Europe News Syria holds national dialogue as war-torn nation looks to rebuild Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa called for unity, but scepticism remains over the new rulers' promises of inclusive governance. 25/02/2025
Destinations Why an unusual mountain in China has become a tourist sensation Tourists are flocking to Yichang in China to witness the viral rock formation sensation of 'Puppy Mountain'. 25/02/2025
Money Bybit closes $1.5bn gap after ‘largest crypto heist of all time’ A Dubai-based crypto exchange lost $1.5 billion to hackers in what is being called the biggest digital heist of all time. 25/02/2025
China Son of jailed Chinese journalist urges his release Dong Yuyu, known for advocating political reform and democracy, was sentenced in November 2023, with prosecutors citing eight meetings with Japanese diplomats as evidence of participation in espionage. 25/02/2025
Business Coca-Cola's loses its fizz for Palestinians as drinkers seek local pop Chat Cola, with a red tin and sweeping white script bearing remarkable resemblance to the iconic American soft drink's logo, has seen its products explode in popularity across the occupied West Bank in the past year. 25/02/2025
No Comment Aid enters Gaza through Rafah as Palestinians struggle to access supplies Aid continues to enter Gaza but many Palestinians struggle to access supplies. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas may end on Saturday, with no clear next steps. 25/02/2025
Israel Israel denies entry to two visiting EU lawmakers The expulsion follows a new Israeli law barring entry to individuals who support the prosecution of Israeli soldiers or deny Hamas’ 7 October attack. 25/02/2025
Afghanistan British couple arrested by Taliban to be freed 'as soon as possible' Peter and Barbie Reynolds, who run education and training programmes in central Afghanistan, were detained by the Taliban earlier this month. 25/02/2025
Scenes Watch: The Indian martial arts instructor keeping guard on tradition In partnership with Media City Sonali Kadu began learning the ancient armed martial art of Mardani Khel almost a decade ago. 24/02/2025
Green News Key talks on next landmark IPCC climate report begin in China The IPCC assessment summarises the latest climate research from around the world, taking hundreds of experts years to produce. 24/02/2025
Lebanon Huge crowds attend mass funeral of ex-Hezbollah leader Nasrallah The funeral in Beirut, attended by Hezbollah officials and allies, aimed to show the group's strength despite conflict with Israel resulting in a significant loss of leadership. 24/02/2025
Business Low-cost carrier sees record profits as Europeans seek sun in Dubai Dubai is a popular winter destination for European tourists looking for some mid-season warmth, with an average temperature of around 25 C. 24/02/2025
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