Maori-led AI initiative can revolutionize language preservation, says Peter-Lucas Jones
Davos, Switzerland -- Peter-Lucas Jones, a Kaitaia native, who has been listed in the prestigious Time100 AI 2024 List, was...
World Economic Forum
Trump increasingly ambiguous on Israel amid Gaza war
At the start of Israel's war with Hamas in October, Donald Trump loudly presented himself as the key US ally's...
Geostrategy
Market Report
Stock markets on hold as investors await key US inflation data
Stock markets were mostly in wait-and-see mode as investors eyed the release this week of key US inflation data that...
- The Dow edged higher at the open, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq drifted lower.
- With Wall Street seeing little action at the back of last week owing to the Thanksgiving break, traders had few catalysts to drive action.
Business
EDB commits US$350m for renewable energy projects in developing countries
ABU DHABI, UAE - Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has committed US$350 million (AED 1.3 billion) to support the Energy Transition Accelerator...
- The ETAF platform is a global climate finance facility established by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
- The announcement was made during the signing of a collaborative partnership agreement between EDB and IRENA.
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.
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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
Maori-led AI initiative can revolutionize language preservation, says Peter-Lucas Jones
Davos, Switzerland -- Peter-Lucas Jones, a Kaitaia native, who has been listed in the prestigious Time100 AI 2024 List, was...
World Economic Forum
Company News
Latest News
GASTAT adopts chain-linking method to calculate Saudi Arabia’s real GDP
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) said in a press release it issued on Sunday that...
Economy
Cryptocurrency Ether witnesses meteoric rise since launch
NEW YORK, US – Bitcoin has captured the limelight in recent weeks as it surged to a new record high, yet...
Business
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
Most Read
Geostrategy
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,...
- The UN has repeatedly warned of looming famine, particularly in the Palestinian territory's north where no overland border crossings are open.
- With ground access limited, countries have also turned to airdropping aid, although a parachute malfunction turned one delivery on Friday deadly.
Geostrategy
Iran hits out at UN experts report on 2022 protests
TEHRAN, IRAN – Tehran on Saturday strongly condemned a UN report on the Islamic republic's response to mass protests in 2022,...
- International experts said the repression of mostly peaceful protests beginning in September 2022 have led to "crimes against humanity".
- The UN Human Rights Council mandated the experts' investigation following massive protests after the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini.
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.