The landmark Saudi-Qatar rail agreement promises faster travel, billions in economic benefits, and deeper Gulf cooperation. The 785km high-speed line will link Riyadh and Doha, serving millions of passengers and strengthening trade, tourism, and sustainability goals

Bethlehem has lit its iconic Christmas tree once again following a ceasefire linked to the Gaza war. The move signals hope for peace and tourism recovery, even as unemployment, financial strain and regional tensions continue to shape daily life

Seafarers from the sunken Eternity C have been released and evacuated to Oman after being held in Yemen, as renewed Houthi attacks revive fears over Red Sea shipping safety and global trade disruptions amid escalating regional conflict and diplomatic mediation

Max Verstappen says his parents will sit out the Abu Dhabi finale, noting the title fight was never expected late in the season. The Red Bull star enters Yas Marina with renewed championship momentum after McLaren’s Qatar setback

Israel launched new air strikes on towns in southern Lebanon hours after unprecedented direct talks with Beirut, underscoring rising tensions over Hezbollah’s military reconstruction and the fragile ceasefire that has struggled to hold since late 2024

Iran will now attend the World Cup draw in Washington after resolving a visa row with the United States. The reversal follows days of political tension, with coach Amir Ghalenoei and select officials receiving clearance to travel

Public anger over unequal military service is driving Israel toward a critical showdown. A proposed draft law targeting Haredi exemptions has triggered protests, coalition turmoil, and warnings that the crisis may reshape Israel’s political landscape ahead of next year’s elections

The UN Committee Against Torture has released a damning assessment of Israel’s treatment of Palestinian detainees, citing evidence of organised torture, inhumane conditions, and possible crimes against humanity, despite persistent Israeli denials of wrongdoing

The Trump administration is examining whether to classify Muslim Brotherhood chapters in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon as terrorist organisations, a step that would impose severe sanctions and travel restrictions, escalating long-running debates over the group’s role in regional instability

Cristiano Ronaldo stunned fans with a sensational bicycle kick in the 96th minute, helping Al Nassr secure a dominant 4-1 win and extend their league lead. The 40-year-old continues to defy expectations in Saudi Arabia

Israel’s strike on Beirut killed Hezbollah’s second-in-command Haytham Ali Tabatabai, sparking fears of renewed conflict as the group vows a response and Lebanese officials urge international intervention to halt escalating tensions

Tehran has refused IAEA inspections at bombed nuclear facilities, insisting on a new agreement before granting access. The move follows the Iran-Israel conflict, snapback sanctions, and stalled nuclear negotiations with both Washington and Europe