Iran floats 30-day roadmap to end conflict; Trump signals scepticism
Iran has put forward a fresh 14-point proposal to the United States, calling for a resolution of tensions within 30...
Geostrategy
‘Strait of Hormuz disruption could trigger long-term shift in global trade and energy flows’
Kelsey Goodman of the World Economic Forum discusses Strait of Hormuz disruptions, global trade risks, and how GCC economies can...
Economy
Business
US judge rules Google monopolized online ad tech market
Washington, United States -- A US judge on Thursday ruled that Google wielded monopoly power in the online ad technology...
- It is one of two federal suits targeting Google that could ultimately see the company split up and curb its influence -- and part of a wider government push to rein in Big Tech.
- The vast majority of websites use a trio of Google ad software products that together leave no way for publishers to escape Google's advertising technology, the plaintiffs alleged.
Business
China retaliates with 84 percent tariffs on US products
Beijing, China -- China will impose 84 percent tariffs on US imports, up from 34 percent, the finance ministry said...
- US President Donald Trump's latest salvo of tariffs came into effect on dozens of trading partners Wednesday, bringing duties on Chinese products up to 104 percent.
- Beijing has consistently opposed tariff rises and said Wednesday it would take "firm and forceful" steps to protect its interests.
Geostrategy
Gaza rescuers say 25 killed in Israeli strike on school-turned-shelter
Gaza civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP more than 100 others wounded in the strike on Dar al-Arqam School...
- The Israeli military has in recent days issued a number of evacuation orders to residents in northern neighborhoods of the Gaza Strip.
- On Monday, it told those living in all areas of the southern city of Rafah and parts of nearby Khan Yunis to leave.
Business
AI’s impact on jobs, technology’s touchy topic sparks unease
New York, United States - "Stop Hiring Humans" read a provocative sign at an AI conference in Las Vegas, where...
- AI agents, which are supposed to make decisions that are usually made by humans, have become the latest buzzword of the AI story
- There is little doubt that some kind of upheaval of the workplace is underway, but its precise impact remains uncertain
Geostrategy
Russia to hold talks with US in Riyadh Monday: Kremlin
Donald Trump spoke to both Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky this week and the US is also due...
- "From the Russian side, they will be attended by Grigory Karasin, chairman of the Senate's committee on international affairs, and Sergei Beseda, advisor to the head of FSB.
- Ushakov said he had confirmed this after talks with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Both agreed to send "expert groups" for the talks, he added.
Interview
AI to become the new internet: Kamel Al-Tawil on MENA’s tech evolution
Historically, the region was a key player in commerce through the Silk Road, and today, it has the potential to...
- Investments in scalable infrastructure, subsea networks, and neutral digital hubs are critical for advancing global connectivity.
- The region is also positioning itself as a major AI hub, supported by investments in AI models and sustainable energy.
Geostrategy
Ukraine to propose sky, sea truce at US talks in Saudi: official
The talks on Tuesday will be the first Ukraine-US meeting since a White House blow-up between Zelensky and US President...
- In Jeddah, the port city close to Islam's holiest sites in Makkah and Madinah, dozens of Ukrainian and Saudi flags flew on a main roundabout near the airport and on thoroughfares.
- US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington wanted to use the talks "to get down a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire as well".
Geostrategy
Arab leaders propose Gaza reconstruction under Palestinian Authority, reject Trump’s takeover plan
The prospect of the Palestinian Authority (PA) governing Gaza remains far from certain, however, with Israel having ruled out any...
- Tuesday's Arab League summit in Cairo offered an alternative with the adoption of a "comprehensive Arab plan."
- It announced the establishment of a trust fund to pay for the territory's reconstruction, and urged the international community to back it
Arts & Culture
West Bank eviction film ‘No Other Land’ wins best documentary Oscar
Jerusalem --Â No Other Land, a documentary about Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, has won the best documentary award...
- Shot in Masafer Yatta near the West Bank city of Hebron, the documentary follows a young Palestinian struggling with forced displacement.
- After a long legal battle with Palestinian communities, an Israeli supreme court ruling in 2022 paved the way for the eviction of the area's more than 1,000 residents.
Geostrategy
Israel blocks humanitarian aid to Gaza as ceasefire’s first phase ends, sparking global outrage
Truce mediators Egypt and Qatar accused Israel of blatantly violating the ceasefire deal by halting the aid, a move left trucks...
- Early on Sunday Israel had announced a truce extension until mid-April that it said United States Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff had proposed
- But Hamas has repeatedly rejected an extension, instead favouring a transition to the truce deal's second phase that could bring a permanent end to the war.
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
Iran floats 30-day roadmap to end conflict; Trump signals scepticism
Iran has put forward a fresh 14-point proposal to the United States, calling for a resolution of tensions within 30...
Geostrategy
Company News
Latest News
MENA’s gaming sector projected to ‘touch $6 billion by 2027
Nikita Matsokin, Executive Director of MGVC (MY.GAMES, shares his thoughts on the MENA region’s creative talent, government support, and rapid...
Interview
Who has been invited to be on Trump’s Gaza boards?
The White House said there would be a main board, chaired by Trump himself, a Palestinian committee of technocrats meant...
Geostrategy
UAE is converting talent, trust, and technology into a Knowledge Nation
Dr. Lolowa AlMarzooqi, Associate Vice Provost at New York University Abu Dhabi, tells TRENDS that the UAE’s real competitive edge...
Interview
Most Read
Economy
Saudi knowledge economy accelerates as Vision 2030 targets move within reach
The government has successfully implemented more than 900 reforms, including restructuring legal and labor frameworks, establishing new public authorities, and...
- Saudi Arabia’s digital economy is valued at $132 billion, accounting for 15 percent of GDP.
- The government has invested more than $20.7 billion in AI technologies and data center infrastructure.
Economy
AI promise uneven as economists flag debt and market vulnerabilities
In its latest Chief Economists’ Outlook, the WEF said 53 percent of surveyed economists expect global economic conditions to weaken...
- Economists expect defence, energy and digital infrastructure spending to rise, while environmental budgets shrink amid difficult fiscal trade-offs.
- Survey respondents see South Asia leading growth, Europe lagging, and foreign investment favoring the United States over China.
Business
GCC’s quest for AI dominance has several hurdles to surmount
For governments and corporates across the Gulf, the immediate task is pragmatic: marry sovereign ambition with sustainable skills programs and...
- The AI market in the region is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.63 percent between 2024 and 2030.
- Analysts say the region’s real test will be turning pilots into production systems that deliver measurable economic and social outcomes