Israel says delayed Iran’s presumed nuclear programme by two years
Western powers have repeatedly expressed concerns about the rapid expansion of Iran's nuclear programme, questioning in particular the country's accelerated uranium enrichment.
In a warming world, is an air-conditioned future inevitable?
Washington, United States - They are ubiquitous in the United States, controversial in Europe and coveted in South Asia. As heatwaves intensify across the world, air conditioning has taken center stage.For better or for worse, these power-hungry appliances are among the most common adaptations to a warming world. They have become...Saudi league’s transfer window can affect Europe’s clubs, says Liverpool
Singapore, Singapore - Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on Tuesday urged football authorities to address the late closure of the transfer window in the Saudi Arabia league, fearing it may have a detrimental effect on European clubs.Speaking in Singapore on the eve of his team’s pre-season friendly against German champions Bayern Munich,...Migrants suffer between life and death in Tunisia-Libya desert
In the midday heat, a Libyan patrol near the border with Tunisia comes across a black African man collapsed on the desert. The man is just one among hundreds of migrants arriving daily in Libya after being abandoned in the desert borderland by Tunisian security forces, according to Libyan border...Cash rich Saudi football league ‘changed market’, says English club
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Saturday that the Saudi Pro League had "completely changed the market" and he expects more and more high-profile players to move there.City winger Riyad Mahrez this week became just the latest big name to move to Saudi football, following in...Will climate change hit Mediterranean tourism?
In Spain, the thermometer has shot 15 degrees above normal summer season levels. Italy has also laboured under heatwaves with the island of Sardinia melting under 48 Celsius while, on Monday, Tunis endured 49C. Tourism plays a key role in the region's economies -- the sector accounts for nearly a...KNPC exports first shipment of 95 octane motor fuel to Europe
Kuwait City, Kuwait--The Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) has exported the first shipment of 95 octane motor fuel and low-sulfur to European markets.Ghanim Al-Otaibi, the deputy CEO of Fuel Supply Operations and official spokesman for KNPC, said that the volume of the shipment that was exported from Mina Al-Ahmadi amounted...Saudia Cargo signs deal with Jan de Rijk
It will enable Saudia Cargo to widen network in Europe.Tata to build car battery factory in UK
The $5.2bn factory is expected to create up to 4,000 jobs.Chinese president vows solid ties with Algeria, eyes energy supply
China's President Xi Jinping has pledged stronger ties with Algeria, highlighting the importance of their comprehensive strategic partnership. Algeria, Africa's largest natural gas exporter, has been seeking to join the BRICS economic group, and China has shown support for this goal.Tunisia and EU sign ‘strategic’ deal on economy, migration
The deal between the two countries will include partnership on irregular migration, economic development and renewable energy. Tunisia has been criticized over its treatment of migrants after President Kais Saied accused "hordes" of migrants from sub-Saharan African countries of a "plot" to change the country's demographic makeup.Almost the entire world is experiencing record heatwaves
Record heat is forecast around the world from the United States, where tens of millions are battling dangerously high temperatures, to Europe and Japan, in the latest example of the threat from global warming. The heatwaves come after EU's climate monitoring service said the world saw its hottest June on...EU clears biodiversity bill seeking natural habitat protection
The parliament's biggest political grouping, the conservative European People's Party (EPP), had sought to shoot down the text, arguing that it would reduce EU food security and limit possibilities to build wind and hydroelectric energy facilities.Meta loses more: Zuckerberg takes threads fight to European Union
Threads, billed as the killer of Twitter, a platform that has tumbled into chaos under the leadership of mercurial tycoon Elon Musk, has added more than 100 million users in its first week in app stores.Dubai Investments, E20 Investment to develop agricultural land in Angola
Dubai, UAE--Dubai Investments and E20 Investment have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop 3,750 Ha of agricultural land in Angola, harnessing the potential of the country’s agricultural sector for sustainable growth and economic development.E20 Investment, specializes in investing in and operating farms and processing facilities across the globe,...Libya court sentences 37 traffickers to prison over migrant deaths
A statement from the prosecution said that the appeals court pronounced the verdict against a "criminal gang" whose members organized for migrants to travel on a "dilapidated boat, resulting in the death of 11 of them. Libya is a key departure point for migrants, with many risking the perilous sea...Algeria firm sign $740m contract with TotalEnergies
Algiers, Algeria - Algeria's state oil company Sonatrach said on Sunday it had signed contracts to boost gas production under an existing agreement worth about $740 million with French giant TotalEnergies.The companies will increase output from two Sahara desert fields in southeastern Algeria, for export to France and elsewhere in Europe,...Iran emerging as a hub for health tourism in West Asia: Raisi
Tehran, Iran--Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has claimed that health tourism in the country has attracted patients from neighboring countries and even Central Asian states who prefer to get medical care in Iran rather than in Europe.Raisi made the remarks on Friday as he inaugurated Ghadir Major Hospital in the north...Libya court imposes prison terms on three for human trafficking
One of the three, whose identities and nationalities were not given, was sentenced to life in prison and the other two to 20 years each. Considered to be the first convictions in Libya in human trafficking cases, the court found the three guilty of "trafficking in human beings" and having...Energy prices may jump if output slashed, warns Shell CEO
LONDON, UK - Shell's chief executive told the BBC on Thursday that cutting gas and oil output would be "irresponsible" because it could further lift energy bills and worsen the cost-of-living crisis.Wael Sawan was asked about recent comments from UN head Antonio Guterres, who had declared it was "moral and economic...Meta launches Twitter rival Threads, 10m sign-ups in first few hours
More than 10 million people have signed up to Threads, Meta's rival to Twitter, within the first few hours of its launch, the company's CEO Mark Zuckerberg said. The app went live on Apple and Android app stores in 100 countries at 2300 GMT on Wednesday, and will run with...Oil prices increase after Saudi Arabia and Russia cut crude output
In April, several OPEC+ members opted to slash production voluntarily by more than one million bpd -- a surprise move that briefly raised prices but failed to bring about lasting price recovery.Universe’s mysteries in focus as Europe launches Euclid space telescope
WASHINGTON, US - Europe's Euclid space telescope is scheduled to blast off Saturday on the first-ever mission aiming to shed light on two of the universe's greatest mysteries: dark energy and dark matter.The launch is planned from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 11:12 am local time (1512 GMT) on a...Greater data access and control for users as EU modifies digital policy
"Once the data act enters into force, it will unlock the economic and societal potential of data and technologies and contribute to an internal market for data," said Sweden's minister for public administration Erik Slottner.Rescue ship saves 86 migrants off Libyan coast: charity
The UN's International Organization for Migration estimates that 1,724 migrants had disappeared trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe so far this year, up from 1,417 last year. According to the Italian interior ministry, around 90,000 migrants have arrived by sea so far this year.Muslims mark Eid al-Adha with prayers, festivities
Hundreds of millions of Muslims in their best dresses packed mosques in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas to mark the festive occasion.Most markets rise but traders fret interest rate hikes, Russia situation
The more positive environment came as concerns over Russia subsided following an aborted uprising, though developments in the nuclear-armed country are being closely followed. Sentiment was also boosted by comments from Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who said the government would roll out fresh measures to kickstart the nation's struggling economy...Top Abu Dhabi firms to attend Europe’s asset and wealth management conference
Abu Dhabi, UAE-- Prominent Abu Dhabi companies are taking part in Impower Fund Forum, the largest asset and wealth management conference in Europe that will see participation of more than 1,400 international players from nearly 60 countries.The companies from Abu Dhabi that will take part in the event include the...HNWIs’ wealth in Middle East grows despite slowdown
Despite a global economic slowdown in 2022, high-net-worth individual wealth in the region experienced growth on the back of strong earnings in the oil and gas sectors.AI chip giant Nvidia likely to invest in Europe
SANTA CLARA, US - The CEO of Nvidia said that the world's most valuable chipmaker is "extremely likely" to invest in Europe.Nvidia's Jensen Huang told reporters that expanding in Europe was a "wonderful idea."By investing money in Europe, Nvidia would join other semiconductor giants like Intel that are also looking to...‘EU acknowledges, appreciates Qatar’s labor reforms’
The EU also lauds the exceptional execution of FIFA 2022 in Qatar. It helped refine Qatar's reputation and correct misconceptions. The EU is commitment to strengthening relations with Islamic and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and seeks to combat Islamophobia in Europe, Stano points out.Qatar signs 27-year gas supply deal with Chinese firm
The agreement, to supply four million tons annually to the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), matches the terms of a November deal with China's Sinopec as the longest ever seen in the industry.Boeing, Airbus notch up big orders
At list prices, the Airbus deal is worth $3.3bn and Boeing's $1bn.Europe world’s fastest warming continent, says EU climate report
The report by the World Meteorological Organization and the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service said the continent was some 2.3 degrees Celsius hotter last year than in pre-industrial times. Crop-withering drought, record sea-surface temperatures and unprecedented glacier melt are among the consequences laid out in the report.Dubai International Chamber opens Europe’s first representative office in UK
DUBAI, UAE - Dubai International Chamber (DIC), one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, inaugurated on Friday a new international representative office in London, UK.The launch of the new office, which is DIC’s first representative office in Europe and 20th globally, marks a significant step in the chamber’s...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 factory...Vodafone merges with Hutchison
The merger will lead to network investment of £11 billion over 10 years.Drawn by green subsidies, solar cell giant expands US production
The partnership along with German group BayWa r.e. will beef up capacity in Meyer Burger's Arizona production facility from 1.6 gigawatts to two gigawatts, and create over 500 skilled manufacturing jobs. The announcement is expected to spark anguish in Germany, which fears that the IRA could lure investments away from...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 the diplomats...EU offers Tunisia more than $1bn to boost economy, reduce migrant flows
The EU is ready to offer Tunisia a 900-million-euro package plus 150 million euros in immediate support, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said. Aside from trade and investment, it would help Tunisia with border management and to combat human trafficking, with support worth 100 million euros this year,...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 energy efficiency...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.Iran’s emerging pivot to Russia and China is for strategic leverage: study
Dubai, UAE - Iran’s pivot to Russia and China has been driven by various factors, most notably the United States' withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on May 8, 2018, says a study published by Middle East Institute. Quoting Iran’s foreign ministry statement "the world is not...Italian PM says making efforts for Tunisia IMF bailout
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Rome backed efforts to secure an IMF bailout for Tunisia and support to tackle its growing migrant problem. She was speaking after talks in Tunis with President Kais Saied whose country is going through a dire financial crisis, political tensions. Tunisia is also a...Equities sink as hardliners Republicans threaten US debt deal
"With some hardliners in the Republican party coming out against the agreement (in a vote due Wednesday), its passage through Congress could be bumpy," warned AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould. "Weak Chinese data also contributed to a subdued market mood with Asian stocks a little sickly."Iraq and Iran discuss boosting ties in transportation sector
Baghdad, Iraq--Iraq is looking to deepen cooperation with Iran in the transport sector and facilitate the movement of pilgrims between the two countries. The issue was discussed in a meeting in Baghdad between the Iranian and Iraqi ministers focusing on the ways to expand cooperation between the two countries.The meeting occurred...Iraq plans ambitious Europe-Middle East road, rail project
Iraq presented an ambitious plan to turn itself into a regional transportation hub by developing its road and rail infrastructure, linking Europe with the Gulf and other Middle East countries. Once completed, the US$17 billion project known as the "Route of Development" would stretch 1,200 kilometers from Turkey to the...EIB lends US$3.6bn to circular economy projects
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - The European Investment Bank (EIB) lending to circular economy projects has consistently increased over the years, amounting to US$3.6 billion (€3.4 billion) over the past five years, with a record level of US$1.18 billion alone in 2022.The figures were released ahead of the World Circular Economy Forum...Qatari owners of Paris Saint-Germain in talks over Sampdoria investment
Paris, France - Qatar Sports Investments, the owners of French champions Paris Saint-Germain, are in negotiations over acquiring a stake in Italian club Sampdoria, a source with knowledge of the matter told AFP on Thursday.QSI, whose president Nasser al-Khelaifi is also the president of PSG, has owned the French club since...Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector set to reach $15.3 bn by 2030
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The logistics sector in Saudi Arabia is poised for remarkable expansion, with its market size projected to grow to SAR 57.4 billion ($15.3 billion) by 2030, according to latest data. The surge is an outcome of the efforts made by the Ministry of Transport & Logistics Services...European energy crisis could worsen, warns Qatar minister
Doha, Qatar - Qatar's energy minister warned on Tuesday the "worst is yet to come" for Europe's oil and gas shortages, saying a warm winter had prevented greater difficulties in recent months."The only thing that saved humanity and Europe this year was a warm winter, and the slowdown in the economy,"...