US intel says Iran nuclear sites not destroyed, only set back by a few months
Trump rejected that claim on Tuesday, posting on his Truth Social account that “the nuclear sites in Iran are completely...
Geostrategy
NATO summit seeks to keep Trump happy – and alliance united
From meeting his spending demand to limiting the participation of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, everything is being done to try...
Geostrategy
Geostrategy
Syria war killed 3,700 in 2021, lowest annual toll
According to figures compiled by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 1,505 of them were civilians and among those 360...
- According to figures compiled by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 1,505 of them were civilians and among those 360 were children
- The figure is by far the lowest tally since the start of the war in Syria and confirms a downward trend that saw 6,800 people killed last year and just over 10,000 in 2019
Geostrategy
Sharjah Council okays measures for boosting safety of agri products
The Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) has approved a draft Emiri decree on organizing the Sharjah Classic Cars Club, and a...
- The Council approved draft Emiri decrees on organizing the Sharjah Classic Cars Club and the Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club.
- The council directs the authorities concerned to equip cadres with the necessary inspection and control skills.
Geostrategy
The UAE joins SESAME as a member with observer status
Minister Al Kaabi indicated that the achievement will enhance the nation’s scientific capabilities and enable its scientific and industrial organizations...
- The move will enable scientists, researchers and industrial entities in the UAE to use the center’s specialized laboratories to conduct research and develop local industries.
- SESAME was conceived as an international facility for the benefit of the MENA region to help the region retain and attract scientific and engineering talent.
Geostrategy
Saudi media says the kingdom supports Yemen’s legitimate government
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Labor Market Publication, confirming that the unemployment rate of Saudis remained stable...
- Al-Bilad newspaper reported in its editorial that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia exerts unprecedented efforts in supporting the legitimate government in Yemen.
- Al-Riyadh newspaper reported in its editorial that the addressing of unemployment rate is among the key goals of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's vision 2030.
Geostrategy
Natural gas prices hit fresh record peaks on strong winter demand
European and UK gas prices rocketed Tuesday to all-time highs on strong winter demand and simmering geopolitical tensions between key...
- European and UK markets beat previous records from October. They are currently about eight times greater than at the start of 2021.
- Runaway spot gas prices, alongside other buoyant commodities including crude oil, have fueled mounting concern about spiking inflation worldwide.
Geostrategy
Qatar seizes rainbow-colored toys it deems ‘un-Islamic’
Authorities in Qatar, host of next year's football World Cup, have confiscated a line of children's toys from stores deeming...
- The ministry of commerce and industry "carried out inspection campaigns on several retail outlets in different regions across Qatar.
- Qatar hosted the Arab Cup recently and has started preparations for hosting the World Cup next year.
Economy
Is GCC inflation out of control?
The main reason for high inflation rates in the GCC countries is a rebound in prices in the sectors that...
- Food and beverages in Kuwait accounted for a whopping increase in prices, while education costs decreased 15.46 percent
- Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation increase is due to a 6.4 percent growth in transportation costs and a 1.4 percent rise in food and beverage prices
Geostrategy
WEF says ‘will defer’ Davos meeting over Omicron fears
The high-powered meeting scheduled for January 17-21, which usually draws leading figures from business, politics and diplomacy, will instead be...
- Swiss authorities have recently stepped up health restrictions sharply to control a fifth coronavirus wave.
- Forum chief Klaus Schwab promised "continued digital convening of leaders from business, government and civil society".
Geostrategy
Dubai airport fully operational for first time since pandemic
Dubai airport, one of the world's busiest travel hubs, is fully operational for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic...
- Travel via Dubai increases at the end the year, with foreigners -- who make up the majority of the emirate's population -- heading home for the holidays.
- Since the pandemic began, the UAE has registered over 744,400 cases, including 2,152 deaths.
Geostrategy
Above 2.5 million passengers used Doha Metro during Arab Cup in Qatar
More than 2.5 million passengers used Doha Metro during that Arab Cup hosted by Qatar from Nov 30 to Dec...
- Qatari media reports said Doha Metro operated 50,000 trips during the tournament.
- Except on Friday, Doha Metro ran for 21 hours a day throughout the week.
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
US intel says Iran nuclear sites not destroyed, only set back by a few months
Trump rejected that claim on Tuesday, posting on his Truth Social account that “the nuclear sites in Iran are completely...
Geostrategy
Company News
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EU court’s adviser says $2.6bn fine on Google be upheld
Google suffered a legal blow at the European Court of Justice when the body's adviser recommended that a US$2.6 billion...
Business
Israel army claims two journalists slain in Gaza strike were ‘terror operatives’
Israeli army said Mustafa Thuria was identified in a document found by troops in Gaza to be a member of...
Chinese foreign minister to visit Egypt, Tunisia this week: ministry
Wang's overseas travel will coincide with another trip abroad by a top Chinese official, Premier Li Qiang, this week. Li...
Geostrategy
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Geostrategy
Germany resumes arms exports to Saudi Arabia after 5 years
Berlin has loosened its stance on weapons exports to the kingdom recently, with the government praising Saudi Arabia's "constructive approach"...
- Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit confirmed a report that Berlin gave a green signal for the export of 150 Iris-T air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia.
- The newly approved Iris-T missiles could "be fired from aircraft at airborne targets, that is to say missiles, drones and so on", he said.
Geostrategy
India’s Russian oil imports fall to 11-month low as price cap rises
Indian refiners bought 1.45 million barrels per day of Russian oil last month, their lowest amount since last January and...
- Since the invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago, India has bought hundreds of millions of barrels of cut-price Russian crude, saving itself billions of dollars
- But the price of Russian crude has risen in the face of OPEC+ production cuts and increased demand from China, analysts say, making it less attractive to Indian customers
Geostrategy
Blinken tells Abbas US backs ‘tangible steps’ for Palestinian state
Blinken "underscored the United States' position that all Palestinian tax revenues collected by Israel should be consistently conveyed to the...
- Palestinian statehood was anticipated following the Oslo Accords of the 1990s but talks have been moribund for years
- As part of efforts to stabilize the territory, Blinken called on Israel to hand over revenues owed to the Palestinians in full