News – Middle East

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi non-oil trade balance recorded a significant surplus with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the second quarter of 2024, reaching SR6.776 billion, marking a remarkable 600% annual growth compared to SR1.033 billion during the same period in 2023. This data comes from the …

MANILA — Tropical Storm Enteng and severe monsoon rains have killed 10 people and displaced thousands across the Philippines, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Tuesday. The storm has impacted 147,024 individuals across multiple regions, including Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and …

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan revealed that the value of venture investment in fintech companies in Saudi Arabia reached SR7.1 billion ($1.9 billion) by the end of the second quarter of 2024. Addressing the first edition of the International Conference on Financial Technology, ’24 Fintech, at …

JAKARTA — Pope Francis began a landmark 12-day visit to Asia and Oceania on Tuesday, starting with Indonesia in what is the longest trip of his pontificate. “Today I begin an Apostolic Journey to several countries in Asia and Oceania. Please pray that this journey may bear fruit,” the Pope …

RIYADH — The Saudi Ministry of Justice (MoJ) announced that the Alimony Fund has reached about 29,000 beneficiaries, including more than 7,300 beneficiaries since the beginning of 2024. The Alimony Fund aims to enhance the financial stability of families and promote social responsibility by collecting alimony payments from those legally …

LONDON — British superstar Adele has announced that she will take a “long time career break” following her incredible journey as a global musician and performer. The Grammy-winning artist, known for her soulful R&B hits, shared the news with her fans after her final performance in Munich, expressing deep gratitude …

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The session of the Council of Ministers, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman in Riyadh on Tuesday, underscored Saudi Arabia’s relentless efforts to put an end to Israel’s aggression on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and other occupied territories. In this …

Virgin Atlantic has announced the launch of daily flights between King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and London Heathrow, with the first flight scheduled for March 30, 2025. This announcement follows a signing ceremony between Virgin Atlantic and the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, attended by Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin …

Saudi Gazette report SINGAPORE — Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Al Khorayef, held discussions with officials from the Singapore Manufacturing Federation and other industry leaders to explore ways to enhance cooperation in human resources development and automation. During a business roundtable meeting organized by the Federation —the …

ABU DHABI — UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has issued a pardon for the Bangladeshi nationals involved in last month’s protests and disturbances across several emirates, canceling their sentences and arranging for their deportation. Following the President’s directive, Dr. Hamad Al Shamsi, UAE Attorney-General, has ordered the suspension of …