‘Underwater noises’ detected in missing sub search: US Coast Guard
"Canadian P-3 aircraft detected underwater noises in the search area. As a result, ROV (remotely operated vehicle) operations were relocated in an attempt to explore the origin of the noises," the US Coast Guard's First District said on its official Twitter page. The announcement is the most encouraging sign yet...Dubai records over US$1.2bn in realty transactions
DUBAI, UAE - Dubai's real estate market recorded 638 sales transactions worth US$503 million (AED1.85 billion) on Tuesday, data released by Dubai's Land Department (DLD) showed. The market also recorded 130 mortgage deals totaling US$732 million (AED2.69 billion), and 21 gift deals amounting to US$59.5 million (AED218.56 million). The sales...Iran blames US, France and many others for fomenting Amini protests
Kazemi alleged that the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Belgium, Italy and Iran's arch-foe Israel were among the countries involved in inciting the protests, according to excerpts of an interview published by state media. Saudi Arabia, with which Iran has recently resumed diplomatic ties after a seven-year rupture,...Iran’s foreign minister arrives in Qatar to boost ties
Tehran, Iran-- Looking to give a further boost to the relations between the two countries, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Doha to discuss bilateral relations, as well as major regional and international developments, with high-ranking Qatari officials. Amir-Abdollahian left Tehran for Qatar’s capital late Monday on an official...Oman’s economic growth to reach 2.7 percent in 2024, says IMF
MUSCAT, OMAN - Oman’s economic growth is expected to rebound to 2.7 percent in 2024 but will slip in 2023 to 1.3 percent, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Monday. The projections reflect the oil production cuts by OPEC+, moderate growth in the non-hydrocarbon sector and a slowdown in...Combined profit of capital market institutions in Saudi Arabia falls
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The combined profit of capital market institutions in Saudi Arabia dropped 19 percent to US$306 million (SAR 1.15 billion) in Q1 2023, from US$381 million (SAR 1.43 billion) in the same period last year, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) said in a recent report. Revenues fell...Israeli forces kill four Palestinians in West Bank raid
"Two martyrs and 28 injured as a result of the ongoing (Israeli) aggression on Jenin," a statement from the Palestinian health ministry said, without elaborating on the identity of those killed. Jenin's deputy governor, Kamal Abu al-Rub said, "The army stormed the (Jenin refugee) camp and the city after the dawn...UAE, ILO ink agreement to enhance labor inspection capabilities
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - The UAE has signed a cooperation agreement with the International Labor Organization (ILO) to collaborate in labor inspection and occupational health and safety. The agreement, signed by UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) in the presence of its minister Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, aims to...Iran-EAEU free trade zone agreement can be signed by year’s end: Russian deputy PM
Tehran, Iran-- A free trade zone agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will be signed before the end of the year, according to Russia's deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk. "Now, indeed, the EAEU has come very close to concluding such an agreement with Iran. This issue was...Netanyahu vows to continue with controversial judicial reforms
JERUSALEM- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday to advance the government's controversial judicial reforms, which have seen his premiership marred by mass protest against the proposed overhaul. "We will come together this week and begin the practical measures," Netanyahu said at the start of a weekly cabinet meeting...Sheikh Mohammed inaugurates 5th phase of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park
DUBAI, UAE - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has inaugurated the 900 megawatt (MW) fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. This will be the largest single-site solar park in the world with...Israelis keep up protests against halted judicial reforms
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hard-right government's proposals would curtail the authority of the Supreme Court and give politicians greater powers over the selection of judges. Opponents regard them as a threat to Israeli democracy and US President Joe Biden is one of several Israeli allies to have voiced concern.38 million passengers used services of SRTA in 2022, say reports
SHARJAH, UAE - The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) said it transported about 38 million passengers, throughout the year 2022, local media reports said. This includes passengers benefiting from the mass transportation services on the public transportation network in the emirate, represented by intercity buses, taxis, in addition to...ZATCA sets criteria for target firms to apply phase II of e-invoicing
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has set the criterion for selecting target establishments in the sixth group to apply the integration phase of e-invoicing which includes all establishments with revenues (subject to value-added tax (VAT)) exceeding SR70 million during 2021 and 2022. ZATCA has...Qatar Industrial Production index up 2.8 percent in April
DOHA, QATAR- The Industrial Production index (IPI) of Qatar for April 2023 reached 106.4 points which is an increase of 2.8 percent compared to the previous month (March 2023), and increased by 2.1 percent, when compared to the corresponding month in 2022. The index of the mining sector showed an...UAE, Morocco speakers of parliament discuss ways to enhance cooperation
MARRAKESH, MOROCCO - Speaker of the UAE Federal National Council (FNC) Saqr Ghobash met with Morocco Speaker of the House of Representatives Rachid Talbi El Alami on the sidelines of the Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue here. Ghobash also met with Naam Miyara, President of the Chamber of Councillors of...Iraq-UK economic ties strengthen on back of uptick in trade
London, UK--Volume of trade exchanges between the UK and Iraq has exceeded one billion dollars and imports and exports between the two nations have been significantly growing, a senior British official said on Friday. Lord Tariq Ahmad, the British Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa and South...In spite of US sanctions, Iran’s crude oil exports break five-year record
Tehran, Iran-- In spite of the US sanctions against the Islamic Republic, Iran has seen a huge surge in the export of crude oil in 2023 to China, Syria, Venezuela, according to reports. According to media reports, Iranian crude shipments continued to rise in 2023 with higher shipments to China,...Dubai records US$3.4bn in weekly real estate transactions
DUBAI, UAE - A total of 3,625 real estate and properties transactions valued at US$3.4 billion (AED12.5 billion) were conducted during the week ending June 16, 2023, according to figures released by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). The DLD report showed that 189 plots were sold for US$620 million (AED...Saudi Arabia’s SVC invests $30m in Bedaya Fund II
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) announced its investment of US$30 million in Bedaya Fund II, which is managed by Shorooq Partners. The fund will mainly back early-stage startups with a focus on several sectors. The subscription agreement was signed by Dr. Nabeel Koshak, CEO and Board Member...Siemens to expand business
BERLIN, GERMANY - German industrial giant Siemens said on Thursday it would build a new high-tech factory in Singapore and expand another in China as part of a two-billion-euro ($2.1 billion) investment plan to build up its manufacturing capacity. Siemens said it would invest around 200 million euros in the Singapore...Audi Middle East achieves 33% sales growth in first 5 months of 2023
DUBAI, UAE : In the first five months of 2023, Audi Middle East achieved a 33 percent growth compared to the same period in 2022, making it the strongest start to a year since 2015. All Audi sedan and SUV models have experienced significant year-on-year growth; with Audi Approved Plus...UAE Ministry of Energy joins National ICV Program
DUBAI, UAE - The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) has joined UAE's National In-Country Value (ICV) program following a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced...Iranian president boosts Nicaragua ties on tour of US-sanctioned countries
In Venezuela, Raisi and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro announced that they signed 25 accords, across sectors ranging from education and health to mining. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said he and Raisi signed a "basic memorandum of these steps that we are going to continue developing" to increase exchange between the...DEWA, SAP-SE keen to enhance digitalization of utility sector
Dubai, UAE - Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Christian Klein, CEO and member of the Executive Board of SAP-SE, a leading global software corporation, Wednesday discussed collaboration and ways to enhance the digital transformation of the utility sector. They also...Green activists cry foul as Shell decides to steady oil production
Campaign group Global Witness labelled Wednesday's announcement as a "climate-wrecking U-turn", urging it instead to invest far more in cleaner energy.Peak in oil demand ‘in sight’ before end of decade: IEA
"The shift to a clean energy economy is picking up pace, with a peak in global oil demand in sight before the end of this decade as electric vehicles, energy efficiency and other technologies advance," IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said in a statement. "Oil producers need to pay careful...UAE consul general visits Albany to foster deeper economic, cultural ties
Albany, New York-- The UAE has reiterated its resolve to strengthen economic and cultural ties with New York and the US as both countries seek to advance the transition to clean energy. The renewal of the commitment was made during a visit by Amna Binzaal Almheiri, UAE Consul General in...Qatar provides maritime radio station licensing for small ships in Al Khor, Al Ruwais cities
DOHA, QATAR - The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has announced the provision of maritime radio station licensing services for small ships in Al Khor and Al Ruwais cities, including the issuance, renewal, amendment and cancelling of the maritime radio station licenses. Through these services, CRA aims to process the requests...HUB71 reveals winners of The Outliers Program to address industry challenges
ABU DHABI, UAE - Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, on Tuesday announced the winners of The Outliers Program, which gives founders worldwide the opportunity to build proof of concepts (POCs) alongside major reputable organizations. Participating startups have been recognized for their innovative solutions in various challenges set by Hub71’s...DEWA commissions 6 new transmission substations in Jan-April 2023
DUBAI, UAE - Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has commissioned six new 132/11 kV transmission substations from January to the end of April 2023 with a conversion capacity of 900 megavolt-amperes (MVA), and a cost of US$151 million (AED555 million). The new transmission substations are in Al Jaddaf, Tilal...UN working to renew Ukraine grain export deal
That crucial accord granting safe passage for Ukrainian grain to be exported via Black Sea ports despite Moscow's invasion was signed in July 2022 by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations. It was renewed again in May but for only two months, until July 17. But the Kremlin on...UAE’s MoHRE extends deadline for companies to meet Emiratisation targets
Dubai, UAE-- The UAE'S Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has extended the deadline for private sector to hire local employees from June 30 to July 7. MoHRE said this decision was taken by taking into consideration the Eid Al Adha holiday, which falls on the fourth week of...Sweden to deport pro-Kurdish PKK supporter to Turkey
The decision comes after the Supreme Court in May cleared his repatriation to Turkey, where he is expected to serve out a drug trafficking sentence.Greenpeace denounces UK energy firm over coal-fired power station
LONDON, UK - Greenpeace slammed Britain's power grid operator on Monday after it requested the reactivation of a coal-fired power station to meet electricity demand during a heatwave. National Grid ESO has asked energy firm Uniper to fire up a coal unit of its power station in Ratcliffe-on-Soar, central England, according...Gulf nations stress on cementing unity, pledge support for Palestine
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has stressed the need for coordination, integration and interdependence among GCC countries in all fields. At its 156th session on Sunday, the Council focused on strengthening joint Gulf action, with the Council reviewing the integration process among...Iran-Turkey trade to hit US$15bn on back of private sector cooperation
Tehran, Iran-- Bilateral trade between Iran and Turkey is expected to vault to US$15 billion by 2025 on the back of deeper cooperation with the private sector. According to a senior official in Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) trade with Turkey will easily reach $15 billion in early March 2025...SEWA holds talks with US consulate to promote innovation for energy solutions
Sharjah, UAE-- The Sharjah Electricity Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has held talks with a US consulate-general delegation to explore efforts in promoting innovation in energy and water and developing sustainable solution for energy production using advanced technologies. In this regard, Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al Shamsi, Director-General of SEWA, hosted...RTA signs strategic partnership agreement with Al-Futtaim Automotive
DUBAI, UAE - Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Al-Futtaim Automotive to deploy 360 vehicles, including electric and hybrid variants, for use in conferences and events over a three-year period. As part of the agreement, which supports RTA's sustainable transport network and the...Kuwait urges Europe to facilitate Schengen visas for its citizens
Kuwait-- Kuwait has urged European states to facilitate the granting of Schengen visas for Kuwaiti citizens. The call was made by Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who received at a luncheon several European ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions and charge d'affaires serving in Kuwait. The minister called upon...Kuwait Oil Company’s five-year digital strategy to reduce expenses
Kuwait -- Kuwait Oil Company announced on Saturday that it has upgraded its five-year digitalization strategy, which will contribute to reducing the operating expenses, increasing production and realizing sustainable growth. The upgrading of the strategy will also enhance safety and security, and help manage risks in a better way, Deputy...Qatar Finance and Business Academy signs MoU with Morgan International
Doha, Qatar-- Qatar Finance and Business Academy and Morgan International have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide training and upskilling solutions to individuals and organizations in Qatar's financial market. The collaboration will offer comprehensive training and upskilling solutions to individuals and organizations within Qatar's market, as well as...SPC Free Zone to provide licenses within 45 minutes
SHARJAH, UAE - Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) has announced an expedited business setup process, allowing businesses to obtain their licenses within just 45 minutes across an extensive selection of 1,500 business activities to choose from. Aspiring business owners, especially those in the publishing, creative sectors, and...45 governments endorse doubling energy efficiency by 2030
PARIS, FRANCE - Forty-five governments have endorsed doubling the average global rate of energy efficiency improvements by the end of the decade to foster sustainable economic growth. This will help put the world on a secure and affordable path towards net zero emissions. "It’s hard to overstate the importance of...DEWA’s R&D Center develops technology to simulate leaks in water transmission pipes
DUBAI, UAE - Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) ’s Research and Development (R&D) Center has developed an advanced, smart facility to simulate various leakage cases of water transmission pipelines. This allows evaluation, development and testing of new leak detection techniques. The center developed the facility using software and hardware,...Qatar and Iran to boost cooperation in labor sector
Dubai, UAE-- Qatar and Iran intend to expand cooperation in the fields of labor, employment, and exchange of skill-training experiences. The issue was discussed during a meeting between the Iranian minister of labor and his Qatari counterpart in Geneva, emphasizing the expansion of cooperation in the fields of labor, employment....UAE and Japan look to boost ‘strategic’ relations with focus on energy
Tokyo, Japan-- The UAE and Japan have discussed ways to strengthen the strategic partnership with a sharp focus on the energy ties between the two countries. The discussion was held in a meeting between the UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo,...Tunisia visit: EU chief to discuss economic and migration concerns
"Discussions will focus on the bilateral relations between the EU and to Tunisia," Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said. "An agreement on cooperation in the areas of the economy, energy and migration will be at the heart of those discussions."UAE, Peru sign air services agreement to promote bilateral trade
Lima, Peru - The UAE and Peru signed an air services agreement for cooperation between the two countries and promote intra-trade. Mohammed Abdullah Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Peru, signed the deal on behalf of the UAE and Gervasi Díaz, Minister of Foreign Affairs, representing Peru. Al...Swiss group to enquire about Lebanon’s central bank chief in Beirut
The delegation will meet a local judge and might seek to question individuals over the wealth of Salameh and his entourage as other European countries have done, the official added.




















































