Dubai, UAE-- Outbound travel from China is estimated to almost double this year, compared with 2023 and will only be 22% below its peak pre-pandemic numbers of 155 million tourists in 2019, who spent over $250 billion overseas, according to Oxford Economics Full recovery is expected to materialise in 2025,...

Dubai, UAE - As China's outbound tourism steadily rebounds from the pandemic's impact, the Middle East is emerging as a preferred destination for Chinese travelers, alongside traditional hotspots like Thailand and Malaysia. Data from online travel agencies including Ctrip, Tongcheng, Tuniu, Mafengwo, and Zuzuche indicates a significant rise in Chinese...

ABU DHABI, UAE – SeaWorld Yas Island - the region’s first Marine Life Theme Park here -, has won a coveted place in the Guinness World Records as the “Largest Indoor Marine-Life Theme Park” in the world. The certificate was presented to Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral,...

Baltimore, United States -- A major bridge collapsed in Baltimore on Tuesday, blocking one of the busiest US commercial harbors, after a heavily laden cargo ship lost power and smashed into a support column despite desperate attempts to stop in time. Six people -- all members of a nighttime construction crew...

ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA – The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has marked a significant milestone in the development of the Sharaan Resort with the inaugural rock excavation for the much-anticipated project.  The initial excavation symbolizes the start of a mission that combines Jean Nouvel’s architectural innovation with Bouygues' engineering expertise....

Dubai, UAE -- Atlantis Dubai becomes the first resort destination in the Eastern Hemisphere to gain the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation by both Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, following the successful certification of Atlantis Aquaventure in 2023. The CAC designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing...

Dubai, UAE -- More than 100 of the world’s leading travel technology companies will be exhibiting at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in the UAE from May 6-9. ATM 2024’s sold-out Travel Tech space will be 56 percent bigger than...

As the only  bidder, Saudi Arabia was anointed host of the 2034 World Cup last October by FIFA. Infrastructure is the initial concern for the oil-rich kingdom, which is snapping up high-profile sports events in an attempt to sweep away its conservative image and entice foreign investment.

Abu Dhabi, UAE--The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has called for increased investments in the oil industry to meet global energy demands and sustain economic growth. According to its secretary general, Haitham Al Ghais, these investments are crucial for ensuring reliable energy supplies for current and future generations....

Singapore, Singapore--Singapore made the Israeli embassy in the city-state take down an "insensitive" social media post about the Palestinians over the weekend after warning it could inflame tensions, the interior minister said Monday. Israel's war on Gaza and deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza since the fighters of Hamas launched unprecedented attacks...

Sharjah, UAE--The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Thailand have explored ways to boost trade and economic cooperation. In this connection, the SCCI has engaged in high-level discussions with a Thai diplomatic delegation, exploring avenues for enhancing economic cooperation and boosting the trade exchange volume between the two countries....

Dubai, UAE - The UAE's total assets abroad, encompassing both governmental and private investments, have reached $2.5 trillion as of early 2024. Jamal Bin Saif Al Jarwan, chief of the UAE International Investors Council, said that UAE investments abroad are performing well despite global economic fluctuations. The UAE secured the top...

PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES – The Palestinian Red Crescent said on Sunday that Israeli forces were besieging two hospitals in southern Gaza, days after the army began targeting Hamas in and around the territory's biggest medical center. Israel has mounted several raids at and near hospitals in Gaza since the war began...

Paris, France -- Visitors to central Paris were treated Sunday to the sight of hundreds of aproned waiters surging through the medieval streets, in a one-of-a-kind race designed to show off the profession months ahead of the Olympic Games. Men's winner Samy Lamrous and top waitress Pauline Van Wymeersch walked the...

BEIJING, CHINA – The head of the International Monetary Fund on Sunday called on China to implement "a comprehensive package of pro-market reforms" to boost a sluggish economy beset by a housing market crisis, low domestic demand and persistently high youth unemployment. Chinese policymakers have so far resisted calls to juice...

Cairo, Egypt-- UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his counterpart from Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met in Cairo to discuss the close bonds between the two countries and ways to expand them further. The two leaders explored opportunities for further collaboration within the framework of the strategic...

Montreal, Canada--The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) projected that passenger air traffic levels will be around 2 percent higher In the first quarter of 2024 than in 2019, with airlines expected to sustain their operating profitability seen in 2023. Demand this year is forecast to be around 3 percent above...

Rafah, Egypt - UN chief Antonio Guterres, on a visit to the doorstep of Gaza, on Saturday said the world has seen enough of the war's horrors and appealed for a ceasefire to allow in more aid. "Palestinians in Gaza -- children, women, men -- remain stuck in a non-stop nightmare,"...

Palestinian Territories - The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Israeli fire on Saturday killed nine people and wounded dozens more as they were waiting at an aid distribution point in the territory's north. "At least nine martyrs and dozens injured by Israeli occupation army tank fire and shells. They...

JERUSALEM - Israel's foreign minister said on Saturday the United Nations had become an "anti-Israeli body" under Antonio Guterres, after the UN chief called for a ceasefire on a visit to Gaza's border. International outrage over the heavy civilian toll and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel battles Hamas fighters,...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – In the fourth quarter of 2023, the EU imported US$120.5 billion (€111.3 billion) worth of energy products amounting to a total of 187.9 million tonnes. Compared with the same period in 2022, imports decreased both in value (-34.2 percent) and in net mass (-11.7 percent), according to...

VIENNA, AUSTRIA – The OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund) is extending a US$50 million loan to Türkiye to support the agricultural and food production sectors, prioritizing 11 cities hit by the devastating earthquakes of February 2023. The Development and Investment Bank of Türkiye (TKYB) will on-lend the funds...

Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) today announced that its operations and maintenance subsidiary, Nawah Energy Company, has safely and successfully connected Unit 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant to the UAE’s transmission grid. The grid connection of the fourth reactor at the nuclear energy...

Ankara, Turkey - Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced on Friday the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Turkiye and Turkmenistan, focusing on collaboration in the natural gas sector and hydrocarbon partnerships. Under the agreement, the initial phase will involve the transportation of up to two...

Beirut, Lebanon - A UN official on Friday appealed for about $4 billion in humanitarian assistance for Syria, warning funding was almost non-existent and that lack of support would push more Syrians to emigrate. Syria's war, which began 13 years ago with the repression of anti-government protests, has killed more than...

Washington, US – President Joe Biden will welcome Iraq's prime minister on April 15 for talks on the US troop presence, the White House announced on Friday, as tensions subside following US clashes with pro-Iran militias. It will mark the first trip to Washington by Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani, who...

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Russia's central bank held interest rates unchanged on Friday as Moscow's military offensive on Ukraine has led to stubbornly high inflation and labor shortages. The central bank raised rates to 16 percent in a series of hikes last year to cool the pace of price rises. Analysts are...

Australia, Canada and Sweden, which were among those states, announced earlier this month they were resuming aid. Ten percent of the Finnish funding will be allocated to risk management, the minister said.

Doha, Qatar -- Qatar's Industrial Production index (IPI) in January 2024 reached 108.7 points, an increase of 4 percent compared to December 2023 and an increase of 5.5 percent compared to January 2023. The Planning and Statistics Authority has issued the press release of industrial production index for January 2024,...

Abu Dhabi, UAE--The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Atomics (GA), a leading US advanced technology solutions company, to collaborate on using advanced technologies and materials for nuclear energy supply. They will also cooperate on prospects that utilise...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's aviation sector soared to new heights in 2023, with a significant increase in both flight numbers and passenger traffic, according to a report by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). In a statement released by GACA, it was revealed that the Kingdom experienced...

Ankara, Turkey-- The Gulf Cooperation Council and Turkey have started off free trade negotiations to deepen their ties further. In this connection, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of GCC, and Dr. Omer Bolat, Minister of Trade of Turkey, signed a joint statement to initiate negotiations between the GCC and Turkey....

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabian consumers spent a total of SR11.68 billion ($3.12 billion) through point-of-sale transactions during the initial week of Ramadan, spanning from March 10 to March 16. The data, disclosed by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), outlines a total of 168 million transactions during this period....

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – South Korean flag carrier Korean Air said on Thursday it will sign a US$13.7 billion deal with Airbus to purchase 33 A350 series aircraft to strengthen its long-term fleet operations. The move comes after the European Union approved the airline's takeover of smaller rival Asiana -- conditional...

Sharjah, UAE -- Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) and the Turkiye Wealth Fund (TWF) have signed a Shariah-compliant Murabaha facility worth $100 million, for a period of three years. This agreement, facilitated by Dogan Investment Bank, marks the first time the Turkish Sovereign Wealth fund has launched financing from an international...

ABU DHABI, UAE – Bayanat AI PLC and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company each issued a circular on Thursday calling for their General Assembly Meetings (GAMs) to be held simultaneously on April 25 2024. During the GAMs, respective shareholders of each entity will vote on the proposed merger of the...

Neom, Saudi Arabia - NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic mega city will now have a premier resort where the spectacular desert landscape meets the sea, according to a press release from NEOM.  Boasting an audacious design with minimal land intervention, Treyam offers guests an elevated haven to unwind, re-energize, and enjoy...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia--The Saudi Industrial Production Index (IPI) recorded 103.3 points in January 2024, compared to 103 points in December 2023, marking a monthly growth of 0.3%, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The sub-index for mining and quarrying activity, which accounts for 61.4% of the...

Washington, United States - The White House unveiled almost $20 billion in new grants and loans Wednesday to support Intel's US chip-making facilities, marking the Biden administration's largest funding announcement yet as it tackles China's dominance of the crucial technology. President Joe Biden's decision to make the announcement during a trip...

On average, every person on earth generates roughly 7.8 kilograms (17 pounds 3 ounces) of e-waste each year, said the report from the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), another UN agency.

Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Real estate deals worth AED 87.1 billion ($23.71 billion) were recorded in Abu Dhabi during 2023, according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), a dedicated affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). The value of buying and selling activities surged by 159.5...

Abu Dhabi, UAE:  A total of 70.81 percent of companies anticipate expanding their workforce in Abu Dhabi Global Market during 2024, with 29.93 percent expecting significant increases and 40.88 percent planning moderate growth in staffing, a study said. According to the study by ADGM, the international financial center (IFC) of...

Dubai, UAE - The UAE was recognized as the top destination for international professionals seeking employment visas. According to the Annual Global Hiring Report by the Global HR platform Deel, industries like financial services, IT, computer software, marketing, advertising, and management consulting are leading in attracting international talent to the...

Tripoli, Libya--Libya ordered the "immediate" closure of its main border crossing with Tunisia on Tuesday following clashes between armed groups and security forces on the Libyan side, the interior ministry said. The border post in the desert area of Ras Jedir about 170 kilometres (105 miles) from the Libyan capital Tripoli,...

AlUla, Saudi Arabia - Date palm cultivation in AlUla governorate has witnessed a significant increase in productivity this year, with production surpassing 90,000 tons of dates annually.  The governorate boasts more than 2 million date palm trees, and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is actively engaged in expanding the...

Beirut, Lebanon - Israeli raids hit warehouses storing weapons for the Lebanese Hizbollah group in Syria Tuesday, a war monitor said, as a Syrian military source said air defenses had intercepted several missiles. Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes in Syria since civil war broke out in 2011, targeting Iran-backed...

PARIS, FRANCE – Liverpool football analysts have given their seal of approval to a new artificial intelligence tool from Google that suggests the best tactics for corner kicks, researchers said on Tuesday. However no Liverpool players -- or any humans -- have tried out the AI assistant's suggestions, and an outside...

ABU DHABI, UAE – The United Arab Emirates has solidified its position as a leading regional and global player in foreign direct investment, said Jamal Bin Saif Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the UAE International Investors Council (UAEIIC). He estimates the total value of Emirati investments abroad, encompassing both government and...

Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The assets of Islamic banks operating in the UAE exceeded AED 700 billion ($190 billion) for the first time in history at the end of 2023, according to the latest statistics from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). The statistics showed that the assets of...

Moscow, Russia -- Russia is working to establish a visa-free regime with all Gulf countries, said Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia's deputy foreign minister and special presidential representative for the Middle East and African countries. "In principle, such work is going on systematically. Because, of course, I think it is in the...