Coal use at record high in 2024, the world’s hottest year: IEA
Paris, France -- World coal use is set to reach an all-time high in 2024, the International Energy Agency said Wednesday,...
Geostrategy
Nations step up outreach to Syria’s post-Assad rulers
Governments worldwide are stepping up efforts to engage with Syria's new interim rulers, just over a week after Islamist-led rebels...
Lulu Retail Q3 profit $35m
Business
Banana taped to a wall sells for $6.2 million
Arts & Culture
US vetoes Gaza ceasefire call at UN
Geostrategy
Geostrategy
WTO says trade alone won’t bridge gap between economies
The WTO's 2024 report on global trade looked at the role that commerce has played to narrow the gap between...
- The report found that low- and middle-income economies tend to engage less in international trade, receive less foreign direct investment and depend more on commodities.
- WTO chief economist Ralph Ossa added: "Less trade will not promote inclusiveness, nor will trade alone."
Science
First step for Europe’s hyperloop vehicles with test launch
Veendam, Netherlands -- The dream of hurtling between European cities at speeds of more than 700 kilometers per hour moved a...
- For the moment, the speed is relatively slow at 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) per hour but operators hope to reach 100 kph (62 mph) by the end of the year.
- Amsterdam to Berlin in 90 minutes or Milan in two hours -- the technology has the potential to revolutionize travel in Europe.
Geostrategy
Iran’s president to visit Iraq on first foreign trip, sign MoU on security
Tehran, Iran -- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit neighboring Iraq on Wednesday, state media reported Sunday, in what will be...
- Pezeshkian will head a high-ranking Iranians delegation to Baghdad to meet senior Iraqi officials.
- Since taking office, Pezeshkian has vowed to "prioritize" strengthening ties with the Islamic republic's neighbors.
Business
Market capitalization of 20 UAE listed firms reaches $762 billion
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The market capitalization of the top 20 listed companies in the local stock markets by market...
- The 20 listed companies accounted for 77.6 per cent or AED 2.79 trillion of the total market capitalization of the local equity markets of AED 3.59 trillion.
- Global Holding came out on top with a market capitalization of more than AED 912.29 billion, equivalent to 25.4 percent of the capitalization of local markets.
Economy
Global stock markets wobble as investors weigh US jobs data
Since US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell stated last month that the time for interest rates to begin coming down...
- Another big miss for August would have solidified perceptions that the US economy is slowing more sharply than initially thought.
- Government data showed Friday the world's biggest economy added 142,000 jobs last month, an increase from July's figure which was revised notably lower to 89,000.
Geostrategy
German foreign minister heads to Middle East in Gaza truce push
The talks will focus on "the dramatic situation in the region", and especially to discuss the issue of coordinating humanitarian...
- Pressure has mounted on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a deal to end the fighting
- Baerbock will set off Wednesday evening for Saudi Arabia where she will hold talks with Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud
Geostrategy
Biden, unions pile pressure on Netanyahu for hostage release deal
Jerusalem -- Pressure mounted Monday on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a major strike was held and US President...
- A strike announced by the main trade union seeking a deal to secure the remaining captives' release had brought parts of the country to a standstill.
- Alongside the surging domestic anger, diplomatic pressure has also grown, with the US president on Monday delivering some of his strongest criticism of Netanyahu.
Business
Bahrain to introduce minimum tax for large multinationals
Beginning in January 2025, the measure will place a minimum tax of 15 percent on revenues over 750 million euros ($830...
- A small oil producer and non-OPEC member, Bahrain has sought in recent years to diversify its revenues, which, like its Gulf neighbors, is largely dependent on hydrocarbons.
- The UAE last year began taxing the profits of companies worth more than 375,000 dirhams (roughly 91,500 euros) at 9 percent.
Business
Major Qatari plant to double solar capacity by 2030: Energyminister
Doha, Qatar -- A large new solar plant planned in Qatar will double the Gulf emirate's previously projected renewable energy capacity...
- The plant will be established in Dukhan area will produce 2,000 megawatts, which is twice more than the capacity of Qatar's production of solar energy of the current projects.
- The energy minister also announced plans to more than double Qatar's urea production making the country the largest producer of the fertilizer in the world by the end of the decade
Geostrategy
Israel set for general strike after Gaza hostages found dead
"I have come to the conclusion that only our intervention can shake those who need to be shaken," Arnon bar...
- Qatar-based Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq said the six hostages were "killed by Zionist (Israeli) bombing", an accusation the military denied.
- A senior Hamas official told AFP on condition of anonymity that "some" of the six had been "approved" for release in a potential hostage-prisoner swap.
Coal use at record high in 2024, the world’s hottest year: IEA
Paris, France -- World coal use is set to reach an all-time high in 2024, the International Energy Agency said Wednesday,...
Geostrategy
Company News
BP announces $7bn gas project
Business
Latest News
Lulu Retail Q3 profit $35m
Business
Banana taped to a wall sells for $6.2 million
Arts & Culture
How are countries regulating the wild west of social media for minors?
Paris, France -- A handful of nations are trying to clean up social media with measures including robust privacy provisions and...
Geostrategy
OPEC+ postpones meeting amid signs of ‘discord’ on output plans
The 22-member OPEC+ group led by Saudi Arabia and Russia was due to decide on its 2025 output policy at...
Geostrategy
EVs just the start, urban mobility needs a holistic approach
Cities must adopt EVs alongside shared transport, robust infrastructure, clean energy, and inclusivity, says Jamie Wylie, an urban mobility expert.
Interview
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Business
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness record for largest food cluster
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia has set a Guinness World Record for the largest food cluster in the world...
- Jeddah Food Cluster, which spans over 11 million square meters, has set a new global benchmark.
- MODON announced ambitious plans for the cluster, targeting investments of up to SAR20 billion and creating 43,000 job opportunities by 2035.
Geostrategy
As AI gets real, slow and steady wins the race
Companies explore AI for coding, healthcare, law, and design—yet challenges like regulation, accuracy, and cost impede widespread adoption.
- The tech industry presents a more aggressive adoption curve. Google reports that 25 percent of its coding is now handled by generative AI.
- Athey, an economist of the tech industry, expressed worry about regions where a core profession such as call centers risked being swept away by AI.
Business
Roche to buy Poseida Therapeutics
The $1.5 billion deal is due to close in early 2025.
- The boards of directors of both companies unanimously approved the deal for Poseida, whose shares had closed on Monday at $2.73.
- Poseida Therapeutics' portfolio notably includes customized cell therapies for hematological cancers, solid tumors and auto-immune diseases.