Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Oman: MAFWR distributes 15 tonnes of wheat seeds to Dhahirah farmers
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has started distributing 15 tonnes of improved and local wheat seeds to farmers in Dhahirah Governorate as part of preparations for the 2025–2026 planting season. The initiative,...
Qatar vows $29.7 billion boost for Egypt mega project
Its economic troubles have worsened due to the war in the neighbouring Gaza Strip, which was halted with a ceasefire deal on October 10 and which began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, cross-border attack on southern Israel.
Saudi: Al Etihad Cooperative shifts to $29.1mln net losses in 9M-25
Al Etihad Cooperative Insurance Company swung to net losses after Zakat attributable to shareholders worth SAR 109.15 million in the first nine months (9M) of 2025, against net profits of SAR 55.91 million in 9M-24. Insurance revenues dropped by...
Saudi: Arabian Shield swings to net losses at $8.8mln in 9M-25
Arabian Shield Cooperative Insurance Company suffered SAR 32.83 million in net losses after Zakat attributable to the owners in the first nine months (9M) of 2025, versus net profits of SAR 69.21 million in 9M-24. Insurance revenues increased by...
Saudi Arabia eyes German MEKO A-200 frigates from TKMS
This potential interest follows the signing of a contract with Navantia in December 2024 for three additional Avante 2200 corvettes, which complement earlier deliveries and represent the next phase of the Saudi naval expansion program. The RSNF is...
Oman: SPF partners with Elevatus to streamline talent acquisition
Muscat: In line with its commitment to institutional efficiency and digital transformation, the Social Protection Fund (SPF) in the Sultanate of Oman has announced a strategic partnership with Elevatus, a leading provider of AI-powered recruitment...
Oman: Fahud records highest temperature, Jabal Shams sees heaviest rainfall in October
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman experienced notable weather contrasts during October 2025, with soaring temperatures in some parts of the country and significant rainfall in mountainous areas, according to the monthly climate summary issued by the...
Oman: 2,000 entrepreneurs take part in SMEDA forum
MUSCAT - Over 2,000 entrepreneurs are taking part in the Entrepreneurial Growth 2025 Forum, which began at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday under the auspices of Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Minister of Finance. The two-day...
UAE: Sharjah Islamic Bank rolls out ‘SIB Pay’; QR code and smartphone tap-to-pay now available nationwide
SIB Pay brings seamless QR and tap payments UAE-wide / AI-generated Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) has launched SIB Pay, a new digital-payments platform aimed at accelerating cashless transactions in the UAE. The platform offers QR payments, soft-POS,...
Qatar Airways to sell entire Cathay Pacific stake in HK$6.96b deal
HONG KONG, Nov 6 — Cathay Pacific has said it plans to buy back all of its shares owned by Doha-headquartered Qatar Airways worth HK$6.96 billion (RM3.748 billion), ending the two carriers’ eight-year shareholding relationship. The airline’s stake...
Bahrain’s global standing in cybersecurity is highlighted
Bahrain’s standing as a regional and global leader in cybersecurity was highlighted yesterday during a major regional conference held at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir.The kingdom’s achievements were highlighted at the Arab International...
Emirates reports 13% half-year profit growth to $2.9 billion
Emirates reports 13% half-year profit growth to $2.9 billion The Dubai-based Emirates Group, which includes the largest airline in the Middle East, announced half-year profits of 10.6 billion dirhams ($2.9 billion), up 13% from last year. Despite...
UAE pension authority rolls out 10-year flexible instalment scheme
The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has opened applications for insured individuals in the UAE to consolidate their previous service periods, introducing a more flexible repayment plan of up to ten years to ease monthly...
Omani Photographer wins Global ‘Emotions’ category at inaugural Doha Photography Award
Muscat: Omani photographer Ahmed Al Hosani has achieved a significant international victory, clinching first place in the "Emotions" category at the inaugural edition of the Doha Photography Award 2025. His winning artwork, titled "Escape," stood...
Oman: New NGL extractor project planned
MUSCAT - A key gas sales agreement signed earlier this week will pave the way for the establishment of a new NGL Extraction Project at Saih Al Nihayda in central Oman, which will eventually strengthen plans for a long-anticipated petrochemicals...
Qatar Airways sells entire Cathay Pacific stake for $897m
State-owned Qatar Airways has decided to sell its entire stake in Cathay Pacific Airways for about $897 million (HK$6.97 billion), marking its complete exit from Hong Kong’s flagship airline after eight years. Cathay said late on Wednesday that...
Oman Customs thwarts major E-smoking products smuggling attempt in Al Buraimi
Muscat: The Customs Administration at the Haddf border post in Al Buraimi Governorate has successfully thwarted a significant smuggling attempt. Authorities intercepted a large quantity of electronic smoking products (vapes, e-cigarettes) that...
UAE companies to build 500 MW energy storage systems in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan has signed new agreements with the UAE to build energy storage systems with a combined capacity of 500 MW. Photo: Ministry of Energy According to the Ministry of Energy, agreements were inked with Masdar and AMEA Power to build energy...
Saudi Arabia: Maaden's 9-month revenue hits $7.44bln, 24% up YoY
Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden), one of the world’s fastest growing mining companies, today reported a 24% year-on-year (YoY) revenue growth to SAR27.9 billion ($7.44 billion) for nine-month (9M) period ended September 30, 2025 (9M-FY24:...
Emirates highlights premium cabin demand as profits rise again in first half
Middle Eastern operator Emirates Group maintained an upward trend over the first half of the year, generating a 17% rise in pre-tax profit to Dhs12.2 billion ($3.3 billion). Its airline operation, Emirates, contributed a pre-tax profit of Dhs11.4...