RIYADH: Oman’s top five ports saw a 1.5 percent annual increase in cargo handling in 2023, surpassing 93.2 million tonnes, underscoring their growing significance in maritime trade. The terminals of Sultan Qaboos, Salalah Sohar and Khasab as well as Shinas, and A’Suwaiq handled approximately 91.8 million tonnes of general, liquid, and bulk cargo in 2022, … Read more
CAIRO: Talks on a truce in the Gaza conflict are making progress in Cairo and all parties have agreed on basic points, Egypt’s Al-Qahera News state-affiliated TV channel said early on Monday, citing a senior Egyptian source.Six months into its offensive against the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, Israel also voiced cautious optimism about the latest … Read more
DHAHRAN: In Waad Janbi’s new animated short film, “Mom’s Spaghetti,” which aired this week on MBC Academy, the Saudi creative serves the audience a universal story of overcoming grief after the loss of a loved one, and the importance of feeding your soul — and your stomach. The animated short follows 14-year-old Amjad as he … Read more
PwC Middle East in Saudi Arabia and Microsoft have announced the launch of an artificial intelligence center of excellence in Riyadh that will upskill and scale the AI capabilities of Saudi engineers and researchers. The launch of the AI Center of Excellence, announced during LEAP 2024, supports the Kingdom’s community development and nationalization agenda by … Read more
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index closed at 12,656.94 points on Monday, marking a decrease of 139.15 points or 1.09 percent. Conversely, the parallel market, Nomu, concluded at 27,237.44, registering an uptick of 397.03 points or 1.48 percent. The MSCI Index descended by 20.19 points to settle at 1,592.39, a drop of 1.25 percent. … Read more
California’s governor publishes open letter of support to Arab and Muslim Americans CHICAGO: At a time when Islamophobia and anti-Arab sentiment are increasing in the wake of Israel’s war in Gaza, one American governor has felt compelled to tell Arabs and Muslims in America how much they are appreciated. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued … Read more
Fairmont Riyadh has unveiled “Luminous Nights” — a month of gastronomic delights and luxurious celebrations bringing loved ones, friends, family, and colleagues together. Embracing the spirit of Ramadan, the festivity will see the hotel come alive at sunset, as the sacred traditions of Ramadan intertwine with Fairmont’s signature luxury and culinary excellence. The property invites … Read more
Gulf Cooperation Council chief discusses war in Gaza, other topics with EU officials LONDON: The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Albudaiwi, held a series of meetings with EU officials in Belgium on Tuesday about ways to strengthen Gulf-European relations and cooperation in efforts to address regional issues. During a session at the EU … Read more
RIYADH: During the month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat and drink from sunrise to sunset every day. In Islam, fasting is a form of worship that fosters spiritual growth and a closer relationship with God. It is also a way to practice self-control and show empathy toward those in need. As the sun sets … Read more
Pakistan Cabinet sworn in, taking control of nation deeply divided with looming economic crisis ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s new Cabinet with 19 members took oath on Monday, tasked with running the South Asian country of 241 million people facing profound economic, political and security challenges. Cash-strapped Pakistan grappled with the Feb. 8 general election … Read more