EU removes UAE from ‘high-risk’ money-laundering list, adds Monaco
The European Commission said it added Algeria, Angola, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Namibia, Nepal and Venezuela, along with Monaco,...
Geostrategy
Gaza’s Al-Amal hospital ‘virtually out of service’: WHO
The Al-Amal Hospital in Gaza, one of the few still operating in the Palestinian territory, is now "virtually out of...
Science
Geostrategy
Turkey appoints envoy to normalize ties with Armenia
Armenia and Turkey have never established formal diplomatic ties. The two countries' relations are particularly tense over World War I-era...
- Turkish and Armenian companies ask permission for charter flights between Istanbul and Yerevan
- The common border between Armenia and Turkey has been closed since the 1990s
Economy
World Bank unveils $93 billion boost for poorest nations
The package includes $23.5 billion of contributions from 48 high- and middle-income countries as well as financing raised in the...
- The World Bank said the funds will help countries better prepare for future crises, including pandemics, financial shocks and natural disasters
- The funds will support countries globally, resources are increasingly going to Africa, which will receive about 70 percent of the funding
Business
Brands from Ferrari to Nike rush toward ‘metaverse’ future
The clamor over virtual goods comes amid feverish predictions that the metaverse -- a virtual reality version of the internet...
- The clamor over virtual goods comes amid feverish predictions that the metaverse -- a virtual reality version of the internet -- will eventually replace the web of today
- The metaverse is also a wealth of data, offering valuable insights into the perception of a product, even if it doesn't yet exist in the real world
Geostrategy
UN chief says cross-border aid to Syria rebel bastion vital
In July, the US and Russia allowed for a 6-month extension of activity at Bab al-Hawa, the only border crossing...
- In July, the US and Russia allowed for a 6-month extension of activity at Bab al-Hawa, the only border crossing through which aid reaches the rebel stronghold of Idlib province
- In an internal report, the UN chief Guterres refers to another project for humanitarian operations, this time across the front lines to reach Idlib
Business
Qantas picks Airbus over Boeing
Boeing currently supplies much of Qantas' domestic fleet.
- Qantas Airlines committed to buying 20 Airbus A321XLR planes and 20 A220-300 jets from Airbus
- Boeing currently supplies much of Qantas' domestic fleet
Geostrategy
Queen Elizabeth II holds in-person meeting with Oman’s sultan
Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday made a rare public appearance, hosting Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tareq and his wife, Sayyida...
- The 95-year-old monarch has cut back on her engagements since an overnight hospital stay in October that raised fears for her health and prompted doctors to advise rest.
- Sultan Haitham bin Tareq, who studied at Oxford University, came to power after the death of his cousin, Sultan Qaboos, last year.
Geostrategy
Iran, UN agree on replacing nuclear site’s damaged cameras
The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency had been seeking to replace the devices which Iran says were damaged in a...
- Iran began restricting some IAEA inspection activity earlier this year as part of steps it has taken away from the 2015 nuclear deal after the US pulled out.
- Negotiations resumed last week to try to revive the deal under which Iran pledged to reduce its nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief.
Arts & Culture
Bahrain’s Fijri makes it to UNESCO heritage list
Fjiri, which commemorates the history of pearl diving, originated on Bahrain's island of Muharraq and is performed in festivals throughout...
- Bahrain's nomination was among 48 from around the world considered for inscription on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
- Fijri was traditionally performed by pearl divers and pearling crews to express the hardships faced at sea.
Geostrategy
UN chief says cross-border aid to Syria rebel bastion vital
The cross-border mechanism has been operating since 2020 through Bab al-Hawa, after the Russian-imposed removal in 2019 of three other...
- Cross-border assistance remains life saving for millions of people in need in north-west Syria, UNO Secretary General Antonio Guterres said.
- Guterres said some 4.5 million people in Syria need help this winter, up 12 percent from the previous year due to pandemic and economic crisis.
Economy
Tunisia’s president announces constitutional referendum
Kais Saied presented a roadmap for restoring democratic institutions, and announced a nationwide public consultation from January 1 until March...
- Tunisian president has extended parliament suspension for one more year until December 2022
- Direct meetings would be held to receive suggestions for constitutional reforms of Tunisia
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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
EU removes UAE from ‘high-risk’ money-laundering list, adds Monaco
The European Commission said it added Algeria, Angola, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Namibia, Nepal and Venezuela, along with Monaco,...
Geostrategy
Company News
Latest News
Israeli carrier cancels South Africa flights citing less traffic
Jerusalem, Undefined - Israeli flag carrier El Al said Friday it will scrap direct flights to South Africa following "a significant...
Geostrategy
WHO-Hamas collusion charges harmful, can endanger staff: Tedros
"WHO refutes Israel's accusation at the executive board meeting yesterday that WHO is in 'collusion' with Hamas and is 'turning...
Geostrategy
US Federal Reserve’s favored inflation gauge rises before rate decision
The US Federal Reserve's favored measure of inflation ticked higher last month, according to government data published. The latest announcement...
Economy
Most Read
Geostrategy
US warship downs incoming missile fired from Yemen: Military
Washington, United States -- A US Navy warship shot down a missile Friday that was fired at it by Yemen's Iran-backed...
- Several shipping firms have diverted from the Red Sea, instead taking the longer and more expensive route around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.
- Maritime monitoring agencies meanwhile said two missiles exploded in waters south of Yemen on Friday, though it was unclear if those reports were related to the incident.
Geostrategy
Apple to make changes to App Store in Europe
iPhone users can download alternative app stores.
- The changes expected to take place in March will curtail the dominance of the App Store
- The company said on Thursday the Digital Markets Act has created "privacy and security risks"
Geostrategy
South Africa’s genocide case against Israel explained
At this stage, the ICJ is only deciding whether to impose emergency orders on Israel ("provisional measures" in the court's...
- South Africa has asked the ICJ to impose nine orders on Israel, including to immediately suspend military activity and to enable more humanitarian access to Gaza.
- The court could order all nine of the orders, none of them, or even make up its own completely different orders.