Middle East tourism projected to reach $350 billion by 2030: ATM report
Dubai, UAE – The Middle East’s tourism sector is poised for unprecedented expansion, with a new report predicting a 50...
Business
Father of six killed ‘for piece of bread’ during Gaza aid distribution
Cries of grief echoed across southern Gaza's Nasser Hospital Monday as dozens came to mourn Hossam Wafi, after the father...
Geostrategy
Geostrategy
Fear of sanctions a risk for Iran health rights: UN
Many banks and businesses, including pharmaceutical and medical companies around the world, over-comply with sanctions out of fear of potential...
- In one case, this had resulted in a Swedish company halting the sale of bandages to its Iranian partner.
- A UN expert has reached out to the Swedish company and government to address 'shortfalls' in due diligence processes.
Geostrategy
Social unrest may spoil Mideast recovery: IMF
The fund also warned that the longer-term risk of the uneven recovery could permanently widen wealth, income, and social gaps.
- Unemployment rates increased in MENA last year by 1.4 percent to reach 11.6 percent.
- Nearly 80 percent of the Lebanese population lives below the poverty line and the new government struggles with falling value of currency.
Analysis
Lebanon elite united against probe seen as survival threat
Lebanon's political parties seem united in rejecting an investigation into Beirut's massive port explosion that they fear could threaten their...
- The investigation looks to shed light on the explosion of a huge stockpile of poorly stored fertilizer on August 4, 2020, in Beirut
- The blast killed more than 210 people, wounded thousands, and ravaged half the capital
Geostrategy
Turkey summons 10 ambassadors over Kavala release call
Activist Osman Kavala, 64, has been in jail without a conviction since 2017.
- Activist Osman Kavala, 64, has been in jail without a conviction since 2017
- The Turkish activist faces a string of charges linked to 2013 anti-government protests
Geostrategy
Lebanon Hezbollah chief says movement has 100,000 fighters
Nasrallah spoke as tensions simmer in Lebanon over the fate of the judge leading a probe into a port explosion.
- Nasrallah spoke as tensions simmer in Lebanon over the fate of the judge leading a probe into a port explosion
- Violence broke out in the heart of Beirut Thursday after supporters of Hezbollah and Amal rallied to call for judge Tarek Bitar to step down
Geostrategy
Who will form next government in Iraq?
A final tally from the ballot, organised to appease youth-led anti-government protests that began in 2019, is expected in the...
- Results so far show Sadr won more than 70 of the 329 parliamentary seats
- This coalition option would see Sadr agreeing to a compromise candidate as prime minister
Geostrategy
10 years since Kadhafi death, stability still eludes Libya
A year-long ceasefire and a UN-led peace process have barely papered over deep divisions, and upcoming elections are unlikely to...
- A year-long ceasefire and a UN-led peace process have barely papered over deep divisions, and upcoming elections are unlikely to resolve the crisis
- Kadhafi ruled Libya with an iron fist for 42 years after a 1969 coup against the monarchy, portraying himself as a revolutionary
Geostrategy
Drought-hit Iraq’s crop farmland to be halved
UN agencies have said the impact of water shortages in Iraq is becoming evident through the lower crop yields for...
- The agricultural produce of Iraq usually includes wheat, barley, dates, tomatoes and rice.
- The FAO estimates that "by the end of the season, wheat production will be 70 percent lower and barley production negligible."
Arts & Culture
Symbol of rebirth at Iraq’s historic Al-Nuri mosque
The historic mosque is being built under UNESCO's "Revive the Spirit of Mosul" initiative for rehabilitating Iraq's second city. UAE...
- The 12th-century mosque, known for its leaning minaret, was severely damaged in 2017.
- Eight Egyptian architects won an international competition to reconstruct the mosque.
Geostrategy
150 Yemen rebels killed in strikes: Saudi-led coalition
Rebel leader Abdelmalek al-Huthi called for continued fighting, as tens of thousands of supporters marched in towns held by the...
- The Yemeni civil war began in 2014 when the Huthis seized the capital Sanaa, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to intervene.
- The UN last week called for a halt to fighting in Abdiya, where it said the movement of aid had been "extremely restricted".
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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
Middle East tourism projected to reach $350 billion by 2030: ATM report
Dubai, UAE – The Middle East’s tourism sector is poised for unprecedented expansion, with a new report predicting a 50...
Business
Company News
Latest News
Afghan embassy in India suspends operations
Geostrategy
China looks to woo back global elites at Davos forum
Prime Minister Li Qiang, who will make a special address on Tuesday, will be the most senior Chinese official to...
World Economic Forum
Iran Guards hit ‘terrorist’ targets in Iraq, Syria
The IRGC also hit targets in Syria with ballistic missiles, including the "gathering places of commanders and main elements related...
Big win in Iowa moves Trump closer to Biden re-match
The extent of his victory demonstrated the 77-year-old's success in turning his prosecutions into a rallying cry that has galvanized...
Geostrategy
Most Read
Geostrategy
Iran asks US and Britain to ‘stop war against Yemen’
Tehran, Iran - Iran urged on Monday the United States and Britain to "stop the war against Yemen" following their recent...
- "We warn America and Britain to stop the war against Yemen immediately," said Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
- The Houthis, who control large swathes of Yemen including the capital Sanaa since 2014, are part of a Tehran-aligned "axis of resistance" against Israel and its allies
Geostrategy
Gaza war deaths top 24,000 as UN chief calls for ceasefire again
Bringing food and supplies to the besieged population of Gaza, which is increasingly at risk of famine, also depends on...
- In a statement released with the video, Hamas said "the Zionist army's bombing" was responsible for the death of two male hostages.
- King Abdullah II of neighboring Jordan warns that continuing Israeli attacks could cause the conflict to expand across the region.
Geostrategy
UN wants $4.2 billion for Ukraine’s humanitarian aid in 2024
"Remember Ukraine?" UN aid chief Martin Griffiths asked as he launched the plan in Geneva. "Please do not forget Ukraine...
- Russia's war in Ukraine is set to enter its third year in February and the UN said it was vital to maintain support to millions affected by war
- The UN hopes to reach 8.5 million people within Ukraine and 2.3 million refugees and their host communities in eastern Europe