Muscat, Oman -- Gulf Cooperation Council countries recorded strong performance in agriculture, livestock and fisheries during 2024, reflecting the growing role of these sectors in supporting food security and economic diversification. Data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf showed the...
Indian airline IndiGo orders 30 Airbus A350 widebody planes
New Delhi, India -- Indian airline IndiGo said on Sunday it had signed an order for 30 more Airbus A350-900s, bringing its shopping list for the widebody aircraft from the European aircraft manufacturer to 60. "We are placing a firm order for 30 Airbus A350-900s," said Pieter Elbers, the CEO...
How social media can ‘trigger’ eating disorders in young people
Paris, France -- Social media can push vulnerable young people towards developing eating disorders by glorifying thinness and promoting fake, dangerous advice about diet and nutrition, experts warn. Young women and girls are much more likely to suffer from illnesses such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder, though rates...
Generative AI’s most prominent skeptic doubles down
Vancouver, Canada -- Two and a half years since ChatGPT rocked the world, scientist and writer Gary Marcus still remains generative artificial intelligence's great skeptic, playing a counter-narrative to Silicon Valley's AI true believers. Marcus became a prominent figure of the AI revolution in 2023, when he sat beside OpenAI...
Is Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Saudi Arabia? Cryptic post fuels speculation
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Questions swirled over Cristiano Ronaldo's future in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, hours after the superstar indicated he might be leaving Al Nassr in a social media post, just hours following the end of the Saudi Pro League season. The 40-year-old Portuguese forward joined Al Nassr in...
World’s longest diamond necklace set to break Guinness record at Sharjah show
Sharjah, UAE – Exhibitors at the 55th Watch and Jewelry Middle East Show, scheduled from May 28 to June 1, are set to unveil impressive curation of luxury gold jewellery and diamond collections, aiming to achieve Guinness World Records. Organized by Expo Centre Sharjah with support from the Sharjah Chamber...Due to war, under 5 percent of Gaza cropland useable for farming: UN
Paris, France -- Under five percent of Gaza's farmland is useable due to war, further exacerbating the risk of famine in the devastated Palestinian territory, the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization said Monday. Israel has stepped up a renewed offensive to destroy Hamas in Gaza, drawing international condemnation as...Syria’s new authorities to help locate missing Americans: US envoy
Damascus, Syria -- Syria's new authorities have agreed to help the United States locate and return Americans who went missing in the war-torn country, a US envoy said on Sunday. "The new Syrian government has agreed to assist the USA in locating and returning USA citizens or their remains," US...
Iraq’s water reserves lowest in 80 years after a dry rainy season
Baghdad, Iraq -- Iraq's water reserves are at their lowest in 80 years after a dry rainy season, a government official said Sunday, as its share from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers shrinks. Water is a major issue in the country of 46 million people undergoing a serious environmental crisis...
United Kingdom renationalizes first train operator under Labor reforms
London, United Kingdom -- Britain's South Western Railways on Sunday becomes the first private train operator to be returned to public ownership under the Labor government's plans to renationalize the country's much-maligned railways. Renationalizing all of the UK's rail operators is among the key policies launched by Prime Minister Keir...Anthropic’s Claude AI gets smarter — and mischievious
San Francisco, United States -- Anthropic launched its latest Claude generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) models on Thursday, claiming to set new standards for reasoning but also building in safeguards against rogue behavior. "Claude Opus 4 is our most powerful model yet, and the best coding model in the world," Anthropic...
TOURISE 2025: Riyadh to host premier summit for sustainable tourism
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, has officially unveiled TOURISE, a groundbreaking global platform set to transform the future of the tourism industry. The inaugural TOURISE 2025 event will take place in Riyadh from November 11-13, bringing together public and private sector leaders, experts, and...Trump administration refocuses US-China chip war on AI and Huawei
Beijing, China -- The United States has taken aim at China's Huawei over the cutting-edge chips powering artificial intelligence (AI), part of a shifting technology dispute between the two largest economies. AFP looks at how the US-China chip war is evolving under US President Donald Trump: Focus back on China...Turkey says increasing energy exports to war-torn Syria
Damascus, Syria -- Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said Thursday in Damascus that his country would ramp up energy exports to Syria to help boost electricity supplies as its neighbor seeks to recover after years of war. "We want to triple our current electricity exports to meet Syria's electricity needs,...
Cyberattack to cost UK retailer Marks & Spencer $404 million
London, United Kingdom -- British clothes-to-food retailer Marks and Spencer on Wednesday said a cyberattack affecting its online service is set to last through to July and cost the group £300 million ($404 million). Marks last week revealed that some personal data of its customers had been stolen in a...Nvidia unveils plan for Taiwan’s first ‘AI supercomputer’
Taipei, Taiwan -- Nvidia boss Jensen Huang announced plans for Taiwan's first "AI supercomputer", as he showcased on Monday the company's latest advances in artificial intelligence. Global chip giants have gathered in Taiwan for the island's top tech expo, Computex, as the sector grapples with the impact of US tariffs...AI talking trees feature at Chelsea Flower Show
London, United Kingdom -- Talking trees powered by AI, drought-resistant crops and sweet potatoes sprouting among flowers -- the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show is facing the future with a focus on innovation and climate-change adaptation. Over five days starting Tuesday, more than 140,000 visitors are expected to view what the...‘Gentle giants’: World’s strongest men defy stereotypes
Sacramento, United States -- Eddie Williams is a schoolteacher from Monday to Friday and a wedding singer on weekends. In his spare time, he lifts enormously heavy weights as he competes to be the world's strongest man. Some people think weightlifters are "a lot of angry people who just like...
EGA advances plans to build new US aluminum plant
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Emirates Global Aluminum, the largest ‘premium aluminum’ producer in the world, today announced the progression of plans to develop the first new primary aluminum production plant in the United States of America since 1980. The plant is expected to have a production capacity of 600 thousand...The US towns that took on ‘forever chemical’ giants — and won
Washington, United States -- No corner of Earth is untouched. From Tibet to Antarctica, so-called "forever chemicals" have seeped into the blood of nearly every living creature. Tainting food, water and wildlife, these toxic substances have been linked to ailments ranging from birth defects to rare cancers. Yet if it...Iran, European powers to hold nuclear talks in Turkey
The Istanbul meeting follows Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's warning of "irreversible" consequences if the European powers move to reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran that were lifted under a 2015 deal.
AI companions present risks for young users, US watchdog warns
New York, United States -- AI companions powered by generative artificial intelligence present real risks and should be banned for minors, a leading US tech watchdog said in a study published Wednesday. The explosion in generative AI since the advent of ChatGPT has seen several startups launch apps focused on...Abu Dhabi launches $500mn maternal health fund for Africa
Nairobi, Kenya -- A $500-million fund aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health in sub-Saharan Africa was launched Tuesday in Abu Dhabi at a time when Western countries are sharply cutting aid to Africa. The Beginnings Fund brings together philanthropists including the Gates Foundation and the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation...Screens, drones, massages: Shanghai flaunts the future of cars
Shanghai, China -- At the huge Auto Shanghai industry show this week, the chatter was less about powerful engines and more about cutting-edge technology and passenger comfort. Hundreds of carmakers and equipment supplies have filled the exhibition space since Wednesday, showcasing models packed with screens, massage seats and other add-ons...
‘Something new for the honey market’: Austria trials DNA testing to uncover fraud
Voels, Austria -- At a laboratory in Austria's mountainous Tyrol province, scientists are DNA testing about 100 honey samples a month to learn about their composition -- and in some cases to determine whether they have been adulterated. With fake honey flooding markets, and only a few European laboratories running...European carmakers on China charm offensive as sales droop
Shanghai, China -- Once blithely dominant in China, European automakers are now launching full-fledged charm offensives at consumers in the world's largest car market, seeking to claw back sales lost to domestic rivals. At this week's Auto Shanghai, the largest global industry show of its kind, foreign firms -- in...
DHL to stop global shipments worth over $800 to US consumers
Washington, United States -- Global shipping giant DHL will "temporarily" suspend the shipping of parcels worth more than $800 from businesses to individuals in the United States as of Monday, the company said, citing delays in US customs clearances. "As a result of recent US Customs regulatory updates, we are...Gaza rescuers say Israeli air strikes kill 25 and injure dozens of Palestinians
Gaza City, Palestinian Territories -- Gaza's civil defense agency reported that Israeli air strikes since dawn on Sunday have killed at least 25 people across the Gaza Strip, including women and children. Israel resumed its aerial and ground assault on Gaza on March 18, reigniting fighting after a two-month ceasefire...
US aid cuts strain response to health crises worldwide: WHO
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The United States slashing foreign aid risks piling pressure on already acute humanitarian crises across the globe, a World Health Organization official said Sunday, also warning against withdrawing from the UN agency. Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has effectively frozen foreign aid funding,...Global tax plans targeting super rich and tech giants stall under Trump
Paris, France -- Global tax plans targeting billionaires and multinational companies are running aground, with the United States torpedoing reforms under President Donald Trump. The billionaire real estate tycoon has pulled the United States out of an international deal on taxing multinationals and threatened tariffs on countries that target US...
Anti-hero Star Wars series “Andor” heads towards its finale
Paris, France -- If "Andor" -- which returns from Tuesday for its second and final season -- has been received as one of the very best "Star Wars" TV series, that is largely thanks to the grittier, more adult approach taken by its creator Tony Gilroy. That standpoint -- far,...
Chinese vent anger at Trump’s trade war with memes, mockery
Beijing, China -- While China's leaders use their economic and political might to fight Donald Trump's trade war "to the end", its army of social media soldiers are embarking on a more humorous campaign online. The US president's tariff blitz has seen Washington and Beijing impose eye-watering duties on imports...Meta to start using Europeans’ data for AI training May 27
Paris, France -- Meta will start using public posts and comments by its European users to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) models from May 27, unless users opt out of the data-mining project. Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram and Threads, said earlier this week that it would develop its...Denmark’s Royal Unibrew adds AI colleagues into workforce
Fakse, Denmark -- They have names, faces and email addresses, but the five new colleagues at Denmark's Royal Unibrew only exist in the virtual realm, which the brewer hails as a milestone to unleash the full potential of its staff. "What we as humans are good at is our creativity,...
Travel and tourism sector contributes 11.4 percent to Gulf’s GDP
Muscat, Oman -- Travel and tourism sector's contribution to the Gulf's GDP by the end of 2024 reached approximately 11.4 percent, with a value of $247.1 billion. The latest data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) indicated that the growth rate...
US Pentagon chief says military ready to ensure Iran never gets a nuclear bomb
Washington, United States -- The US defense secretary reiterated Sunday that the United States hopes for a diplomatic solution to keep Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, but if that failed the military was ready "to go deep and to go big." US and Iranian diplomats opened indirect talks Saturday...
‘Diriyah Tan’ unveiled to celebrate Saudi tourism hub’s rich heritage
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Diriyah Company has collaborated with Pantone to produce "Diriyah Tan," a color that embodies the essence and deep-rooted spirit of the history of Diriyah, the City of Earth. The unique color was inspired by Diriyah's land, reflecting this destination's significance as a leading cultural and tourism...Why investors rush to gold in uncertain economic times?
London, United Kingdom -- Why do investors flock to gold when economic times turn tough? As the precious metal reaches record highs AFP explains why it remains such a trusted lifeline. The trading turmoil unleashed by US President Donald Trump's tariffs has triggered a record run for gold, widely viewed...Bridges in the Gulf: wealthy states mediate crisis after crisis
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - When US and Iranian negotiators meet in Oman on Saturday they will be just the latest to turn to crisis mediation in the Gulf Arab states, whose wealthy rulers are increasingly seeking out the role. Oman is a long-established venue for Iranian talks, while promoting...After Instagram restrictions, Meta to introduce teen accounts for Facebook
Paris, France -- Meta on Tuesday announced that it was extending its teen accounts to its social network Facebook, after recently introducing restrictions on Instagram. The accounts were brought in for 13- to 15-year-old users of the company's popular photo-sharing app last September as part of moves to shield vulnerable...$20 million rare blue diamond goes on show in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates -- A rare blue diamond valued at $20 million went on pre-auction display on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi. The 10-carat Mediterranean Blue, which will go on sale in Geneva next month, is the showpiece of a collection estimated at $100 million, organizers said. "Included in...Qatar’s ‘Hit Show’ wins $12 million Dubai World Cup
Dubai, UAE -- Qatar's 'Hit Show' triumphed in the 2025 Dubai World Cup's main event at Meydan, the pinnacle of global horse racing. In the $12 million Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup, Hit Show, owned by Wathnan Racing, ridden by Florent Geroux and trained by Brad Cox, prevailed over eight...
Nations divided ahead of decisive week for shipping emissions
London, United Kingdom -- Members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are divided over whether to approve a carbon tax on international shipping, ahead of a meeting starting on Monday to finalize emissions-reduction measures. The carbon tax, the most ambitious measure on the table, would make it more expensive for shipping...
World’s tiniest pacemaker is smaller than grain of rice
Paris, France -- Scientists said Wednesday they have developed the world's tiniest pacemaker, a temporary heartbeat regulator smaller than a grain of rice that can be injected and controlled by light before dissolving. While still years away from being tested in humans, the wireless pacemaker was hailed as a "transformative...European Parliament approves aid package for Egypt, Jordan
Brussels, Belgium -- Members of the European Parliament have approved two proposals to provide Egypt and Jordan with loans worth €4 billion ($4.32 billion) and €500 million, respectively. The Parliament adopted the macro-financial assistance to Egypt with 452 votes in favor, 182 against and 40 abstentions. The proposal for Jordan...Digging for box office gold, ‘A Minecraft Movie’ hits cinemas
Paris, France -- With an A-list cast and a big budget, "A Minecraft Movie" releasing this week is hoping to follow in the slipstream of Super Mario Bros by turning a gaming phenomenon into a global cinema blockbuster. Critics have been given limited access to the film ahead of the...First orbital rocket launched from Europe crashes seconds after blast-off
Oslo, Norway -- The first orbital rocket launched from continental Europe crashed seconds after blast-off Sunday, in a closely watched test for the continent's bid to build a new space economy. The Spectrum rocket, developed by German start-up Isar Aerospace, started smoking from its sides, then crashed back to Earth...From cars to champagne: Trump’s expanding tariffs trigger trade war fears
Paris, France -- From champagne to steel and now cars: it is getting harder to keep up with US President Donald Trump's growing tariff target list and the retaliatory measures by trade partners. Here is a rundown of what has been implemented, threatened and coming next in an escalating trade...Over a billion pounds of Coke plastic waste to enter waterways: study
Washington, United States -- By 2030, Coca-Cola products will account for an estimated 1.33 billion pounds (602,000 metric tons) of plastic waste entering the world's oceans and waterways each year, according to a stark new analysis published Wednesday by the nonprofit Oceana. That's enough plastic to fill the stomachs of...Saudi Arabia draw with Japan to keep World Cup hopes alive
Saitama, Japan -- Saudi Arabia battled to a 0-0 away draw with already qualified Japan on Tuesday to keep their fading hopes of an automatic place at the 2026 World Cup alive. The Saudis went into the game in Saitama in third place in Asian qualifying third round Group C,...Does ‘vibe coding’ make everyone a programmer?
New York, United States -- Can a complete tech novice create a website using everyday language on ChatGPT? That's the promise, misleading for some, of "vibe coding," the latest Silicon Valley catchphrase for an advance in generative AI that some say makes computer programming as simple as chatting online. "You...
