SYDNEY: More than 100 yachts set off on the Sydney-Hobart race Tuesday, with thunderstorms and hail threatening to lash sailors in one of the world’s most grueling ocean events. Thunder and rain lifted just minutes before the start at a slightly misty Sydney Harbor as spectators lined the waterfront or crowded onto boats to get … 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 … Read more
How Israeli military raids, settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank create a counterproductive cycle LONDON: While fighting rages in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, Israeli authorities have been carrying out raids across the occupied West Bank that the Palestinian population views as “collective punishment.” At least 278 Palestinians, including 70 children, have been … Read more
BRUSSELS: The EU has set targets to dig up, recycle and refine lithium, cobalt and other metals it needs for its green transition, but a shortage of new money, crippling energy costs and local opposition could put them beyond reach. The bloc will likely need to find ways to trim demand, find substitute materials and forge … Read more
RIYADH: Project Masam, a Saudi initiative to clear land mines in Yemen, in the second week of December dismantled 737 mines planted by the Iran-backed Houthi militia. Overseen by the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, the project’s special teams destroyed 611 unexploded ordnance, 116 anti-tank mines, eight anti-personnel mines and two explosive devices. The devices, which … Read more
A damaging Abu Dhabi Clasico continued Hernan Crespo’s mixed start at Al-Ain, leaders Al-Wasl weathered a stringent title test and spiralling Emirates Club’s misery extended in ADNOC Pro League’s matchweek 11. Saturday’s finale pitted “the Boss” against bitter-rivals Al-Wahda, who prevailed 2-0 on enemy territory despite gaining just 26-per-cent possession courtesy of ruthless strikes by … Read more
RIYADH: Hours before Saudi Arabia recently won the right to host World Expo 2030, Italian businessmen Roberto Daneo and Giorgio Re were with the Kingdom’s team in Paris eagerly awaiting the voting results. The pair head WePlan, a company hand-selected alongside Avisa group by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City to help develop Riyadh’s bid. … Read more
LONDON: Saudi media organization MBC Group generated SR831 million ($222 million) in its initial public offering after pricing it at the top of the range. On Tuesday, the company announced that it had set the price for its stock offering at SR25 per share, for a 10 percent stake. The pricing indicated that the firm’s overall … Read more