Ads pressured to evolve as AI changes Google search

The internet giant is dabbling with ads in its new AI Mode for online search, a strategic move to fend off competition from ChatGPT.

A new AI Mode enables conversational interaction with Google during search queries, providing answers in diverse formats, such as video, audio or graphs.

Turkey says increasing energy exports to war-torn Syria

Syria's Islamist authorities, who toppled Bashar al-Assad in December, are seeking to rebuild the country's infrastructure and economy after almost 14 years of civil war.

The conflict badly damaged Syria's power infrastructure, leading to cuts that can last for more than 20 hours a day.

Cyberattack to cost UK retailer Marks & Spencer $404 million

Marks last week revealed that some personal data of its customers had been stolen in a cyberattack that has crippled its online services for weeks.

The news came as Marks on Wednesday reported operating profit before adjusting items of  £985 million for its financial year to the end of March.

Oil prices jump on report of Israel prepping Iran strike

There are fears that such a sharp escalation could tip the Middle East into a war, with tensions already high over Israel's strikes on Gaza.

While safe haven gold pushed higher, the news from CNN appeared to be having little detrimental effect on Asian equities, with most extending the previous day's rally.

Etihad Q1 profit $187 million

Total revenue saw a 15 percent rise compared to Q1 2024, supported by both passenger and cargo business.

With nearly 20 million passengers carried over the last 12 months, Etihad is the fastest-growing airline in the region.

Yalla Group Q1 revenue $83m

The New Travel Mindset: Local Living and Smarter Tech

Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand are growing heavily from this region as connectivity improves.

Europe remains strong, but even in Europe, they're exploring more. Before, it was much more London only.

Nvidia unveils plan for Taiwan’s first ‘AI supercomputer’

Taiwan produces the bulk of the world's most advanced chips, including those needed for the most powerful AI applications and research.

TSMC, the Taiwanese contract chipmaking giant, has unveiled plans to inject an additional US$100 billion into the United States, on top of the US$65 billion already pledged.

Qatar Airways annual profit $2bn

Qatar Airways Cargo, the group's air freight service, saw revenues increase by 17 percent on the year before, the airline said.

In 2024, the Qatari airline reported a $1.7 billion net profit following an annual increase of 39 percent, another record.

General Gulf inflation rate logs 1.7% by end of Dec 2024

The increase is primarily driven by a 5.9 percent increase in housing prices and a 2.8 percent rise in the prices of goods and services.

The culture and entertainment group recorded a 1.8 percent increase, while both the food and beverages group and the education group rose by 1.2 percent each.