????Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim on your podcast app????
Month: February 2026
Zelenskyy accuses Russia of ‘trying to drag out’ process as Ukraine talks end without breakthrough
Latest round of US-mediated peace negotiations come to close in Geneva with war set to enter its fifth year next week
Greetings from Cairo, where lights and decorations transform the city during Ramadan
As Ramadan begins, traditional lanterns called fawanees brighten Cairo. They have become a symbol of Ramadan and are an almost-mandatory home decoration for the holy month in Egypt.
Glencore still open to ‘mega-miner’ deal after Rio collapse
Swiss resources giant Glencore is still open to a transformative merger with another mining group, its CEO said Wednesday, two weeks after dropping a plan to combine with British-Australian miner
Rubio’s Munich speech was an offer of friendship – but on white, Christian, Maga terms
The top US diplomat’s soothing tone masked a familiar message: Europe can remain America’s ally – but at a cost
Curling’s air of gentility melts amid cheating row
The genteel Olympic sport of curling has attracted a cult following, but one of its leading lights says the spirit of the sport is “dead” after cheating claims at the
Australia bans a citizen with alleged IS links from returning from Syria
The Australian is among a group of 34 women and children who had planned to fly from Damascus to Australia on Monday but were turned back by Syrian authorities to the Roj detention camp due to procedural problems.
Russia’s hybrid warfare rattles Poland and NATO
Russia is stepping up covert attacks across Europe — rail sabotage, drones, cyberstrikes — testing NATO. Polish officials warn “disposable agents” are sowing fear and weakening support for Ukraine.
U.S. men’s hockey outlasts Sweden in OT; Final four matchups set for Olympic tournament
The U.S. men’s hockey team defeated Sweden 2-1 in an overtime quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday and advances to the semifinals on Feb. 20.
The National Archives and Library launches the second session of the project (x 71) entitled “Family Outings”
https://www.wam.ae/a/byswq19
JANAT Paris introduce Guinness World Record Tea Experience to the hospitality and retail partners in Dubai at Gulfood show
Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 18, 2026 /MarketersMEDIA/ — At Gulfood Dubai 2026, the world’s largest food and beverage exhibition, JANAT Paris presented its Guinness World Record tea to distributors, chefs, and hospitality leaders, offering a new luxury tea experience designed for the evolving Dubai hospitality industry and Middle East tea market.
Abu Dhabi launches Mother of the Nation initiative to support orphan care
Aim is to establish sustainable funding source to improve quality of life
Dubai police warns of accident on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
Stay informed with the latest traffic update: Dubai Police alerts drivers about an accident causing disruptions on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road near City Centre Mirdif. Exercise caution if you’re heading towards Sharjah.
What Elena Rybakina said to the physio before retiring from her Dubai match
Elena Rybakina retired from her third-round match against Antonia Ruzic at the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships. The Kazakh had won a topsy-turvy first set 7-5, but was pegged back in the second, 4-6, as Ruzic forced a decider.
The Lifelong Learning Council in Ajman directs the preparation of a comprehensive study of education needs
https://www.wam.ae/a/byswq4j
Sheikh Hamdan makes 316 people exempt from housing loan repayments
Gesture made to honour Ramadan
Sheikh Mohammed’s Ramadan campaign sets Dh1 billion target to feed starving children
Details of how to donate to the Edge of Life campaign also revealed
President Sheikh Mohamed meets US Senator Lindsey Graham in Abu Dhabi
Co-operation between UAE and US discussed during meeting at Qasr Al Shati
India declares first day of Ramadan
India marks the beginning of Ramadan on February 19 as the moon is sighted, announces Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, Qazi-e-Shahr and President of the Markazi Chand Committee.
Morocco announces Thursday as first day of Ramadan
Morocco’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs confirms Thursday, February 19, as the start of Ramadan after sighting the crescent moon. Join Muslims worldwide in welcoming this holy month of fasting and reflection.
how worried should we be?
Eye-catching martial arts performance at China gala had viewers and experts wondering what else humanoids can do
Surprise shark caught on camera for first time in Antarctica’s near-freezing deep
Many experts had thought sharks didn’t exist in the frigid waters of Antarctica.
Analysis: China’s biggest TV event had a clear star: the robot
Back-flipping, nunchuck-weilding humanoid robots delighted and amazed viewers at China’s annual televised new-year extravaganza with their kung-fu choreography. But they – and their rivals who took to the stage Monday night – also carried a message about just how rapidly Chinese androids are advancing.
Vatican declines to join Trump’s Gaza ‘Board of Peace,’ calls for UN leadership
Vatican declines to join President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza recovery, with Cardinal Pietro Parolin citing the Holy See’s “particular nature” and U.N. oversight concerns.
Beware China’s shrinking car market
But foreign carmakers will not be spared as Chinese rivals accelerate their expansion abroad | World News
Vatican declines participation in Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’
The Vatican has said it will not take part in the “Board of Peace” established by US President Donald Trump. It said the UN was the right body to manage global crises.
Lunar New Year is under way. Here is how people celebrate it
As the Year of the Horse galloped in, revelers ushered in the most prominent festival on the Chinese Lunar calendar with some quirks – from Kung Fu robots to Harry Potter’s teenage nemesis – and some reflection.
Tech billionaires fly in for Delhi AI expo as Modi jostles to lead in south
Google, Anthropic and OpenAI bosses to mingle with global south leaders wrestling for control over technology
U.S. Envoy Draws Belgium’s Rebuke Over Antisemitism Comments
The diplomatic dust-up marked the third recent spat between a U.S. ambassador and European host capital | World News
Under the patronage of the President of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Endowments launches the “Mother of the Emirates Endowment for Orphans” campaign
https://www.wam.ae/a/byswpydتحت رعاية رئيس الدولة/”أوقاف أبوظبي” تطلق حملة “وقف أُمّ الإمارات للأيتام” لتعزيز التماسك الاجتماعي في “عام الأسرة”
The National Bureau of Meteorology concludes its second scientific expedition to Antarctica by establishing the first Emirati laboratories.
https://www.wam.ae/a/byswq4h
Hamdan orders exemption of 316 citizens from housing loan repayments
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin…
Dubai announces temporary closure on Emirates Road
Dubai’s Emirates Road to undergo temporary closure on Feb 19 for enhancement works. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes and follow safety guidelines for a smooth commute.
Dubai: Client wins case against immigration consultant
Discover how a Dubai court ruled in favor of a client, ordering an immigration consultancy to refund Dh92,886 and pay compensation for breaching contractual obligations. Learn about the legal proceedings and the implications for immigration services.
Sharjah Ruler orders release of 738 inmates on occasion of Ramadan
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the release of 738 inmates, who are serving their…
President orders release of 1,440 inmates on the occasion of Ramadan
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the release of 1,440 inmates from correctional institutions across the country.
…
Ramadan and Lent beginning together is ‘powerful sign’ to spread peace
Muslim and Christian leaders in UAE say focus should be on love and respect as worshippers begin season of fasting
Imran Khan’s sons raise concerns over his health in jail, seek visas to visit him in Pakistan
Imran Khan’s sons say they fear for their father’s deteriorating health in a Pakistani jail and are seeking permission to visit the former prime minister,…
All rise: British boyband Blue announce a show in Dubai
The British boyband Blue are heading to Dubai. If you’d like to catch the four piece, here’s how to get hold of tickets.
Watch boyband Blue live this October 2026 in Dubai
Pop fans, this one’s for you. Noughties favourites Blue are heading to Dubai for a one-night-only concert later this year
The Head of State receives a member of the US Senate
https://www.wam.ae/a/byswq1c
President Sheikh Mohamed releases 1,440 prisoners for Ramadan
Financial obligations incurred as part of inmates’ sentences to be paid
Varsity booted out of India AI Summit after claiming China-made robot dog as its own
A private Indian university was booted from a top artificial intelligence summit in New Delhi on Wednesday after one of its staffers displayed a commercially…
Fujairah Ruler pardons 125 prisoners on occasion of Ramadan
H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, pardons 125 prisoners for Ramadan, offering them a fresh start and family joy. This compassionate gesture highlights the importance of good conduct and community reintegration.
Dubai Municipality opens recreational plazas in Lehbab 1 and 2 and Nazwah
Discover the new recreational plazas in Lehbab and Nazwah, part of Dubai’s initiative to enhance rural areas. These state-of-the-art facilities offer sports courts, fitness equipment, and safe play zones, promoting wellbeing and quality of life for all.
RAK Ruler pardons 407 prisoners on occasion of Ramadan
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi pardons 407 prisoners in Ras Al Khaimah for Ramadan, settling their debts to help them start anew and bring joy to their families.
The hidden danger drivers face before iftar
Discover why the final two minutes before iftar can be perilous for drivers. Sharjah Police urge patience on Ramadan roads to prevent accidents and promote safety during this critical time.
Sheikh Khaled arrives in New Delhi for AI summit
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrives in New Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit, fostering UAE-India collaboration in AI and digital transformation.
‘Climate cult’ hurts Europe’s economy, US energy secretary tells AFP
A “climate cult” has weighed on Europe’s economy, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright told AFP on Tuesday, adding that the United States has shown its allies “tough love” because it
Peru’s president ousted in ‘express impeachment’ after just four months
Interim president José Jerí voted out by country’s congress amid scandal concerning secretive meetings








