RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has climbed nine spots to rank 41 on a global tourism index – marking the Gulf region’s largest improvement – thanks to its strengthening infrastructure, corporate presence, and major business centers. According to the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index report, Saudi Arabia has recorded the most significant improvement in the Middle East … Read more
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s interior ministry said on Wednesday it had blocked access to social media platform X around the time of February’s election on national security concerns, confirming a long-suspected shutdown. Users in Pakistan have reported problems using X, formerly known as Twitter, since mid-February, but the government had made no official announcement on the matter … Read more
LONDON: The wife of a former Tour de France-winning cyclist has caused controversy in the UK following an Islamophobic outburst on social media. Michelle Froome, wife of Chris Froome, said on her X profile on Monday that there are “no innocent Gazans” and called Muslims a “drain on modern society.” In her first posts on … Read more
LONDON: A UK-BASED journalist for Iran International has been released from hospital following an attack outside his London home. Pouria Zeraati, a presenter for the independent Persian-language outlet, sustained leg injuries after the incident outside his home in Wimbledon, southwest London, last Friday. London’s Metropolitan Police said on Monday that Zeraati had been discharged from … Read more
WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill on Wednesday that would force TikTok to sever ties with its Chinese parent company or be banned in the United States. The legislation is a major setback for the video-sharing app, which has surged in popularity across the world while causing nervousness about its Chinese … Read more
RIYADH: Saudi banks extended loans totaling SR2.62 trillion ($700 billion) in January, marking an 11 percent rise from the same month in 2023, according to official data. Figures released by the Kingdom’s central bank showed an increase in personal loans accounted for 33 percent of this growth, while the remaining 67 percent was attributed to … Read more
Sultan Al-Hamidi was recently appointed CEO of the Social Development Bank. Upon accepting his new role, Al-Hamidi thanked the chairman and board members for their confidence in him. He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Ibrahim Al-Rashed, for his significant contributions and forward-thinking initiatives that have markedly advanced the SDB’s mission. “Today, alongside my dedicated … Read more
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s social transformation is one of the “fastest in history” facilitated by the government, according to a senior executive. Speaking at the World Defense Show 2024, Walid Abukhaled, CEO of Saudi Arabian Military Industries, emphasized that there are significant changes occurring that may not be immediately apparent. “What is happening, you’ve seen the … Read more
AMSTERDAM: The social enterprise Subul connects refugees and conflict-affected individuals with employment opportunities in the digital labor market. With outsourcing as its business model, its goal is to help them achieve success while meeting the needs of international businesses, Syrian founder Khaled Shaaban, 39, told Arab News. In December, Subul pre-launched its latest service, the … Read more
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Advanced Air Mobility initiative is poised to revolutionize the Middle East’s aviation sector, establishing the Kingdom as a leader in sustainable technologies. Spearheaded by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, it encompasses a range of solutions, from unmanned aircraft systems to vertical take-off and landing aircraft. These advancements prioritize safety, reliability, and … Read more