Author: Gulf News Week
Of 128 journalists killed globally last year, 56 were Palestinian, the International Federation of Journalists said.Palestine was the deadliest place to work as a journalist in 2025, with the Middle East as a whole the most dangerous region for media professionals, according to a global journalist union.The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said the region accounted for 74 deaths last year – more than half of the 128 journalists and media workers killed – in a new report released on Wednesday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Bangladesh’s big question: Will Khaleda Zia’s son build on her legacy?list 2…
From the February vote in Bangladesh to the November US midterms, here is a calendar of key election dates.More than 40 countries, representing a combined population of 1.6 billion people, will hold national-level elections in 2026.These contests, including general, presidential, and parliamentary elections, will shape the governance for nearly one-fifth of the global population. The outcomes will influence domestic policies, economic strategies, and global alliances.Below is a month-by-month look at the key elections to watch, along with their political consequences.January Myanmar – General elections (January 11 – second phase), (January 25 – third phase) Uganda – General elections (January 15)…
A packed fortnight of tournaments Down Under sets the stage for Melbourne, featuring marquee names, a rising teen, and a notable withdrawal by Alcaraz and Sinner. The 2026 tennis season launches into high gear with a whirlwind fortnight of tournaments across Australia and New Zealand, serving as the final tune-up for the Australian Open beginning January 18 in Melbourne. The United Cup, a marquee mixed-team event in Perth and Sydney starting Friday, headlines the opening week. The competition features top-10 talent including Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, Alexander Zverev, and Alex de Minaur, alongside comebacking stars Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu.…
New federal law establishes a common educational framework for public and private institutions, aiming to integrate national priorities without disrupting academic pathways. A landmark federal decree in the UAE has established a National Educational Curriculum, creating for the first time a unified legal framework for all schools from kindergarten through Grade 12. The reform mandates greater consistency in teaching UAE values, national identity, and character development, aiming to bring coherence across the diverse educational landscape. At the core of the law is the National Education Charter, which will serve as the country’s “supreme reference document,” defining overarching educational objectives, graduate…
From defiant celebrations in Sydney to a canceled display in Hong Kong, global festivities are tempered by the echoes of conflict, tragedy, and a year of major events. As the clock struck midnight, the world transitioned into 2026 with spectacular displays of light, yet the celebrations were deeply colored by the tumultuous events of the past year—a period marked by geopolitical strife, climate extremes, and profound human loss. Cities around the globe balanced jubilation with moments of solemn tribute. In Sydney, hundreds of thousands observed a minute of silence for the 15 victims of the Bondi Beach shooting—Australia’s deadliest in…
The bloc urges de-escalation in Hadramout and Al Mahra, reaffirming its commitment to Yemen’s sovereignty and its support for the recognized government. The European Union issued a stark warning on Wednesday, stating that heightened tensions in southern Yemen threaten to destabilize the wider Gulf region. The bloc specifically pointed to recent developments in the strategic provinces of Hadramout and Al Mahra as sources of new regional risk. In a formal statement, an EU spokesperson emphasized the urgent need for restraint: “The EU calls for de-escalation and avoiding steps that further threaten the stability of Yemen and the region.” The statement…
The move against UNRWA, which serves millions of Palestinian refugees, escalates a long-standing dispute and threatens critical humanitarian services. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned a new Israeli law authorizing the cutting of electricity and water to facilities of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). A UN spokesperson warned the measure would “further impede” the agency’s vital operations across the Middle East. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the secretary-general, asserted that UNRWA’s property and assets are protected under international conventions, stating, “The Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations remains applicable to UNRWA… Property…
Ivorians to face Burkina Faso in last 16 while Cameroon meet South Africa and Mozambique play Nigeria.Substitute Bazoumana Toure scored in stoppage time for Ivory Coast, who came from two goals down to beat Gabon 3-2 in Marrakesh and top Group F at the Africa Cup of Nations.Cameroon also fell behind on Wednesday, against Mozambique in Agadir, but a thunderbolt from Christian Kofane delivered a 2-1 victory.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Sudan lose to Burkina Faso as Algeria win again at AFCON 2025list 2 of 4Arsenal crush Aston Villa in Premier League; Wolves hold Man Unitedlist 3…
Displaced people in Gaza warn new restrictions on aid groups will ‘lead to catastrophe’ in the devastated enclave.Displaced Palestinians in Gaza are sounding the alarm about Israel’s looming ban against dozens of international groups that provide life-saving assistance and services in the devastated territory.Siraj al-Masri, a Palestinian in Khan Younis, stressed on Wednesday that there is “no alternative” to the aid organisations helping besieged Palestinians in Gaza.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4As the world welcomes a new year, we, in Gaza, dread what it will bringlist 2 of 4Which aid groups is Israel banning from Gaza now…
Officials say a ‘terrorist’ detonated suicide belt as officers protecting New Year’s Eve festivities tried to detain him.A suicide bomber targeted a group of Syrian police officers in the city of Aleppo, killing one member of the security forces and wounding two others, the official news agency SANA reported.Syria’s Ministry of Interior spokesman Noureddine al-Baba told Al-Ikhbariah TV the original target of the attack on Wednesday was likely a church gathering in the city’s Bab al-Faraj neighbourhood.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Hezbollah weapons deadline: What’s next for Lebanon amid Israeli strikes?list 2 of 3Syrian authorities impose curfew…