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LONDON/SYDNEY – Global stocks rose on Thursday as investors remained optimistic about earnings ahead of Apple’s results, while gold hit a record high and oil prices rose on tensions between the United States and Iran. The Euro STOXX 600 index rose 0.5% as crude oil and precious metal prices rose, while the British, Spanish and French indexes all rose. German stocks fell 0.6%. With prospects of a U.S. interest rate cut before the summer fading, the market is counting on earnings to keep stock prices rising. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve kept interest rates on hold as widely expected, but…

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has begun implementing its national privatization strategy following cabinet approval, Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan announced. This is a new phase aimed at improving the quality of infrastructure, improving public services and increasing private sector participation in economic development.Al-Jadaan, who is also the Chairman of the Board of the National Center for Privatization, said the strategy was approved by the Cabinet on November 25, 2025 and is in line with the goals of Vision 2030 in terms of improving service efficiency, strengthening public-private partnerships, and supporting the Kingdom’s long-term financial sustainability.“We aim to establish a high-quality, efficient…

Prince Hossam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al Baha Region, has directed the handing over of completed housing units to the neediest households in Al Makwah Governorate, as part of his ambition to provide suitable housing to targeted groups and increase social stability in the region.Yesterday, Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Al Thawat, Mayor of Al Baha Region, and Ghalab bin Ghaleb Abu Kasheim, Governor of Al Makwa Province, visited a number of local ready-made houses, accompanied by a number of officials from relevant authorities, in the presence of Masih Al Omari, Chairman of the Association for Development and Housing…

Abu Dhabi Airports, which operates the emirate’s five airports, including the flagship Zayed International Airport (AUH), recorded annual passenger numbers of more than 33 million in 2025, the highest number of travelers in the emirate’s history. This sustained trajectory has seen traffic volumes at the emirate’s five airports double in the past three years, with AUH emerging as the fastest growing mega-airport in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, based on the latest traffic statistics. Beating all previous traffic records in the emirate was made possible by the continued expansion of the airport’s international network as the airline…

The Environmental Safety Task Force arrested a citizen who violated environmental regulations by appearing in a video content displaying fungi without a license for sale in the Asir region, and legal proceedings against him have been completed.The Environmental Safety Task Force emphasized compliance with the Environmental Law and its enforcement regulations, which prohibit the display of fungal organisms without permission, and the fine (20,000 riyals) for exhibiting captured wildlife and 25,000 riyals (25,000 riyals) for hunting rock hyraxes.The Environmental Safety Task Force confirmed that it is following up on environmental violations published through various platforms and will take all legal…

The Ministry of Commerce has announced that the business season for the holy month of Ramadan will begin on February 1, 2026, on Sha’ban 13, 1447, and will continue until March 26, 2026, on Shawar 7, 1447.The ‘Ramadan Sale’ season goes beyond Eid al-Fitr and includes all Ramadan goods and products, as well as Eid supplies. The Ministry allows commercial establishments and electronics stores to apply for sales licenses electronically through sales.mc.gov.sa.The 54-day Ramadan sales season aims to encourage consumers to shop early and avoid last-minute crowds.Inspection tourElectronic submission of discounts is intended to allow establishments and e-stores to easily…

DUBAI: Gulf governments are stepping up infrastructure deals with foreign investors, with Kuwait planning to start selling stakes in its oil pipeline network as early as February in a deal that could raise up to $7 billion, three sources familiar with the matter said. The changes come as oil prices, which have fallen more than 25% in two years, are below the level needed to finance Gulf diversification plans. Governments are now offering investors access to once-off-limits assets, from pipelines to power plants, in a bid to woo pension funds, private equity firms and infrastructure experts. “The national transformation plans…

SINGAPORE: Oil prices rose 1.5% on Thursday, extending their gains for a third day in a row, as concerns grew that the United States could carry out a military strike against Iran, the Middle East’s main producer, disrupting supplies from the region. Brent crude oil futures rose 94 cents, or 1.4%, to $69.34 a barrel by 7:30 p.m. Japan time. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 92 cents, or 1.5%, to $64.13 a barrel. Both contracts are up about 5% since Monday and are at their highest since Sept. 29. Prices have risen as US President Donald Trump ramps up…

Differences still exist between Cairo and Tel Aviv over the issue of numbers, as thousands of Palestinians await the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt to allow aid to enter and to treat the injured.Israeli officials have revealed that there is a difference of opinion between Egypt and Israel over the number of people entering and exiting the Rafah crossing, which is scheduled to open in both directions next Sunday, Israeli authorities’ broadcaster reported today (Thursday).”Israel wants the number of departures to be higher than the number of arrivals, but the Egyptian side insists…

Today, the price of the Saudi Riyal at the Central Bank of Egypt was 12.49 for purchase and 12.52 for sale.The National Bank of Egypt bought at 12.45 pounds and sold at 12.52 pounds. Buy 12.45 pounds, sell 12.52 pounds at Bank of Egypt, buy 12.48 pounds, sell 12.53 pounds at Bank of Alexandria, buy 12.47 pounds, sell 12.52 pounds at Commercial International Bank, buy 12.19 pounds, sell 12.54 pounds at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.Al Baraka Bank has a buy price of £12.42 and a sell price of £12.52, while Suez Canal Bank has a buy price of £12.45 and…