Hamas, Saudi warn of calamity if Israeli troops attack Rafah
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week said he had ordered troops to prepare to go in to the city, crowded...
Geostrategy
Gaza solidarity boycott hits global food chains
As customers in the Middle East shun international restaurants, local businesses report they have benefited from the boycott.
Business
Arts & Culture
Morocco looks to win Africa Cup of Nations title
Morocco head to Cameroon hoping to end a 46-year wait for a second Africa Cup of Nations title.
- Morocco along with Ghana has not lifted the Cup of Nations trophy for a long time
- Ghana is likely to finish runners-up to Morocco at worst and could prove awkward knockout opponents
Business
Expatriate remittances to Morocco exceeded $9.32bn till Nov 2021
Expenses stood at 9.8 billion dirhams at the end of November 2021, against 9.58 billion dirhams a year earlier and...
- Exports improved by 9.1% to reach 127.5 billion dirhams at the end of November 2021, and imports increased by 12% to 67.55 billion dirhams
- Travel revenues stood at 31.96 billion dirhams at the end of November 2021, against 31.72 billion dirhams at the end of November 2020
Russia, Iran eye trade and economic collaboration
Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi in Moscow for discussion over expanding strategic cooperation.
- A treaty on mutual relations and principles of cooperation between Iran and Russia turned 20 on March 12, 2021
- The diplomatic apparatus of Russia and Iran described the treaty as a turning point in both countries’ relationship
Business
Covid-19 clouds hover over world’s New Year party
As the year drew to a close, the emergence of the Omicron variant pushed the number of daily new Covid-19...
- As the pandemic enters its third year, it still dominates life around the globe
- Seoul to San Francisco, new year celebrations were canceled or curtailed
Business
Ikea to hike prices by 9%
The hike is due to pandemic-fueled supply-chain snarls.
- Ikea faced higher operating costs in North America and Europe
- It is now passing on that cost burden to its customers
WHO says Omicron risk ‘very high’ after Covid cases rise by 11 percent
Omicron is behind rapid virus spikes in several countries, including those where it has already overtaken the previously-dominant Delta variant,...
- Further data was needed to understand Omicron's severity in terms of clinical markers, including the use of oxygen, mechanical ventilation and death, WHO said.
- The highest numbers of new cases were reported from the United States, Britain, France and Italy.
Geostrategy
US condemns Houthis’ attacks on Saudi, calls group a threat
The United States has condemned the Houthis' continuous attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stressing that the group is...
- US State Department Spokesman Ned Price said that Saudi Arabia was able to eliminate about 90 percent of Houthi attacks.
- Houthis launched a military projectile that hit a commercial store in the Samtah governorate in the southern Jazan region on 24 December.
Economy
Saudi Arabia, UAE eye strong growth amidst challenges
London-based think-tank Cebr predicts the economic future of countries across the world and the outlook remains rosy for the Gulf...
- Saudi Arabia will jump from t19th to 17th in the World Economic League Table by 2021
- The UAE is expected to move up in the table from 34th in 2021 to 33rd in 2036
Economy
Palestine Q3 current-account deficit stands at $316m
The preliminary results showed a surplus value for the capital and financial account amounting to $222 million, mainly caused by...
- This deficit in the current account was mainly triggered by the deficit of the trade balance of goods, which reached $1,464 million
- The total transfers from abroad amounted to $602 million, of which 17% were the transfers to the government sector
Economy
Climate crisis puts oil in the crosshairs, but dependence persists
The International Energy Agency warned in May that an immediate halt to new investment in fossil projects is needed if...
- Fossil fuels, represent 80 percent of energy consumed, and were explicitly blamed for driving climate change at COP26
- This was not the case when the Paris climate pact was reached in 2015
Hamas, Saudi warn of calamity if Israeli troops attack Rafah
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week said he had ordered troops to prepare to go in to the city, crowded...
Geostrategy
Company News
Latest News
Liverpool manager dismisses suggestions Salah could leave for Saudi club
LIVERPOOL, UK - Liverpool manager dismissed suggestions on Friday that Mohamed Salah could become the latest star name to depart European...
Arts & Culture
Algerian, South African ministers discuss ways to boost economic cooperation
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - Algerian Minister of Finance Laaziz Faid discussed with South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwan, ways to...
Geostrategy
Iran’s BRICS membership to strengthen group, says XI
TEHRAN/ JOHANNESBURG, IRAN/ SOUTH AFRICA - The Iranian and Chinese presidents stressed the need to bolster bilateral cooperation and the...
Geostrategy
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Geostrategy
Did not hear any noise from global organizations on journalist Dugina’s death, says Russia
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - Russia still has not heard any reaction from international organizations regarding the assassination of journalist Darya Dugina...
- The diplomat recalled a series of assassination attempts and murders of Russian journalists and opinion leaders committed by the Kiev regime.
- Darya Dugina, 29, was killed on August 20 when her car was blown up on the M1 Highway in the Moscow Region’s Odintsovsky district.
Market Report
European stocks rise, China rate cut fails to ease worries
European stocks rebounded but Asian markets ended mixed after a Chinese rate cut failed to reassure investors. At midday, Paris...
- There are concerns that the US Federal Reserve could raise interest rates further and keep them elevated for longer.
- Focus turns this week to a symposium of top central bankers and business leaders at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with dealers hoping for guidance on rates.
Arts & Culture
25 teams attending Afro-Arab Esports League 2023 in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Afro-Arab Esports League, which opened Saturday in Saudi Arabia, will see participation from over 25...
- These teams will compete for three days in a variety of tournaments tailored for both men and women, covering popular games such as eFootball and Valorant.
- Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan said the arrangement of the Afro-Arab Esports League demonstrated of the sector's importance in both the Arab and African realms.