Labubu fans flock to stores after launch of mini dolls
Beijing, China -- A dozen furry dolls strung together on a metal chain dangled from Labubu fan Maki Li's neck...
Business
Israel: Ultra-Orthodox conscription threatens Netanyahu’s coalition
Jerusalem, Undefined - The Israeli army announced Sunday that it would begin sending draft notices to 54,000 ultra-Orthodox Jewish men...
Arts & Culture
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.
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Revenue from Saudi cinema may exceed $1bn by 2030KSA, UAE play well as e-gaming trends across GCCExclusive: Middle East’s retail sector rides on AR and hybrid shopping to become $600bn digital economyTECOM Group profit soars 13%UAE startups eye Saudi Arabia for growth, expansionSaudi Arabia leads GCC AI healthcare raceDisparity remains as Saudis, Emiratis see wealth gains
Labubu fans flock to stores after launch of mini dolls
Beijing, China -- A dozen furry dolls strung together on a metal chain dangled from Labubu fan Maki Li's neck...
Business
Company News
‘Beautiful thing’: hijab-wearing singer looks to inspire
Arts & Culture
Latest News
Saudi Arabia, Gulf neighbours say Ramadan to start on Saturday
Observing fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring believers to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking...
Arts & Culture
81 percent of Saudi population attends cultural events, activities in 2024: GASTAT
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Nearly 81.6 percent of Saudi individuals visited at least one cultural event or activity in 2024, according...
Arts & Culture
Art and culture retain power to humanize the Intelligent Age, says WEF’s Fowler
Davos, Switzerland -- In an age where artificial intelligence is reshaping our lives, the World Economic Forum's Arts and Culture...
World Economic Forum
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Arts & Culture
Two falcons sell for $81,300 at Saudi Falcons Club Auction
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Two falcons were sold for a combined total of $81,300 (SAR305,000 ) on the tenth night...
- On its tenth night, the Saudi Falcons Club Auction saw two falcons sell for over $81,000, underscoring the nation’s dedication to cultural preservation.
- The Saudi Falcons Club Auction highlights cultural heritage, with top falcons fetching impressive bids as part of Saudi Vision 2030.
Geostrategy
Media: Two major American liberal newspapers refuse to endorse Kamala Harris
With few days remaining to vote in the US election, two major liberal American newspapers have decided not to endorse...
- The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post say they will not endorse Kamala Harris or any presidential candidate
- "Our job as the newspaper of the capital city of the most important country in the world is to be independent"
Arts & Culture
‘Beautiful thing’: hijab-wearing singer looks to inspire
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - In a Dubai recording studio, hijab-clad Ghaliaa Chaker tunes her guitar and belts out original songs...
- The 26-year-old Syrian, who was raised in the UAE, has become a social media sensation, with 437,000 followers on Instagram and millions of views on her YouTube channel
- She offers not only a unique sound but also an unusual look in a region where artists who wear the hijab, the head covering characteristic of Muslim women, are few and far between