The National
4109 articles from this source
MiscellaneousZayed Award for Human Fraternity Garners Global Acclaim with Nominations from Over 90 Nations
The 2027 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has received 380 nominations from over 90 countries, with winners to be announced in Abu Dhabi in February. The award, established in 2019, recognizes significant humanitarian contributions globally.
EconomyDubai Faces Student Housing Crisis as International Enrollment Surges
Experts highlight an urgent need for more and better student accommodation in Dubai as the emirate aims to significantly increase its international student body, facing obstacles in achieving its 'Education 33' strategy goals due to a shortage of quality housing.
MiscellaneousAl Luluyah Beach Closed in Khor Fakkan Amid Ongoing Oil Spill Concerns
Al Luluyah Beach in Khor Fakkan has been closed due to an oil slick detected on its shores, with authorities prioritizing public safety. This closure is part of ongoing efforts to manage oil spills affecting multiple coastal areas in the UAE.
PoliticsIraqi PM's Secret Tehran Visit, Facilitated by Trump, Aims to De-escalate US-Iran Tensions
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi made a secret visit to Tehran, reportedly at the request of US President Donald Trump, in an effort to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran. The visit aimed to open channels for de-escalation and prevent Iraq from being drawn into a wider regional conflict.
MiscellaneousUAE Vows 20-Year Leap Forward for Every Year of Setback, Minister Al Gergawi Declares
UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Mohammad Al Gergawi, stated that the nation will advance 20 years for every year it is set back, highlighting economic resilience and ambitious development projects. The UAE Government Annual Meetings 2026 focused on strengthening society, the economy, and public services.
MiscellaneousAbu Dhabi Launches 'Protecting Children Takes All of Us' Campaign: A Call to Action for Community Safety
Abu Dhabi has launched the 'Protecting Children Takes All of Us' campaign, encouraging residents to report child safety concerns and empowering the community to recognize and respond to signs of abuse or neglect. The initiative emphasizes shared responsibility and provides multiple channels for anonymous reporting.
MiscellaneousEurope Confronts 'Sabotage': A Wake-Up Call to Vulnerability
Europe is increasingly recognizing and confronting disruptions as "sabotage," moving beyond technical jargon to address a growing vulnerability trap. This shift, spearheaded by figures like EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, comes amid daily incidents impacting flights, newsrooms, and critical infrastructure, highlighting the need for a robust political response to evolving global threats.
EconomyQatarEnergy Expands African Footprint with Significant Stake in Namibian Offshore Oil Block
QatarEnergy is expanding its global reach by acquiring a 25% stake in a Namibian offshore oil block from Chevron. This move is part of Qatar's strategy to diversify its energy footprint and capitalize on significant oil and gas discoveries in the region.
MiscellaneousGaza Winter Warning: Deadly Tent Collapse Claims Lives Amidst Devastating Storms
A deadly sand collapse at a Gaza displacement camp killed five people, including three children, amid severe winter storms. The incident highlights the dire conditions and lack of resources faced by displaced families.
PoliticsG7 Foreign Ministers Convene in Paris with Saudi Arabia and Egypt to Address Middle East Tensions
G7 foreign ministers are meeting in Paris with Saudi Arabia and Egypt to discuss de-escalating Middle East tensions, particularly concerning Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz. The talks also address regional stability, the war in Ukraine, and the security vacuum in Lebanon.
TechnologyUK Deploys Cyber 'Hunt Force' to Counter European Disruption and Hacking Plots
The UK is deploying a specialized cyber 'hunt force' to disrupt cyber attacks abroad, as Europe faces a wave of disruptions including bomb hoaxes and hacking incidents targeting critical infrastructure.
MiscellaneousEgypt's Transport Minister Faces Resignation Calls After Deadly Train Crash Kills Seven
Calls for Egypt's Transport Minister Kamel El Wazir to resign are growing after a train crash south of Cairo killed seven people and injured 114. The incident has sparked criticism from within the government and across social media, raising questions about accountability and the country's infrastructure investments.
MiscellaneousTragedy Off Crete: 13 Migrants Dead, 18 Rescued After Boat Sinks
Thirteen migrants have been found dead and 18 others rescued off the coast of Crete after their boat was spotted by a container ship. One of the four hospitalized survivors later died.
CultureOlivia Wilde Reconsiders 'The Invite' Ending, Embraces Audience's Hopeful Interpretations
Olivia Wilde, director and star of the hit film 'The Invite,' has shared how audience interpretations of the movie's ambiguous ending have shifted her own perspective, leading her to feel more optimistic about the couple's future.
TechnologyDIFC Courts Propose Blockchain Justice Framework for Digital Asset Enforcement
Dubai's DIFC Courts have proposed a global framework, the Dispute Resolution Oracle (DRO), to enforce legal rulings directly on blockchain assets. This initiative aims to establish an international standard for digital asset dispute resolution and strengthen Dubai's position in the digital economy.
SportsChris Weidman Steps In for Injured Colby Covington Against Khamzat Chimaev in RAF Abu Dhabi Main Event
Chris Weidman will replace an injured Colby Covington to face Khamzat Chimaev for the RAF Light Heavyweight Crossover Championship at RAF Abu Dhabi. This marks RAF wrestling's Middle East debut.
MiscellaneousAt 61, This Dubai Resident Finds Joy and Value in Her Dh65,000 Rented Apartment
Gail Clough, a 61-year-old DJ and co-founder of The Laughter Factory, shares her experience living in a spacious one-bedroom apartment in Barsha Heights, Dubai, for Dh65,000 annually. She values the location, size, and affordability of her rented home, preferring it over property ownership.
MiscellaneousMiddle East Flight Disruptions Continue as Major Airlines Extend Suspensions Amidst Regional Tensions
Several major international airlines, including Air France, ITA Airways, British Airways, and others, have extended flight suspensions to various Middle Eastern destinations like Dubai, Riyadh, and Tel Aviv due to ongoing airspace restrictions and regional instability.
EconomyOil Prices Dip as Trump Signals De-escalation with Iran, Geopolitical Risk Premium Shrinks
Oil prices fell as President Trump indicated a de-escalation with Iran, reducing geopolitical risk premiums. However, ongoing attacks in the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten supply routes.
PoliticsDr. Gargash: Diplomacy and Deterrence Crucial to Navigating Iran War's Impact
Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, stated that deterrence and diplomacy are essential, complementary tools to manage the impact of the Iran war. He also called for stronger Gulf solidarity and emphasized the shared interest in avoiding a permanent conflict.
SportsFIA President Ben Sulayem on F1's Future: China Expansion, V8 Return, and Secure Middle Eastern Races
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem discussed Formula 1's future, confirming the Abu Dhabi and Qatar Grands Prix will proceed as planned. He also addressed the potential return of V8 engines, the challenges of the 2026 regulations, and the expansion of F1 into new markets like China and Africa.
MiscellaneousFIA President Ben Sulayem on F1's Future: China Expansion, V8 Return, and Secure Middle East Races
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem discusses the future of Formula 1, confirming the Abu Dhabi and Qatar GPs are secure, exploring the return of V8 engines, and the potential expansion with a Chinese team. He also highlights the sport's return to Africa and the FIA's financial growth.
MiscellaneousAbu Dhabi and Dubai Brace for Rain and Cooler Temperatures as Winds Stir Up Dust
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are set to experience rain, strong winds, and dust this week, with temperatures expected to drop below 30°C. The National Centre of Meteorology forecasts unsettled weather across the UAE, offering a respite from recent heat.
MiscellaneousSheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Makes Second Visit to Dubai's Innovative Cherryhouse Cafe
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, made his second visit to Cherryhouse, an Al Safa-based cafe founded by Emirati entrepreneur Mohamed Al Falasi. The visit highlighted the cafe's unique features and Al Falasi's vision of blending Emirati hospitality with international culinary standards.