Saudi launches Damascus area reconstruction project
Damascus, Syria -- Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday humanitarian projects for Syria including the removal of wartime rubble around Damascus, weeks after inking investment deals worth billions to help rebuild the country's infrastructure. The oil-rich Gulf kingdom has been a major backer of the new Syrian government, which came to...
Republicans seize control of US Senate: networks
Republicans wrested the US Senate from Democratic control, ending four years in the minority, in its quest to dominate every branch of governmentUAE stablecoin usage up 55% yoy as new regulations drive market momentum
Stablecoins account for the largest share of crypto activity in the UAE (51%), which stands significantly higher than both Bitcoin (19%) and Ether (9%)Netanyahu sacks defense minister Gallant over differences on Gaza
Citing a “trust breakdown,” Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Gallant amid the Gaza conflict, sparking Tel Aviv protests, as new defense chief Katz vowed victory over Hamas and Hezbollah.Saudi Aramco’s quarterly profit drops 15% on low oil prices
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Energy giant Saudi Aramco reported a 15 percent year-on-year drop in third-quarter profit on Tuesday, citing prices which have stayed low despite production cuts and war in the Middle East.The fall in net income to $27.56 billion from $32.58 billion in 2023 is the seventh consecutive quarterly...Azerbaijan embraces regenerative tourism to protect culture and nature
The rapid, ongoing expansion of global tourism has brought with it opportunities for communities around the world to share cultures and knowledge. This growth brings new and diversified economic prospects while supporting efforts to preserve local cultures, and protect the environment. However, traditional tourism models often prioritize maximizing short-term economic...Low carbon investments in arrears of climate needs
Upstream investments in the oil and gas industry are still healthy and dwarf those made in low carbon projects and renewables as green funding are still billions short of what is required to meet COP requirementsMost Asian markets rise ahead of toss-up US election
Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday a day before results from the US presidential election rolled in, with opinion polls showing a knife-edge vote, while Chinese equities were boosted by hopes over the country's economyIoT Connectivity: The Backbone of Modern Business
As IoT protocols evolve, companies are building robust infrastructure to support applications across sectors, from asset tracking in logistics to intelligent lighting in cities. This connectivity reshapes industries, powering smarter, more sustainable solutions for modern challenges.Securing the digital future: AI and global cooperation foster cyber resilience
While AI accelerates the detection and management of threats, cybercriminals also leverage this technology for sophisticated attacks, says WEF's cybersecurity expert Filipe Beato.Eight OPEC+ members extend oil supply cuts until year end
Supply cuts seek boosting oil prices amid uncertain demand and accelerating supply, with an eye on the imminent US presidential electionB-52 bombers arrive in Middle East: US military
Washington, United States -- American B-52 bombers have arrived in the Middle East, the US military said Saturday, a day after Washington announced their deployment in a warning to Iran."B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers from Minot Air Force Base's 5th Bomb Wing arrived in the US Central Command area of responsibility," the...Pro-Palestinian protesters take Israel sculptures from UK university
London, United Kingdom -- A pro-Palestinian group took two sculptures of Israel's first president from a UK university in a protest marking the anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, with police on Sunday confirming they were investigating reports of a burglary."Today, Palestine Action have marked 107 years since the Balfour Declaration, by taking two...Lebanon accuses Israel of truce rejection after deadly Beirut strikes and growing Gaza crisis
A US-brokered plan reportedly under consideration would see Hezbollah pull back 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border, north of the Litani River, with Israeli forces withdrawing and the Lebanese army patrolling the border alongside UN peacekeepers.Israel, US envoys discuss possible ceasefire amid rising casualties in Lebanon conflict
With US mediation, a ceasefire proposal emerges for both Gaza and Lebanon, balancing Israel's security demands and Lebanon’s need for Hezbollah de-escalation and a potential truce with Hamas.Saudi, US FM says could move ‘quite quickly’ on some deals with US
Since last year Saudi Arabia has been bargaining hard for a defense pact with the United States as well as assistance with a civilian nuclear program. As part of that deal the Gulf kingdom, home to the holiest shrines in Islam, would recognize Israel for the first time.AI and the future workforce: Navigating the transition
AI systems exceeding human capabilities across all fields could render many jobs obsolete in a decade, Stuart Russell, Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley told TRENDS in an exclusive interview.New Hezbollah leader signals ceasefire openness, but Israel demands Hezbollah withdrawal, border security
Israel’s security cabinet discussed terms, including Hezbollah’s withdrawal north of the Litani River and Lebanese army deployment along the border to facilitate a 60-day truce.DAE 9M net profit $310m
The company said this was a 54.9 percent YoY increase in net profit.New Hezbollah leader says will accept ceasefire with Israel if terms ‘suitable’
Qassem replaces Hasan Nasrallah who was assassinated by Israel on September 27 after more than 30 years at the helm of the Iran-backed group.Expected impact of the U.S. election on business
35 percent of CEOs worldwide identify #inflation as the most critical #economic issue facing their countries, followed by boosting #consumer #confidence, a global CEO report saidBitcoin close to record as cautious markets eye US election
The surge in the price of bitcoin is seen as a bet on a Republican victory, as Donald Trump has emerged as the pro-crypto candidate. The price of bitcoin closely follows Trump's standing in the pollsHow harmful are microplastics to human health?
A New England Journal of Medicine study found microplastics in blood vessels are linked to higher risks of heart attack, stroke, and early death.Hezbollah names Naim Qassem as leader; Israel vows he “won’t last long” amid escalating conflict
Hezbollah's Qassem, succeeding slain Nasrallah, pledges resistance as Israel intensifies Gaza strikes, killing scores. International anger grows after Israel's UNRWA ban amid Lebanon and Gaza humanitarian concerns escalating rapidly.Global economy faces ‘low normal’ growth, widening inequality gap
The organization’s Trade and Development Report 2024 warned that this new “low normal" growth is insufficient to tackle pressing development and climate goals or help ease widespread discontent amidst a global cost-of-living crisis that has left many households in vulnerable positions.Mideast at ‘most dangerous juncture’ in decades: UN official
The UN's special coordinator for Middle East peace warned that the region was at its "most dangerous juncture" in decadesAsian shares rise as markets await tech results
Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday with investors looking ahead to the release of US economic data and the earnings reports of tech titans, including Google parent Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook-parent Meta, and MicrosoftTwo falcons sell for $81,300 at Saudi Falcons Club Auction
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Two falcons were sold for a combined total of $81,300 (SAR305,000 ) on the tenth night of the Saudi Falcons Club Auction 2024, held at the club's headquarters in Malham and running through November 15.The auction began with a Shaheen falcon from Al-Shuaibah. Owned by Saud,...‘Amazing’ AI de-ages Tom Hanks in new film ‘Here’
Los Angeles, United States - Tom Hanks has praised the "amazing" use of artificial intelligence to de-age him "in real time" on the set of new movie "Here," even as he accepted that the technology is causing huge concern in Hollywood."Here," out in theaters Friday, stars Hanks and Robin Wright as...Updates: Israel slaps ban on United Nations and kills more than 150 in Lebanon and Gaza
Shunning international pressure, Israeli parliament passed a bill banning a United Nations aid agency, and also intensified its strikes against besieged Gaza Strip and Lebanon as Hezbollah names Naim Qassem as its new leader.Rethink needed to make sustainable tourism work
"Growth at all costs no longer an option," says world-renowned tourism policy, planning and development expert Dr Marina Novelli in an interview.UAE records 37% increase in greenfield FDI to $16 billion in 2023
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The UAE has witnessed a 37% increase in greenfield investments in 2023 to reach US$16 billion, driven mainly by business services and software and IT Services, which created a significant number of jobs and attracted substantial capital, said Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al Hawi, Under-Secretary of the...Global VC investment falls to lowest level in nearly seven years
Global VC investment fell from a five-quarter high of US$95.5 billion in Q2'24 to a nearly seven-year low of US$70.1 billion in Q3'24, amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts, the continued exit droughtIran FM says ‘received indications’ before Israeli attack
Araghchi said the "necessary measures" were taken when the attack unfolded, adding that he had been in contact with military officials and that "messages were also exchanged with different parties" whom he did not name. The foreign minister emphasised in his remarks that the Islamic republic has the "right to...Oil prices tumble after Israeli attacks spare Iran facilities
Tokyo, Japan - Oil prices tumbled in early Asian trading Monday with dealers relieved that Israeli strikes carried out Saturday against military targets in Iran had spared the country's oil installations.The price of North Sea Brent for delivery in December fell by 4.05 percent to $72.97, while West Texas Intermediate plunged...Media: Two major American liberal newspapers refuse to endorse Kamala Harris
With few days remaining to vote in the US election, two major liberal American newspapers have decided not to endorse the Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris.Saudi Arabia opens resort island at futuristic mega-city NEOM
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's planned futuristic mega-city known as NEOM announced on Sunday the opening of its "first physical showcase": a luxury Red Sea island featuring restaurants, hotels and yachting berths.The opening of the island, known as Sindalah, comes amid persistent doubts about NEOM's viability and ahead of a...Updates: Iran calls on UN Security Council to condemn Israeli strikes amid fresh peace efforts
Iran unlikely to escalate situation with Israel, say experts, as UN chief says destruction in Gaza is "shocking". Netanyahu faces opposition to his policies as relatives of Israeli hostages interrupt his speech.Updates: Israel targets key military sites in Iran amid escalating tensions in Middle East
Explosions sounded across Tehran after Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian military sites, raising fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East involving Iran and its allies in neighboring countries.Saudis part ways with coach Mancini after a run of poor results
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's football body said it was ending the contract of national coach Roberto Mancini after 14 months in the job on Thursday, following a run of poor results.The Saudi Football Federation has reached a mutual agreement to terminate the contract of Mancini, 59, who signed a...Israel and Hamas near ceasefire talks, spy chief heads to Qatar as truce momentum builds
Israel’s Mossad chief will travel to Qatar for ceasefire negotiations as Hamas signals readiness to halt fighting, contingent on Israel agreeing to withdraw from Gaza, enable aid access, and facilitate the return of displaced people.Israel to send negotiators to new Gaza truce talks in Qatar
The head of Israel's Mossad spy agency, David Barnea, will head to Qatari capital Doha on Sunday, the Israeli prime minister's office said, to attend talks with US and Qatari officials. The apparent resumption of the long-stalled truce negotiations come with Israel under pressure to end its wars with Iran-backed...Bridging skills gap: UAE, Singapore lead the way
The two countries have adopted a people-centric and collaborative upskilling approach, says Till Leopold, Interim Head of Knowledge Communities at WEF.Beirut’s suburbs ravaged by Israeli air raids as Blinken urges de-escalation with Iran
Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah's southern Beirut stronghold destroyed six buildings in the deadliest assault since the war began, despite U.S. calls for de-escalation amid rising tensions with Iran.Troubled Boeing faces investors and awaits strike vote
Boeing, the beleaguered aviation giant announces what is expected to be its biggest quarterly loss in four years, and striking employees vote on whether to end a costly weeks-long stoppage.Updates: Israel confirms killing of Hezbollah leader’s successor as Blinken presses for Gaza truce
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, while Israeli airstrikes continued targeting Hezbollah's strongholds in Lebanon.WEF Dubai: UAE fosters global dialogue
The UAE has agile governance and it is not beholden to short-termism, Maroun Kairouz, Head of Regional Agenda for the MENA region at WEF, tells TRENDS.IMF predicts slightly slower global growth in 2024 and 2025
In its new World Economic Outlook (WEO) report, the International Monetary Fund also estimates that global inflation will continue to ease, hitting 5.8 percent this year, before falling to 4.3 percent in 2025. "We are seeing inflation moving in the right direction without a major slowdown in economic growth or...Tech turbocharges global tourism industry
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to enhance customer service through chatbots, personalized recommendations, and dynamic pricing. Hotels and travel companies use AI to analyze customer behavior, preferences, and trends, providing personalized experiences that improve customer retention and engagement.Taking-off: The region’s altitude of influence convenes in our new Hub
Twice a month, TRENDS MENA's Opinion Hub will deliver exclusive insights from top travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality leaders in the Middle East and Africa.Is Musk’s million-dollar US voter lottery legal?
Donald Trump surrogate Elon Musk's offer of a million dollars to one registered voter in a swing state every day until the US Election Day on November 5 has raised questions about the legality of such a move