Global investors’ interest in Saudi startups is accelerating
RIYADH: A record-breaking number of venture capitalists are investing in Saudi Arabia’s thriving business environment, with the technology sector proving especially attractive, industry leaders have told Arab News. According to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s latest annu»»»
MWL chief chairs Islamic leaders council session in Washington
RIYADH: Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, chaired the third session of the Council of Islamic Leaders in North and South America in Washington, D.C., on Friday. During the session, council members discussed severa»»»
Al-Hilal beat Neom to keep SPL title race alive
DUBAI: Al-Hilal on Saturday night beat Neom 2-0 in Riyadh to cut the gap on leaders to just two points and keep the Saudi Pro League title race alive going into the last match week. Al-Hilal came into the match knowing that anything less than a win would hand the title to their fierce city rivals. »»»
‘Surrender not an option’ for Palestine, Iranian envoy tells UN on Nakba Day
The international community must take a more active approach to the plight of displaced Palestinians and the Israeli occupation of their land, Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani said on Friday. Iravani made the appeal on the 78th anniversary of the Nakba, a term used in the»»»
Semenyo strikes as Man City beat Chelsea 1-0 to win FA Cup
LONDON: Manchester City won the FA Cup on Saturday, beating Chelsea 1-0 in the final with a deftly finished 72nd-minute goal from Antoine Semenyo to complete an English cup double. Ghana’s Semenyo turned and back-heeled the ball past Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez from an Erling Haaland cross. The »»»
UAE invests more than Dh44 billion to expand Mars and asteroid missions
Abu Dhabi: More than Dh44 billion in investments is driving the UAE’s accelerating push to expand its space economy, deepen its Mars and asteroid exploration missions and strengthen its position among the world’s leading space nations under the National Space Strategy 2031. The UAE continues to adv»»»
Israel Could Wean Itself off US Defense Aid, but Not Yet
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call to gradually end Israel's reliance on US military aid could boost strategic flexibility, analysts said, though a full break from Washington's support remains unlikely anytime soon. The United States currently provides Israel with $3.8 billion annually under »»»
Hezbollah Rejects US Dictates, Calls on Lebanese Authority to Stop Offering Israeli Enemy Free Concessions
Hezbollah issued on Saturday a statement on the 43rd anniversary of May 17 Agreement to warn the Lebanese Authority against similar deviant moves through talk of a “full and comprehensive” peace agreement with the Israeli enemy. Hezbollah also completely rejected any American or non-American foreig»»»
Qatar partakes in Taawon General Assembly Meeting, stressing continuous support for Palestinian People
Doha: The State of Qatar participated in the annual General Assembly meeting of the Taawon Welfare Association on Saturday via videoconferencing. Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad represented the State of Qatar at the meeting. In her speech »»»
Qatar takes part in Taawon meeting, stresses continuous support for Palestinian people
DOHA: The State of Qatar participated in the annual General Assembly meeting of the Taawon Welfare Association on Saturday via videoconferencing.Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad represented the State of Qatar at the meeting. In her speech at»»»
Israel Says Hamas Armed Wing Chief Killed in Gaza Strike
Israel said Saturday it had killed Hamas armed wing chief Ezzedine Al-Haddad in an airstrike in Gaza the previous day, describing him as a key architect of the October 7 attacks. Since Hamas's October 7, 2023 cross-border assault, the Israeli military and intelligence services have waged a campaign»»»
Top ISIS leader killed in joint operation in Nigeria - UPI.com
Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, shown here in 2023, has thanked the United States for its work helping Nigeria with an operation to kill Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a top ISIS leader, Friday night. File Photo by Akintunde Akinleye/EPA May 16 (UPI) -- U.S. and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Min»»»
Egypt steps up preparations to host 33rd Afreximbank Annual Meetings in Alamein
Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) Governor Hassan Abdalla and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) President and Chairperson George Elombi have held a press briefing at the CBE headquarters ahead of the 33rd Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2026), scheduled to take place in Alamein from 21 to 24 June »»»
Pakistan interior minister in Iran amid continuing mediation efforts
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran for meetings with senior officials, Iranian state media reported on Saturday, as Islamabad continues diplomatic efforts to help ease tensions surrounding the ongoing Iran-US conflict and disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormu»»»
India in talks with Saudi Arabia to secure more fertilizer amid Iran war
NEW DELHI: India is in talks with Saudi Arabia to secure more fertilizer from the Kingdom, as the South Asian nation faces increasing pressure from disruption caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. India, the world’s second-largest fertilizer consumer after C»»»
Hayah International Academy to launch in Riyadh, signs STEAM partnership with Fulton Science Academy
Hayah International Academy, one of Egypt’s leading academic institutions, announced plans to open its first international campus in Riyadh and signed a strategic STEAM partnership with the U.S.-based Fulton Science Academy. The agreement was formalized during a pre-launch event at Bab Samhan in Di»»»
Putin Spoke by Phone With President of UAE - Kremlin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with President of the UAE Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Kremlin said on Saturday. "A telephone conversation took place between Vladimir Putin and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan," the stat»»»
What did Donald Trump and Xi Jinping achieve in Beijing?
US President Donald Trump’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, was heavy on pomp, praise, and promises. But what did both leaders walk away with after the superpower summit in Beijing? Trump left Beijing on Friday, two days after becoming the first US president to visit the Chinese c»»»
Deputy PM visits 35th Doha International Book Fair
Doha Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani visited the 35th edition of the Doha International Book Fair on Saturday. The Deputy PM was received by Minister of Culture HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani. The fair is »»»
EU rush to fix energy crisis risks stripping citizens and nature of legal protections
European energy ministers were in Cyprus this week discussing how to reduce dependence on the gas that’s currently stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. On the table was the European Commission’s ‘AccelerateEU‘ proposal, which aims to fast-track renewable energy projects by “streamlining” permitting rules»»»
Deputy Prime Minister visits 35th Doha International Book Fair
Doha, Qatar: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani visited the 35th Doha International Book Fair, where he was received by Minister of Culture HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani. The fair is bei»»»
Saudi actress Aixa Kay grateful to be honored at Cannes Film Festival
DUBAI: Celebrated Saudi-born actress and writer Aixa Kay has said she feels very grateful after being honored at the Women in Cinema Gala, hosted by the Red Sea Film Foundation alongside the ongoing Cannes Film Festival. “Huge thanks to the Red Sea Film Foundation for this beautiful evening, the wa»»»
Qatar continues its digital leadership amid global challenges in technology access
DOHA:Global disparities in internet access are presenting an escalating challenge to international efforts aimed at promoting equality and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as gaps in digital accessibility persist across different social demographics and nations. The issue takes center s»»»
Saudi women step into the game
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s push to expand female participation in sports began in 2017, when physical education was introduced in girls’ public schools for the first time. The following year, stadiums previously restricted to men were opened to women and families, marking a broader shift in access unde»»»
PM Modi’s UAE visit sparks big business optimism across trade, energy and investment
Dubai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE is being viewed as a vital moment for the India-UAE relationship, with Indian business leaders saying it reinforces long-term cooperation in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure and technology. The visit comes at a time of wider geopolitic»»»
On World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, Qatar Continues Its Digital Leadership Amid Global Challenges in Technology Access - report
Doha, Qatar: Speaking on the importance of the digital sector and the practical implications of its deployment, Director of the Digital Innovation Department at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Eman Al Kuwari, said digital innovation constitutes a central pillar in »»»
Peak Milky Way viewing begins in Arab World
JEDDAH: The Arab world has entered a peak period for Milky Way observation, a window that will remain open through late May. According to the Jeddah Astronomy Society, the moon’s transition to its new phase on May 16 will provide the exceptionally dark skies needed to view the galaxy from midnight »»»
EGX Ends Week in Decline, Market Sentiment Shifts
As the trading week concluded on October 10, 2024, Egypt’s stock market, the EGX, found itself navigating turbulent waters, closing with declines across major indices. The primary benchmark, EGX30, saw a contraction of 1.33%, landing at 30,762.32 points. This downward momentum reflects broader mark»»»
Beyond the degree: What employers really want now
Degrees alone no longer guarantee employability, industry leaders and university experts agreed during a panel discussion at the second day of Gulf News Edufair 2026, as employers increasingly prioritise adaptability, practical exposure and cross-functional skills over academic credentials alone. S»»»
President to Represent Bulgaria at World Urban Forum Leaders' Summit in Baku
Bulgarian head of State Iliana Iotova will attend the Leaders' Summit at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum in Baku on May 17-18 at the invitation of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, her press centre said on Saturday. The platform was established in 2001 by the United Nations in response t»»»
Canada Deepens Arctic Defense Ties with Nordics after Trump Threats
Since US President Donald Trump’s barrage of threats to seize Greenland, authorities on the frozen island have been seeking help from a northern ally: Canada. A reserve unit of the Canadian armed forces called the Rangers has long maintained a year-round presence in mostly inaccessible Arctic commu»»»
France's Justice Minister to Visit Algeria amid Diplomatic Thaw
France's justice minister will head to Algeria next week to discuss improving cooperation and the fate of a detained French journalist, his office said Saturday, as ties warm following a diplomatic spat. "The purpose of this trip is to work on opening a new chapter in judicial cooperation," Justice»»»
Are Palestinians living through an 80-year-old catastrophe again?
For Palestinians May 15th is a date etched into their souls. Nakba, literally means ‘catastrophe’ in Arabic. For Palestinians on this day in 1948, the day after the State of Israel was declared, the destruction of their homeland began. While Israelis celebrated the birth of their nation, hundreds o»»»
‘My biggest opponent has always been myself’ — Bahrain’s Hamad Marhoon is ready for PFL MENA 9
DUBAI: Bahraini flyweight Hamad Marhoon is just days away from the biggest fight of his young professional career, something of which he is very aware. The 22-year-old KHK MMA Team product will face Jordan’s Saher Qasmieh (2-0) on the preliminary card of PFL MENA 9: Pride of Arabia, due to be held »»»
‘Once Upon a Time in Gaza’ wins big at 10th Critics’ Awards for Arab Films
DUBAI: “Once Upon A Time In Gaza,” from Palestinian directors Tarzan and Arab Nasser, has won Best Film at the 10th Critics’ Awards For Arab Films, Deadline reported. Set in Gaza in 2007, the story follows a student and a restaurant owner who begin to sell drugs while delivering sandwiches. Things »»»
Israel Strikes South Lebanon Day after Ceasefire Extension
Israel launched new airstrikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Saturday, a day after the two countries agreed to extend a truce following talks in Washington. The Israeli military said its forces have “begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure sites in several areas in southern Lebanon," Leb»»»
Iraq exported 10 million barrels of oil through Strait of Hormuz in April
BAGHDAD: Iraq exported 10 million barrels of oil via the Strait of Hormuz in April, down from about 93 million barrels monthly before the Iran war, the country’s new oil minister, Basim Mohammed, said at a press conference on Saturday. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran war has cu»»»
Israel Military Says Striking Hezbollah Targets in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli military said it had launched new strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure across southern Lebanon on Saturday, the day after the two countries agreed to extend an existing ceasefire. The military said that its forces “have begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure sites in several area»»»
Trump downplays urgency of removing Iran’s uranium stockpile
US President Donald Trump has said recovering Iran’s highly enriched uranium is “more for public relations” than anything else, downplaying what remains one of the key sticking points in negotiations aimed at ending the Middle East war. Following the US-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran last ye»»»
Startup Wrap: Saudi startups dominate MENA funding week as a16z makes first GCC bet
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia emerged as this week’s main mover in startup activity across the region, with five firms announcing new funding across fintech, health tech, and business operations. The largest deal in the sector from the Kingdom came from fintech Stitch, which raised $25 million in series A f»»»
UAE launches major restoration project for Damascus’ Umayyad Mosque
Damascus: The UAE has announced the restoration of the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. The move was suppored by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (Mother of the Nation), Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme C»»»
End of the ‘People’s Army’ Myth: Israel Weighs Resorting to Mercenaries
As Israel’s military grapples with a severe manpower shortage estimated at 15,000 troops — a situation Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has described as “dangerous for the future of the Jewish state” — Israeli ultra-Orthodox parties continue to reject military service in favor of Torah study even as Israe»»»
Defector ‘Savannah’ Arrives in Khartoum, Deepening RSF Crisis
Former Rapid Support Forces (RSF) field commander Brigadier General Ali Rizqallah, known as “Savannah,” arrived in the Sudanese capital Khartoum days after announcing his split from the paramilitary force led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), in a move observers say highlights growing divisions w»»»
Palestinian Ministry Says Israeli Forces Kill Man in West Bank Camp
Palestinian health officials said Israeli forces killed a man on Saturday on the outskirts of the Jenin refugee camp in the northern occupied West Bank. The health ministry in Ramallah identified the victim as 34-year-old Nour al-Din Kamal Hassan Fayyad, saying he was "killed by occupation forces' »»»
Kurdish Groups Reject Allocation of Only 4 Seats to Them in Syria Parliament
Syrian Kurdish groups on Friday rejected the allocation of only four seats for Kurds in Syria’s 210-member parliament, saying the move does not reflect the true size of the Kurdish population in the country. The position came as Kurds marked “Kurdish Language Day” amid disputes with the Syrian gove»»»
Report: Trump Administration Prepares to Seek Raúl Castro Indictment as It pressures Cuba
The Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, three people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Friday, as President Donald Trump threatens possible military action against the communist-run island. One of the people told the »»»
Palestinian ministry says Israeli forces kill man in West Bank camp
RAMALLAH: Palestinian health officials said Israeli forces killed a man on Saturday on the outskirts of the Jenin refugee camp in the northern occupied West Bank. The health ministry in Ramallah identified the victim as 34-year-old Nour Al-Din Kamal Hassan Fayyad, saying he was “killed by occupatio»»»
UAE reiterates commitment to sovereignty, regional stability
Abu Dhabi, May 16 (SANA) The United Arab Emirates reaffirmed on Saturday its commitment to regional security and stability in coordination with international partners. In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned what it described as Iranian attacks targeting the UAE and other regi»»»
Iraq’s Coordination Framework on Verge of Collapse after Zaidi’s Govt Approved by Parliament
Iraq’s ruling pro-Iran Coordination Framework appears to be on the verge of collapse after Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's government was approved by parliament on Thursday. The PM submitted an incomplete lineup, but it still earned the vote of confidence. The parliament approved 14 ministers out of »»»
Gaza Airstrike Targeted Hamas Military Wing Leader, Israel Says
An Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Friday targeted the leader of Hamas’ military wing, Israeli officials said, but it wasn't immediately clear if Izz al-Din al-Haddad was killed or injured. Hamas did not immediately acknowledge or comment on the strike. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and De»»»