UAE confirms main rain wave over highest rain 127mm in RAK
UAE (Washington Insider) – The UAE saw heavy rainfall this week, with Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Ghazlah recording 127mm. NCM warns of cool temperatures, showers, strong winds, dust, and rough seas over the weekend. As Meher Dhanjal reported on…
Israel arrests Russian Vitaly Zvyagintsev for Iran spy case
Israel (Washington Insider) – Israeli authorities arrested 30-year-old Russian Vitaly Zvyagintsev in early December for spying for Iran, photographing strategic sites, receiving crypto payments, amid Israel-Iran covert tensions; investigations…
Russian Lavrov calls EU “Rude” over China-India ties with Moscow
Russia (Washington Insider) – Russian FM Sergey Lavrov criticised EU leaders over China-India ties with Moscow, reaffirmed Ukraine peace talks with the US, mentioned Macron-Putin dialogue, and discussed Egypt-Russia projects with Abdelatty.…
Syria welcomes Caesar Act repeal as UK imposes sanctions
Syria (Washington Insider) – Syria welcomed the full U.S. Caesar Act repeal in December 2025, aiding reconstruction. Trump, Central Bank Governor Husrieh, interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, and allies, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, were involved;…
Ramy Sabry performs at The Village opening in Egypt’s Celia
Egypt (Washington Insider) – Egyptian singer Ramy Sabry performed at The Village opening in Egypt’s Celia, New Administrative Capital, attended by thousands; Carrefour opened with 10% discounts, and Kids Station launched with up to 50% off. As…
AFC President praises Qatar’s hosting of FIFA Arab Cup 2025
Qatar (Washington Insider) – AFC President Sheikh Salman praised Qatar’s organisation of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, congratulated Morocco on their 3-2 final win over Jordan, and highlighted the tournament’s role in developing Arab football. As Gulf…
UK confirms Foreign Office hack, low risk to individuals
to approve the embassy after MI5’s assessment, ahead of a visit to Beijing by the Prime Minister.UK (Washington Insider) – The UK confirmed a Foreign Office cyberattack, linked to China-based Storm-1849. MI5 warned MPs of Chinese spying. Ministers,…
Qatar real estate reaches QAR 2.26B in November 2025
Qatar (Washington Insider) – Qatar’s real estate market saw strong growth in November 2025, with 530 deals worth QAR 2.261 billion, led by Al Rayyan, Doha, Al Wakrah, and 115 mortgages totalling QAR 3.76 billion. As Yara Abi Farraj reported on…
UAE launches 6th World’s Coolest Winter with AED 6B revenue
UAE (Washington Insider) – The UAE launched the 6th “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign on December 16, 2025, promoting entrepreneurship, local SMEs, and eco-tourism. Since 2020, it generated AED 6 billion, says Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. As…
Israel’s Smotrich threatens to withhold Palestinian tax revenues
Palestine (Washington Insider) – Israel’s finance minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened to withhold Palestinian tax revenues over West Bank waste burning, announcing an emergency plan with military orders, heavy fines, and costs charged to the PA.…