Sukuk liquidity nears pre-war levels as recovery remains uneven: Fitch
RIYADH: Liquidity among most Fitch-rated sukuk is edging closer to pre-war levels despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, although the recovery remains uneven, an analysis showed. As of Aug. 4, just over 75 percent of Fitch-rated sukuk had a liquidity score above 50, up from 64 pe»»»
BRIDGE Summit 2027 set for Yas Island with year-round global platform planned
Abu Dhabi: BRIDGE Summit will return to Abu Dhabi in late November or early December 2027, with the BRIDGE Alliance Board approving a new development road map aimed at turning the event into a year-round global platform. The second edition will be held on Yas Island in collaboration with Miral, and»»»
Iran, Oman Reach Agreement on Shipping Map for Strait of Hormuz - Reports
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on a shipping map for the Strait of Hormuz, although some issues are still being discussed, Press TV reported citing Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. Earlier, Saudi broadcaster reported that Iran and Oman had reached an a»»»
ICAP UAE Chapter brings finance professionals together for e-invoicing boot camp
Abu Dhabi: Finance and tax professionals gathered in Abu Dhabi for an e-invoicing boot camp organised by the UAE Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), as businesses prepare for the UAE’s next phase of digital tax transformation. The UAE E-Invoicing Boot Camp 2026, he»»»
Belgium wildfire scorches 3,000 hectares as villagers evacuate, EU sends aircraft
Firefighters in Belgium battled one of the country's worst-ever wildfires late on Saturday as a rapidly growing blaze scorched more than 3,000 hectares of land. The EU scrambled helicopters and water bombers as hundreds of villagers were under evacuation orders. Hundreds of villagers were und»»»
Team Liquid’s Magnus Carlsen claims back-to-back chess titles at Esports World Cup
PARIS: Magnus Carlsen has won the Chess at Esports World Cup 2026 title, and has secured his second EWC trophy in a row, all without losing a single game in his journey to the top. Carlsen, who has never lost a match at the EWC, reinforces himself as the world’s greatest chess player. The Team Liqu»»»
Taliban regime has itself become a proxy trying to destabilize the region, Pakistan’s UN envoy tells Arab News
NEW YORK CITY: Five years after the Taliban swept into Kabul, Pakistan’s ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, is not walking back Defense Minister Khawaja Asif’s February declaration that the two countries are in “open war.” “The trends are posing grave concern,” Ahmad told Arab News in an in»»»
DB Describes Radev Cabinet's First 100 Days as Period of Taking Over a Failed Governance Model, Creating New Risks
Democratic Bulgaria (DB) has described the first 100 days of the Radev government as a period of taking over a failed model of governance and creating new risks, rather than bringing about real change, according to a position released by the political entity to the media. August 16 marks 100 days s»»»
Have a multiple-entry Umrah visa? You still need a Nusuk booking for each trip
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has advised pilgrims using multiple-entry Umrah visas that they must book an approved service package for every visit, saying the visa’s year-long validity does not remove other requirements governing the pilgrimage. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said pilgrims holding the visa »»»
SR25,000 for a first offence, SR200,000 for repeat breaches under new Saudi water rules
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has approved updated regulations governing water efficiency and conservation, introducing fines of up to SR200,000 for violations across the urban, agricultural and industrial sectors. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture said the revised executive regulations woul»»»
BOTAS Deal Freeze Linked to Black Sea Highway Construction in Bulgaria? Turkey Makes a MoveOpinions
For months, Prime Minister Rumen Radev has insisted that Bulgaria's decision to freeze its controversial contract with Turkish state energy company Botas had no connection to the proposed Black Sea Highway, electricity transmission, water resources or the Khan Tervel gas field. Radev has also maint»»»
AD Ports expands UAE trade routes to keep goods moving during Hormuz disruption
Dubai: AD Ports Group expanded alternative sea, road, rail, and air cargo routes across the UAE during the second quarter of 2026 to keep goods moving amid disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, including critical shipments such as food and pharmaceuticals. Sign up for our daily business newslett»»»
AI can understand Arabs but can it speak like them?
Abu Dhabi: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is pioneering research to refine artificial intelligence (AI) so that systems can genuinely grasp Arab culture and navigate its complex regional dialects. In a landmark achievement, MBZUAI researchers have developed the fir»»»
Space42 share buyback gets ADX approval, giving shareholders a fresh signal on value
Dubai: Space42 shareholders could see the company buy back up to 2.5% of its issued share capital after the UAE-based SpaceTech company secured approval from the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange for the programme. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The buyback, which receive»»»
Minimum Wage Will Not Remain at Current Level in 2027, Labour Minister Says
Labour and Social Policy Minister Nataliya Efremova said in an interview for Bulgarian National Television on Sunday that she would not allow the minimum wage to remain at its current level from January 1, 2027. Asked whether she could predict what the minimum wage would be next year, Efremova said»»»
US : Luigi Mangione pleads guilty to killing UnitedHealthcare CEO
Luigi Mangione has pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges and admitted killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York in December 2024. His lawyers are seeking to have the state charges dropped under New York’s double jeopardy protections, while prosecutors plan to seek a life sentence»»»
Ukraine Attempts to Shift Confrontation With Russia to Africa — Expert
Ukraine is seeking to recruit militants for use against Russia in Mali, while simultaneously creating new flashpoints to weaken Russian influence in Africa and open a new front beyond Ukrainian territory, Libyan military expert Muhammad al-Tarhuni told Sputnik. "The goal is becoming clear: to move »»»
How Iran War Turned China Into a Global Oil-Price Stabilizer
When the Iran war effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, energy markets braced for the worst. Analysts warned of prices soaring past $150 a barrel and a global recession. Instead, Brent crude has remained remarkably stable, hovering below $90. The main reason for this unexpected reprieve is China's»»»
Bulgaria’s Security Gaps Exposed by Explosions and Drones
Former Defense Minister Boyko Noev has warned that Bulgaria has systematically underestimated the threat to its security since Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the start of the war in Ukraine, arguing that the country remains poorly prepared to defend its airspace against low-flying drones and has»»»
Iran War Proves US Air Defenses Inefficient Against Modern Threats
Arab states using US air defenses against Iranian drones is "shooting sparrows with cannons" as the interceptor missiles are very costly, experts of the Center for Analysis of World Arms Trade (CAWAT) say in an analytical article. "Combat experience shows that the modern air offensive strategy is a»»»
Teens Murder a Man in Plovdiv: The Known Facts, Claims and AllegationsOpinions
The death of 37-year-old Georgi Kuzev after an attack involving a group of teenagers in Plovdiv has triggered widespread public reaction and a flood of conflicting information. Established facts, the prosecution’s allegations, defense arguments, witness accounts and unverified claims have increasin»»»
Bulgaria: 18 Detained in Plovdiv Over Suspected Neo-Nazi Group TiesOpinions
Eighteen people have been detained in Plovdiv as part of a joint operation by Bulgaria’s State Agency for National Security (DANS) and police targeting a group allegedly linked to the international neo-Nazi organization Blood & Honour. Police said objects and symbols associated with ideologies »»»
US State Department to Asharq: “Pilot Zones” are the only path to peace for Lebanon and Israel
WASHINGTON DC: A US State Department spokesperson told Asharq on Saturday that the “pilot zones” process remained “the only viable path towards achieving long-term peace and security for Lebanon and Israel”. The spokesperson added that Washington was looking forward to the Lebanese army completing »»»
Have you tried Dubai Police's lost and found service?
Dubai Police has launched a new service that will allow you to receive your lost belongings once they are discovered wherever you are. The authority tweeted about the service, saying: “Items found in Dubai can be delivered to your home or workplace anywhere in the UAE through an approved courier.” »»»
LuLu Hypermarket celebrates India’s Independence Day with ‘India Utsav’
Doha, Qatar: LuLu Hypermarket has launched “India Utsav 2026”, a special festival commemorating India’s 80th Independence Day and offering shoppers across Qatar an immersive celebration of the country’s rich culture, cuisine, traditions and craftsmanship. The celebrations were officially inaugurate»»»
On This Day Aug. 16: West Caribbean Airways crash kills 160 in Venezuela - UPI.com
On Aug. 16, 2005, a West Caribbean Airways flight from Colombia crashed in a remote area of northwest Venezuela, killing 160 people. 1 of 5 | On August 16, 2005, a West Caribbean Airways flight from Colombia crashed in a remote area of northwest Venezuela, killing 160 people. File Photo courtesy of»»»
Passenger discharges weapon at Varanasi airport, injures two
In an unusual incident at Varanasi airport, an Air India Express passenger discharged a weapon, injuring two security guards. Times of India reported that a passenger who was on his way to Mumbai with his wife had declared that he was carrying arms. During a check, he fired at two AAICLAS screeners»»»
ORA Land launches BluBay with Suryakumar Yadav as brand ambassador, reinforcing Mumbai 3.0 as emerging NRI investment hub
Doha, Qatar: With infrastructure reshaping India’s financial capital, a new real estate investment story is unfolding for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living across the GCC. As property prices in established Mumbai locations continue to rise, investors are increasingly looking beyond traditional mar»»»
Independence Day celebrations bring Pakistanis together in Sharjah
Independence Day celebrations bring Pakistanis together in Sharjah Pakistani community gathers at Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah for cultural performances, national songs and celebrations Sharjah: National pride and cultural spirit filled the Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah as the community gathered»»»
Al Sadd beat Mouloudia to retain Al Ahrar Cup
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Stars League champions Al Sadd retained the Al Ahrar Cup after defeating Algeria’s Mouloudia 2-0 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. The friendly match, organised by Al Sadd as part of their preparations for the new season, was held for the second consecutive year. Al Sadd als»»»
Saudi team arrives in Doha for three-nation tournament
Doha, Qatar: The Saudi senior national basketball team has arrived in Doha to begin its preparatory camp and participate in the international friendly tournament, featuring Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. The competition will be staged from August 20 to 22 at Al Janoub Arena. Saudi Arabia’s parti»»»
From football to basketball, Al Janoub Arena enters new era
Doha, Qatar: The story of Al Janoub Stadium is entering a new chapter. On August 27, the iconic venue will officially open its doors to basketball as Al Janoub Arena hosts Qatar’s clash with China in the fourth window of the Asian qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. More than a»»»
Erdogan says Egypt could join Turkiye-Saudi-Pakistan defence pact
DOHA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Egypt could become the next country to join a newly established mutual defence pact between Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Erdogan described Cairo’s possible accession as one of several options being conside»»»
Qatar empowers local SMEs to attract global equity partners
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are stepping into a new era of international expansion as streamlined corporate legislation and dedicated government workshops elucidate the path to securing global equity, according to regional experts. Driven by targeted initiatives f»»»
Endowment partnership strengthens quality education, sustainable development
Doha, Qatar: The General Directorate of Endowments at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs is supporting a project to equip a main training hall and meeting rooms at the headquarters of Teach For Qatar, through the Endowment Fund for Scientific and Cultural Development. The initiative forms pa»»»
QNL strengthens Arab library presence at IFLA WLIC 2026 in Republic of Korea
Doha, Qatar: Qatar National Library (QNL) participated with a high-level delegation of experts in the 90th IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) 2026 in Busan, Republic of Korea, where several of its senior officials led panel discussions showcasing the Library’s pioneering efforts in »»»
Vantage: Bridging Data, Innovation, and Investment in Egypt’s Real Estate Market Arab Finance For Information Technology
Arab Finance: Egypt's real estate market has remained resilient despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, with inflation, currency movements, and rising construction costs continuing to reshape property prices and buyer behavior. Official and industry data point to sustained price pressures:»»»
Beyond Tax Breaks: Can Egypt’s New Package Unlock the EGX’s Potential? Arab Finance For Information Technology
Egypt has unveiled its second tax facilitation package, a cornerstone in its broader reform agenda aimed at easing operational burdens while invigorating capital market activity. Building on the first package’s SME-focused measures, the new framework introduces incentives designed to attract influe»»»
Indian and Pakistani riders take Independence Day rides
Sunday morning, 5.30am, and the forecourt of a petrol station in Al Warsan is filling with engines. By 8am, the convoy has run out to Al Qudra, looped through Al Marmoom and pulled up at the last exit on the road to Abu Dhabi. The riders are Indian and Pakistani. Their banner reads “Proud of UAE”. »»»
Qatar among economies pushing AI frontier, World Bank report shows
Doha, Qatar: Qatar has emerged among a select group of economies making significant strides in artificial intelligence (AI), underscoring the country’s growing readiness to harness the technology for productivity, innovation and economic diversification, according to the World Bank Group’s newly re»»»
Djokovic feels the heat in Cincinnati opening defeat
Cincinnati: Novak Djokovic suffered in the second set from punishing heat and humidity on Saturday but made a match of it before falling 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 to Argentine Thiago Tirante in what could be the Serb's last appearance at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters. The second-round battle lasting for more »»»
Transport and ports sectors enter new phase of smart mobility, trade growth
Doha, Qatar: Qatar is moving into a new phase of transport and logistics development, with the Ministry of Transport advancing autonomous mobility and long-term public transport planning while Mwani Qatar reports strong cargo activity at the country’s commercial ports. One of the most notable devel»»»
FRA eases equity requirement for real estate firms converting to investment funds Arab Finance For Information Technology
Arab Finance: The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has amended the requirements for real estate investment and development companies seeking to convert into real estate investment funds, as per a statement. Under the new rules, a company’s net equity must be at least EGP 500 million based on it»»»
MRMIA, Wadico, Elsewedy Capital move to accelerate Ain Sokhna phosphate fertilizer plant Arab Finance For Information Technology
Arab Finance: Egypt is moving to accelerate the implementation of the integrated phosphate fertilizer plant in Ain Sokhna, being developed by a partnership between the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority (MRMIA), the New Valley Company for Mineral Resources and Oil Clay (Wadico), and »»»
Iran Demands Compensation, End to US Blockade Before Hormuz Reopens — MFA Spox
Restoring full security and normal commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz depends on the US ending its naval blockade, unlawful actions, interference and threats, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said, Press TV reported. Baghaei said the current insecurity in the strait i»»»
MSMEDA, KfW sign €30M agreement to finance micro-enterprises Arab Finance For Information Technology
Arab Finance: The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) inked a €30 million financing agreement with KfW Development Bank to support micro-enterprises across Egypt, with a focus on productive businesses, women-owned enterprises, and projects operating in underserved areas, »»»
Hundreds of villagers evacuate as Belgium battles record wildfire
Hundreds of residents were evacuated and more than 2,700 hectares were scorched as Belgium continued to battle one of the worst wildfires in its history on Saturday. Hundreds of villagers were under evacuation orders in eastern Belgium on Saturday as firefighters battled one of the country's worst-»»»
Hope fades for finding survivors of Colombia quake as rescued woman dies
A Colombian woman who was rescued after being trapped for nearly 37 hours under the rubble in the wake of a strong earthquake has died of her injuries, her family told AFP on Saturday. Along with her death comes the painful realisation that the chances of finding survivors are dwindling, as rescue »»»
Artful founders Samar and Angela on why 'play has no age'
Creativity has always been at the core of Artful founders Samar Stradi and Angela Arnaout's work. They met while working in advertising approximately 15 years ago. A shared vision and goal to spend more time with their families eventually led them to create Artful, play experiences for all ages. Af»»»
Government sinks barges in Danube to protect nuclear plant output
The controlled sinking of the barges has begun, and water levels at the pumping station have already risen by one centimetre, while a continuous drop in water levels continues to be recorded in the main channel of the Danube — the Prime Minister announced on Saturday morning in Paks, at a press con»»»