UAE banking sector assets recorded steady growth in November, rising by 0.8 percent to reach 5.25 trillion dirhams ($1.43 trillion), reflecting continued expansion in credit and deposit activity, according to newly released central bank data. The increase marks a rise from 5.2 trillion dirhams in October, highlighting the sector’s resilience amid broader economic momentum. Gross…
Oman is preparing to establish an International Financial Center as part of a major initiative to diversify its economy and strengthen its position in the global financial landscape. The new center is designed to attract international investors, promote innovation across financial and professional services, and enhance Oman’s competitiveness as a regional business hub. It will…
A delegation from Harvard University, including faculty members and students from its business school, has visited King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah to explore opportunities for academic and research collaboration. During the visit, the delegation toured the university’s Faculty of Economics and Administration, where officials highlighted academic offerings, research initiatives, and recent advances in business and…
ABU DHABI: Emirates Driving Company (EDC) in Abu Dhabi has launched a fully automated ‘Smart Yard System’ that allows driving licence candidates to be tested without a human examiner in the car. Using cameras, sensors, satellites, and artificial intelligence, the system monitors every action, from mirror checks to parking maneuvers, providing instant results and recorded…
The Jeddah Gold Exhibition opens on Thursday at the Jeddah Superdome as part of the city’s annual Jeddah Season celebrations, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the artistry, innovation and commercial strength of the gold industry. The five-day event aims to raise awareness about the value and quality of gold while highlighting modern designs…
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has called an emergency meeting following Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, a move the group says threatens Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The OIC’s General Secretariat announced that an extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers will take place on Saturday at the organization’s headquarters…
Yemen Airways has announced the launch of direct flights connecting the Socotra archipelago with Jeddah, marking a major step in improving air links between the island and the region. The new service is set to begin with a weekly flight starting Wednesday. The airline said the inaugural flight will help facilitate the evacuation of foreign…
Riyadh / Badakhshan – 6 January 2026: Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian agency, KSrelief, has distributed food parcels to 490 families in the capital of Afghanistan’s Badakhshan Province, reaching a total of 2,940 individuals, including returning Afghan families, orphans, and other vulnerable groups. The initiative forms part of KSrelief’s ongoing humanitarian programs aimed at supporting the Afghan…
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 6 January 2026: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a telephone call on Tuesday from Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. During the conversation, the leaders discussed avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. They also reviewed recent developments in the region and exchanged views on issues of shared interest, underscoring the…
Muscat, Oman – 6 January 2026: The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has officially announced that Thursday, 8 January 2026 will be observed as a holiday for its personnel working under regular office hours, in celebration of the Annual Police Day. According to the ROP, this decision applies to staff across all units operating under the…
