Second-largest Saudi city, gateway to Mecca, major Red Sea port
The GCC has established a Unified Military Command headquartered in Kuwait, with forces allocated to the new forward command following a meeting of defense ministers in Manama. The move strengthens joint Gulf security amid Iranian attacks and regional threats, with Kuwait serving as a forward base to speed coordination and deployment.
Saudi authorities have said they have intercepted a Houthi-launched drone south of Mecca and have called the attempt a "red line" because it targeted Islam's holiest sites. Regional capitals and Muslim organisations have condemned the strikes on Saudi cities and infrastructure, and analysts warn the attacks will raise pressure on shipping routes and global energy supplies.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly backed an external, independent review of FIFA’s governance for major initiatives and proposes a structured consultation with confederations and member associations. The move follows backlash over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise and amid calls for leadership changes as Infantino seeks re-election.
Fury and Joshua have agreed to meet at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on 11 December, with Netflix streaming globally. After years of delays and negotiator standoffs, Britain hosts one of boxing’s biggest events as both fighters push to settle a decade-long rivalry.
The Houthis have expanded their attacks on Saudi targets, claiming to strike a sensitive site in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu. Saudi intercepts six missiles aimed at Taif and Yanbu as fighting intensifies along Yemen’s coast and in border areas. The conflict threatens regional oil routes and global supply chains.
Saudi Arabia has secured the Gulf Cup title at home after a 2-0 win over the UAE, with early goals from Hammam Al-Hammami and Feras Al-Brikan setting the pace. Donis’s side solidified their path to Asian Cup 2027 preparations, while UAE’s Zlatko Dalic era faces a difficult lesson in resilience.
Ottolenghi Edinburgh has opened on George Street, Edinburgh, in the former Ragu site. Yotam Ottolenghi and Neil Campbell lead a transformed space offering a broad menu, from miso hake to Scottish puddings, with a lively launch attended by notable figures. The restaurant promises a vibrant, globally inspired menu and a strong emphasis on atmosphere.
President Donald Trump has approved a U.S. Army firing‑squad execution for Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, convicted for the 2009 Fort Hood shootings that killed 13 and wounded more than 30. The Pentagon has said the Army will set the time and place; officials have indicated the execution will be livestreamed and scheduled for December 3.
The Iran-backed Houthis have claimed new strikes against Saudi Arabia, targeting airports and military sites as fighting in Yemen widens. Saudi forces say they are intercepting missiles north of Riyadh, while ground and air operations on Yemen’s western coast intensify. The conflict risks disrupting regional shipping routes amid a broader regional confrontation.
Missiles and drones targeted Aden International Airport as fighting intensifies along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The attack forced a flight from Cairo to divert to Jeddah, prompting international concern as displaced people face mounting humanitarian needs amid a widening confrontation.
A landslide has blocked the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha district and caused flash floods that have swept away homes, bridges and hydropower construction camps. Authorities have reported at least five people missing, rescued dozens of residents and trekkers, and evacuated hundreds while damage to roads and energy sites is hampering relief.
A series of Houthi missile and drone strikes has struck Saudi airports this week, including a deadly attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International that has killed and wounded dozens and forced prolonged airport closures. Saudi and allied forces are mounting counter‑operations in Yemen while global leaders have condemned the assaults and airlines have suspended flights.
Drone strikes near Bulgaria's coast have hit two commercial vessels, with one sinking and 11 crew missing. Bulgaria and NATO call for support while EU leaders condemn the attacks and call for accountability as the Black Sea becomes a new front in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Israel has warned it will seize further southern Lebanon territory and evacuate Beirut’s Dahieh district if Hezbollah aligns with Iran in an attack on Israel. The remarks come amid rising tensions as Hezbollah eyes a broader confrontation, with Israel preparing a potential ground offensive in the south.
Saudi cinema gains global attention as Taibah’s film, A Matter of Life and Death, is Saudi Arabia’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 2027 Academy Awards, while the wider film festival circuit highlights local talent amid new industry initiatives.
Indonesia’s intense forest and peatland fires persist as El Niño drives drought, triggering cross-border haze that harms air quality and public health across Southeast Asia. Regional governments deploy firefighting personnel and aircraft while communities demand accountability and action to stop the cycle of fires and costs.
Independent Football Regulator’s findings confirm Manchester City breached Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018. The regulator says the process to hear the case will run through the season, with a formal judgment expected by January as City face potential sanctions and appeals.
The UN has set up a taskforce to move fertilisers through the Strait of Hormuz. Moreira da Silva says activation could come within seven to 10 days if Washington and Tehran agree. Five vessels per day could keep fertiliser flowing to countries in need, while a broader deal on navigation remains pending.
The Six Kings Slam tennis tournament is postponed due to logistical challenges as regional tensions prompt a wait-and-see approach ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup. Officials are monitoring the security situation and could reschedule further events if needed.
The Asian Cup is under review amid security concerns following a deadly attack on Riyadh’s airport. Organisers say preparations are ongoing while some events have been postponed or relocated; a final decision on dates awaits regional developments.
A wave of upscale hotels and multi-use spaces has refreshed rooms, spas, and dining across the UK and Middle East. From Glasgow’s Radisson Blu hydrotherapy suite to Edinburgh’s Virgin Spellbound Suite and Jeddah’s Raffles Jeddah, properties are blending wellness, design, and guest experiences in new ways.
Houthi forces have launched missile and drone strikes on the al‑Maashiq presidential palace in Aden, hitting command centres and killing and wounding guards and civilians. Yemen’s prime minister and most ministers have been reported safe. The strikes mark a sharp escalation as the Iran‑aligned rebels press attacks on Saudi targets and government positions in Yemen.
The Trump administration has waived sanctions under the Lindsey Graham Act, arguing it serves national interest. The move follows a controversial deal to import Russian diesel to curb energy prices, drawing sharp rebuke from Ukraine and some US lawmakers.
Missiles and drones strike at Saudi airports and oil facilities amid the Yemen conflict; multiple countries respond with air-defense interventions and troop deployments. Brent oil tops $100 as the Red Sea shipping lanes face renewed threats.
Delegates at the IMF-World Bank meetings in Bangkok have walked out as Russia’s finance minister addressed the room, underscoring Europe’s stance on Moscow and signaling ongoing strain in global economic diplomacy. The incident follows tense debates over Russia’s role at the G20 and broader sanctions dynamics.
Bangladesh has not been informed beforehand about the executions of two Bangladeshi nationals in Mecca, with Riyadh saying the sentences were carried out under royal decree after upholding death sentences for indecent acts in a mosque. Dhaka is seeking detailed information while coordinating body repatriation and welfare for Bangladeshis abroad.
A cluster of outlets has highlighted a Kimchi Seafood Pot, noting its Korean-Italian American roots and its flexible ingredients. Recipes emphasize tomato passata, seafood variety, and kimchi, with serving options ranging from crusty bread to pasta or rice.
The UK has deployed RAF Typhoon jets, an A400M transport and military advisers to Saudi Arabia to fly defensive missions against missiles and drones. France has sent soldiers, radars and air-defence systems to protect the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Both governments have said their roles are defensive as Houthi strikes on Saudi airports and energy sites have escalated since September.
France and Saudi Arabia have expanded energy commitments and security cooperation amid ongoing Houthi attacks. Macron’s Gulf tour secures additional diesel supplies and explores infrastructure projects to bypass Hormuz, with France deploying defensive forces to Yanbu and expanding security talks.
Houthi strikes continue to target Saudi Arabia as high-level diplomacy among regional powers and Iran-backed groups shows a push for dialogue. The Saudi-led coalition says missiles and drones intercepted; Houthis claim a broad range of operations hitting several energy and military targets across the kingdom.
Asian Cup organizers have confirmed kickoff times and venues for the 2027 tournament across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Alkhobar, with a Feb. 5 final at King Fahd Sports City Stadium. The schedule aims to satisfy commercial and broadcast needs as regional tensions persist.
The Saudi-led coalition says it has intercepted missiles and drones, while Yemeni Houthis claim strikes near Aden and other targets. Casualties are mounting on both sides as clashes intensify around Bab al-Mandab and in the Red Sea region, amid a broader regional confrontation.
The Asian Football Confederation has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia from 7 January 2027 to 23 December 2027–21 January 2028. Organisers have said "exceptional circumstances" and logistical and travel disruptions have made the original dates untenable. Saudi domestic fixtures have been rescheduled and other regional sporting events have been cancelled or delayed.
The National Center for Meteorology has issued warnings for thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and potential flash floods across multiple Saudi regions. The Civil Defense is urging residents to avoid flood channels and follow safety guidance as authorities prepare emergency response measures.