Gulf sovereign wealth funds face a strategic test amid escalating conflict
The escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States is emerging as a major test for the Gulf’s sovereign...
Economy
Leftist Mamdani takes over as New York mayor under Trump shadow
Zohran Mamdani, the young upstart of the US left, was sworn in Thursday to take over as New York mayor...
Geostrategy
AI talking trees feature at Chelsea Flower Show
Arts & Culture
‘Gentle giants’: World’s strongest men defy stereotypes
Arts & Culture
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
Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 kicks off Friday with over 800 competitors
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Dakar Rally 2025, the largest and longest race in the world of motorsports, is set...
- Over 800 participants are poised for the fierce competition, which runs until January 17 and is organized by the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation
- . Participants will embark on an adventurous journey through the landscapes of Al Hanakiyah, AlUla, Hail, Al Dawadmi, Riyadh, and Haradh before heading to the last stop in Shubayta
Economy
Saudi Arabia records $5.6 billion trade surplus in October 2024 with 30% growth
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia’s trade balance recorded a 30% monthly growth, achieving a surplus of SAR 20.769 billion...
- The Kingdom's total international trade volume reached SAR 164.794 billion ($43.51 billion) in October, reflecting a 2% growth
- Non-oil exports in October totaled approximately SAR 19.413 billion ($5.24 billion), representing 21% of total exports
Economy
Study: Legacy technology not impeding adoption of AI and Machine Learning in UAE and Saudi Arabia
Manufacturers see AI as critical for decarbonization (66%), improving ESG scores, energy monitoring (55%), advancing digital twins (68%), and enabling...
- The study, conducted by S&P Global Market Intelligence, surveyed over 120 digital transformation leaders from the utility, data center, building, and manufacturing sectors
- It reveals that only 23% of respondents in 2024 identified legacy technology as a significant impediment to digitalization, a notable decrease from 33% in 2022
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Revenue from Saudi cinema may exceed $1bn by 2030KSA, UAE play well as e-gaming trends across GCCExclusive: Middle East’s retail sector rides on AR and hybrid shopping to become $600bn digital economyTECOM Group profit soars 13%UAE startups eye Saudi Arabia for growth, expansionSaudi Arabia leads GCC AI healthcare raceDisparity remains as Saudis, Emiratis see wealth gains
Gulf sovereign wealth funds face a strategic test amid escalating conflict
The escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States is emerging as a major test for the Gulf’s sovereign...
Economy
Company News
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Business
AI talking trees feature at Chelsea Flower Show
Arts & Culture
Israeli ‘warning’ fire at diplomats sparks outcry amid Gaza pressure
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged Israel to hold to account those responsible for the shooting near Jenin, a...
Geostrategy
Cyberattack to cost UK retailer Marks & Spencer $404 million
London, United Kingdom -- British clothes-to-food retailer Marks and Spencer on Wednesday said a cyberattack affecting its online service is...
Business
Oil prices jump on report of Israel prepping Iran strike
Both main crude contracts jumped around one percent after CNN reported multiple US officials as saying the government had received...
Geostrategy
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Geostrategy
US asking countries for ‘voluntary’ Palestinian relocation: Rubio
Israel has again warned the population of Gaza -- nearly entirely displaced since the war broke out over the October...
- President Donald Trump has repeatedly mused about displacing Gaza's two million people to make way for reconstruction.
- Responding to a question in testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio said: "There's no deportation."
Interview
The New Travel Mindset: Local Living and Smarter Tech
From immersive local experiences to AI-powered personalization, Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, shares key trends shaping the future of travel.
- Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand are growing heavily from this region as connectivity improves.
- Europe remains strong, but even in Europe, they're exploring more. Before, it was much more London only.