MANILA: Filipino and US forces began their annual joint military drills on Monday, segments of which will, for the first time, take place outside of the Philippines’ territorial waters following a string of maritime clashes between Manila and Beijing in the disputed South China Sea. The exercises, known as Balikatan — Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder — … Read more
RIYADH: The Kuwaiti banking sector is poised for innovation as five new fintech firms have registered with the country’s central bank to offer electronic payment solutions. The registration requests of four companies to provide online transaction services, and one company to operate e-payment system services, have been approved according to a press release. The companies that obtained … Read more
LONDON: Five years into his medical career, Saudi surgeon Abdullatef Alrashoudi hung up his stethoscope for the final time. It was the morning of his 30th birthday, and an offer had recently landed in his inbox from Le Cordon Bleu, the prestigious Parisian culinary school that has trained luminaries from American chef Julia Child to Mary … Read more
Patna, Bihar: As millions of people celebrate Holi, the festival of colors, on Monday, Indians are also serving the sweet fried pastry known as gujiya at their tables to mark the arrival of spring. Crispy and flaky on the outside, gujiya is a crescent-shaped pastry with a soft and sweet filling including coconut, cashews and … Read more
Saudi Sports for All Federation welcomes more than 20,000 participants for 2024 Riyadh Marathon RIYADH: More than 20,000 male and female competitors from 125 countries, including Saudi Arabia, took part in the third edition of the Riyadh Marathon. Organized by the Saudi Sports for All Federation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport, the Saudi … Read more
RIYADH: Financial risks are increasing for countries neighboring Gaza, given the prolonged conflict and its spillage into nearby areas, says Fitch Ratings. According to the latest “Fitch Wire” newsletter, the involvement of Yemen’s Houthi forces underscores the potential impact on external finances, particularly affecting Egypt and Jordan. Egypt’s current account deficit narrowed in the fiscal … Read more
RIYADH: The UAE’s industrial sector contributed 197 billion dirhams ($54 billion) to the country’s gross domestic product in 2023, up 9 percent compared to 2022 figures. Announced by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, this boost is mainly attributed to four main pillars, including providing a business-friendly environment that supports the growth and attractiveness … Read more
RIYADH: In a bid to attract global talent and diversify its economy away from oil, Saudi Arabia has added five new products to its premium residency program. The program, launched in 2019, aims to allow eligible foreigners to live in the Kingdom and receive benefits such as exemption from paying expat and dependents fees, visa-free … Read more
LONDON: Manchester United travel to the home of bitter rivals Liverpool this weekend desperate to avoid another humiliation but with all the signs pointing to a tough afternoon at Anfield. Tottenham kick off the action at struggling Nottingham Forest on Friday, while in-form Aston Villa, fresh from impressive wins against Manchester City and Arsenal, travel … Read more