Low oil prices have contributed to a weaker Hajj economy in Saudi Arabia this year. More than 1.9 million people are predicted to attend this year’s pilgrimage, down from a peak of three million in previous years. Business owners catering to Mecca visitors say government cutbacks in the Kingdom and in some neighbouring countries mean many would-be pilgrims have less money to spend on the journey.
Bangladesh set to sign Boeing jet deal, shifting from Airbus
Bangladesh is set to sign a deal on Thursday to buy 14 aircraft from US planemaker Boeing, officials said, a move that marks a shift away from Europe's Airbus amid trade pressure from Washington.
UAE Circular Economy Council focuses on food security, sustainable growth
The UAE Circular Economy Council held its first meeting of 2026 on Wednesday, with discussions centred on strengthening food security, expanding sustainable production, and increasing investment in circular economy sectors.
UAE announces decision to withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+
The United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday its decision to exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC and OPEC+), effective 1 May 2026.
Microsoft, OpenAI change terms of deal so startup can court Amazon, others
Microsoft and OpenAI have renegotiated a pact that let Microsoft exclusively sell the ChatGPT creator's artificial intelligence models, clearing the way for the startup to forge new deals with rivals to the software and enterprise giant, including Amazon.
UAE tops global entrepreneurship rankings for 5th straight year
The UAE has been ranked first globally for the fifth consecutive year in the latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report.
Motorists will have to pay more for petrol in May as prices continue to rise for the third month in a row.
The UAE’s transport and supply chain system continues to operate efficiently, affirmed Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, adding that it reflects the country's "high level of resilience in addressing regional challenges".
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has held bilateral talks with Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
