Global World Citizen
New York Architects KPF Chosen to Design $1.1 Billion Dubai Project, The Cliffs
AGI Palace Group, a joint venture between Abu Ghazaleh Investments (AGI), a family-owned Dubai investment firm, and ultra-prime developer Palace Group, has selected New York-based architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) to lead the design of their first joint project, The Cliffs, along the Dubai Water Canal.
Colm McLoughlin, Visionary Behind Dubai Duty Free, Passes Away at 81
The Year That Redefined the Middle East
Lebanon Confronts Most Severe Crisis Since Civil War Conclusion
Hizbollah Muted: Lebanon's Dominant Force Grapples with Leadership Void
Middle East Braces for Iran’s Next Move After Nasrallah Killing
Sharjah Reports 9% Decline in Traffic Accidents for First Half of 2024
Ras Al Khaimah Real Estate: Dubai Developer Unveils Luxury Project Adjacent to Wynn Al Marjan Island UAE Casino
Ellington Properties, a prominent Dubai real estate developer, has unveiled plans for Playa Del Sol, its latest luxury residential project on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. This announcement follows the successful launch of Cala Del Mar, marking the company’s fourth development in the region. Playa Del Sol is projected for completion by the fourth quarter of 2027.
UAE Advances in Global Efforts to Combat Financial Crime
The UAE has implemented new laws and regulations to strengthen its system, with the goal of creating a robust national framework to tackle illegal financial activities.
The reported death toll from Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, has surpassed 30,000.
More than 30,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives in Gaza since Israel initiated its military offensive almost five months ago, according to the Hamas-run health ministry’s announcement on Thursday. The escalating situation raises concerns about an increasing humanitarian crisis, especially as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu focuses military actions on the southern border city of Rafah, while the threat of famine grows in the north.
Japan intends to introduce visa-free travel for Kuwait: Diplomat
Japan is in the process of granting visa-free travel for Kuwaitis and is close to implementing waivers for diplomats, according to a senior official. Japanese Ambassador Morino Yasunari stated that the Japanese government is actively working to streamline travel for Kuwaiti citizens to Japan, undertaking various measures to achieve this objective.
Etihad Cargo Emerges as a Top Choice for its Temperature-Controlled Cargo Solutions
A trade pact between the UAE and Mauritius is poised to act as a conduit linking the Middle East to Africa, as highlighted by Prithvirajsing Roopun, the President of Mauritius.
UAE-Mauritius CEPA Trade Agreement: A Mutual Benefit for All, Positioning the Middle East as Africa's Gateway
A trade pact between the UAE and Mauritius is poised to act as a conduit linking the Middle East to Africa, as highlighted by Prithvirajsing Roopun, the President of Mauritius.
Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen Forge Twin City Pact
Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen Ink Twin City Pact to Foster Smart City Development
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, and Shenzhen, China, have formalized a Twin City agreement aimed at sharing expertise and collaborating on smart city initiatives spanning various domains.
Ensuring Business Stability: A Comprehensive Guide to Divorce-Proofing Your Business
Divorce is a complex and emotionally charged process, especially when it involves a business. However, business owners have the opportunity to take proactive measures to safeguard their companies from potential upheaval in case of marital dissolution.
UAE Endorses Sam Altman's Proposal to Transform It into an AI Testing Hub
The United Arab Emirates is poised to take center stage in testing and regulating artificial intelligence technology on a global scale, according to a senior official, echoing sentiments expressed by OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman earlier this week.
Altman Envisions UAE as Global Hub for AI Regulation Testing
During a virtual appearance at the World Governments Summit, Sam Altman of OpenAI suggested that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) could function as a “regulatory sandbox” for testing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, with the potential to shape global regulations limiting their application.
NEOM Unveils Xaynor: Saudi Arabia's Exclusive Private Members’ Beach Club
Saudi Arabia to Host Tennis Legends in Inaugural 6 Kings Slam Tournament.
The inaugural 6 Kings Slam tennis tournament is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring some of the sport’s biggest names including Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Saudi Arabia's Tennis Event: Djokovic, Nadal, Alcaraz, Medvedev, Sinner, and Rune Set to Compete in 6 Kings Slam in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia to Host Tennis Legends in Inaugural 6 Kings Slam Tournament.
The inaugural 6 Kings Slam tennis tournament is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring some of the sport’s biggest names including Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Jumeirah Group, based in Dubai, inaugurates its premier luxury hotel in Saudi Arabia.
Jumeirah Group, a renowned luxury hospitality brand and a part of Dubai Holding, has unveiled its inaugural hotel in Saudi Arabia. Situated at the heart of Jabal Omar and within close proximity to the Great Mosque of Makkah, Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah signifies the company’s expansion both regionally and globally.
Ghitha Holding to Purchase 44% Stake in Turkish Cargo Leader MNG Airlines
On Tuesday, February 6, Ghitha Holding PJSC, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company, unveiled its agreement to purchase a 44 percent equity interest in MNG Havayollari ve Tasimacilik A.S. (MNG Airlines), a prominent commercial cargo firm based in Turkey.
UAE Salary Outlook 2024
UAE Salary Outlook 2024: Anticipated 4.5% Wage Growth; Revealing In-Demand Skills and High-Paying Jobs
In its latest report, recruitment specialists Cooper Fitch project a robust job market in the UAE for 2024, with salaries expected to rise by an average of 4.5%. The findings suggest a competitive landscape as organizations vie for qualified talent in a limited market.
Global Response to US Strikes on Iraq and Syria Overshadows Gaza Offenses
In response to an incident in Jordan that claimed the lives of American soldiers, the United States launched a flurry of airstrikes against sites in Iraq and Syria that support Iran.
Iraq confirmed on Saturday that 16 people, including civilians, had died on its territory, while a monitoring organization said that 18 people had died in Syria.
Iran Criticizes US Airstrikes on Iraq and Syria as Strategic Misstep
Iran has characterized the recent United States airstrikes conducted within Iraq and Syria as a “strategic error” that is poised to exacerbate the already heightened tensions and instability in the Middle East, especially amid Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Following a drone attack in Jordan that resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has appointed Fatih Karahan, the Deputy Governor of the central bank, as its new head, succeeding Hafize Gaye Erkan, who resigned from her position. The announcement of Karahan’s appointment, a former senior economist at the US online retail giant Amazon, was made in the Official Gazette early on Saturday.
US airstrikes targeting Iran-affiliated factions result in the deaths of scores in Iraq and Syria.
Following a drone strike on an American outpost in Jordan that claimed the lives of three troops, the United States on Friday night launched its first round of retaliation strikes against militants backed by Iran in Iraq and Syria, resulting in at least 23 fatalities.
In a statement, the US Central Command (Centcom) said that its troops had hit over 85 targets in Syria and Iraq.
Exploring Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious $800 Billion Tourism Initiative
The Middle East kingdom is embarking on an extensive construction initiative, developing private islands, upscale hotels, theme parks, cruise ports, and even a ski resort in the desert. The lingering question: If they construct it, who will be the visitors?
Luxury Branded Residences Unveiled in Dubai Real Estate by Binghatti and Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new collaboration with Binghatti Properties for a luxury residential project at the Meydan Hotel in Dubai. The venture, titled Mercedes-Benz Places | Binghatti, involves the development of a 65-storey residential tower, with construction scheduled to commence later this year in Dubai.
UN Secretary-General Issues Warning: Israel's Rejection of Two-State Solution Endangers Global Peace
UNITED NATIONS: The head of the UN cautioned Israel on Tuesday, emphasizing that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal of a two-state solution could perpetuate a conflict, posing a persistent threat to global peace and empowering extremists worldwide.
Iran's President Raisi Holds Discussions with Erdogan in Turkey on Gaza Crisis and Energy
Ankara: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was scheduled to engage in discussions with his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday, addressing the escalating conflict in Gaza and exploring opportunities for energy cooperation between the neighboring nations. Raisi’s visit had been delayed twice, originally planned for November, due to scheduling conflicts and security incidents in Iran’s southeastern city of Kerman.
Conflict in Gaza: Palestinian Psychologist Fadel Abu Hein Slain by Israeli Sniper
Condolences Flow for Fadel Abu Hein, Palestinian Academic and Psychologist, Slain by Israeli Sniper on January 23.
The tragic incident unfolded as Israeli forces surrounded the Khan Younis area in Gaza, where Al-Aqsa University is located. Despite the university suffering damage from Israeli attacks, displaced Palestinians are seeking refuge there, even as Israeli authorities insist on their evacuation.
Iraq Expresses Disapproval of US Attacks on Iran-Backed Entities
In a move announced by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, American forces conducted strikes on locations used by Iran-backed militants in Iraq early on Wednesday. The targeted sites included areas south of Baghdad in the Jurf Al-Sakhr region and the Al-Qaim area near the Syria-Iraq border, specifically aiming at Ketaeb Hezbollah, a militant faction affiliated with the former Hashed Al-Shaabi paramilitaries.
Saudi Arabia Takes the Lead in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) Across the GCC Region: KAMCO Invest
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia maintained its prominent position in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region by spearheading 35 out of the 46 initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2023, as per research conducted by KAMCO Invest.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s parallel market, Nomu, witnessed 27 IPOs, while the Tadawul All Share Index saw eight deals, according to the KAMCO Invest report.
In a concerted effort involving Qatar, the US, and Egypt, intensive international mediation endeavors are underway to facilitate the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners during a proposed month-long ceasefire in Gaza. Reuters reported on Tuesday that shuttle diplomacy has been ongoing since December 28, with both Israel and Hamas expressing broad agreement in principle to the framework plan.
Accountability for Gaza Atrocities: Indonesia Asserts No Nation Is Above the Law'
Indonesia is calling on the UN Security Council to uphold international law without exceptions and ensure accountability for Israel’s actions in Gaza. During the ongoing UNSC open debate on the question of Palestine, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to supporting Palestine. Marsudi reminded the council of its mandate not to tolerate wars, especially genocide
Ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza: Hospital in Khan Younis surrounded by bombings, says reports.
Ahmed al-Moghrabi, the head of plastic surgery and burns at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, describes the situation as “bombing all around us” while treating Palestinians injured by Israeli bombings.
Israel-Gaza: Netanyahu Challenges Biden on Palestinian State Issue
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again rejected the idea of creating a Palestinian state. This stance follows a recent phone call with US President Joe Biden, who indicated that Netanyahu might still consider the concept.
What prompts Hertz to sell its electric vehicles?
The Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 25,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza since the initiation of Israel’s offensive. In the past 24 hours alone, there were 178 deaths, marking one of the deadliest days in the ongoing conflict. Despite the escalating toll, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains firm in rejecting the creation of a Palestinian state.
An Irish MEP claims that the Houthis have not caused any deaths and are expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
Irish MEP Mick Wallace has commended Yemen’s Houthis, describing the rebel group’s attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea as a “humanitarian intervention” to halt the genocide in Gaza. In a passionate address to the European Parliament, Wallace asserted that the Houthis had caused no casualties, contrasting this with Israel’s record of over 23,000 civilian deaths, including more than 10,000 children.
Grant Shapps, the UK’s defence secretary, asserts that creating two separate states is the only viable solution to end the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. He expresses disappointment over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of the idea, emphasizing that Palestinians deserve a sovereign state, and he sees no alternative solution.
Netanyahu Faces Intensifying Scrutiny Amidst Israeli Troop Losses and Hostage Crisis
JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is grappling with a deepening crisis following Israel’s most significant single-day troop losses in the Gaza conflict, coupled with mounting protests over the government’s failure to secure the return of hostages.
The Israeli military’s strategy in the Palestinian territory is facing intense scrutiny after 24 troops lost their lives on Monday, marking Israel’s highest daily casualty count since the ground offensive in Gaza commenced in late October.
Iran cautions that a military airstrike on Syria will not be left without a response.
Iran’s President, Ebrahim Raisi, has strongly condemned an airstrike on the Syrian capital, Damascus, pledging that the attack, which claimed the lives of five high-ranking members of Iran’s security forces, “will not go unanswered.” Raisi squarely placed the blame on Israel for the strike, which also resulted in casualties among Syrian forces. Israel, known for its frequent strikes on Iranian-affiliated targets in Syria, has not officially commented on the incident.
Relatives of Hostages Disrupt Session in Israeli Parliament
Families of Israelis, held captive in Gaza by Hamas, forcefully entered a parliamentary committee session in Jerusalem on Monday. Their demand for more decisive actions from lawmakers to secure the release of their loved ones highlights the escalating frustration over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to engage in a deal with the Palestinian group amid the ongoing fourth-month Gaza war.
Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi expressed strong opposition to a deal that would give Ethiopia maritime access through the self-declared republic of Somaliland. During a joint appearance in Cairo with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Mr. Sisi emphasized that the proposed agreement was unacceptable to anyone. He further stated that Egypt is committed to ensuring Somalia’s security and affirmed unwavering support for their brothers in Somalia.
Armenian Christians in Jerusalem are actively opposing a contentious land deal.
While Christmas might be a distant memory for many, the Armenians of Jerusalem only just held their annual celebration on 19 January.
This year, the holiday was overshadowed by the war in Gaza and the ongoing threat to the survival of the community from a deeply controversial real estate deal.
Many spent the day in an unconventional fashion, joining a sit-in at a tent in their church car park.