Iran warns US, Israel against attacks as Khamenei funeral preparations begin
The warning came as US-Iran diplomacy remained on track after Doha talks. Iran's deputy foreign minister said the Doha negotiations...
Geostrategy
Emirates becomes first airline cargo carrier to deploy Boeing 777-300ERSF
Dubai, UAE -- Emirates is marking a significant milestone in the expansion of its cargo fleet by becoming the first...
Business
Business
Saudi tourist arrivals rise to 122.6 million in 2025, spending hits $81 billion
The growth was driven primarily by domestic travel, which reached 93.3 million tourists, up 8.3% from 2024, while inbound visitor...
- Leisure and holiday travel attracted 7 million visitors, while visits to friends and relatives totaled 4.4 million. Business travel rose 14% to 2.3 million visitors.
- Hospitality capacity expanded sharply, with licensed rooms rising 25.4% as tourism's contribution to GDP edged higher.
Geostrategy
Trump threatens Hormuz tolls as Iran keeps strait closed ahead of Switzerland talks
The developments came ahead of technical talks between U.S. and Iranian officials expected in Switzerland as both sides seek to...
- Iran links renewed Hormuz closure to continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon and questions implementation of the interim accord.
- Lebanon's state news agency NNA said Israeli strikes killed at least 20 people on Saturday.
Geostrategy
Iran closes Hormuz over Lebanon strikes as US, Iranian teams head to Switzerland
Iran's joint military command said the move was prompted by what it described as Israeli violations of the understanding reached...
- Technical discussions on implementing the interim accord are expected in Switzerland amid mounting regional tensions and uncertainty.
- Lebanon's health ministry said the death toll since the latest Israel-Hezbollah conflict erupted on March 2 had reached 4,057.
Business
AD Ports launches UAE-Iraq integrated logistics service
Dubai, UAE -- AD Ports Group has launched an integrated logistics service linking the UAE's Khalifa Port with Iraq's Umm...
- Weekly shipping link targets growing container and Ro-Ro traffic moving between Iraq, the UAE and neighbouring markets.
- Enhanced logistics capabilities at both ports aim to improve cargo handling efficiency and long-term supply chain resilience.
Geostrategy
Lebanon violence tests US-Iran accord as Israeli ministers harden rhetoric
Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least 21 people were killed and 39 wounded in overnight strikes across southern Lebanon.
- "For every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep," Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote on social media.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the remarks, saying they reflected Israel's desire for "permanent war".
Geostrategy
Vance rebukes Israeli critics of Trump-Iran deal, says US remains Israel’s only ally
Vance said that if he were serving in Israel's cabinet, he would not be "attacking the only powerful ally that...
- Israeli leaders insist they retain freedom to confront Hezbollah and Iran regardless of terms in the U.S.-Iran accord.
- Vance earlier this week that the accord would make both Israel and the wider region safer and expressed confidence that Israel would eventually support it.
Geostrategy
Middle East conflict exposes hydrogen supply risks: IEA
Dubai, UAE -- The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted production and trade in hydrogen-based products, exposing vulnerabilities in...
- Global demand exceeded 100 million tons in 2025 while low-emissions hydrogen production approached one million tons.
- Announced low-emissions hydrogen capacity expected by 2030 has fallen sharply because of project delays and cancellations.
Geostrategy
US, Iran technical negotiations face delay after Vance postpones Switzerland visit
"The logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable. As of now the Vice President is not departing...
- White House says technical negotiations will begin later despite postponement of vice president's Switzerland trip for talks.
- Witkoff tells lawmakers Iran will invite international inspectors as nuclear verification efforts move into implementation stage.
Economy
Saudi Arabia rises to 13th in global competitiveness rankings
The Kingdom ranked 13th out of 70 economies assessed in the annual report, improving from 17th place a year earlier...
- The report attributed the improvement to stronger performance across all four of its pillars: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.
- Overall, Saudi Arabia ranked among the global top 10 in 74 of the report's 262 indicators.
Geostrategy
Trump, Iran president sign framework accord to end conflict, launch nuclear talks
The accord, signed electronically by both leaders, is intended to serve as a framework for a broader settlement rather than...
- Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country, supported by Qatar, would host a ceremony in Switzerland on Friday to launch technical-level discussions.
- The framework extends the existing ceasefire by 60 days, creating a window for negotiations on a permanent settlement and Iran's nuclear activities.
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Iran warns US, Israel against attacks as Khamenei funeral preparations begin
The warning came as US-Iran diplomacy remained on track after Doha talks. Iran's deputy foreign minister said the Doha negotiations...
Geostrategy
Company News
Latest News
SpaceX’s blockbuster IPO gives way to volatile trading as investors reassess valuation
Among the several factors that contributed to the volatility is the limited share float. Only around 4.2% of total shares...
Business
IAEA prepares to inspect Iran nuclear sites as US, Gulf states back Tehran accord
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would remain indefinitely in what they...
Geostrategy
Global equities, gold may extend gains in H2 2026 despite market risks: Standard Chartered
UAE and Middle East investors remain supported by stable oil markets, easing geopolitical risk premiums and strong liquidity, the bank...
Business
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Business
Saudi launches one-stop platform for summer travel offers and experiences
Dubai, UAE -- Saudi Arabia's tourism authority has launched a digital platform bringing together travel offers and tourism packages from...
- Platform combines accommodation, flights, events and entertainment offers.
- Packages available for Riyadh, Jeddah, Asir, Red Sea, Taif and Al-Baha.
Geostrategy
Marco Rubio : ‘We’re going to be completely aligned with our partners in the Gulf’
He said that technical talks between the United States and Iran are expected to resume in Switzerland on June 29...
- Oil markets have responded positively to the easing tensions, with Brent crude falling below $75 a barrel this week.
- Natural gas demand will start returning during the third quarter, Gas Exporting Countries Forum Secretary General Philip Mshelbila said.
Business
Saudi tourist spending rises to $22 billion in Q1 despite drop in foreign arrivals
Domestic travel helped sustain Saudi Arabia's tourism sector in the first quarter, with total visitor numbers rising to 37.2 million...
- International visitors generated SAR48 billion, nearly 60% of total tourism spending despite representing just one-fifth of travelers.
- More than 105,000 hotel rooms are scheduled for delivery by 2030 as Saudi Arabia expands tourism infrastructure.