Gaza solidarity boycott hits global food chains

• Starbucks sales grew at their slowest pace in a year, and profits fell short of Wall Street estimates as a spending slowdown took its toll.
• McDonald's shares declined for the second day after the company failed to achieve targeted sales for the first time since 2020 due to the war in the Middle East.

UAE, Russian Presidents discuss regional and global developments

• Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE's steadfast commitment to promoting peace and stability both regionally and globally.
• The UAE and Russian Presidents discussed several issues of mutual interest, with a particular focus on the Ukraine conflict.

WW3 may begin before US President Biden’s term ends, Trump says

• Trump alleged that that Biden's policy had turned the world into hell and was leading the United States to a bloodbath.
• The US presidential election will be held in November and incumbent Joe Biden said that he would seek re-election.

Russian foreign minister to speak at Valdai Middle East Conference

• The 13th conference is taking place at a time when the region is under the microscope amid the escalating Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
• Experts are likely to discuss ways to come to a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East, the legacy of colonial policy.

Spain to increase UNRWA funding after donors suspend aid

• Over a dozen countries, including the US, Germany, Britain and Sweden, have suspended their funding to UNRWA.
• There are accusations that 12 UNRWA staff members were involved in the October 7 attacks in Israel by Hamas.

No Middle East escalation, urges EU foreign policy chief after US strikes

• US President Joe Biden vowing more attacks in retaliation for a deadly drone attack on an American base in Jordan.
• The EU is aiming to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea later this month to help protect international vessels from attacks.

UAE is the most popular destination for global workers, says report

• France, the United Arab Emirates, India, Turkey, and the United Kingdom were the top destinations for UAE recruiters.
• This trend underscores the UAE's commitment to fostering a diverse and vibrant multinational workforce.

Jordan defeats Tajikistan to reach first Asian Cup semi-final

China economic slowdown to continue for the next four years, says IMF

• The world's second-largest economy last year saw some of its slowest growth in decades
• A debt crisis in the property sector added to geopolitical tensions and weakening global demand.

Spain urges WTO meet in UAE to address de-globalization

• The ministerial meeting (MC13) will convene representatives of 164 nations and trading blocs.
• MC13 will seek key reforms to the global trading system, including expanding WTO membership .