Cybersecurity must evolve from blocking threats to safeguarding the innovation process
When businesses increasingly rely on AI to make decisions, a manipulated dataset can cause more harm than a ransomware attack,...
Interview
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
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.
Business
Saudi oil giant Aramco agrees major FIFA sponsorship deal
The deal involves sponsorship rights for multiple events including the 2026 Men's World Cup and the Women's World Cup the...
- The deal is the latest high-profile investment in global sports for Saudi Arabia who have already been confirmed as the only bid for the 2034 World Cup.
- In a joint statement it was confirmed Aramco would become FIFA's Major Worldwide Partner exclusive in the energy category.
Geostrategy
Oman, UAE deluge ‘most likely’ linked to climate change: Study
Dubai, United Arab Emirates -- Global warming caused by fossil fuel emissions "most likely" exacerbated the intense rains that lashed the...
- Extreme rainfall in El Nino years has become 10-40 percent heavier in the region affected, a study published by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group found.
- Twenty-one people died in Oman and four in the United Arab Emirates, which was battered by the heaviest rainfall since records began for the desert Gulf state 75 years ago.
Business
ADQ buys stake in Plenary Group
The deal is aimed at expanding public and social infrastructure.
- ADQ will acquire a 49 percent stake in Plenary, including all shares currently owned by Canadian pension fund Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.
- Established in 2004, the Plenary has a portfolio of 21 assets under management valued at over US$25 billion across Australia and the Middle East.
Business
Israel pummels Gaza after US approves military aid
US-Israeli relations been strained by Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's determination to...
- Media reports said Israel was planning to move civilians from Rafah to nearby Khan Yunis over a period of two to three weeks.
- Israeli assault has left much of Gaza's medical system in ruins, with medics struggling to treat both casualties of the war and people with pre-existing conditions.
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Cybersecurity must evolve from blocking threats to safeguarding the innovation process
When businesses increasingly rely on AI to make decisions, a manipulated dataset can cause more harm than a ransomware attack,...
Interview
Company News
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Boeing to boost 787 production
Business
Renowned designer Cucinelli stresses sustainability at Saudi event
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Renowned luxury fashion designer Brunello Cucinelli shared his insights on building a global brand and the...
Business
Emirates’ first A350 takes flight
The airline operated the inaugural flight from Dubai to Edinburgh.
Business
Winter rains, flooding and limited aid worsen Gaza tragedy: IOM
"Vulnerable people, including at least seven infants, have died from hypothermia, and these tragic deaths underscore the urgent need for...
Geostrategy
Most Read
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...
- With an average of 287,000 guests passing through daily during this period DXB is operating at volumes akin to its busiest months ever.
- This performance reflects a surge in international visitors flying out after the festive season, coupled with residents returning from holidays.
Geostrategy
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...
- In Khan Younis, in southern Gaza Strip, six Palestinians were killed, and others were injured in an airstrike by the Israeli forces targeting a building in the city center.
- Moreover, three Palestinians, including a woman, were injured when Israeli aircraft bombed a school sheltering displaced people northwest of Nuseirat in central Gaza Strip.
Business
NDMC arranges $2.5bn credit facility
The Shariah-compliant facility spans a tenure of three years.
- It is aimed at financing the general budgetary needs and was secured with the participation of three regional and international financial institutions.
- The arrangement of these credit facilities aligns with the Kingdom's medium-term public debt strategy, aimed at diversifying funding channels.