Israeli strikes kill 12 Palestinians in Gaza amid measures to ‘annex’ more West Bank land
Palestinian officials described the Israeli parliament's decision related to West Bank land as a “serious escalation,” while armed groups and...
Geostrategy
How Sensodyne’s 5th Sense is turning oral care into experience
Haleon delivers better everyday health with humanity, as Sensodyne drives trusted innovation through The 5th Sense, Murtaza Mahfouz tells TRENDS
Business
Invest Qatar launches azure open AI GPT-powered chatbot ‘Ai.SHA’
DOHA, QATAR - The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) has partnered with Microsoft to develop Ai.SHA, an innovative AI-powered...
- This initiative positions Invest Qatar as one of the first investment promotion agencies (IPA) in the world to adopt advanced technology.
- This will pave the way for transformative changes in professional interactions between investors and businesses in Qatar.
Arts & Culture
Over 12m people visit Riyadh Season in 60 days
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Two months after their launch, on October 11, 2023, Riyadh Season events had already attracted 12...
- Riyadh Season attracts large number of visitors with different kinds of activities and experiences.
- It is one of the major Saudi events that establishes new concepts in the world of entertainment.
Geostrategy
Jordan takes steps to raise position in Global Food Security Index, says minister
AMMAN, JORDAN - Agriculture Minister Khaled Al-Hneifat said the ministry has been working hard over the past year to create...
- One of the points to achieve this goal are the creation of a national database for food security.
- The other is the issuance of a unique system for the Food Security Council, the minister said.
Economy
Najran extends MoU with Ayan for Commerce & Industry
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's Najran Cement Company has announced the extension of its non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU)...
- This extension comes as a result of the ongoing valuation and due diligence processes, which are yet to be completed
- The original MOU, signed on October 19, 2023, was set to pave the way for a potential collaboration between the two companies
Geostrategy
Iranian warship enters Red Sea, reports media
TEHRAN, IRAN - Iran's Alborz warship has entered the Red Sea through the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait, Tasnim news agency reported...
- The news agency did not give specific reasons for its deployment, but noted that Iranian military vessels had operated in the area since 2009.
- According to the International Chamber of Shipping, 12 percent of global trade passes through the Red Sea
Business
Maisarah leads Oman government’s successful sukuk issuance
MUSCAT, OMAN - Maisarah Islamic Banking Services, Islamic window of BankDhofar, acted as an Issue Manager for the Sovereign Sukuk...
- The Sukuk-Al-Ijara structure has a seven-year maturity and was conducted through private placement to sophisticated investors in Oman.
- The issuance has been listed on the Bonds and Sukuk Market, operating under the Muscat Stock Exchange.
Geostrategy
Sheikh Hamdan issues resolution regulating single-use products in Dubai
DUBAI, UAE - Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive...
- The aim of the resolution is to protect the environment, encourage people to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle.
- The move also aims to encourage the private sector to promote the use of recycled products.
Business
45 percent of Saudi employees work over 40 hours per week
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Nearly 45.8 percent of employees in Saudi Arabia work more than 40 hours per week and...
- Figures also show that 46.6 percent of employees have received training on health and safety procedures, and 48.7 percent have health and safety departments in their workplace.
- Data also shows that 7.8 percent of employees deal directly or indirectly with chemicals, medical waste, radioactive materials or toxic gases.
Geostrategy
Egypt leads Arab world in population with 113m citizens
DUBAI, UAE – Egypt stands as the most populous Arab country with 113 million people, marking it the 14th largest...
- Iran and Turkey, with populations of 89 million and 86 million respectively, demonstrate substantial numbers in the Middle East region.
- The data, highlighting population sizes of various countries worldwide, pointed out that the global population has reached 8.082 billion.
Business
Sharjah Consultative Council okays emirate’s draft budget 2024
Sharjah, UAE - The Sharjah Consultative Council approved the draft law regarding the budget of departments and entities of the...
- The draft was presented to the council by Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Head of the Sharjah Finance Department for a final review and approval
- After a final review, the council approved the draft law regarding the 2024 general budget for the Sharjah Government departments
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Israeli strikes kill 12 Palestinians in Gaza amid measures to ‘annex’ more West Bank land
Palestinian officials described the Israeli parliament's decision related to West Bank land as a “serious escalation,” while armed groups and...
Geostrategy
Company News
Emirates Islamic Q1 profit $394m
Business
Latest News
Iran voices ‘serious doubts’ over Israel’s commitments, including the ceasefire
Iran also writes to the UN chief to recognize the Israeli regime and the United States as the "initiators of...
Geostrategy
Airlines suspend or reduce flights in Middle East after Iran strikes
British Airways cancelled flights between London's Heathrow Airport and Dubai and Doha on Sunday following the US strikes on Iran....
Geostrategy
MENA Brief | June 19: GCC central banks hold interest rates steady, Diriyah House launched in London
As most currencies in the region are pegged to the US dollar, monetary policy follows the decisions taken in Washington,...
Geostrategy
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Geostrategy
MENA Brief June 14: Iran-Israel War, Abu Dhabi Summit, Saudi Football Rise, & More
Tensions spiked as Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli air raids that killed senior Iranian military...
- Tensions spiked as Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli air raids that killed senior Iranian military leaders and hit nuclear sites
- French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that the planned UN conference on a two-state solution in New York has been delayed due to security and logistical concerns
Analysis
MENA Brief: Key Geopolitical, Defence, and Innovation Updates – June 11, 2025
Regional tensions, high-stakes defence deals, and new innovation-led collaborations defined the Middle East and North Africa landscape on Wednesday. Here’s...
- Turkey announced a landmark agreement to supply 48 domestically produced KAAN fifth-generation fighter jets to Indonesia
- Kuwait announced that expatriates working in the private sector will now require employer consent to leave the country
Geostrategy
MENA brief Jun 11: Umrah returns, ADGM surges, Abu Dhabi property market up
China has extended visa-free entry for up to 30 days to citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain—boosting bilateral...
- Mashreq Bank’s debut $500 million sukuk listed on Nasdaq Dubai under its $2.5 billion program offers a 5.03 % profit yield.
- Nigeria’s planned $5 billion oil‑backed loan with Saudi Aramco is stalled amid falling Brent crude prices and production constraints.