Saudi Arabia strengthens global leadership in open data
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its global leadership in open data through a comprehensive national...
Economy
Iran’s protests: What we know
Iran has been rocked this week by protests that started in Tehran and have spread to other cities, with at...
Geostrategy
United by innovation and progress: The enduring US-UAE partnership
‘’In close partnership, we are working to advance multilateral diplomatic solutions and provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance in Gaza and...
- 'Our ongoing defense and counterterrorism cooperation makes our countries and the world more secure.'
- 'US and UAE troops have stood shoulder to shoulder in six conflicts over the last 30 years;'
Economy
Saudi Arabia achieves 73 percent increase in international tourist arrivals: UN report
The kingdom welcomed 17.5 million international tourists in the first seven months of 2024, leading G20 nations in tourism growth...
- According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Kingdom continued to top the list of G20 countries in the indicators of the growth rate of the number of international tourists
- The Kingdom's various tourist destinations have witnessed a significant rise in international tourist numbers this year, with the number of tourist arrivals reaching 17.5 million
Business
GACA report: Riyadh’s King Khalid Airport ranked best for 15M+ passengers
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh secured the top spot in the category of airports with...
- Airports are assessed based on 11 operational performance standards, which align with strategic objectives to enhance services and ensure a seamless traveller experience
- GACA categorizes airports for performance evaluation based on annual passenger numbers, ensuring a transparent approach
Economy
Residential, hospitality sectors drive Saudi Arabia’s real estate market in H1 2024
The Kingdom’s tourism and entertainment investments, including a new star rating system, support growth in hospitality, positioning Saudi Arabia as...
- Residential sale prices experienced 10% year-on-year increase in H1 in Riyadh and average rents grew by 9% annually
- In Jeddah, the pace of growth was slightly slower, with sale prices rising by 5% and rents increasing by 4% year-on-year during the same period
Economy
Standard & Poor’s affirms Saudi Arabia’s ‘A/A-1’ credit rating
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Standard & Poor's (S&P) affirmed the Kingdom's credit rating in local and foreign currency at "A/A-1"...
- S&P explained that its affirmation of the Kingdom's strong credit rating results from the Kingdom's reforms and investments
- It expected that the Kingdom's gross domestic product (GDP) will continue to grow during the years 2024-2027
AI adoption in GCC surges as governments and the private sector embrace technology
With 93% of Saudi workers considering generative AI essential, alongside 95% in the Middle East and 79% globally, the region's...
- 68% of Saudi workers use generative AI weekly, compared to 55% globally, while an overwhelming 93% consider it an essential tool at work
- The New York Times reported that representatives from Saudi Arabia's PIF have discussed potential partnerships with leading Silicon Valley venture capital
Economy
Domestic worker visa applications in UAE up 66% in June 2024, says a report
The UAE, relying on domestic workers (5% of the population), invests $3 billion annually, highlighting the rising demand for domestic...
- A domestic worker visa allows individuals to continue working in private households as cleaners, chauffeurs, cooks, nannies, or personal care providers while travelling
- The growth is driven by the UAE’s robust economy, with increasing disposable income among families and a growing expatriate population
Economy
UAE launches national strategy to combat money laundering, terror financing
The strategy focuses on risk-based compliance, international cooperation, effective supervision, and disrupting illicit financial activities through improved data collection, analysis,...
- The strategy sets out 11 strategic goals aimed at fortifying the UAE’s regulatory framework and enhancing its effectiveness in combating financial crimes
- The announcement follows the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) "grey list" in February 2024
Economy
Crypto crime drops 19.6% as digital ecosystem matures
Advanced blockchain analysis tools, such as those provided by Chainalysis, are empowering law enforcement agencies and enterprises to counter the...
- Research by Chainalysis found that flow of crypto funds to legitimate services has reached their highest levels since 2021
- Aggregate illicit activity over the same period fell by an impressive 19.6 percent
Business
Dubai real estate sales hit record $13.6bn in July, growth eases
Dubai, UAE - Dubai's real estate market reached a new peak in July, with sales hitting an all-time high of...
- Apartment sales, which accounted for nearly 45% of all transactions, surged by 62% year-on-year, with approximately 70% of these being off-plan sales
- The villa segment also saw a shift towards the off-plan market in the past two months, resulting in a 9.9% year-on-year growth overall
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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
Saudi Arabia strengthens global leadership in open data
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its global leadership in open data through a comprehensive national...
Economy
Company News
‘Gentle giants’: World’s strongest men defy stereotypes
Arts & Culture
Latest News
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...
Geostrategy
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.
Interview
UK halts trade talks with Israel, summons envoy over Gaza
Foreign Secretary David Lammy accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government of "egregious actions and rhetoric" over its expansion of...
Geostrategy
Most Read
Business
Qatar Airways annual profit $2bn
This was a record 28% jump in annual net profit.
- Qatar Airways Cargo, the group's air freight service, saw revenues increase by 17 percent on the year before, the airline said.
- In 2024, the Qatari airline reported a $1.7 billion net profit following an annual increase of 39 percent, another record.
Geostrategy
Israel will ‘take control of all’ of Gaza, says Netanyahu as WHO warns of famine risk
After more than two months of a total blockade, the World Health Organization issued a stark warning on the humanitarian...
- In southern Gaza, the Israeli military issued an evacuation call to Palestinians in and around Khan Yunis city ahead of what it described as an "unprecedented attack".
- Two million people are "starving" in the Gaza Strip, with the deliberate blocking of aid driving up the risk of famine, the World Health Organization chief warned.
Arts & Culture
AI talking trees feature at Chelsea Flower Show
London, United Kingdom -- Talking trees powered by AI, drought-resistant crops and sweet potatoes sprouting among flowers -- the prestigious...
- More than 140,000 visitors are expected to view what the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) bills as "the pinnacle of horticultural excellence".
- In the Intelligent Garden, plant-lovers can truly talk to the trees thanks to artificial intelligence.