WEF 2024 aims to bridge trust gaps amid global discord

• The WEF 2024 entails sessions addressing global security, economic growth, climate action, technological disruption, and health and well-being
• The forum will emphasize public-private collaboration to translate ideas into actionable solutions, acting as an accelerator for cooperation among leaders and initiatives

Middle East air cargo volumes up 13.5% in November

• Global demand for air cargo, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), increased by 8.3% compared to November 2022
• Most of the capacity growth is attributed to the increase in belly capacity as international passenger markets continue their post-COVID recovery

Bitcoin surpasses $47,000, first time since March 30, 2022

• Bitcoin, originating in 2008 under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, operates as a decentralized digital currency
• The robust trading volumes in Bitcoin mining firms signal a heightened investor interest, underlining the increasing prominence of cryptocurrencies

Saudi Arabia tops MENA in venture capital investment in 2023

China says foreign consulting agency head spied for Britain

• China and Britain have traded barbs in recent months over allegations of perceived espionage and its resulting impact on national security
• Britain's government has warned that Chinese spies are increasingly targeting officials, allegations that Beijing has denied

UAE announces its participation in Nasa’s Lunar Gateway Station

• The UAE will be responsible for developing the lunar space station's Crew and Science Airlock, a critical component for maintaining a safe environment for astronauts
• This unit will act as a portal of the station, serving as the entry and exit point for missions and astronauts travelling to the Moon’s surface from the Lunar Gateway Station

Saudi Exchange launches TASI50 Index tracking top 50 companies by market capitalization

• The companies have a minimum annual traded value ratio (ATVR) of 5%, ensuring that the index tracks the largest companies in the market
• The index is an important tool for both individual and institutional investors, providing an overview of market performance in real time

Blinken warns Israel-Hamas war could ‘metastasize’

• Israel has carried out a relentless bombardment and ground invasion that have killed at least 22,835 people in Gaza, most of them women and children
• Amid the deepening humanitarian crisis and mass displacement in Gaza, Blinken said civilians "must be able to return home as soon as conditions allow".

Makkah region sees 600% surge in green spaces within 5 months

• Remote sensing data analysis revealed that the total area of vegetation cover in Makkah in August was 3,529.4 square kilometers
• This area gradually rose over the following months with increased rainfall, reaching 26,256 square kilometers by the end of the year

UAE market cap soars as top 16 companies hit $734bn

• The 16 listed companies accounted for about 74% of the total market capitalization of the local stock markets, which was around $998 billion at the close of trading
• The IHC held the top position with a market capitalization of more than $244 billion, approximately 24.5% of the local markets' capitalization