Colman, Ruffalo among 1,500 film workers to boycott Israeli cinemas
The signatories included British actors Aimee Lou Wood, Josh O'Connor and Tilda Swinton, American actors Ayo Edebiri and Cynthia Nixon, and filmmakers Ken Loach and Yorgos Lanthimos.
UAE discusses temporary Gaza governance with US, Israel, seeks two-state solution assurance: report
Discussions led by the UAE include provisional administration, PA leadership overhaul, and Gaza reconstruction, requiring extensive international cooperation and adherence to a two-state solution framework.DAE to acquire Nordic Aviation Capital
The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.2025 IT Security Predictions
Cloudflare, a leading connectivity cloud company recently published an Op-Ed by Grant Bourzikas, CSO, tackling IT security predictions for 2025Saudi Arabia plans to sustain borrowing spree to fund major projects beyond oil: report
Saudi Arabia secured a $2.5 billion revolving credit facility from Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Credit Agricole SA, and Dubai Islamic Bank, with total 2024 bond funding reaching $50 billion, according to a Bloomberg report.PIF completes $7 billion inaugural murabaha credit facility
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) on Monday announced its first murabaha credit facility for the sum of $7 billion as part of its medium-term capital raising strategy. The financing structure is supported by a diverse syndicate of 20 international and regional financial institutions, PIF said...UAE aviation sector’s 2024 milestone: 1 million air traffic movements
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) achieved a milestone in the aviation industry as it surpassed 1 million air traffic movements in 2024, said the country's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).On 22nd December 2024, the one-millionth annual air traffic movement was recorded with the arrival of Emirates...Dubai ranks among world’s top 10 cities in Global Power City Index for second consecutive year
Dubai, UAE - Dubai has been ranked eighth worldwide and first in the Middle East in the Global Power City Index 2024 (GPCI) for the second year in a row.In an annual study released by Japan’s Mori Memorial Foundation, the index highlights Dubai’s role as a leader in innovation, economic...All six lines of Riyadh Metro are now operational
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) announced that the phased rollout of Riyadh Metro culminated as of Sunday, Jan. 5, with the beginning of the operation of Orange LineUAE labour market transforms with AI revolution and growing demand for high-skill professions
The country is among the most attractive markets for skilled global professionals and talent, thanks to its competitive advantages, including advanced infrastructure, diverse opportunities, and forward-looking strategies emphasizing digital transformation and sustainability.Saudi PMI falls to 58.4 in Dec as non-oil private sector improves
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The seasonally adjusted Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), formerly S&P Global Saudi Arabia PMI, dropped to 58.4 points in December 2024.The latest reading indicated a significant improvement in operating conditions in the non-oil private sector, while the index has remained above the neutral...Desert truffles: Saudi Arabia’s buried treasure
The 10-day Qassim Truffle Festival, currently in its fourth year, features 18 booths showcasing truffles, a dedicated auction area and 32 booths for local producers.Females make up 37.6% of the GCC population of 57.6 million
Muscat, Oman - The population of the six GCC countries reached 57.6 million in 2023, compared to 56.6 million in 2022. Males accounted for 62.4% of the total population, while females made up 37.6%.The report also indicates that the population density was 23.9 people per square kilometre, with the total...Israeli invasion destroys 90% of Gaza livestock, poultry farms
Gaza, Palestinian Territories - The Israeli forces have decimated 90 percent of 2,500 poultry and cattle farms in Gaza during their ongoing offensive, according to a government report in Gaza.QNA reported that the report, prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture in the Gaza Strip, said 850,000 breeder hens, which were...Renowned designer Cucinelli stresses sustainability at Saudi event
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Renowned luxury fashion designer Brunello Cucinelli shared his insights on building a global brand and the future of fashion with Saudi creatives and entrepreneurs during a special event hosted by the Cultural Development Fund (CDF) in AlUla.The event, held in collaboration with the Fashion Commission, brought...Emirates’ first A350 takes flight
The airline operated the inaugural flight from Dubai to Edinburgh.In a change of tone, Syria’s new leader urges US to pressure Israel for withdrawal
Julani’s appeal comes as Syria signals a shift in its diplomatic tone. Maher Marwan, Damascus’ new governor, told NPR that Syria seeks peace and harbors no hostility toward Israel or any other nation. “We have no plans to interfere with anything that could undermine Israel’s safety. Our people yearn for...Winter rains, flooding and limited aid worsen Gaza tragedy: IOM
"Vulnerable people, including at least seven infants, have died from hypothermia, and these tragic deaths underscore the urgent need for shelter and other help to get to the people of Gaza immediately,” said Amy Pope, IOM Director-General.Oil extends gains on hopes of policy support for economic growth
Singapore - Oil prices extended gains on Friday after closing at their highest in more than two months in the prior session, amid hopes that governments around the world may increase policy support to revive economic growth that would lift fuel demand.Brent crude futures rose 16 cents, or 0.2 percent,...Dubai Airport set for record start to 2025: 4.3m guests in 15 days
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai International Airport (DXB) is on track to welcome 4.3 million guests in the first 15 days of the year, setting the stage for its busiest January yet. Daily traffic is projected to peak on 3rd January, with over 311,000 guests expected.With an average of 287,000 guests...GCC equity markets ended 2024 in positive territory
Five of seven GCC equity market indices under coverage ended 2024 on the rise, according to an in-depth report on GCC equity markets. Dubai Financial Market (DFM) led its peers, wrapping up 2024 with an annual rise of 27%Dubai real estate sets all-time record in 2024
Dubai’s real estate market has had a record-breaking year, with new milestones being set throughout 2024, culminated in an all-time peak of 180,900 transactions worth AED 522.1 billion (US$145 billion)Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 kicks off Friday with over 800 competitors
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Dakar Rally 2025, the largest and longest race in the world of motorsports, is set to kick off on Friday from Bisha, marking the sixth consecutive year the Kingdom hosts this thrilling event.Over 800 participants are poised for the fierce competition, which runs until January...Saudi Arabia records $5.6 billion trade surplus in October 2024 with 30% growth
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia’s trade balance recorded a 30% monthly growth, achieving a surplus of SAR 20.769 billion ($5.6 billion) in October 2024, according to the Kingdom’s recently released global trade bulletin. This marks an increase of over SAR 4 billion ($1.08 billion) from SAR 15.999 billion ($4.32...Study: Legacy technology not impeding adoption of AI and Machine Learning in UAE and Saudi Arabia
Manufacturers see AI as critical for decarbonization (66%), improving ESG scores, energy monitoring (55%), advancing digital twins (68%), and enabling predictive maintenance (64%), driving sustainability and operational gains.18 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes on northern, southern Gaza
Palestinian news agency (WAFA) reported that eight Palestinians were killed, and others were injured in an airstrike by the Israeli forces on a road intersection west of Gaza City in the north. Additionally, four other Palestinians were killed when the Israeli forces bombed a group of citizens near a mosque...NDMC arranges $2.5bn credit facility
The Shariah-compliant facility spans a tenure of three years.Dubai real estate market saw record transactions worth $142.1bn in 2024
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai’s real estate market recorded 180,900 transactions worth AED 522.1 ($142.1 billion) in 2024, a market report said.The report by fäm Properties said 2024 saw big leaps of 36 percent and 27 percent respectively on the previous high of 133,100 sales worth AED 411.1 billion in 2023.In...Palestinian Authority suspends Al Jazeera broadcasts
The Palestinian Authority on Wednesday ordered the suspension of broadcasts by Qatar-based Al Jazeera across the Palestinian territories, accusing the network of airing "inciting content", official media reported.‘Numb’ New Orleans grapples with horror of deadly truck attack
New Orleans, United States - The celebratory atmosphere of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, long an American byword for indulgence and revelry, was dimmed Wednesday as residents and visitors alike reeled from a deadly truck attack on New Year's crowds.Several square blocks of the main entertainment district were blocked off after...Israeli forces killed 45,553 Palestinians since Oct 2023: Health ministry
Gaza, Palestinian Territories -- The Israeli forces have killed at least 45,553 Palestinian civilians and injured at least 108,379 others, most of them children, since the beginning of their onslaught on the occupied territory in Oct 2023.The Palestinian Ministry of Health said today that the Israeli forces committed two massacres...Kamco Invest launches two funds
Kamco's assets under management surpass SAR 1bn.Saudi PIF’s assets up by $11.44bn by the end of third quarter 2024
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The value of assets under Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) assets—both domestic and foreign—in the Saudi financial market recorded an annual growth of 37 percent (by nearly SAR 43 billion or $11.44bn) by the end of the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.This brings...Global markets rode AI, interest rate roller coaster in 2024
Paris, France - Despite political upheavals, stock markets and bitcoin smashed records in 2024, fuelled by investor enthusiasm for Artificial Intelligence (AI), falling interest rates, and hopes of tax cuts.Here are four of the most remarkable aspects of 2024 for financial markets:Stock records fall like dominoesWall Street's three main stock indices blew...Maysa Sabreen made first woman chief of Syrian central bank
Damascus, Syria -- Syrian authorities have appointed Maysa Sabreen as interim central bank governor, a bank official told AFP on Tuesday, the first time a woman heads the financial establishment.Sabreen, until recently the bank's first deputy governor, took her new position on Tuesday, said a department manager at the Central Bank...Unemployment rate among Saudi nationals 7.8 percent in Q3
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Unemployment rate among Saudi nationals reached 7.8 percent in the third quarter of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 1 percentage point from the similar period last year.Data released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) said that the Saudi and non-Saudi labor force stood at 66.6 percent,...Key healthcare digital trends to watch in 2025
From AI-powered content creation to automated feedback systems, technology is streamlining operations and improving patient care.UN experts demand Israel face consequences for alleged Gaza war crimes and genocide claims
The experts called for urgent, independent and thorough investigations into alleged serious violations of international law, saying Israel's continued impunity sends a dangerous message.UAE real GDP grows by 3.6% in first half of 2024, says economy minister
Non-oil sectors' contribution to GDP reaches 75%. Economy minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri says the growth reflects the dynamic nature of the country's economy.Cambridge study warns of perils in AI-driven ‘intention economy’
London, United Kingdom -- Conversational artificial intelligence (AI) tools may soon "covertly influence" users' decision making in a new commercial frontier called the "intention economy", University of Cambridge researchers warned in a paper published Monday.The research argues the potentially "lucrative yet troubling" marketplace emerging for "digital signals of intent" could, in...Asia stocks mostly down after Wall St. losses
The "Santa Claus rally" got off to a good start but US stocks then fell across the board on Friday, with the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq both dropping more than one percent. Tech stocks led the way, with Elon Musk's electric car giant Tesla closing around five percent lowerIndian workers replace Palestinians in Israel’s construction sector amid post-war labour void
Indians, long employed in Israel as caregivers, diamond traders, and IT professionals, are now increasingly recruited for the construction sector following the escalation of the Gaza war.Egypt tests Suez Canal extension aimed at boosting vessel capacity
Cairo, Egypt -- Egypt has tested a new 10-kilometre (6.2-mile) extension to the Suez Canal as it tries to minimize the impact of currents on shipping and increase the key waterway's capacity.Two ships used the new extension on Saturday, a statement from the Suez Canal Authority said.Authority chief Osama Rabie said...SHUAA okays MCB tranches
The two tranches will be converted into equity at the earliest opportunity.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". "Initial reports indicate that some key departments were severely burnt and destroyed during the raid," it added in a statement on X.New Dawn over Damascus: Residents reclaim Mount Qasyun after years of curbs under Assad’s rule
Mount Qasyun, once closed due to war, reopens as a vibrant community space where Damascus residents gather to reclaim joy, freedom, and a sense of normalcy after years of hardship.Move over Mercedes: Chinese cars grab Mexican market share
Mexico City, Mexico -- The growing popularity of Chinese sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks has shaken up Mexico's luxury car market, hitting sales of traditionally dominant brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW.According to industry experts, Mexicans are increasingly switching from traditionally dominant sedans to Chinese vehicles due to a combination...Global stocks rise as Japan led Asia gains on a weaker yen
Seoul was an outlier in Asia with shares plunging as South Korea's political crisis deepened with a second impeachment vote. London was flat and Paris gained.Israeli strikes hit Yemen as Netanyahu fires warning
Israeli air strikes pummeled Sanaa's international airport and other targets in Yemen on Thursday, with Huthi rebel media reporting six deaths. The strikes targeting the airport, military facilities and power stations in rebel areas follow rising hostilities between Israel and the Huthis,Improving healthcare in the intelligent age requires cultural change and collaboration
Leaders can utilize AI tools to streamline this challenging process by efficiently identifying individuals who are qualified matches to participate in trials. Companies such as Johnson & Johnson apply machine learning and AI algorithms to bring trials directly to patients, she added.Israeli strike on broadcast vehicle kills five Al-Quds Today journalists
Palestinian Territories -- A Palestinian TV channel said five of its journalists were killed Thursday in an Israeli strike on their vehicle in Gaza.A missile hit the journalists' broadcast truck as it was parked in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, according to a statement from their employer, Al-Quds...