Asia

China

Beijing residents shrug off China's 'insignificant' contraceptive tax

China has made condoms and other contraceptives more expensive as it tries to boost birth rates, but residents in Beijing say the measure will have little impact.

05/01/2026

Business

Bluefin tuna sells for record €2.78 million at Tokyo fish market

The sale was agreed at the celebratory New Year auction in Tokyo.

05/01/2026

North Korea

North Korea launches ballistic missiles into sea in new weapons test

Sunday's launches came hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping, for talks expected to cover North Korea's nuclear programme.

04/01/2026

Syria

UK and French warplanes strike suspected IS weapons facility in Syria

The strikes occurred Saturday evening on an underground facility in the mountains just north of the historic town of Palmyra in Homs province.

04/01/2026

Iran

Analysis: What does the fall of Venezuela's Maduro mean for Tehran?

Trump's explicit messages against Tehran coincide with the fall of Maduro in Venezuela and military operations in Nigeria, raising questions about US military resurgence and influence in the global world order.

03/01/2026

Iran

Rioters 'must be put in their place,' Iran's Khamenei says

The Tehran regime leader's comments come one day after US President Trump said that if Tehran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” Washington “will come to their rescue.”

03/01/2026

Earth News

South Korea vows to stop breeding bears to extract their bile

South Korea officials have confirmed that the controversial bear bile farming industry will come to an end as part of an animal welfare drive.

03/01/2026

Tech News

2025 was China’s ‘breakthrough’ year in AI and chips, president says

Chinese President Xi Jinping said 2025 was the year of breakthroughs for Chinese artificial intelligence and semiconductor chip companies. What did they accomplish and what can we expect in 2026?

02/01/2026

No Comment

Japan's imperial family marks new year with palace appearance

Thousands gathered at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo as Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako greeted them for the new year. Emperor's nephew Hisahito joined the event for the first time.

02/01/2026

Iran

Trump says US will 'come to their rescue' if Tehran kills protesters

US President Donald Trump warned that Washington is "locked and loaded" if Iran kills demonstrators, following deadly clashes amid hyperinflation-triggered unrest.

02/01/2026

Partner content

Elevating Innovation: Alat & TKE’s Smart Cities Partnership

Partner content presented by ALAT

Throughout history, our cities’ skylines have told the story of human ambition. From ancient pyramids to modern skyscrapers, these landmarks reflect one journey: humanity’s climb upwards.

02/01/2026

Business

China bets on province the size of Belgium to reshape global trade

The Chinese Communist Party has officially turned the island province of Hainan into a free trade port, one of the government's most ambitious economic experiments to date.

02/01/2026

Taiwan

Taiwan vows to defend sovereignty after Chinese military drills

China has wrapped up two days of live-fire drills around the island featuring rocket launches, aircraft and warships.

01/01/2026

Iran

At least six killed as protests against Iran's economy spread

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian says there is not much he can do as the currency has rapidly depreciated, with $1 now trading at around 1.4 million rials.

01/01/2026

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

North Korea

North Korea's Kim hails 'heroic' troops fighting alongside Russia

Kim sent the troops to Russia under the mutual defence treaty both countries signed in 2024, the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party said in a statement.

01/01/2026

Iran

Iran faces widest unrest since 2022: What we know so far

Protests in Iran erupted due to persistent hyperinflation, leading to shop closures and clashes with security forces. Students and multiple cities joined, demanding economic stability.

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

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