Author: Editorial Team

Sahil Dhawan. Sahil Dhawan, President and Head – India, Middle East, and Africa (IMEA) Business, Tech Mahindra, discusses how autonomous AI is reshaping industries, strengthening governance, and accelerating digital transformation across the Middle East. Agentic AI is rapidly emerging as the next frontier of enterprise artificial intelligence, moving beyond content generation to autonomous decision-making, workflow orchestration, and intelligent execution. Governments and enterprises across the Middle East are accelerating digital transformation under initiatives such as the UAE National AI Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030, creating growing demand for AI systems that can deliver greater business agility, operational resilience, and customer value.…

TEHRAN — Iran has threatened to block further trading routes in the region, as the US military resumed its air strikes against Iran in broad daylight on Wednesday. Washington said it was intensifying its campaign aimed at limiting Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the Strait of Hormuz would remain shut until the US ended its “acts of aggression”. They also threatened to close off other regional oil and gas export channels. The warning came as the US military’s Central Command (Centcom) said it had carried out drone, air and navy…

RIYADH — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani in Riyadh on Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. The two ministers reviewed ties between Saudi Arabia and Syria and explored ways to strengthen cooperation across various sectors. They also discussed the latest developments in the region and ongoing efforts to support security and stability. Source: Saudi Gazette

Pakistan has made it mandatory for overseas Pakistanis travelling on foreign passports to carry a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop) for visa-free entry into the country. Quoting authorities in the country, Pakistani media reported that overseas Pakistanis holding foreign passports and travelling with invalid or expired Nicop will not be allowed to enter the country. The announcement has been made to put an end to social media rumours and confusion around Nicop for overseas Pakistanis, who can travel to the country on a valid Nicop. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp…

CAIRO, 15th July, 2026 (WAM) — The Sharjah Award in Public Finance, in collaboration with the Arab Administrative Development Organisation (ARADO) of the League of Arab States, officially launched its fourth cycle (2026–2027) during a ceremony held at ARADO headquarters in Cairo, marking the beginning of a new phase of institutional and individual excellence across the Arab world. The new cycle reinforces the Award’s position as a leading Arab platform for promoting excellence in public finance, encouraging innovation, facilitating the exchange of best practices, and enhancing the efficiency of public financial management. It also supports institutional performance, financial sustainability, and…

From traditional Bosnian favourites to contemporary European cuisine, Sarajevo offers a culinary journey shaped by centuries of history, hospitality and flavour Published: Wed 15 Jul 2026, 2:19 PM In Sarajevo, the first impression is often the aroma of freshly brewed Bosnian coffee, warm bread emerging from neighbourhood bakeries and the smoky scent of ćevapi cooking over charcoal. These aromas fill the streets of Baščaršija, where food has long been part of the city’s cultural identity. Here, every meal tells a story shaped by centuries of tradition, hospitality and shared customs. At the heart of Sarajevo’s culinary scene lies Baščaršija, the…

RIYADH — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has released the highest temperatures recorded across the Kingdom on Wednesday, with Al Ahsa topping the list at 49°C. The update follows several NCM alerts warning of extreme heat affecting parts of Saudi Arabia this week. Al Qaisumah followed at 48°C, while Madinah, Buraidah, Rafha, and Wadi Al-Dawasir each recorded 46°C. Riyadh, Al Ula, and Arar reached 45°C, while Dammam and Sharurah recorded 44°C. Source: Saudi Gazette

Sharya Unamboowe. The Middle East’s digital economy is scaling at a pace few regions can match. The UAE’s cloud computing market is projected to exceed US$39 billion by 2031, at a 34% CAGR, while Saudi Arabia’s data centre capacity is expected to expand at a 29% CAGR through 2030. Across the GCC, the broader data centre market is forecast to grow at over 18% annually, fuelled by hyperscale cloud expansion and the rapid acceleration of AI workloads. This rapid build-out of local infrastructure is being driven by a clear desire for greater independence and control. National strategies across the UAE…

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Chief of the General Staff Gen. Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili met with U.S. Central Command Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank to discuss ways to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries. According to the Ministry of Defense, the two military leaders reviewed opportunities to expand cooperation across various defense fields in a manner that serves the shared interests of Saudi Arabia and the United States. Source: Saudi Gazette

Sheikh Mohammed once said, “They say the sky is the limit for ambition. We say: The sky is only the beginning.” This admirable quote is one that he has lived by — with the rapid growth of Dubai being a testament to this philosophy of his. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, and the Ruler of Dubai, turns 77 today, July 15. While wishes from residents and royals pour in, some choose to celebrate him through his achievements. Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, took to Instagram…