• Attack on Gaza’s Rafah inevitable, says Israeli PM

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send ground forces into Gaza's southern Rafah city. The right-wing premier, whose security and war cabinets were also due to discuss latest international efforts towards a truce deal, stressed that "no amount of international pressure will stop us from realizing all the goals...
  • GCC, US vow to work jointly for regional stability

    The strategic partnerships between the two sides seek to focus on peace, security, stability, integration, and economic prosperity in the Middle East.
  • Iran hints at cooperation with Saudi Arabia on ‘peaceful nuclear technologies’

    Tehran, Iran-- With the restoration of diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the talk in government circles in Tehran is now focused on cooperating with Riyadh on peaceful nuclear technologies. A hint of the potential cooperation between the two former adversaries came in a tweet by a media outlet...
  • Israeli soldiers to join Moroccan war games for first time

    Israel participated in the event last year, however only as international military observers, without soldiers taking part on the ground. Morocco and Israel have been working to boost cooperation in the military, security, trade and tourism fields since they normalized ties in December 2020.
  • Renewable power capacity to rapidly expand, IEA report reveals

    PARIS, FRANCE - Renewable power capacity is expected to jump by a third this year globally as growing policy momentum, higher fossil fuel prices and energy security concerns drive expansion of solar and wind power, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said. The growth is set to continue next year with...
  • Human fraternity, climate change among top priorities for UAE as president of UNSC

    The UAE will host three high-level Council meetings in June, aiming to promote interfaith dialogue, address climate change impacts on worldwide conflicts.
  • Global investment in clean energy to rise to US$1.7trn: IEA

    Paris, France--Investment in clean energy across the world is expected to rise to US$1.7 trillion in 2023, with solar set to eclipse oil production for the first time, according to a report by the International Energy Agency. The report noted that Investment in clean energy technologies is significantly outpacing spending...
  • UAE Ministry of Interior, Etihad Rail ink MoU to enhance cooperation

    ABU DHABI, UAE - The UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI) and Etihad Rail Company, the developer and operator of the country's national railway network, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation and strategic coordination between them. The MoU was signed by Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Interior...
  • Jordan, Iraq to boost trade through Karama border crossing

    Amman, Jordan-- Jordan and Iraq have discussed ways to boost bilateral cooperation in order to develop trade through Karama border crossing. The discussions were held in a meeting between Jordanian and Iraq ministers in Baghdad, which also focused on ways to combat terrorism, extremism, enhancing border security, countering smuggling and...
  • Five Iranian border guards killed in Sistan-Baluchistan province

    Five Iranian border guards were killed during clashes with an armed group in the restive southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, state media reported. Earlier, the judiciary's Mizan Online website had quoted local prosecutor Mehdi Shamsabadi as saying that six border guards were killed but later the number was revised down to...
  • Sharjah Chambers reviews efforts to bolster UAE’s food security

    Sharjah, UAE-- Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has reviewed the UAE efforts to achieve and maintain the food security in the country. In this connection, the newly restructured Foodstuff Trade and Industry Sector Business Group, operating under the umbrella of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI),...
  • UAE ministry hosts discussion on poultry industry, food security

    DUBAI, UAE -  UAE Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment (MOCCAE) on Tuesday organized the second National Dialogue for Food Security. This comes in line with the ministry's keenness to implement its strategies to enhance national food security in the UAE, understand the key challenges facing the country's poultry...
  • Qatar Chamber chairman calls for ‘unified’ Gulf policy on purchase of food, medicine

    Muscat, Oman--Qatar Chamber (QC) Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani has called for a unified policy for purchase of food and medicine at a meeting in Muscat. This came during his participation in the consultative meeting between GCC ministers of commerce and heads of unions and chambers of commerce and...
  • Guarantee security for Sudan aid deliveries, asks UN

    The United Nations called for security guarantees at "the highest level" to ensure aid deliveries in Sudan, after trucks carrying food to the Darfur region were looted. The UN's top humanitarian official Martin Griffiths insisted on the need "we have the commitments publicly, clearly given by militaries, to protect humanitarian...
  • Jordan briefs Russia on Amman’s Syria meeting

    AMMAN, JORDAN  - Jordan's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi on Wednesday briefed his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the outcome of a consultative meeting held here on Syria.In addition to Jordan, the meeting on Tuesday also brought together the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt and...
  • The devastating impact of online identity theft

    While companies with robust defense measures witness decreased attack volumes as criminals target easier targets, account takeovers have a profound human impact, eroding trust and causing emotional trauma. "Prevention of fraud is not just about financial savings; it is essential for a safe and secure digital future," he adds.
  • Israeli government approves formation of a national guard

    The Israeli government approved a decision to form a national guard, officials said, which opponents warn would function as a "private militia" of firebrand National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. A statement from Ben-Gvir's office said the guard, which would operate under his ministry, would deal with "emergency scenarios, nationalistic crime,...
  • Norway contributes US$23.7m of flexible funding to FAO

    ROME, ITALY  -  The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a US$23.7 million contribution from the Norwegian government to scale up its response to humanitarian crises and emergencies. The contribution represents the largest single un-earmarked funding of its kind to date. The funds will be...
  • Egypt’s president meets Russian envoy in Cairo in sign of closer ties

    Renewing their commitment to "continuing to strengthen bilateral relations", Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with a senior Russian delegation in Cairo, in spite of calls by Western powers to isolate Russia over its invasion of Ukraine last year. Egypt has maintained relations with Russia in part to mitigate the...
  • Ukraine grain deal extended, says Turkey’s President

    Turkey announced the extension of a deal that has allowed exports of Ukrainian grain to resume following Russia's invasion, but it was unclear if it had been prolonged for 60 or 120 days. Russia said it had agreed to a 60-day extension, while Ukraine's infrastructure minister said the deal had...
  • Jordan Senate, Arab Parliament speakers discuss regional issues

    AMMAN,  JORDAN -   The Speaker of Jordan's Senate Faisal Fayez met with Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Abdulrahman Al-Asoomi and discussed the ways and means to activate parliamentary work and diplomacy to address the region's common interest. During the meeting, attended by Jordan's ambassador to Egypt Amjad Adaileh, the two sides...
  • Lebanon paralysis grows as security chief retires without replacement

    Lebanon is navigating a devastating economic crisis that has plunged more than 80 percent of the population into poverty. Strikes and absenteeism have paralyzed public services, the state is barely able to provide a few hours of mains electricity a day, and the local currency has lost most of its...
  • Military, security sector free zone set up in Tawazun Park

    Abu Dhabi, UAE---Tawazun Council, the defense and security acquisitions authority for the UAE armed forces and Abu Dhabi police, has established a free zone for military and security sector in Tawazun Industrial Park The 2.8-square-kilometer zone has been established to commence operations related to defense and security industries and associated...
  • International defense conference begins at ADNOC Business Center

    Abu Dhabi, UAE-- The International Defence Conference (IDC 2023), which will be held one day ahead of the IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions will kick off today at ADNOC Business Centre. The conference is expected to see the participation of a large number of leaders and officials from regional and international defence...
  • Kuwait FM meets EU’s Josep Borrell in Munich to discuss ties

    Munich, Germany--Kuwait Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah met High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell on the sidelines of the 59th Munich Security Conference. During the meeting, Sheikh Salem explained the stance of Kuwait on the issue of Schengen visa waiver...
  • Quality finance crucial to deal with climate change

    "We cannot neglect any element of the climate crisis, including its clear implications for international peace and security,” he adds. “Our obligation – with each body contributing within its mandate – is to reverse the current trajectories with inclusive, effective, and responsive climate action.”
  • UAE and Kuwait link up traffic systems

    Abu Dhabi, UAE--Abu Dhabi today announced the inauguration of the bilateral linkage of the traffic systems between the UAE and Kuwait. This came in a bilateral meeting held in Abu Dhabi between the delegations of the two countries, where Maj. Gen. Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of...
  • Arab Parliament ratifies Jordan’s idea on center for food security

    Cairo, Egypt--The Arab Parliament on Saturday endorsed a proposal submitted by Jordan's Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi, stipulating the establishment of a regional center for food security in Jordan, Speaking at the Arab Parliament fifth conference on Saturday, Safadi said Jordan can facilitate and coordinate Arab and international action, and...
  • Dubai’s VARA brings out ‘specialized regulations’ for virtual assets

    Dubia, UAE--Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), has issued what it calls as Virtual Assets and Related Activities Regulations 2023. The regulations set out a comprehensive virtual asset framework built on principles of economic sustainability and cross-border financial security. The UAE has remained committed to enabling these drivers safely, updating...
  • Adopting best practices only way to secure data

    Businesses must remain prepared for the ‘whatever’ scenario. Cloud computing will continue to evolve, with best practise bound to change. If enterprises become data-centric now, both on the cloud and on-premises, they’ll be ready for whatever the future throws their way, he adds.
  • Blinken meets Israeli, Palestinian leaders for peace

    US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Israeli and Palestinian leaders on his Middle East tour aimed at curbing the outbreak of violence in the region. Blinken met Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and said that the US is committed for the Jewish state's security. Gallant called the US official...
  • Beirut blast victims’ relatives rally for probe judge

    Families of victims killed in the 2020 Beirut blast rallied to support the judge probing the disaster, after he was charged by Lebanon's top prosecutor in the case. Security was tight at the palace of justice in Beirut, where dozens of family members of the victims gathered to support the...
  • Iraqi PM to visit France for energy and security talks

    BAGHDAD, IRAQ -  Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani will travel to France on Thursday for energy and security talks with President Emmanuel Macron, he told AFP. Sudani, in written answers to AFP, said he wants to "activate the agreements" between oil-rich Iraq and France "particularly in the transport, energy and investment...
  • Iranian women political prisoners urge end to protester executions

    PARIS, FRANCE - Thirty women political prisoners in Iran, including a Franco-Iranian academic and the daughter of a former president, on Sunday demanded an end to the executions of protesters in the country. "We, the political and ideological prisoners in the women's ward of Evin Prison, demand an end to the...
  • Leaders at WEF believe cooperation can mend ‘fragmented world’

    The WEF president concluded the first major international gathering of the year on a positive note saying progress has been made to tackle world's grave issues. This despite many economists forecasting recessionary risks in 2023 and geopolitical tensions continuing to shape the global economy.
  • Dialogue best way to resolve differences with Iran: Prince Faisal

    There is a need to find a route to ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, otherwise global uncertainty would continue. "This is complex question, but we will have to talk about how we find a pathway to ending the conflict," adds Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Davos.
  • India’s minister calls on rich nations to ‘walk the talk’ on food systems

    Davos-Klosters, Switzerland-- India's Minister for New and Renewable Energy Raj Kumar Singh has told developed countries to '"walk the talk" on transforming food systems by helping smallholder farmers in developing countries with cheaper access to irrigation, fertilizers and markets. The minister was speaking at a session on “Interplay of Food,...
  • Energy security key driver of climate investments

    The US Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Biden last year, is the most significant climate pact since the Paris Agreement in 2015, says IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.
  • Qatar’s role in European energy security is vital: Dutch Foreign Minister

    Hoekstra expressed his country's desire to continue working with Qatar on issues of common concern and to expand cooperation.
  • Privacy remains key concern as facial recognition technology makes GCC travel sector secure, efficient

    Face and iris recognition technology vary by country in the region, and expecting it to be implemented in many airports around the world in a short time is unrealistic, says an expert.
  • Iran arrests journalist who interviewed inmates’ families, says media

    TEHRAN, IRAN - Iranian authorities have arrested a journalist who published interviews with families of death row inmates sentenced in connection with nationwide protests, the reformist daily Etemad said Friday. Fourteen Iranians have been sentenced to death in connection with the unrest triggered by Mahsa Amini's death in custody on September...
  • Dubai Courts, Moro Hub ink pact to enhance cooperation in cyber security

    DUBAI, UAE  -  Dubai Courts signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, to enhance their collaboration in digital transformation and cybersecurity. Leveraging on Moro’s capabilities in the digital security field, the MoU will serve the...
  • UAE pledges full support to Jordan, condemns assault on its security

    Abu Dhabi, UAE - The UAE has affirmed full support and solidarity with Jordan, stressing the importance of ensuring stability and security in the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) expressed the UAE's support for all measures taken by the Jordanian government. It said UAE condemns...
  • Growing skill gap adds to cybersecurity burnout

    Studies suggest that the Middle East and Africa region rank fourth worldwide in terms of the most ransomware attacks. Between Q1 2021 and Q1 2022, the data belonging to 147 companies from the region was uploaded on ransomware dedicated leak sites, adds Taylor, highlighting one of the many threats faced...
  • US state brings two lawsuits against TikTok over child safety, security fears

    The legal salvo came as problems are mounting for TikTok in the United States, with multiple accusations that the extremely popular app is a national security threat and a conduit for spying by China.
  • Libya tells foreign energy firms it’s safe to return

    TRIPOLI, LIBYA - Libya's state energy firm urged its foreign oil and gas partners to resume exploration and production Tuesday assuring them security had begun to improve dramatically after clashes earlier this year. Rival administrations in east and west have vied for power since March, in a standoff that has...
  • Smooth onboarding, offboarding process needed as more Saudi businesses opt for cloud communication

    With data doubling in size every two years, effective info processing, analysis tools and storage technologies are required along with a defined digital strategy, says an expert.
  • Hackers dump Australian health data online, declare ‘case closed’

    In November the hackers demanded health insurer Medibank pay US$9.7 million to keep the records off the internet -- or one dollar for each of the company's impacted customers, which included Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
  • Second Russian fertilizer shipment should be for W. Africa, says UN

    After a first shipment of Russian fertilizer blocked in European ports heads for Malawi next week, a second batch should go to West Africa, the United Nations said. The news comes following talks between Moscow and the UN this week, aimed at ensuring that vital Russian fertilizer exports are not...
  • Mourners hit streets as Iran protests take bloody turn

    Hundreds of mourners poured onto the streets of a flashpoint Iranian city, defying a lethal crackdown on protests over Mahsa Amini's death that shows signs of turning even bloodier. This week's protests coincide with the third anniversary of "Bloody Aban"- or Bloody November - when hundreds were killed in a...
  • MSC World Europa, 22-deck cruise ship, docks at Doha for World Cup

    Doha, Qatar—The 22-deck cruise ship MSC World Europa (floating hotel) has docked at Doha Port for FIFA World Cup fans to relish the experience of a stay in the ship. The cruise ship can accommodate 6,700 World Cup fans. It designed with the highest standards of security and safety. MSC...