Anthropic’s Claude AI gets smarter — and mischievious
San Francisco, United States -- Anthropic launched its latest Claude generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) models on Thursday, claiming to set...
Business
Global anti-malware crackdown leads to 20 arrest warrants, Europol says
Authorities took down more than 300 servers worldwide, neutralized 650 domains and seized 3.5 million euros ($3.9 million) in cryptocurrency,...
Geostrategy
Geostrategy
Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Palestine test Washington’s strategy under Trump leadership
The Trump administration faces a Middle East shaped by shifting alliances, unresolved conflicts, and evolving regional priorities, demanding a measured...
- Iran’s diminished influence in the region presents a potential opening for U.S. diplomacy, but Gause warns against the pitfalls of an aggressive regime-change agenda
- Saudi Arabia’s regional strategy has undergone a significant transformation under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, driven by the economic ambitions of Vision 2030
Economy
Global workforce transformation by 2030: WEF predicts 78 million new jobs amid disruptive changes
The widening skills gap challenges employers, with over 59% of the workforce needing reskilling while millions risk redundancy due to...
- One of the most pressing challenges identified by the report is the widening skills gap, with 63% of employers citing it as a significant barrier to transformation
- Upskilling remains the preferred strategy for workforce adaptation, with 77% of employers planning initiatives to enhance their employees' skills
Economy
Qatar’s non-energy private sector shows strong growth in 2024
Doha, Qatar – Qatar’s non-energy private sector recorded robust growth in the final months of 2024, according to the latest...
- The labour market was a key driver of this growth, with employment and wages increasing at record levels
- Employment saw substantial growth as companies sought to raise output, enhance services, and manage workloads
Geostrategy
UAE discusses temporary Gaza governance with US, Israel, seeks two-state solution assurance: report
Discussions led by the UAE include provisional administration, PA leadership overhaul, and Gaza reconstruction, requiring extensive international cooperation and adherence...
- According to sources familiar with the talks, the discussions include the UAE, the US, and other nations overseeing governance, security, and reconstruction of Gaza
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had suggested that the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other nations could assist in governing Gaza after the war
Economy
Saudi Arabia plans to sustain borrowing spree to fund major projects beyond oil: report
Saudi Arabia secured a $2.5 billion revolving credit facility from Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Credit Agricole SA, and Dubai Islamic...
- The National Debt Management Center (NDMC) has estimated Saudi Arabia’s funding needs for 2025 at 139 billion riyals ($37 billion)
- Saudi Arabia was one of the largest bond issuers among emerging markets in 2024, issuing $17 billion in international bonds
Economy
Dubai ranks among world’s top 10 cities in Global Power City Index for second consecutive year
Dubai, UAE - Dubai has been ranked eighth worldwide and first in the Middle East in the Global Power City...
- In an annual study released by Japan’s Mori Memorial Foundation, the index highlights Dubai’s role as a leader in innovation, economic dynamism, and global connectivity
- This achievement makes Dubai the only city in the Middle East to feature in the top 10, reaffirming its position as a major global hub for business, talent, and investment
Economy
UAE labour market transforms with AI revolution and growing demand for high-skill professions
The country is among the most attractive markets for skilled global professionals and talent, thanks to its competitive advantages, including...
- As 2025 begins, the UAE is expected to see a growing demand for highly skilled professionals, particularly in AI and fields leveraging AI technologies across various industries
- A 2024 report by Deel, a global HR management company, highlighted the UAE as the top choice for workers seeking work visas worldwide
Economy
Females make up 37.6% of the GCC population of 57.6 million
Muscat, Oman - The population of the six GCC countries reached 57.6 million in 2023, compared to 56.6 million in...
- The population density was 23.9 people per square kilometre, with the total area of the GCC countries amounting to 2.4 million square kilometres
- The Atlas revealed that the total workforce in the GCC countries reached approximately 33.1 million in 2023, compared to 30.3 million in 2022
Geostrategy
In a change of tone, Syria’s new leader urges US to pressure Israel for withdrawal
Julani’s appeal comes as Syria signals a shift in its diplomatic tone. Maher Marwan, Damascus’ new governor, told NPR that...
- The report, published by Kan 11, said that Israeli authorities have denied receiving any formal communication on the matter
- A senior security official has stated that Israel "will not compromise its security" in response to the alleged request
Geostrategy
US proposes $8B arms deal with Israel; Biden plans strikes on Houthis as Gaza aid faces Trump-era cuts
The US proposes an $8 billion arms deal with Israel, plans intensified strikes on Yemen's Houthis, while Israel considers cutting...
- According to sources cited by Axios, the arms deal requires formal approval from both the House and Senate committees
- A US official emphasized that the arms sale aligns with the administration’s commitment to Israel's security
Anthropic’s Claude AI gets smarter — and mischievious
San Francisco, United States -- Anthropic launched its latest Claude generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) models on Thursday, claiming to set...
Business
Company News
Masdar issues $1bn bond
Business
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Dbeibah calls on armed groups to align with state
Days of clashes in the capital have pitted an armed group aligned with the Tripoli-based government against groups it has...
Geostrategy
The US towns that took on ‘forever chemical’ giants — and won
Washington, United States -- No corner of Earth is untouched. From Tibet to Antarctica, so-called "forever chemicals" have seeped into...
Geostrategy
US stocks move sideways but poised for weekly gains
The S&P 500 has risen the last four sessions, extending the positive momentum after last weekend's trade talks resulted in...
Business
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Geostrategy
World Bank announces plans to restart Syria operations
Washington, United States -- The World Bank on Friday said it would restart operation in Syria following a 14-year pause,...
- The Bank's operation in Syria were halted when the civil war broke out in 2011, preventing the country from gaining access to its development loans, grants, and technical expertise
- Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia and Qatar paid off Syria's outstanding debts of around $15.5 million to the Washington-based institution.
Business
Masdar issues $1bn bond
Its green bond program hits $2.75 billion.
- The bond was issued in two equal tranches of US$500 million, with tenors of 5 and 10 years and coupons of 4.875% and 5.375%.
- The bond attracted significant oversubscription with a peak orderbook of US$6.6 billion.
Geostrategy
Trump to close deal-making Gulf tour in UAE, announces big Boeing order for Qatar Airways
US President Donald Trump on Thursday closes a Middle East tour in the United Arab Emirates as he focuses squarely...
- Trump will fly to the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi after a stop in Qatar, where the president hailed what he said was a record $200 billion deal for Boeing aircraft
- He started the trip in Saudi Arabia which promised its own $600 billion in investment, including one of the largest-ever purchases of US weapons