Most Popular

Today

Mourinho set for solo Chelsea return without Ronaldo after Real prez dismisses move
15:08 GMT
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly been told by the club's top officials that forward Cristiano Ronaldo will not be going with him if he seals a deal for a return to Chelsea.
Safia Farkash, Gadaffi’s second wife. Aged 60, mother of seven of his eight children and worth $30 billion. Not bad for a cougar...and she’s recently single!
14:18 GMT
With all the political turmoil in the Middle East, let’s not forget what’s really important - sussing out which of the First Ladies in the region are the hottest!
The airline currently has a backlog of 21 Boeing airplanes on order
14:15 GMT
Boeing has delivered a 777-300ER extended range plane to Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), marking the latest milestone in its longstanding relationship with the airline and the kingdom.
Chelsea looking to sell 'record buy' Torres this summer
14:01 GMT
Chelsea is reportedly looking to sell their record 50 million-pound buy Fernando Torres this summer, despite this season being the best of his career at Stamford Bridge with 22 goals.
GCC currencies
13:41 GMT
Gulf hydrocarbon producers emerged as the 13th most powerful economy in the world in 2011 while strong oil prices allowed them to become the fifth largest exporter with the highest trade surplus.
Tunisian Police Special Unit agents fix a national flag on their vehicle in front of the Okba Ibn Nafaa mosque in the central Tunisian city of Kairouan. (Fethi Belaid/ AFP)
12:56 GMT
Clashes between police and protestors erupted in Tunis on Sunday, after the government banned a planned rally
The Beirut Report blog has these amazing pictures of an ancient church in Lebanon excavated for the sake of building a hotel.
12:43 GMT
Reporters have been beaten trying to cover the scandal, but it seems a construction company has the go ahead to build on an ancient church in Lebanon; In-N-Out sighting in Dubai; and in the 50's, there was a large community of Italians in Egypt.
UAE’s international tourism receipts are somewhat close to $10 billion
12:39 GMT
The UAE is the world’s 31st popular tourism destination and the most popular in the Arab World, ahead of Egypt — ranked 32nd and Saudi Arabia ranked 35 — in terms of tourism receipts.
Saudi Arabia aspires to increase mutual trade with other countries
12:34 GMT
Saudi Arabia's nonoil exports to the Arab countries had increased five-fold compared to the past seven years.
Ever wondered why Oman Air cabin crew were so nice?
12:25 GMT
Oman Air has committed RO2mn ($5,2 million) to staff training in 2013, having already invested more than RO3.3mn (some $8 million) over the previous two years.
A Shia boy flogs himself during the Ashura celebrations in Myanmar.
11:58 GMT
Iran's permanent representative to the UN calls for the protection of Muslims in Myanmar.
Man City agrees on record 54 mln-pound deal for Atletico's Falcao to usher in Pellegrini era
11:49 GMT
Manchester City has reportedly agreed to sign a record 54 million-pound transfer deal with Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, who will become City's first signing of the Manuel Pellegrini era.
The performance of the UAE stock markets is broadly in line with the rise in global stock markets
11:27 GMT
Both the Dubai Financial Market and Abu Dhabi Securities Market are trading at a nearly four-year-high, reflecting a return of investor confidence.
Gold traders are predicting that demand will increase
11:14 GMT
Gold prices yesterday dropped to their lowest level for the second time in almost a month, sparking a shopping frenzy at gold shops across the Kingdom.
Nancy Ajram doesn't hold back and lets out what it's like to be an AI judge, singing star, and a mama.
10:35 GMT
Despite the challenges of working on the show with Ahlam and fulfilling duties in her career and personal life, Lebanese lovely Nancy Ajram is still happy she accepted the two-year contract to judge the region's contestants.
A fuzzy picture shows Mohammad Heidari, one of the men accused of spying for Western intelligence agencies. He was hanged at dawn on Sunday. Picture courtesy of onenews.com
10:32 GMT
Two Iranian men accused of passing security information to the CIA and Mossad were hanged at dawn on Sunday after the Tehran Revolutionary Court and the Supreme Court gave the go-ahead.
Syrian troops celebrate as they take control of the village of Haydariyah, some seven kilometers outside the rebel-held town of Qusayr (AFP/ Joseph Eid)
10:24 GMT
Heavy shelling in the strategically vital town of Qusayr on Sunday morning - reports
Saddam's face shot covers the heads and minds of Iraqi citizens
10:03 GMT
'Saddam is here' is the name of the collection that began in 2007 during the worst years of conflict in Iraq with the former dictator. “His shadow is still following Iraqi society everywhere,” says the Iraqi Kurdish photographer.
The Dum Tak Alternative Music Festival is coming to Amman!
09:52 GMT
Get ready to rock with the region's rowdiest singers in Amman later this month at the Dum Tak Alternative Music Festival.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad gives an interview to Argentinian newspaper Clarin(AFP/SANA)
09:44 GMT
Bashar al-Assad vowed to “face the storm” in an interview with Argentinian newspaper Clarin
Who's it gonna be out of the final X Factor three?
09:27 GMT
It won’t be long ‘til the region will know the season’s X Factor Arabia winner. The weekend’s show had the group Young Pharoz saying farewell, leaving three dudes to battle it out on Thursday.
Iran's internet is being stifled in the lead up to the national elections. This is the screen that appears when Iranian internet users try to visit websites blocked by the government. AFP Photo
09:02 GMT
As the Iranian presidential elections draw nearer, the government is closely monitoring and censoring the internet, even denying citizens to effectively check their emails.
Jet-setter Ragheb Alama flies to Paris and back in time for Friday's Arab Idol show
08:39 GMT
Arab Idol judge Ragheb Alama tweeted a pic from Paris last week and had fans wondering if the jet-setter would make it to Friday night’s show as the remaining 10 contestants fought for the title.
Iraqi armed tribesmen pose for a picture in front of a truck in a road north of Ramadi (Azhar Shallal/AFP)
08:14 GMT
8 people were killed in sectarian violence in Iraq on Saturday, just hours after a wave of massive bombings shook Baghdad, leaving 60 people dead
Religious obscurantism keeps Afghan women in the dark about their rights. (Photo for illustrative purposes only).
08:04 GMT
Women's right legislation awaiting ratification ended up in a deadlock as religious MPs raised concerns over its compatibility with Afghanistan's Sharia law.
Syrian troops celebrate as they take control of the village of Haydariyah, some seven kilometers outside the rebel-held city of Qusayr (AFP/ Joseph Eid)
08:03 GMT
Battles in Qusayr, Homs, have left at least 10 Hezbollah fighters dead. More Lebanese militants said to be heading to the the town
The Egyptian army is seeking to launch a military attack on the kidnappers in Sinai who seized policemen in Sinai on Thursday
07:43 GMT
Egyptian President has been urged by the Egyptian army to give them the green light that will allow them to launch an attack on the kidnappers that seized policemen in Sinai on Thursday. AFP Photo
Lebanese artist Jean-Marc Nahas speaks of "misery everywhere" with his graphic art (Photo courtesy of jeanmarcnahas.com)
07:38 GMT
If you like bold, graphic, sometimes disturbing art, then head to the Beirut Exhibition Center this month to see the work of Lebanese artist Jean Marc Nahas.
Raha Moharrak becomes the first Saudi woman and youngest Arab to make it to the top of the Everest mountain
06:55 GMT
25-year-old Raha Moharrak became the first Saudi woman and youngest Arab to climb the world's highest mountain.
Dubai's investments in tourism pay off: UAE attracts most tourists in the region.
06:34 GMT
The Middle East, spearheaded by the UAE, is one of the fastest growing tourism destination in spite of the Arab Spring.
UAE trade surplus to hit $ 90.7 billion
06:00 GMT
The UAE economy growth is expected to lower to 3.9 percent in 2012 after a solid 2011, when the GDP expanded 5.2 percent led by high oil prices and a 10.2 percent increase in oil production.
Ministry floats 11 tenders for Sharqiya internal roads
06:00 GMT
The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources (MRMWR) has floated as many as 11 tenders for the design and construction of internal roads in South and North Sharqiya.
Bieber had to leave his monkey in Munich back in March.
05:00 GMT
Before hip hoppin' it up in Dubai, Justin Bieber had to leave his pet monkey in Munich for failing to provide the animal's vaccination papers during his International 'Believe' tour. Now, the teen star allegedly owes an animal shelter thousands for failing to return for the climbing creature.
Qatari banks will continue to look at international expansion in 2013-14
05:00 GMT
The banking system in Qatar has been robust, with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20 percent in assets from March 2008 - March 2012 and another 20 percent in the year to March 2013.
Omantel will offer redundant routed capacity with superior quality and the lowest latency
05:00 GMT
Omantel announced that it inked an agreement for another submarine cable, the 'Bay of Bengal Gateway' submarine cable system (BBG).
Digital advertising spend in the region is expected to grow
05:00 GMT
While regional advertisers are aware that the industry is going 'mobile’, spend on digital advertising is still low.
Yemeni women see it all and shared their struggles to protect their country at the National Dialogue Conference in March of this year.
04:00 GMT
The Arab Spring showed that Yemeni women care deeply about their countries and want to be part of making it succeed; human rights suppression in KSA; update on soldier hostages in Sinai; and a visit to Assad's torture chambers
Emotional Beckham pays tribute to PSG
01:35 GMT
The ex-England captain, who played his final professional game at Parc des Princes on Saturday, admitted it was "special" to finish his career in the "beautiful" French capital.

May 18, 2013

Bomb-detecting robots to boost security at Football World Cup 2014 in Brazil (Picture courtesy of militaryfactory.com)
18:57 GMT
To increase the security at the upcoming Football World Cup in Brazil in 2014, the Brazil government will reportedly use a fleet of robots that are usually used to neutralize roadside bombs and inspect areas for traces of explosives.
Hummels doubtful for Champions League final
18:56 GMT
The BVB defender injured himself when conceding a penalty in the defeat to Hoffenheim on Saturday and there is a chance that he may now...
Fergie slams Man City for 'not so surprising' Mancini sacking
13:39 GMT
Retiring Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has criticised arch rivals Manchester City for sacking Roberto Mancini from the post of manager, although he admitted the news had not come as a complete surprise to him.
Ancelotti warns 'Chelsea-bound' Mourinho to beware of 'sack'
13:30 GMT
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has been warned by Paris Saint Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti that he may also be sacked by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich if he returns to the club.
Despite her age and efforts, Lebanese singer Sabah is still the queen of love...and gossips.
08:39 GMT
Lebanese singer still a hot topic for gossips with latest rumor saying she has married a 21-year-old.
An Egyptian protester carries a picture of late president Anwar al-Sadat during a demonstration against President Mohammed Morsi on Friday in Tahrir Square, Cairo. AFP photo
08:25 GMT
Supporters of a new petition that seeks to out Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi clashed in Cairo on Friday, with teenagers and security forces in Tahrir Square.
The raging war in Syria is no obstacle to human trafficking.
08:15 GMT
The raging war in Syria is no obstacle to the trafficking of dozens of migrant workers from Lebanon into the country every month in spite of official ban. Experts call for new legislation.
I'm not dead yet, ladies...Cheeky chappy Qusai Hatem will live to see another day. Image courtesy of MBC
08:02 GMT
The rumour mill worked overdrive when it reported that former The Voice contestant Qusai Hatem was dead. No one was more surprised that Qusai himself to hear the reports. Luckily for his fans, he quickly tweeted that he was ok.
Freedom! Syrian actress May Skaf was released after her second arrest for her vocal opposition to Assad's regime.
07:47 GMT
Syrian actress and activist May Skaf who was arrested on allegations of terrorism was freed later on Friday evening.
A view of a coffee shop near Fallujah, just west of Baghdad, destroyed in the bomb blasts that killed over 60 people on Friday. AFP Photo
07:39 GMT
Bombs exploded outside Sunni mosques and one targeted a funeral party in Baghdad and Madain, just south of the capital yesterday, killing some 60 Sunni Muslims in the latest wave of sectarian violence sweeping Iraq.
Morsi's looks won't be enough to win Saudi Arabia over.
05:00 GMT
Saudi Arabia keeps Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood at an arm's length in spite of its open support to Arab Islamist movements.
"Assad must go!". It's raining men and they're tough ones too!
05:00 GMT
US and Turkey sing in unison: Assad must step down.
First to fight, first to suffer. Where did the Syrian women's revolution go?
05:00 GMT
Calling a spade a spade, it's rape not a Holy War.
From chanting to disenchantment: a documentary goes behind of the scenes with ex- Muslim Brothers. Photo for illustrative purposes only.
05:00 GMT
New documentary gives a critical insight into Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood through the life of its former members.
05:00 GMT
The Saudi religious police have stepped forward to condemn social networking sites, especially Twitter, saying those who use them have "lost their lives and their afterlife"
A Syrian reporter holds what he believes to be the remains of the canisters that held the poisonous gas dropped form helicopters onto the people of Saraqeb. ( image courtesy of Yalla Souriya )
04:00 GMT
One mother lies dead on a gurney in a Syrian hospital and the eye witness account of her son, along with her symptoms, points directly to poisonous gas; hotel jumping in Beirut; Bahrain explained without words; and a sign of a good boss.

May 17, 2013

Rojiblancos ride luck to end derby drought in Copa cracker
23:33 GMT
Atletico Madrid have won the 2012-13 Copa del Rey after an enthralling 2-1 extra-time victory against Real Madrid in the final at Santiago Bernabeu on Friday.
Ferguson & Bale claim end-of-season awards
20:27 GMT
The Manchester United boss and Tottenham midfielder have been rewarded for record-breaking campaigns with the Manager of the Year and Player of the Year accolades
Wenger to stay on at Arsenal despite move rumours
13:44 GMT
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has insisted that he will be staying on at the club and will not be joining the list of high-profile changes following the retirements of David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Tottenham believes Bale will stay on at 170,000 pounds-a week deal
13:43 GMT
Tottenham Hotspurs is confident that winger Gareth Bale will agree to stay on at the club at 170,000-pounds-a week deal, as Real Madrid and Manchester United eye the in-demand triple Player of the Year.
Walking the fine line: sexy but not vulgar for Lebanese singer Pascal's new video.
11:02 GMT
Lebanese singer Pascal self-censors her latest video and gets the cold shoulder from her director.
Elissa doesn't look like a balloon to us....
10:59 GMT
Lets hope for his sake that cheeky X Factor judge Wael Kfoury's latest comments on fellow judge Elissa as a "big blown up balloon don't get taken the wrong way!
The Quran goes global as the Saudi Two Holy Mosques will soon offer Sermons in English. (Photo for illustrative purposes only).
10:50 GMT
The non-Arabic speakers will soon be granted access to the Quran's holy world as Sermons get translated into English at the Two Holy Mosques.
A lone chicken is seen in the rubble of the site where an Israeli airstrike struck Damascus earlier this month. AFP Image
10:29 GMT
An Israeli official has come forward to say that the Israeli government may attack Syria again so as to prevent the transfer of weapons to what he called "Islamist militants".
Tunisian hardline Salafis to rally on Sunday, defying government ban. (Photo for illustrative purposes only)
10:18 GMT
Ansar al Sharia vows to go through with their annual hardline Salafi annual convention in spite of the Tunisian government's ban.
A screenshot from the video in which Al Nusra fighters execute men in rural Syria. Acts such as this have lead the US to call its leader Mohammad Al Golani a terrorist. AFP/YouTube image.
10:17 GMT
After adding sanctions to the Syrian government, including blacklisting several ministers and institutions that it says helped President Bashar Assad begin the civil war, as well as labelling Mohammad Al Golani, the leader of the Al Qaeda linked Al Nusra front a terrorist.

May 16, 2013

The Afghan version of the Arab Spring: suicide bombings and violence. Photo for illustrative purposes only.
21:41 GMT
Surge in violence in Afghanistan: at least 15 victims in a car bomb attack in Kabul on Thursday.
Bibi the polar bear: Though appearing docile, the polar bear is the largest land carnivore on earth and with the threat of extinction, they are aggressive and extremely vicious. As Bibi the Bear goes, his mode is to protect his species - and state-  and satiate his carnivorous cravings.  Could they be a similar type of mammal?
17:03 GMT
Check out this cheeky gallery of Middle East leaders given an animal likeness. We spotted an uncanny resemblance between some of our big chiefs and their appointed counterparts in the animal kingdom. We're just saying...And we made sure there were no dogs or pigs on them!
Beckham announces retirement
15:08 GMT
The former England captain has decided to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career - despite the best efforts of les Parisiens to persuade him to play on for another year
Balotelli vows to walk off pitch following future racial abuse
14:52 GMT
AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has said that he has been subjected to much racial abuse and will walk off pitch if he faces anymore racial slurs during the game.
Injured Murray likely to miss French Open
14:50 GMT
Tennis ace Andy Murray has said that it is 'unlikely' that he will play in the French Open starting Sunday, following a chronic back injury.
A sky view of Mecca, Saudi Arabia
14:36 GMT
Saudi Arabia will continue to make the most of the competitive advantage presented by its hydrocarbon reserves despite rising US shale oil production.
The bodies of two Palestinian children get carried to the mosque by family members. This shot won Paul Hansen the 2012 World Press Photo award. Source: Tumblr.
14:18 GMT
The only fake thing about the 2012 World Press Photo of the Year proves to be the rumor around it.
Lampard signs one-year contract extension at Chelsea
14:05 GMT
The day after lifting the Europa League trophy in Amsterdam, the 34-year-old has put pen to paper on fresh terms to keep him at Stamford Bridge for another year
Armed Yemeni tribesmen lead a blindfolded abductee to an unidentified place. (Photo PressTV)
14:01 GMT
Yemeni tribesmen released three kidnapped employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the humanitarian agency and a Yemeni security source said on Thursday.
Chicken run: KFC gets smuggled from Egypt into Gaza through tunnels. (Photo courtesy of BuzzFeed)
13:33 GMT
People living in Gaza have found an underground way to access the junk food giant KFC's delicacies. But gluttony comes at a price.
Seven Egyptian security personnel  were taken hostage in Sinai. (image for illustrative purposes only courtesy of  Collage Museum)
13:26 GMT
Apparently swiping up tourists was too easy for the Sinai clans so they moved on to kidnapping the country's security brass; a bridge to connect Lebanon and Cyprus; no more pressure cookers for Saudis; and convicted terrorist deported to Lebanon.
Retail showed the best performance among sectoral indices
13:04 GMT
The Saudi stock market recorded nominal gains yesterday, as the Tadawul All-Share Index (TASI) closed higher to 7,147.42, adding 8.11 points or 0.11 percent for the entire day.
No safe haven: there is a growing unrest around the Sinai area in Egypt. Photo for illustrative purposes only.
13:00 GMT
The manhunt has begun after seven officers were kidnapped by unknown assailants in North Sinai on Thursday.
Credit is likely to maintain the current trajectory
12:57 GMT
Saudi banks continue to support the macroeconomic conditions by providing the necessary financing for local businesses.
A couple who have been ordered to serve two months in a Dubai jail after being found guilty of having sex in the back of a taxi claim they have been financially crippled by their court battle.
12:56 GMT
A couple who have been ordered to serve two months in a Dubai jail after being found guilty of having sex in the back of a taxi claim they have been financially crippled by their court battle.
Gas Prices Continue To Rise As Uprisings In Mideast Drive Price Of Crude Oil Up (Getty Images)
12:45 GMT
The Middle East is facing a double dilemma over the global competitiveness for oil in the future.
At least 20 percent of students say that they resort to political connections and 73 percent think that political connections are important to find jobs. (photo: Haitham Moussawi)
12:41 GMT
When Lebanese graduates begin looking for jobs, what does it actually mean to employ personal connections to improve employment chances?
Departing Benitez 'proud' of Chelsea for Europa League win
11:54 GMT
Chelsea's leaving interim manager Rafael Benitez has said that he is proud of the team after they won the Europa League 2-0 against Benfica with the help of a match-winning strike by Branislav Ivanovic.
Zaya Dubai will be the developers
11:42 GMT
Dubai-based Skai Holdings plans to build a $1 billion (Dh3.67 billion) hotel with over 200 serviced apartments on Palm Jumeirah.
Google was set to launch a music subscription service
11:40 GMT
“Expect to hear a lot of noise on new search products like Google Now and voice search integration.“
(Getty Images)
11:12 GMT
Alfa unrolled the country’s first commercial 4G data service in certain areas of Beirut Wednesday and Lebanon’s second mobile operator, touch, is set to follow suit next week.
(AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI)
11:08 GMT
“It was important to have the museum be a museum of hope, to show that it is possible to rebuild a new life after living through something very dramatic,”director Roger Mayou told AFP ahead of the official reopening on May 18.
The executioner in the video was from the al-Nusra front (image used for illustrative purposes)
10:57 GMT
A video uploaded to Youtube shows the al-Qaeda linked Al Nusra Front executing 11 men they accused of carrying out massacres against the Syrian people
From smiles to serious faces, AUC showcased a musical double feature
10:54 GMT
AUC Music Department delivered two classic story lines in a performance that blew the audience away. The one-act opera ‘The Telephone’ and highlights from ‘Les Miserables’ translated into Egyptian Colloquial Arabic made folks go from laughter to tears all in one night.
Staff are angry and frustrated with their company’s policy
10:23 GMT
The firm in question has been keeping employees’ mobile phones under lock and key during working hours.
"The recovery in the economy is solid, the expectation is around 4 per cent"
10:16 GMT
Dubai’s benchmark index continued yesterday from where it ended on Tuesday, as stocks maintained their upward trend to set new highs since October 2009.
Sharif has somethin' to smile about.
10:12 GMT
Looks like congratulations are in order for good ol’ Egyptian actor, Sharif Munir, on the birth of his newest granddaughter, Lara.
What creation will Tamer and JLo culminate?
10:07 GMT
Egypt’s megastar is perfecting the art of East meets West in music by developing joint projects with the U.S.’s hottest singers: Jennifer Lopez (JLo), Pitbull, and Akon.
The newly discovered skeleton is thought to belong to a young Roman warrior who died in battle (Ahram image)
09:07 GMT
A human skeleton of a young Roman warrior, likely killed in warfare, has been unearthed in south Aswan, Egypt
Turkish women in distress at the site of bomb explosion on the Syria border (AFP)
08:54 GMT
Turkish police apprehended four suspects late Wednesday in connection with car bomb attacks in Reyhanli at the weekend
Angelina Jolie makes another daring move.
08:26 GMT
The region's fave philanthropist took an extreme precautionary measure against breast cancer with her recent double mastectomy, but many folks are wondering if it was REALLY necessary. One of Dubai's top breast cancer specialist, however, agrees with Angelina's sensible decision.
Mohammad Assaf has shined on Arab Idol, making Palestine proud.
08:03 GMT
An Israeli TV station aired a report in Hebrew, highlighting the large fan base for the Palestinian homeboy, Mohammad Assaf, who is a season 2 finalist on the MBC talent show.
DSI has bid for mechanical works at Abu Dhabi’s midfield airport terminal project
05:40 GMT
“Abu Dhabi, I think, is expected to release a lot of work this year, including the building of the new Dh2 billion Khalifa hospital,” said Tabari.
Polish pianist Mariola Cieniawa can fan herself and play at the same time.
05:00 GMT
One of Poland's outstanding pianists is bringing the music to Egypt. Mariola Cieniawa will perform a recital at Cairo's historic Manasterly Palace on Sunday 19 May.
Best friends? Fatah and Hamas vow to set-up a united Palestinian government. Photo for illustrative purposes only.
05:00 GMT
Opposing Palestinian factions have reached an agreement to work on forming a unity government.
Hail to the King: Freedom of expression still has a long way to go in Bahrain.
05:00 GMT
Six Bahraini twitters criticize the Kingdom and get sentenced to a year of prison each.