Three in four people would be happier living in a smart and connected city, according to a new report by Mastercard, which features insights related to human aspirations and technological progress for cities of the future in the Middle East. By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population will be living in urban areas, which places … Read more
RIYADH: Moody’s Investors Service has retained a positive outlook for Saudi Arabia’s banking sector thanks to the Kingdom’s economic diversification programs. In its latest report, the US-based credit rating agency said the demand for credit for government-backed projects will improve loan performance and generate strong profit for banks in Saudi Arabia. “The banks’ operating environment … Read more
RIYADH: Capturing ordinary scenes as whimsical moments, Saudi illustrator and product designer Layan Alhamed’s creativity is opening portals to new, imagined worlds. From a young age, Alhamed wanted to do something creative, so she spent her days drawing, with art supplies scattered around her, creating treasures out of scrap materials and finding ways to create … Read more
LONDON: Bangladesh’s election on Sunday will be a “sham” designed to cement Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule, exiled opposition leader Tarique Rahman has told AFP in an exclusive interview defending his party’s boycott. Rahman is heir to one of the country’s two main political dynasties — the other led by Hasina — and has helmed … Read more
RIYADH: Artist Mishal Al-Shoaibi, 16, who has visual challenges, has produced a series of 50 abstract paintings that has seen him labeled the “Saudi Picasso” by local creatives. Al-Shoaibi’s solo exhibition titled “The Seeing Eye” is being held at Ahlam Gallery in the capital. The budding artist has a sensory processing disorder making it difficult … Read more
LONDON: French Algerian actress and dancer Sofia Boutella is set to wow audiences worldwide with her biggest role so far, playing the lead character, Kora, in director Zack Snyder’s Netflix sci-fi epic “Rebel Moon — Part One: Child of Fire.” Boutella told Arab News that she found several parallels between Kora and herself. Like Kora, … Read more