2+ hour, 49+ min ago (421+ words) Doha: Japan is entering a new phase of economic policy as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country's first woman to hold the office, assumes the leadership of the country. PM Takaichi has vowed to revive Japan's economic growth through what she calls a "responsible proactive fiscal policy." This policy aims to strike a difficult balance between deploying spending in strategic sectors, while preserving fiscal sustainability and maintaining control over Japan's already-large public debt. Boosting growth is a formidable task for a country that faces significant structural challenges and an uncertain global outlook, QNB said in its economic commentary Japan's economic performance has been underwhelming in recent years. After the post-Covid pandemic rebound, annual real GDP growth fluctuated around 0.8% during 2022-2024. This year, the economy showed a modest recovery, supported by increasing real income that boosted consumption, fiscal stimulus, and a depreciated…...

3+ hour, 19+ min ago (338+ words) Participant with his falcon during the competition. Doha, Qatar: The second edition of the Katara Falconry and Hunting Championship 2025, which continues until December 6th at the Marmi Sabkha in Sili, revealed its first secrets by announcing the winners of the top five places in the Gyrfalcon category. The qualifying rounds for the Gyrfalcon category were also held, and the qualifying rounds for the falconry competition for groups 15 through 20 continued. The winners of the top five places are: Mohammed Yousef Al-Mannai, who won first place with his falcon achieving a time of 1.859 seconds; Team Al-Zam, who won second and fourth place; and Team Lusail, who won third and fifth place. In the qualifying rounds for the "Qarnas Hurr" category of the falconry competition, 10 participants advanced to the final. The qualifiers are: Al-Shahaniya team (4 falcons), Hamad Abdulhadi bin Nayfa, Mohammed Jassim Al-Kuwari, Mohammed…...

11+ hour, 24+ min ago (259+ words) Cairo: The State of Qatar took part in an event organized Sunday by the General Secretariat of the Arab League at its headquarters in Cairo to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Deputy Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the Arab League, Maryam Ahmed Al Shaibi, led Qatar's delegation to the event. The event was held in response to the UNGA resolution issued in 1977 to revive this day annually, with the aim of reaffirming the just Palestinian cause and standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle to end the occupation and restore freedom and independence. It underscores their independent and sovereign statehood, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. Overall, the event featured solidarity speeches and the screening of a…...

12+ hour, 30+ min ago (192+ words) Ramallah: Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has held discussions in Ramallah with Denmark s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, focusing... World / Middle East Palestinian PM urges Denmark to recognize statehood in talks on Gaza and West Bank Ramallah: Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has held discussions in Ramallah with Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, focusing on political developments and the situation on the ground in Gaza, the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem. Mustafa reiterated that the Palestinian Authority holds full mandate and sovereignty over all Palestinian territories, stressing that any future transitional arrangements must be coordinated directly with Palestinian institutions. His comments come as international actors explore post-conflict scenarios for Gaza. The prime minister welcomed global efforts to support relief, recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, highlighting the importance of the Arab-Palestinian recovery framework, which he said enjoys broad…...

12+ hour, 35+ min ago (399+ words) Kuwait: The Arab Book Award participated in the 48th Kuwait International Book Fair, organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) under the theme "Capital of Culture, Homeland of the Book". The Award showcased its pioneering experience in a critical session entitled "Literary Awards: Honoring Creativity and Building Presence", featuring Dr. Hanan Al Fayadh, Media Advisor for the Award, and Dr. Imtinan Al Samadi, Professor of Modern Arabic Literature at the University of Jordan and Media Coordinator of the Arab Book Award, amid a striking attendance of cultural stakeholders. Dr. Al Samadi emphasized that literary awards are not merely mechanisms for honoring individuals, but extend to a broader framework, going beyond celebration to create a tangible impact on the cultural landscape. She highlighted their influential power in generating visibility and financial value, amplifying their effect far beyond what…...

19+ hour, 27+ min ago (635+ words) FROM LEFT: LOC Executive Director of Communications and Media, Fatma Al Nuaimi, FIFA Head of Youth Tournaments, Roberto Grassi, LOC CEO, Jassim Al Jassim, Ministry of Interior Spokesman, Colonel Dr. Jabr H. J. Al Naimi and Hayya Director at Qatar Tourism, Saeed Al Kuwari during a press conference yesterday. Doha, Qatar: Qatar yesterday reaffirmed its full readiness to stage the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) outlined final preparations at a press conference held at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The regional football showpiece kicks off tomorrow, with 16 teams vying for the prestigious title. LOC CEO Jassim Al Jassim said Qatar is set to deliver "an exceptional tournament, highlighting strong demand across all key areas. Ticket sales have crossed 700,699, including 210,209 purchased by fans outside Qatar - a clear indication of the event's popularity in the region. "After Qatar, most…...

1+ day, 3+ hour ago (296+ words) Palm Beach, United States: US President Donald Trump on Friday made a major intervention into Honduran politics days before the country's presidential election, pardoning a convicted ex-leader. Trump said he will pardon ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted last year in a US court of drug trafficking charges and sentenced to 45 years in prison. Hernandez, who led the Central American nation from 2014 to 2022, was accused by US prosecutors of facilitating the import of some 400 tons of cocaine into the United States. He was extradited to the United States just weeks after leaving office, when the current president, leftist Xiomara Castro, came to power. Trump's stunning announcement came in a social media post proclaiming support for Nasry Asfura, the candidate of Hernandez's right-wing party in Honduras's presidential election on Sunday. The US president had earlier endorsed Asfura, but his latest…...

1+ day, 6+ hour ago (622+ words) More than 700,000 tickets sold for the prestigious competition as excitement builds across the region Doha, Qatar: In a press conference held today in Doha, the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC) announced Qatar's preparedness to host the second edition of the prestigious regional competition from 1-18 December. A total of 16 teams will have a chance to lift the coveted trophy. Speaking at the press conference were Jassim Al Jassim, LOC CEO; Roberto Grassi, FIFA Representative; Saeed Al Kuwari, Hayya Director at Qatar Tourism; Colonel Dr. Jabr H. J. Al Naimi, Spokesperson of Ministry of Interior; and Fatma Al Nuaimi, LOC Executive Director of Communications and Media. The tournament has garnered wide attention with 700,699 tickets sold so far. In particular, 210,209 of these tickets were purchased by supporters outside of Qatar, reaffirming the competition's regional appeal. Supporters of Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia…...

1+ day, 7+ hour ago (174+ words) Gaza: The Health Ministry in Gaza said Saturday that the death toll from the Israeli assault on the Strip has climbed to 70,100, with 170,983 people w... World / Middle East Death toll from assault on Gaza rises to more than 70,000 Gaza: The Health Ministry in Gaza said Saturday that the death toll from the Israeli assault on the Strip has climbed to 70,100, with 170,983 people wounded since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023. The ministry said in a statement that two bodies reached Gaza hospitals in the past 48 hours, one person newly killed and another whose remains were recovered, along with 11 wounded. According to the ministry, 354 people have been killed and 906 wounded since a cease-fire took effect in October. It said 606 bodies have been recovered during that period. The ministry also added 299 names to its cumulative death toll after their information was verified and approved…...

1+ day, 14+ hour ago (239+ words) Doha, Qatar: The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy has announced that the Doha Metro will be free of charge for FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 ticke... Free Doha Metro rides for FIFA Arab Cup 2025 ticket holders Doha, Qatar: The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy has announced that the Doha Metro will be free of charge for FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 ticket holders. Fans can enjoy complimentary rides by presenting their same-day match ticket at any Doha Metro station. Qatar is set to host the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 from December 1 to 18, welcoming teams and supporters from across the region. Organizers expect a major turnout, with over 700,000 tickets already sold, underscoring the region's growing passion for the game. Mozambique eyes stronger ties with Qatar to boost trade, energy and tourism From diplomacy to green growth: Qatar and Sweden embark on a…...