Israeli raid puts last major Gaza health facility out of service: WHO
The World Health Organization said the operation had put the "last major health facility in north Gaza out of service"....
Geostrategy
Turkey lowers interest rate to 47.5% as it battles double-digit inflation
The bank's monetary policy committee decided to reduce the policy rate from 50 percent to 47.5 percent, with a statement...
Economy
Geostrategy
Palestinians reduced to antagonists in someone else’s story: Queen Rania
In a powerful speech at the first-ever Web Summit Qatar conference, while calling for an immediate end to the war...
- Palestinian story has been obscured, allowing Palestinians to be dehumanized, discredited, and “turned into a people unto whom anything can be done, without consequence.”
- Their many attempts at non-violent resistance – from historic strikes and civil disobedience, to Gaza’s Great March of Return – have been crushed, even criminalized,” she said.
Business
Luberef net profit falls 24%
Decline attributed to lower prices for base oils, secondary products.
- The company also reported a decrease in base oils and secondary products’ cracking margins, despite higher sales volumes.
- The fourth-quarter net profit dropped 65 percent to SAR 268.7 million from SAR 763.19 million in Q4 2022.
Business
Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline recommences after 10-year delay
Tehran, Iran -- In a significant step towards enhancing energy cooperation between Pakistan and Iran, Islamabad has given the green...
- The approval comes as Pakistan has scrambled to avoid a staggering $18 billion fine. Analysts say the project will improve Pakistan's energy security.
- Iran has extended the project deadline by 180 days until September 2024 so as to avoid a legal dispute with Pakistan at international tribunals.
Geostrategy
Russia in contact with OIC on upcoming presidential vote
Moscow, Russia -- Moscow is maintaining close contact with officials from the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation...
- "We are always in contact on all issues, including election cycles in our countries, and we coordinate our approaches," said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.
- The senior diplomat pointed out in this regard that he "himself attended Palestine’s elections as an observer in the past."
Business
Saudi Arabia surpasses 2030 tourism target of 100 million visitors
The Kingdom drew praise for this achievement from UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council. Motivated by this...
- International tourists numbered 27.4 million, a substantial 56 percent increase over 2019 and an impressive 65 percent rise compared to 2022.
- Tourism has proved to be a significant contributor to the nation’s economy, with domestic and international tourists spending over SAR 250 billion ($66.65 billion) in 2023
Business
Aramco signs $6bn purchase agreements with local suppliers
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia -- Energy giant Saudi Aramco Tuesday announced that it has signed 40 corporate purchase agreements worth $6...
- The new purchase agreements cover companies in multiple sectors and include the supply of a variety of products, including strategic goods.
- In the same context, Saudi Aramco signed two memorandums of understanding with strategic partners to cooperate in the field of localization and supply chain development.
Business
Robot dogs and flying cars: mobile gadget highlights
US firm Alef Aeronautics displayed to the public for the first time the working model of what it says is...
- Chinese firm Tecno Mobile showed off a robotic dog inspired by the German Shepherd which uses AI and powerful sensors to understand voice commands.
- Dutch startup Whispp demonstrated a calling app which uses AI technology to covert impaired speech due to conditions such as throat cancer.
Business
Mashreq closes $88m loan
The one-year syndicated term facility was closed for Agrobank.
- Mashreq acted as sole coordinator, initial mandated lead arranger, bookrunner, and facility agent for the deal.
- Marking a debut transaction for an Uzbekistan state-owned bank in the MENA region, the facility was oversubscribed by 75 percent.
Economy
‘WTO champions global trade stability, prosperity’
"It is contributing to raising living standards, improving employment opportunities and enabling the expansion of trade in goods and services"...
- Comoros and Timor-Leste sign Protocols of Accession, set to join WTO within 30 days.
- Accessions signify global confidence in the WTO and promise their economic growth.
Geostrategy
Investment Facilitation for Development pact finalized at Abu Dhabi WTO meet
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Ministers representing 123 World Trade Organisation (WTO) members have finalized the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD)...
- The ministers also urged the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) to incorporate the IFD Agreement into Annex 4 of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the WTO.
- Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said the IFD Agreement is the result of more than six years of work, dedication and vision of more than 120 members.
Israeli raid puts last major Gaza health facility out of service: WHO
The World Health Organization said the operation had put the "last major health facility in north Gaza out of service"....
Geostrategy
Company News
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UN probe accuses Israel of seeking to ‘destroy’ Gaza healthcare
"Israel has perpetrated a concerted policy to destroy Gaza's healthcare system as part of a broader assault on Gaza," the...
Geostrategy
WTO predicts modest trade growth for 2024-25 amid geopolitical risks
In 2024 and 2025, inflation is expected to gradually abate, allowing real incomes to grow again in advanced economies, boosting...
Geostrategy
AviLease acquires 9 aircraft from Avolon
AviLease had purchased 13 aircraft from Avolon in 2023.
Business
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Geostrategy
October 7 anniversary: Hamas praises ‘glorious’ moment in its resistance, Netanyahu says ‘we will win’
Hamas called the Palestinian resistance a testament of resilience against Israeli aggression, while Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to crush Hamas...
- Last year's October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity
- At least 41,870 Palestinians, a majority of them civilians, have been killed in Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip since the war began
Geostrategy
Dubai’s night beaches a cool solution to summer heat
With temperatures regularly topping 40 degrees Celsius, outdoor activities are severely limited. More than one million people have visited the...
- For residents of Dubai, a coast-hugging, desert metropolis of about 3.7 million people, the hot season from June to October is an annual trial.
- The city now has more than 800 meters (yards) of designated night beaches fitted with shark nets and illuminated by giant, bright floodlights.
Business
Casino operator Wynn wins UAE’s first commercial gaming license
Dubai, United Arab Emirates -- US casino operator Wynn has received the first commercial gaming operator's license to be issued in...
- The license was issued by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, which was set up last year to allow for commercial gaming licenses to be issued in the Gulf Arab state
- Wynn operates casinos in Las Vegas and Boston as well as in Macau, a Chinese territory close to Hong Kong.