Author: Gulf News Week

The family of jailed politician Jawhar Ben Mbarek say ‘his health is deteriorating’ after refusing food for nine days so far.Prominent members of Tunisia’s political opposition have announced they will be joining a collective hunger strike in solidarity with jailed politician Jawhar Ben Mbarek, whose health they say has severely deteriorated after nine days without food.Ben Mbarek, the cofounder of Tunisia’s main opposition alliance, the National Salvation Front, launched a hunger strike last week to protest his detention since February 2023.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Palestinian detainee relays how torture in Israeli prison made him blindlist 2…

The strategic hire, drawing on 30 years of experience from HSBC and Deutsche Bank, aims to capitalize on the growing pipeline of ECM opportunities in the MENA region. In a move to solidify its leadership in capital markets, EFG Hermes has appointed Christopher Laing as the new Global Head of its Equity Capital Markets (ECM) division. The appointment, effective immediately, places the seasoned banker with three decades of experience at the helm of the firm’s ECM operations from its Dubai headquarters. Laing’s extensive background, built through senior roles at HSBC and Deutsche Bank, is expected to be instrumental in driving…

Strategic integration of global education, industry needs, and tech innovation is creating a new generation of entrepreneurs and engineers, positioning higher learning as a cornerstone of the UAE’s post-oil economy. The UAE is successfully leveraging its higher education sector as a primary engine for its ambitious economic diversification plans, creating a dynamic pipeline of talent that bridges the gap between academic theory and market-driven innovation. This strategic vision marks a significant evolution from merely hosting international university branches to curating a powerful ecosystem where learning is directly linked to national strategic goals. The result is a thriving environment for applied…

The 1,000-year-old masterpiece by Ibn al-Bawwab, reproduced in precise facsimile, demonstrates the birth of the elegant Arabic script still in use today. SHARJAH, UAE – A landmark piece of Islamic heritage is now on display at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair: a rare replica of a Quran manuscript penned by the master calligrapher Ibn al-Bawwab in the year 1000 CE. Housed at the Iranian pavilion of Safir Ardehal, the exhibit draws visitors into the world of early Arabic calligraphy, showcasing a work that fundamentally shaped the visual identity of the Islamic world. “This isn’t just a book; it’s a revolution…

The batting maestro ends a storied 13-year T20I career, relinquishing the captaincy and making way for a new generation as New Zealand builds towards the next World Cup. NEW ZEALAND cricket has entered a new phase with the announcement that star batsman Kane Williamson has retired from Twenty20 internationals, effective immediately. Williamson, 35, closed a defining chapter in Black Caps history on Sunday, ending a T20I tenure that began in 2011. He finishes as the team’s most prolific captain, having led the side a record 75 times. Under his stewardship, New Zealand became a consistent T20 World Cup threat, reaching…

Despite some progress in delivering food to Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip, the enclave – ravaged by Israeli bombardment and racked by hunger – remains in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, the United Nations has said.The UN and its partners have been able to get 37,000 metric tonnes of aid, mostly food, into Gaza since the October 10 ceasefire, but much more is needed, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters on Friday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3UN sounds alarm over rising hunger crisis in eastern DR Congolist 2 of 3Why Mo Amer jokes to survivelist 3…

Turkiye accuses Israeli officials of ‘genocide and crimes against humanity’ over Israel’s war on Gaza.Turkiye says it has issued arrest warrants for genocide against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials.Among 37 suspects listed are Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, according to a Friday statement from the Istanbul prosecutor’s office, which did not publish the complete list.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3US president expects Gaza peacekeeping force ‘very soon’list 2 of 3Schools by day, shelters by night: Students return to Gaza classroomslist…

US has rolled back sanctions that could complicate Syria’s efforts to rebuild following years of devastating civil war.The United States has removed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa from a “terrorist” sanctions list before a meeting between the country’s new leader and President Donald Trump next week.The US Department of the Treasury removed al-Sharaa, a former fighter linked to al-Qaeda, from the Specially Designated Global Terrorist list on Friday. The United Nations Security Council also removed al-Sharaa from a largely symbolic sanctions list on Thursday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Trump to host Syria’s al-Sharaa for talks at White House…

Gaza’s devastation starkly contrasts global promises to ‘leave no one behind’ at the recently concluded Second World Summit for Social Development.For Gaza resident Yassir Shaheen, nights were the hardest part of living through Israel’s devastating two-year war on the enclave.“Many nights, we lay awake, our lips dry, our hearts pounding in fear, feeling as though the sky itself was collapsing on us,” he told media.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Turkiye: Hamas will transfer Gaza’s governance to committee of Palestinianslist 2 of 3Why did Wikipedia editor block edits to the ‘Gaza genocide’ page?list 3 of 3How Israel is…

Army-backed government yet to give an official response to Quad’s proposal for ceasefire leading to civilian rule.Loud explosions have been heard in Sudan’s army-held capital Khartoum, shortly after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said it was ready for a truce after fighting the government-aligned Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for more than two years of brutal civil war.The attacks took place early Friday, targeting Omdruman, part of the greater Khartoum area, and army-held Atbara to the north of the capital, and were intercepted by the army’s air defence systems, according to media’s Hiba Morgan.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1…