Meta spending big on AI talent but will it pay off?
New York, United States - Mark Zuckerberg and Meta are spending billions of dollars for top talent to make up...Business
Roblox’s Grow a Garden explodes online video game numbers
Paris, France -- A gardening game created by a teenager on online platform Roblox has attracted a record 21 million...Business Culture & Society
Japan’s high-tech sunscreens tap into skincare craze
Tokyo, Japan -- When YouTuber Hannah Price set out to compare Japanese and Australian sunscreen, she wasn't expecting her deep...Companies that have perfected their secret formulas want to capitalize on booming demand, including selling to Japan's record influx of foreign tourists.
The global skincare market was worth more than $115 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $194 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights.
Tesla expected to launch long-discussed robotaxi service, will use Model Y
New York, United States -- Tesla is expected to begin offering robotaxi service Sunday in Austin, an initial step that...The launch will employ the Model Y sport utility vehicle rather than Tesla's much-touted Cybercab, which is still under development.
The long-awaited launch follows the dramatic meltdown earlier this month in relations between Musk and Trump, which saw a cascade of bitter attacks from both men.
Aldar nets $953m in sales at Fahid
Aldar said 42 percent of the buyers are under the age of 45.Nearly 42 percent of buyers are under the age of 45, signaling growing demand for luxury wellness-focused living among younger demographics.
Notably, 67 percent of buyers are first-time Aldar customers, demonstrating Aldar’s expansive reach and the appeal of the Group’s thoughtfully curated destinations.
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,...Saudi-based Cluster2 Airports Company signed a strategic MoU with Airbus. The agreement will see the deployment of the Agnet Turnaround platform across Cluster2’s 22 airports.
Saudi National Bank (SNB) has issued $1.25 billion in Tier 2 bonds at a 6% profit rate under its $10 billion Euro Medium Term Note program.
How travel brands can target high-intent travelers in the MEA region
As tourism booms across the Middle East and Africa, travel brands face fierce competition. Success now means using data-driven, personalized...In a region defined by rapid digital adoption and evolving traveler expectations, the brands that thrive will be those that treat marketing as a journey, not a destination.
Targeting high-intent travelers is no longer about one-off bookings or flash sales—it’s about long-term relationships, built through continuous, relevant engagement.
Cross-border payments and financial inclusion drive stablecoin popularity
London, United Kingdom -- Stablecoins -- a form of cryptocurrency backed by traditional assets -- are gaining traction, with the...Stablecoins play a key role in crypto markets, enabling users to trade digital assets without relying on traditional banks, instead using blockchain.
Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, stablecoins track the value of traditional assets -- such as the US dollar or gold -- enabling greater stability.
Oil prices drop, stocks climb as Iran-Israel war fears ease
Israel's surprise strike against Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday -- killing top commanders and scientists -- sent crude prices...However, concerns over the conflict spreading appeared to have receded, with both main oil contracts retreating 3.7 percent.
Analysts said the recent decision by the OPEC+ group of crude producing nations, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, to raise output again in July also played a role.
WhatsApp introduces first major advertising features
San Francisco, United States -- WhatsApp announced Monday it will introduce its boldest advertising features yet, marking a significant shift...The move is a sensitive one for WhatsApp, whose chief firmly denied a report in 2023 that said the Meta-owned app was exploring advertisements as it sought to boost revenue.
Unlike Facebook, Instagram, and other social platforms, WhatsApp has maintained minimal advertising since Meta acquired it in 2014.
Abu Dhabi state oil firm makes US$18.7 billion bid for Australia’s Santos
Sydney, Australia - Abu Dhabi's state-owned oil company is leading a takeover bid for Australian energy group Santos, valuing it...Santos's board said it plans to unanimously recommend the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's offer to shareholders if it can agree on the takeover terms
Adelaide-based Santos has energy operations in Australia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and the United States, and is a major supplier of liquefied natural gas in Australia and Asia
Boeing lowers 2044 global air fleet outlook amid supply chain woes
New York, United States -- The global commercial aviation fleet will stand just under 50,000 planes in 2044, with most...The global commercial aviation fleet will stand just under 50,000 planes in 2044, with most built over the next 20 years, according to a Boeing forecast released Saturday.
The global fleet will nearly double to 49,600, a bit below Boeing's prior annual outlook, the company said ahead of the giant Paris Air Show beginning Monday.
