RIYADH — Fitch Ratings has affirmed Saudi Arabia’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at “A+” with a stable outlook, citing the Kingdom’s strong fiscal position, substantial financial reserves and resilient economy. In its latest report, Fitch said Saudi Arabia’s credit profile is supported by government debt and sovereign net foreign assets that remain significantly stronger than the averages for countries rated in the ‘A’ and ‘AA’ categories, alongside substantial fiscal buffers. The agency said the Kingdom has maintained economic resilience despite regional geopolitical developments, supported by the strength of non-oil economic activity and prudent fiscal management. Fitch noted that Saudi…
Author: Editorial Team
KINSHASA — The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains in a “very active” phase and has yet to peak, the Xinhua news agency reported quoting health authorities as saying on Thursday. The outbreak in DRC is the “fastest growing” ever, they said as the World Health Organization confirmed the disease has killed more than 600 people. Updated numbers issued by the UN health agency showed there have been 1,759 confirmed cases in DR Congo since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, including 600 confirmed deaths. “This is the fastest growing Ebola outbreak ever, not only…
DHAKA — The UN refugee agency called on Thursday for additional land to ease overcrowding in Bangladesh’s Rohingya refugee camps after heavy rains triggered landslides that have killed at least 15 people. More than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, many of whom fled Myanmar during a brutal military crackdown in 2017, live in congested camps in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar. The refugees live in basic shelters on hillsides cleared of trees — making the land unstable during monsoon rains. Authorities in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh used loudspeakers and a network of volunteers and community leaders to relocate people from risky areas…
The Haddaj Source: Riyadh Daily
Schalk Vorster. MRI Software’s Schalk Vorster shares insights on how AI, data readiness, and unified platforms are redefining the property management discipline in the UAE and GCC Middle East real estate has entered a phase where operational performance matters as much as ambition. PropTech across the UAE and GCC has shifted from a digitisation experiment to the infrastructure that runs portfolios, with regulators in Dubai and Abu Dhabi pushing transparency, standardised reporting, and data-driven operations. Schalk Vorster, Regional Director for the Middle East at MRI Software, sees the regional market mirroring a global move from scale to measurable outcomes. His…
JEDDAH — Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call on Frinday from the US President Donald Trump to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments and ongoing US-Iran talks. During the call, the two leaders reviewed cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States and explored ways to further strengthen ties across a number of sectors. They also discussed several regional and international issues and exchanged views on the latest developments. The call included discussions on the current situation in the region, including the ongoing talks between the United States and Iran. The two leaders emphasized the…
MASHHAD, Iran — Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was buriedin his hometown of Mashhad more than four months after he was killed in an airstrike on the first day of the US-Israeli military campaign in late February. Ali Khamenei has been buried at the Imam Reza shrine, Iran’s holiest site, marking the end of six days of public mourning ceremonies in five cities across Iran and neighboring Iraq. His burial took place after a second day of tit-for-tat strikes between the US and Iran, raising fears of a return to full-blown war, AFP reported, citing state media. Huge…
The Haddaj Well, situated in the heart of Tayma within Tabuk Region, stands as one of the oldest and most significant historical wells in the Arabian Peninsula. According to the Encyclopedia of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia published by the King Abdulaziz Public Library, this architectural marvel is believed to date back to the 6th century BC. Long celebrated for its exceptionally abundant water supply, the well has evolved into an enduring symbol of hospitality and generosity in local memory. Constructed of meticulously polished stone and flanked on all sides by lush palm trees, the massive well measures 65 meters…
Abu Dhabi – Following a comprehensive strategic review of its international investment portfolio, Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC (“e&”) announced the termination of its Relationship Agreement with Vodafone Group PLC (Vodafone). In connection with this, e&’s Board representative has stepped down from his position as a non-executive Director of Vodafone. Following the termination of the Relationship Agreement, e& has signed a binding agreement with Vega, an acquisition vehicle wholly owned by the Niel family group, to divest its entire holding of 3,944,743,685 ordinary shares in Vodafone, representing approximately 16.21% of Vodafone’s issued share capital and 17.13% of its total voting…
ATHENS — A Ryanair flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Greece on Friday after a window on the Boeing 737 dislodged soon after takeoff, reportedly because it was hit by a piece that came off the plane’s engine. A window in the cabin “dislodged inflight,” the airline said in a brief email, and several media outlets reported that one person was almost sucked out of the plane after the glass shattered. Witnesses told local media the man, said to be a Serbian citizen in his 60s, was left hanging head first out of the window as far…