The National - Latest world news, sport & opinion

International Edition

Register
Sign in

Road to Net Zero

Music & On-stage

Fashion & Beauty

International Edition

Podcasts Newsletters Follow us Alerts App Video

Ramadan Weekend

Road to Net Zero

Music & On-stage

Fashion & Beauty

Road to Net Zero

Music & On-stage

Fashion & Beauty

Weekend edition

Dark clouds at the beach on a cold, windy day in Dubai, which one study suggests is bucking the trend by becoming cooler. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Global temperatures are surging - but is Dubai actually getting cooler?

Quiz of the week

Find out how well you’ve kept up with the news of the past seven days

AFP, AP

Weekend EssayRestoring the moral purpose of aid is the right response to Trump

Nadiya Hussain in episode 1 “Indulgent Desserts” of Nadiya Bakes: Season 1. c. Courtesy of Netflix © 2021

Nadiya Hussain’s Milton Keynes and its inspirational Ramadan neighbourhood traditions

Iftar is akin to Christmas dinner at this writer's home, where people laughing, eager to share a delicious meal, immerse in the spirit of the occasion. Getty Images

ColumnAs a Palestinian Christian, here's why Ramadan is a special time for me as well

President of the International Ski Federation Johan Eliasch speaks during the opening ceremony of the Saalbach 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Hinterglemm, Austria. AFP

Johan Eliasch wants women to have a level playing field at the Olympics

Haneen Farahat started her kitchen in Cairo after her family fled the war in Gaza. Mohammed Fathi / The National.

Postcard from CairoHow this Gaza refugee keeps flavours of Palestine alive

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt takes a question during a press briefing at the White House. Reuters

Trump opens new front in his battle against the traditional press

Fate of Gaza ceasefire uncertain as Egypt and Qatar try to break deadlock

Tents next to destroyed homes in Gaza City on Saturday. AP Photo

Fate of Gaza ceasefire uncertain as Egypt and Qatar try to break deadlock

Mediators ask Israel for more time to find a compromise that will allow truce to continue

Tulkarm refugees face toughest Ramadan in years amid major Israeli raid
Amid ruins of war, Gazans strive to spread joy of Ramadan

Oval Office clash

Britain's Keir Starmer embraces Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Downing Street, London, on Saturday. AP

European leaders back Zelenskyy after White House row

What did Trump and Vance say to Zelenskyy during their White House fight?

Syria's long road to recovery: lessons learnt from a devastated Damascus suburb

PKK declares ceasefire with Turkey after Abdullah Ocalan's call to disarm

Trump administration approves major $3bn arms sale to Israel

FA Cup: Palace striker Mateta taken to hospital after horror tackle

Isha prayers held at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Ramadan 2025 starts on Saturday

During Ramadan, non-Muslims should be aware of sunset and mealtimes. Getty Images

A guide to Ramadan etiquette for non-Muslims

Experts say that longer, uninterrupted sleep periods are more beneficial than multiple short naps. iStockPhoto

Expert tips for healthy sleep during Ramadan

Discounts of up to Dh33,000 are available on the GMC Yukon, pictured, as well as the Acadia, Terrain and Sierra this Ramadan. Photo: GMC

UAE car deals for Ramadan 2025

Ramadan has plenty of specific greetings you can share with family and friends. EPA

Seven ways to wish someone a blessed Ramadan

Sharjah's new Hosn Al Khatimah mosque in Al Barashi. Antonie Robertson/The National

Sharjah opens 20 new mosques for Ramadan

Members of the Abed family warm up by a fire in a displacement camp in southern Gaza. Muslim communities in Palestine will try to celebrate Ramadan as best they can. AP

EditorialRamadan is a time for reflection and solidarity

Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna stars in the Coach Ramadan campaign. Photo: Coach

The regional faces fronting Ramadan campaigns

Video

Watch: First iftar cannon of Ramadan 2025 fired at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Similar cannons were fired at numerous sites throughout the UAE to mark the end of the first day of fasting

UAE prepares for Ramadan 2025 with decorations and community celebrations

UAE prepares for Ramadan 2025 with decorations and community celebrations

Trump says Zelenskyy 'overplayed his hand' in White House confrontation

Trump says Zelenskyy 'overplayed his hand' in White House confrontation

Nawaf Salam visits Tyre

Nawaf Salam visits Tyre

UAE Salary Guide: Why expat packages are not what they used to be

UAE Salary Guide: Why expat packages are not what they used to be

In focus

Employers are in the driving seat in the UAE this year as more expats flock to the region to benefit from the growing economy. Antonie Robertson / The National

UAE salary guide: Private sector faces biggest shake-up in years

KARACHI, PAKISTAN - MARCH 01: Jos Buttler of England looks dejected as he leaves the field after caught out by Keshav Maharaj of South Africa (obscured) during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between South Africa and England at National Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Karachi, Pakistan. (Photo by Sameer Ali / Getty Images)

Buttler’s England reign ends with humiliating loss to South Africa

Skype will no longer be available starting in May, Microsoft said. Getty Images / AFP

Skype shutdown: Why Microsoft is pulling the plug

Australia captain Steve Smith does not know if his side will be playing their Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai or Lahore. AFP

Australia and South Africa face Champions Trophy travel headache

No Other Land could become the first film from Palestine to win an Academy Award. Photo: Antipode Films

Oscars milestones to look out for, from Timothee Chalamet to a win for Palestine

Property brokers and buyers queue up for Aldar's launch of The Wilds, a new nature-based residential development in Dubai scheduled for completion in 2029. Photo: Aldar

UAE property market ‘on steroids,’ says investor as developments sell out in hours

India's Virat Kohli (R) celebrates after scoring a century (100 runs) and his team's win at the end of the ICC Champions Trophy one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Pakistan and India at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on February 23, 2025. (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP)

Champions Trophy: ‘Words can’t express’ how good Kohli has been for India

Private companies and state-owned organisations are increasingly looking to explore the Moon. Photo: Nasa

AI, 4G and hopping rovers: The tech behind the latest Moon landing rush

The ship set sail from Al Hamriya Port in Dubai on Friday. Victor Besa /The National

UAE sends largest aid shipment to Gaza for Ramadan

Ship containing 5,820 tonnes of aid will reach Al Arish by second week of March

South Lebanon mourns at mass funerals as PM calls for Israel's complete withdrawal

Austria's new government is promising a security policy that tackles religious extremism and radicalisation. EPA

Austria to boost ‘political Islam’ watchdog in coalition deal

Qatar Airways crew dealt 'professionally' with body of dead woman on flight

An oil refinery in central Iraq. In March 2023, Turkey suspended the flow of about 450,000 barrels of Iraqi oil daily through the Ceyhan pipeline. AFP

Iraq invites oil firms for Kurdistan crude export resumption talks

Ocalan’s call to dissolve PKK greeted with cautious optimism

Guterres says US aid cuts to UN run 'counter to American interests' globally

‘This is not going to end well’: Former US envoy to Syria warns of new government's friction with SDF

Beirut airport customs arrest traveller with $1.4 million in cash

Gaza ceasefire

A young boy walks in war-devastated neighbourhood, decorated ahead of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on February 28, 2025, amid the current ceasefire deal in the war between Israel and Hamas. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP)

LatestUN chief to attend Arab League summit on Gaza in Egypt

Tennts amid destroyed buildings at Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Reuters

What challenges are Arab states facing in Gaza reconstruction bid?

Thousands of Palestinians from Gaza have been treated at the UAE's floating hospital since it opened in February 2024. Pawan Singh / The National

UAE’s floating hospital treats almost 8,000 Palestinians during first year

People embrace in Ramallah as Palestinian prisoners arrive on a bus after they were released from Israeli jail. Reuters

Israel frees hundreds of Palestinians after bodies of four hostages released

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Reuters

Witkoff: Real estate summit to be held to discuss US Gaza plans

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she would keep MPs informed on the BBC's internal investigation into its Gaza documentary. Getty Images

BBC apologises for Gaza documentary after backlash

A boy watches Israeli troops during a military operation inside the Jenin refugee camp. EPA

Jenin’s devastation recalls darkest chapter of violence in occupied West Bank

Two boys stand beside a model of Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque that was destroyed by Israeli troops during a military raid in the occupied West Bank. AFP

Israeli raids in West Bank forcing 'largest displacement since 1967'

Business

Culture

Tracking performance is a stepping stones toward more meaningful results. Getty Images

Why investment decisions need to balance head and heart

UAE Property: ‘Is it more sensible to buy or rent in Dubai?’

Iraq to announce Kurdish oil export resumption

Culture

Max Richter at Dubai Opera review: A triumph of modern classical music

Music & On-stage

From Algerian Rai music to Soviet sci-fi, this month's best physical media picks

At last year's ceremony, actors, directors and producers joined calls for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war. EPA

Palestine at the Oscars, from controversial speeches to Artists4Ceasefire

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

The top news stories, field reports and insights from the Middle East and beyond

Pictures of the Day

A Muslim man reads the Quran on the first day of Ramadan at Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. AP

Franck Dubosc poses with the Mini Cesar award during the 50th annual Cesar awards ceremony at the Olympia concert hall in Paris. EPA

A bride's maid of honour smiles in the Kilamba Kiaxi district in Luanda. AFP

Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yoan Moncada signs autographs before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers during spring training at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Workers prepare the red carpet area for the 97th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. AFP

First taraweeh prayers at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A member of the Ilu Oba de Min troupe parades in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. EPA

South Korean honour guards take part in the 106th Independence Movement Day ceremony at Soongeui Women's University in Seoul. AFP

A nun holds a candle and a rosary during a prayer service in St. Peter's Square, as Pope Francis remains in hospital at the Vatican. Reuters

Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves reacts after speaking to the media during a visit to RAF Waddington in eastern England. AFP

A Muslim man reads the Quran on the first day of Ramadan at Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. AP

Franck Dubosc poses with the Mini Cesar award during the 50th annual Cesar awards ceremony at the Olympia concert hall in Paris. EPA

A bride's maid of honour smiles in the Kilamba Kiaxi district in Luanda. AFP

Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yoan Moncada signs autographs before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers during spring training at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Workers prepare the red carpet area for the 97th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. AFP

First taraweeh prayers at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A member of the Ilu Oba de Min troupe parades in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. EPA

South Korean honour guards take part in the 106th Independence Movement Day ceremony at Soongeui Women's University in Seoul. AFP

A nun holds a candle and a rosary during a prayer service in St. Peter's Square, as Pope Francis remains in hospital at the Vatican. Reuters

Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves reacts after speaking to the media during a visit to RAF Waddington in eastern England. AFP

A Muslim man reads the Quran on the first day of Ramadan at Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. AP

LatestMost ReadTop Videos

Tsistipas powers past Felix Auger-Aliassime to win Dubai final

VideoFirst Ramadan cannon of 2025 fired in Abu Dhabi

Buttler’s England reign ends with humiliating loss to South Africa

FA Cup: Palace striker Mateta taken to hospital after horror tackle

Australia and South Africa face Champions Trophy travel headache

Dunes of Arabia: Inside the ultimate Saudi desert adventure

Ramadan 2025: UAE prayer timetable and daily iftar time

UAE’s property market is ‘on steroids’, says investor as three residential developments launch in one day

Seven ways to wish someone a blessed Ramadan

Worshippers perform taraweeh prayers after Ramadan 2025 confirmed

Donald Trump berates Ukrainian President at White House

Donald Trump berates Ukrainian President at White House

Respecting Ramadan: Essential etiquette for observing the holy month

Respecting Ramadan: Essential etiquette for observing the holy month

On The Money

Stay ahead in personal finance with expert tips on investing, saving and spending

Preview Sign up

View From DC

Insight from The National's Washington DC team on US politics and its impact on the Mena region

Preview Sign up

Emirati

UAE Chief Reporter Shireena Al Nowais explores stories shaping the Emirates and its people

Preview Sign up

The Climate Edit

The Climate Edit

Stay updated on climate change, sustainability and innovations shaping the Mena region’s future

Preview Sign up

The UAE Today

Your essential source for must-read news from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the rest of the Emirates

Preview Sign up

Middle East Today

Middle East Today

Expert insight, analysis, exclusive reports plus all the latest news from the region, about the region

Preview Sign up

Energy This Week

Energy This Week

Energy expert Robin Mills explains the latest in oil, clean energy and more in the UAE and beyond

Preview Sign up

Beshara

Your weekly dose of good news and inspiration, delivered to your inbox

Preview Sign up

The Arts Edit

Your guide to Middle Eastern arts and culture from the region, and about the region

Preview Sign up

Future Beat

A round-up of stories shaping the world, from AI and green tech to science and medicine

Preview Sign up

Checking In

Expert travel advice on destinations, getting there, and what to do on arrival

Preview Sign up

View From London

View From London

The stories that matter to you from across Europe, brought to you directly by our London bureau

Preview Sign up

Weekender

Make the most of your weekend with long reads, features and our quiz of the week

Preview Sign up

On The Money

Stay ahead in personal finance with expert tips on investing, saving and spending

Preview Sign up

View From DC

Insight from The National's Washington DC team on US politics and its impact on the Mena region

Preview Sign up

Emirati

UAE Chief Reporter Shireena Al Nowais explores stories shaping the Emirates and its people

Preview Sign up

The Climate Edit

The Climate Edit

Stay updated on climate change, sustainability and innovations shaping the Mena region’s future

Preview Sign up

The UAE Today

Your essential source for must-read news from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the rest of the Emirates

Preview Sign up

Middle East Today

Middle East Today

Expert insight, analysis, exclusive reports plus all the latest news from the region, about the region

Preview Sign up

Energy This Week

Energy This Week

Energy expert Robin Mills explains the latest in oil, clean energy and more in the UAE and beyond

Preview Sign up

Beshara

Your weekly dose of good news and inspiration, delivered to your inbox

Preview Sign up

The Arts Edit

Your guide to Middle Eastern arts and culture from the region, and about the region

Preview Sign up

Future Beat

A round-up of stories shaping the world, from AI and green tech to science and medicine

Preview Sign up

Checking In

Expert travel advice on destinations, getting there, and what to do on arrival

Preview Sign up

View From London

View From London

The stories that matter to you from across Europe, brought to you directly by our London bureau

Preview Sign up

Weekender

Make the most of your weekend with long reads, features and our quiz of the week

Preview Sign up

On The Money

Stay ahead in personal finance with expert tips on investing, saving and spending

Preview Sign up

View From DC

Insight from The National's Washington DC team on US politics and its impact on the Mena region

Preview Sign up

Emirati

UAE Chief Reporter Shireena Al Nowais explores stories shaping the Emirates and its people

Preview Sign up

The Climate Edit

The Climate Edit

Stay updated on climate change, sustainability and innovations shaping the Mena region’s future

Preview Sign up

search by queryly Advanced Search close