– Pakistan accounts for about 48% of people living in extreme poverty across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan region, according to the World Bank’s October 2026 economic update. The measure uses the international extreme poverty line of
– The African Union officially launched the Africa Credit Rating Agency, or AfCRA, in Mauritius on October 7. The new institution will focus on African sovereigns, companies and other issuers. AfCRA plans to provide independent credit assessments using African data,
– Air Arabia will launch nonstop flights between Sharjah International Airport and Amman City Airport on November 15, 2026. The new route will operate four times each week and expand the carrier’s network between the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
News
– Pakistan accounts for about 48% of people living in extreme poverty across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan region, according to the World Bank’s October 2026 economic update. The measure uses the international extreme poverty line of
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted India’s water-governance experience as a reference for countries across the Global South. He shared an article on October 6 that examined reforms developed in Gujarat and later reflected in national water programmes. Modi
UAE President receives Senator Joni Ernst at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi to conduct comprehensive high-level diplomatic discussions centered on strengthening strategic bilateral ties and reinforcing regional defense cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the United States. President
Travel
– Air Arabia will resume daily nonstop flights between Ras Al Khaimah and Kozhikode, India, on October 16, 2026. The service will restore a direct air link between the UAE emirate and the coastal city in Kerala. The airline announced
– Dubai-based airline flydubai is participating in the inaugural Syria Travel Show taking place in Damascus from 28th to 30th September 2026. The three-day exhibition, held under the patronage of the Syrian Ministry of Tourism, brings together regional aviation executives,
Emirates has officially entered the northern winter travel period with robust forward booking metrics across its international passenger route network. The Dubai-based flag carrier concluded its summer operational cycle ahead of initial corporate projections, supported by sustained leisure and premium
Technology
– The European Commission has proposed a new EU Critical Communication System to connect first responders across European borders. The plan would link national networks used by police, firefighters, emergency medical services and civil protection teams. It covers all EU
Apple has added a foldable model to the iPhone lineup with the debut of the iPhone Duo. The company introduced the device on Sept. 9, ahead of preorders opening Oct. 16. U.S. pricing begins at $1,999, while the starting price
The United States is adding battery factories while trying to cut its dependence on China. Domestic cell production has grown, but major supply gaps remain further upstream. Chinese companies still lead global production of several materials needed for lithium-ion batteries.
Japan is expanding its response to investment fraud by using artificial intelligence to detect warning signs in consumer complaints. The Consumer Affairs Agency announced the initiative on September 1 as part of a wider anti-fraud package. The system will analyze
China’s digital industry posted 20.71 trillion yuan in revenue during the first half of 2026. Revenue rose 13.6% from the same period last year. Total profit climbed 19.3% to 1.79 trillion yuan. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reported
Luxury
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, a beacon of horological prestige, marries the elegance of 18 ct gold or 950 platinum with groundbreaking innovation. Since its launch in 1956, it has stood out as the first wristwatch to display both the
The 53rd edition of the Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show, unveiled its treasures on January 31st in Sharjah. This prestigious event, a collaboration between Expo Centre Sharjah and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has become a beacon
Porsche, the renowned sports car manufacturer, has teamed up with Frauscher Shipyard to unveil the 850 Fantom Air, their inaugural electric sports boat. Powering this maritime marvel is the drive technology slated for Porsche’s upcoming all-electric Macan. International media and