Israel warns recognizing Palestinian state could trigger ‘unilateral’ action
Several countries, including France and Britain, have pledged to recognize a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly later this...
Geostrategy
AI giant Anthropic to pay $1.5 bn over pirated books
San Francisco, United States - Anthropic will pay at least $1.5 billion to settle a US class action lawsuit over...
Science
Business
EU, New Zealand ink deal to enhance trade by 30 percent in a decade
The European Union and New Zealand signed a free trade agreement which Brussels says can lift exchanges between the two...
- New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said it "will generate substantive new economic opportunities. It's of huge benefit to both partners."
- "New Zealand is a key partner for us in the Indo-Pacific region, and this free trade agreement will bring us even closer together," the EU chief said from Brussels.
Geostrategy
Jordan security shoots three fugitives dead near Saudi border
AMMAN, JORDAN- Jordanian forces have killed three fugitives including two who had recently escaped jail in a raid near the kingdom's...
- Security forces raided on Saturday the hideout of three wanted fugitives "near the kingdom's southeastern border", said an official statement
- The three suspects were killed in a firefight after they had opened fire at the security forces with automatic weapons, the statement added
Geostrategy
Pro-Iran parties urge Iraq to clear energy dues with Tehran
BAGHDAD, IRAQ - A powerful alliance of pro-Iran factions in Iraq called on Sunday on Baghdad to pressure the United States...
- Iraq, ravaged by decades of conflict and international sanctions, relies on gas imported from its eastern neighbor for a third of its energy needs.
- To reduce their dependence on Iranian gas, Iraq has been exploring several possibilities including imports from Gulf countries like Qatar.
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia should ‘review’ emissions targets: French minister
France's energy transition minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher left the world's biggest oil exporter early Sunday morning after meeting with her Saudi counterpart....
- Saudi Arabia pledged in 2021 to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2060. Pannier-Runacher's trip came as the UAE prepares to host the COP28 climate summit.
- Largely state-owned energy firm Saudi Aramco, the kingdom's main revenue generator, is targeting "operational net-zero" carbon emissions by 2050.
Business
French startup bets on kitesurf to blow away shipping pollution
The shipping sector is under fresh pressure to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels as the International Maritime Organization sealed...
- In kitesurfing, riders use their hands to control the kite. But on Parlier's SeaKite catamaran, an automated traction system and AI adapts the sail's position to wind conditions.
- The goal is to design much bigger kite sails that could one day pull yachts, trawlers and even container ships.
Economy
UK to unveil new measures to support financial sector
Hunt, whose official title is chancellor of the exchequer, will lay out plans for an "entirely new kind of stock...
- Hunt will set out "how Britain's financial services will support the drive for long-term sustainable growth across the country", the UK Treasury said
- The new measures will in particular seek to make the UK stock market more attractive to firms looking to take their businesses public
Russia denounces repatriation of Ukrainian troops from Turkey
"The return of Azov commanders from Turkey to Ukraine is nothing but a direct violation of the terms of existing...
- Ukrainian presidency confirmed that it had secured the return of members of the crack Azov regiment, which is despised in Russia, after "negotiations with the Turkish side"
- Dmitry Peskov said both Ukraine and Turkey had violated the terms of the agreement, under which the men were supposed to remain in Turkey until the end of the conflict
Business
Jordan’s beekeepers make a fortune as demand for honey soars
The kingdom of Jordan prides itself on its 19 different types of honey, including citrus, eucalyptus and maple varieties, depending...
- Jordan's 4,000 apiarists have ramped up output of the sweet and sticky golden substance long praised for its anti-inflammatory and other health benefits
- Even if there is no scientific consensus that honey helps fight Covid, many of those infected have used it to soothe symptoms such as sore throats
Geostrategy
Thousands of Israelis protest ahead of judicial reform vote
Protestors have kept up the pressure with weekly rallies against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who returned to...
- Israeli media estimated turnout at Saturday's protest in Tel Aviv at 150,000, ahead of a vote Monday in parliament
- The government argues the judicial reform is necessary to ensure a better balance of power
Geostrategy
Syria cancels BBC’s accreditation over ‘misleading reports’
In a rare move against an international media organization, the Syrian government has cancelled the BBC's accreditation over what it...
- The information ministry said that accreditation of the BBC Radio correspondent in Syria was also revoked
- In a terse statement BBC responded that its Arabic news provides impartial independent journalism
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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
Israel warns recognizing Palestinian state could trigger ‘unilateral’ action
Several countries, including France and Britain, have pledged to recognize a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly later this...
Geostrategy
Company News
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Israel says could fulfil Trump’s Gaza displacement plan if hostages not freed, Hamas says truce deal ‘fragile’
Hamas has said it would postpone the release citing Israeli violations, and hours later, Trump warned that "hell" would break...
Geostrategy
UAE to launch DeepSeek-inspired AI models: Faisal Al Bannai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates -- The United Arab Emirates is planning to launch new artificial intelligence models inspired by China's DeepSeek,...
Business
At least $53 billion needed to rebuild Gaza, UN estimates
United Nations, United States - More than $53 billion will be required to rebuild Gaza and end the "humanitarian catastrophe" that...
Geostrategy
Most Read
Geostrategy
Jordan king set for tense Trump talks as Gaza truce under strain
The talks come a day after Trump said he could "conceivably" halt billions of dollars in US aid to both...
- King Abdullah is a key US ally but last week rejected "any attempts" to take control of the Palestinian territories and displace its people.
- Every year, Jordan receives around $750 million in economic assistance from Washington and another $350 million in military aid.
Business
Chinese auto giant BYD to integrate DeepSeek, broaden self-driving tech
BYD will install its "God's Eye" autonomous driving system in at least 21 models, including the Seagull budget hatchback priced...
- The company also said it would integrate AI startup Deepseek's software into its cars, following domestic peers such as Geely, Great Wall Motors, and Leapmotor
- BYD is Tesla's biggest rival in China and increasingly abroad, and Monday evening's announcement led analysts to suggest a new price war might be on the horizon
Trump warns ‘all hell’ will break loose if Gaza hostages not returned after Hamas delays exchanges
The January 19 truce halted 15 months of Gaza fighting, freeing Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but tensions...
- The truce that went into effect on January 19 largely halted more than 15 months of fighting in the Gaza Strip saw five groups of Israeli hostages freed
- But tensions have been running high since a shock proposal by Trump to take over the Gaza Strip and remove its more than two million inhabitants