• Singapore makes Israel embassy delete ‘insensitive’ Palestinian post

    Singapore, Singapore--Singapore made the Israeli embassy in the city-state take down an "insensitive" social media post about the Palestinians over the weekend after warning it could inflame tensions, the interior minister said Monday. Israel's war on Gaza and deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza since the fighters of Hamas launched unprecedented attacks...
  • Baghdad, Tehran in talks to import gas from Turkmenistan

    Tehran, Iran - Baghdad and Tehran are currently engaged in negotiations to facilitate the import of gas from Turkmenistan, with the Iraqi Minister of Electricity Luay Al-Khatteeb revealing that discussions are underway to utilize Iran's extensive network for the transportation of Turkmenistan's gas. Highlighting the challenges in establishing direct lines...
  • UAE ministry of defense, Masdar to set up solar plants in Abu Dhabi

    Abu Dhabi, UAE--The UAE Ministry of Defence and Masdar have signed an agreement to develop multi-solar plants across Abu Dhabi. Emerge, a joint venture between the UAE’s Masdar and France’s EDF Group, will provide a full turnkey solution for the projects, including finance, design, procurement, construction, operations, and maintenance for...
  • Three UAE soldiers, Bahraini officer killed in Somali attack

    The United Arab Emirates' defense ministry said that the soldiers were "exposed to a terrorist act" while "performing their work duties in training and qualifying the Somali Armed Forces". The ministry, without giving further details, said that two others were wounded in the incident.
  • Jordan takes steps to raise position in Global Food Security Index, says minister

    AMMAN, JORDAN - Agriculture Minister Khaled Al-Hneifat said the ministry has been working hard over the past year to create an action plan to raise the country's ranking in the Global Food Security Index (GFSI). According to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), two of the initiatives taken to achieve this...
  • Gaza hospital military ‘activity’ over, says Israel

    Israeli forces, according to the Gaza health ministry, fired at "patient rooms" and arrested staff at the Kamal Adwan hospital in Gaza City during a "siege" that lasted several days. The UN humanitarian agency OCHA said the same day that the hospital director and about 70 other medical staff were...
  • Top Iran and Russia diplomats hold talks, voice concern at ‘confrontation’ in Gaza

    Moscow, Russia-- Iran and Russia have held talks over the ongoing Israel's war on the Gaza Strip, expressing "concern over the continuing armed confrontation" there. The deliberations were conducted in talks over telephone between the Russian and Iranian foreign ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the Russian foreign ministry said...
  • UAE defense ministry orders 100 REACH-S unmanned aircraft from EDGE

    DUBAI, UAE - EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defense groups, announced its first major order from the UAE Armed Forces for the locally-manufactured REACH-S fixed-wing UAV. Announced at the Dubai Airshow, the order to supply 100 REACH-S is the first of its kind for the for...
  • Israeli bombing on refugee camp in Gaza kills 30: Hamas

    According to a statement posted by Hamas on Telegram, Israel "directly" bombed citizens' home, saying that most of the dead were women and children. Gaza's health ministry said that "more than 30 (dead) arrived at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah in the massacre committed by the occupation in Al-Maghazi...
  • Bahrain and UK discuss boosting trade, investment ties

    London, UK-- Bahrain and the UK have discussed way to boost bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and economic fields between the two countries. The discussions were held between Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Lord Tariq Ahmad, Minister of State for the Middle East,...
  • Treaty on strategic partnership between Russia and Iran 85% ready: Lavrov

    Tehran, Iran--A treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Iran is about 85 percent ready, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday. "The work on a new big treaty is at an advanced stage. I would say that it is 85 percent agreed. Several specific issues are yet...
  • Nine Palestinians killed in West Bank, says health ministry

    RAMALLAH, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES - Israeli troops killed nine Palestinians in multiple clashes across the occupied West Bank on Thursday, the Palestinian health ministry said, as the death toll mounts in the territory while war rages in Gaza. At least 75 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops or settlers in the West...
  • Egypt sells MENA’s first ‘sustainable panda bonds’ in US$500m issue

    Cairo, Egypt--Egypt has issued the first sustainable Panda bonds in the Middle East and North Africa worth $500 million with a yield of 3.5% over three years, according to a statement by the Ministry of Finance. The recent bond issuance is guaranteed by international banks including the Asian Infrastructure Investment...
  • Saudi Arabia projects 2024 budget deficit at 1.9% of GDP

    The kingdom's finance ministry estimated expenditures for 2024 to be at US$333.5 billion. According to the ministry, the projection is based on the government's fiscal objectives to expand strategic spending at the sectoral and regional levels, broaden and diversify the economic base, as well as improve public services, among others.
  • Iraq pledges to raise financial support for Kurdistan

    Days after thousands of people took to the streets in the Kurdistan region over unpaid civil service salaries which they blamed on Baghdad, the federal government said it would disburse annually to Iraqi Kurdistan two trillion and one hundred billion dinars to be paid in three equal installments of more...
  • Saudi fighter jet crashes in training, killing crew

    The air force jet was on a training exercise when it crashed on Wednesday in the south of the country, killing its crew, according to the kingdom's defense ministry. The statement from the ministry said that the accident resulted in the "martyrdom of the aircrew" without specifying exactly how many...
  • Syria cancels BBC’s accreditation over ‘misleading reports’

    In a rare move against an international media organization, the Syrian government has cancelled the BBC's accreditation over what it termed "misleading reports." According to the country's information ministry, the cancellation was brought about by the "broadcaster's failure to adhere to professional standards and its insistence on providing biased and...
  • Three Palestinians killed in violence at West Bank

    NABLUS, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES -  Three Palestinians were killed on Friday in the occupied West Bank, a day after the United Nations urged a "meaningful political process" to stem renewed violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israeli forces killed two Palestinian fighters when a firefight erupted during an Israeli raid on the northern...
  • UAE cabinet sets up ministry of investment, approves new strategies

    The new ministry will bolster the UAE's business aims and investment policies, apart from promoting its infrastructure as a global platform to attract investments in various sectors. The ministry will propose the general investment policies of the country in coordination with the relevant authorities, in addition to preparing strategies, legislation,...
  • UAE and Russia hold talks to eliminate double taxation

    Dubai, UAE--The UAE and Russia have held the second round of negotiations on the double taxation agreement on income and capital. The talks follow the ministry’s efforts to further strengthen cooperation frameworks for tax matters, provide full protection to taxpayers from double taxation and avoid the obstruction of the free...
  • Iran, Belgium free jailed persons in prisoner swap

    Iran freed Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele after almost 15 months in custody, in a prisoner exchange for an Iranian diplomat convicted of terrorism. Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander de Croo said the 42-year-old had arrived in Oman and added: "If all goes to plan, he'll be with us this evening....
  • Iran shows off new ballistic missile designed to carry 1,500 kg warhead

    Tehran, Iran--Iran has displayed a new long-range missile capable of carrying 1,500 kg warhead with the capacity to hit targets 2,000 kms away. Iranian armed forces unveiled their latest model of ballistic missiles dubbed "Khorramshahr-4 long range strategic missile" in a ceremony on Thursday morning in the presence of defense...
  • Israeli army shoot, injure seven during West Bank raid

    NABLUS, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES - Israeli forces shot and wounded seven people in a raid Tuesday in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said as the Israeli army confirmed an operation was underway. The ministry reported "six minor injuries from live fire" reached Jenin governmental hospital, while another person shot...
  • Iraq to speed up resumption of oil exports from Kurdistan region

    Baghdad, Iraq--Iraqi oil ministry has affirmed the federal government's keenness on speeding up the resumption of the Kurdistan region of Iraq's oil exports through the Turkish port of Ceyhan as well as work to bring views closer to serve the public interest. In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry...
  • Israeli government approves formation of a national guard

    The Israeli government approved a decision to form a national guard, officials said, which opponents warn would function as a "private militia" of firebrand National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. A statement from Ben-Gvir's office said the guard, which would operate under his ministry, would deal with "emergency scenarios, nationalistic crime,...
  • Israeli warplanes hit Syria’s Aleppo airport, says ministry

    Israeli warplanes struck Aleppo airport before dawn, causing significant damage that halted flights to and from Syria's war- and quake-battered second city, the defense ministry said. The airport has been a major conduit for aid flights since a February 6 earthquake devastated southeastern Turkey and Syria, a transport ministry official...
  • Iraq hopes talks can resolve hitches in US$10bn Total deal

    Iraq admitted it had differences with France's TotalEnergies over a US$10-billion contract, including over the distribution of investments, but expressed hope they can be resolved through talks. "We have given ourselves time to continue the dialogue and reach a satisfactory solution for the parties involved regarding certain points of contention,"...
  • Emirates NBD issues Dirham bond, first by UAE firm in 10 years

    Dubai, UAE-- Emirates NBD has announced the successful pricing of its inaugural AED1 billion ($272 million) dirham-denominated bond, the first such issue by a UAE bank. The group's bond sale will support the further development of a medium-term bond yield curve and facilitate access to financing for UAE corporations, the...
  • Saudi Arabia launches drive to embed role of culture in development

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia— Saudi Arabia has unveiled the "Culture & Green Future" initiative, aiming to enhance the role of culture and raise awareness of the centrality of culture in sustainable development and address its various challenges. The initiative was launched by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture...
  • Food prices declined in October, says Jordan trade minister

    AMMAN, JORDAN - Jordan Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply and Minister of Labor Yousef Shamali said Monday that food prices in the local market declined last month as global prices fell and also as a result of government measures. In a statement, the minister also attributed the decline to...
  • Israeli army kills Palestinian teen in West Bank

    Ramallah, Palestinian Territories— Israeli forces shot dead an 18-year-old Palestinian on Saturday near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said. Musaab Nafal died "from severe wounds sustained by occupation (Israeli) bullets near the village of Sinjil", the ministry said in a statement. The Israeli army said soldiers...
  • UAE makes amendments to value added tax rules

    Abu Dhabi, UAE— The UAE Ministry of Finance announced amendments to some provisions of the Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on Value Added Tax (VAT), which will be effective from 1st January, 2023. The amendments were made are in line with international best practice in light of the GCC...
  • Saudi Arabia hopes to post budget surplus of US$24bn

    Saudi Arabia is expecting to record an increase in its budget surplus in 2022 to S24 billion, according to the kingdom's Minister of Finance. The top oil exporter of the world is hoping to see its GDP grow by 8 percent, and it expects inflation to be around 2.6 percent.
  • UAE approves code for education professionals

    The UAE Ministry of Education has approved the Code of Conduct for professionals in the sector to set up clear, public ethical standards, rules and principles of conduct.
  • UAE announces new incentives to support emirati SMEs

    The new incentives include classifying up to five enterprises under Tier 1 category per owner, instead of two enterprises, and a five-year classification under Tier 1 category starting from the date of license issuance.
  • Krush Brands first firm to join UAE’s NextGen FDI initiative

    Krush Brands, a food technology and multi-kitchen food service company, became the first business to join the UAE’s NextGen FDI initiative, the country’s Ministry of Economy announced on Tuesday. The announcement comes three weeks after the launch of the global initiative in collaboration with seven strategic partners and representatives of...
  • Top film bodies part of Saudi contingent at Cannes Festival

    Saudi Arabia will participate in the 75th Cannes International Film Festival, which will be held during the period from 17 to 28 May, with a national pavilion supervised by the Film Commission. The Ministry of Investment, the Red Sea Film Festival, the Al-Ula Film, the King Abdulaziz Center for World...
  • Israel reopens Gaza crossing for workers after two weeks

    Israel reopened on Sunday its only crossing with the Gaza Strip to Palestinian workers nearly two weeks after closing it over unrest, the defence ministry said. The crossing is used by 12,000 Palestinians with permits to enter Israel for work.
  • Iran arrests two Europeans for ‘destabilizing society’

    Iran's intelligence ministry announced Wednesday that two Europeans had been arrested on accusations of seeking to "destabilize the country", without specifying their nationality. "Two Europeans, who had entered the country with the aim of unleashing chaos and destabilizing society, were identified and arrested," the ministry said in a statement. The...
  • Bahrain announces ban on single-use plastic bags from Sept. 19

    Bahrain has announced a ban, effective from September 19, on selling, manufacturing, circulating and importing single-use plastic bags, which are less than 35 microns in thickness. Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani said that the decision aims to support environmental protection initiatives and limit the...
  • Iran says US ‘responsible for delays’ to revive nuclear deal

    Iran on Monday said an agreement with world powers to revive the 2015 nuclear deal was still not in sight, blaming the United States for the delay. "More than one issue is still pending between Iran and the United States," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said.
  • Saudi Arabia to penalize owners for not fencing their ‘vacant land’

    The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing of Saudi Arabia has asked owners of vacant plots of land to fence their property before July 01, 2022, to avoid a fine of $26.6 for every square meter. The ministry intends to beautify the urban landscape, protect property from encroachments, reduce...
  • Saudi Finance Ministry forecasts kingdom’s GDP to grow by 7.4%

    The Saudi Finance Ministry has forecast the kingdom's real gross domestic product to grow by 7.4 percent.
  • First World Cup in Middle East will be healthiest ever: FIFA President

    Several measures will be implemented at this year’s FIFA World Cup Qatar in a bid to promote healthy lifestyles. Senior leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO), Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), and FIFA met together for the first Steering Committee meeting of the "Healthy FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022...
  • Bahrain authorities allay fears over tomato price rise

    Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism has announced that big shipments of tomatoes would arrive within the next few days, which would lead to a drop in prices.
  • Jordan, USAID launch project to support energy sector

    The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Jordan have launched a project to support the kingdom's energy sector. Jordanian media reports said the USAID-funded project valued at $40 million will be implemented over a five-year period, citing a statement from...
  • Saudi ministry signs 23 deals worth $3.46 bn at first defense show

    The Saudi Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced the closing of 23 deals worth more than SR 13 billion ($3.46 billion) with local and international companies on Wednesday, the fourth day of World Defense Show 2022, the kingdom’s first defense show. The MoD signed five deals with the Saudi Arabian Military...
  • Tunisia starts operation of 10MW solar plant in Tozeur governorate

    A 10 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant named Tozeur 2 has started operations in Tozeur, a governorate in southwest Tunisia. The plant, built at a cost of 25 million dinars ($8.4m) will consolidate the production of the first plant Tozeur 1, to reach a total capacity of 20 megawatts. The two...
  • Meta and UAE’s initiative for SBMs launch ‘Boost with Facebook’ program

    Meta and The Entrepreneurial Nation program have launched ‘Boost with Facebook’ program in the Emirates that is aimed at attracting and supporting startups and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across the country. The Entrepreneurial Nation, a project by the Ministry of Economy, aims to offer support through a series of...
  • UAE wants political solution to Ukraine crisis: Anwar Gargash

    Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and adviser to President Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, made these comments after the UAE abstained to vote on Friday on a draft United Nations Security Council resolution deploring Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
  • UAE Defense Ministry signs deals worth $544m at UMEX & SimTEX

    Deals worth more than AED2 billion ($544 million) were made by UAE’s Ministry of Defense during the fifth edition of UMEX and SimTEX 2022 exhibitions, which concluded on Wednesday at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. This was the largest edition of this event in terms of exhibition area and exhibitors,...