Novel concept: China’s spellbinding bookstores draw selfie snappers
Tianjin, China -- Towering accordion steps and a fantastical spiral staircase greet visitors to a massive bookstore in northern China's...
Arts & Culture
US unemployment rises further, hovering at highest since 2021
A deteriorating jobs market could nudge the central bank to lower rates further to boost the economy, despite some policymakers'...
Economy
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia calls for ‘real commitment’ towards a Palestinian state
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia has called for a "real commitment to a two-state solution that is a credible, irreversible...
- At the WEF meeting, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy, said a just and equitable energy transition will only be achieved by using a range of energy sources.
- Saudi Arabia's tourism sector has nearly doubled, growing from $35 billion to $66 billion, and set its sights on reaching $80 billion this year.
Business
McDonald’s profits up 7%
The quarterly profits increased despite weak Middle East sales.
- "The continued impact of the war in the Middle East more than offset positive comparable sales in Japan, Latin America and Europe," McDonald's said of the division.
- Earlier this month, McDonald's agreed to acquire Alonyal, which owns 225 McDonald's restaurants in Israel which have been hit by calls for a boycott over Gaza onslaught.
Geostrategy
Activists occupy Columbia building as US campus protests flare
Demonstrators vowed to remain at the hall until their demands are met, including that Columbia divest all financial holdings linked...
- Protests have swept through US higher education institutions, with many erecting tent encampments on campus grounds after around 100 protesters were first arrested at Columbia.
- UN human rights chief Volker Turk voiced concern at the heavy-handed steps taken to disperse the campus protests.
Business
QatarEnergy signs $6 billion deal with China shipbuilder
The China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) is set to deliver eight Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) vessels in 2028 and 2029,...
- Last month, QatarEnergy announced it had signed deals for a total of 104 smaller, conventional-size vessels.
- Qatar is one of the world's top LNG producers alongside the United States, Australia and Russia.
Business
UAE’s Islamic finance sector grows by 8 percent in 2023: S&P
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The total assets of the global Islamic finance sector continue on a path of rapid growth,...
- The agency expects high single-digit growth in the period 2024-2025 after the sector achieved 8 percent growth in 2023.
- The agency explained in its report that the sukuk market started strong in 2024, with total issuances reaching $46.8 billion by 31st March, 2024.
Geostrategy
Forty-day ceasefire offered to Hamas: UK foreign secretary
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken renewed US opposition to an Israeli offensive on Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah. "We...
- British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Hamas has also been offered the release of potentially thousands of Palestinians in return for the release of Israeli hostages
- Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the Saudi capital Riyadh, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas urged the US to intervene.
Business
GCC can turn net zero pursuit into opportunity
The current low share of renewables in the energy mix of GCC nations increases the potential for significant investment in...
- The report suggests that GCC NOCs need to boost low-carbon investments, requiring $15-25 billion annually until 2026 to keep pace with global peers.
- Yet, the report emphasizes the challenge these companies face: investing in a low-carbon future while ensuring strong dividends for shareholders.
Business
Dubai begins construction of ‘world’s largest’ airport terminal
"We approved the designs for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, and (are) commencing construction of the...
- Once fully operational, the airport will "handle a passenger capacity of 260 million annually", the government said in a statement.
- Sheikh Mohammed said it will have "the world's largest capacity" and be "five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport", one of the world's busiest air hubs.
Arts & Culture
Saudi Arabia could get first Miss Universe contestant this year
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia could have its first Miss Universe contestant this year, organizers said this week, after a...
- Saudi model Rumy al-Qahtani said she was in "negotiations" about participation in Miss Universe but declined to provide further details.
- Qahtani told AFP she had previously participated in various pageants in the Middle East and Europe and posed with several sashes she said she obtained at the competitions.
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia to host top Arab, EU diplomats for Gaza talks: officials
The two-day World Economic Forum special meeting, scheduled to begin in Riyadh on Sunday, includes in its official program appearances...
- French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne is among European officials travelling to Riyadh during the summit for talks on Gaza.
- Saudi Arabia's neighbor Qatar hosts a Hamas political office and has served as a mediator in talks that have so far failed to secure a durable ceasefire.
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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
Novel concept: China’s spellbinding bookstores draw selfie snappers
Tianjin, China -- Towering accordion steps and a fantastical spiral staircase greet visitors to a massive bookstore in northern China's...
Arts & Culture
Company News
Latest News
Boeing to boost 787 production
Business
Oil extends gains on hopes of policy support for economic growth
Singapore - Oil prices extended gains on Friday after closing at their highest in more than two months in the...
Business
Dubai Airport set for record start to 2025: 4.3m guests in 15 days
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai International Airport (DXB) is on track to welcome 4.3 million guests in the first 15 days...
Business
18 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes on northern, southern Gaza
Palestinian news agency (WAFA) reported that eight Palestinians were killed, and others were injured in an airstrike by the Israeli...
Geostrategy
Most Read
Business
Dubai real estate market saw record transactions worth $142.1bn in 2024
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai’s real estate market recorded 180,900 transactions worth AED 522.1 ($142.1 billion) in 2024, a market report...
- The transaction volume surged by 51 percent to 119,800 in 2024, reflecting a substantial increase in buyer confidence and developer activity.
- There was also a steady appreciation in the average price per sq ft, which was up 10 percent to AED 1,600.
Geostrategy
Israeli forces killed 45,553 Palestinians since Oct 2023: Health ministry
Gaza, Palestinian Territories -- The Israeli forces have killed at least 45,553 Palestinian civilians and injured at least 108,379 others,...
- At least 108,379 other civilians, most of them children, have been injured and thousands remain under debris.
- The ministry said the Israeli forces committed two massacres against Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours.
Business
Kamco Invest launches two funds
Kamco's assets under management surpass SAR 1bn.
- The new Shariah-compliant funds are named Kamco Freestyle Saudi Equity Fund and Kamco SAR Murabaha Fund.
- The company said in a statement that the launch of the two funds brings the total number of public funds managed by Kamco Invest in the Kingdom to three.