PKK declares ceasefire with Turkey after 40 years of armed struggle
Istanbul, Turkey - Outlawed Kurdish militants on Saturday declared a ceasefire with Turkey following a landmark call by jailed PKK...
Saudi Arabia, Gulf neighbours say Ramadan to start on Saturday
Observing fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring believers to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking...
Arts & Culture
Business
Saudi Arabia takes part in global mineral and mining meet in Canada
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – A delegation comprising several entities from the Kingdom’s industry and mineral resources' system participated in PDAC...
- The Saudi delegation held meetings with teams from Canada, the Czech Republic and Ecuador.
- These are part of the 85 meetings they will hold with officials of countries and global firms participating in the event.
Middle East poised to lead global crypto surge as Bitcoin eyes $100,000
Geneva, Switzerland - A major new study released by The Lancet Neurology shows that, in 2021, more than 3 billion people worldwide...
- Neurological conditions are now the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide
- The overall amount of illness and premature death caused by neurological conditions has risen by 18% since 1990
Economy
S&P affirms Saudi Arabia’s A/A-1 credit rating
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The international credit rating agency S&P Global Rating affirmed its foreign and local currency sovereign credit...
- The agency indicated in its report that this rating affirmation is a result of the continuation of the Kingdom's economic and social reform agenda
- The agency forecasted GDP growth to average 3.3% in the medium term, due to the acceleration in non-oil sector investment and robust consumption in the Kingdom
Economy
Saudi Arabia grapples with over 1 million tons of annual vegetable waste
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia faces substantial annual losses in its agricultural sector, including 234,000 tons of tomatoes and...
- The kingdom has called for collaborative efforts to promote responsible consumption practices and reduce waste
- It has urged efficient vegetable usage and storage to minimize loss and contribute to a more sustainable food system
Business
Du, Samsung ink agreement
The two companies have signed a three-year partnership.
- This collaboration allows for expansion in the business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) segments.
- The companies will also collaborate on reaching the younger generation, with joint participation in events like the Dubai Esports Festival.
Iran’s aluminum ingot output up 7% in Feb 2024
Tehran, Iran - Iran’s production of aluminum ingot in the country registered a 7% growth in the first 11th month...
- Iran’s four major aluminum production companies produced 54,893 tons of aluminum ingots in February 2024
- The Iran Alumina Company produced more than 537,000 tons of bauxite from March 21, 2023, to February 22, 2024
Diriyah unveils 20,000-seat arena in $63bn Saudi masterplan
Diriyah, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia, has revealed plans for "The Arena in Diriyah," a monumental 76,000-square-meter lifestyle facility set...
- Designed by London-based HKS Architects as part of a $63.2 billion masterplan, the arena aims to become the Middle East's premier venue destination
- Embracing Najdi architecture motifs, the arena promises a versatile design enabling swift configuration changes for hosting various events
Economy
Saudi inflation rises to 1.8% in February
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Saudi Arabia’s inflation accelerated to 1.8 percent in February compared to January 2024, according to data by the General...
- The cost-of-living index for February rose to 110.64 points, according to the base year 2018, from 108.67 points in the same month a year earlier.
- Inflation is measured by the percentage change in the cost of living between the current period and the corresponding period of the previous year.
Business
Ajman records real estate transactions worth US$195m in February
AJMAN, UAE – Director-General of Ajman’s Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation Eng. Omar bin Omair Al Muhairi said...
- A total of 129 real estate valuation transactions took place in the emirate in February.
- There was a rise of 44.7 percent in commercial property value in February compared to January.
Saudi families utilize henna art to encourage kids in fasting
Arar, Saudi Arabia -- In a unique and creative initiative, families in Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders Region are using henna body...
- The practice involves drawing intricate henna patterns on the hands of young girls, often featuring symbols related to Ramadan and fasting
- These designs serve as a visual reminder for the children to refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours
PKK declares ceasefire with Turkey after 40 years of armed struggle
Istanbul, Turkey - Outlawed Kurdish militants on Saturday declared a ceasefire with Turkey following a landmark call by jailed PKK...
Company News
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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...
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...
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...
Economy
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In stabilization bid, Syria’s new ruler declares all weapons under state control, including Kurdish arms
Ahmed al-Sharaa announced all weapons, including those held by Kurdish-led forces, will come under state control, emphasizing unity and coexistence...
- Sharaa spoke alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, after earlier meeting with Lebanese Druze leaders and vowing to end "negative interference" in the neighbouring country
- Turkey has maintained strong ties with Syria's new leaders, and has continued military operations against Kurdish-held areas in northeastern Syria
Geostrategy
UN envoy warns Syria conflict persists as rebels seek international ties post-Assad ouster
The UN migration chief expressed concerns about large-scale refugee returns destabilizing Syria further, particularly affecting religious minorities who fled violence...
- The United Nations' special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said on Tuesday "there have been significant hostilities in the last two weeks, before a ceasefire was brokered."
- Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on Syrian military assets since Assad's overthrow in what it says is a bid to prevent them falling into hostile hands
Geostrategy
Qatar PM sees ‘momentum’ on Gaza talks after US election
Doha, Qatar - Qatar's prime minister said on Saturday that momentum had returned to talks aimed at securing a truce and...
- The Gulf emirate, along with the United States and Egypt, had been involved in months of unsuccessful negotiations for a Gaza truce
- But in November, Doha announced it had put its mediation on hold, saying it would resume when Hamas and Israel showed seriousness