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Road to Net Zero

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Road to Net Zero

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Syrians in Damascus wave the opposition's flag as they celebrate the fall of Bashar Al Assad on Wednesday. EPA

Cracks surface among Syria's new rebel rulers

A Hayat Tahrir Al Sham guard collects the weapon of a former security guard at the Baath party offices in Damascus

Middle East war dynamics shift as global conflict turns more deadly

The Syrian economy has suffered over the decades-long rule of the Assad dynasty. AFP

CommentHow Baathist economics wrecked Syria and Iraq

Saudi Arabia fans with a replica World Cup trophy. The kingdom will host the 2034 tournament. PA

2034 Saudi Arabia World Cup: Host cities, stadiums and all you need to know

A girl at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Al Zaywayda in the central Gaza Strip. AFP

Distant memories of warmth and joy as Gazans shiver in winter

This chart highlights the critical role countries play in providing safety and support to refugees. Data sourced from UNHCR

Chart of the weekCountries hosting the largest Syrian refugee populations

Massad Boulos has been nominated for a top position in the new Trump administration. AP

Who are the Arab Americans in the Trump administration?

EditorialUAE is coining a stable approach to cryptocurrency

Syria crisis

The leader of Syria's Islamist Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS) group, Ahmad Al Shara addresses a crowd at the capital's landmark Umayyad Mosque on December 8, 2024. AFP

When will sanctions against Syria be lifted?

Live: Jordan to host US, EU, Turkish and Arab diplomats for Syria summit
'He paid for freedom with his soul': Syrian activist Mazen Al-Hamada buried in Damascus
Syrian refugees at Turkey's border elated to return home

Biden commutes prison terms of 1,500 people and pardons 39

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan poses with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Ankara on Wednesday. Reuters

Ethiopia and Somalia sign landmark Turkish-brokered deal

Houthi leaders 'have lowered profiles' after attacks on Hezbollah and Hamas chiefs

A girl at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Al Zaywayda in the central Gaza Strip. AFP

Distant memories of warmth and joy as Gazans shiver in winter

'Back to work': Syrian state employees vow to dismantle regime's corrupt past

UN demands Gaza ceasefire and hostage release but nine countries including US oppose

Syria crisis

December 9, 2024, the Abdel Reza family reunited in Ghouta, a town near Damascus after years of separation due to the Syrian civil war

'I had faith in God’: Syrian families return home after years of exile

The leader of Syria's Islamist Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS) group, Ahmad Al Shara addresses a crowd at the capital's landmark Umayyad Mosque on December 8, 2024. AFP

When will sanctions against Syria be lifted?

A screengrab from a video showing the US citizen, who gave his name as Travis, in Al Dhiyabiyah, Syria. Photo: Shaam

Syrian rebels find and free missing US missionary from prison

Syrians are awaiting the formation of a new government after more than half a century of Assad family rule. AFP

G7 countries ready to work with an 'inclusive' Syrian government

Members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in Deir Ezzor on Saturday. Reuters

Kurdish militia retreats from Syria's Deir Ezzor as rebels take over

Syrian writer and husband of Samira Khalil, Yassin al-Haj Saleh at the Samira Al Khalil Prize ceremony in Paris. EPA

Syrians in France wary of taking a risk on returning

December 9, 2024, the Abdel Reza family reunited in Ghouta, a town near Damascus after years of separation due to the Syrian civil war

'I had faith in God’: Syrian families return home after years of exile

The leader of Syria's Islamist Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS) group, Ahmad Al Shara addresses a crowd at the capital's landmark Umayyad Mosque on December 8, 2024. AFP

When will sanctions against Syria be lifted?

A screengrab from a video showing the US citizen, who gave his name as Travis, in Al Dhiyabiyah, Syria. Photo: Shaam

Syrian rebels find and free missing US missionary from prison

Syrians are awaiting the formation of a new government after more than half a century of Assad family rule. AFP

G7 countries ready to work with an 'inclusive' Syrian government

Members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in Deir Ezzor on Saturday. Reuters

Kurdish militia retreats from Syria's Deir Ezzor as rebels take over

Syrian writer and husband of Samira Khalil, Yassin al-Haj Saleh at the Samira Al Khalil Prize ceremony in Paris. EPA

Syrians in France wary of taking a risk on returning

December 9, 2024, the Abdel Reza family reunited in Ghouta, a town near Damascus after years of separation due to the Syrian civil war

'I had faith in God’: Syrian families return home after years of exile

Video

Syrians search for loved ones in Sednaya prison

With infamous 'human slaughterhouse' liberated, people flood in looking for family members

Saudi Arabia to host Fifa 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia to host Fifa 2034 World Cup

Damascus Airport set to reopen soon, says director

Damascus Airport set to reopen soon, says director

Syrians gathered at the Damascus Hospital mortuary to identify the bodies of their relatives

Syrians gathered at the Damascus Hospital mortuary to identify the bodies of their relatives

Palestinians displaced from Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus start returning

Palestinians displaced from Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus start returning

In focus

Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo has welcomed the decision to award Saudi Arabia the World Cup. Reuters

Ronaldo backs Saudi Arabia to deliver 'best World Cup ever' in 2034

TikTok faces a January 19 deadline which could end the social media platform's presence in the US. AFP

Will TikTok really be banned in the US?

A woman stands beside a building targeted by an Israeli air strike near the Nuseirat refugee in central Gaza on Thursday. AFP

Mediators step up Gaza ceasefire effort but obstacles remain

Research shows Neanderthals coexisted with humans for about 7,000 years until the group eventually died off. AFP

Neanderthal gene in humans traced back 50,000 years as DNA evidence uncovers new timeline

A qualified sleep coach will gauge past and current stress points, monitor sleep patterns and suggest lifestyle tweaks. Getty Images

Sleep coaches – why are more of us giving them the nod?

Priyanka Chopra is planning to return to work in the Indian film industry next year, she says. AFP

Priyanka Chopra eyes Bollywood return in 2025: 'I miss dancing'

Heathrow Airport had a record November and is expecting passenger traffic to be 21 per cent higher on Christmas Day. Reuters

Abu Dhabi joins Heathrow 'millionaire club' with record passengers

Migrants and refugees line up at the central registration centre for refugees and asylum seekers in Berlin, Germany, in 2016. AP

TrendingSyrian asylum applications and Saudi World Cup

Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo has welcomed the decision to award Saudi Arabia the World Cup. Reuters

Ronaldo backs Saudi Arabia to deliver 'best World Cup ever' in 2034

TikTok faces a January 19 deadline which could end the social media platform's presence in the US. AFP

Will TikTok really be banned in the US?

A woman stands beside a building targeted by an Israeli air strike near the Nuseirat refugee in central Gaza on Thursday. AFP

Mediators step up Gaza ceasefire effort but obstacles remain

Research shows Neanderthals coexisted with humans for about 7,000 years until the group eventually died off. AFP

Neanderthal gene in humans traced back 50,000 years as DNA evidence uncovers new timeline

A qualified sleep coach will gauge past and current stress points, monitor sleep patterns and suggest lifestyle tweaks. Getty Images

Sleep coaches – why are more of us giving them the nod?

Priyanka Chopra is planning to return to work in the Indian film industry next year, she says. AFP

Priyanka Chopra eyes Bollywood return in 2025: 'I miss dancing'

Heathrow Airport had a record November and is expecting passenger traffic to be 21 per cent higher on Christmas Day. Reuters

Abu Dhabi joins Heathrow 'millionaire club' with record passengers

Migrants and refugees line up at the central registration centre for refugees and asylum seekers in Berlin, Germany, in 2016. AP

TrendingSyrian asylum applications and Saudi World Cup

Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo has welcomed the decision to award Saudi Arabia the World Cup. Reuters

Ronaldo backs Saudi Arabia to deliver 'best World Cup ever' in 2034

Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the reopening ceremony of the Paraguayan embassy in Jerusalem on December 12, 2024. AFP

Live updatesNetanyahu says Israel’s actions in Middle East triggered regional 'chain reaction'

Prime Minister said that by protecting their state, Israel was also defending ‘civilisation against barbarism’

Blinken draws bipartisan anger at final congressional hearing

Sanjay Shah on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai in 2020. AP

Sanjay Shah: British hedge fund trader jailed in Denmark for tax fraud

UN official urges stronger international engagement with Taliban regime

Taoiseach Simon Harris hosts Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. Photo: Simon Harris / LinkedIn

Irish leaders focus on Gaza 'suffering' with El Sisi on Dublin visit

British Army destroys drones using laser weapon in first tests

Tougher rules see drop in UK university international student applications

Luigi Mangione charged in killing of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson

Top foreign policy senator urges incoming Republicans to allow full vetting of Trump nominees

Business

Culture

Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organisation, aims to expand across the region with new property projects. Pawan Singh / The National

Trump Organisation aims to expand in Saudi Arabia through $533m Jeddah Tower

Dana Gas receives $20 million in payment from Egypt

Dubai's DIB open to acquiring other banks and FinTech businesses

Culture

Perfumed with Mint is a surrealist tale of disillusionment in Egypt

The Sand Castle review: A frustrating but beautiful family drama

Nayla Al Khaja is an Emirati screenwriter, producer and director. Photo: Nayla Al Khaja Films

One Last Thing: Nayla Al Khaja on her favourite book and the music she can't stand

Beyond the Headlines

Beyond the Headlines

Delve deeper into the biggest stories from the Middle East and around the world

Culture Bites

Culture Bites

Your guide to the arts and culture scene in the UAE

Business Extra

Business Extra

The stories, companies, trends, tech, Innovation and leaders shaping your world

Trending Middle East

Trending Middle East

What’s trending today? We bring you the latest social media trends from the Middle East and around the world

Pictures of the Day

A Syrian child looks out of a bus window after arriving home from Turkey with relatives. EPA

Demonstrators from a labour group outside City Hall in Seoul call for the removal of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol. AFP

Migrating Greylag geese fly over the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in India's Assam state. AFP

A protester in Manila, Philippines, at a demonstration about an alleged extrajudicial killings case dubbed "Bloody Sunday". EPA

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in the Red Sea city of Aqaba in Jordan. AFP

Children play with soap suds simulating snow during festive celebrations in Brasilia, Brazil. Reuters

Larissa Nuesser of the Netherlands in action against Denmark during the Euro 2024 handball tournament in Vienna. EPA

Women in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, prepare cassava flour for the traditional dish of acheke. EPA

Syria's new flag flies above Damascus's central Umayyad Square. AFP

A Syrian child looks out of a bus window after arriving home from Turkey with relatives. EPA

Demonstrators from a labour group outside City Hall in Seoul call for the removal of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol. AFP

Migrating Greylag geese fly over the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in India's Assam state. AFP

A protester in Manila, Philippines, at a demonstration about an alleged extrajudicial killings case dubbed "Bloody Sunday". EPA

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in the Red Sea city of Aqaba in Jordan. AFP

Children play with soap suds simulating snow during festive celebrations in Brasilia, Brazil. Reuters

Larissa Nuesser of the Netherlands in action against Denmark during the Euro 2024 handball tournament in Vienna. EPA

Women in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, prepare cassava flour for the traditional dish of acheke. EPA

Syria's new flag flies above Damascus's central Umayyad Square. AFP

A Syrian child looks out of a bus window after arriving home from Turkey with relatives. EPA

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Saudi Arabia named as 2034 World Cup hosts

Saudi Arabia named as 2034 World Cup hosts

Syrians gathered at the Damascus Hospital mortuary to identify the bodies of their relatives

Syrians gathered at the Damascus Hospital mortuary to identify the bodies of their relatives