Israel seizes Rafah crossing as Gaza truce talks resume
Egypt's state-linked Al-Qahera News reported that mediators from Qatar, the United States and Egypt were meeting with a Hamas delegation.flynas UAE expansion plan to increase number of routes, flights
Dubai, UAE -- flynas, the Saudi budget carrier, has announced expansion plans for the UAE from September this year, which will increase the number of routes between Saudi Arabia and the UAE to nine, with flight frequencies surging to more than 20 daily flights. The carrier unveiled expansion plans for...Aramco Q1 profit down 14.5%
Despite lower profit, it will pay $31bn in dividends to Saudi government.Pulitzer Prizes honor coverage of war in Gaza
New York, United States - The war in Gaza featured prominently in Monday's Pulitzer Prizes, which included a special citation for journalists covering the Israel-Hamas conflict. The New York Times won a Pulitzer in international reporting for its "wide-ranging and revelatory coverage of Hamas's lethal attack in southern Israel on Oct....Hamas accepts Gaza truce proposal, Israel urges Rafah evacuation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the proposal "is far from Israel's essential demands", but the government will send negotiators for talks.Israel’s Rafah evacuation order heightens global alarm
The evacuation call followed disagreement between Israel and Hamas over the Palestinian group's demands to end the seven-month war, during weekend negotiations in Cairo. Egyptian state-linked media said the talks stalled after a rocket attack claimed by Hamas killed four Israeli soldiers on Sunday.IHC Q1 net profit $2.17bn
The company launches Share Buyback ProgrammeDubai records 5.18m international overnight visitors in Q1
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai welcomed 5.18 million international overnight visitors from January to March 2024, an 11 percent rise over the 4.67 million tourist arrivals during the same period in 2023, according to data published by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) at the 31st edition of Arabian Travel...ATM 2024 in Dubai to host 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries
Dubai, UAE - The 31st edition of Arabian Travel Mart, 2024, taking place from May 6 to May 9, is poised to welcome over 2,300 exhibitors and representatives from more than 165 countries, with 41,000 attendees expected. The theme of this year's event is ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship.’...Ajman seeks strategic alliances at Arabian Travel Market 2024
Ajman, UAE - The Arabian Travel Market 2024 (ATM) kicks off in Ajman from May 6 to May 9, celebrating the emirate's cultural heritage, vibrant events, and array of tourism offerings. "ATM 2024 marks a pivotal moment for Ajman as we unveil our commitment to Ajman Vision 2030," Mahmood Khaleel...NEOM, Saudi Red Sea Authority to partner in marine tourism
NEOM, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NEOM to collaborate on developing legislation, regulations, and technology in marine tourism.The partnership will promote the sharing of expertise and enable the implementation and activation of joint initiatives. The aim is to enhance...Gaza truce talks resume in Egypt, without Israel for now
Mediators from Qatar, Egypt and the United States have been waiting for Hamas to respond to a proposal that, according to details released by Britain, would halt fighting for 40 days and exchange hostages for Palestinians held by Israel. Hamas has been calling for a permanent ceasefire.Hamas says delegation heading to Cairo for truce talks
The hawkish prime minister has insisted he will send ground troops into Rafah, despite strong concerns voiced by UN agencies and ally Washington for the safety of the 1.2 million civilians inside the city. A top Hamas official accused Netanyahu on Friday of trying to derail a proposed Gaza truce...Saudi Arabia invests billions in biotech sector: report
The kingdom accelerates its biotech and genomics sector with substantial investments, in line with Vision 2030's push for economic diversification and innovation, according to ADL report.EU pledges $1 bn for Lebanon, urges curbs against illegal migration
The EU Commission's spokesman said in Brussels the aid will be disbursed "in grants", with 736 million euros earmarked to support Lebanon "in response to the Syrian crisis".United Nations estimates rebuilding Gaza will cost $30bn to $40bn
"The scale of the destruction is huge and unprecedented... This is a mission that the global community has not dealt with since World War II," UN assistant secretary-general Abdallah al-Dardari said. He added that if Gaza's reconstruction were to be carried out through the normal process, "it could take decades,...Miral Destinations to showcase latest attractions at ATM 2024
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Miral Destinations, a subsidiary of Miral and promotional partner for Yas Island and Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi, is set to showcase its latest offerings and attractions and unveil Saadiyat Island’s forthcoming ‘Elevate Your Senses’ campaign at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024. Scheduled to take place...Oil prices fall amid Israeli Palestinian cease-fire hopes, US crude stockpile building
Oil prices fell on Wednesday over growing hopes for a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas and rising crude inventories in the US, the world's biggest oil consumer, Anadolu Agency reported. International benchmark Brent crude traded at $85.28 per barrel at 10.45 a.m. local time (0745GMT), down 1.22% from the...Blinken urges Hamas to agree truce to help Gazans
A Hamas official said the group would respond "within a very short period" to a plan proposed by mediators to halt the fighting for 40 days and to exchange dozens of hostages for many more Palestinian captives. But the group's aim remains an "end to this war", senior Hamas official...US Federal Reserve keeps interest rates at 23-year high
Washington, United States - The US Federal Reserve on Wednesday held interest rates steady for a sixth straight meeting, keeping the level at a 23-year high to fight stubborn price increases. After a two-day gathering, the central bank decided unanimously to keep the benchmark lending rate unchanged at 5.25-5.50 percent, citing...Hamas official insists Gaza ceasefire must be permanent
Hamas is considering a plan for a 40-day ceasefire and the exchange of scores of hostages for larger numbers of Palestinian prisoners. Suhail al-Hindi, a senior Hamas official, told AFP the group would "deliver its response clearly within a very short period".More war debris in Gaza than Ukraine: UN Mine Action Service
And the danger for clearance work is restricted not just to unexploded ordnance but includes possible exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) estimated the amount of debris in Gaza at 37 million tons in mid-April, or 300 kgs per square meter.Blinken says US ‘determined’ to get Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal ‘now’
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken renewed calls for Hamas to accept a ceasefire deal Wednesday as he started talks with Israel's leadership. "Even in these very difficult times we are determined to get a ceasefire that brings the hostages home -- and to get it now. And the only...Amazon triples quarterly profit
The company's cloud, ads, and retail businesses thrive.Stablecoins and DeFi drive crypto market’s renewed growth: report
The "2024 Crypto Spring Report" highlights the resurgence of the cryptocurrency market, fueled by institutional adoption, stablecoins, DeFi, signaling a new era of growth and innovation.Saudi Arabia calls for ‘real commitment’ towards a Palestinian state
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia has called for a "real commitment to a two-state solution that is a credible, irreversible path to a Palestinian state". At the World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development aimed at dialogues to tackle the most pressing geopolitical, social...Blinken presses for Gaza aid on Jordan visit
Blinken, on his latest tour of the region since the Gaza war erupted in October, observed Jordan's efforts to bring in food and supplies and praised the "extraordinary work" led by the United Nations.Blinken demands ‘no more delays’ by Hamas on truce deal
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken demanded Tuesday that Hamas accept a proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and release of hostagesActivists occupy Columbia building as US campus protests flare
Demonstrators vowed to remain at the hall until their demands are met, including that Columbia divest all financial holdings linked to Israel. The school has rejected the demand, with university president Minouche Shafik saying talks with students had collapsed.European, Arab ministers meet in Saudi to jump-start two-state solution
Earlier on Monday, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters he would encourage Arab leaders to put forward their proposal for a two-state solution and that he wanted EU member states to invite Arab leaders to Brussels to present it.QatarEnergy signs $6 billion deal with China shipbuilder
The China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) is set to deliver eight Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) vessels in 2028 and 2029, and the others in 2030 and 2031, the energy company said. The LNG carriers will be built at China's Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard and measure 271,000 cubic meters each.UAE’s Islamic finance sector grows by 8 percent in 2023: S&P
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The total assets of the global Islamic finance sector continue on a path of rapid growth, pointing to the sector's accelerated growth in the UAE last year due to the strong performance of the non-oil economy, said S&P Global Ratings, a global credit rating agency. The...Forty-day ceasefire offered to Hamas: UK foreign secretary
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken renewed US opposition to an Israeli offensive on Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah. "We have not yet seen a plan that gives us confidence that civilians can be effectively protected," Blinken told a meeting of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh. U.S. National Security...Blinken promotes Gulf Arab defence in sign to Israel and Iran
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Monday for tighter defence integration among Gulf Arabs in response to Iran, part of efforts to encourage moderation by Israel by dangling the prospect of better ties with the region. Blinken was starting his seventh visit to the Middle East since the October...GCC can turn net zero pursuit into opportunity
The current low share of renewables in the energy mix of GCC nations increases the potential for significant investment in this sector, says a report.Palestinian prisoner in Israel wins top fiction prize
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Palestinian writer Basim Khandaqji, jailed 20 years ago in Israel, won a prestigious prize for Arabic fiction on Sunday for his novel "A Mask, the Colour of the Sky". The award of the 2024 International Prize for Arabic Fiction was announced at a ceremony in...Hamas says no ‘major’ issues, as Gaza truce effort builds
Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying to mediate a new truce ever since a one-week halt to the fighting in November saw 80 Israeli hostages exchanged for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Protesters within Israel are demanding that the government secure freedom for other hostages.Dubai begins construction of ‘world’s largest’ airport terminal
"We approved the designs for the new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, and (are) commencing construction of the building at a cost of AED 128 billion ($34.85 billion)," Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, said on...Blinken to Saudi as window shrinks on Middle East mega-deal
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Riyadh comes nearly seven months after the eruption of war in Gaza put the brakes on what was intended as a signature foreign policy achievement for his boss, US President Joe Biden. It also comes as Americans prepare to vote in November...GCC countries mobilize to build resilient industrial supply chains: report
GCC countries are prioritizing actions like near-shoring, international partnerships, and technology adoption to ensure supply chain adaptability and responsiveness, says a report by Oliver Wyman.Saudi Arabia issues warning against fraudulent Hajj 2024 operators
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia is warning potential Hajj pilgrims to be cautious of fake Hajj companies that may scam people. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has advised individuals to use the Nusuk app for registration, which is available in several countries. For those countries where the app...Ship attacked by missiles off Yemen coast: UK agency
In the first attack "the vessel experienced an explosion in close proximity to the vessel which was felt by the crew on board", UKMTO said on X, formerly Twitter. "The second attack on the vessel consisted of what is believed to be two missiles, which resulted in damage," it added.Saudi Arabia could get first Miss Universe contestant this year
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia could have its first Miss Universe contestant this year, organizers said this week, after a fashion model and influencer claimed she had been selected. The Miss Universe Organization "is currently undergoing a rigorous vetting process qualifying a potential candidate to be awarded the Saudi Arabia...Saudi Arabia to host top Arab, EU diplomats for Gaza talks: officials
The two-day World Economic Forum special meeting, scheduled to begin in Riyadh on Sunday, includes in its official program appearances by the Saudi, Jordanian, Egyptian and Turkish foreign ministers. A Gaza-focused session is set to feature newly appointed Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Mustafa among others.Geopolitical unrest generates an onslaught of DDoS attacks
NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. released findings from its 2H2023 DDoS Threat Intelligence Report that dissects trends and attack methodologies adversaries use against service providers, enterprises, and end-users. The information cited in the report disseminated data on DDoS attacks from 214 countries and territories. NETSCOUT observed more than 7 million DDoS attacks...Ahead of feared Rafah invasion, Palestinians mourn bombardment dead
Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said Israel's war cabinet was meeting Thursday "to discuss how to destroy the last battalions of Hamas". Several Israeli media outlets, citing unnamed officials, said the cabinet discussed a new plan for a truce and hostage release, ahead of a visit planned for Friday by...MENA’s rising debt: A cause for global concern
MENA's debt-to-GDP ratio surged 23% in 6 years due to pandemic fallout, with only 8 of 19 countries returning to pre-pandemic levels by 2023.Saudi oil giant Aramco agrees major FIFA sponsorship deal
The deal involves sponsorship rights for multiple events including the 2026 Men's World Cup and the Women's World Cup the following year. "We are delighted to welcome Aramco to FIFA's family of global partners," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a joint statement released by the energy company.Europe reverses course on interest rates, diverging from U.S. Fed policies
For much of the past two years, policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic raised interest rates aggressively to fight a surge in prices, and, since last summer, they have left rates high as they assess whether inflation is under control, according to the New York Times. European Central Bank...Audi’s sustainable Middle East luxury drive
The Arab countries are experiencing a significant surge in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly favoring premium models, says Rene Koneberg, MD Audi Middle East.


















































