Middle East

Qatar

Doha Forum 2025 kicks off with theme of justice beyond mere promises

This year’s Doha Forum kicked off Saturday morning with a clear message: 'Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress' isn’t just a theme, it’s a challenge.

06/12/2025

Turkey

Football players and officials arrested in Turkish betting probe

The Turkish Football Federation said in October that it was investigating more than 150 referees in professional leagues for allegedly betting on soccer matches.

05/12/2025

Sport

Arab Cup Matchday Two starts at Lusail Boulevard fan zone

The festival-like atmosphere brought football supporters together, showing the tournament’s cultural side.

04/12/2025

Focus

GSMA’s Mobile World Congress debuts at the MENA region

In partnership with Media City

GSMA’s Mobile World Congress debuts in Doha, Qatar. MWC25 Doha connects regional and international stakeholders across telecoms, government, enterprise, and investment sectors. How has the GCC has become a leading testbed for startups and innovation, powering up the next generation of connectivity?

04/12/2025

Turkey

Second Istanbul courthouse theft sees firearms stolen after gold heist

Days after a court clerk fled to the UK with millions in stolen gold and silver from a courthouse vault, Turkey is now shaken by another heist, this time involving firearms stolen from the evidence room of an Istanbul courthouse.

04/12/2025

Israel

Euroviews. Europe's new linkage is a dangerous fantasy

The future of European stability lies not in the Middle East, but in Europe’s own willingness to confront the challenges it has allowed to grow unchecked for far too long, MK Ohad Tal writes in an opinion article for Euronews.

04/12/2025

Gaza

Five killed in Israeli strike on Gaza after attack injures soldiers

Meanwhile, Israel says it would open up the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, which would allow Palestinians to leave the Strip.

04/12/2025

Syria

Activist urges Germany to retain Syria asylum amid persecution fears

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz argues against granting asylum to Syrians after al-Assad's regime fell, but critics warn the country remains unsafe for minorities and women.

04/12/2025

Syria

EU updates asylum guidance for Syrians a year after al-Assad's fall

The number of Syrians requesting asylum dropped significantly from 16,000 in October 2024, before the fall of al-Assad in December, to 3,500 in September 2025.

03/12/2025

Turkey

Turkish shipping company halts Russia operations after tanker attack

Following an attack on its vessel Mersin, Istanbul-based Besiktas Shipping has stopped all operations with Russia, citing unacceptable security risks.

03/12/2025

Turkey

Court clerk flees Turkey after stealing millions in gold and silver

A court employee escaped to the UK with 25 kg of gold and 50 kg of silver stolen from an Istanbul courthouse, including Ottoman and Atatürk-era coins.

03/12/2025

Cult

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi launches with immersive exhibits spanning Earth and space history

In partnership with Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has opened the Middle East’s largest Natural History Museum, unveiling an ambitious journey through 13 billion years of Earth and cosmic history with rare fossils, immersive experiences and major scientific collections.

02/12/2025

Qatar

Doha Forum 2025 aims to make justice more than a promise

The event in Qatar's capital is set to focus on turning commitments into impactful policies through open discussions on urgent issues, organisers said.

02/12/2025

Israel

Israel plans to deploy Iron Beam laser defence system by year-end

The first operational high-power laser beam will be deployed this year, providing a cost-effective and rapid solution for drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.

02/12/2025

Culture news

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi promises 'nature's greatest story'

The National History Museum Abu Dhabi is preparing to open its doors as the the latest addition to the Saadiyat Cultural District which is already home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat.

02/12/2025

Lebanon

Pope Leo XIV urges unity and peace at interfaith gathering in Lebanon

The pontiff's message emphasised the importance of Lebanon and its Christian population to the Catholic Church.

02/12/2025

Sport

Arab Cup opens in Doha as Palestine claim win against hosts

The FIFA Arab Cup kicked off in thrilling fashion as Palestine defeated hosts Qatar with a stoppage-time winner, following an earlier Group A match in which Syria stunned Tunisia.

01/12/2025

Sport

Judo: Spectacular Finish on Day 3 as Heavyweights Shine in Abu Dhabi

Day 3 delivered a powerful finale in Abu Dhabi. Lasha Bekauri dominated at -90kg, Anna-Monta Olek defeated Bellandi in a world-final rematch, and Arman Adamian returned to gold after two years. Mukonoki and Batkhuyag added impressive wins to close the 2025 Grand Slam.

30/11/2025

No Comment

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass at the Volkswagen Arena in Turkey

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass with thousands of Catholics in Istanbul, encouraging interfaith unity during his visit to Turkey.

30/11/2025

Space

Cyber warfare in space: Attacks on space systems rose since 2023

New research shows there were more than 237 cyber operations that targeted space infrastructure from 2023-2025.

30/11/2025

Sport

Day 2 Drama in Abu Dhabi: Big Wins, Brilliant Comebacks and Rising Stars at the Grand Slam

Day 2 delivered thrilling action: Megu Danno claimed her first WJT gold, Nils Stump staged a huge comeback, Szofi Ozbas impressed at -70kg, and Gauthier-Drapeau on a dramatic final. Home favourite Makhmadbekov added bronze as Abu Dhabi now awaits the heavyweights.

29/11/2025

Turkey

Pope Leo XIV meets Ecumenical Patriarch Barolomeo in Istanbul

The pontiff signed a historic and symbolic joint declaration with the Patriach, committing to unity between their churches. As part of his trip, Pope Leo XIV also visited Istanbul's iconic Blue Mosque, but reportedly did not pray.

29/11/2025

No Comment

Pope Leo XIV visits Istanbul’s Blue Mosque for a brief moment of prayer

Pope Leo XIV visited Istanbul’s Blue Mosque for a brief moment of prayer before meeting Christian and Orthodox leaders during a day of interfaith events.

29/11/2025

Syria

Israel kill at least 13 people during a raid on a Syrian village

At least 13 people have been killed including women and children by Israeli forces during a raid on a southern Syrian village. One local man said 'When we tried to take injured people to the hospital, they struck the car carrying them'.

29/11/2025

Europe News

Two Russian shadow fleet tankers on fire off Turkiye's coast

Two sanctioned oil tankers, the Kairos and the Virat, have caught fire in the Black Sea a few dozen nautical miles off the Turkish coast. Their crews are safe as the causes of the explosions are being investigated.

28/11/2025

Sport

Day 1 Highlights: Champions Shine at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam as the World Judo Tour Returns

Day 1 in Abu Dhabi delivered world-class judo: Martinez Abelenda, Bliev, Ballhaus, Khyar and Huh Mimi claimed gold with determined, high-level performances. Cultural displays, emotional victories and dramatic finals set the tone for an exciting second day of competition.

28/11/2025