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
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
Economy
China, Saudi Arabia sign 60 pacts worth $25bn at Beijing conference
Beijing, China - China and Saudi Arabia signed over 60 MoUs and agreements worth over $25 billion at the investment...
- Over 60 MoUs and agreements worth over $25 billion were signed at the China-Saudi Investment Conference
- Agreements were signed in key sectors including energy, agriculture, tourism, mining, financial services, etc
Business
CBUAE joins the Gulf payments system AFAQ
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) joined AFAQ Payments System, which is operated by the Gulf...
- Along with the CBUAE, Barclays Bank joined the AFAQ system, becoming the first financial institution operating in the UAE to achieve this step and begin using the system’s services
- To date, the Central Bank of Bahrain, the Saudi Central Bank, and the Central Bank of Kuwait have joined "AFAQ", in addition to a number of commercial banks from these countries
Economy
Global trade likely to decline in 2023 due to changing trade patterns, geopolitics
DUBAI, UAE - The outlook for 2024 remains “highly uncertain and generally pessimistic,” UNCTAD says in the Global Trade Update,...
- Other elements affecting trade include lower demand in developed countries, less trade in East Asia and an uptick in trade-restrictive measures.
- The elements also include an uptick in trade-restrictive measures and lengthening supply chains, particularly between China and the US.
Research
Google releases the top trending searches of the year in MENA
Dubai, UAE - Google on Monday released the top trending searches of 2023 for the Middle East and North Africa....
- Saudi Arabia has been searching for football throughout the year, with many events and tournaments happening on-ground
- In the news list in Egypt, the war in Palestine ranked first, followed by the devaluation of the Egyptian Pound
Business
Riyadh Season draws 9 million visitors to its entertainment zones
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The number of visitors to Riyadh Season has surged to over 9 million, indicating a significant...
- Riyadh Season, marked by the slogan "Big Time," completed the spectrum of entertainment choices with top-tier events and festivals across various zones
- Boulevard City zone emerged as a site filled with entertainment options, along with Boulevard World which features a variety of international cultures
SEWA seeks to enhance cooperation with Siemens Energy
Sharjah, UAE -- Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), has decided to enhance cooperation with Siemens Energy.in developing energy...
- Heads of both the companies on Sunday discussed the latest developments in the energy sector
- SEWA commited to cooperate with all local and international bodies to apply the latest technologies and digital transformation
Business
PIF sets up agri and ecotourism firm Dan Company
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced on Monday the establishment of Dan Company, specializing in agritourism...
- The company plans to develop unique tourism projects around cities across Saudi Arabia with attractive natural and farmed landscapes.
- Dan aims to involve local communities in imparting experience that enables visitors to fully interact with Saudi regional culture and traditions.
Business
EasyLease buys 60% stake in Fully Charged
Fully Charged has expertise in EV charging technology.
- The move marks a significant step for EasyLease, reinforcing its presence in the sustainable mobility sector and establishing a role in the industry's development
- A suite of services, covering home charger installations, corporate charging solutions, and reliable ongoing support, has been instrumental in the success of Fully Charged
Economy
Oil prices up on Saudi, Russia push for output reduction
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Russia to drive OPEC+ members toward output cuts has resulted in...
- The OPEC agreement entails a substantial 2.2 million barrels per day reduction for the first quarter of next year
- Despite these global efforts, US output continued at a high of over 13 million barrels per day, contributing to a surplus in the market
Business
DP World, Zee Entertainment rope in David Warner for ILT20 Season 2 marketing campaign
Dubai, UAE - Australian cricket star David Warner along with Indian top Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh will lead the marketing campaign...
- Warner is set to make his DP World ILT20 debut in Season 2, the southpaw will appear for the Dubai Capitals
- The 34-match tournament will be played at the three cricketing destinations – Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah
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
Company News
CBI, zypl.ai ink partnership
Business
Latest News
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...
Economy
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...
Business
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...
Economy

Most Read
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

