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Asia
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Modern Nomads
Inside Kazakhstan’s rock-hewn mosques now recognised by UNESCO
In partnership with MDQ
Five rock-hewn mosques and associated sacred sites dating from the 12th to the 18th centuries make up Kazakhstan’s newest UNESCO World Heritage property. The complexes preserve centuries of Sufi tradition alongside much older beliefs.
Saudi Arabia
Houthi strikes on Riyadh airport kill three, including airline captain
Two missile strikes on King Khalid International Airport forced diplomats to shelter in place and delayed dozens of flights, as Yemen’s government claimed progress in its Red Sea counter-offensive. Houthi forces said they were holding their ground.
Business
German logistics group Rhenus plans 14 Middle Corridor terminals
Global logistics company Rhenus Group plans to build a new multimodal hub in the Kazakh city of Aktau and develop up to 14 terminals along the Middle Corridor. This network will link Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Türkiye, and connect the route to the company's infrastructure in Europe.
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Business
QatarEnergy eyes LNG production in early 2027 amid $3bn loan reports
QatarEnergy is advancing its LNG expansion and has reportedly secured a $3 billion (€2.68bn) loan from Chinese banks as war damage and shipping risks constrain exports. Shipments through Hormuz are recovering, but remain far below pre-war levels.
South Korea
Kyiv open to dialogue with South Korea after it recalls ambassador
Kyiv says it is open to “constructive dialogue” with Seoul despite its decision to recall its ambassador. South Korea’s decision comes just days after its president threatened to take punitive action against Zelenskyy’s violation of the non-disclosure agreement.
Sport
Tsunoda Claims World Gold as Murao Retains His Title in Baku
Ai Tsunoda Roustant claimed her first senior world title at -70kg, defeating Michaela Polleres in golden score. At -90kg, Sanshiro Murao delivered a spectacular ippon against Goki Tajima in an all-Japanese final, defending his title to become a two-time world champion.
Azerbaijan
Experts in Baku urge action as missing persons surge worldwide
Around 280,000 people are registered as missing in Ukraine alone, with 10,000 new cases added each month, part of a 70% global rise since 2019. Forensic experts meeting in Baku said the obstacle was not forensic capacity but governmental reluctance.
Iran
Iran strikes tankers outside Hormuz in signs of expanding campaign
Two commercial vessels were hit within 24 hours — one off Qatar, the first attack in that area in six months, and one off Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman — as IRGC-affiliated outlets suggested Tehran had extended operations beyond the crucial strait.
Business Series
Inside this country's push into international clean energy
In partnership with Azpromo
Azerbaijan is expanding its international energy portfolio through renewable projects, strategic partnerships and new infrastructure, as it seeks to strengthen energy security and connect regional markets with Europe.
Business
Samsung flags 783% profit jump to record $80bn as AI chip boom surges
Samsung Electronics estimated on Thursday that its third-quarter operating profit jumped almost ninefold to a record 107.4 trillion won, or $80.2 billion, while sales at Taiwan's TSMC hit a quarterly record, as the AI boom keeps demand for chips strong.
Saudi Arabia
Houthis claim missile strikes on Riyadh as explosions heard in capital
The claims came as witnesses reported several explosions across the Saudi capital, a day after a separate Houthi drone attack on the same airport killed one person and caused flight delays that continued into Thursday.
Sport
Judo: Grigalashvili claims fourth world title as Kaju reigns again
Haruka Kaju extended her unbeaten World Judo Tour run to 40 contests, defending her -63kg world title against Kerem Primo. At -81kg, Tato Grigalashvili defeated home favourite Zelim Tckaev to claim his fourth world title and return to the top of the podium.
Iran
Iran threatens pre-emptive strikes as US questions who runs Tehran
Iran's army spokesman said Tehran's forces were prepared to strike first "should circumstances require it," while IRGC officials claimed tighter control of Hormuz, and Washington publicly pondered how much authority Pezeshkian and Araghchi actually wielded.
Iran
Iran parliament criminalises interviews with 'hostile' foreign media
The bill passed 174 to six despite cabinet opposition, carrying penalties of up to two years in prison, fines and flogging for Iranians who speak to outlets designated as hostile by the Intelligence Ministry. The bill has not yet become law and faces Guardian Council review.
Sport
Judo 2026 World Championships: Koga and Yusifov Strike Gold on Opening Day in Baku
Wakana Koga claimed her first world title at -48kg, defeating Assunta Scutto in the final. At -60kg, home favourite Ahmad Yusifov came from behind to beat Sherzod Davlatov, sending the Baku crowd into celebration on an unforgettable opening day.
