<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><urlset xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9" xmlns:image="http://www.google.com/schemas/sitemap-image/1.1"><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/12/27/sea-turtles-in-gulf-under-heavy-pressure-from-human-activity-study-shows/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-27T02:00:01Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/PEFDICOVR5CSDGB764ZF7OJ4UY.jpg?auth=cb6561ddd3ac0b4c5a485ce187bf07ae0b75b8b827048d1de673688febb7c004&amp;smart=true&amp;width=8192&amp;height=5464</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Conservationists in Abu Dhabi often focus on the well-being of green turtles. Chris Whiteoak / The National]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/12/27/etihad-rail-uae-on-cusp-of-new-era-with-launch-of-passenger-trains-in-2026/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-27T02:00:01Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/KH46QZO3LVCFNG6E6M7MB24OYU.jpeg?auth=001bcfb97fb9efdb4ee8169d9a23df0593a3ab48086cb5bd4cb7d3d10ba02d43&amp;smart=true&amp;width=8192&amp;height=5464</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Etihad Rail's passenger trains will soon zoom across the country. Wam]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film-tv/2025/12/27/odessa-azion-timothee-chalamet-marty-supreme/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-27T01:18:53.296Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/VOZW3JONEE5SMG6FX2MAEW2GCM.jpg?auth=f56691ec1e7d07158cdf8f93937b40b2e9a3d21df39740fca84f7fcf41672e03&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3144&amp;height=2087</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Timothee Chalamet and actress Odessa A'zion star in Marty Supreme. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/27/yemen-saudi-arabia-uae-stc-houthis/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T22:13:14.652Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/V4AEMQZUCMVXRTML26T6CH3YDE.jpg?auth=89ad34d43241e5f60cddb801323ae8931673436a80d6834f8ce6359523053a4f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6720&amp;height=4480</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Southern troops patrol during a rally calling for South Yemen’s independence in the southern port city of Aden, on December 25. EPA]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2025/12/26/pictures-of-the-week-from-rain-in-los-angeles-to-camel-race-spectators-in-qatar/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T18:02:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/ADHINMY4BNDHJON6EP2JTAW5SU.jpg?auth=fcdcc32cdd8ecae9458fa03a30d828dba052b1c4d876c511b04532672294e4b9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6076&amp;height=3418</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A man walks in downtown Los Angeles during heavy rain on December 24, 2025.  A major winter storm rolled into California on December 23, forcing hundreds of evacuations in burn areas while threatening flooding and travel delays through Christmas for much of the state, officials said. 
A "strong atmospheric river brings heavy rain, snow, and wind to California through Friday," the National Weather Service said in a statement on December 23, warning anyone in northern, central and southern parts of the state to "exercise extreme caution. " (Photo by Apu GOMES  /  AFP)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2025/12/26/what-surprised-us-in-2025/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T18:02:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/BEHBYA4RTBF57KZTIIUYXXUGEY.jpg?auth=ded9f8fab62cd2f6be9840f3a36d1d72fc88d82f879375348eef1df9aa7e04dd&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1442&amp;height=811</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Mina Al Oraibi]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/pop-culture/2025/12/26/stranger-things-netflix-2025-streaming-percy-jackson-goodbye-june/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T18:01:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/FS5VNPGTRBHJJG4Z64GHAWFKQ4.JPG?auth=a07e03021e71a1bea5decb8b3fee40bd143f571cfce3413f3b459e56f34ba474&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3600&amp;height=1800</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Expect darker turns and bigger confrontations as the second batch of Stranger Things season five lays the groundwork for its explosive finale. Photo: Netflix]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/2025/12/26/parenting-without-ai-2025-sam-altman-openai/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T18:01:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/DN4BE4PY7RAYXCWIAPC34W3WKU.jpg?auth=e3e7316042b37c6f1d6e3c48ddb85bd41161f044ebae12e4a46cb91e61dcbbf1&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4000&amp;height=2667</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Sam Altman has said it is impossible to care for a baby now without ChatGPT. Bloomberg]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/food/2025/12/26/dubai-fumee-steakhouse-review/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T18:01:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/LRMXODPLDRATBDYXYFBN65TA2Y.jpg?auth=f6cf03b77bbedc5ff2d9fdf04777e6b1668c092f31f7469c0111b3b5c5619c6d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2509&amp;height=1882</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The eatery is known for its 'golden' steaks. Photo: Fumee Steakhouse]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/wellbeing/2025/12/26/what-ive-learnt-from-running-the-many-marathons-of-the-middle-east/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T18:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/GFBBCO67RJBDVIOVX25BZPGAGU.jpeg?auth=cff7ccbb81712170a3c64077f4dc48087861f3defba193bc175bbb4314cb0200&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1560&amp;height=1040</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The writer at the Damascus Marathon in September 2025. Photo: Halil Taskin]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/cartoon/2025/12/26/cartoon-for-december-27-2025/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T18:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/GYGKBJVWUVH53AWBIFQMBJYBWA.jpeg?auth=04e9fe56cd013af0aaa1682dfc7bbd858de04fcec0d1f3af4abca8827bc092b7&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2244&amp;height=1311</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The National]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uk/2025/12/26/billionaires-leaving-britain-uk-exodus-tax-regime/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T18:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/LSICMXHYYRFZ3BPMKESAVEVQTA.jpg?auth=468567051e24794765ded8a760ec55a6593baedb21a345bf75e16fbd5b7f5c55&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4500&amp;height=3000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[F1 heiress Petra Ecclestone and her husband Sam Palmer are reportedly setting up in the Gulf. Getty Images]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/12/26/what-next-2026-longest-solar-eclipse-egypt-pyramid-discovery/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T18:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/NCNATZZUUJETHAHGLAE2PUUWZI.jpg?auth=99b3761d1653a229c8180fda78ed3bab7ef195497b2bc8e7ec8d0cf91881f99c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5677&amp;height=3193</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A great archaeological discovery inside the Pyramid of King Khufu in Egypt is promised for 2026. Getty Images]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/26/aleppo-business-grows-post-assad-syria/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T18:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/P7N6PW26OBCHVNO4GDUH3IYMMI.jpg?auth=2971e94a7f13454e82fd39bf7bc94488d34761510ecb63f534f20a5b3d9eac72&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4032&amp;height=3024</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The needs in Aleppo’s industrial city reflect the challenges currently facing Syria more broadly: rebuilding infrastructure and forging relationships with the wider world. Lizzie Porter / The National]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/2025/12/26/learn-spoken-arabic-halawa-sweets/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T18:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/EJNJG4J3VVGUVLEUTVSWWMKFDI.jpg?auth=c6772efa8eab890010d011d667aa2d5fda160ba89e835edc9b382da036cf70bb&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1260&amp;height=709</image:loc></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/2025/12/26/aid-humanitarian-disaster-relief-charity/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T18:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/MH7HDNYHQNFVBKDTEL4AXA3YCU.jpg?auth=7cf0843ddabe12e306ff1f5c29883b4cb2780adb45309c3bc838bbcf762b92e0&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The National]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/26/israel-recognises-somalias-breakaway-somaliland-region-as-independent-state/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T17:20:21.414Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/GE3TV2MLUNB2DDKB2WF6LBVIOI.jpg?auth=777f477ad894e214a5709b79833513a917faa8de9b53e2476c049b3c97691e5a&amp;smart=true&amp;width=680&amp;height=453</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signs an agreement recognising Somaliland as an independent state. Photo: Office of the Prime Minister of Israel /X]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/26/turkey-arrests-suspected-isis-member-over-new-year-attack-plot/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T15:26:33.11Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/4GM5PHNACN7AEUPAKB44UP7HQI.jpg?auth=18660c6db25542b1c0c3f59fba72344b5b65c990e13109fdc1fdc2809137d4c3&amp;smart=true&amp;width=8192&amp;height=5464</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A Christmas Eve church service in Istanbul. Friday's arrest comes after the city's police arrested more than 100 suspected ISIS members believed to have been plotting attacks during the Christmas period. Getty Images]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/26/two-killed-in-ramming-and-stabbing-attack-in-northern-israel/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T15:02:25.387Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/NXLWCMRJSNOL44VPX6DLRVQWVI.jpg?auth=518a3f0ba98f6e0b74ddc9a92196d65d600a59644f0c090b34589e5ec104a765&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5568&amp;height=3712</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Israeli security forces at the scene. Reuters]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music-stage/2025/10/27/new-years-eve-concerts-uae-dubai-abu-dhabi/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T14:18:13.649Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/TCSSR55ATJA5TEFE7BAG6O2M2Q.jpg?auth=93f095e63056f32dd4ac3e3aacd6af79839ec9494c99c284e9213b8fcc47eab3&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2578&amp;height=1719</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Alicia Keys is returning to Abu Dhabi to headline the first New Year’s Eve concert at Saadiyat Nights. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2025/12/26/ask-mina-do-liverpool-need-to-buy-a-striker-and-is-fullkrug-the-worst-signing-in-premier-league-history/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T14:07:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/XGCCULNN6VCKLH7FLKCMVD2S6M?auth=787ffc4239b797e6f86764cd14d838a50a474283eb890c20f9fd4cef4b24e653&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2157&amp;height=1213</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[West Ham United's Niclas Fullkrug, left, touched the ball only 18 times in the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on October 4, 2025. PA]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/12/30/dubai-confirms-new-years-eve-road-closures-metro-timings-and-free-parking/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T12:19:56.263Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/2O3HXHG2ENH6FDORMPRIOPWU3I.jpg?auth=61abcc5d92d54f907e79fd2c84410584c9992265c77c8ad8a6af261d4a968e21&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=4000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Huge crowds are expected to converge on Dubai's Downtown area to watch the Burj Khalifa fireworks. Pawan Singh / The National]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film-tv/2025/12/26/remembering-actor-and-director-mohammad-bakri-six-films-that-shaped-a-palestinian-screen-legacy/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T12:15:08.873Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/OCLR37UKBVTIZTOFO33FQD3P3E.jpg?auth=c29eb3d0df63e144df9c95923213e2134a7d8c9854f395bf0791def441498e2e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2659&amp;height=1768</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Palestinian actor and filmmaker Mohammad Bakri, centre, at Dubai International Film Festival in 2017 with Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, left, and festival director Masoud Amralla Al Ali. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uk/2025/12/26/archbishop-of-york-says-israeli-militias-prevented-him-visiting-palestinians-in-west-bank/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T11:33:11.833Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/YEFM4GETKSUIACGRSHZTFDDTYI.jpg?auth=b8ab2ba50e97ae1ed03510a0d4b6cdd91553654d70914fa360b25fbaa65ce3f1&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5369&amp;height=3579</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Stephen Cottrell spoke about his visit to the Holy Land during his Christmas Day sermon. Getty Images]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2025/12/26/five-killed-in-mosque-bombing-in-syrias-homs/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T11:15:01.466Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/EHXB6IKHIBAGTOASZHOBPWL2X4?auth=853a0f12a4776b14044bd045022c7465355130c76a36f6d7e10ab2ac18afd2ee&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6306&amp;height=3547</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A wounded man sits on a bed at the Karm Al Louz Hospital after an explosion at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque, in Homs. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/art-design/2025/12/26/sixteen-of-uaes-most-memorable-exhibitions-this-year-ranging-from-intricate-tatreez-to-colossal-chandeliers/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T10:08:43.775Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/TKAJUFMXJBHRBIFYQ45P3C4G2Y.jpg?auth=e924640d45e352a7a711e4bd62a22491d62ba0de6c99db5ada0ef61d8ae2a0ee&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6000&amp;height=4000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Sila at Maraya Art Centre brings historical examples of tatreez alongside its contemporary interpretations, such as Hazem Harb's Stitching Unity. Chris Whiteoak / The National]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/12/26/uae-issues-law-to-protect-children-from-harmful-digital-content/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T09:25:00.601Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/4V4VEYJCPZA5ZI244ZWK4QHJGY.jpg?auth=b9a673ee5b8c06ad8122b3310e831d5d5ff0fd6d6aa4af25ae345e1c40551e60&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5760&amp;height=3840</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The law sets out standards and guidelines to protect UAE children online. Getty Images]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/cricket/2025/12/26/ashes-fourth-test-20-wickets-fall-as-australia-edge-chaotic-opening-day-at-mcg/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T09:04:14.086Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/IHX6CXRYZJBFJBU2QT2RDKNUDI?auth=47e7f04b8931783c1e7e598e796c85bb9888f6f82d5427e821685d1ee845f5c8&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3651&amp;height=2054</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[England bowler Josh Tongue of England, left, celebrates taking the wicket of Steve Smith. EPA]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/12/26/president-sheikh-mohamed-arrives-in-pakistan-on-official-visit/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T08:58:49.004Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/B4A7NSULSVGLLGP3IB7IUDRWYA.jpg?auth=9e308bd2209a931478c973c2490a53b88e134b949ba36ef0389bc44959eb5f57&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4200&amp;height=2800</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[President Sheikh Mohamed is greeted by Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, upon arriving at Nur Khan military base in Islamabad for an official visit. Photo: UAE Presidential Court]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/26/uae-praises-saudi-arabias-efforts-for-security-in-yemen/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T08:14:39.29Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/ZCWAPWIASJH6PFEPEBNU7LKLYA.jpg?auth=81284f1fb59e776c760271ea5fd538199e677f30022a50cf889bd21b3db51b46&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4200&amp;height=2800</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The UAE said it welcomes Saudi Arabia's efforts in Yemen, a day after the kingdom said the STC's actions undermine stability. photo: UAE Presidential Court ]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2025/12/26/oil-headed-for-weekly-gain-on-us-strikes-in-nigeria-and-venezuela-tensions/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T08:11:05.463Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/RPRLM2UDAFFVTG3O4KTTQDP4IA?auth=0d4d7147fdf4380404e4d318df47d8beca9218644909959072daf65f105c1232&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1267&amp;height=712</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A US military helicopter flies over the Panama-flagged Centuries, which was intercepted by the US Coast Guard days after President Donald Trump announced a 'blockade' of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. Reuters ]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/money/2025/12/26/bitcoin-could-revisit-highs-in-2026-on-weaker-us-dollar-and-tight-supply/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T07:31:44.704Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/OUAV6RH2GVQXKLU5PXW4FXHNQE.jpg?auth=a2d89f6c55fffec1aa8d8a68e1f1872a494f0d6538c4d04258f966d548c54100&amp;smart=true&amp;width=8256&amp;height=5504</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Bitcoin has failed to join the year-end rally and is down more than 7 per cent for the year. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/2025/12/26/ai-is-producing-more-intelligence-but-leading-to-less-clarity/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T07:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/UPGV4EOMHVBWXC6QLP2QV42IHQ.jpg?auth=d0a063cd267abe01bbae1fdea08de0b1d8ae15021a706c40cc0a7d4b1303fa26&amp;smart=true&amp;width=7800&amp;height=5200</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[As machines become better at managing information and execution, the premium on human capabilities is rising. Getty]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/partner-content/2025/12/26/iit-delhi-abu-dhabi-hosts-aims-2025-to-advance-global-dialogue-on-ai-and-sustainable-technologies/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T06:54:35.947Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/TURYQ6EXLVCQVIAKF3L52JDOIU.jpg?auth=ad9bbaba6490d730bc9189e03db0c276360fa530417e7458b241e068f73673ab&amp;smart=true&amp;width=7715&amp;height=5146</image:loc></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2025/12/26/2025-quiz-of-the-year/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T06:30:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/4S5JSJ5OHJFQZP67CQFV3Y3CXE.jpg?auth=5034ec428d3be5fa06e0ee30900384c7d1e9b50eeb7942c596761223cd987790&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2520&amp;height=1417</image:loc></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/cricket/2025/12/26/cricket-in-2025-south-africa-show-champion-mentality-india-v-pakistan-hostilities-leave-game-in-the-gutter/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T06:23:27.577Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/Q5LPPJ7TNJEIRAENQ25U5DXPQQ.jpg?auth=382b1b7839a3574d21cd01dea7116a8ec943f2174a4c1a3d3ef937bdd0fc832d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5944&amp;height=3859</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[South Africa captain Temba Bavuma lifts the ICC World Test Championship trophy after defeating Australia in the final at Lord's in June. Getty Images]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/2025/12/26/europes-nuclear-facilities-put-on-a-2026-drone-alert/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T05:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/IPWADIWY5RAMNDH3YWBOO2LFOY.jpeg?auth=840a027c6cfd941d7a87ac2420d1b161ebf5291798392775de8e59f06d714c8b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2560&amp;height=1440</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[After a series of incidents, Europe needs to assess its protection of nuclear sites against drone incursions, experts have told The National. Photo: US Army
]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film-tv/2025/12/26/who-will-die-in-stranger-things-season-5-final-episode/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T04:58:08.265Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/X2B2OANYYJAXPDXDNHQ35VA5PY.jpg?auth=1a027b615807384852522723a80f755cff3e09e2fd9dda7dace177ca095805e3&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=1498</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Noah Schnapp as Will Byers in Stranger Things 5. Photo: Netflix]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2025/12/26/afcon-2025-why-egypt-v-south-africa-remains-one-of-african-footballs-great-rivalries/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T04:32:42.848Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/ZWGFUEM5L5H27H6XN4W4JJZVLU?auth=e782d8e5162a80c3d8591d3363f8f45da3460ff90e1dcde7727f760aec753f13&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3315&amp;height=1865</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Mohamed Salah's late winner against Zimbabwe spared Egypt's blushes in their Group B opener. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2025/12/26/best-photos-of-december-26-from-camel-racing-in-qatar-to-the-guinean-presidential-campaign-2/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T04:20:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/ID6JSAPLZZDK7J5WJ4XWFVURPI.jpg?auth=156d179dbe71666e0fd125385ba40f4b25c1cbc0aaca673da1e9f35bd8f245df&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6138&amp;height=3453</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Spectators follow a race from their vehicles, as remote-controlled toddler-sized robot jockeys, in different colour racing silks, compete on camels on the sandy racing track, in al-Shahaniya on December 25, 2025. The camel race season runs from October to February in Qatar with camels trucked in from across the neighboring Gulf nations. Each race has about 10-12 camels competing, with up to 10 races taking place in a day. The camels are guided by an operator who can apply the whip antenna, command the jockey to pull on the reins, and shouts encouragement to the camel via a built-in speaker. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/2025/12/26/why-fahrenheit-wins-and-celsius-is-overrated/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T04:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/EOGE5GRCCNHOLMHQKTIMDUA63M?auth=95722943d563311b683f5776469c2d0e84357f74d979e024d7aae4f131bdf0c1&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5607&amp;height=3154</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The National's Cody Combs says that Fahrenheit is wrongly critiqued and should, instead, be celebrated. AP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2025/12/26/premier-league-predictions-man-united-misfire-against-newcastle-and-arsenal-stay-top-of-the-pack/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T03:41:23.804Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/Z3SIN5BLRD7YHAQ7DLRG6RZQ4E.jpg?auth=a6069d31727d1eb03f926f26f84ab2ab909b43e4e436b219e6e9cb997423d43b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4300&amp;height=2862</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Nick Woltemade, centre, scored twice in Newcastle's 2-2 draw against Chelsea. EPA]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/26/us-hits-isis-targets-in-nigeria-in-first-strike-under-trump/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T03:36:21.026Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/RU57VHYBLUW53PXT66WPG6ZQTA.jpg?auth=4dbb9ef7add7927c11ac95a458b3382d9b6e4eea22fa24b7c68f1b8fa2e00fb8&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4080&amp;height=3072</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Residents inspect the damage after US troops launched a strike against Islamic State militants on Thursday, in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria. Reuters]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/magazine/2025/12/26/ceo-michael-chalhoub-on-taking-over-the-family-business-my-grandparents-built-this-to-make-a-small-living/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T03:20:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/HB4OBZ5BSZEC3JPWZ424JPHCKA.jpg?auth=79c98e11e714077622cd6f2bf905837784046d2529a3afdc890fc2446c36474b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5152&amp;height=2898</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Father-son duo Patrick and Michael Chalhoub in a campaign for Level Shoes, one of Chalhoub Group's companies. Photo: Chalhoub]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/feedback/2025/12/26/we-should-keep-our-hopes-up-ahead-of-2026/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T03:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/ZWRMHOZXBYCZBBLXC6U4D6X2Z4.jpg?auth=198812a8cfc2a07f7746cf99537a5c49d952a278ab64058f6f6ef7a0478efcc1&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4000&amp;height=2667</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A man dressed as Santa Clause reacts at the Nativity Square before midnight mass at the Nativity Church in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2025/12/24/us-leverages-un-imf-and-world-bank-to-advance-revamped-america-first-agenda/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T03:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/IT3R7WOK3BC4ZN5FCWCCREKJC4.jpg?auth=cca18871a2ea67db3133bcbab71a6011e0a0add7081dce5d5c1fff9389f38208&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3784&amp;height=2129</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Donald Trump speaks at the UN General Assembly in New York. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/editorial/2025/12/26/health-spinal-muscular-atrophy-uae-dubai-hospital-science/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T03:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/T2FF6WNPYZGPNA2PAU4CWK4SZQ.jpg?auth=dcc2f5a5a7cc8aa8faa7baf6a2d765e7e70d273afb4946c1ec6fa06aca06d4f4&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3642&amp;height=2048</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[As more people come to the Emirates for treatment, clinicians will gain more experience, techniques will be refined and procedures streamlined. Getty]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/26/from-al-hol-to-aleppo-syrian-families-begin-life-after-years-in-desert-camp/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T03:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/KCARHKBED5AEZCK6XCKQHYCZSA.jpg?auth=aebce24bfa019f7eb70e5936a1892b3f64e0d758b3ad0fbc9a386b010f3f9830&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3935&amp;height=2213</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Ghalia Mohammed Yassin, 22, left Al Hol camp in June with her mother, Hiba, and two siblings. (Ahmed Fallaha for The National)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/art-design/2025/12/26/national-museum-of-qatar-reflects-on-50-years-of-history-identity-and-reinvention/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T02:12:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/MJ2P3DZ3LVDLPNHHRGDZAMWPCU.jpg?auth=a0c6c2bca3460f6c6d86b0e5de2f026f9441297ad97ac824c9975642892519da&amp;smart=true&amp;width=7517&amp;height=4228</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[National Museum of Qatar, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, reopened in 2019. Getty Images]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/podcasts/beyond-the-headlines/2025/12/26/the-year-in-impact-our-episodes-that-resonated-the-most-in-2025/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-26T02:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/QK6S4FQWJFHZJH7GENMPWHQMJE?auth=fd0ad20c4c3656847a2ace845a8e6fbd4fdf3527ec84f944bd7efe03993b819e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2991&amp;height=1683</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[DAMASCUS, SYRIA - DECEMBER 08: People watch soldiers and military vehicles parade through the streets to mark one year since the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, 2025 in Damascus, Syria. The first anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime in Syria is being marked today across the country. Former leader Bashar al-Assad was granted asylum in Russia after he fled the country and his government collapsed on December 8, 2024. The fall of the regime, which ended over five decades of the Assad family's rule, came after a rapid offensive by opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). A transitional government, headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly the HTS leader), is now in place and working on the country's reconstruction and political transition.   (Photo by Chris McGrath / Getty Images)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/cartoon/2025/12/25/peace-middle-east-2026/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T20:01:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/D4RZX72UXZFKVKHYIU4BVAVFRE.jpg?auth=7047d85efb02775cac38cf5da01bd784e36579d4ddf6794bf9248c8a302fdb96&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2244&amp;height=1311</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The National]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/25/sudans-army-chief-hold-talks-with-turkeys-president-erdogan-in-ankara/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T18:09:02.481Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/PSHOZ4Q3PFF57OGVXU22I5TZBM.jpg?auth=4d29cb456977708e69cbaccfa61b6c3537c4c782d3e5dee19714b329cdfe4604&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2560&amp;height=1807</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, greets Sudan's army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan in Ankara. Photo: X]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/12/25/pet-project-abu-dhabi-to-welcome-cats-and-dogs-at-hotels-and-restaurants-under-updated-tourism-rules/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T17:19:49.767Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/3NW3TJOKUJC4NPJJ7753PCYADE.jpg?auth=8faa3d6d5e675ae331e9c492130dbd1d25dae7584049d38a241c369a01c27222&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3312&amp;height=2014</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Owners will be permitted to bring pets to hotels and restaurants that sign up to the new pet-friendly policy. Photo: Unsplash]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/25/syria-to-introduce-new-banknotes-on-january-1/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T16:14:32.893Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/77NUZRF5BEHXHE4HQSWV3F4REA.jpg?auth=569665fd57f87e2366e97bbf29ea741ac69ea3bd3c49c864bc8aac3d153dd03f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6528&amp;height=4480</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Former president Bashar Al Assad features on Syrian banknotes that will be replaced by Ahmad Al Shara's government, starting on January 1, 2026. Reuters]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uk/2025/12/25/king-charles-praises-different-faiths-for-how-much-we-have-in-common-in-his-christmas-day-message/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T15:10:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/DCUYBTKWHF5EJJIESVPAN642Q4.jpg?auth=a9de8da80308f5a6e64e6fb7609f2525b2c62dfd0bcf4c17cdda3243ca2b7f37&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4291&amp;height=2861</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[King Charles III recording his Christmas message in Westminster Abbey, London. Getty Images]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/2025/12/25/iraq-middle-east-politics-society-culture-economy/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T14:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/5GMT76Y2GNCWLJLC72GVBM7IWQ.jpg?auth=165e0927454936b6dcc2f4e2efd807d4e735b18d69fef81eee3be0033bc2a5fe&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3936&amp;height=2214</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Iraqis walk at the Malwiya minaret, a treasured national monument. Iraqis today have greater access to knowledge and international developments than they could have dreamt of a few years ago. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/12/25/motorist-in-dubai-suspected-of-drink-driving-held-for-jumping-red-light-and-injuring-two-in-crash/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T12:21:10.398Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/PFXZCWGISJGT3HHDRHIN2G5B7A.jpg?auth=980dad7a591892f654e65afcbdf8bf0e206c5d893b9f7f95841f7e5682f5e7f6&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3744&amp;height=2496</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A driver in Dubai is accused of ignoring a stop light and causing a crash while under the influence of alcohol. Chris Whiteoak / The National]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music-stage/2025/12/25/how-metallica-documented-their-gulf-tours-on-youtube-uae-f1/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T12:16:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/DLFA6FH745CFVAIH2BPJLOG2W4.jpg?auth=f48282808293ea4e214c7a18973e17954cfe0894f4e83f3cb26a79ec5e3f1b01&amp;smart=true&amp;width=8640&amp;height=4860</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Metallica frontman James Hetfield salutes the crowd at Etihad Park during the 2025 Grand Prix weekend in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Ethara]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2025/12/25/russia-blames-sanctions-for-delaying-annual-lng-output-target-of-100-million-tonnes/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T11:24:57.663Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/TG6ZWC6JEL2RQSNQ2OTLHSWKKA.jpg?auth=902adf95755ba34bbce494d148302a932986dc441cbad4c71fe2a8852d6dd8c7&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5568&amp;height=3712</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The Utrenneye field, the resource base for the Arctic LNG 2 project, about 2,500km from Moscow. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/25/pope-leo-condemns-conditions-facing-palestinians-in-gaza-in-christmas-message/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T10:46:51.484Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/GUMWKIRSM5PXSL4XXJXRH4ZTZM.jpg?auth=aa245187794a7d9e898712b2e653f9fff836f1b5ca3ce3acac53595bc2d0a198&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4134&amp;height=2755</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Pope Leo XIV leads Christmas Mass at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/2025/12/25/my-12-year-old-son-enjoyed-best-day-of-his-life-on-family-trip-to-thailand/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T10:45:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/N6NRXLW4XZBDFP5ZPGNGTJOADQ.jpg?auth=9e5f37321a400a011ff8d5916d4ba647b0e87154b16ff5debabae04eaeab2319&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4000&amp;height=3000</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Sairee beach in Koh Tao boasts white sands and excellent nearby hotels and restaurants. Getty Images ]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/25/algeria-demands-an-apology-and-reparations-from-france-for-its-crime-of-colonisation/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T10:43:50.52Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/HF2DYFDOE2BUT3P4QTBXZYBFJU.jpg?auth=afc6777abb53d15f406ba0f8f659e101d8366404e75c2d281102df31144e0aee&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4344&amp;height=2896</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The Algerian flag flies outside the National Assembly as members passed a bill seeking to criminalise France's colonisation. AP ]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/25/more-than-100-isis-suspects-arrested-in-turkey-over-christmas-terror-attack-plot/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T10:24:03.468Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/UHRTYYQ4HW7NCZZVNPWKRCLFIQ.jpg?auth=db732f9572563ab15f8397f5a7e3dbcf3c82855dc08f2e02915571a22c77a1e9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4768&amp;height=3179</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Christmas Eve mass at St Antoine Church in Istanbul. ISIS was said to be plotting attacks this Christmas season. AP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2025/12/25/lebanons-draft-banking-law-fails-to-ensure-cash-recovery-for-depositors/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T10:17:07.3Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/ZHTRQJZN4VDR7FTQI3LH4SGZ3M.jpg?auth=64a682b4d443fbb1251452316c8e61818183bf44943d057d235e04ce87d35c40&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6354&amp;height=3574</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A protester throws a brick at a bank after setting fire to tyres during a demonstration in Beirut on February 16, 2023. Dozens of angry Lebanese demonstrators attacked several banks on February 16 after the local currency dropped in value to a record low in as part of a deepening economic crisis, AFP photographers said. (Photo by Joseph EID / AFP)]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/25/lebanese-leader-rules-out-war-as-two-killed-in-israeli-drone-strike/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T09:50:27.243Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/UJ52SKDVVZFDMZORDIAZ77TUG4.jpg?auth=bcace04f407006ff39179ef5604ad2e77db9925cbcd3924b1365f9ea4695ce77&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3110&amp;height=2073</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A soldier stands guard by the wreckage of a car hit by an Israeli drone in southern Lebanon. EPA]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/25/lebanon-investigates-fake-prince-accused-of-selling-bogus-political-access/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T09:39:36.095Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/CS63I2NGMJEFREIEFVM33MIZK4.jpg?auth=4f96694bfecf34abfe4f35d3f1e33a968553ff82c1ddeff70cdf5eab50cd18e0&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5568&amp;height=3712</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The Parliament in Beirut. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/gulf/2025/12/25/saudi-arabia-says-military-actions-by-stc-harm-stability-of-yemen/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T09:06:03.174Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/UUS2CNHX6E4ZADJHD5XDLYDBUA.jpg?auth=604ba6d3044e10a347d9f8761b1829d5b00d3208127e1c0b75b588e008d82d5c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5472&amp;height=3648</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A mass rally organised by Yemen's Southern Transitional Council in Aden. Reuters]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/2025/12/25/treedom-for-palestine-is-fighting-the-good-fight-one-olive-tree-at-a-time/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T08:00:01Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/S6VM4TZR7VHUDJOMWLFBU2OOZI.jpg?auth=a58f6f2f73332a8fc615e0c4bfcc6dad9e45998e0939f6ec4260f06a91b58887&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4356&amp;height=2450</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A man stands in an olive tree as an Israeli soldier observes nearby in the village of Baita, south of Nablus, in the occupied West Bank, last month. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2025/12/25/eddie-howes-glass-half-full-as-he-calls-for-more-consistency-from-newcastle/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T07:19:22.963Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/AVUQLAGWRBE3VDLXV653JYPGQA?auth=0e8b904fa392a940ca34270bbf4e67114cc51dfdb8b52fb57cd6438a931977eb&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3475&amp;height=1955</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Newcastle have contacted referees’ chief Howard Webb over the controversial decision that denied them a potentially crucial penalty against Chelsea. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/12/25/uaes-christians-mark-christmas-day-with-services-in-scores-of-languages/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T06:14:16.566Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/6VUZRCHUEBFAFBKBXH3GGHN7BM.jpg?auth=4ee02d2ad650879581393b31fd94aa687d793709cce91b0baa1be70f46037426&amp;smart=true&amp;width=7510&amp;height=4224</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Thousands gather for a Christmas morning service at St Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2025/12/25/best-photos-of-december-25-a-charitable-haircut-in-buenos-aires-to-ice-floating-in-mongolia-2/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T06:08:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/5SI6EYUJNYG27ZGO42BWEFZECY.jpg?auth=b3b6cfa640b1b50a6c067206aca862a9213dfcdda7e64e0aa81fdad4439bc6f7&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3209&amp;height=2155</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[People take part in a Christmas solidarity dinner called 'No Families Without Christmas', organized to support those affected by poverty, in front of the National Congress, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, December 24, 2025.  REUTERS / Mariana Nedelcu]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/12/25/president-sheikh-mohamed-sends-christmas-wishes-to-uae-and-global-citizens/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T05:56:35.663Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/F6S6SJO5DBATDLL5SGQDCE6OAI.jpg?auth=f9a034e7ac8bbe512bd144ee729f64aa88678bc19eac25b63bf64132bd02ef7b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4000&amp;height=2250</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[President Sheikh Mohamed called for Christmas Day to bring peace, joy, and harmony. UAE Presidential Court]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/2025/12/25/irans-foxtrot-sanctuary-for-crime-boss-angers-critics-of-silent-sweden/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T05:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/BGRY2DDV2ZCLDMUFYKSKAJAXAU.jpg?auth=54dbe0bd0f3be902e61d44644abfcead3fe0084f74b48347d07eae3aab085af6&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1350&amp;height=1080</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Rawa Majid founded the Foxtrot crime network in Sweden]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2025/12/25/premier-league-2025-review-salah-hits-headlines-at-liverpool-man-united-misery-and-arsenal-dream-of-title/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T04:31:35.806Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/CUAHQCQXS2AKMYFSVIZGN7U2GA.jpg?auth=85e1d0197489844235dae3115682294763cdb01422976cf7d349aa4b1342cd6b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6958&amp;height=4639</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Liverpool's Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah with the Premier League trophy at the end of the 2024/25 season. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/2025/12/25/ashes-2025-australia-opt-for-all-pace-attack-as-they-look-to-heap-more-humiliation-on-england/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T04:29:53.198Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/FYRVV5UP7VSN7IHJUFMHTG462E.jpg?auth=656f9099774aa883d4f3e2f5928e839bef8e15a44b8b9a2f3531b32182777929&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4219&amp;height=2813</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Australia's Jhye Richardson bowls during a nets session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. PA]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/25/christmas-joy-returns-to-syrias-idlib-after-years-of-civil-war/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T04:16:23.424Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/WYJROBAYUU6SDVTG4BLKZXGEMY.jpg?auth=a448b9b3c704f10cb02a54b028c271287bb56f5479b905ae81e0758c45a6d35a&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5280&amp;height=3520</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A festive Christmas scene in Al Qaniya, Idlib. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/25/jordanian-strikes-target-drug-traffickers-and-factories-in-syria-state-media-says/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T04:11:30.42Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/BJLVTJ2MZZBGXJQMNEXDHD6HPM.jpg?auth=dd014c252a45c5497f457b7fe603c29bdd4ee60266c8a422078db246a66b0a1a&amp;smart=true&amp;width=8192&amp;height=5464</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Syrian security forces display about 12 million Captagon pills at their headquarters in Damascus on October 21, 2025. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/25/isis-leader-for-damascus-arrested-in-operation-supported-by-us-led-coalition/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T04:00:48.749Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/BKW3FDP465FCHORPGJE5ZMPWTY.jpg?auth=c4190da461902bd252ab35a9d3e8d25c59d37b6f6077a7c9fbc4bdc714bcd279&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2392&amp;height=1345</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Taha Al Zoubi, known by the nom de guerre Abu Omar Tibiya, whom authorities identified as ISIS’s so-called 'wali of Damascus'. SANA]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/2025/12/25/next-phase-of-ai-race-is-being-decided-in-boardrooms-not-research-labs/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T04:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/BADDRMLLKXL5RCSPGJAWBVR4VU.jpg?auth=e8eb039c76ef47d50517534f7bc3a4aa7a12d30550e65552612747815fc69472&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5500&amp;height=3668</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The question for businesses is no longer which AI model is best, but what benefits AI is bringing. Reuters]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2025/12/25/afcon-2025-riyad-mahrez-warns-algeria-not-to-get-carried-away-despite-resounding-win-over-sudan/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T03:26:38.634Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/FWHIYOMSAFEGZDXQ6HXZQMEF54?auth=de631291349e23121a43f41ba041d1670ba20e3d4b88a1e4b6279ceb21b7a9ba&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6188&amp;height=3481</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Algeria's Riyad Mahrez, right, celebrates scoring the team's second goal against Sudan at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on December 24, 2025. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/25/bethlehems-midnight-mass-places-gaza-at-centre-of-christmas-reflections/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T03:26:36.842Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/ARGFR22DTYRN4K4FNENYTCXBQE.jpg?auth=9f0eb04db43afb3c9337d44590aa3f45422892927587908bdbb28f668fa878f1&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5000&amp;height=3333</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Vatican’s Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa leads a Christmas midnight mass at the Church of the Nativity. EPA]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/editorial/2025/12/25/christmas-middle-east/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T03:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/L5KQCTDXANHGVPWIVUAUH3FWE4.jpg?auth=4de42533f360524625eab476a45efc73f3170acd7aa6a28719892294afd94a52&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5238&amp;height=2946</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A band plays during the lighting ceremony of a Christmas tree at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, months after it was the site of a deadly attack. AP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/23/huge-returns-draw-smugglers-to-rugged-syria-lebanon-border/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T03:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/RXM4EJUVZJGJZP6VENMCUKJKYU.JPG?auth=bae74884987918a561aded131923bcb7fa58d0835d80d540b1cca26c59f03e1c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1000&amp;height=462</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Syria's internal security forces and military have stepped up anti-smuggling efforts but illegal traders continue to try to find ways to operate. Lizzie Porter / The National]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2025/12/25/french-city-caught-between-dreams-of-mamdani-and-the-taint-of-muslim-brotherhood/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T03:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/WG4MNIDDDNFG3LP6JG2WQJQ2LQ.jpeg?auth=cc5baeb114662d2d5b994782af167d9157755bdd36f4ef394b98b7aeefd70504&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4032&amp;height=3024</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Cem Yoldas is far-left candidate at next year's municipal elections in Strasbourg. Sunniva Rose / The National]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/25/germany-uk-and-twelve-other-countries-denounce-israels-approval-of-new-settlements/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T02:58:56.056Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/HFV7BG7TG2CE36FC5GDLH5GM3Y.jpg?auth=22137113cca209e0c4de4e7dbc20f28e3188ad3396de4a78a07563da0581e494&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5472&amp;height=3648</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A house demolished by Israeli authorities in the Palestinian village of Bizariya, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film-tv/2025/12/25/tom-kenny-reveals-surprising-origins-of-spongebobs-voice/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T02:05:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/JUERE2YG5U7M2LEQD53BW66K4Q.jpg?auth=8103e302e06059185a4084350212b6773c76fcebcf87606814b2b7ad879f5348&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2400&amp;height=1297</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[SpongeBob SquarePants, right, voiced by Tom Kenny, and Patrick Star, voiced by Bill Fagerbakke. Photo: Paramount]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/12/25/how-uae-has-carried-sheikh-zayeds-legacy-around-the-world-from-antarctica-to-china/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T02:00:01Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/CNVBJWFDFFEAZMHILMRK67JKJI.jpg?auth=7b9fdf3f822e9bb1dab846bed5b7942141f131e2c5f3d00caa03857c038b5184&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2008&amp;height=1390</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The UAE celebrates the humanitarian values of Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan at home and abroad. Wam]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/12/25/dubai-hospital-aims-to-be-global-hub-for-new-spinal-muscular-atrophy-treatment/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T02:00:01Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/SY5UP3V4U5H7RNSIIR5MAIYFQ4.jpg?auth=9f64f3fd8600cc98c99284d8a5a4261bc2e526ddff99dc9d2d81f09c661b4cb9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2000&amp;height=1441</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Dr Vivek Mundada, a consultant paediatric neurologist at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital, with young patient, Mirha. photo: Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital.]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/podcasts/culture-bites/2025/12/25/the-year-in-culture-top-reads-movies-and-moments-of-2025/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-25T02:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/XSCXT3HLJFH5JBWE32LVQ6GU7U.jpg?auth=3404226ca27991f50b11553bd887c9a07f94edd70fb9da6b33be7fac3cdf7f1d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The year in culture: top reads, movies and moments of 2025]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2025/12/24/trump-backed-politician-of-palestinian-descent-becomes-honduran-president/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-24T22:22:45.51Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/WZTQUUZIITIKG7ADXUCNQOXI5E.jpg?auth=2f035f22d42fc7a4a007101b9c991912f92801722afb75cd2ebb40a5b428dd95&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5126&amp;height=3417</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Nasry Asfura of the National Party of Honduras, pictured on December 1. Reuters]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/cartoon/2025/12/24/peace-christmas/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-24T20:01:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/KXHYGC4BRZDRDO3Y4KHWXYS63M.jpg?auth=9da2d4742fe9ff7669185aa7fbc0c52afb6ab01e0d2595b696f767c2f5575453&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2244&amp;height=1311</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The National]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/12/24/sharjah-ruler-says-launch-of-dairy-farm-and-factory-is-dream-decades-in-the-making/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-24T17:50:58.914Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/JO2BZJERT5FKLCLYHREIU642QA.jpg?auth=6e98ae54fb55be80f8c8cd39f3779a779e49d29d8ec763e1c7f15e98bb1d06f3&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5944&amp;height=3963</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, at the inauguration of Mleiha Dairy Factory and Farm. Wam
]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2025/12/24/democrats-urge-trump-to-reverse-mass-ambassador-recalls/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-24T17:14:05.147Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/PNINCEZ3ZZ5QPU4NRPRL37P2B4.jpg?auth=f9f623816466a680c90c7cfcc302b3ece5ff8f90a8ba5a82b39b57fe311c987b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4000&amp;height=2667</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[The Trump administration in recent ‌days has ordered more than two dozen career diplomats home. Reuters ]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/24/iran-seizes-ship-said-to-be-carrying-4-million-litres-of-smuggled-fuel/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-24T16:58:30.646Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/UNHTIWSHBFHPNNCHEVEOODX3YQ?auth=d7bbfa52f19a557a2e2c28f6e4954ba256bb7ef1711064144603f2cbd1e9d218&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Iranian forces regularly announce the interception of ships accused of smuggling fuel. EPA]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/24/israeli-army-accuses-hamas-of-ceasefire-breach-after-blast-in-gaza-wounds-soldier/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-24T16:22:32.554Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/N4EHKQ3M634ENY4E4UYZHIAIHA.jpg?auth=f16bfa22fd0360de50845791788821e105361b01e81c54ac89584597d1920797&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5760&amp;height=3840</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[This picture taken from west of Jabalia in the Gaza Strip shows smoke rising after explosions carried out by the Israeli army inside the Green Line, northeast of Beit Lahia on Wednesday. AFP]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2025/12/24/abu-dhabis-imkan-expands-waterfront-capabilities-with-majority-stake-in-majestic-marine/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-24T15:40:56.863Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/CD66F6OX7ZDDZHJPTOOKWBTHEQ.jpg?auth=09a339b096c47ced069183c0a7bf9cd16562b8b9cce04c68679eb53b25c6bc33&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3079&amp;height=2053</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Back, from left: Omid Aminifard, VP of operations at Majestic Marine Investments Group; Abubaker Al Khoori, GCEO of Abu Dhabi Capital Group; and Khalifa Al Mazrouei, GCIO of Abu Dhabi Capital Group. Front, from left: Marios Economides, CEO of Majestic Marine Investments Group; and Suwaidan Al Dhaheri, CEO of Imkan, announce the deal. Photo: Handout]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/12/24/uae-helps-treat-75000-gazan-patients-this-year-under-dh94-billion-aid-effort/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-24T15:12:14.345Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/J7DRW4DIANHL5MLPROL6HLXSXI.jpg?auth=826c83b2fccd7384c42e697efe3b91c14a4b0e102038d0a7ffa589fb0cc05cd9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5297&amp;height=3531</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Palestinian patient Hamza Mousa Hassan receiving care at the UAE's floating hospital in Al Arish, Egypt in March. Victor Besa / The National]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2025/12/24/from-bunker-to-infinity-swimming-historic-paris-building-is-reborn/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-24T15:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/EFAD4LAD2RB2TKYFKFFFU32UFI.jpg?auth=79544013107e9e7f647a34f9b12185581472dfeaf6a808ced2e713aebfc20c4d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5000&amp;height=2857</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[A computer-generated image of the rooftop pool at the Maybourne Saint-Germain in Paris. Photo: Maybourne]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/12/24/iraq-must-do-more-to-protect-christians-says-countrys-top-catholic-official/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-24T14:28:30.438Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/HJSC6BO2YKEEBT7KR6SBJRKH4Q.jpg?auth=6cc56e3ba743ca135a76ec2602555c6ac1cc6200ae4eaff3de2c04534c8cfee3&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3838&amp;height=2839</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako addresses the faithful during the Palm Sunday service at Mar Youssif Church in Baghdad, Iraq. AP ]]></image:caption></image:image></url><url><loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/2025/12/24/for-iran-2026-is-going-to-be-the-year-of-the-unknown/</loc><lastmod>2025-12-24T14:00:00Z</lastmod><changefreq>always</changefreq><priority>0.5</priority><image:image><image:loc>https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/F74EXHWO65BHFMT6WMXAAV5KOA?auth=cb01bf2da67fe2e466c66f4a3c81bc8b401897d0667090953f9fb8328e9faa18&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5320&amp;height=2993</image:loc><image:caption><![CDATA[People enjoy their time at the beach outside the port city of Bandar Anzali in Iran on Tuesday. AP]]></image:caption></image:image></url></urlset>