WEF’s risks report 2025: Rising geopolitical tensions, environmental threats, disinformation dominate future threats
A survey of over 900 experts reveals state-based armed conflict as the most pressing global risk for 2025, driven by...
Geostrategy
Non-institutional foreign ownership in Tadawul-listed firms up slightly
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Non-institutional foreign investors increased their stake in Tadawul-listed equities, excluding Saudi Aramco, from 9.70 percent to...
Business
Business
AI startups swap independence for Big Tech’s deep pockets
Washington, United States -- It's the case of the vanishing startup: some of Silicon Valley's most promising names in the fast-developing...
- Critics believe these deals are acquisitions in all but name and have been especially designed by Microsoft or Amazon to avoid the attention of competition regulators.
- US, European and UK regulators on Tuesday signed a joint statement insisting that they won't let big tech companies run roughshod over the nascent AI industry.
Business
Dubai welcomes record 9.31m international overnight visitors in H1
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai welcomed 9.31 million international overnight visitors from January to June 2024, a 9 percent increase over...
- Dubai was named the No.1 global destination for an unprecedented third successive year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards in January.
- Occupied room nights increased by 3 percent, with 21.35 million at the end of H1 2024, compared to 20.73 million in H1 2023.
Business
In fuel-guzzling Saudi Arabia, electric cars pique interest
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- For Hamed al-Rafidain, a Saudi human resources worker, an electric vehicle offers welcome savings, especially since his...
- Although the EV market in the world's largest oil exporter remains small compared with the United States and China, it tripled last year to nearly 800 cars.
- Chinese EV giant BYD is expected to dominate the Saudi market. Its global rival Tesla of the United States has no dealerships in the Gulf kingdom.
Business
Saudi ministry, Red Sea Authority to boost coastal tourism
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Saudi Red Sea Authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, has launched the "Seas...
- The program is offered for the first time on board the European Cruise and is accredited by the British University of Plymouth and Dale Carnegie.
- The program will equip employees at luxury coastal resorts and travel agencies with professional skills essential in the tourism sector.
Business
Equinox and NEOM announce Equinox Resort Treyam in Magna
New York, US -- Luxury hospitality group Equinox Hotels has announced plans for the opening of Equinox Resort Treyam, one...
- The resort is an architectural marvel, spanning a 450-meter-long bridge-like structure, floating 40 meters above a serene lagoon.
- Equinox Resort Treyam will include spacious guest rooms and suites, a 450-meter pool, world-class culinary concepts, a Club House.
Geostrategy
Israeli settlers beat foreign volunteers in occupied West Bank
Nablus, Palestinian Territories -- Israeli settlers on Sunday attacked a group of foreign volunteers helping Palestinian farmers in the occupied West...
- Eight mainly American volunteers were working with the farmers in an olive grove near the Palestinian village of Qusra when settlers came after them, said David Hummel, an American
- "They started attacking and beating us all with sticks and metal pipes and they were throwing rocks as well at us," he said.
Geostrategy
Iraq to import electricity from Turkey for northern provinces
Baghdad, Iraq -- Iraq said Sunday a new power line will bring electricity from Turkey to its northern provinces as authorities...
- Decades of war have left Iraq's infrastructure in a pitiful state, with power cuts worsening the blistering summer when temperatures often reach 50 Celsius (122 Fahrenheit).
- Many households have just a few hours of mains electricity per day, and those who can afford it use private generators to keep fridges and air conditioners running.
Geostrategy
Palestinians hail ICJ ruling calling Israeli occupation illegal
Jerusalem: The Palestinian leadership hailed as "historic" Friday a ruling by the top UN court that Israel's occupation of the...
- The office of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said it welcomed the "historic decision and demands that Israel be compelled to implement it."
- The Hague-based court found that Israel was "under an obligation to cease immediately all new settlement activities and to evacuate all settlers" from occupied land.
Geostrategy
Antivirus update sparks global tech chaos: Flights, banks hit
Air passengers crowded into airports to wait for news as dozens of flights were cancelled and operators struggled to keep...
- Reports from the Netherlands and Britain suggested health services may have been affected by the disruption, meaning the full impact might not yet be known.
- Banks in Kenya and Ukraine reported issues with their digital services, supermarkets in Australia had problems with payments.
Geostrategy
Israel lawmakers vote to oppose Palestinian state
The vote, which drew swift criticism from the Palestinian leadership and the international community, is largely symbolic but laid down...
- The establishment of a Palestinian state on lands occupied by Israel in 1967 has been the cornerstone of the international community's efforts to resolve the conflict.
- UN chief Antonio Guterres warned Wednesday that "recent developments are driving a stake through the heart of any prospect for a two-state solution".
WEF’s risks report 2025: Rising geopolitical tensions, environmental threats, disinformation dominate future threats
A survey of over 900 experts reveals state-based armed conflict as the most pressing global risk for 2025, driven by...
Geostrategy
Company News
Latest News
Key Libya oil refinery halts operations after clashes: state firm
Tripoli, Libya -- A key oil refinery in western Libya suspended operations after armed clashes erupted early on Sunday, causing fires...
Geostrategy
US Federal Reserve expected to cut rates in last meeting of Biden era
Washington, United States -- The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to announce a quarter point cut to its key lending...
Business
Cybersecurity in 2024: From talent shortages to resilience against emerging tech risks
In 2024, cybersecurity remained central, addressing skill gaps and the impact of generative AI. A Strategic Cybersecurity Talent Framework offered...
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Business
Boeing to boost 787 production
The firm will invest$1bn to ramp up production in South Carolina.
- The aim is to increase production of the 787 Dreamliner to 10 every month by 2026, Boeing said.
- In October, Boeing unveiled plans to reduce its global workforce by 10 percent over the coming months, without giving further details.
Arts & Culture
‘A matter of pride’: Saudis rejoice as World Cup bid approved
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Fireworks and drones depicting the iconic golden World Cup trophy lit up the sky in Saudi Arabia's...
- Sports are a major component of the Vision 2030 reform agenda overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which aims to diversify the economy of the world's top oil exporter.
- Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal said Saudi Arabia was "opening up to the world" and could help football grow globally.
Business
Ras Al Khaimah tourism sector contributes 5 percent to GDP: Official
Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah seeks to welcome 3.5 million tourists annually by 2030, says Raki Philipps, CEO of Ras...
- The tourism sector's contribution toward GDP is expected to rise to one third by 2030, says CEO RAK Tourism Development Authority Raki Phillips.
- Ras Al Khaimah includes over 38,000 companies across more than 50 sectors, with businesses from over 100 countries.