14+ min ago (264+ words) Gaza: Municipalities in the Gaza Strip have warned of an imminent collapse of essential services due to the rapidly deteriorating fuel crisis, following the Israeli occupation's prevention of the entry of the necessary quantities to operate vital facilities in the Strip. In a statement issued Sunday, the Union of Gaza Strip Municipalities explained that the fuel that has arrived in the fifty days since the ceasefire is only sufficient for five days of work, including clearing roads, removing rubble, and facilitating the movement of displaced persons. The Union emphasized that the very limited quantities allowed through by the occupation are under the control and management of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which has become unable to respond and provide the minimum fuel needs of the municipalities to ensure their continued operation. The statement indicated that the ongoing…...

6+ hour, 41+ min ago (421+ words) Doha: Japan is entering a new phase of economic policy as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country's first woman to hold the office, assumes the leadership of the country. PM Takaichi has vowed to revive Japan's economic growth through what she calls a "responsible proactive fiscal policy." This policy aims to strike a difficult balance between deploying spending in strategic sectors, while preserving fiscal sustainability and maintaining control over Japan's already-large public debt. Boosting growth is a formidable task for a country that faces significant structural challenges and an uncertain global outlook, QNB said in its economic commentary Japan's economic performance has been underwhelming in recent years. After the post-Covid pandemic rebound, annual real GDP growth fluctuated around 0.8% during 2022-2024. This year, the economy showed a modest recovery, supported by increasing real income that boosted consumption, fiscal stimulus, and a depreciated…...

7+ hour, 11+ min ago (338+ words) Participant with his falcon during the competition. Doha, Qatar: The second edition of the Katara Falconry and Hunting Championship 2025, which continues until December 6th at the Marmi Sabkha in Sili, revealed its first secrets by announcing the winners of the top five places in the Gyrfalcon category. The qualifying rounds for the Gyrfalcon category were also held, and the qualifying rounds for the falconry competition for groups 15 through 20 continued. The winners of the top five places are: Mohammed Yousef Al-Mannai, who won first place with his falcon achieving a time of 1.859 seconds; Team Al-Zam, who won second and fourth place; and Team Lusail, who won third and fifth place. In the qualifying rounds for the "Qarnas Hurr" category of the falconry competition, 10 participants advanced to the final. The qualifiers are: Al-Shahaniya team (4 falcons), Hamad Abdulhadi bin Nayfa, Mohammed Jassim Al-Kuwari, Mohammed…...

12+ hour, 39+ min ago (230+ words) Doha: On the occasion of "Arab Cup Qatar 2025, the Workers Support and Insurance Fund will be organizing "Associated Activities in Asian Town, Barwa Baraha, Kreeq Sports and Al Khor Barwa Recreation Complex in Al Khor Industrial Area on 1, 4, 5, 11, 12 and 18/12/2025 from 4 pm to 9 pm. The Associated Activities include free screening of the "Arab Cup Qatar 2025" matches, cultural and traditional shows by communities and school teams, musical concert by local bands and Talent shows by the audience. The organizing committee has also arranged valuable prizes for the public through raffle coupons, safety and security awareness programs by various departments of the Ministry of Interior and free diabetic and blood pressure checkup by private clinics. The Workers Support and Insurance Fund announced that it will organize four major events across different locations as part of its "Associated Activities program. The activities will be…...

15+ hour, 16+ min ago (259+ words) Cairo: The State of Qatar took part in an event organized Sunday by the General Secretariat of the Arab League at its headquarters in Cairo to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Deputy Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the Arab League, Maryam Ahmed Al Shaibi, led Qatar's delegation to the event. The event was held in response to the UNGA resolution issued in 1977 to revive this day annually, with the aim of reaffirming the just Palestinian cause and standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle to end the occupation and restore freedom and independence. It underscores their independent and sovereign statehood, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. Overall, the event featured solidarity speeches and the screening of a…...

16+ hour, 22+ min ago (192+ words) Ramallah: Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has held discussions in Ramallah with Denmark s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, focusing... World / Middle East Palestinian PM urges Denmark to recognize statehood in talks on Gaza and West Bank Ramallah: Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has held discussions in Ramallah with Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, focusing on political developments and the situation on the ground in Gaza, the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem. Mustafa reiterated that the Palestinian Authority holds full mandate and sovereignty over all Palestinian territories, stressing that any future transitional arrangements must be coordinated directly with Palestinian institutions. His comments come as international actors explore post-conflict scenarios for Gaza. The prime minister welcomed global efforts to support relief, recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, highlighting the importance of the Arab-Palestinian recovery framework, which he said enjoys broad…...

16+ hour, 27+ min ago (399+ words) Kuwait: The Arab Book Award participated in the 48th Kuwait International Book Fair, organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) under the theme "Capital of Culture, Homeland of the Book". The Award showcased its pioneering experience in a critical session entitled "Literary Awards: Honoring Creativity and Building Presence", featuring Dr. Hanan Al Fayadh, Media Advisor for the Award, and Dr. Imtinan Al Samadi, Professor of Modern Arabic Literature at the University of Jordan and Media Coordinator of the Arab Book Award, amid a striking attendance of cultural stakeholders. Dr. Al Samadi emphasized that literary awards are not merely mechanisms for honoring individuals, but extend to a broader framework, going beyond celebration to create a tangible impact on the cultural landscape. She highlighted their influential power in generating visibility and financial value, amplifying their effect far beyond what…...

23+ hour, 19+ min ago (635+ words) FROM LEFT: LOC Executive Director of Communications and Media, Fatma Al Nuaimi, FIFA Head of Youth Tournaments, Roberto Grassi, LOC CEO, Jassim Al Jassim, Ministry of Interior Spokesman, Colonel Dr. Jabr H. J. Al Naimi and Hayya Director at Qatar Tourism, Saeed Al Kuwari during a press conference yesterday. Doha, Qatar: Qatar yesterday reaffirmed its full readiness to stage the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) outlined final preparations at a press conference held at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The regional football showpiece kicks off tomorrow, with 16 teams vying for the prestigious title. LOC CEO Jassim Al Jassim said Qatar is set to deliver "an exceptional tournament, highlighting strong demand across all key areas. Ticket sales have crossed 700,699, including 210,209 purchased by fans outside Qatar - a clear indication of the event's popularity in the region. "After Qatar, most…...

1+ day, 7+ hour ago (296+ words) Palm Beach, United States: US President Donald Trump on Friday made a major intervention into Honduran politics days before the country's presidential election, pardoning a convicted ex-leader. Trump said he will pardon ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted last year in a US court of drug trafficking charges and sentenced to 45 years in prison. Hernandez, who led the Central American nation from 2014 to 2022, was accused by US prosecutors of facilitating the import of some 400 tons of cocaine into the United States. He was extradited to the United States just weeks after leaving office, when the current president, leftist Xiomara Castro, came to power. Trump's stunning announcement came in a social media post proclaiming support for Nasry Asfura, the candidate of Hernandez's right-wing party in Honduras's presidential election on Sunday. The US president had earlier endorsed Asfura, but his latest…...

1+ day, 9+ hour ago (622+ words) More than 700,000 tickets sold for the prestigious competition as excitement builds across the region Doha, Qatar: In a press conference held today in Doha, the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC) announced Qatar's preparedness to host the second edition of the prestigious regional competition from 1-18 December. A total of 16 teams will have a chance to lift the coveted trophy. Speaking at the press conference were Jassim Al Jassim, LOC CEO; Roberto Grassi, FIFA Representative; Saeed Al Kuwari, Hayya Director at Qatar Tourism; Colonel Dr. Jabr H. J. Al Naimi, Spokesperson of Ministry of Interior; and Fatma Al Nuaimi, LOC Executive Director of Communications and Media. The tournament has garnered wide attention with 700,699 tickets sold so far. In particular, 210,209 of these tickets were purchased by supporters outside of Qatar, reaffirming the competition's regional appeal. Supporters of Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia…...