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Road to Net Zero

Music & On-stage

Fashion & Beauty

Road to Net Zero

Music & On-stage

Fashion & Beauty

Rome's Jubilee Year, which begins on Christmas Eve, is expected to draw millions of visitors to the Eternal City. AP

Rome's Trevi Fountain reopens and Ajman unveils new tourist attractions

The National rounds up the most interesting tourism news you might have missed

Hotel Insider: Family fun at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

Why Monaco is one of Europe's best-kept winter secrets

Flights grounded at Damascus Airport as Syrian government falls

Special reportTwenty-five of the most epic trips to inspire your travels in 2025

In focus

Mince pies, which combine meats with fruits and spices, were transported to Europe from the Middle East. Getty Images

Christmas food to know, from mince pies and stollen to kul-kuls

Sunny Savani, an associate director with real estate company Savills, saves 50 per cent of his monthly income. Antonie Robertson / The National

My Dubai Salary: ‘I earn Dh40,000 to Dh50,000 in real estate’

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide says his country 'did the right thing' when it recognised Palestine as a state. NurPhoto

ExclusiveWe must understand there will be one Palestine, Norway's Foreign Minister says

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and party treasurer Nick Candy met Elon Musk at Mar-a-Lago, the Florida home of US president-elect Donald Trump. Reform UK / PA

CommentNigel Farage finds Elon Musk's ear but London execs are wary

Dubai's Burj Al Arab was the first hotel in the world to be dubbed 'seven star'. Although the criteria doesn't officially exist in the Gulf, experts argue that it should. Photo: EPA

Hotel star rating system needs shake-up, say hospitality experts

Carlos Ghosn held a press conference on Monday marking five years since he fled financial misconduct charges in Japan and took refuge in Lebanon. AFP

'I will be in Lebanon for a while': Five years on the run for Nissan's Carlos Ghosn

Abu Dhabi has cut more than 360 million single-use plastic bags since a ban came into effect in 2022

Consumers cut plastic bag use by 95 per cent under Abu Dhabi environment initiative

Knuckles (voiced by Idris Elba), Sonic (Ben Schwartz) and Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) are three animated characters who have each made successful jumps from video game to the films. Photo: Paramount Pictures

How Sonic the Hedgehog became a box office powerhouse

Features

Idyllic beaches of Nosy Iranja, one of several destinations to visit in Madagascar. Getty Images

Why now is the time to visit Madagascar

An island of contrasts, this Indian Ocean escape offers pioneering travellers everything from untouched beaches to exotic animals

Etihad resumes flights to Lebanon and Icehotel reopens

Amaala is one of many mega projects taking place in Saudi Arabia. Photo: Amaala

What are the ambitious mega-projects shaping Saudi Arabia's future?

Christmas attractions worth travelling for, from Germany to Denmark

Zaha Hadid Architects designed the futuristic-looking Beijing Daxing International Airport. Reuters

Airports as luxury destinations? It's an idea taking off

Abu Dhabi's Zayed International named world’s most beautiful airport

10 times Burj Al Arab helipad has stolen the show

Rovaniemi and Rome among top winter escapes for UAE travellers

Why now's the time to visit Oman for new hotels and adventures

Hotels

Dubai's Burj Al Arab was the first hotel in the world to be dubbed 'seven star'. Although the criteria doesn't officially exist in the Gulf, experts argue that it should. Photo: EPA

Hotel star rating system needs shake-up, say hospitality experts

Dubai-based advisory group report calls for new approach to reflect differing standards around the globe and the evolution of tourism

Hotel Insider: Family fun at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

Dubai hotels set for New Year's Eve boom as revellers make party plans early

Hotel of the weekNiyama Private Islands, Maldives

Burj Al Arab turns 25: Meet the people behind the landmark

FCC Angkor by Avani review: Charming hotel in historic Siem Reap

Hotel of the weekRoom with a view at storied Anantara Amsterdam

Destinations

Idyllic beaches of Nosy Iranja, one of several destinations to visit in Madagascar. Getty Images

Why now is the time to visit Madagascar

An island of contrasts, this Indian Ocean escape offers pioneering travellers everything from untouched beaches to exotic animals

Why Monaco is one of Europe's best-kept winter secrets

Crowd-free Cappadocia is a place where dreams take flight

Rovaniemi and Rome among top winter escapes for UAE travellers

Etihad announces flights to 10 new destinations

Lost in Paradise: A Palauan adventure

Discovering Baghdad’s time-honoured cafe culture, one sip at a time

Staycations

Sand Sherpa's camping trailers are equipped with a rooftop tent, outdoor sofa, firepit and bedding. Photo: Sand Sherpa

The UAE's 26 best camping and glamping spots

From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah to RAK, here is where to spend the night surrounded by dunes

15 of the best summer day passes in the UAE

The best UAE staycation deals for Eid Al Adha

From bed to beach in 17 steps at Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi

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Syrian factions agree to dissolve and join defence ministry

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Exploring Madagascar's untamed beauty before it becomes Africa's next holiday hotspot

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Inside Branch 251: The National gains access to Assad regime's intelligence centre

Inside Branch 251: The National gains access to Assad regime's intelligence centre

Former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn casts doubt on potential Nissan-Honda alliance

Former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn casts doubt on potential Nissan-Honda alliance

New Syrian leader meets Jordanian Foreign Minister in Damascus

New Syrian leader meets Jordanian Foreign Minister in Damascus

Abtal

Abtal

Conversations with Arab athletes on their journeys to the Paris 2024 Olympics

Culture Bites

Culture Bites

Your guide to the arts and culture scene in the UAE

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Beyond the Headlines

Beyond the Headlines

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