiday attacks.

29/12/2025

No Comment

Banksy's hotel in Bethlehem reopens after two years

A guest house filled with Banksy's artwork has reopened in Bethlehem after a two-year closure due to the Gaza war.

26/12/2025

Israel

Palestinian man kills two in car and knife attack in northern Israel

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was shocked by the "horrific killing spree" and pledged Israel would reinforce its security.

26/12/2025

Focus

Doha Forum 2025: Dialogue, Mediation and Global Cooperation

Doha Forum 2025 brought world leaders together to confront rising global tensions, deepen EU–GCC ties and support Syria’s transition. With Qatar’s mediation role in focus, the Forum emphasized moving from dialogue to real results.

26/12/2025

Syria

Explosion at Alawite mosque in Homs during Friday prayers kills eight

An explosion at an Alawite mosque in Syria's third-largest city also injured 18 as authorities investigate the attack following a recent spike in violence.

26/12/2025

Lebanon

Israel strikes Hezbollah's elite Radwan unit training site in Lebanon

The Israeli military said it hit a training compound and weapons depots on Friday, in an operation aimed at threats that “advance terror plots against IDF forces and the State of Israel".

26/12/2025

Turkey

Turkey detains 115 suspects over IS New Year's Eve attack plot

Istanbul police raided 124 locations on Thursday, seizing weapons and documents as authorities warn of planned attacks during the festive period.

25/12/2025

Egypt

Pasta à la army: How influential is the military in Egypt's economy?

The Egyptian military has long held a significant stake in the country’s household brands. From pasta to petrol, what does this mean for the economy of the region’s biggest country?

25/12/2025

Grand Voyager

Grand Voyager | Exploring Qatar

In partnership with Media City

From sweeping desert dunes to buzzing souqs and soaring coastal views, Qatar is a land of striking contrasts. Join Lilly Douse as she explores Qatar — from Doha’s historic heart to the edge of the desert and sea.

24/12/2025

No Comment

Christmas decorations bring festive atmosphere to Damascus

In Damascus’ Old City, home to a small Christian community and historic churches, red baubles, shop decorations and street vendors selling warm chestnuts add a seasonal touch to the streets.

24/12/2025

Gaza

Israel's defence minister walks back pledge on settlements in Gaza

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz suggested establishing settlements in Gaza but later retracted his statement, clarifying it was made in a security context.

24/12/2025