Huge crowds flock to Vatican for Pope Francis’s funeral
Tens of thousands of mourners flooded into St Peter's Square on Saturday for the funeral of Pope Francis, the champion...
Arts & Culture
$20 million rare blue diamond goes on show in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates -- A rare blue diamond valued at $20 million went on pre-auction display on Tuesday...
Business
Geostrategy
Elon Musk’s X supports US student in trouble over posts
Dubai, UAE--Elon Musk’s X has made good on its promise to back users who are being punished for statements they...
- The student, Juan David Campolargo, was found to be violating the university's student code of conduct, according to Campolargo's lawyers
- Musk voiced his support for the college student in a brief post on X, "We will do whatever it takes to support your right to free speech!"
Geostrategy
UAE issue guidelines on unlicensed virtual asset service providers
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organizations Committee (NAMLCFTC)...
- The guidance aims to educate licensed financial institutions (LFIs) and public sector on the risks associated with unlicensed virtual asset service providers.
- It aligns with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) publication on updated guidance for a risk-based approach to virtual assets and virtual asset service providers.
Geostrategy
Turkmenistan plants over 470,000 trees in a single day
Turkmenistan is one of the most closed societies in the world, where dissent is outlawed and the Berdymukhamedov family have...
- The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says water stress in Turkmenistan is "extremely high".
- Three-quarters of the country are covered by the black sands of the Karakum Desert and annual precipitation is below 100 mm in places.
Arts & Culture
200,000-year-old hand axe found in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla region
AlUla, Saudi Arabia -- The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has announced that the archeological excavation teams at the Qurh...
- It is a strong tool, made of soft basalt stone 51.3 cm long, that could have been used for cutting or chopping. Studies are still conducted to identify the purpose of its use.
- The ancient tool was discovered by a team of archeologists from the heritage consultancy TEOS Heritage, which is exploring the area around Qurh, south of AlUla.
Arts & Culture
Saudi set to host FIFA World Cup 2034 in either summer or winter
Despite summer temperatures touching 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) in the major cities, Saudi Arabian Football Federation president Yasser al-Misehal...
- Misehal also indicated that Saudi Arabia intends to push ahead and host the tournament alone, without asking its neighbors to hold any games.
- That would make Saudi the first country to organize the newly expanded, 48-team World Cup on its own, after the joint hostings in 2026 and 2030.
Arts & Culture
In UK, tourists discover darker side of Oxford and Cambridge
Courses are not the subject of walking tour, which instead focuses on "difficult legacies" -- a burning issue brought to...
- First stop on the tour is Oriel College, outside of which sits a statue of alumnus Cecil Rhodes (1853-1902), a colonizer who dreamed of a British Africa from Cape Town to Cairo.
- A guide and student Claire McCann, originally from South Africa, read a quote of Rhodes in which he described Africans as the "most despicable specimens of human beings".
Business
Saudia records 50 percent growth in operations during Umrah season
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - From the start of the month of Muharram until the end of Rabi' Al-Awwal, Saudia Airlines...
- Its commitment to operate during the Umrah season for the year 1445 Hijri aligns with Saudia’s dedication to contribute to the Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
- Saudia planned to provide additional charter flights during the current Umrah season, aiming to transport more than 100,000 Umrah performers through new stations.
Arts & Culture
Two falcons sold for $41,067 at Saudi Falcons Club Auction
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Two falcons were sold for 154,000 Saudi Riyals ($41,067) amid a large turnout of falcon enthusiasts...
- The auction is held as part of the Saudi effort to promote the falconry heritage and support falcon breeders and enthusiasts in the Kingdom
- The auction also seeks to support falconry investment, develop falcon auctions, and regulate the buying and selling of falcons
Arts & Culture
Educational institutions are shaping UAE’s tomorrow
"Dubai's schools attract students of various nationalities seeking holistic education. These schools emphasize well-rounded education, with a sports culture enhancing...
- DSC Chairman Sheikh Mansoor emphasizes the role of sports in education for shaping the UAE's future.
- The vitality and joy imbued in young minds through sports hone innate talents and intellects, he adds.
Arts & Culture
Esports scores big for Saudi economy, culture & jobs
The Kingdom, with its passion for sports and tech, is set to reshape the competitive gaming landscape by hosting the...
- The Kingdom, with its passion for sports and tech, is set to reshape the competitive gaming landscape by hosting the world's premier Electronic Sports World Cup from 2024.
- By 2030, Esports is set to add US$13.3bn to Saudi GDP, with 67% of Saudis into electronic gaming, potentially creating 39,000 jobs, and producing 30 world-class games.
Huge crowds flock to Vatican for Pope Francis’s funeral
Tens of thousands of mourners flooded into St Peter's Square on Saturday for the funeral of Pope Francis, the champion...
Arts & Culture
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Born to help: Syria bikers deliver Ramadan meals
The volunteers don their club's signature blue vest, the front and back embroidered with their emblem: a flaming motorbike and...
Arts & Culture
From polar bears to groundwater, nature is riddled with ‘forever chemicals’
Paris, France - They didn't exist a century ago but today PFAS "forever chemicals" contaminate the environment from groundwater to Antarctic...
Geostrategy
Taiwan suffers from biggest earthquake in 25 years
NEW TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN - Liu watched intently as rescuers carefully picked their way through the remains of a warehouse that...
Geostrategy
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Arts & Culture
Restoration project for Jeddah district’s old buildings completed
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – The Ministry of Culture, represented by the Jeddah Historic District Program, has announced the completion of...
- The project comes within the context of the Crown Prince's keenness to preserve and rehabilitate historical sites.
- The project aimed to highlight the heritage landmarks that Jeddah District is abundant in as a site containing over 600 heritage buildings.
Arts & Culture
Saudi RCU begins rock excavation for Sharaan Resort in AlUla
ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA – The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has marked a significant milestone in the development of the...
- The initial excavation symbolizes the start of a mission that combines Jean Nouvel’s architectural innovation with Bouygues' engineering expertise.
- This milestone is an important step forward in AlUla's evolution into a premier destination for sustainable luxury tourism.
Arts & Culture
Hotel Dar Tantora is inspired by Saudi’s AlUla ancient mudbrick buildings
ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA – Situated in the heart of Old Town here, Dar Tantora Hotel offers guests a chance to...
- AlUla’s Old Town, with its origins going back over 700 years, prospered along the renowned incense trade route.
- With over 900 traditional mudbrick homes, the Old Town stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s enduring cultural heritage.