Middle East

2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships: Spain win mixed team

The nation showcased the depth and talent of their riders, though the victory came after a fierce and closely contested battle. Spain was one of six nations that fielded the maximum of five riders - one for each section, with Slovakia and Italy fielding fewer riders (four and three, respectively).

2024-12-19T01:27:22.058596+00:00 IST

Arab League calls for adopting 'Arab Reading Challenge' as teachi

This came during a speech delivered by Ambassadress Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Department at the AL, at a celebration marking the World Arabic Language Day.

2024-12-19T01:17:49.678442+00:00 IST

Netanyahu denies media manipulation as testimony resumes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's testimony in his corruption trial continued at Tel Aviv District Court on Wednesday, as he denied allegations that he manipulated coverage on a popular Israeli news website.

2024-12-18T18:01:12.749810+00:00 IST

Israeli Troops dismantle underground Hezbollah command center

The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) reported that in Lebanon engineering troops in the 188th Armored Brigade located and dismantled an underground tunnel route dozens of meters long that led to a Hezbollah command center. Hezbollah terrorists used the command center to plan terror attacks and direct rocket fire at Israeli communities in the Galilee over the past year.

2024-12-18T17:58:11.878221+00:00 IST

Holocaust Survivors’ Rights Authority Increases Nursing Service

The Holocaust Survivors' Rights Authority is currently reaching out to approximately 160 Holocaust survivors, who receive "Ezrat Zazulat" (Help Others) from the Ministry of Defense in the amount of 66 hours per month or more, and may be eligible for an additional 9 hours of weekly nursing care from the Authority, subject to an income and assets test.

2024-12-18T17:40:55.149352+00:00 IST

UN Special Envoy for Syria calls for new constitution, fair polls

United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir O Pedersen on Wednesday said that he engaged with various stakeholders, including leaders of armed factions, and emphasised the potential for a "new Syria" in line with Security Council Resolution 2254, envisioning a "new constitution, a social contract for all Syrians, and free and fair elections."

2024-12-18T15:26:05.656659+00:00 IST

Indian Embassy announces repatriation of fishermen from Bahrain

Sharing a post on X, the Indian embassy in Bahrain wrote, "India in Bahrain is pleased to announce repatriation of 28 Indian fishermen who were recently freed after reduction in sentence from 6 to 3 months. The embassy facilitated legal assistance and travel under GoI's Indian Community Welfare Fund. Well being of Indian nationals is our priority."

2024-12-18T12:59:33.524498+00:00 IST

Israel destroyed 93 per cent of bank branches in Gaza: World Bank

The World Bank reported that the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip has destroyed approximately 93 per cent of the branches of banks operating in the territory after 15 months of continuous conflict.

2024-12-18T10:23:29.926764+00:00 IST

Israelis fired on at Joseph’s tomb

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported that, during the night, a bus carrying Israeli citizens entered the Joseph's Tomb compound in the city of Schehem (Nablus) without coordinating the visit with the IDF was fired on by terrorists and the driver was lightly wounded.

2024-12-18T09:32:07.481267+00:00 IST

Hamas 'hopeful' of ceasefire deal in Gaza

Top US, Israeli, Qatari and Egyptian officials have all touted progress in the negotiations in recent days. While officials caution that a deal is neither sealed nor guaranteed, the upbeat language and recent diplomatic activity point to significant momentum toward reaching a deal, according to CNN.

2024-12-18T01:23:22.233105+00:00 IST

Palestinians sue US over involvement in human rights abuses

The lawsuit, announced on Tuesday, accuses the Department of State of failing to implement a US federal law that prohibits the transfer of funds to foreign military units engaged in gross violations such as extrajudicial killings and torture, Al Jazeera reported.

2024-12-18T01:20:28.060047+00:00 IST

Rwandan government delegation visits SAMG projects

An official government delegation from the Republic of Rwanda visited a number of projects affiliated with Sharjah Asset Management Group (SAMG), the investment arm of Sharjah government.

2024-12-17T19:29:27.506397+00:00 IST

GCAA launches Safety Strategy for SZC for 2024-2026

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has launched its first-ever Air Navigation Services Safety Strategy for the Sheikh Zayed Air Navigation Centre (SZC) setting a new standard in safety management for the period 2024-2026.

2024-12-17T18:15:17.691078+00:00 IST

DEWA generates 45.14 TWh of power in nine months

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) generated 45.14 terawatt hours (TWh) of power in the first nine months of 2024, marking a 5.49 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. This growth aligns with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33 and the "We the UAE 2031" vision, reflecting the emirate's economic expansion and population growth. DEWA's installed generation capacity reached 16.779 GW, with clean energy contributing 17 per cent of total capacity. MD & CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer reaffirmed DEWA's commitment to sustainable operational excellence and maintaining a reliable energy supply to support Dubai's economic ambitions.

2024-12-17T18:02:28.786139+00:00 IST

ILO praises UAE's Labour Market legislation, policies

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has praised the UAE's labour market legislation and policies for enhancing competitiveness and balancing the rights of employers and workers. During a meeting in Dubai, ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo lauded the UAE's efforts to improve labour market governance, implement social protection measures, and foster flexibility and adaptability. The meeting also discussed UAE's localisation programmes, women's participation, and commitment to the Global Coalition for Social Justice. UAE's labour market, hosting workers from over 200 nationalities, recorded a 14.5 per cent growth in companies and a 9 per cent workforce increase.

2024-12-17T18:01:05.565599+00:00 IST

Green tourism in UAE: Nature’s beauty embracing sustainability

The UAE has transformed its desert landscapes into thriving green spaces, establishing itself as a global leader in sustainable and eco-tourism. Through initiatives like the "World's Coolest Winter" campaign, themed "Green Tourism," the nation promotes environmental awareness, agritourism, and cultural heritage preservation. UAE's robust legal framework, technological advancements, and eco-friendly initiatives across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah contribute to its 2050 climate neutrality goals and the "UAE Tourism Strategy 2031."

2024-12-17T17:58:45.000291+00:00 IST

Sharjah Chamber enhances industrial cooperation

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has discussed ways to expand collaboration in the industrial sector with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), as part of its ongoing efforts to foster economic partnerships with high-potential markets.

2024-12-17T17:21:39.301583+00:00 IST

European Union, Israel Revive Association Council Meetings

The Association Council is intended to be an annual dialogue between Israel and the EU.

2024-12-17T13:08:16.706894+00:00 IST

3 Israeli soldiers killed during operation to destroy Gaza tunnel

The IDF said the shaft was about half a kilometer long and dozens of meters deep and contained living quarters and passages.

2024-12-17T13:06:16.905696+00:00 IST

Abu Dhabi hosts workshop on sustainable investment

The workshop was attended by representatives of Arab countries, including officials from ministries of sustainable development.

2024-12-17T12:50:30.968111+00:00 IST

UAE ranks first globally in 223 competitiveness indicators

The United Arab Emirates has maintained its upward trajectory in global competitiveness reports in 2024, securing top positions in key indicators thanks to the wise leadership and forward-thinking vision aimed at human development as the foundation and primary goal of development.

2024-12-17T09:24:17.778925+00:00 IST