Entertainment

Revealed: 18 famous landmarks and their doppelgangers

From Stonehenge to the Colosseum, some of the most famous landmarks have inspired a host of copycat attractions and replicas around the world.

The real love story behind the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous historic monuments in the world. The magnificent mausoleum was completed in 1648 and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by millions. But did you know that it only took shape because a bereaved husband wanted to honor his late wife with a place that would embody endless love and devotion? Intrigued? Click on and read about the love story that built the Taj Mahal.

Gunmen attack police near building housing Israeli consulate in Istanbul

Three assailants opened fire at police outside a building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, sparking a gunfight that left one attacker dead, Turkish officials said. The two other assailants were wounded and captured. Two police officers sustained slight injuries, Istanbul Gov. Davut Gul told reporters. The assailants were carrying long-barreled weapons. The consulate is located in a high-rise building in Levent, one of the...

The first king of England who was forgotten by history

More than 11 centuries ago, a young ruler named Æthelstan rose to the throne of a fractured land and forged a new nation which would come to be known as England. During his lifetime, his fame as a formidable king stretched across Europe, yet today, he has become a ghost in the English story, overshadowed by Alfred the Great and the monarchs that followed. So, who was the first king of England, and why has he been forgotten? Click on to find out.

Ajman records 30,378 public transport trips in Q1

AJMAN, 9th April, 2026 (WAM) -- Ajman’s Transport Authority recorded 30,378 public transport trips in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting growing usage of public transit services in the emirate and rising customer confidence in service quality and efficiency.Sami Ali Al Jallaf, Executive Director of the Public Transport and Licensing Corporation at Ajman Transport Authority, said the figures underscore ongoing monitoring of operational...

Whales: Why we love and need them

Humpback whales are some of the most beautiful and beloved creatures of the sea. Monolithic and mysterious, their affinity for coastlines makes them a favorite for whale watchers all over the world. Their haunting whale songs and majestic breaches out of the water inspire awe in just about anyone lucky enough to spend time around these beautiful marine mammoths. What might come as a surprise to many, however, is that humpback whales are one of our greatest allies in the fight against climate change. More than just incredible creatures, humpbacks also help keep our oceans, and our air, as clean as they can. Want to know how? Read on to find out.

How to enjoy 24 hours in dynamic Dubai

Dubai is one of the most exciting destinations in the world—and one of the most expensive! The largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai deserves to be explored at leisure. But what if you have a limited amount of time to discover this opulent desert gem of a destination? If you're heading to Dubai via a layover, what can you do in 24 hours, and where should you go?Browse the following gallery for some ideas of how to spend, spend, spend some time in this compelling and record-breaking city.

Who was person of the year the year you were born?

Each year, Time magazine names one person or group of people as Person of the Year, putting them within the cover's signature red borders. The distinction isn't an honor or endorsement, but rather the recognition of a figure(/s) who has(/have) affected the news and the lives of many people that year, for better or worse. Time magazine has been granting the Person of the Year title since 1928, however, it started out as Man of the Year and became gender-neutral in 1999. Regardless of who the Person of the Year was, looking back can reveal a lot about the state of the world during that period. Discover who was awarded the title between 1950 and 2005 by clicking through this gallery!

Yemen appoints first female ambassador to US

RIYADH — Yemeni Ambassador Jamila Ali Raja was sworn in on Saturday as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the United States, becoming the first Yemeni woman to hold the post.The oath was administered before Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi at the Yemeni Embassy in Riyadh.Al-Alimi expressed confidence in Raja’s ability to leverage her political and intellectual experience to counter misleading...

Places on Earth that look like they're from another planet

Explore Europe's cute little countries

Europe is a wonderful continent, filled with spectacular countries. Thing is, there are plenty of European nations that don't get their due shine. Europe's smallest states and countries are actually some of the continent's most interesting. Find out more about them in this fun gallery.

Interesting facts about airline food

Taking a flight soon? Worried about what you're eating? Fear not, this gallery will answer most (if not all) your questions about airline food. Read on for trivia about why airlines use undercooked meats and why you will never eat raw food in flights.

Four major Italian airports to face jet fuel restrictions

Due to a Strait of Hormuz blockade, Air BP Italia is set to restrict jet fuel at four Italian airports, with priority given to state and emergency services, and long-haul flights.

Families told to brace for chaos amid jet fuel shortage fears as new border rules plague airports

Officials are war-gaming for shortages sparked by the Iran war as early as the late May bank holiday, threatening thousands of families' getaway plans just as the peak season starts.

Jordan welcomes UNESCO resolution on Jerusalem, Walls of Jerusalem

Amman, April 15 (Petra) – The Ministry of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs welcomed the unanimous adoption by the Executive Board of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) of a resolution on the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls under the agenda item "Occupied Palestine." Ministry spokesperson Fouad Majali stated that the resolution, taken during its 224th session held in Paris on Wednesday, affirms that all...

I went to university on a cruise ship - here are the most annoying things about spending a semester at sea

What's it really like to study at sea? MailOnline Travel caught up with former Semester at Sea student, Carli Fogel, to find out.

Tom Cruise narrowly avoids awkward run-in with ex Nicole Kidman as they attend same convention

The Top Gun star, 63, and the Moulin Rouge actress, 58, both attended the CinemaCon 2026 convention at The Dolby Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Nationwide celebrations mark Jordanian Flag Day

Amman, Apr. 16 (Petra)-- Municipalities across the Kingdom organized wide-ranging national events to mark Jordanian Flag Day, reflecting deep pride in the national flag and reinforcing values of belonging and loyalty. A total of 104 municipalities and 19 joint services councils in all governorates took part in the celebrations, raising flags along streets, squares, bridges, and public buildings. They also launched national initiatives,...

Did Tolkien base Middle-earth on real history?

Tolkien enthusiasts have long debated the curious theory that Middle-earth, a realm filled with hobbits, elves, and orcs, isn't entirely fictional. Some suggest it’s Earth itself, just in prehistoric times before the so-called "Age of Man," a phrase popularized by historian Dan Carlin in his podcast 'Hardcore History.' While the origins of this idea remain hazy, it may trace back to Tolkien himself, who envisioned Middle-earth as England's mythology to rival those of the Greeks or Icelanders. The theory gained momentum following a 2022 University of Oxford lecture, 'On Hobbits and Hominins.' There, Victorian literature professor John Holmes teamed up with archeologists Rebecca Wragg Sykes and Tom Higham to explore intriguing parallels between Tolkien's races—like dwarves and hobbits—and ancient hominin species that once roamed our Earth. Click through the gallery to learn how ancient myths and wars shaped Tolkien’s famous world.

Why you should see the least-visited US national parks

Believe it or not, there are some extraordinary natural parks in the US that aren't Yellowstone or Yosemite. Don't let the guidebooks fool you. Just because a park doesn't bring in millions of tourists every year doesn't mean it isn't worth visiting. Some of the most spectacular national parks in the United States are completely off the beaten path. Check out this gallery to find out all the spectacular secrets hiding in the 10 most unpopular national parks in the United States.

How a 'magical' sea that doesn't actually exist became the Maldives' top tourist attraction

A 'magical' looking sea that twinkles brightly in the night has become one of the Maldives' top tourist attraction.

Stunning images of the greatest canyons and gorges on Earth

Some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on Earth are the many spectacular canyons and gorges carved out of valleys and mountain ranges found in all four corners of the globe. Some, like the Grand Canyon, are iconic landmarks. But there are other lesser-known examples incised out of the planet that are equally impressive in their beauty and grandeur. Click through the following gallery and marvel at these jaw-dropping gorges and canyons.

Farming the Roman way: unearthed 1,800-year-old farmhouse had cosy covered porch and a bathhouse!

The remains of the villa were discovered by archaeologists investigating a route due to have power cables laid, bringing energy from offshore wind farms to the National Grid.

European road trips you need to try once in your life

There's nothing quite like hitting the road and driving in search of some special spots, and Europe is the ideal place for a road trip. A continent that offers a vast array of cities, attractions, and natural wonders, some of its most beautiful landscapes are easily missed if you just fly in and out of the biggest cities. From a luxurious trip around the French and Italian Riviera to the lush coastlines of Ireland, and a grand tour of Serbia and Romania, some of Europe's highlights are best viewed by taking the time to pass through them on wheels. Click on, and get ready to hit the road with some of the best road trips in Europe.

Travellers 'invade' council car park for fourth time, bypassing £18,000 fence put up to stop them

Dozens of travellers arrived at the recreation ground in Sittingbourne, Kent, after allegedly removing a bollard from the ground to gain entry.

Heathrow at 80: Europe's busiest airport

Eighty years ago on March 25, 1946, London Airport welcomed its first passengers. By the end of the first year of operation, 63,000 passengers had taken to the skies. Renamed Heathrow in 1966, Europe's busiest airport has seen many iconic moments in the eight decades since its inauguration, including the Beatles' departure to the US in 1964 and the arrival of the first-ever 747 Boeing Jumbo Jet in 1970. In 2025, 84.5 million passengers took a flight out of Heathrow—the airport's busiest year to date. Now as plans for expansion have been unveiled, we take a nostalgic look back at Heathrow through the ages and the people and events that shaped the airport's development. Click on and take a flight through this gallery.

American towns with peculiar claims to fame

Some towns and cities across America have unique claims to fame. These are places that are known for specific things, some of them quite peculiar. In this gallery, we bring you some of the most unique places in America with peculiar claims to fame. Click on to get to know them.

The deadliest disaster to ever happen in each state

The United States has been hit by natural disasters of all kinds and struck by countless deadly events, including accidents and terrorist attacks. But have you ever wondered what the most devastating disaster was in each state? In this gallery, we delve into American history and bring you the deadliest disasters from each state. Click on to find out all about them.

Cruise tips to know before you sail

People have been using cruise ships for vacations since the 19th century, and while it may sound like a luxurious way of traveling the world, sometimes, it's not as idyllic as it may seem. From bedbug infestations to overflowing sewage, a cruise can be the vacation from hell. Keen to discover more facts about cruises that will keep you firmly on dry land? Click through this gallery today.

What are Europe's sunniest cities?

Looking for some city heat? Well, a new study using data from World Weather Online has revealed Europe's sunniest cities. All the continent's cities with more than 200,000 inhabitants were considered, with the average number of sun hours per month in each city for the years 2009 to 2025 extracted. From this information, the overall median number of sun hours per month using the average from each month of the year was calculated. The average temperature was also collected as a secondary data point. The result is a list of 30 warm, sun-drenched cities that enjoy practically year-round sunshine and T-shirt temperatures! But which city receives the most sun hours? Click through the rankings of Europe's sunniest cities and discover the most sunlit destination.

Work begins to clear one of Britain's biggest ever fly tips: Bulldozers move 21,000 tons of rubbish

The 500ft-long trail of rubbish in a field alongside the A34 in Kidlington prompted widespread outrage and a criminal investigation.

The world's CREEPIEST abandoned theme parks will give you the chills

At these ruined theme parks, the fun died a long time ago. Take a look at some of the world's creepiest abandoned amusement parks, past and present. Some were left to rot and ruin after natural disasters, while others suffered financial struggle...

The 10 best new fiction books to read on holiday this summer - including a massive global bestseller

Is there any better feeling than devouring a fantastic novel on holiday?

Titanic: These characters really existed

While Rose and Jack, the iconic couple from the film Titanic, were the product of James Cameron’s imagination, many of their fellow characters actually existed. Some survived the shipwreck, others did not. Discover the true story of these Titanic passengers.

Moody's affirms Jordan's credit rating at Ba3 with stable outlook despite regional instability

Amman, Apr. 18 (Petra)-- Moody's credit rating agency has affirmed Jordan’s sovereign credit rating at Ba3, maintaining a stable outlook, despite ongoing security and geopolitical tensions in the region. In its report, the agency said the affirmation reflects Jordan’s effective economic and financial institutions, as well as government-led reforms aimed at preserving macroeconomic and fiscal stability, ensuring public debt sustainability,...

15 famous landmarks around the world that are STILL not finished

While you might think these man-made feats look pretty much perfect, they're actually not quite complete. From cathedrals and temples to fairy-tale fortresses, we reveal the amazing world landmarks that have never been finished...

18 famous places you won’t believe have a twin

From Stonehenge to the Colosseum, some of the most famous landmarks have inspired a host of copycat attractions and replicas around the world.

Countries to visit that love American tourists

It isn’t until you leave the US that you become aware of your Americanness. While some places are actively working to decrease tourism, others still very much appreciate the incoming dollars. Besides, our ways are celebrated in many parts of the world, contrary to what you might hear. Check out some international travel destinations that happily welcome American tourists!

Italy's most beguiling towns and villages

Italy is a land of exceptional beauty. Blessed with an astonishingly varied landscape that encompasses snow-capped mountains, rolling pastureland, crystalline lakes, and a vast salt-laced coastline, Italy really is a land of contrast. Lending the country character is a collection of towns and villages noted for their singular locations and architectural splendor. And they are yours to explore! Click through and discover the country's most beguiling destinations.

US air travel becomes nightmare for millions as security screeners call in sick

Dispute over funding for the Department of Homeland Security has left travellers fuming as they grapple with lengthy waits

Unsuccessful aircraft designs in history

Throughout modern history, many aircraft have, for one reason or another, failed to succeed in the world of aviation. Browse through this gallery and get to know these aircraft failures. Click on.

K-P transport links to twin cities halted

Public transport services linking Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been suspended with immediate effect.According to official directives issued through Deputy Commissioners, all public transport operators have been instructed to temporarily suspend their services to Islamabad and Rawalpindi until further orders. The move follows the closure of public transport terminals in Islamabad, after which services from other cities,...

The worst animals to keep as pets

Sometimes keeping an exotic animal as a pet is seen as the cool thing to do, but think twice before jumping on the bandwagon. Many animals should never be kept in captivity, not just for the safety of humans, but also for their own safety and well-being. Scroll through the following list of the worst animals to keep as pets. Have you ever owned any of them?

Former California boom town with population of just 30 begs for young people to move in

What started as a bustling gold mining city in the 19th century is now on the precipice of becoming a ghost town.

Westlife unveil new heartfelt ballad featuring Mark Feehily - despite his hiatus from band

Westlife have unveiled new music ahead of their 25th anniversary world tour.

IUCN: Emperor penguins listed as endangered species

Asharq Al Awsat The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife announced on Thursday.Its change of status from "near threatened" to "endangered", made by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), underscores the existential threat for ice-dependent species as global warming profoundly reshapes the...

Asia turns west for LPG

Asian buyers of liquefied petroleum gas are stepping up purchases from the United States and other Atlantic Basin suppliers as disrupted Gulf shipments upend one of the region’s most important fuel trades. India and China, the two biggest Asian importers of Middle East LPG, are at the centre of the shift, with traders, analysts and shipbrokers saying the scramble for replacement cargoes has pushed spot premiums to unprecedented levels and forced...

Abandoned NASA missions that would have been huge

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was established in 1958 and is responsible for America's civil space program, as well as research in aeronautics and space exploration. From the Apollo program, which put humans on the moon for the first time, to more recent Mars Exploration missions, NASA has had many successful programs and missions. But there are also the ones we didn't hear much about, because they got abandoned somewhere along the way. The reasons range from budget constraints to technical problems and shifting priorities. In this gallery, we look at NASA missions that had a lot of potential, but never went ahead. Click on to find out what they are.

8 Landmarks to Visit in Portugal for History Lovers

Portugal is a country brimming with centuries-old architecture, captivating viewpoints, and historical significance. Whether you're drawn to ancient castles, Gothic cathedrals, or ornate palaces, Portugal's landmarks offer something for every traveler.Read More: Six Chinese Dramas You Must B

Revealed: The real-life versions of animated Disney movie locations you can actually visit

Disney films are often set in magical and enchanting locations that look almost too good to be true.