Kuwait City, Kuwait - Opposition lawmakers maintained a majority in Kuwait's parliament, results showed Friday, after the Gulf state's third parliamentary vote in as many years held just months into the new emir's reign. Opposition candidates won 29 seats in the 50-member assembly, according to results carried by the official KUNA...

Tokyo, Japan--The UAE exported 44.1 percent, namely 31.3 million barrels, of Japan's crude oil needs in February 2024, according to the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy in Tokyo. The agency, part of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, stated that the amount of crude that Japan imported...

The company is recommending a cash dividend of 10 percent.

Gaza City, Palestinian Territories - The Palestine Red Crescent said five people were killed and dozens wounded by gunfire and a stampede during an aid delivery Saturday in northern Gaza, where famine looms. AFP video footage shows a convoy of trucks moving past burning debris near the distribution point in pre-dawn...

The Bank's general assembly also approved 6% in bonus shares.

Operating profit for 2023 was recorded at US$59 million.

Kuwait City, Kuwait--Kuwait dissolved parliament on Thursday after a protracted stalemate between cabinet ministers and lawmakers dragged on despite the accession of a new emir in December. The official KUNA news agency said a "royal decree was issued to dissolve the national assembly" elected last June following a proposal by the...

From Saudi Arabia to the UAE and Qatar to Kuwait, governments across the region compete to jumpstart industrial sector but doubts remain whether it can be pulled off.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the 38-year-old de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, greeted Sheikh Meshal at the airport in Riyadh as trumpets played, 21 rounds were fired and the Saudi Falcons, the air force's aerobatics team, put on an air show, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

The 2024 outlook for the MENA region's project market is exceptional, with an anticipated surpassing of $270 billion in value, according to a latest report.

The reactions to the top UN court's ruling Friday in the Israel-Gaza case were split along the lines of the war raging in the Palestinian territory. Saudi Arabia welcomed the ICJ's decision and called for the international community to "hold Israel accountable" for "violations" of international law.

Abdullah al-Yahya, a former ambassador to Argentina, was named in the coveted role as part of a hand-picked cabinet of 13 led by Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem Al-Sabah. It is the first government under emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, who came to power last month after the death...

"First of all, they are not proportional. All of these constitute disproportionate use of force," Erdogan told journalists after Friday prayers in Istanbul. Oman, a mediator in attempts to end Yemen's long-running civil war, expressed its "worry" at the strikes on Houthi rebel military targets that, according to the Houthis,...

Abu Dhabi, UAE - The UAE passport has climbed two positions to secure the 11th spot in the 2024 Passport Index by Henley & Partners. This advancement allows UAE citizens visa-free access to 183 countries. The UAE has been the most improved nation on the Index over the past decade,...

The firm plans to incorporate one-to-one tutoring services.

Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, who was sworn in as emir last month, named Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem Al-Sabah, a popular ex-foreign minister, as the new premier. He replaces Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf al-Ahmed al-Sabah, son of the late emir whose death has raised hopes of a political shift in the country.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait collectively advanced in technology and sustainable development, achieving global integration.

The company has outlined a collective investment of $4.2b.

According to the Kuwait Central Statistical Bureau, the upward trend was mainly attributed to rising prices across all major groups impacting key indices, especially food, education, and clothing. The food and beverages sector experienced the most notable increase, with its index surging by 5.81% in November compared to the same...

Officially taking over from his half-brother Sheikh Nawaf, who passed away on Saturday, Sheikh Meshal is faced with the task of pulling the country out of longstanding political paralysis and reforming a bloated public sector that have turned Kuwait into one of the Gulf's most laggard states.

KUWAIT CITY, KUWAIT - Kuwait's emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who was defense minister when Iraq invaded the oil-rich country in 1990, was laid to rest Sunday in a low-key funeral, a day after he died aged 86. Foreign leaders and envoys later paid their final respects, including the Saudi crown...

The Gulf country sees a seamless transition of power as Sheikh Meshal ascends to emir following the death of Sheikh Nawaf, amidst global condolences and internal challenges.

"With great sadness and sorrow, we mourn... the death of Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait," said a statement aired on Kuwaiti state television. In November, Sheikh Nawaf was admitted to the hospital "due to an emergency health problem", according to the official KUNA news agency.

The deal is valued at 256 million Kuwaiti Dinars ($832 million).

Kuwait City, Kuwait -- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of Kuwait has inked a KD 6.7 million ($21.7 million) agreement with Finland's Vaisala company to implement a state-of-the-art surface observation system and airport meteorological system at Kuwait International Airport. Emad Al-Jalawi, the Acting Director-General of DGCA, told KUNA...

Dubai, UAE - The OPEC oil cartel said Saturday there was no "single solution" to the energy transition as pressure grows to agree a phase-out of fossil fuels at the COP28 climate talks. "There is no single solution or path to achieve a sustainable energy future," said a speech by OPEC secretary...

The Gulf Railway aiming for completion by 2030, will link GCC nations with a comprehensive rail network, marking a new era in regional transportation and economic integration.

“COP28 is attracting significant interest from various participating countries and will serve as an important forum for climate enthusiasts. This reflects the commitment of people who are eager to enact change and preserve the planet by taking serious steps towards a better future,” President Whipps adds.

Pausing of rate hikes by global central banks amid fluctuating inflation rates influences global markets, with specific impacts in the MENA region, says a new report.

Dubai, UAE - The much-anticipated Hindi-language action film Tiger 3, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, has reportedly been banned in Gulf states Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. Released on the occasion of Diwali, the film has marked its entry into the record books as the highest-grossing Diwali day release. While...

"Our stance on the Palestinian issue is unequivocal. The Palestinian people's right to resistance, including reclaiming their occupied land and confronting the Zionist entity, will persist," he adds, expressing optimism that the next phase would promote "greater unity and efficacy for Arab causes".

Dubai, UAE - As New Delhi once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities, across the Middle East, cities were also facing their own environmental challenges, with Kuwait City emerging as the region's most polluted city, according to the latest data from Swiss group IQAir. Kuwait City...

Its revenue rose to US$4.72bn in the first 9 months of 2023.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - GFH Capital is considering the offering of its unit in Saudi Arabia on the Tadawul. GFH Group's plans are unchanged with regard to listing in other markets, CEO Razi Al Murbati said. The group is listed on the stock exchanges of Bahrain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and...

New York, US-- Kuwait's permanent envoy to the UN, Tareq Al-Bannai, has affirmed Kuwait's continuous efforts to make the Middle East a nuclear and weapons of mass destruction-free zone. The remarks were made during an event organised by Kuwait's permanent mission to the UN late Tuesday, and attended by Permanent...

The GCC project sector, one of the world's most dynamic, has recorded a significant surge in project awards, reaching $41.8 billion in the third quarter of 2023, says a report.

With the support of Vision 2030 projects and a surge in real estate lending, the banking sector's performance in the Gulf region has been commendable, says a report.

Sochi, Russia -.Starting in 2024, travelers from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Malaysia  and Bahrain may no longer need tourist visas to visit Russia,  Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dmitry Vakhrukov said on the sidelines of the FTT-2023 Forum of Tourism Territories, Tass reported. "I reckon this could happen next year....

Kuwait City, Kuwait--The art exhibition titled "Oman in the Heart of Kuwait" was inaugurated at the Kuwaiti Syndicate of Media and Artists on Saturday, emphasizing the deep historical and cultural ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Kuwait. Oman's Ambassador to Kuwait, Saleh Al-Kharusi, who presided over...

The UAE leads the Arab world in digital quality of life, with its advanced digital infrastructure and commitment to tech advancements. Saudi Arabia secures second position.

Looking to shore up ties between the two countries, Kuwait and China have signed cooperation agreements across a range of sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure, low-carbon recycling. The agreements were signed in the Chinese city of Hangzhou and were presided over by Kuwait's crown prince and Chinese president.

New York, US-- Kuwait has exhorted UN member states to back its bid for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2024-2026. The appeal was made at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly by the country's Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Highlighting Kuwait's...

New York, United States -- At a meeting on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of Iraq respecting the sovereignty of Kuwait. The ministers underscored the...

Doha, Qatar - The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) revealed the lists of nine works that would be included in the 9th Katara Prize for Arabic Novel. This includes published novels, unpublished novels, young adult unpublished novels and unpublished critical studies, with a total reaching 36 novels and critical studies, Qatar...

Kuwait City - Kuwait has announced a comprehensive economic reform plan for 2023-2027 to address various challenges facing the country’s economy, including the need for diversification and improved performance. The Kuwaiti government has presented an ambitious program for the legislative term of 2023-2027, titled "Correcting the Path: A Productive Economy...

Saudi Arabia's embassy in Tehran resumed operations last month. In June, Iran marked the reopening of its embassy in Riyadh with a flag-raising ceremony. Last month Iran's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, preached unity and dialogue during his first visit to Saudi Arabia since the surprise rapprochement was announced,...

Kuwait City, Kuwait -- Kuwait Sunday announced the appointment of Fahd Abdulaziz al-Jarallah as the new Finance Minister. This decision comes on the heels of the resignation of Manaf Abdulaziz al-Hajri, who held the position since April this year. Following al-Hajri's departure, the responsibilities were temporarily shouldered by Oil Minister...

GCC banks experienced robust lending growth during Q2-2023, despite multi-decade high rates from US hikes, with loans from GCC-listed banks hitting a record $1.9 trillion.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The Gulf Federation for Electronic Sports was established Thursday on the sidelines of the Next World Forum, to support, nurture, and develop Gulf talents through annual tournaments hosted by all countries. The launch was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi...

KUWAIT CITY, KUWAIT - Kuwait's Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) expected that the total passenger traffic to and from Kuwait International Airport in 2023 to reach 15.5 million, compared to 14.46 passengers last year. Director of air transports at DGCA Abdullah Al-Rajhi said in a press statement on Sunday...