Asia

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

China

Hong Kong greets 2026 without fireworks after deadliest blaze in years

The pyrotechnic displays against Hong Kong’s world-famous skyline of skyscrapers typically draw hundreds of thousands of people including many tourists to both sides of the promenade.

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

Iran

Iran appoints new central bank governor after currency hits record low

The US dollar traded at 1.38 million rials on Wednesday, compared with 430,000 rials when the previous governor took office in 2022.

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

Next Series

Urban safety measures expanded in Baku

In partnership with Azpromo

Baku is strengthening urban safety through a mix of modern technology, policing and community engagement, with authorities citing low crime rates and visitors highlighting a strong sense of security.

31/12/2025

Voices from Central Asia

A family of welders and the future of skilled work in Kazakhstan

In partnership with MDQ

From a retired instructor to his son and grandson, one family’s journey through welding education highlights why skilled trades remain essential to Kazakhstan’s economy – and why human craftsmanship still matters in an age of automation.

31/12/2025

Economy

From war to wallets: How Iran’s economic crisis is fuelling protests

Sanctions, inflation and currency collapse have pushed daily survival to the centre of public anger following the conflict with Israel last June.

31/12/2025

Economy

China’s factories return to growth after eight-month slump

Factory activity expanded in December for the first time since early 2025, offering a tentative boost for the world’s second-largest economy after months of weak demand.

31/12/2025

Sport

World's oldest professional football player signs for one more season

Japan's Kazuyoshi "King Kazu" Miura, who turns 59 in February, joined third-division Fukushima United on loan from Yokohama FC.

31/12/2025

Art

New film shines light on underground South Korean tattoo culture

South Korean tattoo culture, long marred by negative associations with prisons or gang activity, has been de facto illegal for over 30 years. A recent law passed now means this underground culture can finally come into the light.

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

Afghanistan

Afghan farmers suffer major losses after opium poppy ban, report says

UNODC survey found 85% of families in northern provinces unable to replace poppy income. Production fell 32% to 296 tonnes as synthetic drugs surged.

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

Around Azerbaijan

Baku’s layered history and living culture

In partnership with Azerbaijan Tourism Board

Baku reveals its old soul and modern spirit through historic streets, revived neighbourhoods and a multicultural identity shaped by centuries of coexistence.

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

Spotlight

Exploring Baku White City and the ideas shaping a city of the future

In partnership with World Urban Forum

Baku White City shows how people-centred planning, sustainability and walkable design are transforming a former industrial zone into a modern district built for everyday urban living.

29/12/2025

North Korea

North Korea says it fired long-range cruise missiles in Sunday test

The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim expressed "great satisfaction" over Sunday's launches, which occurred off the country's west coast.

29/12/2025

No Comment

Chinese team operates thousands of drones using a single computer

A drone light show in Chongqing highlights China’s ability to control thousands of drones simultaneously using a single automated system.

29/12/2025

Taiwan

China stages drills near Taiwan in warning to 'separatist forces'

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said in a post on X that rapid response exercises were under way, with forces on high alert to defend the island in case of escalation.

29/12/2025

Economy

Iran’s currency collapse sparks second day of protests

Protesters closed shops for a second day as the rial hit new lows on the free market, amplifying inflation fears and highlighting the widening gap between official and street exchange rates.

29/12/2025

Myanmar

Polls close in first day of Myanmar's general election since 2021 coup

Final results are expected to be announced by February after two more rounds of voting are completed, but the ballot is widely being criticised and dismissed as a sham.

28/12/2025

Azerbaijan

Baku sets peace agenda with Armenia for 2026, highlighting progress on the ground

In his annual end-of-year press conference, Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov summed up the progress made in the reconciliation process with Armenia and looked ahead to its future.

27/12/2025

China

China sanctions 20 US defence companies over arms sales to Taiwan

According to the Chinese foreign ministry, the sanctions entail freezing the companies’ assets in China and banning individuals and organisations from accessing them.

27/12/2025