Empty chairs for hostages as Israel at war marks Passover

LONDON: Israel’s military operation in Gaza has raised questions about potential scenarios for postwar governance and security. The emerging consensus view — at least for now — seems to be the need for a two-state solution. There are several barriers to the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, however. One immediate stumbling block … Read more

’No longer a shadow war’: Iran says attack on Israel marks strategic shift

CAIRO, Egypt: Compared with other ongoing conflicts, Sudan’s crisis, now entering its second year, is a forgotten calamity, overshadowed by the more geopolitically significant wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. The power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces under Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces commanded by Mohammed Dagalo has more … Read more

UAE’s Global Hotel Alliance marks 20 years with stellar Q1 results

Freshwater scarcity is an increasing problem faced by regions all over the world. Four billion people — almost two thirds of the world’s population — experience severe water scarcity for at least one month each year, and half of the world’s population could be living in areas facing water scarcity by as early as 2025. … Read more

Ethiopian Airlines marks 78 years of success in African skies

Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest airline group, has marked its 78th anniversary, highlighting a legacy of resilience and innovation since 1946. Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew and Chief Commercial Officer Lemma Yadecha accompanied the crew on a flight to Cairo, marking the airline’s inaugural international service. Their involvement extended beyond in-flight duties, as they … Read more

Competition watchdog marks 20 years of shaping Saudi market dynamics – but there is still more to do

Startup Wrap – OSN+, AhnLab, and Mubashir among firms to see funding success during Ramadan CAIRO: Startups in the Middle East and North Africa region have closed Ramadan and started Eid Al-Fitr on a positive note as venture activity continued.  Among the most significant announcements during the holy month was UAE-based online streaming platform OSN+ and … Read more

Saudi Exchange marks 400th listing across all securities 

Opening up financial sector and battling inflation key for Arab countries’ economic development: AMF RIYADH: Financial openness and tackling inflation played a significant role in the short-term financial development of Arab countries, a new study suggests. A recent analysis released by the Arab Monetary Fund examined the impact of economic freedom on the development of … Read more

SIDF marks 50 years of investing in more than 4,000 projects

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is set to bolster national competencies in artificial intelligence with a new dedicated center, as part of a drive to turn the Kingdom into a leading industrial powerhouse. On the sidelines of the first Global Smart City Forum in Riyadh, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, in collaboration with the Saudi … Read more

Makkah forum marks Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in global halal industry expansion  

MAKKAH: The global halal industry is poised for rapid expansion, with Saudi Arabia expected to play a vital role in developing Shariah-compliant products, said a senior minister.  Speaking at the inaugural edition of the Makkah Halal Forum, the Kingdom’s Minister of Commerce Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi noted the significance of witnessing both local and international … Read more

Royal reserve authority marks environmental triumphs

RIYADH: Achievements by the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority mean the organization has taken significant steps towards its environmental goals. Aligning with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, as well as strategic targets for royal reserves and the authority’s own objectives, its efforts last year enhanced volunteer work by involving local communities in … Read more

Festive period marks first anniversary of Cristiano Ronaldo kickstarting Saudi football revolution

Exactly one year ago, Cristiano Ronaldo would have spent Christmas Day pondering a decision that would end up shaking the world of football to its foundation. On Christmas Eve, 2022, the Portuguese legend tweeted a family photo — with partner Georgina Rodriguez and his children, wearing Santa hats — simply captioned “Feliz Natal! Merry Christmas!” … Read more