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Ayman Asfari, Petrofac’s former group chief executive, says democracy will not happen overnight in Syria but the country is moving in the right direction. Bloomberg

ExclusiveBusinessman Asfari calls on world to support 'fragile' Syria

The robo-crypto bull statue is seen on the campus of the Miami Dade College Wolfson campus in Miami, Florida. Getty

Crypto prices may swing wildly, but discussions about it should not

Palestinian journalist Shatha Al Sabbagh was shot dead in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Saturday. Courtesy: Al Sabbagh family

Family of journalist shot in the head in West Bank blame Palestinian Authority

A UAE Golden Visa. The National. Pawan Singh / The National

How rules for UAE's 10-year golden visa have changed

Liverpool's Moroccan forward Mohamed Salah has shattered a string of Premier League records this season. AFP

Ten Arab sportsmen to watch in 2025 including Salah and Sedjati

As more people come to the UAE to seek jobs, more candidates are available in the market than jobs. Deepak Fernandez / The National

UAE salaries: Will you earn more in 2025?

Norway's Northern Lights project will see CO2 shipped to a terminal in liquid form before being injected into undersea rocks. Photo: Jonny Engelsvoll/Equinor

Everything under the sea as plans take shape in Europe to bury carbon emissions

The Exchange draws inspiration from the true story of the first women in the Kuwaiti Stock Exchange. Mona Hussain, pictured, stars as Muneera. Photo: Netflix

Mona Hussain: The Exchange will 'defy expectations' in season two

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, attended the first Cabinet meeting of 2025 on Thursday. Photo: X

Sheikh Mohammed praises Emirati innovation after record economic year

Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai leads first Cabinet meeting of 2025

Palestinian Authority closes Al Jazeera offices in West Bank

Smoke rises from an Israeli strike as the Israeli military conducts operations inside the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, January 2, 2025. Reuters

Latest updatesIsraeli negotiators to return to Qatar for hostage talks

Special reportAssad regime bombed Aleppo for years — then profited from its scrap metal

Investigators surround the white pick-up truck used in the ramming attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day. AFP

FBI probes 'act of terrorism' after driver kills 14 in New Orleans

Syria's interim government makes first foreign visit to Saudi Arabia

'Profound failure to protect the vulnerable': MSF director sounds Sudan alarm

2025: A look ahead

People walk at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival as they await the New Years Eve fireworks and drone show in Abu Dhabi on December 31, 2024. (Photo by Ryan LIM / AFP)

UAE residents look to 2025 for peace and progress in Middle East

Having a clear idea of exactly how much you spend each month is critical to start the financial planning process. Getty Images

How to make the most of your income in 2025

The UAE will enact new laws in 2025 which will impact the lives of its citizens and residents. Antonie Robertson / The National

UAE taxes, laws and charges coming into effect in January 2025

The most anticipated novels of 2025 include debuts, novels that are part of on going series and the new works of well known authors. Photos: Publishers

Twelve new books to read in 2025

Tunisia's Ons Jabeur during the Brisbane International ahead of the 2025 season. EPA

Ten Arab sportswomen to watch in 2025 including Jabeur and Nemour

Technology is set to play a pivotal role in the health sector in 2025 and for years to come. Photo: AP

AI-powered treatments and evolving home care to shape health sector in 2025

As more people come to the UAE to seek jobs, more candidates are available in the market than jobs. Deepak Fernandez / The National

UAE salaries: Will you earn more in 2025?

Families in Abu Dhabi at an event organised by the Ukrainian community to mark Christmas. Despite conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Palestine, optimism remains. Ahmed Ramzan for The National

EditorialWhy the world can be more optimistic about 2025

People walk at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival as they await the New Years Eve fireworks and drone show in Abu Dhabi on December 31, 2024. (Photo by Ryan LIM / AFP)

UAE residents look to 2025 for peace and progress in Middle East

Having a clear idea of exactly how much you spend each month is critical to start the financial planning process. Getty Images

How to make the most of your income in 2025

The UAE will enact new laws in 2025 which will impact the lives of its citizens and residents. Antonie Robertson / The National

UAE taxes, laws and charges coming into effect in January 2025

The most anticipated novels of 2025 include debuts, novels that are part of on going series and the new works of well known authors. Photos: Publishers

Twelve new books to read in 2025

Tunisia's Ons Jabeur during the Brisbane International ahead of the 2025 season. EPA

Ten Arab sportswomen to watch in 2025 including Jabeur and Nemour

Technology is set to play a pivotal role in the health sector in 2025 and for years to come. Photo: AP

AI-powered treatments and evolving home care to shape health sector in 2025

As more people come to the UAE to seek jobs, more candidates are available in the market than jobs. Deepak Fernandez / The National

UAE salaries: Will you earn more in 2025?

Families in Abu Dhabi at an event organised by the Ukrainian community to mark Christmas. Despite conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Palestine, optimism remains. Ahmed Ramzan for The National

EditorialWhy the world can be more optimistic about 2025

People walk at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival as they await the New Years Eve fireworks and drone show in Abu Dhabi on December 31, 2024. (Photo by Ryan LIM / AFP)

UAE residents look to 2025 for peace and progress in Middle East

Video

Moment Cybertruck explodes outside Trump’s Las Vegas hotel

The FBI said it was not yet clear whether the blast was an act of terrorism.

Syrians celebrate New Year for the first time since the fall of the Assad regime

Syrians celebrate New Year for the first time since the fall of the Assad regime

Where to invest in 2025

Where to invest in 2025

UAE sends urgent humanitarian aid to children in Gaza

UAE sends urgent humanitarian aid to children in Gaza

ISIS flag in truck used in New Orleans crowd-ram attack

ISIS flag in truck used in New Orleans crowd-ram attack

Syria transition

Members of the security forces of the newly formed Syrian government inspect vehicles at a security checkpoint on the Syrian border with Lebanon. AP

Lebanon deporting officers and soldiers of former regime back to Syria

A staircase inside the Palestine Branch of Syria's Military Intelligence Directorate in Damascus, days after its inmates were freed by rebels who toppled former president Bashar Al Assad. AFP

Survivors reveal the horror of ‘disappearing’ into Assad’s detention network

People gather during New Year's celebrations in Damascus yesterday. A national dialogue conference planned for the weekend is a chance to build on the progress made so far. Reuters

EditorialSyria's fragile new beginnings must be handled with care

A young woman holds the Flag of Syria as people celebrate the New Year near Umayyad Square in Damascus, Syria. AFP

'We have hope': Syrians celebrate a new year and new era after fall of Assad regime

The Khaled Brigade, part of Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, holds a military parade in Damascus on December 27. Reuters

Syria's new government giving defence roles to foreign fighters

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and a delegation of officials from the country meet Ahmad Al Shara in Damascus. AFP

Syria prepares for key national conference to shape post-Assad future

Members of the security forces of the newly formed Syrian government inspect vehicles at a security checkpoint on the Syrian border with Lebanon. AP

Lebanon deporting officers and soldiers of former regime back to Syria

A staircase inside the Palestine Branch of Syria's Military Intelligence Directorate in Damascus, days after its inmates were freed by rebels who toppled former president Bashar Al Assad. AFP

Survivors reveal the horror of ‘disappearing’ into Assad’s detention network

People gather during New Year's celebrations in Damascus yesterday. A national dialogue conference planned for the weekend is a chance to build on the progress made so far. Reuters

EditorialSyria's fragile new beginnings must be handled with care

A young woman holds the Flag of Syria as people celebrate the New Year near Umayyad Square in Damascus, Syria. AFP

'We have hope': Syrians celebrate a new year and new era after fall of Assad regime

The Khaled Brigade, part of Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, holds a military parade in Damascus on December 27. Reuters

Syria's new government giving defence roles to foreign fighters

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and a delegation of officials from the country meet Ahmad Al Shara in Damascus. AFP

Syria prepares for key national conference to shape post-Assad future

Members of the security forces of the newly formed Syrian government inspect vehicles at a security checkpoint on the Syrian border with Lebanon. AP

Lebanon deporting officers and soldiers of former regime back to Syria

US House Speaker Mike Johnson faces opposition from within the Republican party as he stands for re-election. Bloomberg

US Republicans try to protect Netanyahu from ICC with rules package

Measure is aimed at protecting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Consumers more likely than ever to pay extra for sustainable retail, experts say

Yoav Gallant, a member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, was sacked as defence minister in November. EPA

Former Israel defence minister Yoav Gallant resigns from parliament

Hack on US Treasury blamed on China causes fear in cybersecurity community

Flames rise from a Tesla Cybertruck after it exploded outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U. S. , January 1, 2025 in this screengrab taken from a social media video. Alcides Antunes/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. THIS PICTURE WAS PROCESSED BY REUTERS TO ENHANCE QUALITY. AN UNPROCESSED VERSION HAS BEEN PROVIDED SEPARATELY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

One dead after Tesla Cybertruck explodes outside Trump's Las Vegas hotel

Egyptian troops sent for new African Union mission in Somalia

UAE sends 40 tonnes of aid to Gaza as extreme cold increases infant death toll

Sheikh Mohammed calls Dubai ‘city of the world’ after New Year's Eve success

At least 20 missing after migrant boat sinks off Italy

In focus

The British Museum's extensive collection includes cats, crocodiles, bulls, ibises, snakes, shrews and fish. Photo: The Trustees of the British Museum

British Museum unwraps secrets of Egyptian animal mummies using scans

Green roofs and walls can cut flooding, cool buildings and improve air quality. Getty Images

How 'green walls' in offices can boost the environment and productivity

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Dani Olmo could be on the move this January. Getty Images

Salah, Alexander-Arnold and others potentially on the move in January

A soldier on Dauphine Street in New Orleans on January 2, after the car-ramming attack. AP

New Orleans attack: What we know so far

Manjeet Singh Gill with his family in Dubai. Ahmed Ramzan for The National

My Own Home: Engineer bought Dh1.1m Sports City home as 'renting was burning money'

A weight loss plateau can last between two and six weeks, experts say. Getty Images

Stopped losing weight? How to identify and get past the plateau

Norway has more than 9,000 electric charging stations and tax incentives that discourage buying petrol cars. Bloomberg

Norway on brink of victory in 100 per cent electric car sale push

Muhammad has become England's most popular baby name in the past year, according to the country's official statistics office. Photo: Isabel Pavia

How did Muhammad become the UK's most popular boys' name?

The British Museum's extensive collection includes cats, crocodiles, bulls, ibises, snakes, shrews and fish. Photo: The Trustees of the British Museum

British Museum unwraps secrets of Egyptian animal mummies using scans

Green roofs and walls can cut flooding, cool buildings and improve air quality. Getty Images

How 'green walls' in offices can boost the environment and productivity

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Dani Olmo could be on the move this January. Getty Images

Salah, Alexander-Arnold and others potentially on the move in January

A soldier on Dauphine Street in New Orleans on January 2, after the car-ramming attack. AP

New Orleans attack: What we know so far

Manjeet Singh Gill with his family in Dubai. Ahmed Ramzan for The National

My Own Home: Engineer bought Dh1.1m Sports City home as 'renting was burning money'

A weight loss plateau can last between two and six weeks, experts say. Getty Images

Stopped losing weight? How to identify and get past the plateau

Norway has more than 9,000 electric charging stations and tax incentives that discourage buying petrol cars. Bloomberg

Norway on brink of victory in 100 per cent electric car sale push

Muhammad has become England's most popular baby name in the past year, according to the country's official statistics office. Photo: Isabel Pavia

How did Muhammad become the UK's most popular boys' name?

The British Museum's extensive collection includes cats, crocodiles, bulls, ibises, snakes, shrews and fish. Photo: The Trustees of the British Museum

British Museum unwraps secrets of Egyptian animal mummies using scans

The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, built in partnership with Sela, is SIS Pitches’ flagship project in the Middle East. Picture: SIS Pitches

Gulf-UK trade deal has a sporting chance, minister says

Tesla reports drop in annual deliveries as EV competition increases

What corporate tax means for mergers and acquisitions in the UAE

Culture

'Magical': Mayssa Karaa hails New Year's gig with Bocelli

Music & On-stage

Lionel Richie rings in 2025 with charm in Dubai

Music & On-stage

The Exchange draws inspiration from the true story of the first women in the Kuwaiti Stock Exchange. Mona Hussain, pictured, stars as Muneera. Photo: Netflix

Mona Hussain: The Exchange will 'defy expectations' in season two

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

What’s trending today? We bring you the latest social media trends from the Middle East and around the world

Pictures of the Day

Britain’s Billy Harris hits a return to Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz during the warm-up before their men’s singles match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Australia. AFP

A skater observes snow pancakes on the frozen Lac des Rousses in central-eastern France. AFP

Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo, right, and Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe jostle during the Peach Bowl college football game in Atlanta, Georgia. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

A man dashes across the street on a rainy, windy day in Frankfurt, Germany. AP Photo

Filipino Catholics raise their hands to be blessed with holy water during the parade of Black Nazarene replicas ahead of its feast day, in Quiapo, Manila. Reuters

The sun rises behind buildings in the Lujiazui Financial District of Shanghai, China. Bloomberg

Japanese Princess Hanako, Empress Emerita Michiko, and Emperor Emeritus Akihito attend a New Year's Greeting celebration at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. EPA

Women look at a billboard images for new year celebrations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. AFP

A Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara devotee performs fire breathing stunts in a procession towards the Trevini Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, during the first 'royal entry' (Peshwai) for the Mahakumbh festival, in Prayagraj, northern India. AP Photo

Britain’s Billy Harris hits a return to Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz during the warm-up before their men’s singles match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Australia. AFP

A skater observes snow pancakes on the frozen Lac des Rousses in central-eastern France. AFP

Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo, right, and Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe jostle during the Peach Bowl college football game in Atlanta, Georgia. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

A man dashes across the street on a rainy, windy day in Frankfurt, Germany. AP Photo

Filipino Catholics raise their hands to be blessed with holy water during the parade of Black Nazarene replicas ahead of its feast day, in Quiapo, Manila. Reuters

The sun rises behind buildings in the Lujiazui Financial District of Shanghai, China. Bloomberg

Japanese Princess Hanako, Empress Emerita Michiko, and Emperor Emeritus Akihito attend a New Year's Greeting celebration at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. EPA

Women look at a billboard images for new year celebrations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. AFP

A Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara devotee performs fire breathing stunts in a procession towards the Trevini Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, during the first 'royal entry' (Peshwai) for the Mahakumbh festival, in Prayagraj, northern India. AP Photo

Britain’s Billy Harris hits a return to Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz during the warm-up before their men’s singles match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Australia. AFP

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Today's cartoonCartoon for January 3, 2025

Hack on US Treasury blamed on China causes fear in cybersecurity community

Tesla reports drop in annual deliveries as EV competition increases

New Orleans attack: What we know so far

ExclusiveBusinessman Asfari calls on world to support 'fragile' Syria

How rules for obtaining UAE's 10-year golden visa have been updated

Egypt sending troops by air and sea for new African Union force in Somalia

UAE taxes, laws and charges coming into effect from January 2025

Sheikh Mohammed hails Dubai as ‘city of the world’ after record-breaking New Year’s Eve

New Year's Eve world records broken in the UAE with fireworks and drone displays

Dubai rings in 2025 with dazzling fireworks display at Burj Khalifa

Dubai rings in 2025 with dazzling fireworks display at Burj Khalifa

Ras Al Khaimah welcomes 2025 with stunning drone and fireworks show

Ras Al Khaimah welcomes 2025 with stunning drone and fireworks show

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Energy expert Robin Mills explains the latest in oil, clean energy and more in the UAE and beyond

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