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Weekend edition

Dark clouds at the beach on a cold, windy day in Dubai, which one study suggests is bucking the trend by becoming cooler. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Global temperatures are surging - but is Dubai actually getting cooler?

Quiz of the week

Find out how well you’ve kept up with the news of the past seven days

AFP, AP

Weekend EssayRestoring the moral purpose of aid is the right response to Trump

Marco Pierre White famously returned his three Michelin stars in 1999. Alamy

Marco Pierre White: ‘16 courses of knick-knacks? I’d rather have teeth pulled'

Iftar is akin to Christmas dinner at this writer's home, where people laughing, eager to share a delicious meal, immerse in the spirit of the occasion. Getty Images

ColumnAs a Palestinian Christian, here's why Ramadan is a special time for me as well

Nadiya Hussain in episode 1 “Indulgent Desserts” of Nadiya Bakes: Season 1. c. Courtesy of Netflix © 2021

Nadiya Hussain’s Milton Keynes and its inspirational Ramadan neighbourhood traditions

Hasan Al Fardan says he takes a balanced approach to managing his wealth. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Money & MeHow Al Fardan Exchange's chief executive handles his own cash

President of the International Ski Federation Johan Eliasch speaks during the opening ceremony of the Saalbach 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Hinterglemm, Austria. AFP

Johan Eliasch wants women to have a level playing field at the Olympics

Israel suspends entry of supplies into Gaza as first phase of ceasefire deal ends

People gather for iftar on the first day of Ramadan in Jabalia, northern Gaza. AFP

Israel suspends entry of supplies into Gaza as first phase of ceasefire deal ends

Latest: Hamas calls Netanyahu's suspension of Gaza aid 'war crime'

Ramadan begins

Members of the Abed family warm up by a fire in a displacement camp in southern Gaza. Muslim communities in Palestine will try to celebrate Ramadan as best they can. AP

Ramadan is a time for reflection and solidarity

UAE prayer and iftar times for Ramadan 2025

Dubai authorities sign off on Dh6bn traffic improvement plan

Starmer hosts European leaders at UK summit on Ukraine

Druze-HTS clashes prompt Israeli vow to protect the community in Syria

Oscars milestones to look out for, from Timothee Chalamet to a win for Palestine

A man fixes Ramadan flags in Gaza city as Palestinians across the enclave prepare for the holy month in difficult circumstances. AFP

Gazans strive to spread joy of Ramadan in the ruins of war

During Ramadan, non-Muslims should be aware of sunset and mealtimes. Getty Images

A guide to Ramadan etiquette for non-Muslims

Experts say that longer, uninterrupted sleep periods are more beneficial than multiple short naps. iStockPhoto

Expert tips for healthy sleep during Ramadan

Discounts of up to Dh33,000 are available on the GMC Yukon, pictured, as well as the Acadia, Terrain and Sierra this Ramadan. Photo: GMC

UAE car deals for Ramadan 2025

Ramadan has plenty of specific greetings you can share with family and friends. EPA

Seven ways to wish someone a blessed Ramadan

Isha prayers held at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Ramadan 2025 starts on Saturday

Sharjah's new Hosn Al Khatimah mosque in Al Barashi. Antonie Robertson/The National

Sharjah opens 20 new mosques for Ramadan

Members of the Abed family warm up by a fire in a displacement camp in southern Gaza. Muslim communities in Palestine will try to celebrate Ramadan as best they can. AP

EditorialRamadan is a time for reflection and solidarity

Video

Watch: First iftar cannon of Ramadan 2025 fired at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Similar cannons were fired at numerous sites throughout the UAE to mark the end of the first day of fasting

UAE prepares for Ramadan 2025 with decorations and community celebrations

UAE prepares for Ramadan 2025 with decorations and community celebrations

Trump says Zelenskyy 'overplayed his hand' in White House confrontation

Trump says Zelenskyy 'overplayed his hand' in White House confrontation

Nawaf Salam visits Tyre

Nawaf Salam visits Tyre

UAE Salary Guide: Why expat packages are not what they used to be

UAE Salary Guide: Why expat packages are not what they used to be

In focus

Employers are in the driving seat in the UAE this year as more expats flock to the region to benefit from the growing economy. Antonie Robertson / The National

UAE salary guide: Private sector faces biggest shake-up in years

Ahmad Al Shara was declared Syria's president in January. AFP

From quiet boy to rebel who toppled dictator: Al Shara's barber speaks

Best Actor Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes attends the 2025 reception for nominees of the 97th Oscars. Reuters

Surprising Hollywood stars who have yet to win an Oscar

Juwaiza oil rig pictured from above in 1957. Courtesy: Adnoc Drilling

How the start of Abu Dhabi's oil and gas journey made a spectacular comeback

Armani Hotel Dubai will serve suhoor at its Armani/Pavilion outdoor site. Photo: Armani Hotel Dubai

Ramadan 2025: Suhoors to sample in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah

Najla Majdalaweyeh at her Sharjah apartment. Antonie Robertson / The National

My Sharjah Rent: Retired teacher spends 32 years in emirate’s vibrant community

Bilal Allaf developed a dance piece with one of the robots at Neom. Photo: Neom

Neom's first artists in residence envision building a future city

KARACHI, PAKISTAN - MARCH 01: Jos Buttler of England looks dejected as he leaves the field after caught out by Keshav Maharaj of South Africa (obscured) during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between South Africa and England at National Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Karachi, Pakistan. (Photo by Sameer Ali / Getty Images)

Buttler’s England reign ends with humiliating loss to South Africa

Sheep wander the abandoned town of Jobar on the edge of Damascus. Khaled Yacoub Oweis / The National

Syria's long road to recovery: lessons learnt from a devastated Damascus suburb

In town of Jobar, former regime of Bashar Al Assad revelled in destruction

Tulkarm refugees face toughest Ramadan in years amid major Israeli raid

Israeli tanks during an army operation in the occupied West Bank's Jenin refugee camp. AP

Trump administration approves major $3bn arms sale to Israel

PKK declares ceasefire with Turkey after Abdullah Ocalan's call to disarm

Soccer Football - FA Cup - Fifth Round - Crystal Palace v Millwall - Selhurst Park, London, Britain - March 1, 2025 Millwall's Liam Roberts fouls Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta and is later sent off REUTERS / David Klein

FA Cup: Palace striker Mateta taken to hospital after horror tackle

South Lebanon mourns at mass funerals as PM calls for Israel's complete withdrawal

UAE petrol and diesel prices to drop in March

Iraq invites oil firms for Kurdistan crude export resumption talks

Dubai parking operator's revenue jumps as fines surge

Gaza ceasefire

Truck drivers wait to cross the Rafah Border Crossing, between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, in Rafah, North Sinai Governorate, Egypt, 24 February 2025. As part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal that came into effect on 19 January 2025, humanitarian aid trucks have been entering the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing, bringing essential supplies to the war-torn territory. EPA / MOHAMED HOSSAM

LatestHamas calls Netanyahu's suspension of Gaza aid 'war crime'

A man fixes Ramadan flags in Gaza city as Palestinians across the enclave prepare for the holy month in difficult circumstances. AFP

Gazans strive to spread joy of Ramadan in the ruins of war

Tennts amid destroyed buildings at Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Reuters

What challenges are Arab states facing in Gaza reconstruction bid?

Thousands of Palestinians from Gaza have been treated at the UAE's floating hospital since it opened in February 2024. Pawan Singh / The National

UAE’s floating hospital treats almost 8,000 Palestinians during first year

People embrace in Ramallah as Palestinian prisoners arrive on a bus after they were released from Israeli jail. Reuters

Israel frees hundreds of Palestinians after bodies of four hostages released

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Reuters

Witkoff: Real estate summit to be held to discuss US Gaza plans

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she would keep MPs informed on the BBC's internal investigation into its Gaza documentary. Getty Images

BBC apologises for Gaza documentary after backlash

A boy watches Israeli troops during a military operation inside the Jenin refugee camp. EPA

Jenin’s devastation recalls darkest chapter of violence in occupied West Bank

An oil refinery in central Iraq. In March 2023, Turkey suspended the flow of about 450,000 barrels of Iraqi oil daily through the Ceyhan pipeline. AFP

Iraq invites oil firms for Kurdistan crude export resumption talks

Why investment decisions need to balance head and heart

Tunisia's Kumulus plots Gulf expansion, making water out of air

Culture

Palestine at the Oscars, from controversial speeches to Artists4Ceasefire

Max Richter at Dubai Opera review: A triumph of modern classical music

Music & On-stage

A co-comission between Abu Dhabi Festival and Paris Opera, Pelleas et Melisande is directed Lebanese-Canadian Wajdi Mouawad. Photo: Benoite Fanton / ONP

Abu Dhabi Festival debuts new take on Debussy's famed opera in Paris

Music & On-stage

Beyond the Headlines

Beyond the Headlines

Delve deeper into the biggest stories from the Middle East and around the world

Culture Bites

Culture Bites

Your guide to the arts and culture scene in the UAE

Business Extra

Business Extra

The stories, companies, trends, tech, Innovation and leaders shaping your world

Trending Middle East

Trending Middle East

The top news stories, field reports and insights from the Middle East and beyond

Pictures of the Day

Members of the Mocidade Alegre samba school on parade at Anhembi sambadrome in Sao Paulo, Brazil. EPA

Runners amass at the start of the Tokyo Marathon in the Shinjuku area of Japan's capital. AFP

Palestinians break their fast with iftar meals during Ramadan, near the rubble of buildings in Rafah, southern Gaza. Reuters

Stefanos Tsitsipas on his way to winning the men's singles at the Dubai Championships in the final against Felix Auger Aliassime. Reuters

British singer Jade, right, poses with a guest on the red carpet at the Brit Awards in London. AFP

Workers transport an Oscar statue during preparations for the 97th annual Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. EPA

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, left, and Vice President Carolina Cosse greet the crowd on their way to the handover ceremony in Montevideo. Mr Orsi was sworn in as President until 2030. EPA

Men gather for iftar at Al Sayyid Al Hasan Mosque in Sudan's eastern city of Kassala on the first day of Ramadan. AFP

Players train at the Unity Fustal football field in Zinariya Hills, in Jos, Nigeria. AFP

Palestinian prisoner Hamza Al Kalouti hugs family members near Al Aqsa Mosque after spending 24 years in Israeli prisons. As part of his release conditions, he is banned from attending the mosque complex in east Jerusalem by Israeli authorities. Reuters

Larry the cat walks past the Italian delegation arriving at No 10 Downing Street in central London for a meeting between Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. AFP

The shadow of Firefly's Blue Ghost lander is cast on the Moon's surface during a lunar landing. AFP

A man dressed in military fatigues carries a rabbit during the Gun Owners of America's Freedom Festival, at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix. Reuters

Members of the Mocidade Alegre samba school on parade at Anhembi sambadrome in Sao Paulo, Brazil. EPA

Runners amass at the start of the Tokyo Marathon in the Shinjuku area of Japan's capital. AFP

Palestinians break their fast with iftar meals during Ramadan, near the rubble of buildings in Rafah, southern Gaza. Reuters

Stefanos Tsitsipas on his way to winning the men's singles at the Dubai Championships in the final against Felix Auger Aliassime. Reuters

British singer Jade, right, poses with a guest on the red carpet at the Brit Awards in London. AFP

Workers transport an Oscar statue during preparations for the 97th annual Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. EPA

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, left, and Vice President Carolina Cosse greet the crowd on their way to the handover ceremony in Montevideo. Mr Orsi was sworn in as President until 2030. EPA

Men gather for iftar at Al Sayyid Al Hasan Mosque in Sudan's eastern city of Kassala on the first day of Ramadan. AFP

Players train at the Unity Fustal football field in Zinariya Hills, in Jos, Nigeria. AFP

Palestinian prisoner Hamza Al Kalouti hugs family members near Al Aqsa Mosque after spending 24 years in Israeli prisons. As part of his release conditions, he is banned from attending the mosque complex in east Jerusalem by Israeli authorities. Reuters

Larry the cat walks past the Italian delegation arriving at No 10 Downing Street in central London for a meeting between Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. AFP

The shadow of Firefly's Blue Ghost lander is cast on the Moon's surface during a lunar landing. AFP

A man dressed in military fatigues carries a rabbit during the Gun Owners of America's Freedom Festival, at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix. Reuters

Members of the Mocidade Alegre samba school on parade at Anhembi sambadrome in Sao Paulo, Brazil. EPA

LatestMost ReadTop Videos

CommentThe Zelenskyy row shows Trump has personalised foreign policy

In picturesBest photos of the day: Tokyo Marathon to Brazil’s carnival

Starmer hosts European leaders at UK summit on Ukraine

Dubai authorities sign off on Dh6bn traffic improvement plan

Druze-HTS clashes prompt Israeli vow to protect the community in Syria

UAE’s Ramadan 2025 prayer timetable and iftar times

Dunes of Arabia: Inside the ultimate Saudi desert adventure

UAE Property: ‘Is it more financially savvy to buy or rent?’

UAE jobs: Your salary guide for 2025

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Donald Trump berates Ukrainian President at White House

Donald Trump berates Ukrainian President at White House

Watch: First iftar cannon of Ramadan 2025 fired at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Watch: First iftar cannon of Ramadan 2025 fired at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

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