Saudi, Qatar airlines adjust flights as regional tensions disrupt travel

• Saudi Airlines extends flight suspensions to several Gulf destinations while monitoring developments and evaluating gradual service resumption.
• Qatar Airways launches limited schedule from Doha to reconnect passengers following temporary authorization from civil aviation authorities.

G7 ministers consider oil reserves as markets face volatility

• They added that proactive measures—including the possible use of strategic oil reserves—remain under consideration as part of efforts to stabilize global energy markets.
• The ministers said coordination is ongoing among G7 members as well as with IEA member states and other partners.

The shift from innovative to native: Unlocking where real AI value lies

Empower distributes $701 million dividends since listing

• The company recorded AED3.419 billion revenue in 2025, while net profit rose 10.5% year-on-year to AED1.004 billion.
• In 2025, shareholders approved a dividend of AED875 million for 2025, paid in two equal instalments of AED437.5 million in April and October.

Iran escalation sharpens oil, inflation concerns

• Iran escalation heightens sensitivity to oil, inflation and interest rates, shaping equity valuations and expectations for monetary policy.
• US markets show resilience as investors favor liquidity and Treasuries, supporting the dollar during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.

Traditional coffee roaster reflects Saudi heritage

• Beans are roasted over fire until they turn golden and their husks fall off, before being transferred to a wooden container known as the “mibradah.”
• Roasting methods varied across the Arabian Peninsula, including the Shaghdaliyah, Hijaziyah, Qatifiyah and Hasawi roasters.

Six Ramadan initiatives launched in Asir region

• The initiatives cover religious education, heritage preservation, archaeological documentation and traditional arts.
• A workshop titled “Color Your Heritage” explored Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art and integrated it with Tihami heritage motifs.

Bapco Energies declares force majeure on operations

• The company said the move follows the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East and a recent attack on its refinery complex.
• Bapco Energies said all local market needs remain fully secured through proactive plans to ensure the continuity of supplies and meet domestic demand without disruption.

GCC agriculture sectors post strong 2024 performance

• Agricultural and fisheries exports rose to $7.8 billion, up 7.5 percent, while imports reached $38.7 billion, an increase of 10.1 percent.
• Vegetables accounted for 45.8 percent of total crop production, the largest share among plant products.

Khalifa Education Award begins judging stage

• This phase will be carried out through interviews conducted by specialized judging committees to review educational projects.
• The General Secretariat said the evaluation and judging phase aims to measure the actual impact of the submitted works.