Who recognises the State of Palestine, who doesn’t, and why does it make a difference?
Here is an overview of diplomatic recognition of the state, which was unilaterally proclaimed by the Palestinian leadership in exile...
Geostrategy
Dubai Integrated Economic Zones posts record $91 billion trade in 2024
Dubai, UAE – The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) recorded its highest-ever trade performance in 2024, with total trade...
Business
Geostrategy
US, Saudi Arabia urge truce talks between warring Sudan groups
The last truce was agreed to allow desperately needed humanitarian aid and safe passages into areas of Sudan ravaged by...
- A five-day extension of a US- and Saudi-brokered but oft-ignored truce formally expired Saturday evening.
- The Saudi and US mediators nonetheless called for "the parties to agree to and effectively implement a new ceasefire.
Science
How chocolate could counter climate change
Biochar, a substance produced by heating the cocoa husks in oxygen-free environment, could be used to capture 2.6 billion of...
- While the biochar industry is still in its infancy, the technology offers a novel way to remove carbon from the Earth's atmosphere, experts say.
- Across Europe, biochar projects have begun to multiply. The biochar industry federation says production is set to almost double to 90,000 tons this year compared with 2022.
Geostrategy
Syrian leaders want UN to re-begin talks with President Assad
Syria's opposition urged the resumption of moribund United Nations-sponsored talks with the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, who has returned...
- The statement called for a solution in line with UN Security Council resolution 2254, which set out a roadmap for a political transition.
- Last month, regional leaders welcomed Assad back to the Arab League at a summit in Saudi Arabia - his first appearance at the pan-Arab body.
Geostrategy
Sharjah Chamber concludes successful 5-day trade mission to India
SHARJAH, UAE - The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has successfully concluded its trade mission to India after...
- The trade mission visited New Delhi and Mumbai to discuss potential investment opportunities.
- The business gatherings has served as an effective platform to discuss potential investment advantages.
Business
Workshops on suspicious transactions in gold, precious stone sector in UAE
ABU DHABI, UAE - UAE Ministry of Economy organized two workshops, in Arabic and English, to promote the awareness of...
- The workshops made the traders and business owners aware of the necessity of reporting suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit.
- This will contribute to enhance the competitiveness of the gold sector and its development in line with international best practices.
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia rises three ranks in education impact on UN SDGs
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia has advanced three ranks in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings in 2023, with...
- The number of Saudi universities was 22 in 2022 within the international ranking, which sorts universities that impact achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- The 17 goals adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015 aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.
Geostrategy
Kuwait to hold seventh election in 10 years amid political paralysis
The oil-rich country suffers from constant stand-offs between elected lawmakers and cabinets installed by the reigning Al-Sabah family. The opposition...
- Fearing that widespread scepticism will discourage many people from voting, the authorities have festooned the capital with posters in an attempt to encourage a better turnout
- The latest general election was called by the emir last month after he again dissolved parliament amid a persistent deadlock with the executive branch that has stalled reforms
Geostrategy
Syrian foreign minister discusses aid on visit to key ally Iraq
The visit by Faisal Mekdad comes weeks after the Arab League agreed to end Syria's suspension from the 22-member bloc,...
- Baghdad was "one of the initiators" of Syria's return to the Arab League, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said in a joint press conference with Faisal Mekdad.
- Mekdad and Iraqi PM also discussed the issue of Syrian refugees who fled the country after war erupted, many of whom now live in Iraq as well as Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.
Geostrategy
Suez Canal traffic resumes after broken down tanker tugged away
Traffic in both directions returned to normal after a brief disruption when the Malta-flagged Seavigour experienced a "machinery malfunction" while...
- Brief disruptions caused by ships breaking down or running aground are common in the waterway, through which about 10 percent of global maritime trade passes.
- The canal is a major source of much-needed foreign currency for cash-strapped Egypt, earning it $8 billion in transit fees in 2022.
Geostrategy
Volunteers bury 180 unidentified bodies as Sudan war rages
Volunteers have buried 102 unidentified bodies in the capital's cemetery and 78 more in Darfur, ever since the fighting between...
- According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, more than 1,800 people have been killed in the fighting
- The UN says 1.2 million people have been displaced within Sudan and more than 425,000 have fled abroad
Most Read
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
Who recognises the State of Palestine, who doesn’t, and why does it make a difference?
Here is an overview of diplomatic recognition of the state, which was unilaterally proclaimed by the Palestinian leadership in exile...
Geostrategy
Company News
US shoots down four Houthi drones in Red Sea
Geostrategy
Latest News
Turkey confirms Syria talks with Russia and Iran
A meeting was expected on the forum's sidelines between Turkey, and Damascus allies Iran and Russia.
Geostrategy
Qatar resumes Gaza mediation: source with knowledge of talks
Doha, Qatar - Qatar has resumed its role as a mediator in efforts to secure a truce in the Israel-Hamas war...
Syria: Tens of thousands of Alawites flee Homs, fearing rebel advance towards Damascus-coast strategic link
Analysts said they expected the fighters led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to push on towards the city,...
Most Read
Iran says ready to study any Syrian request for troops
Tehran, Iran - Iran will consider any request from its Syrian ally for troops to help tackle a sweeping rebel offensive...
- Iran and Syria have been close allies for decades and Iran has long provided military advisors to the Syrian armed forces
- The Iranian government has been portraying the rebel assault as a US-Israeli plot to destabilise the Middle East
Lebanon says nine killed in Israeli strikes on southern villages
Many strikes on villages in southern Lebanon on Monday, after Israel said it was taking aim at dozens of Hezbollah...
- Israel has carried out a near-daily series of strikes in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire
- On Monday, the Lebanese army said an Israeli drone wounded a soldier
Geostrategy
Israel vows ‘harsh response’ to Hezbollah attack
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed a "harsh response" to a Hezbollah rocket launch targeting a military position on Monday
- At least two people were killed on Monday in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon
- The ceasefire came into effect on November 27 and stipulates that Israel will not carry out offensive military operations