Japanese Emperor Akihito will end his three-decade reign this week when he abdicates on Tuesday.
His son Crown Prince Naruhito will become emperor on Wednesday.
Akihito has cited concerns about his age and declining health and is the first Japanese emperor to abdicate in 200 years.
James Lindsay from the Council on Foreign Relations says it's a huge transitional moment for the Japanese people.
US and Iran signal a peace deal is close
The United States and Iran signalled on Friday that an agreement to end their war was close, with a senior US administration official saying a text was in place that both sides like.
Qatar rejects media report on energy production decisions
Qatar’s International Media Office has strongly denied allegations published by The Washington Post claiming that the country’s energy production decisions were coordinated with Iran or intended to influence regional developments.
Trump says Iran war deal close as Strait of Hormuz tensions linger
Hopes grew on Friday for peace between Iran and the US after President Donald Trump said a deal could be signed as soon as this weekend, even as Tehran said it had not made a final decision on a pact.
Victims' families mark Air India crash anniversary with prayers and tributes
Families of the 260 people killed when an Air India Boeing 787 crashed in Ahmedabad a year ago gathered on Friday for prayers and a candlelight tribute to mark the anniversary of the disaster.
Ebola outbreak spreads to crowded displacement camp in Congo
Two Ebola-related deaths have been confirmed in a displacement camp in eastern Congo, the UN refugee agency said, with aid workers warning the risk of the disease spreading quickly in crowded refugee sites was high and worrying.
Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has provided support for the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in Africa.
Dubai Customs has intercepted 223 live animals hidden inside an abandoned suitcase at Dubai International Airport in a major wildlife trafficking case.
A reckless female driver has been summoned by Dubai Police for allowing a female co-passenger sit on the door of a moving convertible to take photos.
