The world's largest paper balloon has taken off again on its 150th birthday to celebrate the feast of San Roque and satirize politicians in Betanzos, Spain, 16 August 2025. EPA / MONCHO FUENTES
The world's largest paper balloon has taken off again on its 150th birthday to celebrate the feast of San Roque and satirize politicians in Betanzos, Spain, 16 August 2025. EPA / MONCHO FUENTES
A nun prays as she waits for the arrival of Pope Leo XIV at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Rotonda in Albano Laziale, Italy. AFP
A nun prays as she waits for the arrival of Pope Leo XIV at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Rotonda in Albano Laziale, Italy. AFP
Participants try to reach the top of a greased pole to collect prizes, during a 'Panjat Pinang' contest celebrating Indonesia's 80th Independence Day, at Ancol in Jakarta. Reuters
Participants try to reach the top of a greased pole to collect prizes, during a 'Panjat Pinang' contest celebrating Indonesia's 80th Independence Day, at Ancol in Jakarta. Reuters
Devotees carry an idol of the elephant-headed Hindu deity 'Ganesha' during a procession in Mumbai, India ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. AFP
Devotees carry an idol of the elephant-headed Hindu deity 'Ganesha' during a procession in Mumbai, India ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. AFP
Athletes compete in the swimming leg of Ironman Copenhagen in the Danish capital. Getty Images
Athletes compete in the swimming leg of Ironman Copenhagen in the Danish capital. Getty Images
Preparations are in place for a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, in Beijing. Reuters
Preparations are in place for a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, in Beijing. Reuters
A lightning storm passes over Valletta, as seen from Sliema, Malta. Reuters
A lightning storm passes over Valletta, as seen from Sliema, Malta. Reuters
A demonstrator stands before riot police officers at an anti-government rally in Valjevo, the fifth night of unrest across Serbia in protest against the party of right-wing President Aleksandar Vucic. AFP
A demonstrator stands before riot police officers at an anti-government rally in Valjevo, the fifth night of unrest across Serbia in protest against the party of right-wing President Aleksandar Vucic. AFP

News

Best photos of August 17: From the largest paper balloon to protests in Serbia

The National picks the most striking images from around the world

The National

August 17, 2025

  • English
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THE SPECS

Engine: 3.5-litre supercharged V6

Power: 416hp at 7,000rpm

Torque: 410Nm at 3,500rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Fuel consumption: 10.2 l/100km

Price: Dh375,000 

On sale: now 

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE

Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega

Director: Tim Burton

Rating: 3/5

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Nick's journey in numbers

Countries so far: 85

Flights: 149

Steps: 3.78 million

Calories: 220,000

Floors climbed: 2,000

Donations: GPB37,300

Prostate checks: 5

Blisters: 15

Bumps on the head: 2

Dog bites: 1

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

Updated: August 17, 2025, 1:21 PM
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