Diplomats say at least 550 pilgrims died during hajj, mostly Egyptians
"All of them (the Egyptians) died because of heat" except for one who sustained fatal injuries during a minor crowd...
Abu Dhabi’s private sector grows by over 35 percent in 2023
ABU DHABI, UAE – The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) organized, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Investment Office...
Economy
Geostrategy
Hamas frees more captives in Gaza as truce extension mooted
Hamas released a third group of hostages including a four-year-old American girl with more Palestinian prisoners set to be freed...
- The exchanges under a four-day ceasefire that started Friday have been the first relief for captives' families.
- United States President Joe Biden announced that the 13 released included a four-year old American girl..
Geostrategy
Every industry should be held accountable on climate, says COP28 president
Paris, France - The president of a pivotal UN climate summit defended on Saturday the large presence of industry representatives at...
- "Everyone needs to be part of this process and everyone needs to be held responsible and everyone needs to be held accountable," COP28 president Sultan Al Jaber said
- "That includes all industries and in particular heavy emitting industries like aviation, transportation, aluminum, cement, steel, as well as the oil and gas industry," he added
Economy
ADB plans to invest US$100bn to maximize climate impact
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Setting the scene for a low-carbon and climate-resilient Asia and the Pacific, the Asian Development Bank (ADB)...
- By 2030, more than 55 percent of the population of Asia and the Pacific will live in urban areas, driving up demand for urban-related services.
- If urban areas continue along the same growth trajectory, Asian cities could contribute over half of the rise in global GHG emissions in the next 20 years.
Science
WHO says misuse of antibiotics undermining efficacy
Copenhagen, Denmark - Misuse of antibiotics is denting their efficacy and spawning resistant bacteria which could be responsible for 10 million...
- WHO warned that without immediate intervention, resistance to antimicrobials -- which includes antibiotics -- could lead to up to 10 million deaths a year by 2050
- It cited incorrect prescription as a "cause for concern," adding that in all the 14 countries, a third of the roughly 8,200 people surveyed had taken antibiotics without advice
Economy
Tax havens only half the story, says OECD
Paris, France - Tax havens are blamed for lower public revenues elsewhere as they lure away multinational firms but a study...
- Half the profits booked by multinationals benefitting from low tax rates were from countries that have high rates but offer various tax breaks to attract investments.
- "Many jurisdictions typically considered (to be) 'high tax' offer various incentives which can lead to substantially reduced tax rates," said the report further.
Geostrategy
Fishing nations pledge to protect sharks, rays
CAIRO, EGYPT - Atlantic fishing nations have agreed to better protect sharks and rays by limiting the retention of several bycatch...
- Sharks and rays are facing what conservationists have called an extinction crisis, with nearly two thirds of coral reef species at risk.
- Sharks and rays must be better protected by governments and fisheries said an advocacy coalition advancing conservation policies.
Business
Norwegian firm expects first cross-border transport of CO2 in 2025
Oslo, Norway -- Norwegian fertilizer group Yara International on Monday signed a contract to begin transporting CO2 produced at its Netherlands...
- Yara International signed a contract to begin transporting CO2 produced at its Netherlands plant to Norway so it can be buried under the seabed.
- Carbon capture and storage is aimed at helping halt climate change, involves capturing CO2 emissions at factory smokestacks and burying them underground in geological reservoirs.
Geostrategy
Manama Dialogue helps in addressing political, security challenges, says GCC
MANAMA, BAHRAIN – Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has said that the hosting of...
- The conference brings together global senior officials and experts to exchange ideas and theories about common challenges.
- It will help in understanding and analyzing issues, promoting security, peace, prosperity and supporting sustainable development.
Geostrategy
Hundreds flee as Gaza’s main hospital evacuated
Hundreds of people fled after Israel's army ordered the evacuation of Gaza's main hospital where over 2,000 people were trapped...
- Israel has been pressing military operations inside the hospital, searching for the Hamas operations center it says lies under the sprawling complex.
- Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in response to the October 7 attacks which Israeli officials say killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians.
Geostrategy
Germany, Turkey leaders hold divergent views on Israel-Hamas war
BERLIN, GERMANY - Germany and Turkey's leaders traded barbs on Friday over Israel's war on Hamas, with Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressing the...
- Turkey’s President Erdogan is on a controversial visit to staunch Israel defender Germany, made more tricky by his accusations directed at Tel Aviv.
- Erdogan has been increasingly critical of Israel's war against Hamas, triggered by the group's attack that Israel said killed around 1,200 people.
Diplomats say at least 550 pilgrims died during hajj, mostly Egyptians
"All of them (the Egyptians) died because of heat" except for one who sustained fatal injuries during a minor crowd...
Company News
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Thousands rally in London seeking a truce in Gaza
London, UK - Thousands of protesters marched in central London on Saturday to call for a ceasefire in Gaza amid ongoing...
Geostrategy
Amman Chamber of Industry exports for January-February 2024 reaches $1.3bn
AMMAN, JORDAN - Amman Chamber of Industry (ACI) exports amounted to US$1.3 billion (JD926 million) during the last two months...
Business
Aid boat ready to set sail from Cyprus for Gaza
A boat laden with food for Palestinians in war-ravaged Gaza was "ready" to set sail from Cyprus, an NGO said,...
Geostrategy
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Business
Saudi Tourism Authority, Trip.com Group sign global agreement
BERLIN, GERMANY – Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Trip.com Group have announced a significant global partnership, which will drive greater...
- The joint effort aims to bring over 350 thousand additional tourists to Saudi over the course of the agreement.
- The partnership is vital as it coincides with exceptional growth and transformation in the global tourism industry.
Geostrategy
US President orders military to set up a port in Gaza for aid, say officials
President Joe Biden will tell Congress that he has ordered the US military to set up a port in Gaza...
- US officials said the "significant capability will take a number of weeks to plan and execute".
- US officials were careful to stress that American troops would not be on the ground in Gaza.
Geostrategy
UN agency exhorts Israel to allow port for Gaza aid transfer
Rome, Italy - The UN's food agency on Thursday said it was pressing Israel to allow it to use the Ashdod...
- "We have several requests with the Israelis," World Food Program (WFP) Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau told AFP in Rome.
- "We want to use the Ashdod port, which would be much more efficient than going through Jordan or even Egypt," Skau said.