Israel blocks humanitarian aid to Gaza as ceasefire’s first phase ends, sparking global outrage
Truce mediators Egypt and Qatar accused Israel of blatantly violating the ceasefire deal by halting the aid, a move left trucks...
Geostrategy
Microsoft retires Skype, the online voice and video call pioneer
San Francisco, United States - Microsoft on Friday announced it was retiring Skype, the online voice and video call pioneer...
Science
Date palm cultivation in AlUla sees increased productivity
AlUla, Saudi Arabia - Date palm cultivation in AlUla governorate has witnessed a significant increase in productivity this year, with...
- The governorate boasts more than 2 million date palm trees, and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is actively engaged in expanding the tree count
- AlUla plans to support farmers and enhance the value of dates by organizing festivals and markets that enable farmers to sell and export their products
Business
UAE investments abroad reach US$2.5trn in beginning of 2024, says UAEIIC
ABU DHABI, UAE – The United Arab Emirates has solidified its position as a leading regional and global player in...
- This robust financial footprint positions the UAE as a significant economic force with strong potential for continued expansion.
- The focus on emerging markets and the creation of strategic partnerships further amplifies this momentum.
Economy
Oman issues Treasury Bills worth US$181m this week
MUSCAT, OMAN – The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has announced that the total issuance of Treasury Bills amounted to...
- The value of the allotted Treasury Bills amounts to US$12.9 million for a maturity period of 28 days.
- The value of the allotted Treasury Bills amounts to US$74 million for a maturity period of 91 days.
Business
Saudi EXIM bank surpasses 2023 credit goals by 33%
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Saudi EXIM Bank has given credit facilities amounting to SAR16.5 billion ($4.455 billion), surpassing the...
- One significant achievement was a credit facility agreement valued at $503.9 million with Trafigura Company, a major international export house
- The agreement aims to facilitate Saudi non-oil exports to over 150 countries, contributing to the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030
Business
Shipping service connecting India, South East Asia with Saudi Arabia comes up
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – VASI Shipping Pte Ltd has introduced a new shipping service IMS at King Abdulaziz Port in...
- This service aims to enhance its strategic partnerships with major international shipping lines, support the maritime sector.
- This initiative represents a significant step in bolstering the role of King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam in enhancing the maritime transport sector.
Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif celebrates 1084th anniversary
Cairo, Egypt - Historic al-Azhar Mosque marked its 1084th anniversary of its founding on March 17, celebrated by al-Azhar ash-Sharif...
- The event, held annually on the seventh day of Ramadan, features various activities highlighting the mosque's rich history
- The history of the establishment of the Al-Azhar Mosque dates back to the year 970 by the Fatimid Caliph Al-Muizz Li-Din Allah
Arts & Culture
Riyadh set to debut historic Saudi opera ‘Zarqa Al-Yamama’ on April 25
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The capital city of Riyadh is abuzz with excitement as preparations are underway for the premiere...
- The opera is poised to make history as the first grand opera produced in the Kingdom and the largest Arabic grand opera ever staged
- The opera revolves around the legendary figure of Zarqa al-Yamama, a woman from the Geddes tribe known for her foresight and sharp intuition
Geostrategy
Passports officers to ease travel for Ramadan at Dammam airport and causeway
DAMMAM, SAUDI ARABIA – With the increase in passenger traffic during Ramadan, the General Directorate of Passports is ramping up...
- The directorate's officers in Dammam are utilizing modern technology to expedite procedures and ensure smooth and efficient traveler traffic.
- The directorate's officers at both locations are working tirelessly, welcoming travelers and providing services professionally.
Science
Gemini’s inaccurate AI racial images warn of tech titans’ power
AUSTIN, US – For people at the trend-setting tech festival here, the scandal that erupted after Google's Gemini chatbot cranked out...
- Gaffes such as the images of ethnically diverse Nazi troops forced Google to temporarily stop users from creating pictures of people.
- Social media users mocked and criticized Google for historically inaccurate images, like those showing a female black US senator from the 1800s.
Geostrategy
Noura Al Kaabi leads UAE’s delegation to UN Commission on the Status of Women
NEW YORK, US – Minister of State Noura Al Kaabi led the United Arab Emirates’ delegation to the 68th session...
- Delivering the UAE’s national statement in the CSW68 General Debate, Al Kaabi emphasised the need to protect Palestinian women and girls.
- She participated in a ministerial roundtable on mobilizing financing for gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls
Israel blocks humanitarian aid to Gaza as ceasefire’s first phase ends, sparking global outrage
Truce mediators Egypt and Qatar accused Israel of blatantly violating the ceasefire deal by halting the aid, a move left trucks...
Geostrategy
Company News
Latest News
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...
Economy
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...
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...
Geostrategy
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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
Economy
Global markets rode AI, interest rate roller coaster in 2024
Paris, France - Despite political upheavals, stock markets and bitcoin smashed records in 2024, fuelled by investor enthusiasm for Artificial Intelligence (AI),...
- Wall Street's three main stock indices blew past record highs to set new peaks in 2024, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbing above 45,000 points
- Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election gave Wall Street even more of a boost on hopes he will follow through on pledges of deregulation and tax cuts