Voices from Central Asia Inside the restoration lab preserving Central Asia’s past In partnership with MDQ
Tech News What defence tech is aboard the US carrier now the Middle East? The American Navy describes the USS Abraham Lincoln as ‘the largest warship in the world,’ which can support over 65 aircraft and 97,000 tons of equipment. 27/01/2026
Road To World Government Summit 2026 unveiled in Dubai Dubai has unveiled the World Government Summit 2026, set to be its largest ever. More than 150 government delegations, global leaders, and scientists will gather to tackle AI, climate and economic risks, aiming to move from ideas to action at a critical global moment. 27/01/2026
Iran Analysis: Promises unkept — Iran's protests and global responsibility Analysts agree Iran's regime decided on mass killings to survive protests driven by economic collapse, with clear orders for lethal force against unarmed demonstrators. 27/01/2026
Iran Iran protests death toll could surpass 30,000, reports claim Casualty estimates from Iran's protest crackdown range from 3,100 to over 30,000, with verification hampered by an internet shutdown. Human rights groups report thousands killed, including children. 27/01/2026
Travel News More Europeans can now visit China visa-free for 30 days Citizens from 79 countries can now visit China visa-free, including the UK and Canada. 27/01/2026
Economy Trump threatens South Korea with tariff hike over investment delay The US president said the tariffs paid on South Korean exports into America would rise from 15% to 25%, criticising the country for not making progress on a trade deal reached by the two nations last year. 27/01/2026
Design The end of The Line? Saudi Arabia scales down plans for Neom megacity After years of cost overruns and delays, Saudi Arabia’s flagship futuristic megaproject, Neom, is set to be significantly scaled back. The futuristic super-city, meant to run entirely on alternative energy sources, was due to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, which has now been postponed. 26/01/2026
Sport Uzbekistan steps into the spotlight of global sport More than 360 senior sports officials visited Tashkent as Asia’s Olympic leadership changed hands, new cooperation agreements were signed, and international federations inspected cutting-edge facilities, signalling rising confidence in Uzbekistan’s sporting infrastructure and organisation. 26/01/2026
Iran Iran regime weaker but collapse 'not guaranteed,' ex-UN official says Renewed protests in Iran reflect economic collapse and political frustration, with fatalities, mass arrests, and communication blackouts, raising international concerns. 26/01/2026
Travel News Why you should visit Doha in 2026 The capital of Qatar has taken over the title of GCC Tourism Capital from Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates. 26/01/2026
Gaza Remains of final hostage in Gaza have been recovered, Israel says Israel and Hamas had been under pressure from ceasefire mediators including Washington to move into the second phase of the US-brokered truce, which took effect on 10 October. 26/01/2026
Mobility Qatar launches public trials of robotaxis in Doha The event marks the first time members of the public are exposed to self-driving taxis, after months of tests that only involved government personnel. 26/01/2026
Iran Italy urges EU to list Iran's Revolutionary Guards as terror group Placing the most powerful branch of Iran’s armed forces on the EU’s terrorist list would put the IRGC alongside groups such as the so-called IS, al-Qaeda, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. 26/01/2026
Earth News How Azerbaijan plans to tackle water vulnerabilities in 2026 Azerbaijan is set to overhaul its national water management system this year, introducing an integrated, digital and climate-adaptive framework. 26/01/2026
No Comment Indonesia landslide kills at least 17, more than 70 still missing Rescue workers search for dozens still missing after a landslide in Indonesia's Java. The death toll from the landslide rose to 17 on Monday. 26/01/2026
Europe Today Exclusive: EU trade chief says trade deal will open India market The European Union is pushing to open India’s economy to European companies as Brussels moves into the final stretch of negotiations on a long-awaited free-trade agreement with New Delhi, EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič told Euronews. 26/01/2026
Partner content Dubai becomes a launchpad for European tech expansion Partner content presented by Dubai Chambers European tech companies are looking beyond their home markets – and Dubai is fast becoming their gateway to global growth. 26/01/2026
Gaza Israel to partially reopen Rafah crossing if body of hostage is found Israel agreed to reopen Gaza's Rafah crossing with Egypt for pedestrian passage only once the body of Israeli soldier Ran Gvili is found. 26/01/2026
Iran Iran unveils billboard warning US against taking military action The latest development comes days after US President Donald Trump said ships are being moved towards the region 'just in case' he decides to take action. In return, Iranian authorities warned its force is 'more ready than ever, finger on the trigger'. 26/01/2026
Economy World Bank Group opens first office in Qatar The World Bank Group has officially opened its first office in Doha, marking a new phase in its partnership with Qatar and strengthening cooperation on development, private investment and support for fragile economies in the region. 25/01/2026
No Comment American climber Alex Honnold scales 101-floor skyscraper without safety gear American rock climber Alex Honnold took on Taiwan's tallest building on Sunday, without ropes or safety gear. 25/01/2026
Moments Why visiting Japan in cherry blossom season could cost less this year Both independent travel and tour packages are seeing more competitive pricing this year. 25/01/2026
United Arab Emirates Further Ukraine, Russia and US talks expected next week in Abu Dhabi Discussions were "constructive", Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, and focused on "possible parameters" to end the war. 24/01/2026
South Korea Seoul slaps travel bans on civilians over drone flights to North Korea Analysts say North Korea's drone accusations were likely driven by its efforts to dial up anti-South Korea sentiment ahead of the ruling Workers' Party congress. 23/01/2026
Japan Japan's PM dissolves parliament after only three months in office The move by Sanae Takaichi is an attempt to capitalise on her popularity to help her governing party regain ground after major losses in recent years. 23/01/2026
Iran Death toll in Iran's protest crackdown reaches 5,002, activists say The US military meanwhile has moved more military assets toward the Middle East, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and associated warships. 23/01/2026