Dubai’s Burj Al Arab to close for first-ever 18-month refurbishment amid tourism slowdown
Dubai’s most iconic hotel, the Burj Al Arab, is set to close for the first time since opening in 1999 as it begins an extensive 18-month refu...
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius met in Washington on 14 July to discuss increasing NATO defence spending and support for Ukraine.
Hegseth praised Germany’s commitment to defence spending within NATO, viewing it as a sign of European leadership. He expressed hope that U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies would further strengthen this cooperation.
Pistorius emphasised the longstanding and strong partnership between the U.S. and Germany, describing it as a cornerstone of the transatlantic alliance.
He stated that Germany aims to take a leading role among allies by increasing defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Germany has eased constitutional debt limits to meet NATO’s target of raising defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2029. This move will increase Germany’s defence budget from €95 billion in 2025 to €162 billion by 2029.
During the talks, the German side sought clarification on U.S. arms supplies to Ukraine, the deployment of Patriot missile systems, and the future size of U.S. forces in Europe.
Pistorius also confirmed Germany’s readiness to fund U.S.-made Patriot missile systems destined for Ukraine—a proposal previously put forward by Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Patriot missiles would be sent to Ukraine, with costs to be covered by the European Union.
A preliminary round of Lebanon-Israel talks has concluded in Washington, marking a tentative diplomatic step as regional tensions rise. The development comes as the United States launches a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Greenland’s prime minister has appointed his predecessor to oversee foreign affairs, as pressure from Washington intensifies over the Arctic island’s future.
Spain’s plan to grant legal status to hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants is facing early resistance, with immigration officers warning they may strike over a lack of preparation and resources.
The U.S. and Iran could resume peace talks over the next couple of days, U.S. President Donald Trump has said. Talks between Israel and Lebanon were held in Washington yesterday. Fuel prices have dropped below $100 a barrel. U.S. blockade on Iranian ports completes first day.
An Indian healthcare provider plans to invest $50 million in diagnostic and pharmaceutical projects in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region, aiming to expand access to advanced medical services between 2026 and 2028.
France is set to vote on a controversial law targeting what it calls “new forms” of antisemitism, sparking sharp divisions and raising concerns over free speech, criticism of Israel and the protection of Jewish communities.
Hungary’s election winner, Péter Magyar, said on Wednesday his cabinet could be sworn in by mid-May, with Magyar taking office as prime minister, and pledged swift action to unlock billions in suspended European Union funding.
A former NATO chief and senior figure the UK's ruling Labour Party has launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing his government of failing to adequately fund defence.
Russia has signalled it is ready to increase energy supplies to China, underscoring deepening ties between the two powers ahead of an expected visit by President Vladimir Putin.
Germany has announced an additional €20 million in humanitarian support for Sudan as Berlin hosts a major international conference aimed at raising more than $1 billion to address one of the world’s most severe and increasingly overlooked crises.
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