• Restoration project for Jeddah district’s old buildings completed

    JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – The Ministry of Culture, represented by the Jeddah Historic District Program, has announced the completion of work in the project to restore ramshackle buildings in the district under the generous donation of US$13 million (SAR50 million) from the Kingdom's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The project...
  • Tunisian president emphasizes need to bolster security in Arab societies

    Tunis, Tunisia--Tunisian President Kais Saied on Monday stressed the need to reach an approach that contributes to enhancing the security of Arab societies, according to a statement released by the Tunisian presidency. While hosting participants of the 41st session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council launched in Tunis on Monday,...
  • UAE residents plead for lifestyle changes to save planet

    Dubai, UAE-- As many as 81% of people in the UAE say that they owe it to future generations to make drastic changes to the way they are living, as reported by the What Matters 2024 report from Human8, the human-centric and insight-driven consultancy. More than 4 out of 5...
  • Archaeological sites discovered in Southern Saudi Arabia

    ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA  - The Heritage Commission announced its most prominent discovery in Jurash, Asir region, as one of the most important archaeological sites in the south of the Kingdom, a report on Tuesday said. These were the result of strenuous excavations taking place during its 15th season in 2023....
  • AI game gains popularity during Chinese New Year festivities

    SHANGHAI, CHINA - Young Chinese flocking home for Lunar New Year this weekend have turned to an AI chatbot game to help train for the most dreaded social interaction of the year -- the dinner table interrogation by nosy relatives. The annual inquisition as extended families gather for China's biggest festival...
  • Education campaigners alarmed as homeschooling rises in England

    LONDON, UK - Education campaigners demanded government action on Friday after new figures revealed that the number of children in England being homeschooled jumped more than 13 percent in one term last year. The spike -- from an estimated 86,200 in homeschooling at the start of 2023 to 97,600 in the...
  • Gaza couple celebrate wedding amid war and destruction

    Rafah, Palestinian Territories - Surrounded by family and friends, clapping and cheering, Gaza woman Afnan Jibril beams a brilliant smile on her wedding day, determined to celebrate even as war rages. "We are a people that love life, despite death, murders and destruction," said her father, Mohamed Jibril. Relatives were gathered...
  • Celebrating their success, UAE observes women’s day

    Women entrepreneurs in the UAE succeed in breaking the barriers, distinguishing themselves in diverse fields, enabled along the way by the country's women-empowerment legislation.
  • Sheikha Fatima launches national plan for empowerment of Emirati women

    ABU DHABI, UAE – Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU) Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak launched the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women in the UAE for the years 2023-2031, on the occasion of the Emirati Women’s Day 2023, under the theme of “We Collaborate for Tomorrow”. This strategy...
  • Library battles on to restore Palestinian history

    The library has continued to preserve cultural heritage in Jerusalem through their restoration and digitisation, with support from local and international organizations.
  • Iran’s Zoroastrians keep ancient, sacred flame burning

    They venerate fire as a supreme form of purity. Alongside water, air and earth, the elements must not be contaminated by human activity.
  • Bahrain and US assert commitment to freedom of maritime navigation

    Dubai, UAE-- Bahrain and the US have reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation in international waters. They reiterated the importance of ensuring safe passage for commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and condemned acts that put freedom of navigation in jeopardy. The joint statement came after a meeting...
  • Dutch museum exhibit on Egypt causes anger in North African country

    LEIDEN, NETHERLANDS - In a Dutch museum the sound of hip-hop blares out next to sarcophagi and statues, in what curators say is an attempt to show the influence of ancient Egypt on black musicians. A photo of superstar Beyonce dressed as Queen Nefertiti sits next to ancient busts, while a...
  • Iraq’s marshes along with a way of life are dying

    Even at their center in Chibayish, only a few expanses of the ancient waterways - home to a Marsh Arab culture that goes back millennia - survive, linked by channels that snake through the reeds.
  • Egypt building collapse kills eight residents in capital

    According to state media and the public prosecution, eight people including seven members of one family were killed in Cairo when a residential building collapsed. Civil defense workers pulled out nine people, among them an injured woman, while the eight others were dead, adding that five people got out in...
  • Ancient Egypt artists altered their work, new study reveals

    Paris, France--From subtly shifting the position of Ramses II's sceptre, to touch-ups on a necklace or headdress, ancient Egyptian artists were more creative than previously thought, according to a study published Wednesday. Using new portable imaging and chemical analysis techniques, an international team of scientists took a fresh look at paintings...
  • Israel parliament adopts key clause of controversial judicial overhaul

    Tel Aviv, Israel - Israel's parliament adopted in a first reading a controversial bill that would limit court powers, in a new offensive to push ahead with a judicial overhaul that has split the nation. The changes, proposed by the hard-right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have sparked one...
  • AI ‘disrupts economy’ but Middle East optimistic

    The Boston Consulting Group survey found that 58 percent of Middle East employees, managers, and leaders believe that AI will have a positive impact on their work.
  • Dubai Police records 65,942 ‘transactions’ at smart police stations in H1

    Dubai, UAE-- During the first half of 2023 the Dubai Police has recorded some 65,942 smart transactions at its 22 "smart police stations" spread across the emirate of Dubai. The police said that a total of 65,942 smart transactions were conveniently and smartly processed without any human intervention. These included...
  • Conservative-dominated US Supreme Court steers society sharp right

    Washington, United States--One year after its ruling to erase abortion rights, the conservative-dominated US Supreme Court has underscored its determination to push society sharply to the right by scrapping long-established progressive policies. In emphatic rulings this week the court banned universities from giving minorities priority in admissions -- so-called "affirmative action"...
  • Muslims mark Eid al-Adha with prayers, festivities

    Hundreds of millions of Muslims in their best dresses packed mosques in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas to mark the festive occasion.
  • UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture honors winners in Paris

    Paris, France-- The19th UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture was awarded to Kassem Istanbouli, Lebanese actor-director, and Hajer Ben Boubaker, French researcher and sound director, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on June 26, 2023. The event, organized by the Sharjah Department of Culture in collaboration with UNESCO, celebrated the achievements of...
  • Dubai Police and DIB sign agreement to support Bayti initiative with US$5.44mn

    Dubai, UAE--The Dubai Police and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) have signed an agreement to back the social initiative, "Bayti", with $5.44 million to support people with low-income in home construction and furnishing. The ‘Bayti’ initiative was recently launched by Dubai Police General Command, the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable...
  • Morocco to teach Berber language in more schools

    Morocco has the largest population of Berbers in North Africa, and Thursday's decision responds to a long-standing demand by activists to preserve the language, which is currently taught to just 330,000 pupils. The move "will necessitate more specialist and bilingual teachers", the education minister said.
  • Almost 8,000 participants to take part in Sharjah’s 10th Charity Marathon

    SHARJAH, UAE- The 10th Annual Charity Marathon, expected to attract over 8,000 runners from all segments of society, is all set to commence on Sunday at 4 pm, local media reports said. The runners are likely to include students from schools and universities, members of sports clubs, patients from hospitals,...
  • Abu Dhabi Festival celebrates 20 years with record number of visitors

    Abu Dhabi, UAE— More than 20,000 people visited the 20th edition of Abu Dhabi Festival in the first twenty days of March this year, drawing culture, arts, and music lovers from all walks of life. Held under the honorary patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister...
  • Iran plans to strengthen penalties for violence against women

    TEHRAN, IRAN  -  Iran's parliament has adopted proposals to toughen penalties for perpetrators of violence against women which could be voted into law within months, state media has reported. Initiated more than 10 years ago, discussions in parliament led to the adoption on Sunday of the general principles of a draft...
  • Global cocaine supply reaches record levels, says UN drug agency

    VIENNA, AUSTRIA  -  Coca cultivation hit a record high by soaring 35 percent from 2020 to 2021, a UN report showed Thursday, amid new cocaine trafficking hubs emerging in southeastern Europe and Africa. Bolivia, Colombia and Peru - which have historically dominated the production of coca leaves - altogether cultivated an...
  • King Abdullah’s daughter marries a Greek-origin financier

    Princess Iman, the eldest daughter of King Abdullah and Queen Rania, has wed a financier of Greek origin at a ceremony at the royal palace west of the capital Amman. The ceremony broadcast on state television showed the princess tying the knot with Jameel Alexander Thermiotis in the presence of...
  • Empowering women open doors of possibility for communities to reach new heights: Sheikha Bodour

    The American University of Sharjah (AUS) President was taking part in an event, "Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women in Business for a Sustainable Tomorrow," which is one of a series of events AUS is holding in celebration of International Women's Day under the theme "Embrace Equality."
  • Egypt’s train derailment in north kills two and injuries 16

    In the latest rail tragedy to hit Egypt, two people were killed and many more injured at Qalyub north of Cairo. According to the country's health ministry, the injured are in a stable condition. An earlier toll provided by the ministry said that one person died and 16 were wounded,...
  • Women play key role in nurturing families, society

    “The Emirati woman, who is confident and capable, has demonstrated her worth and distinguished presence, serving as a role model for women worldwide. She has reached the highest positions and represented the country with distinction in prominent international forums, contributing to achievements that benefit humanity,” she adds.
  • Syrian family adopts ‘miracle baby’ born under rubble in quake

    Jindayris, Syria--Born an orphan under the rubble in north Syria after a devastating earthquake, Afraa al-Suwadi has been given a new lease on life when relatives took her in. Since footage of her rescue in the town of Jindayris went viral on social media, Suwadi's story has captivated a grieving nation...
  • Dubai Chamber encourages firms to apply for parent-friendly label

    DUBAI, UAE - As many individuals in the UAE face challenges in balancing work and family obligations, parent-friendly workplace policies allow parents to care for their children’s well-being, benefiting individuals, the economy and society as a whole. This was one of the key takeaway messages from a webinar organized by...
  • ‘Honor killing’ of YouTube star by father sparks outrage in Iraq

    Touching off a wave of outrage across the country, the death of a young YouTube Iraqi star at the hands of her father has shone a spotlight again on so-called "honor killings" inside the conservative country. Tiba al-Ali, 22, was killed by her father on January 31 in the southern...
  • Buzz Aldrin, second man on the Moon, marries on 93rd birthday

    LOS ANGELES, US - Legendary Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second person to set foot on the Moon, said he had married his longtime girlfriend on Friday, his 93rd birthday. Aldrin and Anca Faur, executive vice president of Buzz Aldrin Ventures, were wed in a private ceremony. "On my 93rd...
  • 16th Al Dhafra Festival to launch Sunday

    AL DHAFRA,  UAE - The competitions and concluding activities of the 16th Al Dhafra Festival will begin Sunday as part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s camel beauty contest season. The event, held under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,  will continue until February 2 at...
  • Sharjah Consultative Council reviews districts and villages department’s work

    SHARJAH, UAE - The Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC), in its seventh session, held as part of the fourth regular session of the tenth legislative term discussed the policy of the Districts and Villages Affairs Department (DVAD). The SCC meeting, at its headquarters in Sharjah, was chaired by Ali Mehd Al...
  • Saudi Arabia gets first female international football referee

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Saudi Arabia's first female international referee was appointed by FIFA on Thursday, less than a year after the conservative kingdom's national women's team made their debut. Anoud Al-Asmari's international badge is the latest in a series of steps in football by the Saudis, who have got 37-year-old...
  • Prince Harry accuses brother William of 2019 physical attack: report

    New York, United States--Britain's Prince Harry recounts in his new book how he was physically "attacked" by his older brother Prince William during an argument in 2019, the Guardian reported Wednesday. According to the newspaper, the story of the incident appears in Harry's new memoir "Spare," which is due to be...
  • Dubai’s RTA releases Sustainability Report 2021

    Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has published its seventh Sustainability Report 2021. The report showcases RTA's practices in matters related to the environment, society and governance.
  • S Korean Netflix hit ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ sparks autism debate

    The endearing "Extraordinary Attorney Woo", featuring a neurodivergent attorney, has been Netflix's most-watched non-English show for over a month, following a path blazed by fellow Korean smash "Squid Game". Even K-pop sensation BTS are fans of the global hit, with band members posting a video performing the signature greeting between...
  • End of the road for New York’s horse-drawn carriages?

    Opponents say the horses live in cramped conditions, are often malnourished and dehydrated, get spooked by cars en route to the park.
  • Two road accidents leave 32 dead in Turkey

    Two separate road accidents in southeast Turkey have left at least 32 people dead, including firefighters, emergency workers and journalists. One of the accidents, according to the governor of the region, involved a bus, an emergency team and an ambulance.
  • Women blaze a new trail in Egypt

    In a country where few women have formal jobs, the Cairo metro’s pioneering decision to hand over the controls of trains to women has invoked mixed reactions in commuters.
  • Iran forest ranger killed outside court in revenge attack

    The attacker, the father of the victim that forest ranger had allegedly killed, fled from the scene with his accomplice. Shortly before the killing, another relative of the victim attacked the prison guard accompanying the forest ranger with an axe, wounding him in the hand.
  • Dubai sets off drive, warning of ‘human trafficking in digital space’

    Seeking to raise awareness on trafficking in people, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) has set off a campaign "human trafficking in the digital space" to educate people and bring attention to the victims.
  • Eygpt releases nine Coptic Christians detained for three months

    Egyptian state security released nine Coptic Christians who had been detained for nearly three months following a protest demanding the rebuilding of their church, rights groups said Sunday. They were released on Sunday morning, the day that Coptic Christians celebrate Easter, the village priest told AFP.
  • Iraqi Christians celebrate arrival of ‘Holy Fire’

    With joyous ululations, thousands of Iraqis have celebrated for the first time the arrival of the "Holy Fire" brought from Christianity's holiest site in Jerusalem to mark Orthodox Easter.
  • Morocco arrests four people for involvement in organ trafficking

    Moroccan police have arrested four people suspected of involvement in an international drug and organ trafficking network operating in particular between Morocco and Turkey, a security source said Tuesday.
  • UAE tops gender equality in Arab countries

    In the UAE, and the wider Arab world, many women have been successful in upturning the prevalent prejudice that a woman's place is in the home.