Author: Editorial Team
BEIRUT — US President Donald Trump has announced that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon will speak to each other for the first time in 34 years on Thursday. The announcement, made on Trump’s Truth Social account on Wednesday, came a day after Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors held their first direct diplomatic talks in more than three decades in Washington, DC, with Lebanon seeking to end Israel’s devastating attacks on the country. “Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon,” Trump wrote. “It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years.…
LONDON — As many as 60 humanitarian organizations and trade unions called on the European Union to suspend its association agreement with Israel, ban trade with illegal settlements and suspend all arms transfers to the country.A joint letter released by Amnesty International on Thursday urged the EU toadopt the long-overdue measures proposed by European Commission President von der Leyen in September 2025, in particular the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.It also called for additional steps to comply with international law, including banning trade with illegal Israeli settlements and suspending all transfers and transit of arms to Israel.Meanwhile, a civil…
UAE residents may soon have access to a new weight-loss treatment that does not require injections; however, doctors have said that the recently approved oral obesity pill is not for everyone and will be prescribed under strict medical supervision. The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) approved Foundayo (orforglipron), a once-daily oral medication for chronic weight management, making the UAE one of the first countries to register the treatment. The approval comes amid a global shift towards pill-based therapies, after the US Food and Drug Administration also approved an oral version of semaglutide, sold as Wegovy by Novo Nordisk. Stay up to…
Heritage artifacts and antiques in Makkah represent an important aspect of the city’s collective memory, reflecting the features of daily life lived by its people over long decades, and highlighting the traditional tools and handicrafts associated with homes, markets, and gathering halls that formed part of the city’s local culture. Among the most notable pieces linked to Makkah’s past social life are traditional Makkah lanterns, which later became an aesthetic and heritage element that evokes the atmosphere of ancient Makkah. Heritage artifacts also include brass coffee pots used to prepare Arabic coffee, wooden and metal incense burners used to perfume…
Justin Smith, Managing Director at Ansarada. New research finds EMEA Renewable energy infrastructure investment surges, procurement pressures intensify globally Investment in renewable energy projects in the Middle East has jumped by 28%, year-on-year, according to a new report from Ansarada, a leading M&A and infrastructure procurement platform. Global renewable energy investment has reached US$496 billion, driven increasingly by rising AI compute demand, according to the 2026 Renewable Energy Infrastructure Outlook Report by Ansarada in partnership with Infralogic. The Middle East is gaining momentum as a key growth market, attracting US$12.9 billion in investments in 2025, up from US$10.1 billion…
RIYADH — Riyadh Art reveals 75 installed artworks across the capital as part of its permanent public art collection. Led by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), Riyadh Art has additional installation plans of 115 artworks throughout 2026 and beyond. The expanding program places large-scale artworks across public spaces. The Permanent Collection includes 100 international artists from 47 countries, such Alexander Calder, Anish Kapoor, Jeff Koons, Giuseppe Penone, and Ugo Rondinone. With an additional 35 Saudi artists — Zaman Jassim, Mohammed Al Saleem, and many others — and across streets, neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, and key routes of movement, collection…
RIYADH — Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) has signed a binding share sale and purchase agreement with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to acquire a 70% stake in Al Hilal Club Company in a deal valued at SR840 million. The transaction, announced on Thursday is based on an implied enterprise value of approximately SR1.4 billion and an equity valuation of SR1.2 billion for 100% of Al Hilal Club Company. KHC said it will finance the transaction through its internal resources. Al Hilal Club Company, incorporated in 2023, oversees one of Asia’s most successful football teams. Founded in…
Trèsind is one of those restaurants that has been part of Dubai’s dining landscape for years, yet somehow still manages to feel exciting every time you walk through the door. Known for its modern interpretation of Indian cuisine, the tasting menu is where the restaurant truly shines — playful, technical, and packed with bold, confident flavours that feel both nostalgic and completely new. The evening begins with a series of small bites that immediately set the tone. The arugula pani puri is a fresh, peppery spin on the classic street snack — crisp shells filled with bright, tangy liquid that…
NEW YORK — Saudi Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Wasel emphasized the importance of empowering elderly people and recognizing their vital role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Addressing an event held on the sidelines of the 59th session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development, he called for enhancing the elderly people’s participation across various fields and benefiting from their accumulated expertise. Al-Wasel highlighted the importance of boosting international cooperation to address shared challenges. He drew attention to the Kingdom’s initiative to establish the Group of Friends on Aging and Sustainable Development, which facilitates the…
On February 28, 2026, Stephanie Skourti, co-founder of flourishing UAE/Jordan-based occasionwear label Nafsika Skourti, gave birth in Dubai. The same day, Iran launched retaliatory strikes into the UAE, following the US-Israel offensive two days prior. Poised to turn on her out-of-office and begin maternity leave from her role handling the business side of the fashion brand, Skourti was faced with both navigating motherhood amidst regional conflict, and steering a label that thrives on dressing women for events through a time with no events. “It has been a lot to process and navigate,” says Skourti, with the pragmatic resilience that characterises…