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UK business morale hits two-year low

British companies are the gloomiest since former Prime Minister Liz Truss' September 2022 \"mini-budget\", following unexpectedly large tax increases in the new Labour government's Oct. 30 budget, a business survey showed.

Deepfake porn targets women politicians

From the United States to Italy, Britain, and Pakistan, female politicians are increasingly becoming victims of Al-generated deepfake pornography or sexualised images, in a troubling trend that researchers say threatens women's participation in public life.

Chinese bourses ask big fund managers to restrict stock selling: Sources

China's main stock exchanges asked some large mutual funds to restrict stock selling at the start of the year, sources said, as authorities sought to calm markets heading into a tricky period for the world's second-largest economy.

China rushes to shore up sliding yuan and stocks

China's stock exchanges and central bank rushed to defend a tumbling yuan and falling stock markets on Monday, trying to soothe investors concerned about Donald Trump's return to the White House and Beijing's ability to revive the economy.

Mass push in Germany to ban fireworks after New Year's chaos

Almost 1.5 million Germans backed a police union push on Monday to ban fireworks on New Year's Eve after the latest celebrations were again marred by deaths, injuries and arrests.

Exodus by Wall Street banks from climate group worries advocates

US lenders have been rushing in recent weeks to leave one of the world's top banking sector climate coalitions, drawing scorn from campaigners who worry the industry is losing resolve to take action on fossil fuels.

'Protect our people': Armed Syrian volunteers watch over Damascus

Every night, Damascus residents stand guard outside shops and homes armed with light weapons often supplied by Syria's new rulers, eager to fill the security vacuum that followed the recent takeover.

Musk influence limited in Germany, says spokesperson

Elon Musk's influence on the people of Germany is limited, a German government spokesperson said on Monday, downplaying the US billionaire's reach after he criticised Chancellor Olaf Scholz and got behind the far-right Alternative for Germany.

Dubai mothers welcome remote work on Fridays

New mothers employed in Dubai government offices will benefit from a new initiative allowing them to work from home on Fridays during the first year after their maternity leave.

Germany sees rise in far-right crime with online offences as main driver

Germany saw a jump in cases of crime attributed to the far right in 2024, driven largely by online offences and hate speech, a government spokesperson said on Monday.

Austrian far-right leader tasked with forming govt

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen tasked the leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) on Monday with forming a coalition government after a centrist bid to assemble one without the FPO collapsed unexpectedly over the weekend.

Chefs give a modern touch to traditional Emirati cuisine

Iconic dishes like Aseeda and Umm Ali are presented in ways that attract both younger generation and non-Arab diners

US to ease Syria aid restrictions while keeping sanctions in place

The US is set to announce an easing of restrictions on providing humanitarian aid and other basic services such as electricity to Syria while maintaining its strict sanctions regime, people briefed on the matter told Reuters.

No chores for women as Irish expats celebrate Little Christmas

The day, called Nollaig na mBan, is meant to serve as a big thanks to women who have worked hard over the festive season, preparing food and presents

Israel medics, army say three killed in West Bank shooting

Gunmen opened fire on Monday on a bus and other vehicles near a village in the occupied West Bank, killing three people and wounding seven, the Israeli military and emergency services said.

India’s services sector ends 2024 on a strong footing

PMI data shows activity in the sector has been in expansionary territory for more than three years

Blinken calls for push to get Gaza truce deal over 'finish line'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Monday for a final push for a Gaza ceasefire before President Joe Biden leaves office, after a Hamas official told Reuters the group had cleared a list of 34 hostages as first to go free under a truce.

UAE skies saw more than Im planes in 2024

The UAE achieved a milestone in the aviation sector with 1 million air movements in 2024, as air traffic grew 10.3 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023, said the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

Dollar falls sharply after report on narrower tariffs

The US dollar was lower on Monday in volatile trading after conflicting reports about how aggressive President-elect Donald Trump's planned tariffs would be when he takes office.

UAE visit visa approvals rising, say travel agents

Lately, approval of visit visas has been on the rise, with applicants increasingly providing all necessary documents, say travel industry executives. Visitors coming to the UAE are required to carry a return air ticket, proof of accommodation and a certain amount of funds.

Steelmakers sue Biden administration over decision to block merger

US President Joe Biden violated the Constitution by blocking Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion bid for US Steel through a sham national security review, the companies alleged in a lawsuit they said was filed on Monday.

Scholarships and simplified accreditation in HEIs for Emirati students

Dubai is boosting support for Emirati students by offering continued scholarships and simplifying the accreditation process for higher education institutions across the emirate.

‘Why am I going to school at night?’

When Zoya, a nursery student living in AI Majaz 3, Sharjah, stepped outside at 5.50am to board her school bus on Monday, she asked her mother, \"Why am I going to school at night?\"

Gen Z workers embrace conscious unbossing’

Radwa AI Amin, a 25-year-old marketing specialist in Dubai, thrives as a contributor and is content with her career.

Schools report nearly 100% attendance after winter break

For many students, the return to school marked the start of a busy period, with exams approaching

After a drop below 2°C, UAE to witness stable weather

Over the weekend, heavy rains swept across several regions of the UAE, accompanied by near-freezing temperatures in multiple areas.

Motorists lost 35 hrs in Dubai traffic snarls in 2024: Study

Dubai motorists lost an average of around 35 hours in traffic jams in 2024 two hours more than the previous year - as the city's population and vehicle numbers grew.

UAE-based gamers reveal the most anticipated video games of 2025

Gaming influencers and content creators share their thoughts on the upcoming releases including Grand Theft Auto 6

Bezos's Blue Origin poised for first orbital launch next week

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's company Blue Origin is poised to launch its first orbital rocket next week, marking a pivotal moment in the commercial space race currently dominated by Elon Musk's SpaceX.

NYC starts driver congestion charging despite opposition

Similar driver-tolling schemes have been operated for years in other megacities including London and Stockholm