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
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".
Economy
IMF maintains 2024 global growth forecast, warns of inflation risk
The International Monetary Fund expects the world economy to grow 3.2 percent this year, unchanged from its April forecast, according...
- But even as many countries saw better growth than anticipated early this year, the IMF flagged surprises in Japan and the United States.
- The IMF's report warned that a resurgence of tariffs can trigger retaliation and a "costly race to the bottom."
Geostrategy
European Union imposes fresh sanctions on ‘extremist’ Israeli settlers
Brussels, Belgium -- The European Union on Monday announced sanctions on five Israelis -- including those termed "extremist settlers" -- and...
- The asset freezes and visa bans are the second round of sanctions from the 27-nation bloc targeting violent Israeli settlers, taking the total number of listings to 14.
- Prominent settlers blacklisted by the European Union included Moshe Sharvit, Zvi Bar Yosef, Baruch Marzel, and Isaschar Manne.
Business
ADNOC Gas awards $550m contracts
The company aims to expand UAE gas infrastructure, increase customer reach
- Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts were awarded for the next phase of the UAE sales gas pipeline network enhancement "ESTIDAMA Project".
- ADNOC Gas will continue to expand its domestic business through ESTIDAMA, paying ADNOC a variable transmission fee for actual throughput of the pipeline.
Business
Dubai Summer Activities: A new guide to emirate’s attractions
Dubai, UAE -- A new #DubaiDestinations guide titled ‘Dubai’s Summer Activities’ invites residents and visitors to delve into an array...
- Developed by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, the interactive guide forms part of the latest phase of the #DubaiDestinations campaign.
- It seeks to showcase the city's top-rated summer experiences and highlight unique attractions that make Dubai a one-of-a-kind summer destination.
Business
Saudi Arabia records 16% growth in air travel in first half: GACA
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The number of air passengers in Saudi Arabia increased by 17 percent during the past six...
- The number of flights also reached approximately 446,000, marking a 12 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
- The airfreight volume in the first six months of 2024 witnessed a 41 percent increase, reaching 606,000 tons.
Business
2024 Global Aerospace Summit: Accelerating aerospace innovation
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Representing the aerospace, aviation, space, and defense sectors, the premier thought leadership forum will aim to...
- The two-day event will take place on 25-26 September at the St. Regis, Saadiyat Island Resort in the UAE capital – Abu Dhabi.
- The 2024 edition will center on several objectives designed to drive the industry forward and address global aerospace concerns.
Business
Al Noor Island listed among top 10 attractions in Middle East
Sharjah, UAE -- Sharjah's renowned landmark and award-winning family-friendly destination, Al Noor Island, has secured its place among the top...
- Developed and managed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), the destination has been ranked among Sharjah's top attractions since its inception.
- This recognition marks the second consecutive year that Al Noor Island has won the title, an achievement reserved for the top 1% of the 8 million listings on TripAdvisor.
Business
Saudi Aramco share sale nets $12.35 billion on investor demand
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Aramco netted $12.35 billion, $1 billion more than expected, from a secondary share sale after exercising...
- The offering announced in May was the largest in the Middle East since Aramco's record initial public offering (IPO) in 2019, bolstering Saudi's finances.
- Aramco, the jewel of the Saudi economy that remains mostly state-owned, announced on May 30 that it would sell 1.545 billion shares.
Business
Shell, TotalEnergies and BP take stakes in UAE gas project
Dubai, United Arab Emirates -- Energy majors TotalEnergies, Shell and BP will each take a 10 percent stake in a liquefied...
- Japanese trading company Mitsui & Co. will also acquire 10 percent of the Ruwais LNG plant, scheduled to come online in 2028, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) said.
- ADNOC, the UAE's key revenue-earner, will retain a 60 percent majority stake, the firm said following a signing ceremony.
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
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...
Family-friendly ‘Astro Bot’ wins highest award at Oscars of video games
Los Angeles, United States -- Video game "Astro Bot" -- a family-friendly sci-fi adventure -- was named 2024's Game of the...
Business
Boeing to boost 787 production
The firm will invest$1bn to ramp up production in South Carolina.
Business
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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.
Business
Google unveils its most advanced Artificial Intelligence model, Gemini 2.0
San Francisco, United States -- Google on Wednesday announced the launch of Gemini 2.0, its most advanced artificial intelligence model to...
- CEO Sundar Pichai said the new model would be marking what the company calls "a new agentic era" in AI development.
- Gemini 2.0 is initially being rolled out to developers and trusted testers, with plans for broader integration across Google's products.
Geostrategy
Crunch time for Saudi-hosted drought, desertification talks
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Landmark talks on desertification are set to conclude in Saudi Arabia this week amid doubts that pledged funds...
- The 12-day UNCCD COP16 meeting has announced billions in funding for drought response and land restoration.
- The UNCCD said 1.5 billion hectares (3.7 billion acres) of land must be restored by decade's end and that at least $2.6 trillion in global investments were needed.