UN inquiry says Israeli targeting of Palestinian children points to ‘genocidal intent’ in Gaza
The findings were published by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which said it had found evidence that Palestinian...
Geostrategy
Dubai completes 30% of dedicated bus and taxi lanes expansion project
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 30% of a project to build 14.5 km of...
Geostrategy
Geostrategy
Pentagon puts Iran war cost at $25 Bn; Hegseth clashes with lawmakers
The Pentagon has estimated that the ongoing Iran war has cost the United States $25 billion and claimed 14 American...
- Testifying before the House Armed Services Committee, Hegseth sharply criticised lawmakers from both parties who questioned the conflict
- “The biggest challenge, the biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless, feckless and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans.”
Geostrategy
Gas prices surge as Iran tensions roil energy markets
The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. officials said President Donald Trump had instructed aides to prepare for a sustained...
- European gas prices surged over 5% as fears mounted over prolonged disruption to Iranian exports and shipping.
- TotalEnergies delayed restarting Middle East output, while Europe moved to shield industries from spiralling energy costs.
Geostrategy
UAE quits OPEC, reshaping global oil politics
The decision marks one of the most significant ruptures in the producer group's recent history. Long viewed as one of...
- UAE Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei said the decision followed a careful review of current and future energy policies.
- For years, the UAE has invested heavily in expanding its oil production capacity, seeking to raise output to around 5 million barrels per day by 2027.
Geostrategy
Next wave of global competitive advantage lies in tech combinations: WEF
Eight technology domains, including AI, robotics, engineering biology and advanced materials are no longer advancing in isolation.
- The United States alone could face a shortfall of between 10,100 and 19,900 surgeons by 2036.
- Organizations are urged to assess where bottlenecks sit in their value chains, determine which technology combinations could shift those constraints.
Geostrategy
Trump claims Iran in ‘state of collapse’, says Tehran wants blockade lifted
US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran is in a “state of collapse” and said Tehran has approached Washington...
- Speaking amid escalating tensions, Trump said Iran wanted the restrictions removed “as soon as possible”.
- The remarks come as Washington continues its maximum pressure campaign against Tehran, targeting its economy, trade routes and oil exports
Geostrategy
Hezbollah warns it would respond to Israeli ceasefire violations
The exchange came as regional tensions remained high and Iran intensified diplomatic efforts to secure a broader halt to hostilities,...
- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Iran could contact Washington by phone if it wished to negotiate an end to the conflict.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump discussed the need to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Business
Firms lag as AI-driven fraud surges: Study
The report, published by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and analytics firm SAS, highlights widening gaps between rapidly evolving...
- Among the fastest-growing threats is deepfake-enabled social engineering.
- The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have the potential to take a leading role in next-generation fraud prevention.
Geostrategy
Humanoid robot outpaces human half-marathon record in Beijing trial
Dubai, UAE -- A humanoid robot completed a half-marathon in China in a time faster than the human world record,...
- The robot, widely referred to as “Lightning” or “Flash,” finished the 21.1-kilometer race in 50 minutes and 26 seconds at the Beijing E-Town humanoid robot half-marathon.
- The race was not conducted under rules set by World Athletics, and the robot’s performance is not recognized as an official record.
Geostrategy
Lebanon ceasefire begins, violations test fragile truce
The truce, brokered by the United States, is intended to halt cross-border fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Scenes of...
- However, the calm was quickly tested. Lebanon’s army accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, while medics accused it of killing one person one person in the town of Kunin.
- U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington had “prohibited” Israel from carrying out further strikes in Lebanon.
Geostrategy
Middle East conflict may push 30 million into poverty: UNDP
According to a new UNDP policy brief, the impact is most severe in countries directly affected by the fighting and...
- Recommends targeted cash transfers and energy support, warning against costly blanket subsidies in developing economies.
- It is estimated that up to $6 billion may be required, depending on the severity of the crisis.
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UN inquiry says Israeli targeting of Palestinian children points to ‘genocidal intent’ in Gaza
The findings were published by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which said it had found evidence that Palestinian...
Geostrategy
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GCC youth population tops 23.5m as workforce presence expands
Dubai, UAE -- More than 23.5 million people aged between 15 and 34 lived across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries...
Geostrategy
US and Iran agree to ‘immediate’ end to military operations, will sign MoU in Switzerland
The content of the agreement, which follows weeks of fraught negotiations and periodic threats from Trump of fresh hostilities unless...
Geostrategy
Trump predicts Iran accord to be signed soon, Hormuz to open
Mediators voiced growing optimism that weeks of negotiations were nearing completion, while competing narratives from Washington and Tehran underscored lingering...
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Geostrategy
Middle East conflict slows global growth outlook, World Bank says
Most economies saw forecasts downgraded as rising energy costs, inflation and borrowing expenses create fresh challenges for growth and development...
- World Bank is making up to $60 billion available immediately through existing instruments to support affected countries.
- More than 30 countries are working with the institution to strengthen preparedness and enable rapid crisis responses.
Geostrategy
Trump halts Iran attack plans as talks gain momentum, keeps naval blockade intact
Speaking at an Oval Office event, Trump said Washington had achieved a "great settlement" and expressed confidence that an agreement...
- Iran says negotiations have advanced but warns inconsistencies in US positions continue to complicate the process.
- Iran has insisted that any broader settlement should also address fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, a condition that appears unlikely to be accepted by Israel.
Geostrategy
UAE, EU push stronger humanitarian supply chains
Dubai, UAE -- The UAE, the European Union and humanitarian organizations met in Brussels on Thursday to discuss strengthening global...
- More than 80 representatives from governments, UN agencies, NGOs and logistics specialists examined practical measures to improve humanitarian preparedness and coordination.
- Discussions highlighted the growing UAE-EU partnership, including shared humanitarian hubs, emergency stockpiles and efforts to build a global safety net for crisis response.